This was a very unique book and one that truly, truly caught me off guard. I never read books like this and the topics that are broached in this book can be difficult for me to talk and read about. But at its core, this book addresses what it’s like being a woman and how all women have turned our brains into barbed-wire fences to keep people out. This book is about breaking those barriers down and not settling until you find someone who will love all of you - even the parts you hide behind the fence. I enjoyed this one a lot.

Queen @rosiedanan does it again, ya'll.

The Intimacy Experiment was a book I'd been looking forward to since I read The Roommate a few months ago. On top of Rosie Dana's exquisite writing, powerful themes, and loveable characters, I was so, so excited to read a book with some Jewish Protagonists!

There were so many quotes that I wanted to write down throughout the story. Having been raised in Reform Judaism, there were a number of "jewish-isms" taht spoke to me throughout the story. This story beautifully wove faith, love, sexuality, feminism, and self-love. It made me think about my own religion and my own upbringing in a new way.

One thing that Rosie Dana does perfectly in her writing is balance. The balance of strong and feminine. The balance of sexual and spiritual. The balance of self-love and compassion. The balance of generational and modern judaism.

This book felt real and written from a place of knowledge. It was nice to see Danan's portrayal of a Reform Rabbi was modern and young but also confident in his Jewish identity. I am so happy to be seeing more Jewish joy in contemporary literature.

Ethan and Naomi's chemsitry was *chef's kiss* and I applaud Danan on her ability to humanize religious people and sex workers as people who are looking for find love the same way we all do.

Rosie Danan is an auto-buy author for me, and I can't wait to see waht she comes out with next!

When I initially went into this book, I was expecting something completely different. What I got was such a beautiful and necessary story that has turned into one of my favorites to date.

The Intimacy Experiment follows our favorite from The Roommate Naomi and local Rabbi Ethan as they develop professional and personal relationships with each other while simultaneously developing a better relationship with themselves.

I think everyone is going to go into this book expecting a high level of steam, as we all did and will stereotype Naomi's sex work, and I'm so happy that the book took a different approach. She was still sexy and bold but this book was so much about emotional intimacy than it was about her being some sort of sex goddess. It was about character growth, where Naomi had to learn to love and how view intimacy in such a different way, where it's not calculated and is at times really raw. And while the steam wasn't in abundance throughout the book, it was still steamy due to this level of emotion happening which is just different from what we're probably used to reading. The steam was actually beautiful because the foundation to get to it was so personal.

Naomi also reminded me a lot of myself, where I needed to learn to not be as independent as I thought I should be, learning that depending a bit on someone else is okay and that I don't need to come in hot with everyone I meet. I love her, and am so glad we got this book.

A refreshing romance with lead characters who embody a lack of shame in their sexuality, ambition, and earnestness - particularly impressive, and not nearly common enough, for a heroine. It lost stars for me because toward the end the language becomes pretty overblown - a combination of flowery description and stilted dialogue that pulled me out of a more grounded experience of the conflicts the characters are navigating. Plus, I realize this may be a bit silly, but it really bugged me that Naomi gave the high schoolers a sort of stream of consciousness self care monologue as opposed to the scheduled, progressive sex ed talk that they really could have benefitted from. Definitely enjoyable and recommendable, but that among a few other things made the wrap up a less than perfect landing.

The Intimacy Experiment was a book that surprised me and entertained me from start to finish. This book pulls a character from the author’s debut book The Roommate, that I haven’t yet read, so I can attest that the book can be read as a stand-alone.

First of all, what a joy and shock it was to see Jewish characters represented in a rom-com. Not only Jewish, but the leading man was a Rabbi, a very hot Rabbi. And the leading lady, an ex-porn star, also Jewish, that is now teaching the basics of intimacy and dating for a temple workshop. Of course, many congregants and the board of directors are appalled by his choice of programming and choice of woman running it. From that short premise, you can imagine how the story races forward.

This book, although quite steamy, would make for a great discussion book. So many life and love issues are brought to light, such as being your true self versus your professional persona, the unfairness of judging others based on their work experience, looks or choices, and of course, the workshop Naomi was running shared a lot of good romantic advice.

There were enough interesting minor characters that for sure would make for an enjoyable book three. Ethan’s sister, Leah, definitely should be in the running.

