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Cider Bar Sisters #5
Her Unexpected Roommate: Cider Bar Sisters, Book 5
Her former one-night stand is now her roommate. Oops.
When electrical engineer and depressed plushie enthusiast Rose Pang decides to go out alone one evening, she certainly doesn't expect to meet easygoing landscaper Cal. They spend an enjoyable night together, and the next day, romance is on her mind. Cal promises to text . . . but he never does. Hurt, Rose tries her best to forget about him.
But several months later, in a terrible twist of fate, Rose discovers that her new roommate, Caleb Dempsey, is actually her former one-night stand. He claims he lost her number when his phone got run over. Rose isn't buying his lies, and Cal offers to find another place to live as soon as he can.
After a few weeks, however, she starts to like having Cal as a roommate—he does all his chores, plus he's a fun and calming presence—but she swears nothing will happen between them. Except her feelings for him grow as they spend more time together.
Can she risk giving him another chance, especially when her mental health is a little fragile? If it goes badly, she'll also lose a great roommate. Maybe it would be safer to try dating someone new . . .
Contains mature themes.
When electrical engineer and depressed plushie enthusiast Rose Pang decides to go out alone one evening, she certainly doesn't expect to meet easygoing landscaper Cal. They spend an enjoyable night together, and the next day, romance is on her mind. Cal promises to text . . . but he never does. Hurt, Rose tries her best to forget about him.
But several months later, in a terrible twist of fate, Rose discovers that her new roommate, Caleb Dempsey, is actually her former one-night stand. He claims he lost her number when his phone got run over. Rose isn't buying his lies, and Cal offers to find another place to live as soon as he can.
After a few weeks, however, she starts to like having Cal as a roommate—he does all his chores, plus he's a fun and calming presence—but she swears nothing will happen between them. Except her feelings for him grow as they spend more time together.
Can she risk giving him another chance, especially when her mental health is a little fragile? If it goes badly, she'll also lose a great roommate. Maybe it would be safer to try dating someone new . . .
Contains mature themes.
Audible Audio
First published August 9, 2022
About the author
Jackie Lau
39 books888 followersJackie Lau decided she wanted to be a writer when she was in grade two, sometime between writing “The Heart That Got Lost” and “The Land of Shapes.” She later studied engineering and worked as a geophysicist before turning to writing romance novels.
Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, eating too much gelato, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.
Jackie lives in Toronto with her husband, and despite living in Canada her whole life, she hates winter. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, eating too much gelato, and reading on the balcony when it’s raining.
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August 10, 2022Finale of the lovely Cider Bar Sisters series. This one is a bit heavier as Rose has bad treatment-resistant depression, and trauma related to her mother's death by suicide because of depression. (There is a thoughtful and thorough author's note on this so readers know what they're getting.) Rose's mental state is very well conveyed and there's nothing crass in the way of easy fixes: her depression is a big problem and with her for life, and that's just something a partner has to negotiate.
Luckily Caleb is one of the more adorable heroes in romance. He's younger, physical, incredibly chill and accepting. He pretty much follows Rose's lead in everything, not in a doormat way but really because he's just extremely chill and he likes making her happy. He struggles with dyscalculia and a miserable family, so it's not all sunshine and roses, but equally, we see Rose as a supportive partner who stands up for him. It makes for a really warm, sweet romance that doesn't soft soap hard issues, but majors on kindness, tolerance, and support.
Luckily Caleb is one of the more adorable heroes in romance. He's younger, physical, incredibly chill and accepting. He pretty much follows Rose's lead in everything, not in a doormat way but really because he's just extremely chill and he likes making her happy. He struggles with dyscalculia and a miserable family, so it's not all sunshine and roses, but equally, we see Rose as a supportive partner who stands up for him. It makes for a really warm, sweet romance that doesn't soft soap hard issues, but majors on kindness, tolerance, and support.
August 9, 2022
Jackie Lau doesn’t always write soft boi romance heroes, but when she does, she does it well. Cal is a very soft boi, but he is neither unintelligent nor unselectively sexually active, so he isn’t a himbo. He does have big golden retriever energy.
Rose is the last of the group who meet at the cider bar to find a partner. She has treatment resistant depression and as much as she would like a partner, she wonders if she is capable of having a relationship. One Friday night when all her friends are doing couple things with their partners, Rose decides to dress up and go to a bar. Cal also goes to the bar to meet a friend who is perpetually late. Instead he meets Rose, they hook up and go back to his place. She has a minor freak out that night, but Cal likes her and wants to see her again.
Unfortunately, Cal’s phone is destroyed, he loses Rose’s number and Rose thinks he’s ghosted her. They meet a year later when Cal becomes her new roommate. Initially Rose is against the arrangement, but agrees they can try and see how it goes, but no romance. Since this is a romance, there is, of course romance. The romance happens because Cal likes and accepts Rose for who she is. He isn’t worried about the way things are supposed to be and does little things that make Rose’s life easier.
I really fell in love with this book. Cal wants Rose in his life, so he gives her room to be herself. When he realizes she has a hard time with things that couples are supposed to do, he points out that the two of them get to make whatever rules they want for their relationship.
This isn’t an angst free book. There’s a bleak moment early in the book, there’s a smaller bleak moment later in the book. But there is never a moment where Cal questions Rose’s worth. I’ve ended up talking more about Cal than Rose. Rose is wonderful – creative, caring, and brave. She and Cal make each other better people.
CW: depression, on page depressive episode, discussion of treatments not working, past death by suicide of parent, parental disapproval, dyscalculia and ADHD, negging.
Rose is the last of the group who meet at the cider bar to find a partner. She has treatment resistant depression and as much as she would like a partner, she wonders if she is capable of having a relationship. One Friday night when all her friends are doing couple things with their partners, Rose decides to dress up and go to a bar. Cal also goes to the bar to meet a friend who is perpetually late. Instead he meets Rose, they hook up and go back to his place. She has a minor freak out that night, but Cal likes her and wants to see her again.
Unfortunately, Cal’s phone is destroyed, he loses Rose’s number and Rose thinks he’s ghosted her. They meet a year later when Cal becomes her new roommate. Initially Rose is against the arrangement, but agrees they can try and see how it goes, but no romance. Since this is a romance, there is, of course romance. The romance happens because Cal likes and accepts Rose for who she is. He isn’t worried about the way things are supposed to be and does little things that make Rose’s life easier.
