Ok, first off let me just share a bit about how nervous I was about this book. I enjoyed The Roommate but I didn't love it and I am very much not a follower of any religion or a believer in any God. So, excuse me for being slightly skeptical about my enjoyment of a contemporary romance featuring a religious leader!

Now, let me shock you by saying I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved the journey both characters went on. I loved learning a bit about Reform Judaism (I'm not religious but I've always enjoyed learning about religion). I absolutely loved that my skepticism was totally unwarranted when it came to Naomi & Ethan.

Naomi is a strong, prickly woman who I have seen several times before. But her story was new to me. She owns who she is and I really enjoyed that. I also enjoyed how her preconceived notions about Ethan were pretty inline with where I stood! Ethan is just... move over book boyfriends we've got a new one to add to the mix! Naomi describes him as soft and sure while that may be appropriate he's also layered. He's a soft onion, but not in a rotten way... you get it right? Ethan's struggles don't have a single thing to do with who Naomi is or what her past holds. He is worried about letting people down because he is so dedicated to being there for everyone. Balance... isn't exactly something he has mastered!

I loved how this book broke down some walls for me. I loved how it navigated personal identity and I loved how it all unfolded!

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to Rosie Danan for sharing such a personal story with her readers, it felt like a gift!

The Intimacy Experiment
By Rosie Danan

This is my first Rosie Danan book and I am now a huge fan of her incredibly imaginative writing with characters I love reading about that are unconventional, fun, and simply exciting.

Naomi and Ethan are super hot hot hot!! These two are on fire and I just love this funny, sexy and oh so good and amazing romance that is giving me the hot flashes and really giving me life. Try putting a sex educator who was an ex-pornstar and now an amazing businesswoman alongside a hot young rabbi, and this is what you will get. An amazing story that is scandalous, juicy for sure, and nothing boring here.

As an Angeleno and living on the west side by Olympic and Fairfax as a teen brought a lot of great memories for me. Overall, just reading about Los Angeles as a setting made this read even the more fun for me.

This is a super fun read and don't miss this one especially for a really nice escape read or when you are feeling like reading something that will make you smile and laugh, do pick this one up. I say this is a great read to get you out of any reading slump. I Loved it! I am picking up the Roommate now coz I don't know how I missed that book.

Thank you Berkley for our gifted review copy.

Last year, I devoured THE ROOMMATE & couldn’t wait for Naomi’s story. Throw in a rabbi & Jewish representation in a contemporary romance and I am so pumped!

While this one is definitely a recommended read, it reads different from THE ROOMMATE. Totally okay with that, but I wish I had known it would be more of a tender and slow burn romance. Danan definitely brings the heat, but it’s not in the “raunch com” category like her previous release.

Honestly, I’m going to wait a bit and I plan to reread this one. I wanted a bit more of Naomi. She’s guarded, fiercely independent and I just wish I had gotten to know her a bit better during this book. Maybe a reread will help with that?

I’ll stop rambling! 🤣 Still highly recommended - especially if you weren’t a fan of THE ROOMMATE. And, I can’t wait to see what Danan does next!

I enjoyed The Intimacy Experiment, but I should have read The Roommate first. The book was heavy into Judaism which I am not familiar with.
I loved Naomi and how free she as with herself. I was nice to see a confident woman. Nathan and Naomi just seemed to "work". It had great character development and a slow "love burn:

A clever and unstoppable opposites attract romance with a former sex worker falling for the unconventional rabbi. A smart and sexy romance that delves into subjects like sexism, consent, and misogyny. Another addictive romcom by Danan that pushes the envelope on modern intimacy!

Naomi is trying to branch out and teach intimacy to a live crowd, so when Ethan, a rabbi who is trying to bring in new members suggests she teach at his church, Naomi is hesitant at first, but decides to take the plunge at Ethan’s insistence. As the two forge a friendship through the seminar, they both find that acceptance of oneself and vulnerability can go a long way in a new relationship.

There’s just something about Rosie’s writing that sucks me in. I always forget that I’m reading when I have my hands on one of her books. I love how she pushes the boundaries, addresses topics that are hard to talk about, and mixes sex and religion. Her books always provide food for thought while giving me the romance I crave. Ethan is everything a man should be and Naomi is a force to be reckoned with: put the two together and you’ve got one of my favorite fictional power couples! Such a fun and thought provoking read!

