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The Invisible Roommate: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26The Invisible Man meets Love is Blind in this autumnal Gothic love story.
Gerard Wells loves music but hates fame —not ideal when he’s the youngest member of the chart-topping band of brothers, We the Wells. Cracking under the spotlight, Gerard runs away to a small, remote island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. There, he goes by “James” and takes up residence in a crumbling Victorian house on the island’s shrinking shoreline. Little does he know, he’s not the studio apartment’s only inhabitant…
Mysterious and moody Emory Griffin never planned to be a test subject for his own groundbreaking invisibility research. He also never planned on sharing a room with a world-famous pop star, but needs must when you’re an unemployed graduate school drop-out who’s wanted by the local police.
With nowhere else to turn, the unlikely pair agree to be temporary roommates. Their forced proximity and vulnerability lead to an unexpected romantic spark. As Halloween approaches, their secrets and feelings grow harder to keep hidden, testing the strength of their newfound bond. Could this be a love that neither of them saw coming or an experiment set to go horribly wrong?
Gerard Wells loves music but hates fame —not ideal when he’s the youngest member of the chart-topping band of brothers, We the Wells. Cracking under the spotlight, Gerard runs away to a small, remote island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. There, he goes by “James” and takes up residence in a crumbling Victorian house on the island’s shrinking shoreline. Little does he know, he’s not the studio apartment’s only inhabitant…
Mysterious and moody Emory Griffin never planned to be a test subject for his own groundbreaking invisibility research. He also never planned on sharing a room with a world-famous pop star, but needs must when you’re an unemployed graduate school drop-out who’s wanted by the local police.
With nowhere else to turn, the unlikely pair agree to be temporary roommates. Their forced proximity and vulnerability lead to an unexpected romantic spark. As Halloween approaches, their secrets and feelings grow harder to keep hidden, testing the strength of their newfound bond. Could this be a love that neither of them saw coming or an experiment set to go horribly wrong?
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book is hard for me to review. To be totally honest, if this wasn’t an ARC, I probably would have DNFed. But I want to be fair, so I’m going to lay out my reasoning, then review the rest of the book as best I can.
The Invisible Roommate discusses religion in a way that I feel is harmful.
I want to make it clear that while I am not religious, I am always open to reading about literary characters’s personal beliefs, especially if it moves the plot and is incorporated into the story. In this case, Gerard is struggling with his sexuality and how it is looked on in the church, so it makes sense in that context. The church choir also becomes found family to Gerard, which is lovely.
My issue is the glossing over of very traumatic events by the local Priest. Burning women as witches is brought up, and explained away as those women being devil worshippers. In today’s climate, we are all aware of the witch hunts, and just how easily “difficult” women (and men) were found to be evil, based on nothing more than a mole or a birth mark or an ability to make poultices. Later in the book, a Saint is studied, and found to be not quite the good guy he is portrayed to be. The Priest’s answer is basically believe in God, he knows what he’s doing. Right, ok. Don’t worry about lives ruined along the way. Like what’s the point of bringing up these dark stains on Christianity if we are not going to call them out and learn from them?
Ok, so that aside, how did I like The Invisible Roommate?
As a light, fun romance, I think it works well. Be prepared to employ suspension of disbelief regarding the science aspects of the book, and just enjoy it for what it is.
Both of the MCs, Gerard and Emory, have POVs in the book, and their voices and personalities are distinct, with interesting backstories. I was rooting for them, all the way through. I want them to succeed, to realize their dreams and find happiness. Their character growth is nicely done, subtly built and believable.
I love the setting of Iping Island, and its cast of characters. Anytime Emory or Gerard interact with the island locals is a bright spot in the book.
The romance itself is very sweet. These two men find each other at exactly the right time. They help each other when they are at their lowest, and the love comes very naturally from mutual attraction and friendship.
The ending is also very sweet, and while it is maybe not totally believable in its bow-like perfection, the story is wrapped up nicely, with a cute HEA.
One thing that pulled me out of the story a few times is the over-descriptiveness, particularly of smells that sometimes don’t make sense, and don’t add to my mental picture of the characters or the setting. Two or three adjectives are not always necessary, and can actually detract from the depiction.
The Invisible Roommate comes out in September, just in time for spooky season. I think this will be a great fall read for people looking for a cute romance with a side of invisibility and found family. Just be aware going in that religion features heavily into the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing the ARC of this book. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
The Invisible Roommate discusses religion in a way that I feel is harmful.
I want to make it clear that while I am not religious, I am always open to reading about literary characters’s personal beliefs, especially if it moves the plot and is incorporated into the story. In this case, Gerard is struggling with his sexuality and how it is looked on in the church, so it makes sense in that context. The church choir also becomes found family to Gerard, which is lovely.
My issue is the glossing over of very traumatic events by the local Priest. Burning women as witches is brought up, and explained away as those women being devil worshippers. In today’s climate, we are all aware of the witch hunts, and just how easily “difficult” women (and men) were found to be evil, based on nothing more than a mole or a birth mark or an ability to make poultices. Later in the book, a Saint is studied, and found to be not quite the good guy he is portrayed to be. The Priest’s answer is basically believe in God, he knows what he’s doing. Right, ok. Don’t worry about lives ruined along the way. Like what’s the point of bringing up these dark stains on Christianity if we are not going to call them out and learn from them?
Ok, so that aside, how did I like The Invisible Roommate?
As a light, fun romance, I think it works well. Be prepared to employ suspension of disbelief regarding the science aspects of the book, and just enjoy it for what it is.
Both of the MCs, Gerard and Emory, have POVs in the book, and their voices and personalities are distinct, with interesting backstories. I was rooting for them, all the way through. I want them to succeed, to realize their dreams and find happiness. Their character growth is nicely done, subtly built and believable.
I love the setting of Iping Island, and its cast of characters. Anytime Emory or Gerard interact with the island locals is a bright spot in the book.
The romance itself is very sweet. These two men find each other at exactly the right time. They help each other when they are at their lowest, and the love comes very naturally from mutual attraction and friendship.
The ending is also very sweet, and while it is maybe not totally believable in its bow-like perfection, the story is wrapped up nicely, with a cute HEA.
One thing that pulled me out of the story a few times is the over-descriptiveness, particularly of smells that sometimes don’t make sense, and don’t add to my mental picture of the characters or the setting. Two or three adjectives are not always necessary, and can actually detract from the depiction.
The Invisible Roommate comes out in September, just in time for spooky season. I think this will be a great fall read for people looking for a cute romance with a side of invisibility and found family. Just be aware going in that religion features heavily into the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for providing the ARC of this book. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
So sweet, it’ll make your teeth ache! I didn’t know what to expect going in to this one but I’ll try anything that comes from the mind of Timothy Janovsky! I was so pleasantly surprised by how charming and captivating this story is. Set on a tiny island, two people hiding for very different reasons collide in the best of ways, finding solace and comfort in each other as well as the place itself while they open up to each other about Emory’s past and Gerard’s neurodivergence.
The nerdy meets artsy vibe is as entertaining as it is gripping and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. The pieces of the story surrounding religion in a small community were really compelling and interesting to me as an agnostic person. Especially when the one exploring it is a queer man who’s trying to figure out religion’s role in his life. And then the science and mystery of how Emory found himself invisible and will he ever be able to fix it had me on tenterhooks page after page.
The spice level is a sweet simmer but the love is loud and sparkly. The angst is relatively low, making this a perfect cozy fall read. And the ending and epilogue had me grinning from ear to ear until my cheeks hurt. Yet another title from this author that does not disappoint!
A huge thank you to the Author for an advanced copy of this book!
The nerdy meets artsy vibe is as entertaining as it is gripping and I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. The pieces of the story surrounding religion in a small community were really compelling and interesting to me as an agnostic person. Especially when the one exploring it is a queer man who’s trying to figure out religion’s role in his life. And then the science and mystery of how Emory found himself invisible and will he ever be able to fix it had me on tenterhooks page after page.
The spice level is a sweet simmer but the love is loud and sparkly. The angst is relatively low, making this a perfect cozy fall read. And the ending and epilogue had me grinning from ear to ear until my cheeks hurt. Yet another title from this author that does not disappoint!