I really fell in love with this book. Cal wants Rose in his life, so he gives her room to be herself. When he realizes she has a hard time with things that couples are supposed to do, he points out that the two of them get to make whatever rules they want for their relationship.
This isn’t an angst free book. There’s a bleak moment early in the book, there’s a smaller bleak moment later in the book. But there is never a moment where Cal questions Rose’s worth. I’ve ended up talking more about Cal than Rose. Rose is wonderful – creative, caring, and brave. She and Cal make each other better people.
CW: depression, on page depressive episode, discussion of treatments not working, past death by suicide of parent, parental disapproval, dyscalculia and ADHD, negging.
November 15, 2023
Lau states in the forward that this entry deals with more difficult themes and is not a romcom. But it’s a really lovely romance and a really lovely series finale nonetheless. Features a very anxious heroine with depression paired with the most easy-going neurodivergent hero. He has major “golden retriever boyfriend” energy.
CW: treatment-resistant depression, parental loss, loss of a loved one to suicide, discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
CW: treatment-resistant depression, parental loss, loss of a loved one to suicide, discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
July 18, 2024
Not my favorite in the series. Cal, the MMC, was too perfect. Rose never grew on me, being in her head was exhausting, and her only real character trait seemed to be her depression... Cal was also not that well defined. I liked that they both had lives outside the relationship and that we see those lives being merged. Since it's the last book in the series, we see all 4 couples, but I didn't remember them, and they were not distinct enough here. I'll keep reading this author for sure, even though this series was not my favorite.
August 8, 2022
A lovely finale for a fantastic series!
Her Unexpected Roommate is a bit heavier than its predecessors, but it still has all the charm and loveable quirks of the rest of the series. The last single "Cider Bar Sister," Rose has struggled with depression since she was a teenager and though she is better able to cope with it than she used to be she knows that it will always be a part of her life. She's thrilled that her closest friends have all found romance, but at the same time she can't help but feel a bit lonely. One night stands aren't usually her thing, but when she meets Cal in a trendy bar she can't help herself and ends up going home with him for a single, memorable night.
And then doesn't hear from him again...until he moves in as her new roommate almost a year later. Close proximity, second chance romance, and opposites attract FTW--though this one is so much more than its tropes <3
I loved how Cal was 100% accepting of Rose and her needs from the very beginning. Even before he knew her history, he never thought the things that she needed to feel safe and comfortable were odd or unusual. (The woman he just brought home from a bar needs a plushie and a seperate room to get some sleep? No problem. He's got a spare room and a stuffed animal she can use, and he shows her where they are without batting an eye. There are times when he figures out what she needs without asking, but he also has absolutely no problem asking her either, and does often. Seriously, this guy is amazing. Fictional, but still awesome.)
I loved that Rose is unapologetically her own person here. She has done the work to figure out what often works for her, and she isn't afraid to stand up for herself to try and make herself more comfortable. She is also fiercely loyal and protective of those she cares about--her "sisters," her family, and (eventually) Cal will all end up in this group. Her HEA isn't going to look exactly like everyone else's, and that's OK. It'll be the perfect one for her and Cal. Together.
Since this is the last in the series (sob!) Ms Lau gives us a brief glimpse into the future of all of the CBS couples in the end. Though new readers will have "met" everyone in this book, the epilogue will be most satisfying to those who have read the other series books first. In other words, this book *could* work as a standalone, but why would you want it to? Read them all! :)
(Content warnings: mental illness/depression and (past, off-page) suicide of parent. I definitely recommend reading the author's note at the beginning of the book for context.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Her Unexpected Roommate is a bit heavier than its predecessors, but it still has all the charm and loveable quirks of the rest of the series. The last single "Cider Bar Sister," Rose has struggled with depression since she was a teenager and though she is better able to cope with it than she used to be she knows that it will always be a part of her life. She's thrilled that her closest friends have all found romance, but at the same time she can't help but feel a bit lonely. One night stands aren't usually her thing, but when she meets Cal in a trendy bar she can't help herself and ends up going home with him for a single, memorable night.
And then doesn't hear from him again...until he moves in as her new roommate almost a year later. Close proximity, second chance romance, and opposites attract FTW--though this one is so much more than its tropes <3
I loved how Cal was 100% accepting of Rose and her needs from the very beginning. Even before he knew her history, he never thought the things that she needed to feel safe and comfortable were odd or unusual. (The woman he just brought home from a bar needs a plushie and a seperate room to get some sleep? No problem. He's got a spare room and a stuffed animal she can use, and he shows her where they are without batting an eye. There are times when he figures out what she needs without asking, but he also has absolutely no problem asking her either, and does often. Seriously, this guy is amazing. Fictional, but still awesome.)
I loved that Rose is unapologetically her own person here. She has done the work to figure out what often works for her, and she isn't afraid to stand up for herself to try and make herself more comfortable. She is also fiercely loyal and protective of those she cares about--her "sisters," her family, and (eventually) Cal will all end up in this group. Her HEA isn't going to look exactly like everyone else's, and that's OK. It'll be the perfect one for her and Cal. Together.
Since this is the last in the series (sob!) Ms Lau gives us a brief glimpse into the future of all of the CBS couples in the end. Though new readers will have "met" everyone in this book, the epilogue will be most satisfying to those who have read the other series books first. In other words, this book *could* work as a standalone, but why would you want it to? Read them all! :)
(Content warnings: mental illness/depression and (past, off-page) suicide of parent. I definitely recommend reading the author's note at the beginning of the book for context.)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 18, 2022
Loved these imperfect characters and their believable path to an HEA. Rose struggles with depression and the lasting impact of her mother's suicide. Cal has dyscalculia (a math learning disability) and an unsupportive family. Their initial night together seems promising but when Cal loses Rose's number, their connection is severed, at least until several months later when Cal ends up being her new roommate. Having given up on Cal, it takes extra effort on his part to convince Rose that he really did mean to call her, and thus we get the start of an actual friendship and renewal of trust. Rose's love of stuffed animals (and habit of taking instagram pictures with her favourite) is a sweet and quirky side of her personality, one which Cal embraces and accepts easily. It's a sweet, supportive love story that doesn't gloss over hard realities but makes their romance feel real. It's my favourite of the series.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
A copy of this story was provided by the author.
