The Roommate by Rosie Danan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m still in awe that The Roommate is Rosie Danan’s debut because wow! She packed so much punch in this story, from Clara coming into her own as she faces the world outside of academia and her influential family’s bubble to she and Josh working together to create something for the female gaze, focused solely on female pleasure. She examines the stigma around adult performers and sex work as well as the corruption and injustices perpetrated by some in the porn industry (Big Porn). All while creating a magical love story between two such different but perfectly in sync people who also happen to have panty meltingly hot sex. Hell to the yeah. Trust me when I say, you want to read this book.

Clara is super relatable despite being a self-proclaimed socialite and, well, because she’s a bit neurotic. (“It’s kind of cute that you’re such a little nutjob,” he said, more to himself than to her.” “Cute’s one word for it.”) She’s lived her whole life trying to be the perfect daughter in a family who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. (The kind of trouble upper class families from Greenwich tend to get into…that is to say pearl clutching scandal.) Moving in with a porn star because the friend she was supposed to be staying with for the summer, the friend she’s been in love with since she was 14, up and left her to go on tour with his band is bad enough, but being friends with said porn star? Pursuing a relationship with him? Being a partner in a sex-positive venture that strives to help and uplift women? It’s all she wants and everything she knows she shouldn’t…right?

Josh is…Josh. The best way I can describe him is: UGH I WANT ONE. He’s this amazing mix of confidence and insecurity, rigid moral codes and easygoing charisma. Oh and he’s an adult performer known for his attention to his partner’s pleasure. And he wants to create something that appeals to women and helps them find–not just satisfaction–but intense pleasure with sex. Because it’s the thing he’s most passionate about. I mean… swoons Plus he’s completely head over heels for Clara and it’s just about the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen.

There are some amazing side characters in this book as well. Most notably Naomi, Josh’s ex and fellow adult performer who doesn’t let anyone intimidate her or tell her what to do. She’s got a tough – okay kind of scary – exterior but a soft gooey inside and did I mention her book comes out next April? I cannot wait.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.



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