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Funny Feelings #3
The Roommate Experiment
Could there be room for attraction?
Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she's being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?
Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.
But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.
But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?
The Roommate Experiment is a roommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, STEMinist rom-com perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams, and Abby Jimenez.
Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she's being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?
Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.
But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.
But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?
The Roommate Experiment is a roommates-to-lovers, forced proximity, STEMinist rom-com perfect for fans of Lynn Painter, Sarah Adams, and Abby Jimenez.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2025
692 people are currently reading
4927 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
55 books2,959 followers
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 361 reviews
May 21, 2025
Charming, cute, and fun, Camilla Isley delivered with The Roommate Experiment. This book worked perfectly as a stand-alone book for me as I have not read the first two books in this series. I enjoyed the two main characters, their banter, and their journey. I also enjoyed their group of friends who I assume were featured in the earlier books in this series.
Hunter has been in love with her best friend Nina's brother, Dylan for years. When he becomes her roommate after her spare bedroom becomes available, she knows she will need to keep her feelings in check. She has lusted after him for so long and now they live together but there is one small hiccup - he has a girlfriend! I had a feeling when I read the blurb of this book that there was going to be some bumps in the road and this became a major one.
I enjoyed Hunter, who I feel readers become more acquainted with throughout the book. She is smart and savvy. I enjoyed seeing her step up to the plate at work while trying to keep her feelings in check at home. Dylan is also enjoyable but, and this is big BUT, he did have a girlfriend for most of the book. Sure, he tries to untangle himself from this relationship on multiple occasions but come on, grow a pair already.
There were some fun scenes in this book, some aggravating scenes, and some where I wanted to have a private chat with Dylan (about growing a pair to name a few). Yes, he is a nice guy and doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings but......
It's all about the journey with romance books. fI enjoyed these character's journey despite their bumps in the road. I enjoyed the tension, reading Hunter's thoughts, cheering for Hunter as she rocked self-confidence at work, and enjoyed watching Dylan get his head out of the sand. I also cheered for Dylan when he opens up and shares something with Hunter that he does not share with others. I was smiling and clapping for his openness and vulnerability in that moment. Plus, the epilogue was fantastic.
Fans of Camila Isley will not be disappointed. This was a cute close proximity, roommates-to-lovers book, which was charming, cute, and enjoyable.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Hunter has been in love with her best friend Nina's brother, Dylan for years. When he becomes her roommate after her spare bedroom becomes available, she knows she will need to keep her feelings in check. She has lusted after him for so long and now they live together but there is one small hiccup - he has a girlfriend! I had a feeling when I read the blurb of this book that there was going to be some bumps in the road and this became a major one.
I enjoyed Hunter, who I feel readers become more acquainted with throughout the book. She is smart and savvy. I enjoyed seeing her step up to the plate at work while trying to keep her feelings in check at home. Dylan is also enjoyable but, and this is big BUT, he did have a girlfriend for most of the book. Sure, he tries to untangle himself from this relationship on multiple occasions but come on, grow a pair already.
There were some fun scenes in this book, some aggravating scenes, and some where I wanted to have a private chat with Dylan (about growing a pair to name a few). Yes, he is a nice guy and doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings but......
It's all about the journey with romance books. fI enjoyed these character's journey despite their bumps in the road. I enjoyed the tension, reading Hunter's thoughts, cheering for Hunter as she rocked self-confidence at work, and enjoyed watching Dylan get his head out of the sand. I also cheered for Dylan when he opens up and shares something with Hunter that he does not share with others. I was smiling and clapping for his openness and vulnerability in that moment. Plus, the epilogue was fantastic.
Fans of Camila Isley will not be disappointed. This was a cute close proximity, roommates-to-lovers book, which was charming, cute, and enjoyable.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 28, 2025
3 Stars
One Liner: Some nice moments
Hunter has been secretly in love with Dylan, her best friend’s brother, for eleven years. However, he sees her as his sister’s friend, and she hasn't expressed her interest so far. When both her besties move out of the apartment, Dylan becomes Hunter’s new roommate. This could be her chance, except that he has a casual girlfriend. Hunter tries to move on but ends up on miserable dates.
Dylan knew Hunter was good-looking, but he didn’t expect to feel something more for her. The timing seems to be all wrong, though. Should he break up with his new girlfriend to see where things go with Hunter, or should he play it safe?
The story comes in Hunter and Dylan’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
Though the book can be a standalone, I would recommend reading book #2 first. Even better if you start at the beginning (I didn’t). But I read the previous book If the Ring Fits, and it helped. That’s because the events in both books take place at the same time. Seeing Hunter and Dylan from Rowena and Adrian’s POVs first makes this book less awkward.
It’s interesting to revisit a few scenes from the previous book from other POVs. I like such experiments (another reason I recommend reading book #2 first).
This is my fourth book by the author. While I had minor issues with the previous three, I happily rounded up the rating to 4 stars. Unfortunately, this is the weakest one so far.
Firstly, there’s no denying the touches of humor in the narration. The writing style is light even when it deals with serious issues like dyslexia and endometriosis. This prevents the story from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.
Hunter’s crush/ obsession with Dylan feels authentic. 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 for over a decade. Her reluctance, jealousy, anger, frustration, hopelessness, etc., come out very well.