November 8, 2023
Roommates/forced proximity AND older woman/younger man 💯💯💯
The epilogue with all of the characters was really nice too!
Content warning: past parental death, depression and anxiety, ableism, explicit sexual content
The epilogue with all of the characters was really nice too!
Content warning: past parental death, depression and anxiety, ableism, explicit sexual content
August 9, 2022
Content Warning: Depression, Suicide (Backstory)
I’ve been thinking about this book since I finished it two days ago. This may in fact be the best depiction of mental health I’ve read in a romance. Rose isn’t healed by Cal in the end. She still struggles with her mental health every day. They don’t always sleep in the same room. He acknowledges her mental health and does what he can to support her. Rose has bad days, weeks, or months, and that’s okay too. And she has good days too. She has a loving family, supportive friends, and a one-night stand who ends up becoming her new roommate. Cal is an adorable hero who isn’t perfect either. Life conspires to keep them apart after their one-night stand and when Cal reenters her life as her new roommate, Rose is rightfully wary. It takes a while and some hurdles for them to work their way back to a potential relationship. But it’s really the sweetness that gets to me. Cal just supports Rose. He supports and even joins in with her adorable plushies. He doesn’t take away her agency when it comes to decisions but he makes them easier for her. He knows when she’s overwhelmed and needs a break and doesn’t get offended. Honestly, this is just a beautiful story, a love story in the midst of really difficult, realistic moments. How much I related to Rose, the tough days, the mental spiraling, made this a complicated book to read. At times, I considered putting it down because of how much of Rose’s life called to me but I’m glad I continued and that Rose got her HEA. This is a tough story but a necessary one and honestly, it handled mental health in the most realistic of ways.
I’ve been thinking about this book since I finished it two days ago. This may in fact be the best depiction of mental health I’ve read in a romance. Rose isn’t healed by Cal in the end. She still struggles with her mental health every day. They don’t always sleep in the same room. He acknowledges her mental health and does what he can to support her. Rose has bad days, weeks, or months, and that’s okay too. And she has good days too. She has a loving family, supportive friends, and a one-night stand who ends up becoming her new roommate. Cal is an adorable hero who isn’t perfect either. Life conspires to keep them apart after their one-night stand and when Cal reenters her life as her new roommate, Rose is rightfully wary. It takes a while and some hurdles for them to work their way back to a potential relationship. But it’s really the sweetness that gets to me. Cal just supports Rose. He supports and even joins in with her adorable plushies. He doesn’t take away her agency when it comes to decisions but he makes them easier for her. He knows when she’s overwhelmed and needs a break and doesn’t get offended. Honestly, this is just a beautiful story, a love story in the midst of really difficult, realistic moments. How much I related to Rose, the tough days, the mental spiraling, made this a complicated book to read. At times, I considered putting it down because of how much of Rose’s life called to me but I’m glad I continued and that Rose got her HEA. This is a tough story but a necessary one and honestly, it handled mental health in the most realistic of ways.
May 14, 2023
This book was PERFECT. I was nervous to read it because of Jackie Lau’s very thoughtful author’s note at the beginning, but Lau took absolute care of her reader with this one. In the author’s note, Lau talks about this book is heavier than all of the other books in the series since the MC Rose deals with suicidal ideation and also lost her mother to suicide.
This book still made me laugh out loud multiple times!!
The depression representation in this book is A+ imho. I love that Lau showed a woman who was working on herself but was still not well.
Cal was the sweetest & most affirming MC. Loved him so much!!
Highly highly recommend this book!!!
Notes: Takes place in Toronto, Canada. Cal is white and struggles with dyscalculia. Rose is Canadian of East Asian descent and is also a fat woman who struggles with chronic depression.
This book still made me laugh out loud multiple times!!
The depression representation in this book is A+ imho. I love that Lau showed a woman who was working on herself but was still not well.
Cal was the sweetest & most affirming MC. Loved him so much!!
Highly highly recommend this book!!!
Notes: Takes place in Toronto, Canada. Cal is white and struggles with dyscalculia. Rose is Canadian of East Asian descent and is also a fat woman who struggles with chronic depression.
August 9, 2022
Great story to end the series with. Even though Rose wrestles with serious mental health issues, the story still has a lightness due to the incredible supportiveness of Cal. Meeting her where she is and letting most things just roll of him (except for his frustrating family), he's a dream. I enjoyed the time I spent with them. The author's note at the beginning demonstrates how personal a story this is to the author and she did a wonderful job in using her own experiences to create a wonderfully loveable character.
I am sad to see this series end but happy we got an epilogue to catch up on what happened with all the sisters.
I am sad to see this series end but happy we got an epilogue to catch up on what happened with all the sisters.
November 28, 2022
Cal is very chill.
Both of them are disappointments to their parents, especially from a career perspective.
Cal feels bad about his inability to handle his finances, but has developed some coping skills.
She suffers from anxiety and depression and has some coping skills, but no therapy or medication has turned out to be a magic wand for her.
Especially because of her issues, the story is anxious. But I like how they use their strengths to help each other and how they are there for each other.
Both of them are disappointments to their parents, especially from a career perspective.
Cal feels bad about his inability to handle his finances, but has developed some coping skills.
She suffers from anxiety and depression and has some coping skills, but no therapy or medication has turned out to be a magic wand for her.
Especially because of her issues, the story is anxious. But I like how they use their strengths to help each other and how they are there for each other.
June 12, 2023
This was so cute!! Definitely a heavier entry in the series but I absolutely adored this pairing. Unbothered himbo/very bothered smart girl is a precious pairing.
I am, of course, never a fan of the miscommunication trope. I'm glad it didn't seem to dictate this book at the beginning for too long, however. But I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at one point because it was a little annoying.
And of course, I'm obsessed with both the FMC and MMC being plus sized. Love it soo much!
I am, of course, never a fan of the miscommunication trope. I'm glad it didn't seem to dictate this book at the beginning for too long, however. But I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes at one point because it was a little annoying.
