4.5 STARS

This is easily one of my most anticipated books going into 2021! So thank you, thank you, thank you Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC of The Intimacy Experiment by Rosie Danan.

The Intimacy Experiment is a follow up novel to Danan's 2020 release, The Roommate. The Roommate was a fun, steamy romance where we got to witness good-girl Clara fall in love with adult entertainer Josh.

Well, this story follows their friend, Naomi.

Naomi is Josh and Clara's partner in their sex positive start up that has become a sensation. With the business in full swing, Naomi is looking to expand beyond being an entrepreneur and really wants to teach. Despite having her masters and a long list of qualifications, higher ed wants nothing to do with her.

Ethan, one of LA's most eligible bachelors and a rabbi at his own synagogue is looking to attract a younger audience and up his recruitment efforts. He makes the risky decision to partner with Naomi and put on a lecture series that explore modern relationships and intimacy. As the class gets more buss and Naomi and Ethan spend more time together, a lot of lines are blurred and some are crossed in ways that will change things forever.

If you have not read The Roommate yet, I highly recommend reading that one first! This can be read as a stand alone, but you will lose some of the background story the first book provides.

I LOVED this as a follow up novel to The Roommate. Not only did I grow an appreciation for Naomi, it was fun to see the arc of her character across both stories. You also got glimpses into Josh and Clara's life now, which was fun!

And, if you read the first you are probably curious about this... oh yes, there is steam!!! Maybe not as much steam as the first book, but this is still not something I will be lending my mom.

April 6th cannot come soon enough! Cannot wait to add this to my bookshelf!

I think it's safe to say I'm a @rosiedanan fan 🥰

I already knew I was a fan from The Roommate, but now even moreso. The extensive knowledge displayed here in regards to Judaism actually blew me away. It's not often you find a (reform) rabbi as the protagonist in a mainstream romcom, so maybe I went in with a little skepticism, but I have to say this novel completely exceeded my expectations and I so appreciated all that she did here!

The Intimacy Experiment is about Naomi Grant, former porn star, current co-business owner of a thriving platform to teach people how to embrace and be comfortable in their sexual bodies. When Naomi decides she'd like to venture into teaching, she is dismayed to find she is not being taken seriously, no one wants to give her a chance. When she meets Rabbi Ethan Cohen at a teaching seminar, it is she that doesn't take him seriously when he offers her a chance to teach at his synagogue.

Rabbi Ethan Cohen is the newly appointed single rabbi of a floundering synagogue, brought on to help revive attendance and appeal to a younger audience. Not only does he see potential in Naomi and her ideas to introduce a Modern Intimacy lecture series, but he can't seem to take his eyes off of her. Maybe it's her no- nonsense attitude and her tough as nails exterior that creep their way into his heart and mind. Or maybe it's that slight crack in the door she left open for him to see the vulnerable side underneath it all.

Both characters were fleshed out so well. Rosie did an amazing job giving the reader a chance to learn both Ethan and Naomi's personalities. She enables u a full scope of the complexities of who they are, let's u see all the reasons behind their insecurities, and allows u to know exactly why & how they came to be that way. And u know she never fails to deliver the steam!

The only thing that posed a challenge for me personally, was having to put all my modern orthodox knowledge aside. Orthodox and reform judaism are very different from each other so it was hard at first for me to shed some of the hard and fast rules of judaism that are so engrained within me. Once i did i fell in love, esp with the intellect woven throughout.

The Roommate may have been my most recommended read this year because it was such a wonderfully unique and sexy story. So I went into The Intimacy Experiment with high expectations and I wasn't disappointed. I was so interested in Naomi's story in The Roommate that knowing this would share more about her had me giddy. I adored learning her background and her story and ETHAN - I loved him. I honestly can't wait to see what Danan writes next! Thank you for the early copy for review.

Sadly, this is a DNF for me. I got through about 30% of the book and I coudn't keep going. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters and the writing fell flat for me. Keep in mind, this is just my opinion, I can see reasons why others would love this story!

I loved how the author incorporated faith into a sexy romance. Really enjoyed this companion novel to The Roommate. Naomi was a standout character in The Roommate, so I'm glad she got her own book.

