Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the free advance copy; all opinions are my own!

Having read THE ROOMMATE , I was intrigued by the character of Naomi and very glad to hear she was getting her own book. This romance undertook robust exploration of identity and loves healing help on the journey to a deeper understanding of ourselves,. I appreciated the story’s commitment to showing the work and tensions of organized religion, especially when it is at a crossroads in its identity as it tries to reach younger generations and bridge the gap between its more traditional interpretations and modern life.

This romance engaged my mind as well as my heart, and I truly enjoyed Naomi and Ethan as individuals as well as a couple. I think many people will appreciate how this story honors Judaism, faith, inclusivity and grace in organized religion, as well as simply appreciate this as an original, thoughtful contemporary romance.

In case ya missed it, I adored Rosie Danan’s debut, The Roommate, so the fact the tough loving Naomi got a book of her own made me so happy! (And yes, there are appearances by Clara and Josh!) The story itself felt unique and unconventional in some ways because come on… an ex-adult performer and a rabbi?! But, I loved Naomi and Ethan in their own ways. Naomi’s just a straight badass and Ethan is the sweet, loyal, swoon worthy gentleman who’s able to crack that tough exterior. Their romance was a slow burn which led to lots of tense moments (which were great of course) but man, once they hit that breaking point it was steam city! Another thing that stood out to me about this story was how the author wove in other plot points that made it feel intellectual and spiritual. As a reader, I feel like I learned quite a bit about Jewish faith without it being shoved in my face and I really appreciated those moments. If you read and loved The Roommate, then you will love this one!! Also, how does one sign up for one of Naomi’s seminars? Asking for a friend 😂

I thought this book was better written overall than The Roommate. I felt like there was improvement in several areas (i.e. pacing, structure, character development.) Neither book blew me away, but I enjoyed both of them and can definitely recommend them. I appreciated that Naomi's story took on sex positive education and while I would have hoped for a little bit more steam to reinforce the classroom learning, I can sort of see why the story didn't go that route this time. Perfectly enjoyable romance, definitely recommend to fans of The Roommate.

I really loved this book. Rosie Danan is proving once again that she can easily become one of my favourite authors. The Intimacy Experiment is saucy, funny and just super enjoyable from beginning to end. I love the little quips all of the characters have with one another throughout the entire book. Naomi and Ethan come together in almost an opposites attract kinda way? Naomi has this fiery, larger than life personality while Ethan is quiet and shy and wonderful. Seriously, all of my notes were basically just me losing my mind over Ethan, haha.

Naomi hit home quite a few times as I read this and I thought the concept of a modern intimacy class was so smart. I think after COVID is said and done... a lot of people are going to need to really figure out how to date. Ethan was just.... good. He said some things that I will not spoil and I felt myself fall in love with him more and more every time. HE CALLED HER MAGNETIC? UNBELIEVABLE. WHO TALKS LIKE THIS? YOU ARE HURTING MY HEART BY BEING FICTIONAL.

Anyways, I loved this. I can't tell if I loved it more or less than The Roommate but I'm confident in them being just as good as the other.

Naomi is a former porn star who is now in business with her two friends running a website that teaches people how to have better sex. Ethan is a rabbi at a failing temple; he's an out of the box thinker and when he meets Naomi at a conference, he asks her to host a seminar series at his Temple in an effort to draw a younger crowd. It works, and the two working closely together, talking about these issues also works.

I LOVED this book. Rosie Danan addresses women's sexuality and women feeling free to love who they love and how they want to. She dispels the old thinking that women shouldn't enjoy sex or that women can't have sex without emotional connections. She embraces a new, feminine view of women's sexuality and I am here for it.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Is shouty caps enough to get across how much I loved it? It had the same magic that Rosie Danan's debut novel The Roommate had. I didn't want to put it down. The writing was so engaging. I am not a fan of third person and, once again, Danan's writing had me forgetting it was even written in third.

Naomi's story was something I wanted while reading The Roommate. When I read the blurb and found out Danan was matching her up with a rabbi, I was only more curious. How would a relationship between an ex-porn star and a rabbi even work? The answer was BEAUTIFULLY. Ethan and Naomi's relationship was a slow build/burn. There was a lot of time spent with the two of them getting to know each other. Both Ethan and Naomi were closed up to the idea of love at first, and it was fun to see how their conversations opened them up to the possibility of it. Their personalities and world views fit together surprisingly well for people at pretty much opposite ends of the work force. Plus, they had amazing chemistry. I loved them together.

The concept of Naomi's Modern Intimacy seminar was cool -- for the lack of a better word. The talking points around dating were excellent and something that I would want to share with my teenager when she's older. It truly was real world applicable, being both fun and informative.

I was also impressed with how religion was shared in the story. It didn't feel preachy. I enjoyed learning about Reformed Judaism through Ethan's character. I was surprised at just how well the way he related scripture to life melded within this romance.

The last thing I want to talk about was the side characters. The main focus truly was on Naomi and Ethan in The Intimacy Experiment, but there were some other great side characters. It was a pleasure to see Clara and Josh again. Naomi's friendships with both of them made me love them even more than I already did. I also liked Ethan's family and parishioners. They added some funny moments to an already entertaining read.

