This worked for me on pretty much every single level. It's like...what if Fleabag and the Hot Priest were actually allowed to date and also had a lot of talks about their feelings? Here. For. It.

This was an absolutely fun romp of a romance read that enthralled me and captivated me, so much so that I just couldn't even put it down. Here, Naomi aka 'The Roommate' protagonists' Clara's and Josh's best friend and business partner is ready for her own love story. She, as a former sex worker turned CEO of a sex-positive startup, pretty much always goes against the grain. The book starts as she wants to extend the Shameless service into an educational platform with lectures. However, higher ed won't hire her despite her long list of qualifications for the gig. That's where Rabbi Ethan Cantor comes in. He's searching for a way to boost membership to his congregation before closure and thinks a modern intimacy slash dating seminar is the way to go. Together, they join forces to host a buzzy seminar series while dealing with their mutual attraction. So, while Rosie Danon's first novel was uber-popular in the romance community, I hadn't read it, but recalling its popularity and the high five-star reviews of this book, I was intrigued to give this one a shot. And now, I'm ready to go back and dive into the world which started it all, especially for more background on Shameless because I felt I was missing some crucial details by just diving in with the follow-up. And if you have read its predecessor, you'll enjoy seeing Clara+Josh and Shameless once more for more postHEA goodness. This book, told in dual perspectives, features fresh, fun, and engaging language that reads quickly, draws me in, and made me laugh right from the start. Here, it's very interesting and intriguing to see the correlation between sex slash intimacy and religion that's well-thought-out and interesting. Then, having two Jewish leads is such a refreshing bit of diversity rarely tackled in the romance genre, and also the queer representation, which you really love to see it. This fun romp of a book features such sizzling, delicious banter that kept me on my toes. It's empowering and sex-positive, yet vulnerable and romantic. Danon also delivers a super precious ending that had me up until two-thirty in the morning because I couldn't put this book down. Now, usually, there's a second book curse for authors, but Danon's broken that with this delightfully fun romance.

We met Naomi Grant in The Roommate by Rosie Danan and now we get her story. Naomi may have first made a name for herself as a performing adult star but now she has co-founded a successful sex positive company. Looking to expand her company into teaching in person classes, Naomi attends a seminar where she meets Ethan Cohen, the rabbi at Beth Elohim. Ethan is gorgeous and Naomi is instantly attracted to him. When Ethan offers Naomi the chance of teaching a Modern Intimacy seminar at his synagogue to increase the attendance, she jumps at the chance.

As Naomi and Ethan spend more time together, sparks begin to fly and these two find themselves going through Naomi's class syllabus at record speed. Though the seminar is increasing attendance at Beth Elohim, the synagogue's board of directors isn't too happy with the idea of Naomi being involved. As the situation starts to escalate, Ethan is forced to chose between the job he loves and woman he loves. Just when it looks like all is lost, the forces all come together and Naomi and Ethan get their happy ending.

I just loved Naomi and Ethan. Naomi is such a great kick a$$ type of girl. She has a lot of baggage in her past and she has learned how to handle it. Ethan was just as great. He was such a perfect type of guy....sweet, gentle but then so strong in his faith. Together they make for a perfect couple.

Oh this was so much fun! I thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two and LOVED how their differences only made them stronger. This author is an auto buy from me!

I liked this author's previous book a lot and was happy to get the ARC of this one. The premise was great and I loved the interweaving of religion and intimacy throughout the novel.

You know when you read those books (as a writer) and think to yourself, welp, I'm never going to be able to write anything this good. It's one of the highest compliments I can think of and Rosie Danan has done it to me twice. Her debut romance, The Roommate, was one of my favorite reads of 2020, and even though it's only January, I know The Intimacy Experiment is going to be on my list for 2021.

Naomi, who we met in the first book, is a force to be reckoned with, to say the least. After turning her successful career in porn into an empire built on sex education with her website Shameless, she has conquered it all and taken no prisoners on her rise to the top. But Naomi still feels like she is missing something. She loves the work she does online through her website, but she wants to feel that in person connection as an educator. Unfortunately, people suck, and no one wants to hire a former porn star to come teach at their school. Enter Ethan Cohen. He's a young rabbi at a failing synagogue who needs to attract new blood, and wants to target a younger audience. When he and Naomi meet at a teaching conference, he asks her to host a seminar on modern intimacy. Naomi and Ethan embark on a journey (ugh, can't believe I used that phrase, but it's true!) together that forces them to question everything they know about faith, religion, sex, love, and relationships.