Dylan started dece,nt but then got on my nerves. I tried to be patient and see things from his perspective, but there’s a thin line between being good and being a coward. Despite his other noteworthy qualities, he didn’t impress me. The break-up scene was crucial for his character 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, though it’s a fade-to-black and 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 a combined epilogue. I like it a lot. It has happy developments and leaves one element on a hopeful note; the right way to conclude this series.
To summarize, The Roommate Experiment is a steady-paced and lighthearted romance that touches upon a couple of health issues (lightly). While it is not my favorite (Adrian is still the winner), I will continue to enjoy more books by the author.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, forthe eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
One Liner: Some nice moments
Hunter has been secretly in love with Dylan, her best friend’s brother, for eleven years. However, he sees her as his sister’s friend, and she hasn't expressed her interest so far. When both her besties move out of the apartment, Dylan becomes Hunter’s new roommate. This could be her chance, except that he has a casual girlfriend. Hunter tries to move on but ends up on miserable dates.
Dylan knew Hunter was good-looking, but he didn’t expect to feel something more for her. The timing seems to be all wrong, though. Should he break up with his new girlfriend to see where things go with Hunter, or should he play it safe?
The story comes in Hunter and Dylan’s first-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
Though the book can be a standalone, I would recommend reading book #2 first. Even better if you start at the beginning (I didn’t). But I read the previous book If the Ring Fits, and it helped. That’s because the events in both books take place at the same time. Seeing Hunter and Dylan from Rowena and Adrian’s POVs first makes this book less awkward.
It’s interesting to revisit a few scenes from the previous book from other POVs. I like such experiments (another reason I recommend reading book #2 first).
This is my fourth book by the author. While I had minor issues with the previous three, I happily rounded up the rating to 4 stars. Unfortunately, this is the weakest one so far.
Firstly, there’s no denying the touches of humor in the narration. The writing style is light even when it deals with serious issues like dyslexia and endometriosis. This prevents the story from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.
Hunter’s crush/ obsession with Dylan feels authentic. 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 for over a decade. Her reluctance, jealousy, anger, frustration, hopelessness, etc., come out very well.
Dylan started dece,nt but then got on my nerves. I tried to be patient and see things from his perspective, but there’s a thin line between being good and being a coward. Despite his other noteworthy qualities, he didn’t impress me. The break-up scene was crucial for his character 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, though it’s a fade-to-black and 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 a combined epilogue. I like it a lot. It has happy developments and leaves one element on a hopeful note; the right way to conclude this series.
To summarize, The Roommate Experiment is a steady-paced and lighthearted romance that touches upon a couple of health issues (lightly). While it is not my favorite (Adrian is still the winner), I will continue to enjoy more books by the author.
Thank you, Rachel's Random Resources and Boldwood Books, forthe eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
June 11, 2025
I enjoyed the previous installments of this series and I was curious about this one. The ending was very satisfying, so I closed the book with a big smile on my face - but…
Dylan tested my patience for the first 75% of the book. The fun part didn’t start until that point, when he and his unhinged girlfriend FINALLY broke up. Unfortunately she was the one to break up with him, but by then I didn’t care, I was just glad it was over.
It hadn’t been a serious relationship, and, to his credit, he did try to break up with her a few times. But still, he was seeing someone else while lusting after Hunter. Kinda looks like cheating 😬
I enjoyed the last part of the book. The romance finally picked up, the tension was finally there, and even though there was some second hand embarrassment, it was fun to read. I loved that they were finally able to be honest with each other and that there was no third-act-breakup.
I adored the epilogue and its message - hence the aforementioned big smile that clouded my judgement.
Overall, after sleeping on it, I’m lowering my rating to three stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
——
Thank you so much Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the arc❤️
May 29, 2025
I'm fairly new to Camilla Isley's books. I read the previous book in the series, If The Ring Fits and really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend reading that before reading The Roommate Experiment, as the characters and plot do link up.
That said, it's a gripping but light read and I'm looking forward to see if Isley adds to the series even further.
That said, it's a gripping but light read and I'm looking forward to see if Isley adds to the series even further.
Read
June 28, 2025What can you expect?
🚿 Shared showers (accidental)
🥶 Frozen vegetables (strategically applied)
🥞 A pancake cooking lesson that gets very hands-on
❤️🔥And enough slow-burn tension to power a small city.
OUT NOW:
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookshops, libraries, and audiobook stores...
Could there be room for attraction?
Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she's being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?
Not so fast.
When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.
But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.
But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?
My favorite part of the story: The counter seduction plan😈
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookshops, libraries, and audiobook stores...
Happy reading!
Camilla, x
🚿 Shared showers (accidental)
🥶 Frozen vegetables (strategically applied)
🥞 A pancake cooking lesson that gets very hands-on
❤️🔥And enough slow-burn tension to power a small city.
OUT NOW:
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookshops, libraries, and audiobook stores...
Could there be room for attraction?Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she's being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?
Not so fast.
When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.
But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.
But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?
My favorite part of the story: The counter seduction plan😈
Amazon & Kindle Unlimited
Apple Books
All other bookshops, libraries, and audiobook stores...
Happy reading!