So, yeah. I loved The Intimacy Experiment. It was sweet romance that had me constantly smiling. I am so happy that Rosie Danan's sophomore novel somehow managed to be even better than her debut. It makes me excited for her books that are still to come.

On the surface, The Intimacy Experiment is about a former adult film star falling in love with a hot Rabbi. Good, right? But it's really so much more.

The Intimacy Experiment is sexy, of course, but real intimacy - as the book explores it - is so much more. This is a book about self-acceptance, fear, shame, faith, and love in all its forms. I loved every page.

Rosie Danan did not disappoint! Was so happy to receive an e-ARC of this one after I loved The Roommate! I read this book in about 2 days- I could not put it down! The Intimacy Experiment featured some of the characters from The Roommate, but I liked how it focused on Naomi. This book included diversity and of course provided some steam as well! A five star read!

I read this entire book in just a few hours because I couldn't put it down! It's not as steamy as Danan's THE ROOMMATE, but still a very fun read.

Rosie Danan did not disappointment with this follow-up to The Roommate! The Intimacy Experiement tells the story of Naomi Grant, a former adult performer turned executive at a company specializing in women's pleasure. Her dream job, though, is in the classroom. When Ethan Cohen offers her a job teaching a modern intimacy course at his flailing synagogue, the subject matter becomes life for them.

This book is not only steamy, but reflective, insightful, and beautifully written. The characters both convey depth of emotion and thought; I was rooting for them not just as a couple but as individuals too. Religion, spirituality, and identity were explored in a way I've never quite seen in a romance novel before. There was just enough of Clara and Josh to make me happy in their HEA, and just enough steam to convince me of Ethan and Naomi's chemistry. I loved this book and will read anything Danan writes from now on!

2019 was a year of #hotpriest, 2021 should be a year of #hotrabbi. I am only kind of joking. Ish.

You know, I didn't really expect to be this much into a romance novel. You read the synopsis and tell me what you imagine will happen when a former porn-performer and a rabbi cross paths. Did you imagine it would be a touching story about faith and personal growth and kindness? Well, neither did I.

Let me preface this by saying I am an atheist. Religious is pretty much the last thing I want to read about in a romance, and yet, I might have liked this book even without a hot romance in it. You want to tell me about Judaism? Yes, please. Describe the inner works of a synagogue? I'm there. Present some lectures on modern intimacy? Tell me more. Insert some story about a Hebrew prayer into a date conversation? I am even down to have a little cry over it. Evidently. Who am I?

I just though Naomi's and Ethan's relationship was developed super well. Naomi is tough and jaded. Ethan - empathetic and kind. Also hot. Half of the book is them circling each other, ogling and growing respect for one another. At the half point, sexy things start to happen. Yeah, I was into it too.

I haven't been this much invested in a couple in a romance novel since The Kiss Quotient. This story is tender, thoughtful, sexy and often intellectually stimulating. Oo-er.

P.S. Probably would have been 5 stars if it had a couple more smut scenes and a crisper ending. Breakups before the final resolution are a hard thing to pull off.

When I saw Rosie Danan had a new book, I knew I had to read it. The Roommate is one of my favorite books. I am so glad to say that this book did not disappoint!

This book was just as amazing as the roommate. The characters in this book were just as great. I absolutely loved Naomi and Ethan together. They have a slow burn romance that starts off as friends and coworkers. I loved their relationship, they were the perfect balance that each other needed. Even though this is a slow burn romance, once it gets going, it is so steamy! 🔥🔥🔥

I loved the spiritual twist on this book. Ethan is Jewish and a Rabbi. Rosie Danan does a great job of not being too preachy with the Jewish culture. I really enjoyed this one, and I would highly recommend it!

Well goodness. I feel terrible about what I am getting ready to say....I loved. I mean, let me make that super clear. I LOVED The Roommate.
The Intimacy Experiment....I didn't finish. I know, I know. I gave it a solid try y'all. 40% and I'm bored. I expected spicy based on The Roommate and it did not deliver. I didn't feel any chemistry between the characters and frankly. I just couldn't keep going.

To be fair, I would read Rosie again.....This particular book was not a good fit for me!

The relationship that Naomi has with herself and her religion goes on an amazing journey throughout this novel. I love that we are getting more OwnVoices Jewish novels this year and I love this book so much!

Rosie Danan writes so beautifully. Seriously, her words are like smooth, soft butter. This book managed to be so sexy, yet so soft at the same time. I adored Naomi for her strength, humor, vulnerability, honesty, and eagerness to grow. And Ethan. Well, if any of my rabbis had been remotely as openminded (and good looking) as him, I probably would go to synagogue (much) more often. Finally, I found the Modern Intimacy lectures to be extremely helpful on a personal level. I learned a lot that might help me in own relationships moving forward. Thank you for that Rosie Danan! I eagerly await your next novel.