I enjoyed "The Roommate" more than this one, I'm sorry to say! I loved the educational aspect of the book - both Jewish and otherwise - but was disappointed about the chemistry between the characters.

Y’all know my love for The Roommate!! I was so totally stoked when I received my copy of The Intimacy Experiment!! Now I will say my expectations for this book weren’t as high, because my love for Josh and Clara’s story was soooo high!! But of course @rosiedanan came through with this one!! The slow buildup of romance and tension in this one was exactly what worked for telling Naomi’s story! I enjoyed seeing a different side of her character and fell in love with her even more! I think the only criticism I have for this one is that I wanted more steam! This one gets 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫 and was a great follow-up to The Roommate!!

Take the Roommate add in some faith and a little less sex and you have this gem. I loved The Roommate and I loved this one too.

I do wish there would be more acknowledgment of people of color and others who experience intersectionality in the sex worker world.

This book combines two things that I really really enjoy in a romance novel. First, it has two protagonists that are both likable and that you are rooting for. Second, it holds place for some really fascinating thoughts about intimacy and romance and identity. Yes, it's a romance novel, you know the two main characters are probably going to gettogether in the end, so it's not super serious! And yet, within the conversations with those characters and the plot of the story, there's a lot of conversation about knowing what you want in relationships, and navigating different expectations, and sex, and it' was just really, really good.

I struggled with what to rate this book, because it wasn't perfect, but it was just so darn enjoyable, and I really did appreciate how naturally these more serious conversations were woven in, that in lieu of being able to give half stars, we're going to bump it up to a five.

The Intimacy Experiment
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
🔥🔥
Rosie Danan is officially one of my favorite authors of all time. I LOVED The Roommate, but I LOOOOOVED The Intimacy Experiment. I’m so thankful I was able to get an advanced copy of the ebook. This is exactly what I needed after reading The Roommate back in October. What I love about this book is that it has the sexy, hot tension that The Roommate had, but you really get to know the relationship between Naomi and Ethan in this one, more so than Clara and Josh (don’t get me wrong, I still loved Clara and Josh’s story). The Intimacy Experiment also brings to light the idea of religion and intimacy in modern times, and how they can co-exist in a relationship, as well as a lifestyle. Danan is an incredible writer, and I couldn’t put my phone down the two days I read The Intimacy Experiment in. I will highly recommend this one for a long time. Please keep your books coming, Rosie Danan!!

I loved The Roommate, and didn't think Rosie Danan could top it, but I was wrong. Naomi and Ethan's story is one of the best I've read this year. I had ALL the feels with this one. It's a powerful story of love, faith, and believing in who you are and who you are meant to be. When they started talking about why they wake up every day, I was a goner, and it only got better from there. A must read.

Having loved The Roommate, I was so excited to read The Intimacy Experiment and learn more about everyone's favorite badass, Naomi Grant.

Naomi is the perfect blend of Badass Boss Bitch and marshmallow. She had a hard past that taught her not to trust and give her heart easily. But, after spending time with cinnamon roll rabbi Ethan Cohen, Naomi starts to open up and welcome love back in her life.

The chemistry between Naomi and Ethan is obvious. From the very beginning the attraction between them is clear, but the two lack the communication to tell the other what they want. While The Roommate was all about the steam and the physical relationship building into more, The Intimacy Experiment gives us less steam but more relationship building.

I would have liked to see a bit more of the relationships that Naomi and Ethan had outside of each other, as the secondary characters in this book are absolutely amazing (I'm rooting for Leah to get her own book).

This book was just shy of getting a five star rating for me. There are a few things that I wish could have been fleshed out a bit more (i.e. delving more into Ethan's relationship with his dad and more of a friendship building before Naomi and Ethan get together), but all in all the story delivered.

I binged this SO FAST! I couldn't get this into my kindle fast enough. I adored Danan's debut and just knew I would adore this one as well.

I loved the story between this unlikely pair! A rabbit and a former porn star, this seems like bar joke gone wild and I was here for it.

I must mention that this was a slow burn for sure. I felt the pacing could have been sped up just a bit. I do appreciate the details we were given as we learned slowly about both Naomi and Ethan.

Their chemistry was so good. I loved their ability, once they determined what they wanted, to really be open and communicate what they wanted the future to look like for each other.