And of course, I'm obsessed with both the FMC and MMC being plus sized. Love it soo much!
February 5, 2025
The book started off strong, but I felt like the ending was just OK. They overcame the hurdle of his family's dismissal of his issues with math, but I wanted to see more development from these characters and where they went from there.
September 2, 2022
Jackie Lau's writing is hilarious and always makes me hungry. An enjoyable read.
September 8, 2023
Oh jackie lau, I adore your writing. It's like candy
August 25, 2022
Really, really lovely. Probably my second favorite of the series after Amy’s. From reading the author’s note and following Jackie Lau on Twitter, Rose’s character is highly personal. Her experience gives a different perspective on living with depression in a pretty matter of fact way. Unfortunately, treatments aren’t one size fits all and not everyone finds a treatment that works.
I just adored, adored Cal. I love his open acceptance of Rose and how he never makes her feel bad for how she feels or what she likes.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
I just adored, adored Cal. I love his open acceptance of Rose and how he never makes her feel bad for how she feels or what she likes.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
August 9, 2022
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Her Unexpected Roommate is the fifth and final book in the Cider Bar Sisters series. It can be read as a stand-alone, however the prior books I have read are fantastic as well and well worth reading.
This book represents a tonal shift for Jackie Lau in comparison to much of her previous work. While she has included real-life issues in her work before, this is the first time they’ve so heavily dominated the narrative and character arc. As such, it has a much darker tone than she typically writes. However, she also writes from a very authentic place, as she discusses in the introductory Author’s Note, and that allowed her to tackle the issues of depression and suicide with the compassion it deserved.
I see a lot of myself in Rose. I haven’t lost a parent, to suicide or otherwise, but both myself and some members of my family are impacted by depression. I love Rose’s candidness about her needs, and while her experience is not completely identical to mine, she does provide another great example of what it’s like to live with it from day to day.
I also love the little quirk that she has an Instagram account for her stuffed alpaca, and there’s all these little exchanges between the alpaca and other stuffed animals. Coming from a stuffed animal loving family myself, it’s incredibly heartwarming to read stuff like that.
Caleb is absolutely the sweetest. He happily accepts Rose as she is and on whatever terms she’s willing to offer. While they do have a bit of a rocky start, he soon proves himself to be dependable and the sort of stable force she needs in her life.
And while it does differ in tone and themes, Lau’s signature love for the Toronto culinary scene remains present. Always have some food handy when you’re about to pick up a Jackie Lau book!
This was one of the best books I’ve read from Jackie Lau, and would recommend it to current readers and new readers who enjoy multicultural romance with a lot of heart.
CWs: discussions of mental illness/depression, past suicide of parent (mentioned)
Her Unexpected Roommate is the fifth and final book in the Cider Bar Sisters series. It can be read as a stand-alone, however the prior books I have read are fantastic as well and well worth reading.
This book represents a tonal shift for Jackie Lau in comparison to much of her previous work. While she has included real-life issues in her work before, this is the first time they’ve so heavily dominated the narrative and character arc. As such, it has a much darker tone than she typically writes. However, she also writes from a very authentic place, as she discusses in the introductory Author’s Note, and that allowed her to tackle the issues of depression and suicide with the compassion it deserved.
I see a lot of myself in Rose. I haven’t lost a parent, to suicide or otherwise, but both myself and some members of my family are impacted by depression. I love Rose’s candidness about her needs, and while her experience is not completely identical to mine, she does provide another great example of what it’s like to live with it from day to day.
I also love the little quirk that she has an Instagram account for her stuffed alpaca, and there’s all these little exchanges between the alpaca and other stuffed animals. Coming from a stuffed animal loving family myself, it’s incredibly heartwarming to read stuff like that.
Caleb is absolutely the sweetest. He happily accepts Rose as she is and on whatever terms she’s willing to offer. While they do have a bit of a rocky start, he soon proves himself to be dependable and the sort of stable force she needs in her life.
And while it does differ in tone and themes, Lau’s signature love for the Toronto culinary scene remains present. Always have some food handy when you’re about to pick up a Jackie Lau book!
This was one of the best books I’ve read from Jackie Lau, and would recommend it to current readers and new readers who enjoy multicultural romance with a lot of heart.
CWs: discussions of mental illness/depression, past suicide of parent (mentioned)
October 19, 2022
This is Rose’s story, and we’ve been introduced to Rose and her depression in bits and pieces over the previous books, but I think it’s important to note that Her Unexpected Roommate opens with an author’s note where Jackie Lau lays out what her reasons are for writing a lead like Rose and exactly the sorts of struggles the reader is going to experience via her characters (specifically treatment-resistant depression, and trauma related a parent’s death by suicide). This is a case of an author writing what they know, as Lau is open in discussing her own struggles with treatment-resistant depression. In that way, Rose's mental state is communicated in a way that provides insight without being overly weighty (I’m comfortable suggesting this book to fellow depression having folks).
Cal struggles with undiagnosed dyscalculia and ADHD and parents more interested in assigning blame than in finding out what the problem is, in seemingly all circumstances. Lau achieves a beautiful balance where we see the partners care for each other equitably. Rose is a supportive partner who stands up for Cal and reassures him that any mistakes he makes are just that. For his part, Cal likes and accepts Rose for who she is and is never thrown by the unique rhythm that Rose needs to live life by. He doesn’t focus or care much for the way things are “supposed” to be and does little things that make Rose’s life easier as he spots them. For her it can feel like big things, or that he is not taking his own wants or needs into account, but he sees the ways he makes room for her executive dysfunction or other depression related issues as being equivalent to reaching the highest shelf because he’s taller. And… the way that made my heart happy is no small thing. For all its heavy issues, Her Unexpected Roommate is a warm, sweet romance that includes hard things, but focuses on kindness and support as the basis for a successful romantic relationship.
I was provided an ARC by the author, it has not affected the contents of this review.
