Member Reviews

Roommates often become friends. Add some fake dating and sometimes it becomes real.

This story has two people facing the odds and figuring out that love may be closer then they think. I laughed out loud and was rooting for the couple the whole time.

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC.

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Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I requested a bunch of romance on here because I wanted to try it out. However, romance is just not working for me at the moment. I think its more me than the books themselves so I will be giving this one a neutral rating.

I just couldn't get into the story or the relationship. This is definitely not a bad book and I think it is more a me problem than anything. I hope others love this one.

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I couldn’t get into this book. The way Sol pursued Erik felt stalkerish to me. I’m sure others will enjoy the story.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

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Never Date a Roommate by Paula Ottoni was a sweet and funny multicultural story following two gaming professionals as they navigate the world of love and game development! Marisol is an ambitious woman who traveled all the way from Brazil to get her dream job. She is doing everything in her power to make all of her dreams come true and stay in Copenhagen. Erik is a down on his luck game developer who quit his stable game development job to work on a passion project, only for it to go so, so wrong. He's got a lot of baggage. Together they form an alliance. She needs a place to live so she can pursue her dreams and he needs a roommate to afford his bills.

Overall, I was enchanted deeply by this story. I think the way the characters talk, both in their own accented English, and in their own languages was really enduring and sweet. I loved exploring Copenhagen through the main character's eyes and seeing her be so headstrong about accomplishing all of her dreams. It's very "American Dream" esque, and I really admired it. Erik's character was a bit of a glacier, but it was sweet watching him melt, especially for Marisol! The family dynamics and expectations and involvement was so sweet. I was swooning and laughing over some of the phone calls and face times between characters! I think this is a great book for anyone who wants to explore narratives outside of the United States or Canada. It's refreshing and exciting to read about different cultures!

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*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

Chasing her dreams to become a game designer, Sol Carvalho made the leap from her native Brazil to the chilly Copenhagen for a job at the successful Scorpio games. And while the job isn't exactly what she pictured (making new levels for their most popular matching game every day isn't exactly riveting work), and her social life hasn't taken off yet (it's hard to meet people in a new country, especially when you don't speak the language yet!), and the threat of becoming homeless looms ever closer after her landlord didn't renew her lease-- at least she's doing something adjacent to what she loves. But when her boss reveals Sol is in the running for her dream job, she has to prove that's she's putting down roots and dedicated to her new Danish home. The only problem? Sol doesn't have any roots to put down, so she makes some up.

Enter her fake boyfriend (and new roommate) Erik Storm. Sure he's the sexiest man she's ever met, and yes maybe she starts to catch feelings for him, and absolutely the lines between what's real and what's fake begin to blur-- but surely Sol won't get in over her head... right?

NEVER DATE A ROOMMATE had such promise for me. I loved the buildup-- Sol was such a fun character with so much vibrancy. As a person not in tech, the idea of game development as a career was interesting, and her story as an immigrant finding her place was really moving. However, at about the 55% mark the story felt too rushed and all over the place. [Suddenly, Sol and Erik are dating, then they're no longer okay (despite the fact he left to, understandably, take care of his family and then hyperfocus on the app they were both developing on a time crunch), Sol decides she's afraid to be proud of her Brazilian heritage and then she's proud of it, and then everything works out and the story is over. (hide spoiler)] I think this book would have benefited from a slower second half and a focus on character consistency/development.

Overall, I am always up for trying out a romance not set in America or Britain-- and while NEVER DATE YOUR ROOMMATE was a fine read, and the potential was there, it wasn't my favorite this time.

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3.5 ⭐️
Sol, is looking for a change. She moved from Brazil to Denmark in search of happiness. But unless the Brazilian game designer can find an apartment, she’ll be moving back to Brazil and back to her overly involved family.
Just as her boss has started hinting that she is being considered for a big promotion.
Erik Storm is her last hope. The broody Viking look alike has a room to rent, but he’s going to take some convincing to be Sol’s new roommate… let alone her fake boyfriend to try to impress her boss.

Never Date a Roommate is a Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, slow burn, GrumpyxSunshine novel, loosely based on the authors life!

This was a cute story and was a quick read. I loved that the author and Sol had so much in common (both game designers, both from Brazil, both moved to Denmark to pursue their dreams).
At first it felt very YA, and I didn’t mind it at all! But then the spicy scenes hit 🫣

Overall it was cute! I enjoyed it!