The ending almost broke me, almost. I love the way everything wrapped and would totally recommend this to most of my friends. Those of you who don't like steamy sex scenes and a fair use of language...I would pass on this one.

Thank you @berkley and @netgalley for an advanced copy of this read. All thoughts are strictly my own.

Naomi Grant is a successful businesswoman. She started up her own sex-positive start-up Shameless and has never conformed to the idea of what society thinks she should be like. She feels the need to do more though and wants to start teaching and lecturing about intimacy. Only problem - no one wants to hire her.

Ethan Cohen is the rabbi of his own synagogue and loves his job very much. He wants only the best for his congregation, but is trying to increase the number of his members. Especially young members. When Ethan and Naomi cross paths with one another they decide to work together. Naomi gets an opportunity to lecture on modern intimacy and Ethan gets an opportunity to get young members into his shul. Should be a win-win situation, what could go wrong?

I absolutely loved Naomi and Ethan together. As soon they met I could feel the chemistry between them. Ethan was the sweetest most cinnamon roll hero and I loved how he saw through to Naomi's vulnerabilities. The way these two became acquainted with one another was so so sweet.

I can honestly say that I haven't read much Jewish representation in romance books. I've read one other romance that had Jewish representation - The Ex Talk - and enjoyed that book very much. I loved the way that Rosie Danan was able to incorporate the love of Judaism within this wonderful romance. I have so many excerpts highlighted because of Ethan's obvious love, but also his patience. The way Naomi and Ethan come together with their combined backgrounds was just done so perfectly. I'm sure I'm not putting into words how this book made me feel - but trust me when I say it gave me all the feels.

I loved The Roommate when I read it earlier this year and I was a little bit afraid that The Intimacy Experiment wouldn't live up. But I was proven wrong and Rosie Danan is such an amazing author. I can't wait to read more of her work!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

Absolutely incredible contemporary romance. I have been so lucky to read an advanced copy and I was not disappointed. Naomi is the woman we all want as our BFF and our hot, sweet, caring rabbi? Oh boy! He is such a great hero. Chemistry is off the charts. I laughed, I became very overheated, and I cried!

I am convinced...Rosie Danan is the best new author of 2020!

Disclaimer: I got this as an ARC from @NetGalley

This is perfect for fans of The Ex Talk and enemies to lovers trope. It's a fun and hilarious book that will give you hallmark vibes.

Drip! Drip! Drip! Sweat pouring from my head! It’s getting hotter here than Lut Desert!

The chemistry between Naomi and Ethan makes you sweaty, jumpy, yes you need to order more undergarments because your pants will be on fire when you read pages about their blooming intimacy experience and you will cross your fingers for their happy ending because you may have already suffered from broken heart when you’ve watched Fleabag’s last episode (logical but extremely bittersweet ending) and screamed “No! No!” , as sexy priest has been slowly walking away from the bus stop and their story reminded you of exactly the same dilemma!

This book is about a relationship between man of God and ex porn star/ new sex educator ! Hell yeah, it’s unconventional, juicy, scandalous, forbidden, taming, intriguing combination you want to devour urgently!

Thankfully our hero is a rabbi! So there’s nothing hold him back to date or form an ultra tempting relationship! Of course his work at stake when he decides to hire Naomi as a lecturer to his synagogue to speak about intimacy, sex, relations!

Of course some of ultra conservative or biased mind will protest this situation!
What happens if they come clean about their feelings and decide to date! Oh yes, this means their opposite worlds will collide: but when you love someone you learn to love him/ her completely! You can’t disregard his/ her past, mistakes, misdemeanors. You have to say “yes” to the whole package!

Will their love survive against those emotional struggles including displeasure of congregation, judgmental public opinions.

I honestly say: I loved both of the MCs a lot!
Naomi Grant is one of the badass characters who shielded herself with poisonous bitchy concoction but inside of this shield: there’s tender hearted, delicate Hannah who got hurt by narrow minded people, bullies. She can perfectly fight for own wars and literally kick asses! But when the cracks start to appear on her shield , she realizes she deserves to be loved and cared and she can find that unconditional love at the place she could never imagine and the person she would never think to become close!