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
Cal struggles with undiagnosed dyscalculia and ADHD and parents more interested in assigning blame than in finding out what the problem is, in seemingly all circumstances. Lau achieves a beautiful balance where we see the partners care for each other equitably. Rose is a supportive partner who stands up for Cal and reassures him that any mistakes he makes are just that. For his part, Cal likes and accepts Rose for who she is and is never thrown by the unique rhythm that Rose needs to live life by. He doesn’t focus or care much for the way things are “supposed” to be and does little things that make Rose’s life easier as he spots them. For her it can feel like big things, or that he is not taking his own wants or needs into account, but he sees the ways he makes room for her executive dysfunction or other depression related issues as being equivalent to reaching the highest shelf because he’s taller. And… the way that made my heart happy is no small thing. For all its heavy issues, Her Unexpected Roommate is a warm, sweet romance that includes hard things, but focuses on kindness and support as the basis for a successful romantic relationship.
I was provided an ARC by the author, it has not affected the contents of this review.
full review: https://faintingviolet.wordpress.com/...
August 7, 2022
Rose Peng had a memorable one-night stand with Cal, who never called as promised. Months later, her new roommate Caleb Dempsey turns out to be that one-night stand, and he claimed his phone was run over. As much as he promises to find a new place to live, he's not a bad roommate. He does chores, is a calming presence, and she enjoys his company. But Rose has depression, and is it worth risking her mental health to have more?
As the fifth book in the series, we've had glimpses of Rose before. (The Cider Bar Sisters series includes #1 Her Big City Neighbor, #2 His Grumpy Childhood Friend, #3 The Professor Next Door, and #4 Her Favorite Rebound) We know Rose is an electrical engineer, as all the ladies of the series are professionals living in Baldwin Village. She also has depression and doesn't respond well to medication. All people who have failed multiple trials of medication will understand her frustration with it, and the determination to continue going on despite their depression making it more difficult. Rose also has the specter of her mother's suicide ten years ago hanging over her head. This is a situation intimately familiar for the author, and she explains it for readers prior to the book's opening. Her Unexpected Roommate is still a romance novel, but it's more serious than the prior books in this series.
The relationship is a kind and caring one. Rose has her "bad brain" moments where she second-guesses herself and everything around her. Cal is weak with numbers and math. His easygoing nature is like an antidote to her anxiety, and neither of them diminishes the bad moments that happen. The "breakup" moment of the book that's required of a romance novel isn't an external force; the other guy that Rose dates never really captures her attention that way he hoped he would. Depression is a real concern, and always something that hangs over Rose. But her life has purpose, she and her friends remain close, and she has the best possible happily ever after.
As the fifth book in the series, we've had glimpses of Rose before. (The Cider Bar Sisters series includes #1 Her Big City Neighbor, #2 His Grumpy Childhood Friend, #3 The Professor Next Door, and #4 Her Favorite Rebound) We know Rose is an electrical engineer, as all the ladies of the series are professionals living in Baldwin Village. She also has depression and doesn't respond well to medication. All people who have failed multiple trials of medication will understand her frustration with it, and the determination to continue going on despite their depression making it more difficult. Rose also has the specter of her mother's suicide ten years ago hanging over her head. This is a situation intimately familiar for the author, and she explains it for readers prior to the book's opening. Her Unexpected Roommate is still a romance novel, but it's more serious than the prior books in this series.
The relationship is a kind and caring one. Rose has her "bad brain" moments where she second-guesses herself and everything around her. Cal is weak with numbers and math. His easygoing nature is like an antidote to her anxiety, and neither of them diminishes the bad moments that happen. The "breakup" moment of the book that's required of a romance novel isn't an external force; the other guy that Rose dates never really captures her attention that way he hoped he would. Depression is a real concern, and always something that hangs over Rose. But her life has purpose, she and her friends remain close, and she has the best possible happily ever after.
August 13, 2022
Rose and Cal are just too cute together! This book is also far more lighthearted than any book with treatment-resistant depression as a major theme has any right to be - but honestly, that's the friggin appeal of a Jackie Lau romance. You're going to get the real...but not the real dark (which many people assume have to go together).
Rose is the last of her friend group, "the Cider Bar Sisters," to still be single...even though she really wants to be in a relationship. The dating scene is tough for her since she's 35, has depression, and a fondness for collecting plushies (and posting about them on IG). That's why when she has an instant connection with Cal after meeting at a bar (shout-out to the steampunk bar; is that a real place in Toronto?) and a very sexy hookup, she's wildly disappointed when he doesn't text. Since alternating chapters are in Cal's perspective, we get to see that this is actually because his phone gets run over by a truck. Yes, really.
Hijinks ensue when months later, Cal ends up at Rose's roommate. In the spirit of moving on as friends, they decide to keep the arrangement. But what to do when feelings start to reemerge..?
This is a super low-conflict romance: even the major "fight" at the end is easily resolved. I've got a feeling that this relationship would be tougher to pull off in real life, but hey, I loved to see it go down in fiction. Cal's go-with-the-flow nature is a perfect match for Rose's tendency toward anxiety, and it's a beautiful thing to see them learn to trust each other and communicate.
You don't have to read the rest of the series to enjoy this one - and honestly, I might recommend this book to readers who just want to see characters with depression well-represented in a romance. But for those who've been along for the whole ride in this series, the book also offers satisfying updates on all the rest of the "Sisters" and their relationships before coming to a close.
Lau signed off on this series with the equivalent of a warm hug, and I'm here for it.
Rose is the last of her friend group, "the Cider Bar Sisters," to still be single...even though she really wants to be in a relationship. The dating scene is tough for her since she's 35, has depression, and a fondness for collecting plushies (and posting about them on IG). That's why when she has an instant connection with Cal after meeting at a bar (shout-out to the steampunk bar; is that a real place in Toronto?) and a very sexy hookup, she's wildly disappointed when he doesn't text. Since alternating chapters are in Cal's perspective, we get to see that this is actually because his phone gets run over by a truck. Yes, really.
Hijinks ensue when months later, Cal ends up at Rose's roommate. In the spirit of moving on as friends, they decide to keep the arrangement. But what to do when feelings start to reemerge..?
This is a super low-conflict romance: even the major "fight" at the end is easily resolved. I've got a feeling that this relationship would be tougher to pull off in real life, but hey, I loved to see it go down in fiction. Cal's go-with-the-flow nature is a perfect match for Rose's tendency toward anxiety, and it's a beautiful thing to see them learn to trust each other and communicate.