The Roommate was one of my favourite books of 2020. I loved how unique it was, plus it was funny, sexy, and just overall a fun read. I was excited to see Naomi was getting her own story, and I had high hopes and expectations for The Intimacy Experiment. Unfortunately, this one fell really flat for me. I liked Naomi and Ethan, but I didn't love them - or connect with them - and I didn't feel any chemistry between them. I struggled through the first 35% of the book and then decided to set it aside because I just didn't care about the characters or plot. I did appreciate the fact Naomi was bisexual, and I also appreciated the religion aspect and how it was woven in, plus I liked seeing Clara again, but nothing else about the story appealed to me. I'm so sad! But I sincerely hope others will enjoy this one, and I'll be curious to try more books from Rosie Danan in the future.

I adored The Roommate when I first read it. I thought it was a powerful book that touched on a tough topic that educated me on an ideal that I was timid to address myself. I was curious to see what was next for this series especially when I saw it was Naomi's story with a rabbi as a lead.

The plot of this book sounds like an opening to a joke. “A porn-star and a rabbi walk into a bar…”, but once you get past your own preconceived notions about their occupations, there lies a story that is well versed and complex with characters whose depth and intricacies are explored in a way that goes beyond a sexual nature. This book explores intimacy like I have never seen before. I enjoy how this book tries to normalize the conversation about sex by removing the stigma.

Their chemistry is instantaneous and genuine. Though on paper they are stark contrast, once you meet them their magnetic pull towards one another is evident from their first interaction. There’s a raw authenticity the author brings to these characters, of which you do not expect to see any kind of common ground let alone a romantic connection between them. The writing style is intellectual and the way the author writes the characters’ dialogue is both articulate and sophisticated. The author's writing allows the characters’ walls to be broken down to immerse the reader in their story. I felt as if I was having a conversation with Naomi and Ethan, rather than an outsider observing them.

The role Judaism played in this book was both educational and refreshing. It’s not often that religion is front and center in a contemporary romance let alone a way for both main characters to connect. Ethan brings a refreshing outlook on God that can be translated to any person regardless of their faith or beliefs.

This book was complex in an unexpected way. It challenges your perspective on faith and love and brings surprising twists and a new depth to contemporary romance books. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I loved THE ROOMATE and knew I would love this book too, but I didn't expect to connect with it as deeply as I did. While THE INTIMACY EXPERIMENT is a sweet romance, it's also a deep look at community and religion. I loved it so so much and am official a Rosie Danan fangirl.

I read The Roommate last month and really enjoyed it. When I heard that Naomi would be getting her own book, I was really looking forward to it! And I'm so glad because I loved The Intimacy Experiment - even more than the Roommate.

I loved the growth in this book. Naomi's story is slower than Clara's in the sense that the romance is a bit more slow but I think it was the perfect love story. I saw so much change in Naomi, from the way she thinks to the way she acts.

Ethan is a great love interest and I think they both made for the perfect story. I also love that Ethan challenges Naomi because of his love for his faith. I think it is a great addition to the storyline.

Overall, The Intimacy Experiment was the perfect read. It was the perfect mixture of romance, steam and plot. I love Rosie's writing and I can't wait to see what she releases next!!

*4.5 stars

Rating: 4/5
Laughing Score: 2/5
Crying Score: 0/5

Plot: Naomi Grant and Ethan Cohen are a match made...no where. Naomi is a former porn star and Ethan is a Rabbi at a synagogue that is struggling to stay open. In an effort to bring more kids in and engage with the millennial crowd, Ethan asks Naomi to host a seminar about modern dating and intimacy. As Naomi and Ethan begin to work together, you find them conducting their own intimacy experiments despite how different their worlds are.

My thoughts: After reading The Roommate, I knew I wanted to try and get my hands on the ARC for this book, and thanks to @netgalley and @berkleypublishinggroup, I did!