A huge thank you to the Author for an advanced copy of this book!
April 20, 2026
4.25⭐️
This was honestly so sweet and lovely.
I kinda loved it and this also reads like Jonas Brothers fan fiction with invisibility. Gerard is the youngest brother of a trio band of brothers. Literally the dad was a pastor before becoming their manager, 1 bro wants to start family and 1 wants to go solo (WAVES arms widely).
Gerard escapes to this remote island mentioned in his favourite childhood song because he can’t deal with fame and his new autism diagnosis which EXPLAINS HIS LIFE.
The NetGalley description reads “autumnal Gothic love story…” I wasn’t getting gothic vibes at all. Gothic means mysterious and moody to me. I was getting two guys drawn together by circumstance and working out their childhood trauma and learning to discover themselves and figure their lives and how to navigate their relatives. Not in a dark romance way, like a cute cozy small town romcom way with a grumpy virgin mmc. The way they work through the forced proximity/one bed was fantastic.
The Invisible Man bit was like a means to an end. It made the focus Emory discovering how to be a likeable person and resolve his issues. There’s also this religious through-line to the story dealing with Gerard’s autism and learning how to love music again that was nice and wasn’t overtly preachy.
I fully bought their relationship progression and the set pieces were really cute and I liked the small town seaside vibes.
This was also really more closed door than I’d anticipated. Like you’ve set up Emory is a virgin and there’s all this anticipation of the night and then you go… the next day yada yada. I know he can write sex based on the last 3 books of his I read.
I feel like the end was kinda of a cop out otherwise it would’ve been 4.5⭐️. This was cute and a good addition to the Janovsky ouevre.
Special Thanks to Netgalley for this Advanced Reader Copy
Publication Date: Sept 29, 2026
This was honestly so sweet and lovely.
I kinda loved it and this also reads like Jonas Brothers fan fiction with invisibility. Gerard is the youngest brother of a trio band of brothers. Literally the dad was a pastor before becoming their manager, 1 bro wants to start family and 1 wants to go solo (WAVES arms widely).
Gerard escapes to this remote island mentioned in his favourite childhood song because he can’t deal with fame and his new autism diagnosis which EXPLAINS HIS LIFE.
The NetGalley description reads “autumnal Gothic love story…” I wasn’t getting gothic vibes at all. Gothic means mysterious and moody to me. I was getting two guys drawn together by circumstance and working out their childhood trauma and learning to discover themselves and figure their lives and how to navigate their relatives. Not in a dark romance way, like a cute cozy small town romcom way with a grumpy virgin mmc. The way they work through the forced proximity/one bed was fantastic.
The Invisible Man bit was like a means to an end. It made the focus Emory discovering how to be a likeable person and resolve his issues. There’s also this religious through-line to the story dealing with Gerard’s autism and learning how to love music again that was nice and wasn’t overtly preachy.
I fully bought their relationship progression and the set pieces were really cute and I liked the small town seaside vibes.
This was also really more closed door than I’d anticipated. Like you’ve set up Emory is a virgin and there’s all this anticipation of the night and then you go… the next day yada yada. I know he can write sex based on the last 3 books of his I read.
I feel like the end was kinda of a cop out otherwise it would’ve been 4.5⭐️. This was cute and a good addition to the Janovsky ouevre.
Special Thanks to Netgalley for this Advanced Reader Copy
Publication Date: Sept 29, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Like a fluffy sweater on a breezy Fall day or a sugar-spiked pumpkin spice latte, take your pick of equally appropriate autumn metaphor, the Invisible Roommate by Timothy Janovsky is a warm-hearted and sweet M/M contemporary romance / queer literature book. Inspired by the Invisible Man genre-swapped, this book crosses boyband pop star music with scientific inquiry and the charm of the rural New England bay islands. A story about self-worth, values, family, and what it means to be seen, the Invisible Roommate is a wonderfully pleasant book that’s the perfect weekend kind of read. (On Goodreads, 4.5 stars rounded up)
Highlights:
☕︎ Fun and interesting twist on the Invisible Roommate, using the invisibility premise for a blind dating setup and an exploration of self-worth.
☕︎ Characters, dialogue, setting, and general plotting are relaxed, comfortable and safe feeling. Low angst story and frequent heart-to-hearts make this a low-key yet satisfying queer joy read.
☕︎ The story is sweet, well-intentioned, and cozy even when discussing heavier topics that add narrative substance to it. One of Janovsky’s most polished and well-rounded novels to date.
Considerations:
-Science musings, applications with music, and Emory’s obsession with STEM guiding his principles is a bit contrived and silly at times.
-While sweet and natural, some may find the central romance to be a bit light.
Pitched as the Invisible Man meets Love is Blind, the book follows Gerard Well, a popstar boyband member who has flown to rural Iping Island in the Chesapeake Bay to get away from the mental pressure and stress associated with stardom. Following the lyrics of a childhood favorite song Island State of Mind by a folk duo Hallowitz & Hart, Gerard rents an upstairs cottage studio apartment from the beloved and island choir director Regina for an off the grid escape. The book blurb is an accurate description of the story which some may consider a loose retelling of H. G. Well’s the Invisible Man. However, unlike Well’s novel that’s primarily science fiction with psychological thriller and horror elements, Janovsky’s take retains the base premise with numerous homages but instead tells a romantic character story based on blind conversations without any looks involved.
While familiarity with the inspiration leads to a lot of fun surprises as well as a few quietly hilarious moments, this book can be read and appreciated fully on its own. For those that have read Well’s novel, the Invisible Roommate features some key elements like Emory being nocturnal, pursuing invisibility, burglarizing for supplies, bandaged around his head, and his last name being “Griffin”. The Sussex village of Iping is swapped out for an eroding low-lying island as well as the inn’s ownership being ported over (any more details will include spoilers). Many of the novel’s characters are also reworked or honored by name such as Griffin’s assistant, Dr. Kemp, Colonel Adye now a sheriff, etc. While the musician angle and the book’s back-half diverge from the Invisible Man well outside of retelling territory, this book nonetheless is full of Easter Eggs.
Structured around a forced and unorthodox living arrangement, the Invisible Roommate tells an endearing story that weaves together music and science, Gerard and Emory’s worlds respectively. The story has a few important storylines of Gerard figuring out his future in a career that causes him to suffer and Emory solidifying his scientific theory for invisibility in time for a symposium (on top of fixing his current condition), but the book has a quiet and meandering approach that feels unhurried much like life on Iping Island. While these character aspirations form the base of the story to work off of, much of the book is also of the two discovering their personal worth and values through each other’s company and support. While the book has a satisfying and conclusive ending, this is the type of story that’s not about the end destination but the journey along the way, in this case cohabitation as roommates or possibly something more.
I’ve read a number of Janovsky’s books as they’ve been published over the years, and the Invisible Roommate is perhaps his most confident and polished one yet. While I’ve found his books very sweet and highly entertaining, they would sometimes walk the line of being endearing and just a little bit over-the-top silly. While this book has some great comedic moments, it also feels more mellow and refined with a lovely ease to it that feels like the work of an established and settled author. Written in 3rd person past tense which I believe may be a first for Janovsky, the storytelling feels more grounded than I would’ve expected which was a pleasant surprise. The autumn season and rural island vibes also help to give the book a really comfy feeling, it being a great cozy read for me.
Both Gerard and Emory are well-written and lovable characters. While handsome and popstar styled, Gerard is a musician and singer prone to stress and anxiety made worse by the attention and fame their band has attracted over the years. Feeling restricted, misunderstood, and alone, he longs for anonymity or to be unseen. Emory on the other hand feels that he has everything to prove, longing to be seen and taken seriously. Orphaned at a young age and fascinated by science, he tunnel visions on his scholarly pursuits of biological invisibility having struggled to survive. Opposite in their goals of being perceived as well as music vs science, the two have wonderful platonic chemistry as strangers turn awkward friends through forced proximity. I’ve mentioned it in many reviews in the past, but unless a book is specifically shooting for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I personally love when characters have strong platonic chemistry first which makes the jump to romantic chemistry more natural and easy. Gerard and Emory’s conversations simply flow with good vibes all the time. This book also has nice neurodivergent autistic representation as well as Emory’s fits of spiraling and losing a grasp of life outside of his research.