From the beginning Ethan Cohen steals our heart ( he reminded me of young, blushing Hugh Grant from Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral : beautiful times before he played cheating narcissistic husband at Undoing)

He’s sweeter than ten layer chocolate cake (I shouldn’t skip the lunch before I start writing this review) He’s loyal, he’s patient, he’s supportive, he’s a true gentleman! He knows how he feels about Naomi and he’s not ashamed to express them! After reading about so many douchebag alphas, he’s the most adorable book boyfriend we yearned for!

I was planning to give four stars to this read but Naomi’s epic speech part at the last third and the author’s way of bold approaching the sensitive subjects such as belief, religion, grief, queerness, sexual awakening made me give extra half stars so I’m rounding up 4.5 to 5 hotter than habanero, steamy, sexy, intimate stars!

I couldn’t relate with Clara and Josh at first book but thankfully this book’s characters and their story hooked me up from the start! I loved them so much!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this amazing arc copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.

I adored this book. Danan is not afraid to break the mold and stereotypes. This love story between an ex-sex worker and a Rabbi is delightful, informative about aspects of Jewish faith and just a heart-warming story.

What a breath of fresh air! Naomi Grant might be one of the smartest, most bad-ass, romance heroines in recent memory. We first met Naomi in Rosie Danan's The Roommate where she was one of the side characters we all ached to hear more from. Now that Naomi is the main character we get to see just how brilliant she is. Sex-worker advocate, scholar, and CEO. What more could she want? The answer is a certain rabbi she meets while rediscovering her jewish faith. This book HAS IT ALL.
Rosie Danan is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors and I can't wait to read whatever she puts out next.

Rosie Danan does it again with her beautiful The Intimacy Experiment, which is about spirituality, sex and true love in equal measures.

Ex-porn-star turned sex educator Naomi Grant – AKA Hanna Sturm – wants to expand her highly-regarded start-up website, Shameless, into the realm of public lecturing, but due to her past – and the fact that she willingly calls out the privilege of the academic and religious worlds -  no one’s willing to hire her.

Rabbi Ethan Cohen has a small shul with a tiny number of worshippers, something that becomes a problem when his synagogue’s executive board points out that they’re hemorrhaging money and need to do something to fix the situation quickly, or they’ll shutter the shul.  When he’s named one of Los Angeles’ most eligible bachelors, the notion of drawing young, hip millennials to witness his worship services comes to his attention.

When they meet after her failed presentation to the board of his synagogue, Naomi and Ethan realize that they have a perfect solution to their problems in one another.  At Ethan’s suggestion, they join forces to put forth a series of seminars on the topic of modern intimacy at the shul.  Naomi writes the syllabus, and together they try to work out the hypotenuses they’ve developed when it comes to love and sex.  In the process of working together, they begin to develop feelings for each other.  But the constant rejection Naomi’s been through – and the battle they must wage against the world to keep the shul open – pose a possible risk.

I adored this book so much.  Naomi’s one of my favorite heroines of the year so far: ambitious, tender at heart, but understandably self-protective after everything she was put through in high school.  For everyone who’s been waiting for her romance since The Roommate, you will not be disappointed.  She has to learn to overcome the past, and when she does the reward is rich.

Ethan, meanwhile, is a warm at heart cinnamon roll with a strong community surrounding him.  Adored him as well.

Their story – a slow burn romance, beautiful to behold – is about Naomi rediscovering the power of emotional intimacy, her Judaism and a baseline sense of faith after being so rejecting of harmful others and Ethan learning how to open up a little more.  Spirituality and personal growth as well as romantic growth fill the page.

This is a novel about communities – the one Naomi has at Shameless, the one Ethan has at the shul, and the one they form together at the classes and among their friends – and I love the way Danan puts that feeling of intimacy together. The big enemy in this novel – besides Naomi’s self-doubt and scars – is definitely the repressive nature of the academic world through which she must navigate. This is handled in a way that’s not-over-the-top cartoony, but explains Naomi’s frustration with the academic world and Ethan’s desire to grow the shul’s foot traffic due to his love of his own faith.

The Intimacy Experiment is like a long soak in a hot bubble bath - worth absolutely every second you spend relishing it.  It is glorious, soul-enriching, and sweetly romantic. I highly recommend it.

Buy it at: Amazon, Audible, or your local independent bookstore
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