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Puck Buddies #2
Roommates
Life is full of expectations. For Brady Coldwell it's always been about the game. Hockey is and always will be, his life. His family sacrificed everything to get him here and he won't let them down. He knows what's expected of him. Natalie Banks is no different. She too knows what it means to have everyone sacrifice for you. She knows about the debt that's left owing in the end and the price you pay for making up your own mind. But when an innocent mistake lands them as roommates, neither of them is prepared for the feelings they have or the consequences of their actions. How do you negotiate matters of the heart? How do you say no when it simply feels so right?
252 pages, ebook
First published October 25, 2015
389 people are currently reading
1733 people want to read
About the author
Tara Brown
121 books2,376 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 497 reviews
November 27, 2015
Reader Enjoyment Warning: male MC has explicit sex scenes with other women after he meets female MC and even after he develops feelings for her.
Why in the ever-loving hell of all hells do authors do this f'd up shit to readers?!? Why? Just why?
Nat...
The book starts out with good girl Nat being a sheltered only child wanting to spread her wings in a new "adult" apartment, only to find out her sneaky friend lied to her about the gender of her new roommate. Nat is cute, funny, innocent, and sweet. Fine enough~
BJ...
We then meet BJ, the roommate and male MC. He's a jock that's grown up with a single mom giving it her all to help him make the big leagues. The send off is endearing, and despite him being a manwhore with the nickname Blow Job (BJ,) he seems like a grounded guy that's likeable. Fine enough~
The premise is a stranger to roommates to lovers story with a side of hockey. Fine enough~
And Then It's Not So Fine enough
I'll start with the least disturbing of the two characters.
Nat...
She goes from sweet and kinda innocent to a TSTL naive doormat fairly early on in the book over her long-term, long-distance boyfriend William.
Yet, she's shocked that ol Will turns out to be a complete douchefloat. Really?
I also didn't like the excuses she made for her bitch of a mother calling her a slut and taking the ex boyfriend's side. All of this is just kinda swept aside like it wasn't said. Didn't like that at all.
In all honesty, Nat is still a semi-likeable character.
BJ, however, is fucked... Literally!
BJ...
There's your manho that selectively picks out a chick, delivers her a single night of unadulterated pleasure, moves on to greener fields, but will eventually meet someone that makes him realize his penis isn't satisfied by the game of whack of the mole any longer. I'm all about him!!!
Yeah, that's NOT BJ!
BJ is that nasty manho that'll stick his shtick in any puck and don't give two shits if the puck is even satisfied or treated with an ounce of respect.
He doesn't go down on women because thats "just nasty."
Nasty? No, let me tell you what's nasty: A mfer who goes under some bleachers to fuck a MILF nurse wearing an engagement ring that just happens to have a Halloween'esc dirty nurse costume on hand during his hockey physical!
He screws this nurse IN VIVID DETAIL after meeting the female MC!!!
He "Clintoned" her... I'll let you work that shit out for yourself.
He's a manho so I don't expect him to suddenly be celibate, but did you, author, really have to give me explicit, porno-style deets and make him nasty as hell just after he meets the female Mc?
Oh, but it gets so, so much worse!
At 37%, Nat and BJ have awesome chemistry built, almost enough to make me overlook the naughty nurse shit.
But then the author has him vividly, porno-style, in great detail fuck some random girl @37% in and after having a real connection with Nat?
And, the scene is just littered with jewels like this to really cement that the guy is just nasty:
Still not bad enough?
Well, at 95%, the author makes a point to remind us of that lovely nurse:
Still, not bad enough?
To add insult to injury, there are more sex scenes with other women than the MC! And the other women sex scenes are more detailed than the ones with the MC!
Why the hell do authors do this? Does any reader really want to read explicit sex scenes with OW, so heated he almost forgets the fing condom?!? No!!!!!! Why would I want to be reminded of it all AT 95%!! Why would I want that shit to be more detailed than the MCs?
Moving On
I continued reading this shit out of shameful curiosity on how the hell the author would try to turn this manho into a romantic lead.
I've read the entire book and I honestly don't know what to say.
The mom being a bitch is just kind of written away like *shoulder shrug* 'that's just who she is and we love her anyway.'
BJ and Nat are written a similar way.
It just suddenly goes from a mantra of his 'I do not want a relationship... I will fuck anything that has an orifice' -to- a resounded 'hey, let's date and live HEAFN.' Same with her! She goes from wanting to be free and certainly not wanting a relationship with the manho who will undoubtably break her heart -to- saying okay to everything.
Everything after they decide to date feels rushed and too much in how it happens -and - too slow and too little in how it's written.
By the end it feels like everything is...
The 'happily ever after for now' epilogue did nothing to soothe raw nerves from an entire book of OW.
Conclusion
Why in the ever-loving hell of all hells do authors do this f'd up shit to readers?!? Why? Just why?
Nat...