Interestingly, unlike many M/M romance books, this couple doesn’t have an obvious masculine/femine or dom/sub roles, though Gerard is more conventionally handsome and built than Emory who’s naturally slimmer (outside of his seasonal crabfishing part-time job). While there are a few common tropes used like the one bed trope, they’re incorporated in unexpected ways such as Gerard and Emory swapping the bed, one sleeping during the day while the other at tonight yet being able to smell each other on the sheets; this is both classy and also quite sexy compared to the usual accidental spooning. The book also has a fun and low-key flirty feel but doesn’t get overly passionate and smutty which I personally also enjoyed, sometimes less is more when handled well. A particular scene involving cosmetics is equally funny as it is suggestive, in an unorthodox kind of way.
Outside of Gerard and Emory, their landlord Regina is a highlight every time she pops-in. I’ve noticed that one of Janovsky’s best assets in his books is how he writes his older women characters who often serve as pseudo mentors. I’ve loved Aunt Isla in A Mannequin for Christmas and the aloof Alice Kelly in Never Been Kissed, Regina continues Janovsky’s trend of distinctive and lovable found family maternal figures, this time with a musical and protective role.
While I consider the story to be very cozy by my standards, it also doesn’t shy away from exploring more nuanced topics. Beyond the aforementioned theme of being perceived revolving around the book’s invisibility premise, the story also discusses the complex feelings and relationship many queer individuals have with religion and the church. Originally discovering his love of singing and performing in church and seeing hymns, Gerard's conflict between fond memories of his childhood vs the hate and potential religious smite against his sexuality is something that many grapple with. Janovsky goes one step further, lightly touching on some of the hypocrisy in the church’s preaching and practices, further exemplifying the potentially uncomfortable dynamics between religion and identity. Other strong topics include strained or absent familial relationships such as the oversight and ignorance of Gerard’s feelings and mental health by his family band members/manager father, Emory’s orphaned childhood and abandonment, and Regina carrying on and choosing to stay on Iping Island after her local husband passed away. the Invisible Roommate doesn’t attempt to provide answers to these difficult and nuanced topics, but shows that life gets better and those that are important will be there for you. On the flip side, while these themes add depth and substance to the story, the book never loses its breezy and comforting feel. The same could be said with the book’s conflict in character development and relationship departments, no unnecessary or forced third act breakup to be seen!
Well-crafted and heartwarming, my only minor nitpicks with this book is that while the use of music as a form of therapy and emotional outlet was good, occasionally the science element felt a bit clunky. While the story is meant to contrast Gerard and Emory’s different worlds together, Emory’s internalized thoughts and character logic sometimes went a little too far, coming off as unintentionally funny and silly when applied to his character logic so heavily. Ordinarily this wouldn’t be as noticeable if not for how smooth Gerard’s music interest is handled, particularly the recurring lyrics and connections to his favorite childhood folk song and choir performance reflections. The pairing of music with science also sometimes felt a little contrived, but the book is so unapologetically sweet that it’s hard to be too harsh on it. While I personally enjoyed the balance between character story/queer literature and romance, I could also see some contemporary romance readers finding the romance to be a bit too light or slow. I really appreciated that this book didn’t fall into the common pitfall of being too thirsty with the eye-candy or spice (Janovsky actually has other books in his bibliography if you’re looking for that) and I thought it was matched appropriately to the story the book was telling.
Roommates to lovers with a lot of shared experiences and heart-to-hearts, the Invisible Roommate is a cozy warm hug of a book. Fans of Janovsky’s previous books like myself already know they’ll be getting a wholesome and relatable story but for those new to his work, there’s a lot to like. This is a great book to pick if you’re looking for queer joy and finding one’s home, a low angst and safe place of a story. Timothy Janovsky’s writing, maturity, and storytelling keeps developing with every book, the Invisible Roommate being yet another success!
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by St. Martin's Press.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
Highlights:
☕︎ Fun and interesting twist on the Invisible Roommate, using the invisibility premise for a blind dating setup and an exploration of self-worth.
☕︎ Characters, dialogue, setting, and general plotting are relaxed, comfortable and safe feeling. Low angst story and frequent heart-to-hearts make this a low-key yet satisfying queer joy read.
☕︎ The story is sweet, well-intentioned, and cozy even when discussing heavier topics that add narrative substance to it. One of Janovsky’s most polished and well-rounded novels to date.
Considerations:
-Science musings, applications with music, and Emory’s obsession with STEM guiding his principles is a bit contrived and silly at times.
-While sweet and natural, some may find the central romance to be a bit light.
Pitched as the Invisible Man meets Love is Blind, the book follows Gerard Well, a popstar boyband member who has flown to rural Iping Island in the Chesapeake Bay to get away from the mental pressure and stress associated with stardom. Following the lyrics of a childhood favorite song Island State of Mind by a folk duo Hallowitz & Hart, Gerard rents an upstairs cottage studio apartment from the beloved and island choir director Regina for an off the grid escape. The book blurb is an accurate description of the story which some may consider a loose retelling of H. G. Well’s the Invisible Man. However, unlike Well’s novel that’s primarily science fiction with psychological thriller and horror elements, Janovsky’s take retains the base premise with numerous homages but instead tells a romantic character story based on blind conversations without any looks involved.
While familiarity with the inspiration leads to a lot of fun surprises as well as a few quietly hilarious moments, this book can be read and appreciated fully on its own. For those that have read Well’s novel, the Invisible Roommate features some key elements like Emory being nocturnal, pursuing invisibility, burglarizing for supplies, bandaged around his head, and his last name being “Griffin”. The Sussex village of Iping is swapped out for an eroding low-lying island as well as the inn’s ownership being ported over (any more details will include spoilers). Many of the novel’s characters are also reworked or honored by name such as Griffin’s assistant, Dr. Kemp, Colonel Adye now a sheriff, etc. While the musician angle and the book’s back-half diverge from the Invisible Man well outside of retelling territory, this book nonetheless is full of Easter Eggs.
Structured around a forced and unorthodox living arrangement, the Invisible Roommate tells an endearing story that weaves together music and science, Gerard and Emory’s worlds respectively. The story has a few important storylines of Gerard figuring out his future in a career that causes him to suffer and Emory solidifying his scientific theory for invisibility in time for a symposium (on top of fixing his current condition), but the book has a quiet and meandering approach that feels unhurried much like life on Iping Island. While these character aspirations form the base of the story to work off of, much of the book is also of the two discovering their personal worth and values through each other’s company and support. While the book has a satisfying and conclusive ending, this is the type of story that’s not about the end destination but the journey along the way, in this case cohabitation as roommates or possibly something more.
I’ve read a number of Janovsky’s books as they’ve been published over the years, and the Invisible Roommate is perhaps his most confident and polished one yet. While I’ve found his books very sweet and highly entertaining, they would sometimes walk the line of being endearing and just a little bit over-the-top silly. While this book has some great comedic moments, it also feels more mellow and refined with a lovely ease to it that feels like the work of an established and settled author. Written in 3rd person past tense which I believe may be a first for Janovsky, the storytelling feels more grounded than I would’ve expected which was a pleasant surprise. The autumn season and rural island vibes also help to give the book a really comfy feeling, it being a great cozy read for me.
Both Gerard and Emory are well-written and lovable characters. While handsome and popstar styled, Gerard is a musician and singer prone to stress and anxiety made worse by the attention and fame their band has attracted over the years. Feeling restricted, misunderstood, and alone, he longs for anonymity or to be unseen. Emory on the other hand feels that he has everything to prove, longing to be seen and taken seriously. Orphaned at a young age and fascinated by science, he tunnel visions on his scholarly pursuits of biological invisibility having struggled to survive. Opposite in their goals of being perceived as well as music vs science, the two have wonderful platonic chemistry as strangers turn awkward friends through forced proximity. I’ve mentioned it in many reviews in the past, but unless a book is specifically shooting for an enemies-to-lovers arc, I personally love when characters have strong platonic chemistry first which makes the jump to romantic chemistry more natural and easy. Gerard and Emory’s conversations simply flow with good vibes all the time. This book also has nice neurodivergent autistic representation as well as Emory’s fits of spiraling and losing a grasp of life outside of his research.
