This book was a delight. Page Powars has created a wonderfully relatable story about a trans teenager that most trans teens themselves can find something in to relate to. I found myself laughing and smiling and rolling my eyes while reading this book, which I think is a marker of excellent YA romance. While this book does follow some cliches of the genre, I can easily look past it because queer people deserve books like this. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

Thanks to Netgallery I got to read this book as an arc! This book is so cute it the perfect palette cleanser after what I’ve been reading. Plus it a perfect romantic comedy. If you like Ouran High School host Club you will love this book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan & Page Powars for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a fun boarding school coming of age romance story. The full cast of characters was absolutely delightful and our two leads were so endearing. I loved watching Charlie find his people and his place. I love seeing more trans stories hitting our shelves. Trans folk should see themselves more often in art and others need to learn more about their experiences.

I’d been looking forward to this book for a long time because it sounded like such an interesting premise. Charlie, a young trans guy, is living stealth at his new all boys boarding school only to be put in a room with Jasper, the boy who broke his heart years ago at summer camp. But Jasper doesn’t recognize Charlie after his transition. What will happen if he figures out Charlie’s secret… and will sparks fly between the two again as they have to work together writing love letters on behalf of the other students at school?

I’m honestly so sad that I didn’t end up enjoying this book more. But I found it hard to concentrate on the parts I was liking, because what annoyed me about the book just overpowered my reading experience. So many of the side characters were ridiculous caricatures instead of actual people. There were too many kooky, quirky characters and situations for me to be able to feel invested in what was going on because nothing felt real. Additionally, I didn’t feel like the chemistry and romance between Charlie and Jasper was developed enough. It was so rushed at the end. The plot about the love letters seemed like it was overtaking the book to the point where there wasn’t enough time for character development or moving the zany caricatures into fleshed out people.

I think if the book sounds interesting to you and you know that you enjoy a sillier tone in books then this might work for you. The story about academic pressures, being closeted in a traditional institution, and healing from old heartbreak does still shine through all the wacky situations in the book at times.

Want to read something fun, fluffy, and laugh-out-loud funny? Save this for your TBR and pick it up once it’s out! Honestly, this book was just a good time! The characters are heartfelt, quirky, and relatable— and while the story is somewhat predictable and silly at times, it’s still a blast to read and a perfect fluff story for when you need a break from the gloom and doom of reality (or your other reads, depending on your tastes). The cover absolutely matches the vibe of the story, the title is perfect for it, and this book truly delivers what it sought out to achieve. I hope you choose to read this, and enjoy!

“Two roommates. One secret. A lot of love letters.” Charlie is a new student at an all-boys school. He hopes to excel academically and avoid drawing attention to himself. However, everything changes when he encounters Jasper Grimes, the boy who broke his heart before he transitioned.
I don't even know where to start. The characters and storyline connected so well. The sub-story about Strip was unique and well done so well. The tension between Charle and Jasper made me excited to see where the book was going to go. One issue I often find with books is that they tend to resolve conflicts too quickly for my taste. I would have preferred to see the characters reconnect as friends before diving into a deeper relationship. Aside from that, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read.

If you enjoyed Borrow a Boyfriend club you’ll enjoy And They Were Roommates! It was funny, entertaining, and the pacing was good. I’ll be purchasing a copy for my school library.

As soon as I saw that the MC was a transman, I needed to read it IMMEDIATELY! Trans books have my whole heart.

Charlie just wants to survive Valentine's Academy for Boys, but theres been a mistake, 1. he has a roommate. 2. his roommate is the first person that ever broke his heart. How is he meant to keep his identity hidden with a roommate as obnoxious as Jasper Grimes?

This book was very enjoyable. An easy read, a heartwarming ending, and a lovable cast of characters. I particularly enjoyed the side characters diverse personalities and how they all supported Charlie even if he didn't fully realize their involvement. I felt like Charlie's attitude toward love wasn't always logical, but it only made me want to understand him more. I really related to his mindset as a transman, desperately wanting to blend in, become invisible, and garner zero spotlight. But by letting a select few in, he was able to feel more confident and comfortable.

3.75—This was such a good time! There was something about the setting, the characters, and the various dynamics which were very reminiscent of Ouran High School Host Club. iykyk.

Overall, I felt this had the right about goofiness to offset the stress Charlie is under, and a lot of these moments paved the way for heartfelt connections between him and the other boys. Without them I do not think this would have been as successful of a story, plus it’s funny to see how strange boys can be in their own environment. I also liked that, despite Charlie’s worries, his identity was not made into a crisis by those around him—the other accepted him, the faculty listened, and it didn’t overshadow his experience of just being a boy who is falling in love despite the awkward situation he finds himself in. This was clunky and moody and so representative of being a teenager which was very endearing, though sometimes also meant certain moments felt overblown—but again, teenager. There was a layer of improbability and ridiculousness that simultaneously kept this entire story afloat while also making certain things difficult for me as a reader. (Fine, it was the uniforms. I had to dissociate from what they were intended to look like for my own sanity. I couldn’t get into a romance when they were all dressed like THAT. Sry.)

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an ARC of this to read and review!