This is a unique romance!
I love seeing a variety of cultural groups represented in fiction.
This book takes in the Jewish faith but, while enlightening, it never drops over to the preachy side that can happen.
Naomi and Ethan are great together. Their philosophical chats were wonderful!
I can't wait for more in this series!!!!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Well, hello slow burn! The Intimacy Experiment delivered a delicious slow build/slow burn romance between former adult entertainer-turned entrepreneur Naomi and brainy, idealistic rabbi Ethan. Sounds unlikely, right? But Naomi and Ethan are so good together. Not only is Ethan not put off by Naomi's challenging and prickly demeanor, he delights in it. And in Ethan, Naomi found total acceptance and someone who reignites her desire to learn and to educate and to reconnect to her faith. Naomi's badass exterior hides some serious vulnerabilities and I loved seeing those explored.

When Ethan and Naomi team for a Modern Intimacy series in an effort to draw in new, younger members at his struggling synagogue, their chemistry was almost instantaneous. Whether dealing with past trauma and former relationships, or facing the cruel judgment of Naomi's work in the sex-industry, they offered each other a chance to vent, to be open and honest, and much needed acceptance and support. (Plus, Ethan was the sweetest of all cinnamon rolls and has instant entry to the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame.) While I enjoyed Danan's first book, The Roommate, The Intimacy Experiment surprised me by being even better.

“Love is something precious, right? Something coveted. Why shouldn’t people have to earn it?”
He wanted to tell her love was inherent. That it existed in many intangible forms. That she could build love by extending it. But something in the twist of her mouth and the guarded curve of her jaw made him swallow the promises. “But I think in the simplest terms, love makes surviving easier and everyone deserves that.”
Naomi flattened her mouth into a hard line. “Not everyone.”

We were thrilled to hear Naomi was getting a book after loving her character in The Roommate which we read last year. Naomi’s relationship with Clara and Josh from that book was rather complex and interesting making us eager to see who would win Naomi’s heart.

One thing Naomi didn’t count on was losing her heart to a man so opposite to her in so many ways. Naomi’s guarded; Ethan wears his heart on his sleeve. Naomi has her walls built a mile high, Ethan, in his role as Rabbi at the congregation Beth Elohim synagogue, gives so much of himself.

“What I’m trying to articulate is that you’re precious,” Ethan said, “not in spite of, but because of all the ways you believe you’re broken.”

Looking for a way to boost attendance and spark interest in his synagogue, Ethan Cohen enlists the help of Naomi Grant, a sex guru to run a series of modern intimacy seminars, and Ethan is more than a little smitten with her, but Naomi’s past is paved in pain and trust issues. She doesn’t even trust herself.

“I’ve spent my entire adult life in therapy learning to love myself because I believed that if I loved myself, I wouldn’t need anyone else’s love. But that’s not really how it works, is it?”
“No, I don’t’ think so,” he said softly.

But Ethan accepts her – he sees her vibrancy, her vulnerability and accepts her – her past, her present, her beauty, her flaws without judgment. Can the handsome, sweet, and very sexy Rabbi break down her walls? Can the old guard accept Naomi’s past and profession?

‘If he never saw another lovely thing in his life, he’d be okay. Naomi was filling up his quota. Infinitely beautiful.’

The Intimacy Experiment is a sweet slow burn romance that delves into love and acceptance and it’s full of heart, quirky characters, and some fabulous chemistry.

Rosie Danan's The Roommate was one of my favorite romance books that I read last year. It was such an interesting concept and idea to have a main character that was a sex worker and have a book so focused on that industry and our concepts of sex in general and how we treat the topic as a society. So needless to say when I found out that Naomi was getting her own book I was so excited!!!!! And to see her romantic interest was a rabbi; I could not wait to see how she built upon her insights into the sex industry and how it would change within the context of religion.

Of course this book did not disappoint at all. It was even better than the first book in my opinion and I loved Naomi and Ethan's storyline. They both grow so much individually and as a couple, while changing, improving, and working to create an inclusive space. The romance and tension was FIRE! The characters complex and wonderful. As always I am astounded by romance writers that can write books that are both heartwarming and wholesome while also tackling serious topics as well. In this book particular, antisemitism, grief, anti-sex work, sharing of nudes without permission are some of the topics addressed. Danan has managed to find and build upon the delicate balance of addressing serious topics, while also maintaining a levity that is typically seen in romance novels.

