Roomies by Christina Lauren

Narrated by K.C. Sheridan

Synopsis (via Goodreads): 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?

“I catch a flash of bare ass and find religion.”

I've really loved this author duo in the past, but I was a little disappointed with this one. However, I am really happy I chose the audio version for this book, because the Irish accent was fantastic!

I started Roomies with high expectations, but grew increasingly frustrated with the story. Among other things, the twist at the end felt unnecessary and made me dislike both Holland and Calvin. Initially, I really liked Calvin. I thought he was wonderful the majority of the time, but his choices at the end were unexpected and inexcusable. He never should have asked Holland to do that. She should have meant more to him, and their relationship should have been more important. I can understand why some of the lies were necessary, but there were a few that weren't, and Holland's lack of confidence at the end was irksome.

Also, Lulu was obnoxious and Holland should have confronted her a lot sooner than she did. Her best friend was all over her husband and made a mockery of their marriage, and no one said a thing. Yes, Lulu knew the circumstances, but she was cruel and merciless. Holland's "best friend" tossed her under the bus often and without remorse. Even after a fight, I thought Holland was too forgiving. 

Holland wasn't very good at standing up for herself, or saying what she was thinking. If she had been more honest from the beginning, a few of the issues wouldn't have been issues. Lulu wouldn't have been able to use her secrets against her, and Calvin wouldn't have been so caught off guard. Honestly, everyone could have been more forthcoming with their thoughts and feelings. Even at work, Holland allows her boss to treat her like garbage, and refuses to call him on his bullshit. Calvin called him a "twat" and I have to agree.

Additionally, I thought Holland was entirely too selfless and way too cynical. She would see things that weren't there, and have thoughts that made zero rational sense. Her mind would be all over the place before she had all the facts, or gave someone a chance to explain themselves. I hated how she could be in love with Calvin one minute, and then questioning everything he's ever done or said the next. She gave me mental whiplash. Why couldn't she just trust what he said and enjoy the moment? She was easily her worst enemy.

However, I did love that Holland wanted to do something nice for Calvin and her uncle, even though it was something she secretly wanted for herself, too. I wish she had thought a little more about herself and her future, but I think Calvin was the right risk for her to take. He truly cared about her despite their circumstances, and I enjoyed them together. He helped her find clarity in her life, and I think him being around brought certain things into perspective for her.

Holland's uncles were two of my favorite characters! I really loved them and their relationship.

Roomies ranks somewhere in the middle for me. I wish Holland had been more assertive, and that everyone had been more honest. Instead, we get a lot of unnecessary drama. I did like that they were married first and friends second, because it gave the story an interesting perspective. It was fun watching them grow individually and as a couple. Although I found them to be incredibly frustrating at times, their relationship felt authentic and showed their imperfections and vulnerabilities. People are flawed and occasionally make bad decisions for what they think are the right reasons. Sometimes you just have to trust another person and believe everything will work out in the end.