I love Naomi in The Roommate, because even though she was Josh’s ex-girlfriend, you could tell she was this bad ass boss, who was super confident and strong. When I read that this next book was going to be about her, I was very excited. I definitely did not think that this book was going to be so heavily about religion and people’s relationships with religion, but I’m glad it was. It was a different kind of story, and it was so well written. Naomi and Ethan’s love story was very easy to believe, there was the right kind of build up, and when they finally got together, it all felt really right. I really loved Naomi’s storyline, and the investment she made in herself to learn more, to grow and the fact that she did all of those things for herself, and not just for Ethan.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found myself v. attracted to Ethan. I definitely pictured him as Michiel Huisman. Let me know if you did too :)

The Intimacy Experiment will be released on April 6, 2021!

The Intimacy Experiment was everything I wanted and more. Rosie Danan knocked it out of the park with this one and I am sure many will enjoy this lovely and warm romance. It's like a big hug!!!! You need it in your life.

I'm pretty sure this one surpassed my love for The Roommate. I think people that didn't enjoy the first book a lot, could actually love this more? It's very different, has a very different vibe and story. Naomi and Ethan rocked my world. They're one of those couples who just fit together perfectly that you cannot see them with another person. I love the good slow burn and sexual tension they had throughout better part of the book. They surely made me wait but it was BEAUTIFUL.

"Ethan thought of Naomi, her throaty laugh and her long limbs and the way she'd sooner tear out her own heart than let someone else get at it."

I also really love seeing Clara and Josh back though we see more of Clara than Josh. Naomi and Clara's relationship is literally the best. I love how supportive they are of each other and how they're always there if the other one needs something. Business partner and besties for life.

Ethan oof Ethan is the cutest guy ever. He constantly blushes around Naomi and totally is in love with her since the first time he sees her. But as soon as he thinks of going for it, he starts to question if this would work, if Naomi deserves better, and a lot of more stuff, but I love that they constantly go for what they want even if at the end of the road there is pain. There aren't a lot of misunderstandings, more like they're both idiots who think the other one doesn't feel the same way so they start to create new plans to not get attached. It doesn't work obviously lol they're too far gone already.

I really enjoyed The Roommate by Rosie Danan, so I was excitedly anticipating the next installment in this super fun series! The Intimacy Experiment did not disappoint, but I didn’t enjoy it more than The Roommate, which was what I was expecting. Still a great romance though!

This book follows Naomi as she strives to extend her set positive education from online to in-person lectures. When Ethan, one of LA’s most eligible bachelors and Rabbi, hires her to give lectures at his synagogue in order to draw in a younger crowd, the two have instant chemistry.

I really liked Naomi as the protagonist. She was spunky, very dedicated to things she’s passionate about, and kind of cold. I loved that she was so open about her experience as a former sex-worker. She never shield the ugly parts, and this book definitely delves into a discussion on the stigmatization of sex-workers. I also like Ethan as the love interest. He was cute, very respectable, and even though I’m not Jewish I liked all the discussions of the religion and all the customs. As an atheist, the discussions of God and religion didn’t bother me at all. I actually really like reading the parts where Ethan discusses all that, whether he was with Naomi or in church.

The sex scenes were also very HOT. Danan has such a way with writing them that makes me all flustered (haha!)

My only problem was the fact that the driving force that keeps them apart most of the book was ton of miscommunication. It’s a trope that I don’t love, so that was kind of a bummer.

Overall, this was a sold romance book! I adore the writing the most, so I am definitely picking up anything Rosie Danan writes in the future.

3.5 stars rounded down. The Intimacy Experiment follows Shameless co-founder and former porn star Naomi Grant as she falls for an unlikely suitor: a rabbi. This book was significantly less steamy than Rosie Danan’s first book in the series, The Roommate. One of the things that really sold me on The Roommate was the banter between the two main characters, Clara and Josh, and this one also had a lot less dialogue and banter than the first. It read a little slower to me and the ending felt abrupt, but Naomi is such a strong female character and I loved Evan, so if you read and loved The Roommate I would still fully recommend.

I loved #TheRoommate and I loved this follow up just as much!
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This book follows Naomi as she tries to build their company, a sex-positive start up. She gets the opportunity from Rabbi Ethan to host a seminar series on modern intimacy. Ethan is looking to bring younger people to his congregation and Naomi is looking to build their company but what they end up building is a life together.
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I loved seeing the character of Naomi develop and I adore Ethan. As a bonus we got to see how Josh and Clara are doing and I love seeing Clara and a Naomi as best friends.
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This book was pure unadulterated fun and I loved every second of it.
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This book is available April 6th
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Huge thank you #NetGalley and #Berkley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Intimacy Experiment

I haven’t cried from reading a book in what feels like a long time but y’all the ending of this book made me cry so many tears of happiness.
This mostly closed door romance was just everything! Much different from the absolute steam of The Roommate, the authors next book The Intimacy Experiment was a much tamer romance but it also packed the punch when it came to what you could picture the characters doing behind closed doors.

