I had a tough time with this book. I really tried. It wasn't for me.
It was dual timelines with the main characters.... during covid; enemies to lovers second chance romance.
2 stars.

I thought this book started off quite well though I don't know why it had to be set during the beginning of Covid, especially now we're 4yrs on and most people just want to forget it happened. But I suppose the author needed a plausible reason two strangers would end up being forced to live together at a moment's notice.

Aria and Gabriel met 3yrs prior and things got hot and heavy very quickly, but then Aria put a stop to it as it was moving too fast for her and Gabriel lashed out at her (vocally, not physically) before heading home to his roommates where he proceeded to bitch about her even further. Gabriel was the owner of a successful gaming company and some of his roommates were incel-leaning and took to social media to pile on Aria and things went from bad to worse for her.

Gabriel ran away and hid from the world so never knew how bad it got for Aria but it took Aria a long time to get over it, even though she used it to her advantage in her writing. So it's understandable she hates him when she realises he's her new roommate and she asks him to leave, but he refuses.

Eventually Gabriel works out what Aria went through and feels even more guilty that he did nothing to stop it, which of course he should feel guilty, even if he didn't have the power to stop it, he could have said something but he didn't. He issued an apology through his company lawyer and wondered why that wasn't good enough for Aria.

To make matters worse, Aria takes only a matter of days to forgive Gabriel then when she decides she wants to have a friends with benefits arrangement, Gabriel does exactly what he did the first time she asked him to stop and turns into a complete arsehole, berating her for wanting just sex. Clearly he hasn't learnt anything after finding out what Aria went through! It really turned me against Gabriel and it ruined the rest of the story for me as I really didn't want him to win the girl back.

Thanks to NetGalley and Independent Book Publishers Association for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

This book has a lot on its plate and I wanted to love it for that -- but it might have been too much to shove into one book. Overall it comes off a bit shallow and the characters and their story lack depth.

Aria's story is a very real and relevant -- I think the story of bullying and sexual assault deserves more air time. It's the most redeeming part of this whole thing.

A very genuine and witty read. It didn't read like a cliche. It didn't leave you doing that "oh come on, really?"
The relationship gathering loyalty, charm and tenderness was really well done.
I liked the pair of them and really enjoyed where this went and how it got there.

2.5 stars rounded up. This was a relatively timely tale dealing with the pandemic and #metoo. I guess I just never really felt connected to the characters. It was interesting to see some serious issues in a romance, but it didn't totally work for me.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

The Trouble with Roommates by Marie K. Savage is a fun and lighthearted romantic comedy that dives into the ups and downs of living with someone who just might turn out to be more than a friend. Savage captures the humor and awkwardness of navigating unexpected romantic tension between roommates, while also delivering plenty of heart.

The story follows two protagonists who start out as reluctant roommates, and as their personalities clash, sparks inevitably fly. What begins as a series of misunderstandings and humorous situations soon develops into a heartfelt romance. Savage’s writing is sharp, witty, and full of entertaining dialogue, making the characters’ banter enjoyable and the story captivating.

One of the highlights of The Trouble with Roommates is its relatable depiction of modern living arrangements and the sometimes hilarious complexities that come with sharing space with someone. The chemistry between the characters is built up naturally, with moments of both tension and tenderness that keep the reader hooked. The supporting cast adds extra charm and helps to create a warm, dynamic atmosphere throughout the book.

Overall, The Trouble with Roommates is a charming, feel-good read that’s perfect for fans of romantic comedies. Marie K. Savage brings humor, heart, and a little chaos to this delightful roommate-to-lovers tale, making it an enjoyable escape.

A big thank you to Marie Savage, NetGalley, and Blank Slate Communications for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: The Trouble With Roommates by Marie K. Savage

Marie K. Savage’s The Trouble With Roommates is a contemporary romance that goes beyond the usual tropes of forced proximity, plunging its characters into a situation marked by real-world challenges: the Covid-19 pandemic. The novel centers around two characters with a complex, painful history—Aria Turner, a journalist whose career and personal life were nearly destroyed by online harassment, and Gabriel Landon, a tech entrepreneur with an army of toxic fanboys who were responsible for much of that harassment. When a twist of fate (or rather, a sublease mix-up) forces the two to become unexpected roommates as the world begins to shut down, Savage uses this premise to explore themes of forgiveness, growth, and unexpected connections in the most intense of circumstances.