Overall I loved this book and I cannot wait to see what the author puts out next. Do I want this series to continue? Absolutely! I hope it does but anything that Danan puts out will be an automatic read for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ever since I read and loved The Roommate, I was excited to read The Intimacy Experiment. You know how it goes- you read and love one book and you hope that the next one lives up to your expectations. I am pleased to say that this one not only lived up to my expectations, but also exceeded them. I loved this book and absolutely devoured it. We met Naomi in The Roommate, so I was excited to see that she was getting her own book. We are introduced to Rabbi Ethan Cohen in this book. Naomi and Ethan complimented each other perfectly. They are somewhat struggling with their own sense of identity in a way, and battling the stigmas and other people's preconceived notions about their occupations. I think they helped each other immensely in this way, not to mention their banter was witty and flirty and entertaining. Add in the perfect amount of steam, and you've got the makings of a totally binge-worthy romance novel. Even though religion is a part of this book, I think Danan handled it in a way that was objective and added to the story in a way that wasn't "preachy". I gave this one 5 stars! It published yesterday, so make sure you pick up your copy! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5! Thank you @berkleyromance @netgalley for my copy!

One of my favorite contemporary romance picks from last year was The Roommate by @rosiedanan so you can imagine my excitement when I found out this one was being published so soon after. If you remember Naomi from The Roommate… well, this is her story.

Naomi is a former adult performer, current boss babe and sex educator, who is passionate about people taking charge of their sex lives. Ethan is a (hot) rabbi, who is struggling to get interest in his synagogue. When he sees Naomi talk at a conference, he knows she’s just the woman who can help him with engagement – through an intimacy course. The unlikely pair team together and are able to recruit younger members of the community to join. All of this is not without challenges though. A rabbi and a well known adult performer working together? You know there’s going to be judgement and backlash of all kind here.

If it’s even possible, I think I loved this one more than The Roommate. I loved the female empowerment and overcoming harsh societal judgements that both Naomi and Ethan went through. From the very beginning, the two had sparks flying and their chemistry was evident to everyone (except them). I loved their witty banter and dynamic. As always with any romance, there’s communication issues between the two that made me want to pull my hair out, but they worked it out in the end. I’m all about a sex positive message, and this book definitely delivers with that.

this was such a unique romance novel and I hope it's the first of many of its kind. Naomi used to be a performer in the adult entertainment industry and with that built an armor around herself very few could see through. With her successful startup and many qualifications she is having a hard time getting taken seriously in the higher ed circle and many are resisting her sex positiver pov. When she meets Ethan, a rabbi, she has an immediate attraction to him and he's welcoming her to his synagogue for a series of lectures. The more they spend time together, the less they can deny their attraction to each other. This is the second book in the roommate series and it's my favorite. Was so happy to hear from Clara and Josh as well.

This book was a GEM. I need to know if there will be more, cause the topics addressed in this series are so refreshing.

The intersectionality of religion, faith, intimacy, and sex discussed throughout the book was just so so so good. I love that the author made it a point to remind us that being sexual doesn’t make you less valuable.

I love our protagonist Naomi so much. She reminds me that strongest people have sometimes dealt with so much and have overcome. She’s also laugh out loud funny and just an over all bad ass business bitch with a heart of gold that is not ashamed of her sexuality.

Ethan, whew that booty though. Okay all of a sudden I have a religious leader kink lmao. He was so precious and just ugh! When Naomi describes his thighs I was like 🥵 also, can someone make an old books and strong coffee candle?! (The description of his smell)

The author did an amazing job writing two characters that will have my heart forever. Their love just felt so sexy but pure? I wish we got a bit more steam though! The sexual tension and anecdotes leading up to them finally being together was A+.

I really wanted to love this book since I loved The Roommate so much, but I never clicked with this one. From the get go I had trouble understanding the story (why was Naomi qualified to teach about intimacy?), I didn't believe Ethan and Naomi's connection (I didn't understand their initial attraction outside of physical), and I had trouble with a lot of plot points (him asking her to fix him up; her getting asked to give a lecture at her old high school).

I know a lot of people liked this one better than the first book, and I think the two are very different and I can see how they would appeal to very different readers.

I did enjoy the Jewish representation, the philosophical banter, some of the takes on intimacy, and the couple appearances of Josh from the first book who is still my favorite.

I'll definitely read other books from this author and I really appreciate the opportunity to read this one! Instead of posting a review online, I posted more of a feature of the book.

Thank you @berkleyromance @rosiedanan @netgalley for this #gifted ARC

🔥 1/5 Steam Rating

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙗𝙞? One unique story full of sexual tension and feelings!!!

• This book can easily be read as a standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading The Roommate because it’s AMAZING!! •

If you’re like me and LOVED The Roommate, get ready for a whole new adventure but with cameos from your favorite characters!! Naomi was such a unique character in The Roommate, so I was excited to dive into her character deeper. She’s such a strong female character, that Eathan’s soft understanding was the perfect complementary love interest. The level of attraction and sexual tension between these two is off the charts.