Camilla, x
April 20, 2025
This book is competing with Mariana Zapata when it comes to SLOW BURN. The first kiss happened at the 90% mark 😭
This is the 3rd book in the Funny Feelings series; however, it can be read as a standalone. The book follows Hunter who has been harbouring a crush on her best friend's brother (Dylan) for ELEVEN!! years. ELEVEN!! 🫠 Okay moving on... Hunter and Dylan become roommates and Hunter is hoping he will finally notice her only until he reveals he currently has a girlfriend. And this is where my issue with the book lies. The whole plot with the girlfriend was just way too long. Dylan clearly didn't like her but every time he tried to break up with her, something came up and by the hundredth time he tried to break it off, it was getting too repetitive.
When Dylan and Hunter finally get together, the book was basically over. It felt rushed and I wish we got to see more of them together. His love confession also didn't feel very genuine. It came out of nowhere, especially since he only recently discovered he had feelings for Hunter at all.
The book had some sweet moments and I did love the whole scheme they had going on in the end!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
This is the 3rd book in the Funny Feelings series; however, it can be read as a standalone. The book follows Hunter who has been harbouring a crush on her best friend's brother (Dylan) for ELEVEN!! years. ELEVEN!! 🫠 Okay moving on... Hunter and Dylan become roommates and Hunter is hoping he will finally notice her only until he reveals he currently has a girlfriend. And this is where my issue with the book lies. The whole plot with the girlfriend was just way too long. Dylan clearly didn't like her but every time he tried to break up with her, something came up and by the hundredth time he tried to break it off, it was getting too repetitive.
When Dylan and Hunter finally get together, the book was basically over. It felt rushed and I wish we got to see more of them together. His love confession also didn't feel very genuine. It came out of nowhere, especially since he only recently discovered he had feelings for Hunter at all.
The book had some sweet moments and I did love the whole scheme they had going on in the end!
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
April 3, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. It had the pining, the hilarious, impossible situations. The tender moments, and so, so much tension.
The epilog was so sweet...
I loved how it was a slow burn, totally believable with relatable characters. That Dylan was a total golden retriever but still sexy as hell...
Must read.
The epilog was so sweet...
I loved how it was a slow burn, totally believable with relatable characters. That Dylan was a total golden retriever but still sexy as hell...
Must read.
May 26, 2025
Quote
"When I'm with Hunter everything feels... right. Like this is where I'm meant to be!"
Imagine being in love for years with your best friend's brother, and then the time comes when you have to live together!
"He’ll finally notice me, fall in love with me, and my dream will come true."
Those were Hunter’s first thoughts — but her smile didn’t last long.
Dylan and Hunter had lots of sweet, tender, and funny moments.
The restaurant scene? Amazing. The T-shirt scene? Hilarious and heart-melting. These two really had something special.
I loved how strong and confident Hunter was at work — a stark contrast to how vulnerable she felt around Dylan.
Even though I usually enjoy slow burns, in this case, I would’ve liked the story to be a bit more fast-paced! I wanted more moments with the protagonists as a couple.
First-person narration, dual POVs, short chapters, no spice!A light, cozy read!
Do I recommend it?
If you're a hardcore romance fan and love the forced proximity trope, you'll really enjoy it! I didn’t read the first two books in the series, but I had no problem following along!
P.S. The other two books are definitely going on my TBR list!
_ _ _
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange my honest opinion!
"When I'm with Hunter everything feels... right. Like this is where I'm meant to be!"
Imagine being in love for years with your best friend's brother, and then the time comes when you have to live together!
"He’ll finally notice me, fall in love with me, and my dream will come true."
Those were Hunter’s first thoughts — but her smile didn’t last long.
Dylan and Hunter had lots of sweet, tender, and funny moments.
The restaurant scene? Amazing. The T-shirt scene? Hilarious and heart-melting. These two really had something special.
I loved how strong and confident Hunter was at work — a stark contrast to how vulnerable she felt around Dylan.
Even though I usually enjoy slow burns, in this case, I would’ve liked the story to be a bit more fast-paced! I wanted more moments with the protagonists as a couple.
First-person narration, dual POVs, short chapters, no spice!A light, cozy read!
Do I recommend it?
If you're a hardcore romance fan and love the forced proximity trope, you'll really enjoy it! I didn’t read the first two books in the series, but I had no problem following along!
P.S. The other two books are definitely going on my TBR list!
_ _ _
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange my honest opinion!
June 16, 2025
A rom com full of laughter, angst and fun tension! Several tropes wrapped into one, starting with close proximity, secret crush, sister's best friend and more. The book also deals with real world subjects such as dyslexia and women maneuvering through male dominant careers. This is the 3rd book in the series and it is the perfect addition! I love how each book overlaps the previous book, so events and characters are interwoven through all 3 books. I do recommend that you read the series in order for maximum enjoyment. This will also help you get to know the characters even better and you'll get different perspectives to events that happen as you read through each book which is fun. Fantastic characters who are realistic and fun, wonderful interpersonal interactions between the characters. The friendships that are exhibited in these books are inspiring and ones to aspire to find in your own life. Let's face it, we're all here for the rom and the com, trust me, you won't be disappointed! You'll giggle your way through the book to a fun happily ever after!
October 12, 2025
Roommates-to-lovers, best friend’s brother and only one bed are all favourite tropes. Camilla executes this lethal (to my heart) combination exquisitely.
Hunter has always loved Dylan, he didn’t notice, now they live together.