First of all, I went into this book expecting to fall for Naomi, and I did. But the wholesome pure cinnamon rollness of Ethan caught me by surprise and I fell for this guy hard. Like I would die to protect him hard. He is everything I want in a hero in 2021, feminist, good, willing to admit when he's wrong, open to new experiences, the man is just about perfect. I am not religious at all in the slightest and I didn't know if that would make me feel disconnected from him, but it mostly definitely did not. And Naomi carries over all of her badassness from the first book, while also bringing in a beautiful amount of vulnerability. Let's just say my heart was punched repeatedly and I willingly took it and will go back for more.

In addition to two characters who are each in their own way so incredibly endearing, Rosie continues to bring it with plot points that are relevant and important, and writing that is so gorgeous I often found myself pausing to reread a sentence, marveling at her mastery of prose. Like the kind of writing I can only ever dream of achieving, and I don't mean that as a put down to myself, Rosie is just that good. I honestly can't wait for everyone to read this book so we can gush about how absolutely perfect it is.

The Intimacy Experiment is my first truly excellent romcom read of 2021, and I know it will remain a favorite for the rest of the year. While The Roommate was a stellar debut, with its sweet romance wrapped in edgy packaging, The Intimacy Experiment was even better. I think part of the reason I enjoyed this one more is, having already read The Roommate, I wasn't it expecting it to be as "raunchy" as some people may think upon hearing the main character is an adult entertainment star. Instead, I went in expecting Danan's wonderful storytelling about characters with heart AND desire.

In The Intimacy Experiment, Naomi Grant, retired from the adult entertainment industry and co-CEO of Shameless (from the first book, which I would highly recommend reading first), is now looking for a teaching gig. She's gotten her master's and is likely more qualified than most to teach sex ed, but no one wants to hire her. Except for a sexy rabbi, that is...

This book brought us just truly wonderful characters and I loved getting to see much more background on Naomi, who was very much an enigma in the first book. Ethan was a delight and would be good reason to convert lol. I'm not Jewish, but I also appreciated the Jewish representation in this book. Such an extensive discussion of religion isn't something we see a lot of in romcoms, especially open door ones, and I thought it was done in extremely well here and I learned a lot.

I have no idea what character could get a third book (Leah? Ethan's sister?) but I would die for one. Please. Actually, Rosie, if you're listening, I would love to see a book centered on a 40+ heroine/hero, perhaps retired from the industry.

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for my eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars - 10/10

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I adored The Roommate, so thrilled to hear Naomi was getting her very own book and it did not disappoint.

I would highly recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f friends to lovers
-close proximity
-grump/sunshine
-forbidden romance elements
- glimpses of Clara and Josh
-wonderful female friendship
-sloooow burn that pays off
-a sexually charged baseball game

Rosie Danan has done it again, another amazing inclusive book about two opposites you wouldn't expect finding love, but being perfect for each other. This book was so warm and tender, I only put it down to sleep. A book about modern intimacy, but also community. It was so beautiful how Naomi and Ethan related on building communities and the importance of it in their lives. The small details are where this book wins you over, the sexual tension always simmering, but it's the small details that truly show the emotion, who they are falling for each other, seeing the other person, accepting.

Naomi is just a rockstar, not taking shit from everyone, allowing herself to be vulnerable. I loved seeing her friendship with Clara, what we saw glimpsed at in the first book. Two women supporting each other. Honestly, I could read a book of their adventures together. Being with Ethan doesn't change her, but she grows, not letting the past trauma in her life define her.

Ethan, a cinnamon roll of goodness. How he just fell for Naomi, loving her, all of her. It's enough to make a girl swoon. I love me a bearded hero and Ethan is book boyfriend worthy. I just want to wrap him up in a blanket and protect him from the world that clearly does not deserve him.

Rating: Rave
Steam: 3/5


CW: past revenge porn, anti-semitism, slut-shaming

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've always loved the unconventional romance trope. People who are so incredibly different, yet balance each other out perfectly. A rabbi and a former porn star? Sign me up.

I loved the characters. Naomi is unapologetically herself. Fierce, blunt, wild. I love it. Her love interest, Ethan, is so sweet, tender and honest. The fact that he's a rabbi really added a unique twist to the story for me, since I haven't seen much of that in fiction. I'm here for the Jewish rep!

If you're looking for a witty, heartfelt, entertaining story that is super sex positive and has a couple of steamy scenes that will leave your heart pounding--then this is for you.