1 Sentence Summary: On Charlie’s first day of school at Valentine Academy for Boys, his plan to hide his identity as the school’s only trans student comes crumbling down when he is assigned Jasper Grimes as a roommate—the boy who broke Charlie’s heart the summer before he transitioned; at least Jasper doesn’t recognize Charlie, but how long will he be able to pull this off without revealing himself?

My Thoughts: 3.5 stars rounded up! The whole premise of this book was absurd, but in a funny/entertaining way. My main complaint was that I wasn’t very invested in the romance because I found the love interest, Jasper, to be so obnoxious.

Overall, this was a fun read full of secret clubs, boarding school shenanigans, stress & panic, crazy schemes, poetry writing, new friends, trans representation, and teenage romance.

I did like the author’s first book, The Borrow a Boyfriend Club, a lot better, but this one was still pretty good.

Recommend to: Fans of boarding school romance and love letters.

(Warnings: swearing)

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars is a heartfelt, charming, and refreshingly wholesome YA romance that’s equal parts sweet and hilarious. The story follows Charlie, a trans teen starting fresh at Valentine Academy for Boys, where he’s determined to keep his identity under wraps and just focus on surviving high school. But his plans are immediately derailed when he’s assigned the worst possible roommate: Jasper Grimes, the boy who broke his heart years ago—back before Charlie transitioned. The catch? Jasper doesn’t recognize him. Charlie agrees to help Jasper write love letters for their classmates in exchange for a shot at getting a single dorm room, but of course, spending late nights discussing romance and feelings with your crush (who doesn’t know it’s you) is bound to get messy. The miscommunication between Charlie and Jasper feels so authentic—like, yeah, these are two teenage boys who are bad at feelings, and it’s both frustrating and endearing in the best way.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how it handles Charlie’s identity. In a world where trans characters often face overt transphobia in stories, it’s incredibly refreshing to see a narrative where Charlie’s struggles are more internal—centered on passing, fitting in, and navigating his own fears and insecurities. It’s a story that feels hopeful and affirming, and it’s so needed, especially for trans readers looking for representation that doesn’t revolve around trauma. Charlie is such a relatable protagonist, and his journey of self-acceptance and finding love is beautifully done.

Overall, And They Were Roommates is a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, and deeply touching read. It’s a story about love, identity, and the messy, beautiful process of figuring out who you are. Whether you’re a fan of YA romance or just looking for a book that’ll make you smile, this one’s a winner. I absolutely adored it!

This was like She’s the Man hit for real. It was so cute and I loved the characters and the acceptance and love. It was a good read. Heartwarming.

A really cute book about a second chance at love when everything about you has changed.

I really liked this book, I loved the characters and I feel like the secondary ones gave it a lot of substance to the world that surrounds them, I would have even liked to see more of them and get to know their stories, and while the two main character were not my favourite I did learn to love them too.

In general, the development of the relationship between the two main characters was a little weak at times, mostly because they could just not communicate but once you remember they are teenagers and chances are you were much worst I feel like it's easy to let it go and enjoy it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review

4.5/5. This was so cute and fun! The writing was delightful and the characters were quirky and unique. Charlie is a wonderful ball of stress (rightfully so) who has so much going on that we actually struggle to get to know him outside of his problems, but we do get glimpses of a boy who cares for his friends and family, works so hard, and is incredibly smart. Jasper is…. Delightfully odd. He’s dramatic and can be self absorbed, or at least that’s how Charlie sees him at first. But he cares so deeply and tries so hard.

The side characters are nothing short of delightful. There’s no other word for this crew of opposites attract friends. I love how Charlie is so self conscious, but the other boys won’t let him push them away. They fight to get let in to his little bubble and he finally caves, creating a lovely found family.

The romance is also fun, but a bit more of the side plot than I imagined. However, the way this book is written, I have no issues with it not being as front and center. I love working through Charlie’s struggles of accepting himself, making and keeping friends, and making rank. The addition of him being attracted to his roommate and ex semi-boyfriend feels like a delightful extra.

The only thing I wish we’d been able to see more of is jasper’s struggles. Through Charlie’s eyes, he doesn’t struggle, but we know he does. At the end of the day, I want even more from these characters because they were so fun.

I loved this story so much! It was such a fun and sweet story. Rooomates to lovers. I enjoyed the overall premise as well as the characters.

Thank you so much for the arc and the chance for this adventure!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was everything I had hoped it would be! I loved the one sided enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and I think Charlie and Jasper’s relationship was really well written overall. Anytime there was a lack of communication or miscommunication, it felt like there was a genuine reason for it, so it wasn’t as frustrating as miscommunication often is. I think one of my favourite things about this book is the total lack of transphobia and homophobia. There is kind of a looming threat of it (which comes from being in a school that places a lot of value on tradition) but that’s it. I also really enjoyed the platonic relationships between Charlie and the other characters. I loved his character growth, and the way he and his friends looked out for each other. There was just such a sweet community vibe throughout the book that made it really comforting to read.