The book starts out with good girl Nat being a sheltered only child wanting to spread her wings in a new "adult" apartment, only to find out her sneaky friend lied to her about the gender of her new roommate. Nat is cute, funny, innocent, and sweet. Fine enough~
BJ...
We then meet BJ, the roommate and male MC. He's a jock that's grown up with a single mom giving it her all to help him make the big leagues. The send off is endearing, and despite him being a manwhore with the nickname Blow Job (BJ,) he seems like a grounded guy that's likeable. Fine enough~
The premise is a stranger to roommates to lovers story with a side of hockey. Fine enough~
And Then It's Not So Fine enough
I'll start with the least disturbing of the two characters.
Nat...
She goes from sweet and kinda innocent to a TSTL naive doormat fairly early on in the book over her long-term, long-distance boyfriend William.
"I can't nag him or pester him. It's what we discussed when we got back together. I haven't ever been that girl anyway, but apparently texting and checking in everyday is needy, and he hates needy. So I have to let him text when he wants to. We agreed that if we were going to be together it would have to be low-key for the final year of his schooling. Then we could revisit and discuss bigger things like moving in together."
Yet, she's shocked that ol Will turns out to be a complete douchefloat. Really?
I also didn't like the excuses she made for her bitch of a mother calling her a slut and taking the ex boyfriend's side. All of this is just kinda swept aside like it wasn't said. Didn't like that at all.
In all honesty, Nat is still a semi-likeable character.
BJ, however, is fucked... Literally!
BJ...
There's your manho that selectively picks out a chick, delivers her a single night of unadulterated pleasure, moves on to greener fields, but will eventually meet someone that makes him realize his penis isn't satisfied by the game of whack of the mole any longer. I'm all about him!!!
Yeah, that's NOT BJ!
BJ is that nasty manho that'll stick his shtick in any puck and don't give two shits if the puck is even satisfied or treated with an ounce of respect.
He doesn't go down on women because thats "just nasty."
Nasty? No, let me tell you what's nasty: A mfer who goes under some bleachers to fuck a MILF nurse wearing an engagement ring that just happens to have a Halloween'esc dirty nurse costume on hand during his hockey physical!
He screws this nurse IN VIVID DETAIL after meeting the female MC!!!
He "Clintoned" her... I'll let you work that shit out for yourself.
He's a manho so I don't expect him to suddenly be celibate, but did you, author, really have to give me explicit, porno-style deets and make him nasty as hell just after he meets the female Mc?
Oh, but it gets so, so much worse!
At 37%, Nat and BJ have awesome chemistry built, almost enough to make me overlook the naughty nurse shit.
But then the author has him vividly, porno-style, in great detail fuck some random girl @37% in and after having a real connection with Nat?
And, the scene is just littered with jewels like this to really cement that the guy is just nasty:
"I pull out, spin her around, just barely remembering to pull the condom from my pocket and slide it on."
Still not bad enough?
Well, at 95%, the author makes a point to remind us of that lovely nurse:
"It true you Clintoned the team nurse in Hartford?"
"The whole thing makes me laugh, even if I have no desire to see that nurse again. My cock begs to differ, but my heart is running the show."
Still, not bad enough?
To add insult to injury, there are more sex scenes with other women than the MC! And the other women sex scenes are more detailed than the ones with the MC!
Why the hell do authors do this? Does any reader really want to read explicit sex scenes with OW, so heated he almost forgets the fing condom?!? No!!!!!! Why would I want to be reminded of it all AT 95%!! Why would I want that shit to be more detailed than the MCs?
Moving On
I continued reading this shit out of shameful curiosity on how the hell the author would try to turn this manho into a romantic lead.
I've read the entire book and I honestly don't know what to say.
The mom being a bitch is just kind of written away like *shoulder shrug* 'that's just who she is and we love her anyway.'
BJ and Nat are written a similar way.
It just suddenly goes from a mantra of his 'I do not want a relationship... I will fuck anything that has an orifice' -to- a resounded 'hey, let's date and live HEAFN.' Same with her! She goes from wanting to be free and certainly not wanting a relationship with the manho who will undoubtably break her heart -to- saying okay to everything.
Everything after they decide to date feels rushed and too much in how it happens -and - too slow and too little in how it's written.
By the end it feels like everything is...
The 'happily ever after for now' epilogue did nothing to soothe raw nerves from an entire book of OW.
Conclusion
November 2, 2015
3.5 Stars
Roommates is the lighthearted story of two unlikely people finding a way to live together and not only make it work, but thrive because of it.
Nat's the girl who's spent her life doing exactly what she should. Right schools, right boyfriend, rich and famous on a Kardashian level best friend. Brody, or "BJ" (yes, that nickname is meant to conjure dirty things) has spent his life working towards his one and only goal, the NHL. He doesn't do relationships and his famous sex move is the "Clinton" (think of Ms. Lewinsky and you get the idea).
