Reviewer: Rowena Roomies by Christina Lauren
Publisher: Gallery Books
Publication Date: December 5th 2017
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 368
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Marriages of convenience are so…inconvenient.
Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadway—until he admits his student visa has expired and he’s in the country illegally.
Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?
Roomies is the second book that I’ve read by Christina Lauren and it certainly won’t be my last. This book was a lot of fun, once the story took off. Unfortunately, for me, the book didn’t pick up until about 52% into the story. The beginning started off interesting but then for a long time, I read and read and read and waited for something to happen and felt like there was too much Holland and not enough moving the story along. That changed once the story took off and once it did, my enjoyment of the story picked up as well.
So Holland Bakker is a young woman living in New York City, trying to find herself. She’s working with her Uncle, who is a musical director for a Broadway show and she’s doing the little jobs that anyone can do while she figures herself out. She’s not particularly happy with her life, there’s some guilt over living off her Uncles and not really having a direction, or a purpose. She’s got a huge crush on this subway musician and when her uncle needs help finding a new musician to step in for his play, Holland brings her uncle and the subway musician together and things really take off from there because before Holland knows what’s what, she’s got a new roommate who is her husband and her new Irish husband is on his way to being in the states legally.
The whole story is about Holland finding her purpose and her way. She does a lot of growing up in this book and there were times when I wanted to strangle her. I thought she spent too much time in her head and not enough time expressing what she needed and wanted from Calvin, her new husband. It was great to see her and Calvin growing closer and closer but because of the situation that they were in, I felt that they didn’t communicate nearly as much as they should have. I mean, toward the end of the book and they were still not communicating clearly with each other and I kept thinking, “Ugh, not again!”
Aside from that, Hollands ends up being such a strong character in the end and I was glad for her. I was also glad that we got to see the growth in Calvin’s character as well. We only got Holland’s POV so Christina Lauren did a great job of showcasing the growth of the secondary characters as well. I adored Holland’s Uncles and the small bits that we got of her brother, Davis. I did not really care much for Holland’s friend, Lulu. I wanted to smack the shit out of her multiple times in this book because she was such a shit friend but alls well that ends well and even though she wasn’t my favorite person, she came around.
Overall, this was a solid story. It had likable characters, a heroine that young women will be able to connect with, a sexy musician hero and a story that makes things interesting. The beginning was a little slow but when it picks up, it really picks up and I’m not at all mad that I read this one. It wasn’t the most perfect of reads but it was entertaining and all in all, it was good. I recommend.
Grade: 3.75 out of 5
Aww sorry you didn’t love this one as much as I did, Rowena! I understand where you’re coming from though. I definitely did not care for Lulu either. She was a terrible friend. I’m glad by the end you liked it though. Great review!
Hey you! Glad to see you around town. I’ve missed you! I wanted to karate chop Lulu into next year, she got on my nerves so much and I just felt like Holland’s growth took too long. I’d understand it if she was 16 but 25 was a lot harder to sell. It still ended up being a great read. Thanks for stopping by, Nick!
I’ve heard really good things about this one. But I definitely get frustrated when characters don’t communicate well. I mean, I understand it to a point, but after awhile it feels like a way for the author to move the plot, and not necessarily something that would actually happen.
Hey Quinn! Yes, the communication in this book really sucked for both the main character and the love interest. I wanted to shake them until all of the words they wanted to say to each other came tumbling out. It was frustrating but alls well that ends well. There’s something about Christina Lauren’s writing style, even though you want something to hurry up and happen, you can’t stop reading.
I am sorry to hear that this one didn’t work out for you. I have been seeing mixed reviews on this one, and Lauren isn’t an author I love so still not sure about this one. Lack of communication though is really frustrating though.
Hey Renee! What books by Lauren did you read and not enjoy? This had a frustrating beginning but it picks up and ended really well so I wasn’t too mad about it.
I already bought the book. I have read a few Christina Lauren books and loved them! I love the unique premise of this book & I love the cover. Plus, an Irishman? I’m in! Thanks for the review.
Hey Sharlene! A lot of people have loved this book so I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it too. The stuff that I had a hard time with were personal preferences, I’ve been told that my issues are just me being extra. LOL. Happy reading!
Ugh I hate when a book starts slow. Sounds like overall this was a good read though. I read my first Christina Lauren book this year and I need to get to more! Great review!
Hey Grace! Thanks for stopping by and yes. This book was great overall so don’t let the slow start deter you. From the looks of it, I’m in the minority (at least amongst our mutual blog buddies). I hope you’re having a great week in books!