One thing that I loved about this book was the little nuggets of information about the Jewish faith. I appreciated that there were some tough subjects that were discussed, but it was done in a way that brought attention to them without the overall story being too heavy.

The only thing that this book left me craving was more steam!!! After all the steam in The Roommate, I was hoping to see it in this story as well.

Happy Publication Day!

I enjoyed The Roommate so I was really looking forward to reading this. Naomi was so fiery in the first, I was stoked she got her own book, and deservedly so. This doesn’t disappoint.

After the sex positive start up she co-founded becomes a sensation, former porn star Naomi Grant is looking to move into live lectures. Despite her qualifications, she is finding it hard to get hired. Enter Ethan Cohen to the rescue. He’s a tall glass of water on a hot day...oh and he’s a rabbi.

Well whew! If you’re looking for something, fun, light, and steamy - then look no further! Rosie Danan creates charming and charismatic characters that you truly root for to be together. And this one isn’t all cheese - Danan also explores brokenness and the discovery to be whole again. Just a warning - you might need a cold shower after.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC!

Naomi is a former sex worker turned cofounder of a highly successful sex education start-up, but she really wants to present live lectures on sex positivity. Ethan, a rabbi, is trying to find fresh and clever ways to attract new and younger members to his struggling synagogue. He asks Naomi to teach a course on modern intimacy at his synagogue, which seems like a win-win for both of them - especially when they start to develop feelings for one another and get a real life crash course in dating and relationships.

The Intimacy Experiment is smart, sexy, and dynamic - just like its characters! Naomi is a charismatic go-getter who knows what she wants in life, but maybe not so much in love. She has a tough exterior, but underneath she’s really sweet with a good heart. Ethan is intelligent, caring, loyal, and a super hot and adorable rabbi.

The way in which Rosie Danan combined spirituality with romantic relationships was certainly refreshing and unique! Danan wove aspects of Judaism throughout this book, which I thought was fantastic because I’ve never read a romance book that represents the Jewish faith and community. I loved seeing Naomi and Ethan’s relationship with themselves, their religion, their community, and each other develop and evolve. I also loved how Naomi’s lectures were presented in such a way as to make you feel like you’re part of the audience. Plus, the chemistry between Naomi and Ethan was 🔥🔥🔥

Don’t hesitate to pick this one up even if you haven’t read The Roommate! I had planned to read it before reading this book, but sadly it’s still sitting unread on my shelf. At least I can say that The Intimacy Experiment can be read as a stand alone! I’m definitely moving The Roommate to the top of my TBR though!

Thank you so much to Berkley and Netgalley for an arc of the Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan!

The Intimacy Experiment: Slow burn, Steamy and sensual

Content: descriptions of past partner sharing photos without consent

Naomi is a former adult entertainer, current sex educator and Ethan is a rabbi. This novel had a lot of discussions about the Jewish faith and features a character with bisexual representation. It did take a while for Naomi to grow on me, I was always interested in her story but as her character developed I liked her more. I loved Naomi and Ethan together! I loved seeing them grow together and seeing Naomi become more comfortable with herself. I highly recommend this book!

When I heard all the buzz surrounding The Roommate last Fall, I knew I needed it on my shelf. While it didn’t become a new all time favorite, I did really enjoy it! Find my review here. One of my favorite characters was Naomi and I wanted more of her. So when I heard that Rosie Danan was writing a novel from Naomi’s perspective, I quickly added it to my list.

And wow, everything that I wanted from The Roommate I got in this book. I was really drawn to Naomi’s story and what she stood for in terms of bodily autonomy and personal power. I’m so happy her story is explored in this story and I really think it will resonate with so many people.

I mentioned in my review of A Court of Silver Flames that I’m exhausted by the discussion of sex in books based on “personal preferences.” Our preferences are our opinions and our opinions are 100% valid, but they are not facts, therefore they can’t be right or wrong. Whatever you think about sex represented in media, you are allowed to think, but those preferences do not determine the worth of human bodies. I feel like this book finally helped me articulate those thoughts.

The Intimacy Experiment is available wherever you get your books today, April 6, 2021! Thank you to Berkley Romance for my advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

TheIntimacyExperiment.jpeg
Synopsis: “Naomi Grant has built her life around going against the grain. After the sex-positive start-up she cofounded becomes an international sensation, she wants to extend her educational platform to live lecturing. Unfortunately, despite her long list of qualifications, higher ed won't hire her.