When Nat and Brody are "accidentally" set up to be roommates, an unlikely friendship is formed and SURPRISE! the two hotties start to develop feelings for one another. Nat finds a new group of friends in Brody's teammates and learns to give her overbearing mother the proverbial finger while Brody starts to realize that spending every night with the same woman may not be so bad.
“She has spent a lifetime with you and hasn't ever seen you. People never see you. They see the friends and now the team and the people around you. But no one sees you.” I swallow the fear in me that's begging me to man up and not say the things on my chest, but I have to. I hate that she’s hurting. I hate it. “I see you.” I lift a hand and cup her cheek. “You deserve better than everyone in your life has given you.” Including me.
My rating pretty much speaks for itself. The character development is good, the romance on the sexy side and the story overall is cute and light. While Roommates was an enjoyable read for me, it didn't offer anything new or different from the typical friends to lovers sports romance. The dual POV is a favorite of mine and helps to move this story along. Bottom line, it's perfect as a palette cleanser read but I didn't get much more than that out of it. Nothing wrong with that, though.
Roommates is the lighthearted story of two unlikely people finding a way to live together and not only make it work, but thrive because of it.
Nat's the girl who's spent her life doing exactly what she should. Right schools, right boyfriend, rich and famous on a Kardashian level best friend. Brody, or "BJ" (yes, that nickname is meant to conjure dirty things) has spent his life working towards his one and only goal, the NHL. He doesn't do relationships and his famous sex move is the "Clinton" (think of Ms. Lewinsky and you get the idea).
When Nat and Brody are "accidentally" set up to be roommates, an unlikely friendship is formed and SURPRISE! the two hotties start to develop feelings for one another. Nat finds a new group of friends in Brody's teammates and learns to give her overbearing mother the proverbial finger while Brody starts to realize that spending every night with the same woman may not be so bad.
“She has spent a lifetime with you and hasn't ever seen you. People never see you. They see the friends and now the team and the people around you. But no one sees you.” I swallow the fear in me that's begging me to man up and not say the things on my chest, but I have to. I hate that she’s hurting. I hate it. “I see you.” I lift a hand and cup her cheek. “You deserve better than everyone in your life has given you.” Including me.
My rating pretty much speaks for itself. The character development is good, the romance on the sexy side and the story overall is cute and light. While Roommates was an enjoyable read for me, it didn't offer anything new or different from the typical friends to lovers sports romance. The dual POV is a favorite of mine and helps to move this story along. Bottom line, it's perfect as a palette cleanser read but I didn't get much more than that out of it. Nothing wrong with that, though.
April 5, 2018
I finally finished!!!
Look....just no. No on all accounts.
The fact that I am seriously struggling to remember their freaking names seconds after finishing is not a glowing recommendation. I just had to look that crap up.
So, No.
No to Brady and his sleazy way of life.
No to Natalie and her wholesome self.
No to Sami, the over the top rich friend who I'm tired of hearing is RICH! We got it the first 100 times!
No to Matt, the other rich best friend no one gives a crap about.
No to the ex boyfriend and his douchey attitude. The We were on a break line does not roll. It didn't work with Ross and it sure as hell isn't going to work with you!
No to the CONSTANT slut shaming that just never let up
No to the awful grammar and use of sentences.
And just no to everything else I'm forgetting....
Ok, ok, so I'm going to shut up now. I've more fun writing this than I had reading Roommates. I'm out. Gonna go watch How to get away with murder ^_^ Deuces.
Look....just no. No on all accounts.
The fact that I am seriously struggling to remember their freaking names seconds after finishing is not a glowing recommendation. I just had to look that crap up.
So, No.
No to Brady and his sleazy way of life.
No to Natalie and her wholesome self.
No to Sami, the over the top rich friend who I'm tired of hearing is RICH! We got it the first 100 times!
No to Matt, the other rich best friend no one gives a crap about.
No to the ex boyfriend and his douchey attitude. The We were on a break line does not roll. It didn't work with Ross and it sure as hell isn't going to work with you!
No to the CONSTANT slut shaming that just never let up
No to the awful grammar and use of sentences.
And just no to everything else I'm forgetting....
Ok, ok, so I'm going to shut up now. I've more fun writing this than I had reading Roommates. I'm out. Gonna go watch How to get away with murder ^_^ Deuces.
March 4, 2017
✱3 STARS!✱
☾I am such a sucker for a good friends/roommates/lovers story. So naturally I was super excited to read this once I found the book. Brady and Natalie's story was very typical, that's not a bad thing but I think it was missing something to make the book stand out.
☾I really enjoyed going through Natalie's journey with her. Especially because I can relate with the parents aspect of her story. When she moves to New York and moves in with Brady, I felt like a proud mom. I'm not a mom, so...