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This book was not exactly my favorite. I found it a little too predictable and boring, if I'm being totally honest.

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Paula Ottoni's novel dove into the complexities of homesickness, navigating a new culture, career uncertainty, workplace social dynamics, and the battle between logic, emotion, and desire -- all from the point of view of a FMC that didn't hold back from sharing all of her thoughts with the reader🌟

This was a lovely, quick read that gave me the warm and fuzzies at all the right moments❤️

Thank you @netgalley and @harlequinbooks for the chance to read this book early in exchange for an honest review🥰

#arc #arcreview #book #books #bookreview #review #netgalley #neverdatearoommate #paulaottoni #harlequinbooks #romance #romancebooks #romcombooks

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Thank you NetGalley, Paula Ottoni, and Harlequin-Romance/Afterglow Books for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

This short and sweet romance will whisk you away to Denmark, offering a delightful glimpse into its culture. Featuring beloved tropes like roommates-to-lovers and fake dating, it promises an enjoyable ride. However, I found myself wanting more! Perhaps due to its brevity, I struggled to fully connect with the characters, making the narrative feel a bit rushed. I do recommend if you’re looking for a light hearted read for the summer!

*3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars*

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"Never Date a Roommate" by Paula Ottoni offers a delightful take on the fake dating and forced proximity tropes, set against the charming backdrop of Copenhagen. Sol and Erik's story had intriguing potential, with Sol's career ambitions and Erik's wary heart adding depth. However, the writing felt abrupt, making it challenging to fully connect with the characters or the progression of their relationship. While it could have benefited from more development, this book is a light, enjoyable read for fans of romantic comedies.

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DNF at 30%

I love a fake dating/forced proximity situation, unfortunately, the writing did not do it for me. It felt very stilted and I could not get to know the characters. Like I said, I wanted to love it and the story felt like it could be great! If you can get around the writing I'm sure this could be a great read for you!

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

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Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Paula Ottoni for the early access copy of Never Date a Roommate.

Never Date a Roommate tells the story of Sol, a Brazilian game developer who is trying to grow her career in Denmark. After unfortunate circumstances Sol must find a new place to live. In comes Erik, who is looking for a roommate, but has no interest in getting to know or be involved with his roommate after his last experience. Sol convinces Erik to take her in as a roommate, but then finds herself in a situation where she needs a fake boyfriend. Can she convince Erik to help her take down their mutual nemesis by fake dating? Will the lines blur?

This is a fake dating, force proximity romance. While the premise of the story was intriguing, the writing style felt abrupt. which often pulled me out of the story.

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Review to come…

I really love the cover ❤️
The description is very intriguing.
This is a new author to me.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC

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I really liked the synopsis of this book, but I don't think it was well executed.

The story felt very choppy in a way, like there wasn't really a proper flow from scene to scene or chapter to chapter. I had a hard time following what was happening in some cases. I did like most of the characters, but that was overshadowed by the disconnected plot. Even the romantic relationship between Sol and Erik seemed very sudden and a little forced. There wasn't much tension or banter, and it felt like they just got together because it was convenient. To me, it seemed more like a physical attraction that forced a relationship and it wasn't very natural. Even the conflict at the end and her decision to just leave before even talking to him was so out of pocket considering she knew that was his biggest concern when it came to them dating.

it is possible that the writing just isn't for me, but I do think this could have been fleshed out a little better.

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This was a light, fun, remarkably fast read.

Maybe a little too fast!

While there were aspects of this book that I really enjoyed, it ultimately felt rushed, especially in it’s resolution. I’m not saying every book needs a lengthy epilogue, but this conclusion felt abrupt. I wish there had been about 50 more pages – maybe slow down the transition from roommates to fake dating to actually dating. Sol falling so fast and then, later, giving up so fast both make her seem a little immature.

I did, for the most part, enjoy both main characters, just wish they’d been a little more developed. I loved getting the insight into Copenhagen and Danish culture.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. No glaring issues, just wish there had been more. A good book, but slightly underdeveloped.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the advanced reader copy of this book, provided in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

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This book has the trifecta of tropes I love: roommates, forced proximity, and fake dating. It’s a short, sweet read. Lots of tender moments and the spice is just right. The only complaint I have is that it could have been longer to flesh out the relationship better, but honestly a very enjoyable read I got through in an afternoon.