Interestingly, unlike many M/M romance books, this couple doesn’t have an obvious masculine/femine or dom/sub roles, though Gerard is more conventionally handsome and built than Emory who’s naturally slimmer (outside of his seasonal crabfishing part-time job). While there are a few common tropes used like the one bed trope, they’re incorporated in unexpected ways such as Gerard and Emory swapping the bed, one sleeping during the day while the other at tonight yet being able to smell each other on the sheets; this is both classy and also quite sexy compared to the usual accidental spooning. The book also has a fun and low-key flirty feel but doesn’t get overly passionate and smutty which I personally also enjoyed, sometimes less is more when handled well. A particular scene involving cosmetics is equally funny as it is suggestive, in an unorthodox kind of way.
Outside of Gerard and Emory, their landlord Regina is a highlight every time she pops-in. I’ve noticed that one of Janovsky’s best assets in his books is how he writes his older women characters who often serve as pseudo mentors. I’ve loved Aunt Isla in A Mannequin for Christmas and the aloof Alice Kelly in Never Been Kissed, Regina continues Janovsky’s trend of distinctive and lovable found family maternal figures, this time with a musical and protective role.
While I consider the story to be very cozy by my standards, it also doesn’t shy away from exploring more nuanced topics. Beyond the aforementioned theme of being perceived revolving around the book’s invisibility premise, the story also discusses the complex feelings and relationship many queer individuals have with religion and the church. Originally discovering his love of singing and performing in church and seeing hymns, Gerard's conflict between fond memories of his childhood vs the hate and potential religious smite against his sexuality is something that many grapple with. Janovsky goes one step further, lightly touching on some of the hypocrisy in the church’s preaching and practices, further exemplifying the potentially uncomfortable dynamics between religion and identity. Other strong topics include strained or absent familial relationships such as the oversight and ignorance of Gerard’s feelings and mental health by his family band members/manager father, Emory’s orphaned childhood and abandonment, and Regina carrying on and choosing to stay on Iping Island after her local husband passed away. the Invisible Roommate doesn’t attempt to provide answers to these difficult and nuanced topics, but shows that life gets better and those that are important will be there for you. On the flip side, while these themes add depth and substance to the story, the book never loses its breezy and comforting feel. The same could be said with the book’s conflict in character development and relationship departments, no unnecessary or forced third act breakup to be seen!
Well-crafted and heartwarming, my only minor nitpicks with this book is that while the use of music as a form of therapy and emotional outlet was good, occasionally the science element felt a bit clunky. While the story is meant to contrast Gerard and Emory’s different worlds together, Emory’s internalized thoughts and character logic sometimes went a little too far, coming off as unintentionally funny and silly when applied to his character logic so heavily. Ordinarily this wouldn’t be as noticeable if not for how smooth Gerard’s music interest is handled, particularly the recurring lyrics and connections to his favorite childhood folk song and choir performance reflections. The pairing of music with science also sometimes felt a little contrived, but the book is so unapologetically sweet that it’s hard to be too harsh on it. While I personally enjoyed the balance between character story/queer literature and romance, I could also see some contemporary romance readers finding the romance to be a bit too light or slow. I really appreciated that this book didn’t fall into the common pitfall of being too thirsty with the eye-candy or spice (Janovsky actually has other books in his bibliography if you’re looking for that) and I thought it was matched appropriately to the story the book was telling.
Roommates to lovers with a lot of shared experiences and heart-to-hearts, the Invisible Roommate is a cozy warm hug of a book. Fans of Janovsky’s previous books like myself already know they’ll be getting a wholesome and relatable story but for those new to his work, there’s a lot to like. This is a great book to pick if you’re looking for queer joy and finding one’s home, a low angst and safe place of a story. Timothy Janovsky’s writing, maturity, and storytelling keeps developing with every book, the Invisible Roommate being yet another success!
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by St. Martin's Press.
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m really struggling with how to rate this book. The concept was so so fun. The characters I really loved. But there was one thing that… surprised me.. and unfortunately for me not in a good way. However, my feelings on this are strictly my own issue and so I think others may not see this as a negative.
This book had A LOT of religion in it. Religion is a personal sore spot for me and I become a little triggered by it sometimes (most times). I have to put effort into making myself feel distanced from other peoples feelings and experiences concerning religion. It’s important to me that I allow space for others to find good in it, but I know I never will. I had to really push myself to let this story play out, and I will say that this piece of the story is done really well overall. One of the MCs has distanced himself from the church due to his sexuality and has sort of rediscovered it on this island. The journey isn’t blind devotion but a real effort for the MC in trying to decide if religion still has a place in his life. There is a lot of questioning, and pushing to find understanding. I can understand and respect that. BUT I do think it was too much. The romance is slow burn, and as we move forward in that aspect I would feel like we were finally getting somewhere and suddenly the scene would shift and he would be in the church again. It was like continually being cock blocked by god. I’m here for the romance and only tolerating the religion.. so that was a real downside for me.
Aside from religion, I did think there were slight invisible man plot holes but it’s a story about an invisible man so I chose to just shoo those to the side and let it happen. I got such a kick out of the neighborhood app reporting his invisible shenanigans and I loved that this was a part of the story. I just found the thought so funny. I couldn’t stop picturing our grumpy invisible man running around town naked, driving golf carts, and eating apples. Like, I just know he had a grumpy face while doing these things. I also can’t say I fully understood his need to be at the alumni event…. And parts of this story were truly VERY difficult to read. Though I have to give the author credit there because it was because I was truly invested in the characters and hated how they were being treated.
I can see myself recommending this book to people while making sure they understand certain aspects. I unfortunately keep feeling like I’m being catfished into closed door romance… and while this book is not totally closed door (some acts are briefly described), the scenes do end before anything much happens. This will always disappoint me. Missing the internal feelings of characters while they explore the most intimate scenes will always distance me from the building of the relationship.
I want to thank Timothy Janovsky and St Martin for the eARC of this book. I think this story has a place in my recommendations, even though it wasn’t truly a story meant for me.
This book had A LOT of religion in it. Religion is a personal sore spot for me and I become a little triggered by it sometimes (most times). I have to put effort into making myself feel distanced from other peoples feelings and experiences concerning religion. It’s important to me that I allow space for others to find good in it, but I know I never will. I had to really push myself to let this story play out, and I will say that this piece of the story is done really well overall. One of the MCs has distanced himself from the church due to his sexuality and has sort of rediscovered it on this island. The journey isn’t blind devotion but a real effort for the MC in trying to decide if religion still has a place in his life. There is a lot of questioning, and pushing to find understanding. I can understand and respect that. BUT I do think it was too much. The romance is slow burn, and as we move forward in that aspect I would feel like we were finally getting somewhere and suddenly the scene would shift and he would be in the church again. It was like continually being cock blocked by god. I’m here for the romance and only tolerating the religion.. so that was a real downside for me.
Aside from religion, I did think there were slight invisible man plot holes but it’s a story about an invisible man so I chose to just shoo those to the side and let it happen. I got such a kick out of the neighborhood app reporting his invisible shenanigans and I loved that this was a part of the story. I just found the thought so funny. I couldn’t stop picturing our grumpy invisible man running around town naked, driving golf carts, and eating apples. Like, I just know he had a grumpy face while doing these things. I also can’t say I fully understood his need to be at the alumni event…. And parts of this story were truly VERY difficult to read. Though I have to give the author credit there because it was because I was truly invested in the characters and hated how they were being treated.
I can see myself recommending this book to people while making sure they understand certain aspects. I unfortunately keep feeling like I’m being catfished into closed door romance… and while this book is not totally closed door (some acts are briefly described), the scenes do end before anything much happens. This will always disappoint me. Missing the internal feelings of characters while they explore the most intimate scenes will always distance me from the building of the relationship.
I want to thank Timothy Janovsky and St Martin for the eARC of this book. I think this story has a place in my recommendations, even though it wasn’t truly a story meant for me.