I read this book twice in four days, the characters have depth and this makes them feel real. The side characters are an enviable found-family with their own stories (and books).
There are hilarious and moving late night scenes involving a baseball bat, sprinklers, brownies and drunken conversations.
Recommend 100%
Hunter has always loved Dylan, he didn’t notice, now they live together.
I read this book twice in four days, the characters have depth and this makes them feel real. The side characters are an enviable found-family with their own stories (and books).
There are hilarious and moving late night scenes involving a baseball bat, sprinklers, brownies and drunken conversations.
Recommend 100%
April 16, 2025
Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc! One thing about me is that, I'll always enjoy anything written by Camilla Isley! This did not disappoint. However, this was really a slow burn and boy did it burn.. Also, I have to say that Dylan annoyed me most of the time especially when he was with his girlfriend but thinking about Hunter like brother please just break up with your girlfriend cause I'm bored.. But eventually he did finally do it and I really liked the epilogue because it was so nice to see how the other characters from the previous books were also doing since it is many many years later
April 23, 2025
3.75⭐️ I’ve not read a Camilla Isley book before this one but I’m a new fan!✨
This book was funny, the characters were super relatable.
I adore me some sloooowwww SLOW burn so this was right up my alley!
I just wish we got more chapters on the main characters after they ended up together as a couple. I waited the whole book, give me more please😭 that’s my only reason for dropping the rating a little.
All in all I really enjoyed this and will be going back to read the other interconnected standalones in this series!
The side characters were super interesting (specially Rowena and Adrian!!) I want their story too🫶🏼
This book was funny, the characters were super relatable.
I adore me some sloooowwww SLOW burn so this was right up my alley!
I just wish we got more chapters on the main characters after they ended up together as a couple. I waited the whole book, give me more please😭 that’s my only reason for dropping the rating a little.
All in all I really enjoyed this and will be going back to read the other interconnected standalones in this series!
The side characters were super interesting (specially Rowena and Adrian!!) I want their story too🫶🏼
May 20, 2025
This was a fun, breezy read with some of my favorite tropes - forced proximity, slow burn, friends to lovers, only one bed, and no third act breakup! Hunter and Dylan and loveable leads and it was satisfying seeing the conclusion of the friend groups love stories and all of the happily ever afters. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood for the ARC.
May 18, 2025
3★
Hmmm not sure how to properly feel about this one. It very much was a slow burn, which I do like, and the ending did have some really funny moments, particularly the seduce-off where they tried seducing each other.
Dylan was average. The majority of his POV is him trying to break up with his girlfriend (while lusting after Hunter) but failing to do so because it was never the right moment. Like I don’t know man, maybe grow a backbone and just rip the bandaid off. He was making himself miserable staying with her while wanting to start something with Hunter. His hesitation to end things with his girlfriend made it harder for me to understand the depth of his connection with Hunter, which was a bummer.
Hunter has had a crush on Dylan for ELEVEN years. I could never. Like I fear at some point you just have to get over it, especially if it’s never progressed from a crush to anything more in over a decade. It seemed desperate. I did enjoy reading about Hunter and her job. She is a queen and put everyone in their places.
When Hunter and Dylan finally did get together, it felt rushed. I liked them together and wanted more of their domestic/cute moments while actually dating. However I didn’t particularly love Dylan’s love confession. It was sort of out of the blue considering he only recently recognised his feelings. I wouldn’t liked a more fleshed out friends-to-lovers arc, rather than having it progress so quickly at the end. Their connection was lost on me.
Overall, a fun, humorous, romantic read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Hmmm not sure how to properly feel about this one. It very much was a slow burn, which I do like, and the ending did have some really funny moments, particularly the seduce-off where they tried seducing each other.
Dylan was average. The majority of his POV is him trying to break up with his girlfriend (while lusting after Hunter) but failing to do so because it was never the right moment. Like I don’t know man, maybe grow a backbone and just rip the bandaid off. He was making himself miserable staying with her while wanting to start something with Hunter. His hesitation to end things with his girlfriend made it harder for me to understand the depth of his connection with Hunter, which was a bummer.
Hunter has had a crush on Dylan for ELEVEN years. I could never. Like I fear at some point you just have to get over it, especially if it’s never progressed from a crush to anything more in over a decade. It seemed desperate. I did enjoy reading about Hunter and her job. She is a queen and put everyone in their places.
When Hunter and Dylan finally did get together, it felt rushed. I liked them together and wanted more of their domestic/cute moments while actually dating. However I didn’t particularly love Dylan’s love confession. It was sort of out of the blue considering he only recently recognised his feelings. I wouldn’t liked a more fleshed out friends-to-lovers arc, rather than having it progress so quickly at the end. Their connection was lost on me.
Overall, a fun, humorous, romantic read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 9, 2025
Very slow burn
The characters took some time to warm up too.
Nothing really happens till the last 20% of the book.
Cute read overall but felt average to me.
The characters took some time to warm up too.
Nothing really happens till the last 20% of the book.
Cute read overall but felt average to me.
May 27, 2025
This trilogy, too, after the Nina and Rowena stories came to an end with Hunter and Dylan and their slow-burn romance. Of the three books, the second one in my opinion is the best, but I liked all of them and then the characters of the three friends were really realistic, sometimes more so than the stories involving them to tell the truth...