☾Brady...I don't even know where to begin with him. He's literally the sweetest guy and treats everyone around him with respect and kindness. So why does he "bang every chick"???! I felt like I was reading about two different guys. Brady himself is super nice and loving but then there would be a random scene with a girl he's hooking up with? It didn't flow and it messed with my view of Brady a bit.
☾Them two together are like the most unnatural yet perfect couple. They come from similar backgrounds and both understand what the other is going through (more so Natalie's struggles). They did feel a bit college freshman though? Since they're supposed to be around 23 this felt weird. Other than that, I loved the writing style and I wouldn't mind reading more books just like this!
☾I am such a sucker for a good friends/roommates/lovers story. So naturally I was super excited to read this once I found the book. Brady and Natalie's story was very typical, that's not a bad thing but I think it was missing something to make the book stand out.
☾I really enjoyed going through Natalie's journey with her. Especially because I can relate with the parents aspect of her story. When she moves to New York and moves in with Brady, I felt like a proud mom. I'm not a mom, so...
☾Brady...I don't even know where to begin with him. He's literally the sweetest guy and treats everyone around him with respect and kindness. So why does he "bang every chick"???! I felt like I was reading about two different guys. Brady himself is super nice and loving but then there would be a random scene with a girl he's hooking up with? It didn't flow and it messed with my view of Brady a bit.
☾Them two together are like the most unnatural yet perfect couple. They come from similar backgrounds and both understand what the other is going through (more so Natalie's struggles). They did feel a bit college freshman though? Since they're supposed to be around 23 this felt weird. Other than that, I loved the writing style and I wouldn't mind reading more books just like this!
November 28, 2015
DNF - I am not telling you not to read it. This is just my opinion.
This did not work for me and I loved the premise. The hero thinks he is moving in with a guy named, Nate, and the heroine thinks she is moving in with a girl named, BJ. However, Nate is actually a girl and BJ is actually a professional hockey player named, Brady.
Dual POVs. The writing just did not work for me. I can't put my finger on it. I am not sure if it was because there was a frequent switch in POVs or something else.
By the time the couple got "together", it felt awkward and the way things continued just made me cringe. I was confused with Nat's behavior and attitude. She took a turn in personality. It felt uncomfortable. I could not continue. What happened at 60% with the post-game celebration was confusing and weird. I had to stop at that point.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. Reading is subjective and you may feel very differently.
I saw Tara Brown's name (I guess a.k.a. Erin Leigh - not sure) and thought I was going to love it like I did her other books, but unfortunately I didn't.
This did not work for me and I loved the premise. The hero thinks he is moving in with a guy named, Nate, and the heroine thinks she is moving in with a girl named, BJ. However, Nate is actually a girl and BJ is actually a professional hockey player named, Brady.
Dual POVs. The writing just did not work for me. I can't put my finger on it. I am not sure if it was because there was a frequent switch in POVs or something else.
By the time the couple got "together", it felt awkward and the way things continued just made me cringe. I was confused with Nat's behavior and attitude. She took a turn in personality. It felt uncomfortable. I could not continue. What happened at 60% with the post-game celebration was confusing and weird. I had to stop at that point.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. Reading is subjective and you may feel very differently.
I saw Tara Brown's name (I guess a.k.a. Erin Leigh - not sure) and thought I was going to love it like I did her other books, but unfortunately I didn't.
November 7, 2015
Cute room mates romance, nicely paced with a good build up and some feels at the beginning. For me it tapered off a bit and didn't quite deliver on its early promise or it would've been a more satisfying read. I was expecting a build up to something but it kind of began to peter out at about 60% and limped to the finish.
I also struggled with some of the dialogue, confusing who was saying what. I'm not sure whether it was the formatting style, the writing or just me, but I had to stop and re-read quite a bit. A pity really as the banter in this was pretty original and funny - I loved his signature move, 'The Clinton'...
Overall though, this was a low angst, sweet and romantic story and is definitely worth a read. Standalone, complete story.
I also struggled with some of the dialogue, confusing who was saying what. I'm not sure whether it was the formatting style, the writing or just me, but I had to stop and re-read quite a bit. A pity really as the banter in this was pretty original and funny - I loved his signature move, 'The Clinton'...
Overall though, this was a low angst, sweet and romantic story and is definitely worth a read. Standalone, complete story.
January 29, 2016
3.75 Stars
It's been a few days since I finished this book, and have since read 3.5 other books, and it still on my mind. For me, that is the equivalent of a glowing review. This wasn't the deepest of topics nor did I learn something insightful, but it was great entertainment, and that for the most part is why I read. well done Tara Brown!!
It's been a few days since I finished this book, and have since read 3.5 other books, and it still on my mind. For me, that is the equivalent of a glowing review. This wasn't the deepest of topics nor did I learn something insightful, but it was great entertainment, and that for the most part is why I read. well done Tara Brown!!
