The Roommate (The Shameless Series, #1)
by Rosie Danan

325 pages, Paperback 
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: September 15, 2020
My Rating: ★★★★☆

Book Summary

House Rules:
Do your own dishes.
Knock before entering the bathroom.
Never look up your roommate online.

The Wheatons are infamous among the east coast elite for their lack of impulse control, except for their daughter Clara. She’s the consummate socialite: over-achieving, well-mannered, predictable. But every Wheaton has their weakness. When Clara’s childhood crush invites her to move cross-country, the offer is too much to resist. Unfortunately, it’s also too good to be true.

After a bait-and-switch, Clara finds herself sharing a lease with a charming stranger. Josh might be a bit too perceptive—not to mention handsome—for comfort, but there’s a good chance he and Clara could have survived sharing a summer sublet if she hadn’t looked him up on the Internet…

Once she learns how Josh has made a name for himself, Clara realizes living with him might make her the Wheaton’s most scandalous story yet. His professional prowess inspires her to take tackling the stigma against female desire into her own hands. They may not agree on much, but Josh and Clara both believe women deserve better sex. What they decide to do about it will change both of their lives, and if they’re lucky, they’ll help everyone else get lucky too.

— from Goodreads

Book Review

“The Roommate” by Rosie Danan is a sizzling and refreshing contemporary romance that tackles themes of self-discovery, sexual empowerment, and the importance of breaking free from societal expectations. With its vibrant characters, engaging narrative, and sex-positive approach, this novel captivates readers from beginning to end.

Danan’s writing style is witty, evocative, and infused with humor. She deftly balances steamy scenes with heartfelt emotions, creating a narrative that is both sensual and emotionally resonant. Furthermore, Danan incorporates consent and communication as essential aspects of their relationship, promoting a healthy and respectful portrayal of intimacy.

One of the strengths of this novel is Danan’s exploration of societal taboos and the adult entertainment industry. She takes a sex-positive approach, addressing the misconceptions and prejudices associated with the industry while humanizing the characters involved. “The Roommate” also weaves in themes of personal growth and pursuing one’s passions. Clara’s journey towards self-acceptance and finding her voice is inspiring, reminding readers of the importance of embracing one’s true desires and forging their own path. Danan skillfully tackles serious subjects such as identity, family expectations, and the complexities of relationships, adding depth and substance to the story.

While “The Roommate” is an engaging and enjoyable read, there are a few minor flaws. At times, the plot feels somewhat predictable, and certain aspects of the story could have been further developed to add nuance and complexity. Additionally, the pacing may occasionally lag, particularly in the middle sections of the book. However, these minor issues do not overshadow the overall appeal of the novel.

In conclusion, “The Roommate” is a compelling and sex-positive romance that challenges societal norms and explores the intricacies of human connection. Rosie Danan delivers a well-crafted narrative with memorable characters, enticing prose, and thought-provoking themes. While it may have some predictable moments and pacing concerns, it remains an engaging and empowering read for fans of contemporary romance. With its unapologetic celebration of sexual agency and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, “The Roommate” establishes Rosie Danan as an exciting voice in the genre.