I absolutely loved the depth of this story. Both of the main characters packed SO much depth. I felt like there was barely any fluff to these characters and they were so relatable to readers in their 20s and 30s.

This book definitely needs trigger warnings for PTSD of bullying and leaked nude photos (idk how to properly CW that one)

Favorite Quote: “One of the best things about love, real love, is that it doesn’t demand perfection. It simply invites us to live up to our potential”

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Steam: 🔥🔥

After reading The Roommate last year, I was equal parts excited and nervous to read The Intimacy Experiment because I so, so badly wanted it to live up to the hype of the first book in the series. Needless to say, it absolutely did.

The Intimacy Experiment showcases the relationship between Naomi, a former sex worker and overall boss bitch, and Ethan, a young rabbi. But the book is so much more than that - it explores what it means to form intimate relationships in modern society. It discusses the overarching connection between your experiences and your faith and how you form those relationships. There was a point when I looked up from reading and said “this book is important.”

Rosie Danan’s writing makes you take a look at yourself and the correlation between your values and your relationships and how your past experiences have defined who you are. She’s does this, while making you fall in love with two characters who are an unlikely pair, but so perfectly compatible at the same time.

I absolutely loved Naomi and Ethan’s relationship and I loved them as individuals, too. Naomi is sharp, successful, terrifying, and watching her fall in love with herself while falling in love with Ethan had me in tears more than once. Ethan is an absolute teddy bear and is one of the most genuinely kind people ever.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little hesitant about the focus on religion going into this book. As a vehemently nonreligious person, I was pleasantly shocked at how naturally the topic of faith was interwoven into a plot in a way that never made me uncomfortable. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish faith and how it is interpreted in a modern way.

Overall, I loved this book. It delved deeper than your standard contemporary romance, and really made me pause and think. I am so excited to read more of Rosie Danan’s work in the future.

Retired sex worker turned CEO Naomi Grant is back in the second book from author Rosie Danan. The book opens with Naomi at a teaching seminar. Following the success of her sex education start up website, Naomi hopes to be able to be hired as a lecturer on the subject, but finds that no university will take her seriously. Enter Ethan Cohen, a 30-something rabbi and fellow seminar attendee, who just happens to be the most attractive man Naomi has ever seen. Both are drawn to each other, but also care deeply about their given professions, and team up to host a Modern Love series at Ethan's struggling synagogue, to try to boost attendance. It doesn't take long before Naomi and Ethan realize they can't resist one another. Danan's characters are once again proven to be smart, complicated and sexy. This page turner is sure to generate high readership!

After I devoured The Roommate and fell in love with Naomi Grant as a side character, I knew The Intimacy Experiment would be right up my alley. Having devoured this whole book in one night, I'm so glad to announce that I was right. Naomi is the strong-but-broken, sex-positive, confident Jewish sex worker I never knew I needed in a romance novel, and Ethan is the hot (short) rabbi I never thought could make me swoon. The steam level in this book was off the charts--even more sexy and satisfying than The Roommate!--but even better was the heart packed into every page. The vulnerability these characters express can bring you to tears (it did for me). Ultimately, this is one of my new all-time-favorites, and I hope Rosie Danan writes 100 more sexy romance novels for the 21st century. She is what we need in romance today!

I really enjoyed this story! I liked that these characters were so different but managed to be open minded to let the other in. Ethan and Naomi certainly had their work cut out for them and they managed to get through all the obstacles thrown in their path. I'll definitely be looking forward to reading more Rosie Danan in the future!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

I loved the first book in this series and I have to say I liked this book even more. The characters were all so well written and become real people to me. I was not expecting the religious aspect to be the driving factor in this book but I really loved it. The discussions between the character were all so interesting and I would love to read more books that take place in this world.