Want to Read
April 10, 2026The Invisible Roommate by Timothy Janovsky is a charming, autumnal queer romance that cleverly blends elements of The Invisible Man, Love is Blind, and a cozy Gothic vibe—perfect for fans of heartfelt, low-stakes MM stories with a speculative twist.
Gerard Wells is the youngest member of a popular boy band (or similar music group). He loves creating music but despises the relentless spotlight of fame. Desperate for a break and some anonymity, he seeks out a quiet rental. Enter Emory, a scientist who has accidentally (or experimentally) rendered himself literally invisible and is now in hiding while trying to reverse the condition. With limited options, the two unlikely strangers agree to become temporary roommates.What follows is a story of forced proximity in a moody, Halloween-adjacent setting. Gerard can’t see his roommate, but he can hear him, sense his presence, and gradually get to know the man behind the invisibility. Their interactions are sweet, awkward, funny, and increasingly vulnerable, leading to an unexpected romantic spark as they navigate trust, loneliness, fame vs. privacy, and the challenges of connecting when one person is quite literally unseen.Janovsky delivers his signature style here: warm, witty, and emotionally grounded queer romance with a light sci-fi/paranormal hook. The premise is fresh and playful—imagine trying to date or flirt when your partner is invisible—while still exploring relatable themes like the desire to disappear from public pressure or the fear of truly being “seen” in a relationship. The autumnal/Gothic atmosphere adds a fun seasonal flavor without tipping into horror.The book is fast-paced and easy to read, balancing light-hearted banter and humor with genuine emotion. It’s not overly heavy on the science (the invisibility feels more like a romantic device than hard sci-fi), which keeps the focus squarely on the developing relationship. Readers who enjoyed Janovsky’s previous works like New Adult or You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince will likely appreciate the same mix of quirkiness, heart, and low-angst romance.
If you’re looking for a cozy, spooky-season read with strong character chemistry, tender moments, and a satisfying emotional payoff, The Invisible Roommate (out September 29, 2026) is a delightful pick. It’s ideal for anyone who wants romance that feels both escapist and emotionally real—think cuddly blankets, whispered conversations in the dark, and the thrill of falling for someone you can’t quite see… yet.Rating: 4/5 stars
A fun, inventive addition to the queer romance shelf that proves sometimes the best connections happen when the world (or one half of the couple) fades away. Highly recommended for fans of speculative romance and cozy fall reads.
Gerard Wells is the youngest member of a popular boy band (or similar music group). He loves creating music but despises the relentless spotlight of fame. Desperate for a break and some anonymity, he seeks out a quiet rental. Enter Emory, a scientist who has accidentally (or experimentally) rendered himself literally invisible and is now in hiding while trying to reverse the condition. With limited options, the two unlikely strangers agree to become temporary roommates.What follows is a story of forced proximity in a moody, Halloween-adjacent setting. Gerard can’t see his roommate, but he can hear him, sense his presence, and gradually get to know the man behind the invisibility. Their interactions are sweet, awkward, funny, and increasingly vulnerable, leading to an unexpected romantic spark as they navigate trust, loneliness, fame vs. privacy, and the challenges of connecting when one person is quite literally unseen.Janovsky delivers his signature style here: warm, witty, and emotionally grounded queer romance with a light sci-fi/paranormal hook. The premise is fresh and playful—imagine trying to date or flirt when your partner is invisible—while still exploring relatable themes like the desire to disappear from public pressure or the fear of truly being “seen” in a relationship. The autumnal/Gothic atmosphere adds a fun seasonal flavor without tipping into horror.The book is fast-paced and easy to read, balancing light-hearted banter and humor with genuine emotion. It’s not overly heavy on the science (the invisibility feels more like a romantic device than hard sci-fi), which keeps the focus squarely on the developing relationship. Readers who enjoyed Janovsky’s previous works like New Adult or You’re a Mean One, Matthew Prince will likely appreciate the same mix of quirkiness, heart, and low-angst romance.
If you’re looking for a cozy, spooky-season read with strong character chemistry, tender moments, and a satisfying emotional payoff, The Invisible Roommate (out September 29, 2026) is a delightful pick. It’s ideal for anyone who wants romance that feels both escapist and emotionally real—think cuddly blankets, whispered conversations in the dark, and the thrill of falling for someone you can’t quite see… yet.Rating: 4/5 stars
A fun, inventive addition to the queer romance shelf that proves sometimes the best connections happen when the world (or one half of the couple) fades away. Highly recommended for fans of speculative romance and cozy fall reads.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a cozy, sweet read for those looking for an unusual kind of meet cute. The Invisible Roommate is a book to decompress, Although hard decisions need to be made, the author doesn't portray any of these occasions as something that could cause anxiety to the reader and that carries across the reading very easily and lightly, the type you can do it in one sitting, which I did!
What made me like the most about this book was the neurodivergent representation and the very natural way with which trauma in general was brought up. You can tell it hurts and you can tell the characters have to learn to deal with that and to move on, it doesn't take over the story but to get to the other side they have to face this along with facing what they feel for each other amidst their very peculiar situation.
Second to that but just as important to me was how the author showed us what community can do for you. Sometimes in life you just need a couple people that will listen and believe you and offer you a shoulder, whether that's in a church choir or on a crab-catching boat.
I was enjoying their dynamics so much I wish it took them a little longer to fall for each other, but I understand why it happened the way it did. Two solitary men that needed real, human connection, falling in love was Inevitable and the writing flowed so well that the fast pace became just a small detail to me.
Overall, I came out this book feeling like this is q book for those who have never felt like they belonged and yearned for that feeling for a long time. We all deserve to be understood and to be treated with kindness and softness as we walk through life and try to find our place in life. Just keep holding on, sometimes love finds you on a small island when you least expect it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Timothy Janovsky for providing me with this eARC.
What made me like the most about this book was the neurodivergent representation and the very natural way with which trauma in general was brought up. You can tell it hurts and you can tell the characters have to learn to deal with that and to move on, it doesn't take over the story but to get to the other side they have to face this along with facing what they feel for each other amidst their very peculiar situation.
Second to that but just as important to me was how the author showed us what community can do for you. Sometimes in life you just need a couple people that will listen and believe you and offer you a shoulder, whether that's in a church choir or on a crab-catching boat.
I was enjoying their dynamics so much I wish it took them a little longer to fall for each other, but I understand why it happened the way it did. Two solitary men that needed real, human connection, falling in love was Inevitable and the writing flowed so well that the fast pace became just a small detail to me.
Overall, I came out this book feeling like this is q book for those who have never felt like they belonged and yearned for that feeling for a long time. We all deserve to be understood and to be treated with kindness and softness as we walk through life and try to find our place in life. Just keep holding on, sometimes love finds you on a small island when you least expect it.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Timothy Janovsky for providing me with this eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We all have things we're running from.
We all want to be seen or to be known.
We all want a place to belong.
We all want a purpose.
Where? Who? How?
"The Invisible Roommate," doesn't answer these questions for you but it's the warm and gentle embrace of two people who find it in each other. A popstar who is used to the spotlight but doesn't want it, trapped by success. A scientist who wants to be known by all but cannot be seen, despaired by invisibility.
In escaping the lives they knew before they were brought together in a studio where even without being seen they're truly seen for the first time.
This isn't a story to be read for deep understanding of the world, it's not one riddled with scientific facts (despite its lead), and it's focus is on the things that make a home, the reasons for which we find to live. If you're looking for a deep book this isn't it. If you're looking for a comforting book, one to read on a cool Fall day, or one that always gives you a sense of belonging at the end this is it.
While there are some tropes in play, the story's premise works well to make it new and interesting. The character of Gerrard is easy and while at first I didn't care for much of Emory I came to love him over time.
It's a sweet book with sweet characters that is never pushy in its narratives (though the talk of religion can at times be steep). The situations feel lived in, like a small glimpse into the writer's view of the world.
We all want to be seen or to be known.
We all want a place to belong.
We all want a purpose.
Where? Who? How?
"The Invisible Roommate," doesn't answer these questions for you but it's the warm and gentle embrace of two people who find it in each other. A popstar who is used to the spotlight but doesn't want it, trapped by success. A scientist who wants to be known by all but cannot be seen, despaired by invisibility.