You don't have to read the rest of the series to enjoy this one - and honestly, I might recommend this book to readers who just want to see characters with depression well-represented in a romance. But for those who've been along for the whole ride in this series, the book also offers satisfying updates on all the rest of the "Sisters" and their relationships before coming to a close.
Lau signed off on this series with the equivalent of a warm hug, and I'm here for it.
August 4, 2022
This story went straight to my heart!
This book is so much more than the combination of tropes, which includes opposites-attract, ONS, and roommates. There's a lot of depth to their relationship, even though it is quite a slow burn.
After a scorching hot ONS followed by nearly a year of no contact, Rose discovers that her new roommate is Cal, the one man she couldn't forget despite wanting to after he ghosted her. Cal is delighted to reconnect with Rose, who he tried to follow up with but couldn't. She's still carrying around a lot of anger and hurt feelings that prevent her from hearing his side of things, but Cal is nothing if not patient and knows that Rose is worth whatever time and effort is required to regain her trust.
Rose is a unique character for me. She's honest about her depression, quirky and charming in how she manages it, and intensely loyal to her friends. Reading the author's note first indicated that this might be the most autobiographical character she's written. Like Cal, I found it very easy to love Rose and was so very happy for her when she found her HEA.
Cal is a bit of a himbo, but in all the best meanings of the word. His charm and charisma made me fall in love with him right from the start. He's very laid back, not intellectually driven in any sense of the word, but his character is above reproach and he's a perfect complement for Rose. He is a very solid foundation for her, someone who will always be there to catch her no matter what knocks her down.
As someone who has dealt with depression in my own family, I genuinely respect the author for the way she handled this subject in this book. It's refreshing to see it treated as a true medical condition rather than a character flaw. Jackie Lau always includes a lot of food references in her books, and this one was a refreshing change of pace as it included a wide range of food cultures.
As the final book in the series, the author gave us a tremendously satisfying epilogue that updates the continuing HEAs of all the couples. I loved that Rose and Cal's HEA was different than most but exactly what they needed. I highly recommend this book as well as all the rest in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This book is so much more than the combination of tropes, which includes opposites-attract, ONS, and roommates. There's a lot of depth to their relationship, even though it is quite a slow burn.
After a scorching hot ONS followed by nearly a year of no contact, Rose discovers that her new roommate is Cal, the one man she couldn't forget despite wanting to after he ghosted her. Cal is delighted to reconnect with Rose, who he tried to follow up with but couldn't. She's still carrying around a lot of anger and hurt feelings that prevent her from hearing his side of things, but Cal is nothing if not patient and knows that Rose is worth whatever time and effort is required to regain her trust.
Rose is a unique character for me. She's honest about her depression, quirky and charming in how she manages it, and intensely loyal to her friends. Reading the author's note first indicated that this might be the most autobiographical character she's written. Like Cal, I found it very easy to love Rose and was so very happy for her when she found her HEA.
Cal is a bit of a himbo, but in all the best meanings of the word. His charm and charisma made me fall in love with him right from the start. He's very laid back, not intellectually driven in any sense of the word, but his character is above reproach and he's a perfect complement for Rose. He is a very solid foundation for her, someone who will always be there to catch her no matter what knocks her down.
As someone who has dealt with depression in my own family, I genuinely respect the author for the way she handled this subject in this book. It's refreshing to see it treated as a true medical condition rather than a character flaw. Jackie Lau always includes a lot of food references in her books, and this one was a refreshing change of pace as it included a wide range of food cultures.
As the final book in the series, the author gave us a tremendously satisfying epilogue that updates the continuing HEAs of all the couples. I loved that Rose and Cal's HEA was different than most but exactly what they needed. I highly recommend this book as well as all the rest in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 22, 2022
Rose, who has watched her four other "Cider Bar Sisters" find romantic partners in the previous four books in the series, is sad and a bit jealous, despite being happy for her best girls. She worries that her treatment-resistant depression means she will never find a romantic partner herself. Her worry seems justified after she has an unusual (for her) hot one-night stand with a big beefcake of a guy she meets in a bar, and he later ghosts her. And when, nearly a year later, said guy turns out to be the roommate her friends found for her, Rose isn't at all open to listening to Cal's excuse for not calling (even though we as readers know it is a valid one). But as the two hang out as roommates, Rose gradually begins to realize that Cal isn't a jerk, but a kind, caring (and really smokin') guy. Who likes her, insecurities and anxieties and cute plushie friends and all...
Strong depiction of Rose's depression, although as someone with depression myself, I did find it a bit tiresome to read Rose's worries over and over again (I find my own depression tiresome, too...).
Did anyone else think Cal's intellectual disabilities went beyond the dyscalculia that Rose suggests he may be suffering from? Even taking into consideration my preference for quick-witted, bantering-type protagonists, Cal seemed worryingly slow at times.
Loved their embrace of their stuffed animal Instagram shenanigans...
Strong depiction of Rose's depression, although as someone with depression myself, I did find it a bit tiresome to read Rose's worries over and over again (I find my own depression tiresome, too...).
Did anyone else think Cal's intellectual disabilities went beyond the dyscalculia that Rose suggests he may be suffering from? Even taking into consideration my preference for quick-witted, bantering-type protagonists, Cal seemed worryingly slow at times.
Loved their embrace of their stuffed animal Instagram shenanigans...
August 22, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Cider Bar Sister’s series but I have to say that “Her Unexpected Roommate” is definitely my favorite of them all. Rose is someone that I really related too. She is quirky and loveable and has always intrigued me throughout the series. I was thrilled to finally get to read her story because I wanted to hear more about her background, what made her who she was, and for her to have that happy ending that she truly deserved. I have really grown to care for the characters in this series.
As soon as Cal and Rose met at Nautilus and he didn’t blink an eye at the mention of Fred the Alpaca, I knew it was a match made in heaven. I adored how their romance played out.
What starts out as a one-night stand, quickly turns into an accidental jilting and then, morphs into a surprise we’re roommates! The more time that Rose spends with Cal, with his cool, calm demeanor, the more her feelings grow. All Cal wants to do is make Rose happy – he cooks her food and watches her favorite shows. All Rose has to do is decide if she’s ready to move beyond roommates but she worries that it may be detrimental to her mental health especially if things don’t work out.