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“Never Date a Roommate” by Paula Ottoni is her debut English-language adult romance. It’s a delightful journey through the cozy streets of Copenhagen, where love blooms unexpectedly in the most mundane of places, like your very own apartment.

Meet Sol Carvalho. She’s a Brazilian game developer, dreams of advancing her career in the happiest city on earth: Copenhagen. But beneath the city's charming facade of cozy sweaters and hot cocoa lies a vibrant culture waiting to be explored. Sol's boss dangles a promotion, but there's a catch: she needs a steady place to live and a significant other. Unfortunately, Sol has neither. That is until she hatches a plan: convince Viking look-alike Erik Storm to be her roommate and, perhaps, her fake boyfriend.

Meet Erik. He is scarred by a past roommate disaster, is wary. He lost everything: the app he developed, his job, and his peace of mind. Yet, Sol's proposition intrigues him. As long as he can ignore her captivating presence and the way she fills a room with her broad chest and stoic brooding, he might just agree. After all, their mutual tech nemesis awaits defeat.

But lines blur, and their ruse becomes more than just a game. As Sol and Erik navigate their fake relationship, they discover that sometimes the heart doesn't follow the rules. Can they trust their feelings this time, or will history repeat itself?

“Never Date a Roommate” is a heartwarming tale that balances humour, chemistry, and vulnerability. Ottoni's writing is fresh and engaging, capturing the essence of Copenhagen's streets and the quirky dynamics of shared living spaces. Here's why this book deserves a resounding five stars:

Sol and Erik leap off the pages with their distinct personalities. Sol's determination and wit are irresistible, while Erik's brooding exterior hides a tender heart. Their banter crackles, and their chemistry sizzles. The fake relationship trope is executed brilliantly. Sol and Erik's interactions create a delightful tension. Their emotional journey feels authentic and relatable.

Amid the laughter, there are poignant moments that tug at your heartstrings. Sol's vulnerability and Erik's hidden scars make them endearing. You'll root for their happily-ever-after. The subplot involving their mutual tech nemesis adds intrigue. As Sol and Erik work together, the stakes rise, and the lines between fake and real blur. Ottoni weaves this thread seamlessly into the romance.

Copenhagen comes alive in Ottoni's prose. From cobblestone streets to cozy cafes, readers will yearn to explore this enchanting city. The blend of Brazilian and Danish cultures adds depth to the narrative.

In “Never Date a Roommate”, Ottoni crafts a romance that warms your soul and leaves you smiling. Whether you're a fan of enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, or quirky roommates, this book delivers. So grab a cup of cocoa, snuggle into your favourite sweater, and immerse yourself in Sol and Erik's charming world. Mark your calendars, fellow romantics, because this is a love story worth experiencing. You won't regret it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin Romance, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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As soon as Erik said they would not be romantically involved it was game over for him. The Danish setting was fantastic, mentions lots of places that I had to google just to see for myself. Includes Brazilian culture as well. Opposites attract. Fake dating was believable, it was short but fulfilling.

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I adored this cover and almost never turn down a roommates-turned-lovers premise, but this one I just didn't connect with. Loved the foreign setting - Copenhagen is never in romances and I was so glad to read about it!, loved that the heroine was from Brazil, and I liked that she was in the gaming industry. But the storytelling didn't grab me and at times it felt unrealistic to me. Also, the chemistry between the roommates was just meh.

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Paula Ottoni's 'Never Date a Roommate' Sol Carvalho, a determined Brazilian game developer on a mission to advance her career, has moved to Copenhagen, the happiest city on earth. Unfortunately, as she navigates the challenges of her professional life, she faces a dilemma – she needs a stable living situation and a fake boyfriend to secure a coveted promotion. Enter Erik Storm, a Viking look-alike with a troubled past involving roommates. Despite his reservations, Sol convinces Erik to take a chance on her plan, sparking a delightful dance of fake romance and real feelings.

Ottoni's storytelling is filled with humor, heart, and Nordic charm. The chemistry between Sol and Erik crackles off the page, drawing readers into their witty banter and simmering tension. From Copenhagen's picturesque streets to its vibrant culture, the city becomes a character in the story, adding depth and richness to the narrative.
With its lovable characters, sizzling romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, 'Never Date a Roommate' is a delightful romp that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages.

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