I wasn't sure what to expect with Rosie Danan's follow-up to her wildly popular romance, The Roommate. Turns out I shouldn't have worried! Naomi Grant is one of my favorite romance heroines of all time, hands down, and I enjoyed The Intimacy Experiment far more than Clara and Josh's story. Naomi is an unapologetic (shameless!) former sex worker who now runs her own business creating sex education content online. When she's recruited by Rabbi Ethan Cohen to teach a seminar about relationships at his synagogue, these two opposites need to decide if their many differences are important enough to ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.

There are very few novels that cast sex workers as heroes and heroines, and even fewer that do so without judging them for their choices. Danan bucks the norm: Naomi is a loved character, full of strength and nuance and growth. Her sex work is respected part of who she is. Equally important, Ethan is never ashamed of her, never fails to support her, and never lets anyone insult her, even before he develops feelings for her. We need more relationships like theirs in the romance genre, and in the world overall.

As a survivor of revenge porn and slut-shaming, I was deeply moved by this book. I'm also amazed by Danan's ability to pull so many threads together, from faith to community to sex work to letting yourself be vulnerable when your defenses have kept you safe after so much cruelty. This book will stay with me for quite some time.

This one was just as hot and fun as The Roommate, which was honestly one of my favorite books of 2020.

Rosie Danan did it again! Last year, The Roommate was one of my favorite reads. The most wholesome and steamy book I could imagine, and I felt like this one lived up to the first book. It was lovely getting to know Naomi and Ethan was absolutely her perfect match.

Another great one from Rosie Danan! I’m really digging this series. “The Roommate” dealt with the ease of sex but the challenge of true love and intimacy. This book deals with intimacy and faith—Naomi and Ethan don’t fall into sex with the ease of Josh and Clara—which is a different kind of vulnerability. Chapter 26, the fifth of Naomi’s lecture series in the book, is PROFOUND. If you are prone to skimming, when you get to this part of the book, read the chapter in its entirety. There are too many great phrases to highlight. It addresses the challenges in a world where, because you’ve been a sex worker, then you must be damaged and deserving people’s scorn, not to mention willing to then give your body to anyone and everyone like you’re a blow-up doll. Naomi allows herself to be vulnerable, while still overwhelmingly sex-positive and being her usual fierce self.

And Josh’s path from Hollywood brat to Physics teacher to a Rabbi of Reformed Judaism brings a genuine complexity to his character.

I hope there’s one more book in this series—Danan’s been hitting it out of the park so far.

Stop me if you've heard this one.

A porn star and a rabbi walk into a bar.

Well first they meet at a conference for public educators where the porn star is looking for advice on how to improve her chances of finding work as a sex educator. As for the rabbi, Ethan Cohen, he's working desperately to save his slowly dying synagogue. He's been hired to try to revive the congregation with fresh, new ideas. When he sees Naomi deliver an impassioned speech on the need for the kind of education she provides he sees possibilities for his congregants and maybe himself.

This unlikely duo puts together a "Modern Intimacy" seminar series designed to bring a younger, more vibrant crowd to the synagogue and give Naomi some much needed, boots on the ground, experience as a teacher.

At first everything is going to plan. But, this being a contemporary romance, pretty soon both our heroes are pining away for each other. Naomi knows she could never be good enough for Ethan and he's equally sure he'd never stand a chance with anyone as beautiful and confident as her. But even when it seems they'll manage to overcome their personal insecurities and give love a chance other, more unexpected, challenges arise.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH.

I have never had this kind of experience with a contemporary romance. Never. I was on tenterhooks the entire time wondering if things would work out for this wonderful couple; whether Naomi would be able to find peace with her own, deeply conflicted, history with her Jewish faith, whether Ethan could find a true balance between his longing to serve and his undeniable love for Naomi.

I couldn't get over Danan's gorgeous prose. This woman is a true wordsmith. She dives so deep into both these characters, writing astounding internal monologues where they question themselves and what they believe and really delves into how they both feel about love and relationships of all kinds. Everything feels so rich and theatrical and kind of epic. She wants her readers to see these two as clearly as possible. They have such vibrant inner lives and realistic struggles and arcs that propel them from awkward and unhappy beginnings to a truly wonderful conclusion where we see how they've grown and changed. It seems like such an obvious thing for a novel, to have characters change in a believable and organic way, but its so important and so rarely done with this level of perfection.

She also devotes incredible amounts of time to the beauty and mysticism of Judaism, which I'm gonna go ahead and admit I know very little about, but she treats both the religion and Jewish heritage as the sacred things they are. I mean there I was in the middle of a sexy romance novel being moved to tears by the wisdom of the Talmud.

This is everything we should demand from modern American literature. That's right I said literature. Because that's what this is. True, beautifully written story telling of the absolute highest caliber. Its hiding behind a goofy, cartoony looking cover but its there. Yeah one of its main characters is a sex worker, so what? They get to have big, beautiful romances too you know. Yeah there are incredible, hot sex scenes that will leave you in a sweaty mess. Yeah its funny and silly and jaw droppingly romantic. Its also so well written it stopped my heart and made me almost giddy with excitement that human beings are capable of writing something so lovely.

So yeah a comic love story about a porn star and a rabbi is maybe one of the best books I've read in years.

Hell of a way to start 2021.