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November 5, 2015
11/04/2015
Enjoyable
The hockey theme snagged me. I really liked most of it. The whole Clinton thing was just gross and overdone. I'll read others by this author. 3 stars.
Enjoyable
The hockey theme snagged me. I really liked most of it. The whole Clinton thing was just gross and overdone. I'll read others by this author. 3 stars.
May 13, 2016
Natalie thinks that she is finally getting out of her parents house and getting set up with a perfect roommate by her best friend. Supposedly a female roommate named BJ. She is completely surprise to find out BJ is in fact a male named Brady, a hockey player. Brady is equally surprised thinking he was getting a male roommate named Nate.
This was a good book, cute story line/concept. It had a lot of funny parts - the funniest being their nicknames for each other, BJ and Nate Dog. Also Nat kicking everyone's butts at video games. It had a lot of sweet love scenes. Along with the typical they hated each other at first, then started to get along. The side characters were pretty good, especially Brady's fellow hockey players. They were funny. The only character I could of lived without was Sami. She was Natalie's BF, however her character seem spoiled and annoyed me a little. Over all, great book. I have read a few of Tara Brown's book and really enjoyed them. When I saw her name on this one I had to give it a try. It was not disappointing :)
This was a good book, cute story line/concept. It had a lot of funny parts - the funniest being their nicknames for each other, BJ and Nate Dog. Also Nat kicking everyone's butts at video games. It had a lot of sweet love scenes. Along with the typical they hated each other at first, then started to get along. The side characters were pretty good, especially Brady's fellow hockey players. They were funny. The only character I could of lived without was Sami. She was Natalie's BF, however her character seem spoiled and annoyed me a little. Over all, great book. I have read a few of Tara Brown's book and really enjoyed them. When I saw her name on this one I had to give it a try. It was not disappointing :)
December 1, 2015
So I clearly have a weak point for hockey players.. but turns out I also seem to like room mate novels... well at least when they this well written, funny and super cute.
I kept giggling while reading this. YEP, you read right. GIGGLING! I know, right. Good thing it's Sunday and I wasn't reading in public. My whole badass rep would be ruined for good.
This was the perfect cute & fluffy. The right amount of sizzling, smut and gooey- left me warm and fuzzy.
The only thing that went on my nerves- the mother and Will. They were just that wee bit over the top. Just too much.
Funny, cute, entertaining and full of hot hockey boys. Need I say more?
I kept giggling while reading this. YEP, you read right. GIGGLING! I know, right. Good thing it's Sunday and I wasn't reading in public. My whole badass rep would be ruined for good.
This was the perfect cute & fluffy. The right amount of sizzling, smut and gooey- left me warm and fuzzy.
The only thing that went on my nerves- the mother and Will. They were just that wee bit over the top. Just too much.
Funny, cute, entertaining and full of hot hockey boys. Need I say more?
November 11, 2015
Way too much of a man-slut. I can deal if it was before the characters meet, even deal with it being mentioned that he is still doing things. But for the love of God, please authors, don't describe sexual encounters that don't involve the main characters. Oh, and this guy was off the slut meter even for romance-book man-whores.
November 8, 2015
A very unputdownable read with a well-written relationship build up, really cute as hell couple and LOL moments. Need I say more?
March 23, 2016
DNF @ 25%
February 23, 2016
There were so many things off about this book. It wasn't bad, really, but it definitely wasn't good.
1. SO. MUCH. SLUT-SHAMING. All of the girls who like sex in this book are sluts and whores. To be fair, Brady is called a slut too, but why can't everyone just like sex? Why do they have to be sluts?
2. Transphobia and homophobia. This was perplexing to me, because there's a point in the book where the characters are discussing whether someone is gay and one of the minor characters says "not to break up bigot hour." So apparently the author knew she was writing in these scenes of transphobia and homophobia and chose to do it anyway. Why? I understand trying to write your characters a certain way- you want Brady and his friends to be assholes, but there are so many other ways to make someone an asshole that I don't think it's necessary to use something that we're still struggling with as a society.
3. This book employs my least favorite trope. The "not like other girls" trope.
"Her name is Natalie Banks and we don't mock her or treat her like a PF, ever. She's best friends with Sami Ford, obviously, but she's way cooler than just that. While she's crazy hot and super fun, she's also a ninja. She can play NHL 16 better than any of us. She laughs at dirty shit, eats pizza, and not just one slice, drinks beer, and yeah-she's perfect. If I were you I'd just marry her and end it there. Get it over with. There's no denying she's the best chick in the world. She even works and has a degree and takes care of herself. There's just no fault."
This is what I want to know: what is so wrong with other women that being "not like other women" has become a good thing? What's the alternative? Being like a man. OK, that's fine too. It's fine to like video games and pizza and to swear, but it's also fine to like makeup and the color pink and romantic movies. I don't get why this is a cool, popular, thing. There's nothing wrong with women. It's OK to be like other women.