In escaping the lives they knew before they were brought together in a studio where even without being seen they're truly seen for the first time.
This isn't a story to be read for deep understanding of the world, it's not one riddled with scientific facts (despite its lead), and it's focus is on the things that make a home, the reasons for which we find to live. If you're looking for a deep book this isn't it. If you're looking for a comforting book, one to read on a cool Fall day, or one that always gives you a sense of belonging at the end this is it.
While there are some tropes in play, the story's premise works well to make it new and interesting. The character of Gerrard is easy and while at first I didn't care for much of Emory I came to love him over time.
It's a sweet book with sweet characters that is never pushy in its narratives (though the talk of religion can at times be steep). The situations feel lived in, like a small glimpse into the writer's view of the world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall the vibe is light and fun. It was fun enough that I kept reading even though there were several things that annoyed me.
Those annoying things include: First, this has more religion in it than any other LGBTQ+ book I've ever read. There's confessions to a priest, there's internal thoughts thinking about church, there are church choir sessions, there's talk about saints, etc. There's A LOT of religion. The other thing is that the premise of the book wasn't totally believable. Humans see by having light bounce off the retinas. If Emory is really invisible, then he's also blind because the light is refracted before it properly hits his retinas. Otherwise, if Emory can see, then everyone else can see floating retinas. Last, the ending is not believable. He says he's been invisible and the whole town just goes with it without a demonstration. I also felt it was a bit of a stretch to make Gerard neurodivergent. Every neurodivergent person is different, but I felt like we were forcing the character into that mold without enough backup to make it work.
So, a fun-ish book that I finished, but also I had enough nitpicks that I probably wouldn't recommend the book to someone else without some caveats.
Those annoying things include: First, this has more religion in it than any other LGBTQ+ book I've ever read. There's confessions to a priest, there's internal thoughts thinking about church, there are church choir sessions, there's talk about saints, etc. There's A LOT of religion. The other thing is that the premise of the book wasn't totally believable. Humans see by having light bounce off the retinas. If Emory is really invisible, then he's also blind because the light is refracted before it properly hits his retinas. Otherwise, if Emory can see, then everyone else can see floating retinas. Last, the ending is not believable. He says he's been invisible and the whole town just goes with it without a demonstration. I also felt it was a bit of a stretch to make Gerard neurodivergent. Every neurodivergent person is different, but I felt like we were forcing the character into that mold without enough backup to make it work.
So, a fun-ish book that I finished, but also I had enough nitpicks that I probably wouldn't recommend the book to someone else without some caveats.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gerard, a member of the pop group We are the Wells, escapes to a tiny island in Chesapeake Bay. Going by the name James, he finds a room for rent in an older Victorian house. He doesn’t realize that the room is already being occupied by Emory, a research driven, grad-school drop out who has found a way to make himself invisible. Together, they navigate sharing the small space and learning more about each other, until a smolder turns into sparks.
Reading The Invisible Roommate felt cozy. It’s as though we had our own invisibility serum and got to hang around and watch Gerard and Emory’s stories unfold. From the awkward first moments, the attempts at being scary to the moments of being charming, to seeing how their pasts evolved into their current lives, it was wonderful watching both characters grow into themselves. It’s a perfect feel good read anytime, but I especially appreciated some of the island and fall vibes that came through. I appreciated how themes like being neurodivergent, self-acceptance, the complexity of families were interwoven throughout. The aspects of science and research topped it all off. It’s a delightful read to fill a weekend.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
Reading The Invisible Roommate felt cozy. It’s as though we had our own invisibility serum and got to hang around and watch Gerard and Emory’s stories unfold. From the awkward first moments, the attempts at being scary to the moments of being charming, to seeing how their pasts evolved into their current lives, it was wonderful watching both characters grow into themselves. It’s a perfect feel good read anytime, but I especially appreciated some of the island and fall vibes that came through. I appreciated how themes like being neurodivergent, self-acceptance, the complexity of families were interwoven throughout. The aspects of science and research topped it all off. It’s a delightful read to fill a weekend.
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A heartwarming and hilarious read! Gerard Wells loves music more than anything, the only problem is he hates that fame that comes with it. Which is difficult seen as how he is a member of the very popular band We the Wells. When the pressure gets to be to much for him he hides in a small island town. He becomes “James” and gets a studio apartment in a crumbling Victorian house. To his surprise he’s not the only resident there. Emory Griffin is doing research on invisibility and never planned on being the test subject but that’s just how things shook out for him. Now he’s hiding from the police and apparently living with a world-famous pop star, who also seems to be hiding. Because they both need to hide out they agree to be roommates but soon feelings start to grow and the more time they spend together the harder it is to keep hidden. But will this be the love that neither saw coming or will it all go horribly wrong? I enjoyed Timothy Janovsky’s romance and loved the science fiction addition! Gerard and Emory’s story is sweet, charming, and left me feeling all the feels! Typical of any Janovsky book there’s a blend of love and humor that had me engrossed and kept me turning the pages!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy!
4.5
So besides stressing me tf out this was really sweet. I was genuinely scared at some points because my expectations/preconceived opinions about these characters might've had to change, but that was not the case.
I know that forcing two people to live through conditions that causes them to be close in proximity will generate feelings and caring for the other, but this still felt organic and had nice pacing. The deal only came out after the first third of the book which felt like good timing.
I feel for these characters because of how wrong they'd both been treated, whether by family or just people that were supposed to care for them.
I also don't want to give anything away but the troubles they both endured just felt very natural in writing
All in all, this was cozy to me because it took place in a small town where everyone knew each other, you could rent a place without a background check, how simple the actual science was explained, and there was only one family doctor available (at least only one mentioned by name).
4.5
So besides stressing me tf out this was really sweet. I was genuinely scared at some points because my expectations/preconceived opinions about these characters might've had to change, but that was not the case.
I know that forcing two people to live through conditions that causes them to be close in proximity will generate feelings and caring for the other, but this still felt organic and had nice pacing. The deal only came out after the first third of the book which felt like good timing.
I feel for these characters because of how wrong they'd both been treated, whether by family or just people that were supposed to care for them.
I also don't want to give anything away but the troubles they both endured just felt very natural in writing
All in all, this was cozy to me because it took place in a small town where everyone knew each other, you could rent a place without a background check, how simple the actual science was explained, and there was only one family doctor available (at least only one mentioned by name).
March 18, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the ARC of Timothy Janovsky’s upcoming release “The Invisible Roommate.”
I love Timothy Janovsky and he is one of my top auto-buy authors. I went into this blind, so I was not quite sure what to expect. “The Invisible Roommate” was fun, silly, and outlandish. I’m not usually a fan of fantasy/imaginative tropes (in this case, invisibility), but Timothy writes in a way that makes it easy to enjoy.
The two main characters, Gerard and Emory, were each unique in their own way and I appreciated the way that their backstories contributed to the overall progression of their relationship. Gerard was navigating fame, mental health, and his queer identity, while Emory was navigating loss and independence.
Coming together, both characters grew from their experiences and created a heartwarming, emotional dynamic. The invisibility trope can be viewed as a metaphor for their relationship, with both of them feeling truly “seen” by each other by the end of the book.
Overall, this was another hit for Timothy and I always look forward to his new releases!
I love Timothy Janovsky and he is one of my top auto-buy authors. I went into this blind, so I was not quite sure what to expect. “The Invisible Roommate” was fun, silly, and outlandish. I’m not usually a fan of fantasy/imaginative tropes (in this case, invisibility), but Timothy writes in a way that makes it easy to enjoy.
The two main characters, Gerard and Emory, were each unique in their own way and I appreciated the way that their backstories contributed to the overall progression of their relationship. Gerard was navigating fame, mental health, and his queer identity, while Emory was navigating loss and independence.
Coming together, both characters grew from their experiences and created a heartwarming, emotional dynamic. The invisibility trope can be viewed as a metaphor for their relationship, with both of them feeling truly “seen” by each other by the end of the book.