Anyway, once again Camilla Isley did not disappoint me and now I will wait for the next book or series.
Anche questa trilogia, dopo le storie di Nina e Rowena é arrivata alla fine con Hunter e Dylan ed il loro slow burn romance. Dei tre libri, il secondo secondo me é il migliore, ma mi sono piaciuti tutti e poi i personaggi delle tre amiche erano veramente realistici, a volte piú delle storie che le vedevano coinvolte a dire la veritá...
Comunque anche stavolta Camilla Isley non mi ha delusa e ora mi metto ad aspettare comodamente il prossimo libro o serie.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Anyway, once again Camilla Isley did not disappoint me and now I will wait for the next book or series.
Anche questa trilogia, dopo le storie di Nina e Rowena é arrivata alla fine con Hunter e Dylan ed il loro slow burn romance. Dei tre libri, il secondo secondo me é il migliore, ma mi sono piaciuti tutti e poi i personaggi delle tre amiche erano veramente realistici, a volte piú delle storie che le vedevano coinvolte a dire la veritá...
Comunque anche stavolta Camilla Isley non mi ha delusa e ora mi metto ad aspettare comodamente il prossimo libro o serie.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
May 27, 2025
Last book I read from Isley. I find her style and characters to be juvenile, and that has nothing to do with the slow burn. Which, speaking of, lacked chemistry.
Spoilers ahead:
Spoilers ahead:
May 29, 2025
[NetGalley Read #31]
4.25 ⭐️
"They're two peas in a pod, and I'm the lonely turnip wondering how I got thrown into this stir-fry."
Great!
The second book I've read and loved by Camilla Isley ('If the Ring Fits' being the first one). What's not to like. The characters, the banter, the infinite descriptions of bodies, blonde and black hair, rippling muscles, and long thighs.
It's funny, charming, tender, and has all the trademarks of a good romance novel (at least to me). Now, all I need to read is the first book to enjoy Tristan and Nina's story.
Recommended. 👍
Notes:
- Incorporating a new Star Wars spinoff show and one of the main characters wondering (or rather hoping), whether it's a weekly release or all episodes release at once, is something I liked. I don't know why. I just did. Like, that's not a major issue or anything, really, but it's just something so modern and such a non-problem that we have nowadays that incorporating that in a story is equivalent to writing some small detail in a historical novel that tells us the time period it's set in.
- Clara is a welcome character even though she's in, like, two chapters. Taking us out of the small group of friends that dominate the trilogy.
4.25 ⭐️
"They're two peas in a pod, and I'm the lonely turnip wondering how I got thrown into this stir-fry."
Great!
The second book I've read and loved by Camilla Isley ('If the Ring Fits' being the first one). What's not to like. The characters, the banter, the infinite descriptions of bodies, blonde and black hair, rippling muscles, and long thighs.
It's funny, charming, tender, and has all the trademarks of a good romance novel (at least to me). Now, all I need to read is the first book to enjoy Tristan and Nina's story.
Recommended. 👍
Notes:
- Incorporating a new Star Wars spinoff show and one of the main characters wondering (or rather hoping), whether it's a weekly release or all episodes release at once, is something I liked. I don't know why. I just did. Like, that's not a major issue or anything, really, but it's just something so modern and such a non-problem that we have nowadays that incorporating that in a story is equivalent to writing some small detail in a historical novel that tells us the time period it's set in.
- Clara is a welcome character even though she's in, like, two chapters. Taking us out of the small group of friends that dominate the trilogy.
May 12, 2025
Camilla Isley's 'The Roommate Experiment' immerses readers in the all-too-familiar and sometimes laugh-out-loud universe of secret crushes and surprising roommates. Hunter has been quietly in love with Dylan, her best friend's brother, a man who hardly notices she exists outside of his sister's life. Stranded in an infuriating "friend zone adjacent" limbo, Hunter's life is set to shift on its axis when Dylan suddenly requires a roof over his head, and her spare room becomes his temporary home. The author skillfully manipulates the age-old trope of unrequited love developing under shared living space, infusing it with a good measure of humor and cringe-worthy awkwardness.
The first thrill of having her crush down the hall turns rapidly into a daily tightrope act for Hunter. Dylan, who appears not to notice her feelings, brings his own brand of complication, setting boundaries that Hunter couldn't have anticipated. This adds a fascinating level of forbidden attraction, heightening tension and the stakes. The power of the novel is in Hunter's inner dialogue and her efforts to keep her growing feelings secret.
Her internal struggles with staring at Dylan standing in a towel, not daring to think of what's hidden underneath, and not swooning over his gestures of kindness, such as making cookies, are both humorous and profoundly sympathetic. The reader will find themselves cheering Hunter on as she negotiates this tricky situation, struggling to keep her cool as her heart flips acrobats. Dylan, who at first seems a bit clueless, is developed with a subtle charm that gradually reveals itself as the novel goes on. The author skillfully introduces his character through Hunter's observant eyes and their mutual experiences, suggesting depths beyond his initial affable personality. The reasons why he is "off-limits" create a sense of suspense and keep the story from being a simple crush realization.
The secondary cast, specifically Hunter's best friend (Dylan's sister), introduces yet another level of depth to the dynamic. She creates both challenges and possibilities for Hunter, further underscoring the fragile balance she has to maintain. The enforced closeness over a weekend spent at Dylan's parents' home, building up to the much-dreaded shared sofa bed experience, is a key turning point, testing Hunter's skillfully erected emotional barriers to the breaking point.
