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The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley - Book Review

Series: Funny Feelings #3 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 27th May 2025

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/RoommateExperiment

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223606076-the-roommate-experiment

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3 Stars

One Liner: Some nice moments

Book Blurb:

Could there be room for attraction?

Hunter has secretly been in love with her bestfriend’s brother, Dylan, for years, despite barely registering as a blip on hisradar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like the friend zone adjacent.But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she'sbeing promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries morethan just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living underthe same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasonsHunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder itbecomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart incheck—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in atowel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoonwhen he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date andthey’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach abreaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell himthe truth—or lose him forever?

The Roommate Experiment is aroommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, STEMinist rom-com perfect for fans ofLynn Painter, Sarah Adams, and Abby Jimenez.

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My Thoughts:

The story comes in Hunter and Dylan’s first-personPOVs.

Though the book can be a standalone, I wouldrecommend reading book #2 first. Even better if you start at the beginning (Ididn’t). But I read the previous book (If the Ring Fits), and it helped. That’sbecause the events in both books take place at the same time. Seeing Hunter andDylan from Rowena and Adrian’s POVs first makes this book less awkward.

It’s interesting to revisit a few scenes from theprevious book from other POVs. I like such experiments (another reason Irecommend reading book #2 first).

This is my fourth book by the author. While I hadminor issues with the previous three, I happily rounded up the rating to 4stars. Unfortunately, this is the weakest one so far.

Firstly, there’s no denying the touches of humor inthe narration. The writing style is light even when it deals with seriousissues like dyslexia and endometriosis. This prevents the story from feelingtoo heavy or overwhelming.

Hunter’s crush/ obsession with Dylan feelsauthentic. It is painfully embarrassing at times, but that’s exactly the point.It was supposed to be that way, given she harbored feelings and spun fantasies forover a decade. Her reluctance, jealousy, anger, frustration, hopelessness,etc., come out very well.

Dylan started decent but then got on my nerves. Itried to be patient and see things from his perspective, but there’s a thinline between being good and being a coward. Despite his other noteworthyqualities, he didn’t impress me. The break-up scene was crucial for hischaracter arc, and it was messed up big time.

Not really sure how to classify Olivia. Clingy?Dense? Optimistic? No idea!

There are some spicy scenes towards the end, thoughit’s a fade-to-black and a closed door. The last quarter rather ups the sexiness,which wasn’t necessary, but okay!

Since this is the last book of the series, we get acombined epilogue. I like it a lot. It has happy developments and leaves oneelement on a hopeful note; the right way to conclude this series.

To summarize, The Roommate Experiment is asteady-paced and lighthearted romance that touches upon a couple of healthissues (lightly). While it is not my favorite (Adrian is still the winner), Iwill continue to enjoy more books by the author.

Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and BoldwoodBooks, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion aboutthe book.

#NetGalley

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About the Author – Camilla Isley