Overall, this was another hit for Timothy and I always look forward to his new releases!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I want to thank St. Martins Press, NetGalley, and Timothy Janovsky for choosing me as an ARC reader, I truly enjoyed this book. The title caught my interest and the blurb made me curious so when I began reading it I was pleasantly surprised. I know it's in the blurb but I was genuinely surprised when I realized what the invisible meant and I was enthralled for the rest of the book. without giving too many spoilers, I really liked this book for the search of romance and connection which is beautifully demonstrated by the main characters, Gerard and Emory. I don't think it meant just romantic love in terms of finding it with another person but maybe even with a feeling or a place. I felt calm and at peace with the message of the book. I really enjoyed relationship developing between Gerard and Emory and certain aspects of the book where we really get to see their growth and their moments together were just really sweet. I liked the empowerment of caring for oneself and others and the sense of community and family. Overall, I really really enjoyed this book and would be interested in getting my own copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to thank St. Martins Press, NetGalley, and Timothy Janovsky for choosing me as an ARC reader, I truly enjoyed this book. The title caught my interest and the blurb made me curious so when I began reading it I was pleasantly surprised. I know it's in the blurb but I was genuinely surprised when I realized what the invisible meant and I was enthralled for the rest of the book. without giving too many spoilers, I really liked this book for the search of romance and connection which is beautifully demonstrated by the main characters, Gerard and Emory. I don't think it meant just romantic love in terms of finding it with another person but maybe even with a feeling or a place. I felt calm and at peace with the message of the book. I really enjoyed relationship developing between Gerard and Emory and certain aspects of the book where we really get to see their growth and their moments together were just really sweet. I liked the empowerment of caring for oneself and others and the sense of community and family. Overall, I really really enjoyed this book and would be interested in getting my own copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As I was reading, I thought this was a cute rom-com influenced by The Invisible Man, and with a small departure from reality-until I hit the Acknowledgements. What do you MEAN it's based on actual real-life research from scientists who turned a mouse's skin translucent? It is so clever to have incorporated this into a rom-com, especially given that I assume most of us have never heard of this research. So cool, and I will absolutely be telling everyone about this research AND this book. What a gift for neurodivergent readers like myself.
The character development for Emory and Gerard was at times heartwrenching, but I enjoyed seeing them grow though their self-reflection and their interactions with all the delightful Iping characters. It was also fun to see how all the little asides and plot lines wove together throughout the book. The overall tone was that of a perfect rom-com, light and cheerful, but there was enough drama below the surface to keep me going without getting bored. The romance felt slightly rushed, but I was also reading quickly so that opinion may change on re-read. On the whole, it felt like a warm hug, perfect for autumn.
The character development for Emory and Gerard was at times heartwrenching, but I enjoyed seeing them grow though their self-reflection and their interactions with all the delightful Iping characters. It was also fun to see how all the little asides and plot lines wove together throughout the book. The overall tone was that of a perfect rom-com, light and cheerful, but there was enough drama below the surface to keep me going without getting bored. The romance felt slightly rushed, but I was also reading quickly so that opinion may change on re-read. On the whole, it felt like a warm hug, perfect for autumn.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I read the premise for this book, I was fairly skeptical - a modern invisible man gothic romance? While it sounded very “out there,” the author did such a good job of grounded an outlandish premise and writing an absolutely charming romance novel.
These characters were easy to like, and Janovsky really pulled off a great reveal of the hurt that is actually the cause of Emory’s prickliness and seemingly self absorbed attitude. Gerard’s internal conflict over religion was interesting, but I wish we had dived deeper. It was still compelling, but I felt like we didn’t get a very clear picture of what might have led him away from the church when he was younger.
I’m usually not a fan of the insta-love relationship, but I thought it worked well here - it felt natural that when you’re spending all day every day in one space with a person in heightened circumstances that you’re going to have stronger feelings. The epilogue also did a nice job of showing the longevity of the relationship.
Overall, a very fun, very different plot pulled off well!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s for the eARC!
These characters were easy to like, and Janovsky really pulled off a great reveal of the hurt that is actually the cause of Emory’s prickliness and seemingly self absorbed attitude. Gerard’s internal conflict over religion was interesting, but I wish we had dived deeper. It was still compelling, but I felt like we didn’t get a very clear picture of what might have led him away from the church when he was younger.
I’m usually not a fan of the insta-love relationship, but I thought it worked well here - it felt natural that when you’re spending all day every day in one space with a person in heightened circumstances that you’re going to have stronger feelings. The epilogue also did a nice job of showing the longevity of the relationship.
Overall, a very fun, very different plot pulled off well!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s for the eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wasn't really prepared for how much religion played a role in this book. I was honestly blindsided to see it play such a role without any mention in the blurb.
Gerard is a deeply religious character - he reflects often on his queerness and autism in relation to his spirituality. Church and religion are discussed in depth throughout the novel by both Gerard and Emory (our invisible and scientific skeptic). It also plays a significant role in the setting of the story as Gerard befriends the townsfolk and churchgoers and joins the choir. As a former youth group kid and now agnostic adult, I was just unprepared for and uncomfortable with the subject + honestly, I wouldn't have picked up the book if I knew it was so central to the story - but that's just my own feelings.
The book otherwise was cute. There's a lot of focus on the emotions of the main characters in relation to their past, the hurt they've gone through, and building each other back up from that loneliness. I just couldn't get over the religious aspect and that's on me but it definitely affected how I read and experienced this novel.
Gerard is a deeply religious character - he reflects often on his queerness and autism in relation to his spirituality. Church and religion are discussed in depth throughout the novel by both Gerard and Emory (our invisible and scientific skeptic). It also plays a significant role in the setting of the story as Gerard befriends the townsfolk and churchgoers and joins the choir. As a former youth group kid and now agnostic adult, I was just unprepared for and uncomfortable with the subject + honestly, I wouldn't have picked up the book if I knew it was so central to the story - but that's just my own feelings.
The book otherwise was cute. There's a lot of focus on the emotions of the main characters in relation to their past, the hurt they've gone through, and building each other back up from that loneliness. I just couldn't get over the religious aspect and that's on me but it definitely affected how I read and experienced this novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Well. I finished. 🤷♀️
So, the premise here is hilarious and fun. Gerard is a member of a super successful pop band who needs a break, so he escapes to a small island in Virginia to reassess. Emory is a scientist working on discovering how to make someone invisible. Using himself as a test subject, he actually succeeds. The two become unwilling roommates and maybe more.
But. It also makes zero sense. Why does Emory want to discover invisibility? There's an explanation, but it's super weak. How has he not thought of the corrupt or evil outcomes? I mean, for a story like this, you've gotta suspend a lot of disbelief, but this one was even too much for me. This might have worked if it had been way more campy and ridiculous.
The love story was sweet and I liked both Gerard and Emory. Though it felt like Emory's entire personality just changed on a dime. And Gerard being autistic was such a big part of the story, it seemed odd that Emory was portrayed that way as well without it ever being addressed.
I don't know. I've read most of this author's books and most of those I've liked, but this was a big miss for me.
So, the premise here is hilarious and fun. Gerard is a member of a super successful pop band who needs a break, so he escapes to a small island in Virginia to reassess. Emory is a scientist working on discovering how to make someone invisible. Using himself as a test subject, he actually succeeds. The two become unwilling roommates and maybe more.
But. It also makes zero sense. Why does Emory want to discover invisibility? There's an explanation, but it's super weak. How has he not thought of the corrupt or evil outcomes? I mean, for a story like this, you've gotta suspend a lot of disbelief, but this one was even too much for me. This might have worked if it had been way more campy and ridiculous.
The love story was sweet and I liked both Gerard and Emory. Though it felt like Emory's entire personality just changed on a dime. And Gerard being autistic was such a big part of the story, it seemed odd that Emory was portrayed that way as well without it ever being addressed.
I don't know. I've read most of this author's books and most of those I've liked, but this was a big miss for me.
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May 7, 2026Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy!
I was excited by the premise of this book. It was unique enough to draw me in, but I’m not sure it fully delivered for me. I was able to suspend belief in several things to make the invisibility part work, but other pieces didn’t quite come together. Gerard’s conflict isn’t explored enough to help me understand the importance of religion in his life, nor do we really learn what sets Emory apart from his prior relationship other than Toby is no longer available. I would’ve liked him to reflect a bit more on this. Some details seemed irrelevant and if Gerard’s autism diagnosis wasn’t explicitly stated several times I (a therapist) would literally never have put it together. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t there, just not clearly explained enough to show a daily impact.