At the heart of the novel is the fraught relationship between Aria and Gabriel. Their initial tension is palpable, fueled by their shared traumatic past—Aria still bears the scars of relentless cyberbullying following a public kiss, while Gabriel’s career and reputation were tarnished by the fallout of that same incident. Savage does a masterful job of weaving in their complicated backstory, gradually peeling back layers of resentment and misunderstanding as the story unfolds. The dynamic between the two is a slow burn, simmering with unresolved tension, but Savage builds it in such a way that their eventual reconciliation and romance feel earned rather than rushed.

One of the novel’s strengths is how it tackles the real-world challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead of treating the pandemic as mere background noise, The Trouble With Roommates integrates the anxieties, uncertainties, and emotional toll of that time directly into the story. The characters’ reactions to the pandemic—debates about safety measures, fears of loved ones falling ill, and the feeling of helplessness in the face of a global crisis—are authentic and add layers of depth to the story. It also places the romance within a larger context, reminding the reader that love, forgiveness, and healing often take place against the backdrop of real-world crises.

However, this novel is not for the faint of heart. It addresses serious issues such as online bullying, misogyny, doxing, sexual assault, and suicide. These topics are handled with care, but readers should be aware that they play a significant role in shaping the characters and their journey. The story doesn’t shy away from showing the impact that these traumas have had on Aria and Gabriel, and it’s through their shared experiences of pain and redemption that their romance blossoms. Savage effectively conveys the emotional weight of these topics while still crafting a love story that ultimately feels hopeful and redemptive.

One potential downside is the overtly political nature of some of the conversations between characters, particularly regarding the pandemic. Some readers might find these moments heavy-handed, especially if they’re looking for an escapist romance. However, others may appreciate how the novel reflects the divisive, politically charged atmosphere of the time, as it gives a sense of authenticity and timeliness to the narrative.

Overall, The Trouble With Roommates is an intense, emotionally charged romance that successfully blends real-world events with the personal struggles of its characters. Marie K. Savage offers a nuanced exploration of forgiveness, second chances, and the possibility of love emerging from even the most fraught of circumstances. Readers who enjoy romance novels with a deeper emotional and social core will find much to appreciate here. But be warned: this is not a light, fluffy read—it’s a story that confronts serious issues head-on, while still offering a heartwarming payoff for those who stick with it.

Rating: 4/5

Having never had roommates I was intrigued! This book is packed with many many topics and perhaps some triggers. The pandemic lockdown brought back definite memories of my own which mixed in with the book. Well done.

Thank you to @netgally for the advanced copy of this book.
This story was centred around the pandemic and the lockdowns in New York City. Unfortunately for me this book didn’t really grab my attention and I couldn’t get lost in the book. I liked the concept of the story and the tropes, but the plot didn’t really develop for me.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️.9/5 (2.9 stars)
Tropes:
🌃 Second chance romance
🌃 Enemies to lovers
🌃 Pandemic lockdown
🌃Roommates

I started reading this book, and started to truly enjoy it! It was a fast read until the details started becoming harder to untangle in my opinion. Once the details began, I started overthinking and could no longer picture myself within the book and put myself in their shoes. It was a minor enemies to lovers trope and I wanted a stronger connection between the two. I did finish it though and overall was an okay book.

This book is a journey between Aria and Gabriel, and fighting against your inner demons and society’s expectations. We explore is someone inherently bad because of locker room talk when they are pissed off. Is someone inherently broken because of things that happened to them when they were young. Can someone truly fall in love at first sight? Is giving someone a second chance worth it? Plus the added threat of when everything was happening with Covid-19 shutdowns/lockdowns. It’s a journey that makes you self reflect and think how you may or may not have handle situations any different than these characters. Take a chance with this book and add another roommate to your shelf. Thank you Netgallery, Marie K. Savage and Layla Dog Press for choosing me to be an arc reader for this book.

**Thank you to Layla Dog Press for this free digital review copy.**

I really enjoyed this story about two characters with a very damaging past who reunited unexpectedly and rediscovery what their relationship could have been. The discussion around online bullying and the ways that especially women continue to be mistreated felt relevant and I expect many readers will identify with Aria's story in some way or another. However, I did not enjoy the ultra-specific setting in the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is hard for me to really pin down, but something about the conversations around the pandemic felt awkward and maybe stereotypical – we saw the deniers, the disbelieving, and the ultra-cautious, and I think my main issue was that Gabriel's character came across as almost too conscientious, like he was trying too hard. For a guy who'd made such huge mistakes, he seemed weirdly too perfect, and it kept me from really loving the book.

DNF @ 53%

This was a very reluctant DNF, but I just did not gel with this book. There is a lot to admire here - I really appreciated what the author was trying to do. The reason they hate each other is genuinely bad and I thought that was a very brave writing choice. The book in general touches on some difficult topics, again, something I thought was very brave in a romance book.