The writing of the author is light and entertaining, full of humorous observations and inner humor that aptly describes Hunter's dilemma. The pace is well handled so that the romance between Hunter and Dylan develops naturally among the comedic mayhem of their living arrangement. The tension is built skillfully by the author so that the reader is really cared about whether Hunter confesses her feelings or moves on to spare her heart.
'The Roommate Experiment' is a charming and endearing romantic comedy that delves into the intricacies of unrequited love and the twists life can take. Hunter's odyssey is both funny and touching, and the tension between her and Dylan bubbles with a smoldering intensity. If you like reading about secret crushes, surprise roommates, and the bravery it takes to risk everything for love, this book is a delightful and entertaining read that will put you in a good mood.
The first thrill of having her crush down the hall turns rapidly into a daily tightrope act for Hunter. Dylan, who appears not to notice her feelings, brings his own brand of complication, setting boundaries that Hunter couldn't have anticipated. This adds a fascinating level of forbidden attraction, heightening tension and the stakes. The power of the novel is in Hunter's inner dialogue and her efforts to keep her growing feelings secret.
Her internal struggles with staring at Dylan standing in a towel, not daring to think of what's hidden underneath, and not swooning over his gestures of kindness, such as making cookies, are both humorous and profoundly sympathetic. The reader will find themselves cheering Hunter on as she negotiates this tricky situation, struggling to keep her cool as her heart flips acrobats. Dylan, who at first seems a bit clueless, is developed with a subtle charm that gradually reveals itself as the novel goes on. The author skillfully introduces his character through Hunter's observant eyes and their mutual experiences, suggesting depths beyond his initial affable personality. The reasons why he is "off-limits" create a sense of suspense and keep the story from being a simple crush realization.
The secondary cast, specifically Hunter's best friend (Dylan's sister), introduces yet another level of depth to the dynamic. She creates both challenges and possibilities for Hunter, further underscoring the fragile balance she has to maintain. The enforced closeness over a weekend spent at Dylan's parents' home, building up to the much-dreaded shared sofa bed experience, is a key turning point, testing Hunter's skillfully erected emotional barriers to the breaking point.
The writing of the author is light and entertaining, full of humorous observations and inner humor that aptly describes Hunter's dilemma. The pace is well handled so that the romance between Hunter and Dylan develops naturally among the comedic mayhem of their living arrangement. The tension is built skillfully by the author so that the reader is really cared about whether Hunter confesses her feelings or moves on to spare her heart.
'The Roommate Experiment' is a charming and endearing romantic comedy that delves into the intricacies of unrequited love and the twists life can take. Hunter's odyssey is both funny and touching, and the tension between her and Dylan bubbles with a smoldering intensity. If you like reading about secret crushes, surprise roommates, and the bravery it takes to risk everything for love, this book is a delightful and entertaining read that will put you in a good mood.
April 30, 2025
ARC Review – The Roommate Experiment
3/5⭐️
The Roommate Experiment had an intriguing setup with plenty of rom-com promise: Hunter, hopelessly crushing on her best friend’s brother, suddenly ends up sharing an apartment with him. Cue the awkward, longing glances and flirty tension.
While I enjoyed some of the humorous and heartfelt moments (especially Hunter’s inner dialogue and the one bed trope), the story didn’t quite work for me overall. The pacing felt very slow at times, and I found myself frustrated with Dylan—especially his unwillingness to break things off with Olivia, even as his feelings for Hunter became more obvious. That hesitation made it harder to root for their connection.
And while the buildup took its sweet time, the relationship resolution felt oddly rushed in the final stretch. I was hoping for more emotional payoff after all that tension.
Still, if you're a fan of slow burns and best friends to lovers trope, I would recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book before everyone else!
The Roommate Experiment comes out on May 27 if you want to check it out :)
3/5⭐️
The Roommate Experiment had an intriguing setup with plenty of rom-com promise: Hunter, hopelessly crushing on her best friend’s brother, suddenly ends up sharing an apartment with him. Cue the awkward, longing glances and flirty tension.
While I enjoyed some of the humorous and heartfelt moments (especially Hunter’s inner dialogue and the one bed trope), the story didn’t quite work for me overall. The pacing felt very slow at times, and I found myself frustrated with Dylan—especially his unwillingness to break things off with Olivia, even as his feelings for Hunter became more obvious. That hesitation made it harder to root for their connection.
And while the buildup took its sweet time, the relationship resolution felt oddly rushed in the final stretch. I was hoping for more emotional payoff after all that tension.
Still, if you're a fan of slow burns and best friends to lovers trope, I would recommend it!
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book before everyone else!
The Roommate Experiment comes out on May 27 if you want to check it out :)
April 6, 2025
This is fun
This is easy
It did take some time for me warm up to the characters, I think the beginning there didn’t seem to be much chemistry between the two characters and with such a slow burn it almost felt rushed or like a piece was missing at the end.
There seemed to be a fair amount of work based chapters that kind of felt like filler but had mini side plots to highlight the difficulty for women when dating or the inequality in the workplace. They didn’t really have much relevance to the romance plot and just a little for character development.