Ethan Cohen has recently received two honors: LA Mag nominated him as one of the city's hottest bachelors and he became rabbi of his own synagogue. Low on both funds and congregants, the executive board of Ethan's new shul hired him with the hopes that his nontraditional background will attract more millennials to the faith. They've given him three months to turn things around or else they'll close the doors of his synagogue for good.

Naomi and Ethan join forces to host a buzzy seminar series on Modern Intimacy, the perfect solution to their problems--until they discover a new one--their growing attraction to each other. They've built the syllabus for love's latest experiment, but neither of them expected they'd be the ones putting it to the test.” —From the publisher

What I Liked:

The Explanation of Consent and Value—THIS BOOK!!! SO many quotes and moments that I just loved that show how our bodies are our own and whatever we choose to do with them doesn’t reflect our value. “Own your own boundaries.”

The Romance and Friendships—I loved Ethan and Naomi’s slow burn romance. I loved the symbolism of a rabbi, a man of faith, loving and accepting this woman who built an empire with her own body. It was vulnerable and sweet and relatable and important.

Naomi’s Journey with Her Trauma—We learned a little bit about the trauma Naomi experienced that led her to sex work as a way to reclaim the ownership of her body she felt she had stolen from her. In this book, I love that that was explored more and that even when she is vulnerable about her past, Naomi never regrets what she has built.

What Didn’t Work:

The Beginning Pacing—It was a little slow at the beginning for me but once I recognized that it was going to explore more than a relationship like in The Roommate, I became fully invested.

I overall wouldn’t say that it’s not this book didn’t work, it’s just that there is A LOT packed into these pages and it felt like my brain had to keep adjusting. I loved all the points, from the Jewish faith to different levels of intimacy, but it lacked that “can’t put down” factor I look for in a romance.

CW/TW: Breach of trust by a loved one, leaked personal photos

Character Authenticity: 4.5/5 Steam Rating: 2/5 Overall Rating: 3.75/5

Overall, I just really loved how sex positive this book is, in addition to celebrating different forms of intimacy in relationships and friendships that aren’t always physical. I just found it to be really well rounded!

4 'Tender' Stars!
ARC provided by the the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am thoroughly and happily surprised with Rosie Danan and her second romance novel! While her debut The Roommate was a bit of mix of hit and miss for me, I have to say The Intimacy Experiment was so much better in all aspects. I didn’t have problems with the writing and I really connected with this unique couple. I mean, Rosie certainly went out of the typical romance stories bubble and she did it wonderfully with Naomi and Ethan’s love story.

The Intimacy Experiment is the second (and last?) installment in Rosie’s The Roommate series and it continues the story of the crew we met in the first one. Now it’s time for Naomi to find her happy ending. Naomi Grant is a former porn star turned sex educator who is having a bit of a difficult time finding someone interested in her live lectures. Enter Ethan Cohen, a young rabbi trying to save his synagogue. Their worlds collide when Ethan proposes a seminar series on Modern Intimacy to Naomi. And what starts as intimacy lessons turns into a connection filled with sexual tension and a whole array of emotions.

He was like a current. Powerful and fluid in ways that had nothing to do with wanting her but that pulled her in all the same.

I am always up for love stories that test boundaries and The Intimacy Experiment really surprised me on that and many other aspects. I was a bit sceptic starting this one because of the mixed feelings I had about The Roommate. However, as I saw myself completely engaged in the story and its couple, I literally could not stop reading! Naomi and Ethan are so different from each other, complete opposites almost but they work so well together. As they get to know each other better, it’s so clear they have a very special connection that cannot be stopped.

“Whatever it is, this thing between us, it won’t be easy.”
“Whatever it is, this thing between us,” he repeated, “I want it.”

Yes, it’s not an easy relationship to start, not when people are criticizing their differences and backgrounds but it’s still unstoppable. The chemistry and connection between these two was to die for. I mean, the sexual tension was fire and when they finally acted on it: double fire! And their feelings for each other… so sweet! I loved these two together and I am so glad they ended up finding their HEA.

Ethan wasn’t afraid of love. The problem was that love didn’t seem big enough, wide enough, for the way he felt about her.

Therefore, I am rating The Intimacy Experiment with 4 STARS because it was a great reading experience for me. Seeing these two opposites learning to love and get passed the obstacles between them, I was all over it from start to finish! Naomi and Ethan are definitely my favorite couple from Rosie Danan and I am sure many others will love their unique love story. I can’t wait to see what this author brings next!