4. This book need an editor. Badly. This book uses the phrase "sew your oats" 6 times. Sew. SEW.
1. SO. MUCH. SLUT-SHAMING. All of the girls who like sex in this book are sluts and whores. To be fair, Brady is called a slut too, but why can't everyone just like sex? Why do they have to be sluts?
2. Transphobia and homophobia. This was perplexing to me, because there's a point in the book where the characters are discussing whether someone is gay and one of the minor characters says "not to break up bigot hour." So apparently the author knew she was writing in these scenes of transphobia and homophobia and chose to do it anyway. Why? I understand trying to write your characters a certain way- you want Brady and his friends to be assholes, but there are so many other ways to make someone an asshole that I don't think it's necessary to use something that we're still struggling with as a society.
3. This book employs my least favorite trope. The "not like other girls" trope.
"Her name is Natalie Banks and we don't mock her or treat her like a PF, ever. She's best friends with Sami Ford, obviously, but she's way cooler than just that. While she's crazy hot and super fun, she's also a ninja. She can play NHL 16 better than any of us. She laughs at dirty shit, eats pizza, and not just one slice, drinks beer, and yeah-she's perfect. If I were you I'd just marry her and end it there. Get it over with. There's no denying she's the best chick in the world. She even works and has a degree and takes care of herself. There's just no fault."
This is what I want to know: what is so wrong with other women that being "not like other women" has become a good thing? What's the alternative? Being like a man. OK, that's fine too. It's fine to like video games and pizza and to swear, but it's also fine to like makeup and the color pink and romantic movies. I don't get why this is a cool, popular, thing. There's nothing wrong with women. It's OK to be like other women.
4. This book need an editor. Badly. This book uses the phrase "sew your oats" 6 times. Sew. SEW.
January 26, 2016
Fluff alert! I love a good fluffy new adult read. That is exactly what this book is. There isn’t a ton of conflict, or outside forces into play here. Just a lot of angst and sexual tension, wrapped up into one of my favorite tropes. Unsuspecting roommates!
This book follows our two protagonists as they navigate their new living situation. After being “set-up” by both of their best friends, to be roommates. They decide to make the best of a bad situation and become friends. Natalie is sheltered, and is desperate to be on her own. Brady is a promiscuous hockey star, that just needs a place to crash after practice. They are an unlikely pair, that make for great chemistry on paper.
The pacing starts out great, but tapers off a bit in the middle. The dialogue also seems a bit choppy at times. There were moments when I felt as if I was just reading off a shopping list. “Natalie did this. Then Brady did that. Then Natalie did this.” However, none of those things distracted from the charm of the story.
It was overall a satisfying fluffy read. The characters were engaging, and there was just enough to keep you wanting to read page after page. I do really love some good sexual tension. There is no better way to pull that off, but with this particular romance trope.
Happy reading!
This book follows our two protagonists as they navigate their new living situation. After being “set-up” by both of their best friends, to be roommates. They decide to make the best of a bad situation and become friends. Natalie is sheltered, and is desperate to be on her own. Brady is a promiscuous hockey star, that just needs a place to crash after practice. They are an unlikely pair, that make for great chemistry on paper.
The pacing starts out great, but tapers off a bit in the middle. The dialogue also seems a bit choppy at times. There were moments when I felt as if I was just reading off a shopping list. “Natalie did this. Then Brady did that. Then Natalie did this.” However, none of those things distracted from the charm of the story.
It was overall a satisfying fluffy read. The characters were engaging, and there was just enough to keep you wanting to read page after page. I do really love some good sexual tension. There is no better way to pull that off, but with this particular romance trope.
Happy reading!
November 26, 2015
3.5 stars!! This was a cute feel good read, not a lot of angst, a tad predictable but an easy page turner that just left you smiling from ear to ear. Brady was a promising Hockey player and Natalie was finally getting out from under her parents wings and breaking out into the work force on her own away from home. Friends had set up their accommodation for them and with Brady's nickname being BJ and a slight slip of some conniving fingers Nat became Nate and these roommates thought they were sharing with someone of the same sex. Natalie and Brady got on like a house on fire...surprisingly...Brady thinking he had hit the jackpot with a girl that could play computer games with the best of them, they just fit into an easy friendship. It was obvious though that there was more to it and this book centres around roommates becoming more. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. (full review to come)
February 3, 2016
I wanted to like this. I really did. But, NO. I'm surprised I even finished this book.
"BJ" is a dickwad and Natalie is a TSTL pushover who takes what she can get from a dude who sleeps with other hockey groupies who throw themselves at him. He just takes them where he can get 'em - even with old, married women, even AFTER he meets and starts having feelings for the MC. Gross. And there are EXPLICIT, detailed, long-ass scenes re: his sexual encounters.... more detailed scenes with him and the other chicks than the MC.
So.... yeah, no.
Sorry, not sorry.
Bye Felicia.