I was a bit skeptical about reading this book as I don't typically like to read anything with religion mixed in, but this was a surprise. Who knew a Rabbi could be so sexy and desirable? I really enjoyed the opposites attract theme throughout the book. And it was still spicy enough. Really enjoyed their story and loved to have characters from "The Roommate" woven into the story. Overall, great, easy, fast, and sexy read.

I liked The Roommate - but I LOVED The Intimacy Experiment. It was cute, sweet, and so UNIQUE. I am not sure I've ever read a romance with two lead characters who identify as Jewish. That is, frankly, absurd. I applaud this book for being steamy, full of heart, and just everything you hope for in a romance novel.

The first few chapters were enticing, setting the scene. The following couple chapters were a bit redundant but then it picked up about after 45% and then I couldn’t put it down until I finished. The build of their sexual tension was perfectly done. Naomi’s character growth was inspirational and so is the sex positive and whole mindset of this book and their modern intimacy seminar idea. Both of the characters were well written and strong willed, you can’t help but cheer them on. I highly recommend this friends to lovers RomCom.

Loved this one just as much as The Roommate. It's fun, but so so thoughtful and emotional. I'll be reading everything Rosie Danan writes!!

This was an excellent follow-up to The Roommate. I loved learning more about Naomi and getting beneath that hard shell of hers!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The Intimacy Experiment is the second book from Rosie Danan. We meet Naomi Grant in her first book, The Roommate, and this book tells her story of finding love. Naomi is a former adult film star and she now heads a growing company that focuses on sex positivity. Now that she has earned a master's degree in Social Psychology, her goal is to be able to teach people about sex and intimacy in a live setting, but the academic world won't give her the chance. Ethan Cohen, a rabbi from a local synagogue, offers her an opportunity to teach a seminar series on modern intimacy and Naomi decides to take the opportunity to build her skills and resume. Although she is immediately attracted to the young rabbi, she is as surprised as anyone when they begin to develop feelings for one another.

I normally read romance novels because they are fun and entertaining, but this book really made me think about sex and intimacy on a different plane. Rosie Danan does an incredible job of writing a story that intellectualizes sex and intimacy while balancing it on a human level. I liked that I went through a lot of processing of my thoughts on sex while reading this book because it forced me to look at sex from many perspectives.

This book also had a fun and entertaining side that I loved. I liked learning Naomi Grant's origin story - how she went from being Hannah Sturm to the adult film star and co-CEO that she is today. I loved Ethan's character - his faith, optimism, conviction and commitment to serving others was incredibly sexy. I have to admit, I felt a little guilty for finding him sexy.

Not being Jewish myself, I appreciated learning a little about Jewish faith and culture. I can't think of any other romance books that I've read that are centered around Jewish lead characters and it made me wonder why. It's another perspective that I would like to see more in romance novels.

Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥

The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan, release April 6

With a successful sex positive start up under her belt, Naomi is invited to give live lectures on intimacy at a synagogue run by the city’s most eligible rabbi.

The Roommate one of my favourite romances of 2020. Naomi was the ex girlfriend character and I absolutely loved that Danan did not pit her as the stereotypical jealous and “crazy” ex. When I heard Naomi was going to have her own book, where the love interest was a rabbi of all things, I knew I had to read it ASAP. And let me tell you, I loved this one too!

💕First, it’s so well written. Danan has such a mature writing style I very much admire. Her metaphors are the best.

💕I loved Naomi and Clara’s friendship. Danan doesn’t pit women against each other which is feminist a f.

💕Both characters stand on their own. Naomi takes no shit but is a secret softy. Ethan is such a unique hero who manages to be super sexy, deep, and intelligent while not being your stereotypical 6 foot, ripped Thor lookalike (not that I’m hating. I like muscles too😅). And the chemistry between them is a delicious slow burn 🔥

💕Rosie always brings the STEAM.

If you want a sex positive, steamy, smart romance that defies stereotypes, make sure to add this one to the TBR. And definitely read the Roommate if you haven’t already!

Thank you so much Berkley, Netgalley, and Rosie Danan for this ARC!

3.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review!

I'll admit that I didn't love this book as much as I'd hoped. It's probably unfair to judge a book based on the first book in the series, but I went into it expecting The Roommate's new standard of steaminess, banter, and romance, which I don't think this book fully delivered on.