The book has a whole cast of characters within the friendship group that are connected to other books by the author but they aren’t essential reading to read this book.
I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review
This is easy
It did take some time for me warm up to the characters, I think the beginning there didn’t seem to be much chemistry between the two characters and with such a slow burn it almost felt rushed or like a piece was missing at the end.
There seemed to be a fair amount of work based chapters that kind of felt like filler but had mini side plots to highlight the difficulty for women when dating or the inequality in the workplace. They didn’t really have much relevance to the romance plot and just a little for character development.
The book has a whole cast of characters within the friendship group that are connected to other books by the author but they aren’t essential reading to read this book.
I received this book as an ARC and provide an honest review
September 12, 2025
3rd instalment of this series and still a solid book. My favourite was definitely the 2nd instalment with Rowena and Aiden but Hunter and Dylan proved quite funny when they majority of the book is both of them lasting over eachother unbeknownst to one another.
In the 1st book we had Nina and Tristan in an enemies to lovers trope. 2nd instalment we had Rowena and Aiden in a fake dating trope and in this 3rd instalments we have Hunter and Dylan in a roommate to lovers trope. This one runs concurrently with the 2nd book timeline wise.
Cute and very funny in parts. Easy to read or listen to and should have you smiling throughout.
Just have to say although Olivia was VERY annoying and dragged out the best friend Theo reveal had me laughing out loud!
In the 1st book we had Nina and Tristan in an enemies to lovers trope. 2nd instalment we had Rowena and Aiden in a fake dating trope and in this 3rd instalments we have Hunter and Dylan in a roommate to lovers trope. This one runs concurrently with the 2nd book timeline wise.
Cute and very funny in parts. Easy to read or listen to and should have you smiling throughout.
Just have to say although Olivia was VERY annoying and dragged out the best friend Theo reveal had me laughing out loud!
May 25, 2025
I was unaware this book was the third in a series but could definately be read as a standalone. I loved the banter and the ‘feeling development’. It’s always fun to read of those who have crushed on each other yet neither knew nor made moves. The Roommate Experiment is a great slow burn romcom that I thoroughly enjoyed and will absolutely read more from Camila Isley! Loved Dylan - what a sweetheart!
June 13, 2025
4.5 STARS!!!
I literally started this book just to have something to listen to while doing errands but was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it and couldn't put it down! The friendships!! The banter!! The discussion about their various conditions!! Although I did slightly cringe at some bits towards the end (I hate when authors mention "booktok girlies" in their book), this was overshadowed by their cute seduction competition! The ending was adorable and made my heart swell!!
I literally started this book just to have something to listen to while doing errands but was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it and couldn't put it down! The friendships!! The banter!! The discussion about their various conditions!! Although I did slightly cringe at some bits towards the end (I hate when authors mention "booktok girlies" in their book), this was overshadowed by their cute seduction competition! The ending was adorable and made my heart swell!!
May 14, 2025
Enjoyed this cute easy romance. Forced proximity, best friend's brother trope. This book was a slow burn that felt a little rushed in the end. Overall a good quick read with a sweet ending. Thank you to Boldwood Books via Netgalley for this ARC.
June 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC!
If you like a good trope, this crush on a roommate and crush on bff's older brother will serve you well.
I may be a bit too old to be in the target audience as I found it a bit too fluffy, however it did make for a quick read (one afternoon) and an entertaining break from some of the more serious reading I have been doing for work.
If you like a good trope, this crush on a roommate and crush on bff's older brother will serve you well.
I may be a bit too old to be in the target audience as I found it a bit too fluffy, however it did make for a quick read (one afternoon) and an entertaining break from some of the more serious reading I have been doing for work.
May 2, 2025
I didn’t realise this book was part of a series but I enjoyed it nonetheless. The chemistry between the characters was second to none and if you enjoy slow burn and best friends brother tropes then this really was a slow burn.
The way it was written made it a quick, easy, escapist read. I enjoyed the characters in the book and the dual POV. The way Hunter was written as a reserved character sat well with me as being a main character of the book and made her so relatable.
Overall it was a fun, engaging read and for those that have read the series this book and the epilogue wrap it up neatly for you.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.
November 17, 2025
Horror story: your name is Olivia & you recently got a new boyfriend you’re super into. He’s living with this pretty roommate who is not like other girls & it seems like she doesn’t like you. You ask him about it and he says “ofc she likes you! She’s so nice and pretty 😋”.
You go out to eat & she’s on the table next to you and he can’t stop looking at her, doesn’t want to order, isn’t listening to you & even ends up threatening her date so you storm out.
Then! Your dog dies! Your bf has been distant but is kind & even invites you to his friends engagement party! But then you find out he thought a human family member had died so he starts laughing at you, calling you crazy so you dump him 😭😭
Turns out he was trying to break up with you the whole time, his friends hated you & he got with the girl he told you not to worry about!
Long story short - this book is silly, yearning for some guy for 11 years, never making a move and then being mad when he moves in and already has a gf? And the concept of him never ever noticing you but now deciding you look like a goddess & he can’t wait to come home to you? I fear this is simply the first time he’s lived with a woman.
Also him working in investment banking but having time to seduce his housemate & also being super insecure about dyslexia but he’s senior enough that he has a P.A.??? I fear you have smashed the glass ceiling sir, get some therapy.