"BJ" is a dickwad and Natalie is a TSTL pushover who takes what she can get from a dude who sleeps with other hockey groupies who throw themselves at him. He just takes them where he can get 'em - even with old, married women, even AFTER he meets and starts having feelings for the MC. Gross. And there are EXPLICIT, detailed, long-ass scenes re: his sexual encounters.... more detailed scenes with him and the other chicks than the MC.
So.... yeah, no.
Sorry, not sorry.
Bye Felicia.
August 10, 2018
To be honest, this was very VERY nearly a DNF, although I’m not sure if skim reading really counts as ‘read’.
Also, the constant references to Brady's 'signature move' were a right turn-off.
"I like to call it the Clinton."
Seriously?!
🤮
Also, the constant references to Brady's 'signature move' were a right turn-off.
"I like to call it the Clinton."
Seriously?!
🤮
November 1, 2015
It was a good enough read. I was entertained.
October 28, 2015
I have to start this review by saying Brady is a pig. I loathe books where the H has explicit relations with other women in the book. Brady did. I hate players. Brady was. I hate books where the H thinks sex thoughts about other women. Brady did. Having said this, I really liked this book.
Brady and Nat met by chance, well if you consider chance your 2 best friends secretly putting you together. Nat is coming off of a bad relationship, so she has major trust issues. Brady is Mr. Hockey. All women, all the time, he just doesn't do them twice. He does after all, have rules!!!
They meet, sparks fly, and that is where the fun begins.
I liked the interaction, and the honesty between the two. Brady made no apologies for who he was and when he falls for Nat, that is when I fell for him. Nat is insecure in relationships in general, her ex really did a number on her. As the book progresses she gets stronger and I really ended up liking her. Brady does not cheat on Nat, and there is no drama with women, but I have to say he is all guy! I will absolutely read more by this author. She is going to the top of my
insta-click list!!!
Brady and Nat met by chance, well if you consider chance your 2 best friends secretly putting you together. Nat is coming off of a bad relationship, so she has major trust issues. Brady is Mr. Hockey. All women, all the time, he just doesn't do them twice. He does after all, have rules!!!
They meet, sparks fly, and that is where the fun begins.
I liked the interaction, and the honesty between the two. Brady made no apologies for who he was and when he falls for Nat, that is when I fell for him. Nat is insecure in relationships in general, her ex really did a number on her. As the book progresses she gets stronger and I really ended up liking her. Brady does not cheat on Nat, and there is no drama with women, but I have to say he is all guy! I will absolutely read more by this author. She is going to the top of my
insta-click list!!!
November 4, 2015
This was not what I expected, but so much better! I loved it! Yes, Brady was a manwhore and a dawg, but he was so loveable and when he realized he had feelings for Natalie, he immediately stopped whoring it up. He was a one woman man and I loved it. I also loved that once they were together, there was some drama, but not any break up drama where they had to find their way back to each other. It was awesome. Lots of LOL moments too. I really hope the author has books planned for Sami and some of the other guys on Brady's team.
February 18, 2016
Sorry. Can't do this. Sexism and stupidity annoy me. So many cringes in so little time. Let's talk about gender roles, shall we?
DNF @ 19%
THREE REASON WHY THIS BOOK MADE ME DNF
Reason Number One: Gender Role Serotypes. *gags* Oh this book was stuffed with them. Super manly-he man with cave man qualities and must (excuse the medical terminology) copulate with anything that breathes. Usually this wouldn’t bother me so much. But it went hand in hand with the female gender role: super flimsy main girl who gasps when he says a curse word- “He says it like you might say bless you. It’s nothing to him, certainly not a demeaning word for ladies.” Pardon me while I flip a few tables and proceed to use a sailor’s hand book on how to communicate while at sea.
Reason Number Two: Slut Shaming. I was- what? Ten percent into the book and there’s some slut shaming. FROM THE DUDE AND THE CHICK. Oh, may the lord have mercy on your soul. Who granted them the authority to decide what someone wants to do, when they want to do it, and how they feel like doing it? Hmm? I can’t. I’m sorry. I really, really can’t. You want to have sex? Go have sex! You shouldn’t be put down for it, and you certainly shouldn’t be put at the mercy of another person’s opinion on how often you want to do it. *shakes head in a very disappointed manner* *flips a few more tables*
Reason Number Three: The feeling of forced affection and the leading of it to really ignorant decision. It all started with the possibility of peeing in the shower. (and the lack of) Promptly followed by the assertion of being a pervert, irrational sobbing, the making of cookies, and (finally) a blossoming friendship. Do I have to say more?
BONUS: The assuming of virginity because the girl is ‘uptight’ when really it’s just a new situation with a new person who she expected to be a girl after being ambushed by her ‘best friend’ and therefore MORE IGNORANCE.
