This was a beautifully done romance novel, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the way this was used in the description. The plot was everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the overall concept of this book. Claire Forsythe has a strong writing style and that the characters had that feel that I was looking for.

A sweet slow burn romance. Jess and Sydney meet on a train and it is instant chemistry. They chat and flirt and agree to meet up again but Sydney misses the train. Weeks later Jess is still thinking about the woman she met on the train. Jess has a fiancé, her boyfriend of eight years so her interest in perplexing to her. When she lets her best friend select their new roommate she is stunned when Sydney moves in. Sydney also hasn’t forgotten Jess but tries to respect her boundaries and relationship. But the attraction is still there.

I like that they can have outings as friends giving them time to know each other better. Side characters like Sydney’s sister and nephew are great. Jess has her salon owners who are giving their input as well. But the book reads slowly. Sydney respects Jess’s relationship so even though they are doing things together they aren’t flirting or upping the will they/won’t they tension. But otherwise I have no negatives other than Jess needs to communicate better. Which she learns to do. I also like how much everything is tied up by the ending. (3.5 Stars)

Good start. Knew from the blurb they would be unexpected room mates and was a bit impatient for that to start. The first meeting as room mates I felt so sorry for Sydney. Keen to read more.
Dream scene didn't work for me. I enjoyed the book but felt the forbidden longing went on a bit. Enjoyed some bits above a 3, but other bits a bit less, so settled to a 3.

Thank you so much to Claire Forsythe, NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an ARC! This review is my honest opinion.

I started this book around three hours ago and have just finished it, I didn't put it down once - it was so gripping and compelling.

Overall, I loved the plot, I loved the characters (except Austin; fuck you, Austin), I loved everything about it.

Jess; I enjoyed Jess's character, I think it was very relatable although she did frustrate me occasionally. She basically thought she was straight her entire life, she is in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend but then she realises that she may not be so straight after all... I understand why she was so reluctant when it came to her feelings - realising your sexuality might not be what you thought it was is overwhelming! I do think she should have had better communication though. Other than that, I loved her.


Sydney; Sydney might be my favourite character, I adore her so much. She was very mature and level-headed, I found her to be a beautifully written character. I don't have much to say about her character because I didn't notice any flaws - she was right to be hurt and hesitant, but I did love how she overcame it and allowed herself to love Jess.

Austin; I have no words for Austin, fuck you Austin.

Chloe; I loved Chloe's character, she was a really good best friend. Although one plot hole is that the other friend that moved out, the previous roommate? She's never mentioned again. I felt bad for Chloe, I won't say why because it's a spoiler but I'm really glad she got her happy ending.

Pam & Violet; they were such perfect side characters, they were so nosy and lovable. Pam, always the mischievous one and then Violet, the more demure of the two! I really enjoyed having these two in this story, I think they just made it so much better.

Ben & Rachel; I don't have much to say about them either - I loved Rachel's sisterly protectiveness over Sydney! It was very realistic. I love reading about siblings bonds in books. As for Ben, he was a sweet side character, I really adored how he immediately bonded with Jess and was so friendly and sweet.

As a woman that loves women (a lot, so much), I think this book was perfect representation for us sapphics. Jess slowly realising her sexuality isn't what she thought it was, combined with Sydney's longing for Jess made for such a beautiful read.

This book was definitely insta-love, although there was a major slow burn for them to actually get together. It was filled with tension, longing and yearning. There was a spicy scene near the end, but there was so much built-up tension before it that it just made the scene more passionate.

I really did enjoy this book, the only reason why I didn't give it a 5🌟 was because I felt the situation between Austin and Jess was too cliche - I think she should have broken up with him much earlier than she did. Other than that, I would definitely recommend it! I am going to recommend it to a couple of friends that I know will enjoy it.

Again, thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-arc. I am really grateful and I had so much fun reading this book.

This is my first book by Claire Forsythe, and I absolutely adored it. Now, I want to go read her backlog.
The meeting was cute and fun. This book had the push and pull, angsty throughout. Yet, the MCs were able to have some kind of relationship. It was flirty and not too heavy.
The secondary characters were delightful and added to the story. From the co-workers to the sister and nephew, all were intricate. I loved the make-up scene and what it involved..
I look forward to more books by this author in the future.