I really like how this book let Naomi really shine as her own character. I was super intrigued by her in The Roommate and seeing her as a more vulnerable, fleshed-out character made me love her even more. She got the love and story she deserved for sure because it let her be vulnerable with the people she loves without complaint. I also loved her love interest, Ethan, a rabbi trying to save his synagogue. He's incredibly sweet and understanding with Naomi, and he really balances out her dominating personality. I felt like this book did a great job showing their emotional romance that felt believable. But here also lies my main gripe with this book:

I was expecting a super-steamy book, like The Roommate! Don't get me wrong, there were some great scenes with their chemistry and some pretty good steam, but I went into this book expecting more, because of The Roommate. I understand Ethan is a rabbi, and there are people judging his life/relationship choices, but I was really hoping they'd still have situations similar to Clara and Josh in The Roommate. Ethan also said that he can and will have sex, so that wasn't even an issue. I did appreciate that their relationship was very strong before they decided to have sex, but it felt slightly underwhelming after the buildup and there wasn't very much of it. I hope I don't sound awful, judging a book for how steamy it was, but that was a big part of what I LOVED in The Roommate and it felt slightly lackluster here. Overall, I'd say if you loved Naomi in The Roommate and want to see more of her, and if you enjoy the romance more than the sex scenes, you would love this book! Otherwise, I'd definitely say give it a chance but do not expect it to be on the same level as The Roommate.

I loved this book so much- even more than the Roommate! Naomi and Ethan had so much chemistry and I loved the issues they dealt with- they felt real, as did how they handled them. The other characters were great too (members of the synagogue, seeing Clara and Josh again, etc)

This follow-up to Danan’s steamy 2020 debut The Roommate is filled with humor, healing, and heady good times (and, yes, that is a naughty pun). It inhabits the same world as Danan’s last book, and follows Naomi Grant — a former porn star and founder of a wildly successful sex-positive start-up — who now wants to share her unconventional expertise via live, in-person lectures but keeps finding that academia is too stubborn and old-fashioned to give her the time of day. When the handsome rabbi Ethan Cohen approaches her to teach a course on modern intimacy that he hopes will entice new blood to his synagogue, Naomi hesitates. Sex and religion, especially a religion she herself walked away from, don’t mix well, and this rabbi is way too hot for her not to corrupt. She decides to take the chance, and soon finds herself wondering: Who’s corrupting whom?

Rosie Danan has done it again! The Intimacy Experiment is a fantastic follow-up to her debut novel, The Roommate. I had high hopes for this book after the success of The Roommate and thankfully it did not disappoint! Danan might be the best new rom com author out there - her work is fresh, contemporary and unconventional. How unconventional you may ask? While The Roommate features the pairing of a goody two-shoes socialite and a sex performer, The Intimacy Experiment centers around a former sex performer and a Jewish (reform) rabbi. Yes, you read that right - a rabbi! Granted, the rabbi is young, good looking and happens to be considered one of LA's most eligible bachelors, but still, that's quite unconventional!

Naomi Grant (whom you met in The Roommate) is a co-CEO of a successful online sex-positive educational website called Shameless, with aspirations of teaching in front of a classroom. The problem is, despite her long list of qualifications, most educational institutions won't give her the time of day because of her past.

Ethan Cohen is the rabbi of a floundering synagogue that's on the verge of closing due to budget cuts and low attendance - most of its congregants are octogenarians. He's desperate to save his synagogue and thinks bringing in younger, fresh congregants might be the key to saving his shul.

After Ethan hears Naomi speak at a seminar they're both at, he approaches her with an interesting proposition - why not teach a lecture series on Modern Intimacy in an attempt to lure in new, younger congregates to his synagogue? After careful consideration, Naomi agrees as long as they keep it professional. But after spending some time together, she starts to fall in love with Ethan - opening herself up to love is something that she hasn't allowed herself to do for a very long time. Meanwhile, Ethan finds himself falling deeply in love with Naomi as well. Of course, given her background, and with Ethan being a rabbi - people don’t make it easy for them to be together.

The plot is expertly executed and I loved learning more about Naomi's backstory. It gives more context as to why she is the way she is - with her tough, no-bullshit exterior / attitude. It was brilliant to see the arc of her character across both books.

The book is steamy but it's not as steamy as The Roommate. I actually appreciated this because it allowed for more elaboration on Naomi's backstory. Plus, it's almost as if the book is a representation of Naomi herself - that there's more to her than just sex. Also, as a non-Jewish person, I liked that the book served as a tool to educate people on the Jewish faith. Religion is not something you often see in rom coms so I found that aspect surprising and refreshing.

I'm such a huge fan of Rosie Danan and I can't wait for the pub date so I can add this to my bookshelf!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Berkley Pub and Rosie Danan for providing me with an eGalley / eARC in exchange for my honest review.