You go out to eat & she’s on the table next to you and he can’t stop looking at her, doesn’t want to order, isn’t listening to you & even ends up threatening her date so you storm out.
Then! Your dog dies! Your bf has been distant but is kind & even invites you to his friends engagement party! But then you find out he thought a human family member had died so he starts laughing at you, calling you crazy so you dump him 😭😭
Turns out he was trying to break up with you the whole time, his friends hated you & he got with the girl he told you not to worry about!
Long story short - this book is silly, yearning for some guy for 11 years, never making a move and then being mad when he moves in and already has a gf? And the concept of him never ever noticing you but now deciding you look like a goddess & he can’t wait to come home to you? I fear this is simply the first time he’s lived with a woman.
Also him working in investment banking but having time to seduce his housemate & also being super insecure about dyslexia but he’s senior enough that he has a P.A.??? I fear you have smashed the glass ceiling sir, get some therapy.
May 21, 2025
i’m so sorry i didn’t like anything about this book. apparently there’s an amount of time you’re supposed to grieve your dog?? my dog is my entire heart and world and if he died i’d never be the same again so don’t tell me i can only grieve for a few days because he’s “just a dog” absolutely not. also i get a slow burn but the mmc was with another girl for 80% of the book
April 29, 2025
4.5 stars! 🌟
The Roommate Experiment is the first book I read by Camilla Isley and I must say that it pleasantly surprised me! Lately I’ve been looking for more books that have the least spice without losing the typical tension and chemistry for a good contemporary romance. If you are also looking for a romance with tension, banter, chemistry and funny moments, which focuses on the path of the protagonists and their personalities rather than just on how they interact under the sheets, then The Roommate Experiment is the book for you.
The novel starts with the female protagonist, Hunter, who tells us her typical delulu fantasies regarding her 11-year crush, her best friend’s older brother and her new roommate, Dylan. Yes, it’s a cliché, but, if done well, it makes us feel at home, just like the first romance novels we read and that we will never forget. It was really hilarious to see how these fantasies were immediately broken when the aforementioned crush informed us that he already has a girlfriend. Since then there’s a series of embarrassing and fun moments that push the two closer and closer, until they both realize that the thing they are looking for and want most is just a door away.
I really liked the characterization of the characters and in particular the representation of a person with a learning disability. Being a person who is currently writing a thesis on SLD (specific learning disorder) I was really impressed to see a character with developmental dyslexia. The difficulties that Dylan told us regarding his academic, professional and relational path are really on point. Very often in romance novels the authors add pathologies or other elements that they fail to face or represent in an adequate way. In this case, however, through Dylan the author has outlined the main difficulties that a person with a LD faces every day in a simple and complete way, so much so that I wonder if there is someone in her private circle with a similar difficulty. The same goes for Hunter, who instead tells us that she has both PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis, both often hidden pathologies -for the problems they bring- but more and more frequent among women. I am pleased when a representation of a difficulty is well expressed because it allows to raise awareness of that problem to a large percentage of people, who perhaps, after reading the book, will look to learn more about that specific pathology, becoming more aware and more welcoming towards others.
Therefore, The Roommate Experiment in addition to being an extremely fun, romantic and light novel, it also offers a glimpse of real life, showing characters with very relatable difficulties and daily challenges.
Recommended!! 💗
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC 🫶🏻
The Roommate Experiment is the first book I read by Camilla Isley and I must say that it pleasantly surprised me! Lately I’ve been looking for more books that have the least spice without losing the typical tension and chemistry for a good contemporary romance. If you are also looking for a romance with tension, banter, chemistry and funny moments, which focuses on the path of the protagonists and their personalities rather than just on how they interact under the sheets, then The Roommate Experiment is the book for you.
The novel starts with the female protagonist, Hunter, who tells us her typical delulu fantasies regarding her 11-year crush, her best friend’s older brother and her new roommate, Dylan. Yes, it’s a cliché, but, if done well, it makes us feel at home, just like the first romance novels we read and that we will never forget. It was really hilarious to see how these fantasies were immediately broken when the aforementioned crush informed us that he already has a girlfriend. Since then there’s a series of embarrassing and fun moments that push the two closer and closer, until they both realize that the thing they are looking for and want most is just a door away.
I really liked the characterization of the characters and in particular the representation of a person with a learning disability. Being a person who is currently writing a thesis on SLD (specific learning disorder) I was really impressed to see a character with developmental dyslexia. The difficulties that Dylan told us regarding his academic, professional and relational path are really on point. Very often in romance novels the authors add pathologies or other elements that they fail to face or represent in an adequate way. In this case, however, through Dylan the author has outlined the main difficulties that a person with a LD faces every day in a simple and complete way, so much so that I wonder if there is someone in her private circle with a similar difficulty. The same goes for Hunter, who instead tells us that she has both PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis, both often hidden pathologies -for the problems they bring- but more and more frequent among women. I am pleased when a representation of a difficulty is well expressed because it allows to raise awareness of that problem to a large percentage of people, who perhaps, after reading the book, will look to learn more about that specific pathology, becoming more aware and more welcoming towards others.
Therefore, The Roommate Experiment in addition to being an extremely fun, romantic and light novel, it also offers a glimpse of real life, showing characters with very relatable difficulties and daily challenges.
Recommended!! 💗
Thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the eARC 🫶🏻
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