This book fell very flat for me and I really struggled to finish. The chapters are unnecessarily long. The constant switch in character POVs was confusing.

This was a slow burn romance between Jess and Sydney. From them meeting on the train, then meeting again as roommate. There's quite a bit of angst and drama throughout this book, and a lot of back and forth by Jess. The characters are well written and the secondary characters are written too help the story move along. The romance between the main characters was believable and very entertaining at times. I would recommend this story and I look forward to what's next from this author.

Really enjoyed this book! I loved the premise & the way the story developed. The characters were extremely likeable and you are routing for them from the get go.

2.5 stars

The pacing of this book was a bit off. The middle dragged on for too long, and even though romances do typically have a shorter and fast-paced ending, it was more noticeable in this book. My other main critique is that the POV's weren't distinct enough. It was difficult to know who you were reading from until a name was mentioned, and the frequent shifting didn't help with that.

But I love slow burn romances and this was a good one. I enjoy the way Claire Forsythe writes romance and will pick up future books of hers.

2.5⭐ | A Promising Premise That Misses the Mark

I really wanted to enjoy The Roommate by Claire Forsythe. The setup had all the ingredients for a compelling slow-burn romance: an unexpected meet-cute, a forced proximity situation, and the added tension of forbidden attraction. Unfortunately, while there were moments that shone, the overall execution left me underwhelmed.

The premise had promise: Jess, a confident woman with her life seemingly in order, meets Sydney, a free-spirited woman who throws her emotions into turmoil. The idea of a housemate situation forcing them to confront their feelings sounded like a great setup for chemistry and tension. Sadly, that chemistry never quite landed for me. The attraction between Jess and Sydney felt more told than shown, making it difficult to root for their eventual connection.

What Worked:
- The meet-cute on the train was charming and set a strong foundation for what I hoped would be a great story.
- Sydney was a bright spot—likable and relatable, even when the narrative didn’t do her justice.
- Ben, Sydney’s nephew, added some warmth and levity to the story.


What Didn’t Work:

-Jess’s characterization: Her insistence on being “straight” felt forced and frustrating, especially when her actions clearly contradicted her words. Her unwillingness to let go of her awful boyfriend, despite obvious issues, dragged the story down.
-Pacing issues: While I love a good slow burn, this one felt unnecessarily drawn out. The push-pull dynamic between Jess and Sydney became repetitive and exhausting by the halfway point.
- Confusing POV shifts: The frequent switching between Jess and Sydney’s perspectives made it difficult to stay immersed in the story. It often took me a while to figure out whose head I was in, which disrupted the flow.
- The boyfriend trope: Jess’s boyfriend felt like a caricature of every bad romance trope. His awfulness was so over-the-top that it detracted from the narrative rather than enhancing it.

While the book is relatively short, it somehow felt like it dragged on, especially in the middle chapters. The obstacles keeping Jess and Sydney apart felt more like plot devices than organic conflicts, and their eventual resolution came too late to feel satisfying.

Ultimately, The Roommate wasn’t a bad book, but it failed to deliver on its potential. Fans of slow-burn romances might still find something to enjoy here, but for me, the lack of chemistry, pacing issues, and underdeveloped characters made this a frustrating read. It’s not one I’d revisit, but I can see how it might work for others looking for a low-stakes, slice-of-life romance.

A well written slow burn story that's humorous and captivating. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it.


Thanks NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

This was an enjoyable story. I was glad when Jess finally realized what a jerk Austin was. I knew all along that he was lying to her. So glad the two MC’s finally got together. Ben was a total sweetheart, and Rachel and Chloe were great character additions. Well done.

Jess and Sydney’s story begins with a sweet meet-cute on a train. Jess is on her way to yet another one of her dad’s weddings, frustrated by the whole situation, while Sydney is nursing the wounds of a recent breakup. A delayed train leads to an instant connection, and though they plan to meet again, life pulls them in different directions. Fate intervenes when Jess is searching for a new roommate with her friend Chloe—and who shows up but Sydney, the woman Jess can’t stop thinking about.