Outside of these things, I really enjoyed watching the relationship (the true basis of the story) develop. Their banter was great once they were comfortable and it was fun to watch them navigate the awkwardness of the situation.
I was excited by the premise of this book. It was unique enough to draw me in, but I’m not sure it fully delivered for me. I was able to suspend belief in several things to make the invisibility part work, but other pieces didn’t quite come together. Gerard’s conflict isn’t explored enough to help me understand the importance of religion in his life, nor do we really learn what sets Emory apart from his prior relationship other than Toby is no longer available. I would’ve liked him to reflect a bit more on this. Some details seemed irrelevant and if Gerard’s autism diagnosis wasn’t explicitly stated several times I (a therapist) would literally never have put it together. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t there, just not clearly explained enough to show a daily impact.
Outside of these things, I really enjoyed watching the relationship (the true basis of the story) develop. Their banter was great once they were comfortable and it was fun to watch them navigate the awkwardness of the situation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always love Timothy Janovsky’s MM romances, but I think this might be my favorite so far! I really enjoyed the paranormal twist because it felt fresh and different, and the concept of one character being invisible while still building a relationship was so unique. It sounds like it would be hard to pull off, but it was executed really well. I especially appreciated how the story explained the why and how behind everything without overcomplicating it.
There were a few moments where the logistics got a little confusing, but nothing that took me out of the story. What really stood out to me was the chemistry between Emory and Gerard because it felt strong and genuine, and their relationship was even more meaningful because of everything they had to overcome. The mix of science and romance was so refreshing, and the whole story just worked for me. Definitely a standout read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.
There were a few moments where the logistics got a little confusing, but nothing that took me out of the story. What really stood out to me was the chemistry between Emory and Gerard because it felt strong and genuine, and their relationship was even more meaningful because of everything they had to overcome. The mix of science and romance was so refreshing, and the whole story just worked for me. Definitely a standout read!
Thank you to NetGalley, Timothy Janovsky, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i was just so thrown off by the lack of forethought with this invisibility shtick. like we've established that we can see food being chewed by emory... which certainly means we can see poop... why is no one else freaked out by this. Also, gerard's affiliation with a national touring boy band seems to disapear for a quarter of the book. back to the invisibility, not quite sure how that's supposed to work and I'd call my chem skills slightly above average. like are you seriously telling me this kid (KID!) figured out INVISIBILITY and kinda just said you know what it'd actually be kinda bad for society nevermind. WHAT?!
I will say however that janovsky has the NA queer fiction genre in a chokehold.
I will say however that janovsky has the NA queer fiction genre in a chokehold.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read and enjoyed many books by Timothy Janovsky. This was another fun read, if perhaps a bit far fetched. As the autistic pop star hid from the world and gradually got to know his difficult, invisible boyfriend, I was constantly waiting for the rest of the band to catch up and tear everything apart. Eventually they did turn up but fortunately things all worked out, perhaps a bit too easily and without much grief, which could have been another book’s worth! The real joy in this novel was the growth in the two protagonists and seeing them bring the best out of each other.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars
With the title of the book and the blurb i didn’t really know what to expect but it was amazing , This was such cozy, warm, light hearted story. Is one of those stories that just put a smile on your face because is so good and it just makes feel happy.
This the story of two different people hiding on an island but in different ways and for different reasons.
From the very beginning I was captivated by the story and the unusual circumstances the characters meet, from then on i couldn’t put down it was such an entertaining story and my perfect afternoon cozy read, is my first time reading this author but for sure won’t be last. Definitely recommend it.
With the title of the book and the blurb i didn’t really know what to expect but it was amazing , This was such cozy, warm, light hearted story. Is one of those stories that just put a smile on your face because is so good and it just makes feel happy.
This the story of two different people hiding on an island but in different ways and for different reasons.
From the very beginning I was captivated by the story and the unusual circumstances the characters meet, from then on i couldn’t put down it was such an entertaining story and my perfect afternoon cozy read, is my first time reading this author but for sure won’t be last. Definitely recommend it.
April 24, 2026
This was such a cute forced proximity slow burn love story. I hate that Emory never became a doctor like he had wanted, but I found the ending to be a perfect wrap up for this book. I have enjoyed everything that Timothy has written and this book is no exception. It’s got romance, it’s got banter, it’s got humor, and it’s got invisibility, what more could you ask for in a book? This book was a lightheartedly serious fast paced romance with twists and turns throughout. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat and brings you back for more! Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m glad we got a happy ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love me some Timothy Janovsky, so I was all in for this.
A pop star who runs away and a nerdy scientist who has been turned invisible.
Sharing an apartment.
Let the shenanigans begin!
I enjoyed this one, though I have to say after One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker (which is now my most favourite Janovsky book) this one was being judged harder lol.
It's good and has all the squishy moments and funny moments I expect from Janovsky.
Plus a few unexpected snort laugh/giggles.
Overall will recommend for all.
Available on September 29th for the masses.
Much love to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for hooking me up.
A pop star who runs away and a nerdy scientist who has been turned invisible.
Sharing an apartment.
Let the shenanigans begin!
I enjoyed this one, though I have to say after One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker (which is now my most favourite Janovsky book) this one was being judged harder lol.
It's good and has all the squishy moments and funny moments I expect from Janovsky.
Plus a few unexpected snort laugh/giggles.
Overall will recommend for all.
Available on September 29th for the masses.
Much love to St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for hooking me up.
May 18, 2026
Thank you for Netgalley for this eArc.
This book was so fun and campy! The popstar and scientist falling in love while both are hiding, with complications! Small town drama included. Gerard and Emory finding common ground in their wish to hide for different reasons. I thought the ending was satisfying, I was rooting for them the entire book. The only thing I didn't like was the religious sprinkings brought up in the book. Gerard finding peace in the place of a church because it's familiar and he finds the music calming; but also talking a lot about the crimes of the church and how it affects queer people. There are some more things but I don't want to spoil the book.
This book was so fun and campy! The popstar and scientist falling in love while both are hiding, with complications! Small town drama included. Gerard and Emory finding common ground in their wish to hide for different reasons. I thought the ending was satisfying, I was rooting for them the entire book. The only thing I didn't like was the religious sprinkings brought up in the book. Gerard finding peace in the place of a church because it's familiar and he finds the music calming; but also talking a lot about the crimes of the church and how it affects queer people. There are some more things but I don't want to spoil the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Interesting storyline with one character being invisible for most of the book. Flashbacks detail what happened to cause the invisibility.
Gerard needs a break from the pressures of being a pop star so he takes off to an island from a song he’s always loved. He wishes he was invisible from the public eye, whereas Emory is literally invisible and trying to figure out how to undo it. Living together, getting to know each other, becoming friends. Then possibly more.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Invisible Roommate to come out September 29, 2026.
Gerard needs a break from the pressures of being a pop star so he takes off to an island from a song he’s always loved. He wishes he was invisible from the public eye, whereas Emory is literally invisible and trying to figure out how to undo it. Living together, getting to know each other, becoming friends. Then possibly more.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Invisible Roommate to come out September 29, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a unique concept for a romance - where one character is invisible to the other. Gerald/James and Emory get to know each other intellectually and emotionally without the complication of physical attraction. (Note: I realize Emory can see James, but considering the character is a famous pop star, his looks weren't really a secret.). I got a little bit lost in some of the backstory of Emory's time as a grad student which is really my only 'complaint' about the story. Otherwise, it was fun to read about two people discovering each other while also uncovering new things about themselves.
April 24, 2026
Gerard and Emory’s story hooked me from the very beginning. I cried for both of their situations, from Gerard’s struggle to truly be seen even when surrounded by family to Emory’s loneliness and fear of being alone. And although I think the plot seemed to move too quickly in spots, I enjoyed its progression and how they were both able to find a home and support in a new community. Overall a very sweet story with a lovely happy ever after!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book!
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