Roomies by Christina Lauren Published by Gallery Books Publication Date: December 5th 2017
Pages: 368
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Marriages of convenience are soβ¦inconvenient.
Rescued by Calvin McLoughlin from a would-be subway attacker, Holland Bakker pays the brilliant musician back by pulling some of her errand-girl strings and getting him an audition with a big-time musical director. When the tryout goes better than even Holland could have imagined, Calvin is set for a great entry into Broadwayβuntil he admits his student visa has expired and heβs in the country illegally.
Holland impulsively offers to wed the Irishman to keep him in New York, her growing infatuation a secret only to him. As their relationship evolves from awkward roommates to besotted lovers, Calvin becomes the darling of Broadway. In the middle of the theatrics and the acting-not-acting, what will it take for Holland and Calvin to realise that they both stopped pretending a long time ago?
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I loved this enchanting, funny, feel good story. The characters are endearing, unforgettable, have great dynamics between the them and I was immediately transported into their lives. Calvin and Holland have a chance meeting and it changes their lives. Β Calvin is a gifted musician from Ireland and his green card has expired. Β From the moment Holland hears Calvin play his guitar, she is blown away with his musical talent and she also develops a huge crush on him. Holland tries to help Calvin out by marrying him, so he can stay in the county and finally achieve his dreams.
I really liked Calvin. He is a nice guy with a sexy Irish accent and although he is a highly talented classical guitarist, he is not pretentious. Β He is charming, affectionate, honest and once he meets Holland, he never looks at another woman. Β Calvin finds himself unable to resist Hollandβs sweetness and fun personality.
Holland has a hard time believing Calvin has feelings for her. Β While Calvin is talented and has always known what he wants, things are not as clear for Holland. Β She is smart, has her MBA and would like to write, but she has no ideas and canβt seem to get started. Β She is frustrated with herself and feels like a loser at twenty five. Β Holland Β is too hard on herself and doesnβt realize her worth. She Β goes through a lot of changes in this story and learns how to be the person she is meant to be.
I liked both Calvin and Holland and felt invested in them. Β The story is smoothly written and the plot interesting. There are also engaging secondary characters adding to the story. Β Calvin and Holland have a lot chemistry bouncing between them. Even though they are married and live together, they take things slow as they get get to know each other.