From there, the tension builds. Jess struggles with her feelings for Sydney, clinging to her relationship with her boyfriend despite the obvious sparks. Adding to the drama, Chloe confesses her own crush on Sydney, giving Jess another reason to keep her emotions buried. Sydney, however, remains patient, quietly holding out hope as she navigates her new living arrangement and deepening feelings for Jess.

This was a cute and enjoyable read, though Jess’s reluctance to break things off with her boyfriend dragged a bit. The story shines in its exploration of found family—especially Jess’s work crew—and Sydney’s sweet relationship with her sister.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of *The Roommate* in exchange for my honest review.

I love easy reads. The Roommate is one of those books where you can just pick it up and easily fall into the story, laugh at the jokes and feel the myriad of emotions the characters experience throughout the book.

Forced proximity is one of my favourite tropes to read about and this book absolutely delivered on it. What starts out as a chance encounter on the train for Jess turns into a real predicament when she realises her new roommate is the same woman from the train that brought out confusing feelings for Jess. Even though Jess has a boyfriend who she's convinced she's happy with.

Sydney on the other hand has no problem admitting that she's attracted to Jess. Hence, cue the constant hot and cold and highly tensed exchanges back and forth between the pair with tension so thick, you could cut it.

Lastly, the one thing i really liked about the book was how real and flawed the author kept the characters, they were relatable, frustrating and endearing. A well balanced story celebrating girlhood, friendship and love with a sprinkle of meddling families.

Jess Black has life all figured out. She has a job that she loves, and her boyfriend is handsome and successful. That’s why it comes as a shock when she meets a woman on the train who makes her pulse race. Maybe it would’ve been possible to put the surprise attraction behind her, but that becomes impossible when the woman she’s been trying so hard to forget moves into her spare room.

Sydney Fletcher has hit the reset button on her life after a devastating breakup necessitates a move. Her sister’s place is barely big enough for her sister and her nephew, so when Sydney spots a room to rent, she jumps at it. Imagine her surprise when her new housemate just happens to be the same woman who has been on her mind for weeks. But everything quickly turns sour and confusing when Jess gives her the cold shoulder. Maybe Sydney had read the signals all wrong that day? Jess fights to keep her feelings at bay and Sydney tries to keep her heart from getting involved. But the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to ignore how perfect they are for one another.

The chemistry between Jess and Sydney is great. The attraction between the two is obvious, but Jess denying it is chef's kiss. Been there, done that. So many of us have lived this experience. LOL. So relatable for me. The denying went on a bit too long for my taste, but it was still a fun read. I recommend this, especially if you're bi and went through a period of confusion and doubt as you were realizing it. 4⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I liked the storyline, the flirting and slow burn between Jess and Sydney. Lots of fun to follow them meeting on the train, meeting again as roommates and then the struggle for Jess to finally admit she is really into Sydney even though she is a woman.

Unfortunately I am not a fan of the writing style of the author, the story is just too wordy and drags on occasion so I almost lost interest. Overall a nice read though but it could have been so much better if the writing had dragged me in more than it did.

Humorous, sexy and captivating. I loved how the relationship between the main characters grew. Pick it up for a fun read and a cute romance.

The Roommate by Claire Forsythe is a heartfelt and slow-burn sapphic romance that deftly explores themes of identity, desire, and the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery. With strong emotional beats, relatable internal conflicts, and sizzling chemistry, this novel breathes new life into the "roommates to lovers" trope, making it an irresistible read for fans of contemporary romance.

Jess Black’s character is beautifully layered. On the surface, she seems to have it all together—a career she’s proud of, a picture-perfect relationship, and a well-organized life. But beneath that polished exterior is a woman who has been suppressing her true self for years. Forsythe captures Jess’s inner turmoil with sensitivity, portraying her struggle to understand her feelings for Sydney without resorting to melodrama. Instead, Jess’s emotional journey feels grounded and authentic, filled with small moments of longing and self-reflection that make her eventual realizations all the more satisfying.