An absolutely fantastic book. I would read an entire series just on Rose and Cal alone. And Fred too. A fun but very real story, “Her Unexpected Roommate” is a solid 10/10 romance.
As soon as Cal and Rose met at Nautilus and he didn’t blink an eye at the mention of Fred the Alpaca, I knew it was a match made in heaven. I adored how their romance played out.
What starts out as a one-night stand, quickly turns into an accidental jilting and then, morphs into a surprise we’re roommates! The more time that Rose spends with Cal, with his cool, calm demeanor, the more her feelings grow. All Cal wants to do is make Rose happy – he cooks her food and watches her favorite shows. All Rose has to do is decide if she’s ready to move beyond roommates but she worries that it may be detrimental to her mental health especially if things don’t work out.
An absolutely fantastic book. I would read an entire series just on Rose and Cal alone. And Fred too. A fun but very real story, “Her Unexpected Roommate” is a solid 10/10 romance.
January 5, 2023
**recommended by: na
**trope(s): close proximity (roommates), second chance, older heroine (age gap: 6 years)
**content/trigger warning:** suicide (parent; history), depression
### my incoherent thoughts
- I was looking for a book by an AOC for the January challenge and realised that I actually haven’t finished this book, so I decided to start over last night
- This book is so wholesome! It’s heavy at parts because of Rose’s depression and her dealing with grief over her mother’s suicide, as well as Cal’s relationship with his father, but there is so much cuteness as well, particularly in Rose and Cal’s relationship development
- Cal is by far my favourite Jackie hero. He’s such a cinnamon roll! I love how soft he is with Rose, who needs softness most of all. I love his instincts in dealing with Rose’s insecurities and vulnerabilities - he’s so emotionally intelligent I can’t help but to root for him
- Rose is also a cutie I totally get why Cal falls for her very early. She’s very easy to love despite her thinking otherwise (due to her yo-yo mental health), I just want to shower her in goodness
### best bits:
- Fred and Shelly (!!!) please I CANNOT
- Rose’s relationship with her father
### not a fan:
- na. I enjoyed this book from start to finish; no complaints
**trope(s): close proximity (roommates), second chance, older heroine (age gap: 6 years)
**content/trigger warning:** suicide (parent; history), depression
### my incoherent thoughts
- I was looking for a book by an AOC for the January challenge and realised that I actually haven’t finished this book, so I decided to start over last night
- This book is so wholesome! It’s heavy at parts because of Rose’s depression and her dealing with grief over her mother’s suicide, as well as Cal’s relationship with his father, but there is so much cuteness as well, particularly in Rose and Cal’s relationship development
- Cal is by far my favourite Jackie hero. He’s such a cinnamon roll! I love how soft he is with Rose, who needs softness most of all. I love his instincts in dealing with Rose’s insecurities and vulnerabilities - he’s so emotionally intelligent I can’t help but to root for him
- Rose is also a cutie I totally get why Cal falls for her very early. She’s very easy to love despite her thinking otherwise (due to her yo-yo mental health), I just want to shower her in goodness
### best bits:
- Fred and Shelly (!!!) please I CANNOT
- Rose’s relationship with her father
### not a fan:
- na. I enjoyed this book from start to finish; no complaints
August 11, 2023
A Touching and Kind Story
Her Unexpected Roommate is the final book in the Cider Bar Sisters series. Rose has treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Her mother also had it, and eventually committed suicide. Cal is a very easy-going guy who likes Rose for who she is, depression and all. As someone who has lived with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, Rose means a lot to me. The mental health representation is excellent. Rose’s thought processes and internal struggles are true to my experience. She knows and understands herself and her issues, and has developed coping strategies and self-care.
While the book is honest in its depiction of depression and anxiety, Rose also believes that she deserves a full life including love. In Cal, she finds someone who accepts her for who she is. In return, she does the same. It is a kind and nurturing relationship after they get past their initial stumbles.
There are some potentially triggering subjects in the story. Jackie Lau wrote a very affecting note at the front of the book. I recommend reading it and paying attention to her subject warnings.
Her Unexpected Roommate is a lovely ending to this series. It will stick with me for a long time.
Her Unexpected Roommate is the final book in the Cider Bar Sisters series. Rose has treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Her mother also had it, and eventually committed suicide. Cal is a very easy-going guy who likes Rose for who she is, depression and all. As someone who has lived with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, Rose means a lot to me. The mental health representation is excellent. Rose’s thought processes and internal struggles are true to my experience. She knows and understands herself and her issues, and has developed coping strategies and self-care.
While the book is honest in its depiction of depression and anxiety, Rose also believes that she deserves a full life including love. In Cal, she finds someone who accepts her for who she is. In return, she does the same. It is a kind and nurturing relationship after they get past their initial stumbles.
There are some potentially triggering subjects in the story. Jackie Lau wrote a very affecting note at the front of the book. I recommend reading it and paying attention to her subject warnings.
Her Unexpected Roommate is a lovely ending to this series. It will stick with me for a long time.
April 3, 2025
5 stars rounded up from 4.5
Part 5 of the Cider Bar Sisters series.
Five Friends: Amy, Charlotte, Nicole, Sierra, and Rose. This is Rose's story.
This is the final book of the five friends who have drinks at the Cider Bar. The book is has a deeper tone to it compared to the others. Rose suffers from mental illness and worries that she has not found love as her friends have.
Rose meets Cal one night and he says he will call her. But when the truck runs over his phone that call doesn't happen. Months later Cal needs to find another place to live he ends up unknowingly renting in the same house as Rose.
Cal wants to be with Rose but she is furious that he had not called her. The story takes its time to allow Rose deal with her health issues and her feelings about Cal. He gives her the space that she needs in order to do so.
The best character is Cal and his patience, kindness and acceptance of Rose. That is truly the best one person could hope to be. Second best character is Rose's father. He doesn't push his daughter. He allows her in her own time to tell him things in her life, but always letting her know he is there for her.
Part 5 of the Cider Bar Sisters series.
Five Friends: Amy, Charlotte, Nicole, Sierra, and Rose. This is Rose's story.
This is the final book of the five friends who have drinks at the Cider Bar. The book is has a deeper tone to it compared to the others. Rose suffers from mental illness and worries that she has not found love as her friends have.