There was only one thing that I didn’t particularly like. Throughout the book, Jasper is referenced as winning the “Sexiest Poet of the Year” award. But like... he’s 16. Is this award only for highschoolers? Because if so I don’t think there should be an award ranking highschool poets based on sexiness. And if this is an award for all poets, then I feel like it should probably be 18+. Obviously, that is a very minor issue and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book overall, but it came up enough that I felt like I had to talk about it.

*2.5
And see, I'm well aware they were roommates, but were they very original? I don't want to make a snap judgement after only two books, but Page Powars seems to write books based on different aspects of Ouran High School Host Club, or even just the same aspect. The Borrow A Boyfriend Club was very clear about that, but while I was expecting a tropey roommates romance out of this book, a large portion of it relied on, you guessed it, a secret club of rich teenage boys seducing under the guise of an academic pursuit. I didn't like the main characters in this one as much as BAB, especially because I felt like Charlie could be self-centered at times (valid for a teenage boy, but it bothered me how he treated some friends), and I didn't like how theatrical Jasper was; it was like if Tamaki was somehow even more insane yet less beguiling. I love a good spoof of Ouran, TRUST, but it blindsided me given I was expecting more original plotlines in this one than the last one.

I love books set at boarding schools, which is what initially drew me to And They Were Roommates by Page Powars. I also liked the forced proximity premise, but I didn’t especially love the whole secret society plot. It made sense that students on the boys’ side of the campus would want to secretly correspond with the girls’ side, but I just didn’t understand why literally everyone would outsource the writing of their letters. I also thought it was jarring how much the Excellence Scholar status was referenced by other students.

However, I genuinely liked the main character, Charlie, and could relate to his anxiety about starting at a new school sophomore year and trying to fit in.
I also appreciated the trans representation and Charlie’s character development over the course of the semester. I would recommend this book to fans of David Leviathan.

LGBTQ+ rep: trans male MC, multi-attraction but undefined LI, achillean side character

Summary: Charlie is all set for his first year at St Valentine's Academy as it's Excellence Scholar - all he has to do is keep his grades up enough to be Top 5 in his class, and keep his head down, and he's good to go! Unfortunately, things go wrong from the start: an unexpected gym class, a confusing campus, and worst of all, a roommate! And not just any roommate - the boy he was in love with 2 years ago, before he transitioned. Desperate for a single room, Charlie agrees to help Jasper write love letters on behalf of their fellow boys for their counterparts at the sister academy. Can Charlie get his grades up, learn how to write love letters, and make friends without letting Jasper know his secret? Only one way to find out...

Review:

This book is for you if:
- you want a light-hearted romance that is lots of FUN!
- a trans main character written by an own-voice author
- a delicious roommate boarding school romance

This side characters ended up being my favorite parts of this book, they added lots of dimension to the story and they made me smile. The reasons I'm not giving this book full marks are that I found Charlie to be too passive at times - *everyone* has to take a gym class and it's described in the welcome packet and yet somehow he misses it? He scrimps and saves for the single room fee but doesn't send it in himself or follow up about it? I wanted him to take a little more ownership. Second, I wished we had gotten more of a glimpse into Jasper and Charlie's first meeting at summer camp - so much of their romance and dynamic rode on the fact that they'd met before, but because we'd skipped that, I was left feeling like something was missing. Also I wish we'd gotten to read more of Jasper's writing/poetry, since that was supposedly what made Charlie fall for him in the first place.

I absolutely flew through this book, lovely and engaging read!

rating — 1.5 out of 5 stars.

no one is more disappointed about this rating than me. i’ve had this book on my tbr for literal years (genuinely since like 2022/2023), but it did not live up to my expectations at all :( i spent so much of the book waiting — waiting to see a speck of chemistry between charlie and jasper, waiting for charlie to show us some of those famous brains of his. seriously, how the fuck did he beat out thousands of people for this scholarship just to have this school beat his ass constantly? i understand the adjustment period makes narrative sense for anyone in a new place, but having him constantly be intimidated by everyone’s brains when HE is supposed to be genius-level felt a little silly.

one of the best ways i can describe reading this is that it felt like the author had a fabulous time brainstorming for this book, but struggled to string everything together. it felt like a lot of energy was spent on coming up with things that were supposed to be funny or ~quirky~ or whatever that didn’t quite land for me (things like robby’s horse trading cards or blaze’s entire deal. which was exhausting, by the way). i really loved the concept of the book, and there was a lot of possibility with STRIP and the whole ranking system (the whole silliness of the valentine homages throughout the school!! the pin thing!! obsessed with that) but the execution fell so flat for me.

don’t even get me started on there being not one, but TWO hugely famous 15 year old poets associated with this academy. lmfao. i don’t care how good of a school it is, how the fuck are P.M. and jasper selling tens of thousands of their rupi kaur knockoff poetry??? how did they get these pub deals?? one of my niche pet peeves in books is when characters randomly have a huge social media presence for no reason. why the hell does jasper have one million followers? ONE MILLION? the school famously does not allow phones during the school year, so how the hell did he get those? what does he even do? sorry if this is nitpicky, but it’s something that always irritates me so i’m hyper aware of it. it’s easier to let things like that go when the book is good otherwise, but there really wasn’t much i liked about it. please don’t text, i’m in mourning about it.