Sydney Fletcher, on the other hand, is the epitome of warmth and resilience. Reeling from a painful breakup, she’s trying to rebuild her life while staying optimistic. Sydney’s openness and vulnerability make her an easy character to root for. Her interactions with Jess are initially tentative and tinged with awkwardness, but there’s a magnetic pull between them that Forsythe writes with finesse. Sydney’s patience and kindness contrast beautifully with Jess’s hesitance, making their growing connection feel organic rather than rushed.

The forced proximity element is handled well—there’s plenty of tension as the two women navigate their shared space and the unspoken attraction that simmers beneath their polite exchanges. Forsythe captures the intimacy of domestic life, from shared cups of coffee in the morning to movie nights that feel a little too cozy for comfort. These everyday moments are where the magic happens, and Forsythe’s attention to detail makes their relationship feel both believable and deeply romantic.

The novel also doesn’t shy away from the complications that come with upheaval and change. Jess’s struggle to break free from societal expectations and Sydney’s fear of getting hurt again add depth to the story. Their fears and insecurities are palpable, and watching them work through these emotional hurdles—sometimes with missteps—makes their eventual connection all the more rewarding.

If there’s a critique to be made, it’s that the pacing can feel a bit slow in the middle as Jess wrestles with the same internal conflict for longer than necessary. Some readers may find themselves wishing for more direct conversations between the characters to move the plot forward more quickly. Additionally, while Jess’s boyfriend plays an important role in her character arc, his presence can sometimes feel like a narrative placeholder rather than a fully fleshed-out character.

At 4 stars, The Roommate is a tender, thoughtful romance that captures the complexity of falling for someone unexpected—and the courage it takes to follow your heart. Claire Forsythe’s writing is warm, witty, and honest, and her characters leap off the page with all their flaws and hopes intact. This is a love story that doesn’t just celebrate romantic connection—it celebrates the messy, transformative process of becoming who you’re meant to be. Fans of She Drives Me Crazy and Written in the Stars will find plenty to love in this heartfelt and emotionally resonant tale.

This review has been posted to Goodreads and Storygraph on January 10th, 2025. Links provided.

Jess Black’s seemingly perfect life takes an unexpected turn when a fleeting connection with a stranger on a train stirs feelings she didn’t know she could have. When that same woman, Sydney Fletcher, moves into the empty bedroom in her apartment, Jess struggles to ignore (and understand) her feelings. Sydney, fresh from a breakup and looking for a new start, is caught off guard to find her new roommate is the person she thought fate brought to her on that train. While Jess tries to suppress (and deny) her growing attraction, Sydney wonders if maybe fate's love isn’t in the cards for her after all. Despite their efforts to resist and just be friends, the bond between them becomes increasingly impossible to ignore.

This book was an enjoyable and well-paced read with a thoughtful romance at its core. The chemistry between Jess and Sydney felt authentic, and I appreciated how their relationship took its time, growing from an initial attraction into a genuine friendship before Jess finally acknowledged her feelings. I’ve seen other reviews that said they were annoyed with the way Jess handled things but I honestly felt like it was more authentic knowing it was the first time Jess ever had any sort of attraction to another woman. Feelings and relationships can be scary and, even though it frustrated me at times, I understood Jess’s hesitation. The alternating perspectives of Jess and Sydney provided insight into both characters’ emotions and struggles. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters and thought they all added warmth and humor, enhancing the overall dynamic without overshadowing the main plot. Chloe’s humor, Ben’s adorableness, Rachel’s wisdom, and Pam and Violet’s nosiness were all integral to Jess and Sydney’s journey. Their first encounter on the train was a charming setup, and the ending, with its romantic gesture, brought everything together in a satisfying and heartfelt way. In the end, The Roommate is a thoughtful slow-burn romance that I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and NetGalley for the opportunity to read to an ARC of The Roommate in return for my honest review.

Jess and Sydney meet on a train and both surprise about the instant connection they make. Jess is annoyed that her father is getting married again and she has to attend Sydney is still hurting over her break up. They both decided to meet again but life got in the way but a chance of fate put them in each other orbit when Jess is looking for another roommate who share with her other friend Chloe love their relationship and is shock when it’s Sydney the woman she can’t stop thinking about. This was a cute read it’s drag a bit with Jess prolonging ending things with her boyfriend but I enjoy Jess found family at work and Sydney relationship with her sister.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.