However, I just did not really feel this book as a <i>romance</i>. The chemistry was really lacking for me and I didn't really get their relationship. Gabriel, the MMC, had genuine work to do to make up for his past behaviour, but it felt a bit like the book skipped a lot of that. I also didn't really see why the book had to be set during the Covid pandemic; I think it would have worked just as well if there was another reason forcing them to remain living together, because Covid really had very, very little impact on the story.

The main thing though was I found this book quite dry - not a lot actually happened and some of the scenes and conversations began to feel a little repetitive.

That said, I did think the writing itself was quite solid and very readable - I thought I was going to power through it, to be honest - but I just wasn't really enjoying it. The ideas in it are interesting, but they almost felt too big for this book. It's certainly ambitious, but it wasn't the book for me I'm afraid. I'm giving a rating of 3 stars though because I think the book in general is decent, even if it isn't my cup of tea.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Covid-19 pandemic, death threats, bullying, cyber bullying, harassment, home invasion, animal cruelty, sexual harassment, rape threats, absent parent.

This book definitely attracted me because of its intriguing plot. It's set in COVID-19. Which I haven't heard of in a lot of stories. So, that was pretty interesting. The romance was pretty cute too. Gabriel definitely had a lot of grovelling to do, which was fun to read. And I'm so glad they found their happily ever after.

The Trouble With Roommates by Marie K. Savage was an interesting contemporary romance.
Well thought out characters and a really believable plot.

I should start by saying that romance has never been a go-to genre for me. But I'm a writer and have been working on a novel with forced proximity and another novel reimagining a classic romance.

So in a way, I approached this book as research, but that ended up not mattering -- I got caught up in the story and the characters and forgot I was doing "research" altogether = )

The writing is really seamless and natural, and there are little nuggets that are fun and playful and unexpected, times when I felt like the writer was giving me a subtle wink, like "This is a book, yeah? You're reading it. I wrote it. We're having a moment here." I love that ^_^

I also really enjoyed spending time with the characters. That's a must for me, and I was actually bummed when I finished the book because it meant *not* spending time with them anymore.

Kinda related -- and not sure how this plays into the world of contemporary romance at large -- but I felt like equality and consent are almost unspoken characters in this book, but in a way that honestly never ever got cringey (as I've seen in movies, TV, etc.). Those themes are always there, but never on the nose, and the sexiness, steaminess, spiciness -- whatever you wanna call it -- does NOT take a backseat ; )

Along those lines, I felt like this book is in converation with a lot of the conventions I've associated with romance, and just flipped a bunch of them upside down = ) For me, it was a fun surprise and actually makes me curious to read more contemporary romance and see what I've been missing = )

A romance story following the familiar troupe of enemies to lovers. The romance itself was okay, but some of the way that the early stages of the pandemic were portrayed was distracting in its unreality. Things like the main characters mother making and giving out masks before Christmas 2019, way before COVID even came to the US and the dialogue discussing things that came to be issues, but were not widespread at the time of the story was quite annoying and lowered my overall enjoyment of the story.

The Covid setting of this book was super interesting and not something I’ve come across often at all which drew me in as it was something different. Aria and Gabriel had excellent banter and there was times where I would actually giggle out loud. There was definitely some times I felt connected to the characters as their story went on which to me is always a good thing!
All in all trouble in roommate is a good read, if you enjoy enemies to lovers, laugh out loud, and social message tropes in a book, I recommend as the perfect weekend read!

After reading the synopsis for this book I couldn’t wait to start reading it, but unfortunately this book was not for me. It gets 2 stars for the interesting setting (during the start of the covid-19 pandemic) and the hard topics it delt with (online bullying, incel culture, harassment of women, etc.), but that’s about all I enjoyed. I found Gabriel’s and Aria’s relationship cute at times, but couldn’t really relate to them as individuals. Aria just flat out confused me by how she contradicted herself at times (ex: when she claimed to hate Gabriel but was upset he didn’t come home to eat the dinner she made him), and Gabriel still gave me the ick a lot of the times with how he talked about and viewed Aria. Also this book moves FAST with the events taking place between March and October 2020. The last few chapters honestly gave me a bit of whiplash, I was just coming around to the idea of them dating and being in love when suddenly they’re engaged and then promptly married. I would’ve loved more time spent letting Gabriel and Aria get out of their “enemies era” before jumping into the romance.

Overall, this just wasn’t the book for me, but it was still an entertaining read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

the setting of the book was pretty interesting but the pace seemed a bit off and the ending was kinda rushed. i wished it had a more slow burn enemies to lovers build-up. i enjoyed some parts of the book, this book had so much potential.