Rose meets Cal one night and he says he will call her. But when the truck runs over his phone that call doesn't happen. Months later Cal needs to find another place to live he ends up unknowingly renting in the same house as Rose.
Cal wants to be with Rose but she is furious that he had not called her. The story takes its time to allow Rose deal with her health issues and her feelings about Cal. He gives her the space that she needs in order to do so.
The best character is Cal and his patience, kindness and acceptance of Rose. That is truly the best one person could hope to be. Second best character is Rose's father. He doesn't push his daughter. He allows her in her own time to tell him things in her life, but always letting her know he is there for her.
August 19, 2022
Is meatloaf romantic?
How was washing lettuce sexy?
Rose & Cal end up as unexpected roommates together about a year after they had a one night stand. She believed that he had lied about wanting to see her, but really his cell was broken shortly after meeting her, so he had lost her number.
The fact that he never called her was pretty bad for Rose, since she suffers from anxiety & depression. After living together for a bit, it’s clear that he was honest, he had just lost his phone with her number. Carl is very easy-going, nothing fazes him, which might just be what Rose needs.
This is the book I wanted to read in this series because of the topic of depression. I ended up reading the first two books first, then this one.
It was a nice story, one about acceptance & love of one another.
I think I liked Mr. Hotshot CEO (Kwan Sisters Book 2) more, with regards to how the topic of depression was dealt with (there was more humor in the story with the family members, esp. with Po Po). However, having said this, Her Unexpected Roommate was still a very good book.
How was washing lettuce sexy?
Rose & Cal end up as unexpected roommates together about a year after they had a one night stand. She believed that he had lied about wanting to see her, but really his cell was broken shortly after meeting her, so he had lost her number.
The fact that he never called her was pretty bad for Rose, since she suffers from anxiety & depression. After living together for a bit, it’s clear that he was honest, he had just lost his phone with her number. Carl is very easy-going, nothing fazes him, which might just be what Rose needs.
This is the book I wanted to read in this series because of the topic of depression. I ended up reading the first two books first, then this one.
It was a nice story, one about acceptance & love of one another.
I think I liked Mr. Hotshot CEO (Kwan Sisters Book 2) more, with regards to how the topic of depression was dealt with (there was more humor in the story with the family members, esp. with Po Po). However, having said this, Her Unexpected Roommate was still a very good book.
August 9, 2022
Many thanks to Jackie Lau for the review copy. This book is out today!
Content warnings (author gives them thoroughly): clinical depression, suicide, stigma around mental health
This is the 5th in the Cider Bar Sisters series, but you can read it as a standalone. It is more serious than Lau's other books due to content (more contemporary romance than rom-com).
Rose meets Cal when he "steals" her table at a bar, hooks up with him, and then he never calls. A while later, she gets a new roommate (trusts her friend to vet them) and is shocked to find it's Cal. What ensues is first anger, then a tentative friendship, then back to romance.
Overall I found this book just "fine." It had a lot of repetitive elements of Rose doubting her ability to manage a relationship and her depression, which is obviously realistic, but it sort of dragged on. I appreciated Cal's caretaking, but found his blase "no big deal" attitude a bit overdone.
Content warnings (author gives them thoroughly): clinical depression, suicide, stigma around mental health
This is the 5th in the Cider Bar Sisters series, but you can read it as a standalone. It is more serious than Lau's other books due to content (more contemporary romance than rom-com).
Rose meets Cal when he "steals" her table at a bar, hooks up with him, and then he never calls. A while later, she gets a new roommate (trusts her friend to vet them) and is shocked to find it's Cal. What ensues is first anger, then a tentative friendship, then back to romance.
Overall I found this book just "fine." It had a lot of repetitive elements of Rose doubting her ability to manage a relationship and her depression, which is obviously realistic, but it sort of dragged on. I appreciated Cal's caretaking, but found his blase "no big deal" attitude a bit overdone.
May 30, 2024
The Good
I really felt for Rose. I sympathized with her battle with anxiety, depression and grief. She reminded me of myself managing my own mental health and knowing what i can and can't handle. It makes you worry if you can find someone who can love you and she did. Cal's so sweet and understanding. His parents sucked so bad, they were insufferable. I liked how much Cal tried and succeeded at understanding Rose. Their relationship was so special. He really embraced her interest and even found joy in sharing them with her. They also had amazing chemistry! Ray sucked! I knew from the little comment in the beginning that made me side eye.
Horn Level: 4/5🌶️
Format: Audiobook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. Another sweet romcom entry in the cider bar series! I can't believe this is the last one!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
I really felt for Rose. I sympathized with her battle with anxiety, depression and grief. She reminded me of myself managing my own mental health and knowing what i can and can't handle. It makes you worry if you can find someone who can love you and she did. Cal's so sweet and understanding. His parents sucked so bad, they were insufferable. I liked how much Cal tried and succeeded at understanding Rose. Their relationship was so special. He really embraced her interest and even found joy in sharing them with her. They also had amazing chemistry! Ray sucked! I knew from the little comment in the beginning that made me side eye.
Horn Level: 4/5🌶️
Format: Audiobook
The Rating
I give this book a 4/5🌟 rating. Another sweet romcom entry in the cider bar series! I can't believe this is the last one!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
October 13, 2023
This was so sweet and heartfelt! The MCs feel a connection when they meet and have a one night stand that was supposed to lead to something more... except the hero's phone gets run over by a truck and he has no way of contacting the heroine again. Until he shows up as her new roommate!
Cal and Rose's romance is cute, quirky, and wholesome. These two are good communicators so they hash out Cal's supposed ghosting and try to stick to just being friends and roomies. The heroine suffers from anxiety and depression, and Cal is so good to Rose about this. He is patient and kind and completely understanding of her. This is a sweet read, and I genuinely loved the support system of the girl friend group here!
Cal and Rose's romance is cute, quirky, and wholesome. These two are good communicators so they hash out Cal's supposed ghosting and try to stick to just being friends and roomies. The heroine suffers from anxiety and depression, and Cal is so good to Rose about this. He is patient and kind and completely understanding of her. This is a sweet read, and I genuinely loved the support system of the girl friend group here!
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