*angry growl*
So, lovelies. That’s my rant for the day. Maybe you’ll like this one, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll be enchanted with the asshole behind the curtain; I certainly didn’t make it to the part where the curtain is peeled away. And frankly, I don’t want to. I can’t really give this one a rating.
What is the most recent book you’ve DNF’d?
DNF @ 19%
THREE REASON WHY THIS BOOK MADE ME DNF
Reason Number One: Gender Role Serotypes. *gags* Oh this book was stuffed with them. Super manly-he man with cave man qualities and must (excuse the medical terminology) copulate with anything that breathes. Usually this wouldn’t bother me so much. But it went hand in hand with the female gender role: super flimsy main girl who gasps when he says a curse word- “He says it like you might say bless you. It’s nothing to him, certainly not a demeaning word for ladies.” Pardon me while I flip a few tables and proceed to use a sailor’s hand book on how to communicate while at sea.
Reason Number Two: Slut Shaming. I was- what? Ten percent into the book and there’s some slut shaming. FROM THE DUDE AND THE CHICK. Oh, may the lord have mercy on your soul. Who granted them the authority to decide what someone wants to do, when they want to do it, and how they feel like doing it? Hmm? I can’t. I’m sorry. I really, really can’t. You want to have sex? Go have sex! You shouldn’t be put down for it, and you certainly shouldn’t be put at the mercy of another person’s opinion on how often you want to do it. *shakes head in a very disappointed manner* *flips a few more tables*
Reason Number Three: The feeling of forced affection and the leading of it to really ignorant decision. It all started with the possibility of peeing in the shower. (and the lack of) Promptly followed by the assertion of being a pervert, irrational sobbing, the making of cookies, and (finally) a blossoming friendship. Do I have to say more?
BONUS: The assuming of virginity because the girl is ‘uptight’ when really it’s just a new situation with a new person who she expected to be a girl after being ambushed by her ‘best friend’ and therefore MORE IGNORANCE.
*angry growl*
So, lovelies. That’s my rant for the day. Maybe you’ll like this one, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll be enchanted with the asshole behind the curtain; I certainly didn’t make it to the part where the curtain is peeled away. And frankly, I don’t want to. I can’t really give this one a rating.
What is the most recent book you’ve DNF’d?
October 27, 2015
**To top off the perfect body great hair thing, his face is like a Michelangelo. He’s a god.
Yup, he’s too hot to be a roommate.
That's exactly what Natalie thought when she seen that her roommate wasn't some butch girl who played Hockey, but a superstar hockey player that was hot as h*ll. It made her uncomfortable, she hasn't had that much experience with guys, only having had the one serious boyfriend, and being in her 20s and just now being away from home.
Brady thought he was rooming with a computer geek and when he saw Natalie, he didn't want a hot girl as a roommate, espeically one that he was instantly attracted too. He is known for 'quickies' and doesn't do relationships. He knows he can't do anything with Natalie, he can't have a quickie with his roommate and then sleep in the next room. He never stays the night, never cuddles.
When Natalie finds out her long term off/on again boyfriend had been cheating the entire 3 years they had been dating, in a drunken state, she throws herself at Brady.
**I like the way his warm hand on my arm almost wraps all the way around it. There’s a frightening possibility that my attraction to him is just so overwhelming all my senses have flown out the window. I know the common ones were the first b*tches to abandon ship.
Now they must determine if they want to jeopardize their roommate status for something more, they know if they cross that line, there is no going back.
This was a great Rom Com read. The attraction between the characters are explosive. Lots of Steamy parts as well as funny parts. Even though Brady is a self proclaimed man wh*re, I loved the fact that he stood up for Natalie, even in the beginning. Their friendship evolved into something neither one of them expected.
Yup, he’s too hot to be a roommate.
That's exactly what Natalie thought when she seen that her roommate wasn't some butch girl who played Hockey, but a superstar hockey player that was hot as h*ll. It made her uncomfortable, she hasn't had that much experience with guys, only having had the one serious boyfriend, and being in her 20s and just now being away from home.
Brady thought he was rooming with a computer geek and when he saw Natalie, he didn't want a hot girl as a roommate, espeically one that he was instantly attracted too. He is known for 'quickies' and doesn't do relationships. He knows he can't do anything with Natalie, he can't have a quickie with his roommate and then sleep in the next room. He never stays the night, never cuddles.
When Natalie finds out her long term off/on again boyfriend had been cheating the entire 3 years they had been dating, in a drunken state, she throws herself at Brady.
**I like the way his warm hand on my arm almost wraps all the way around it. There’s a frightening possibility that my attraction to him is just so overwhelming all my senses have flown out the window. I know the common ones were the first b*tches to abandon ship.
Now they must determine if they want to jeopardize their roommate status for something more, they know if they cross that line, there is no going back.
This was a great Rom Com read. The attraction between the characters are explosive. Lots of Steamy parts as well as funny parts. Even though Brady is a self proclaimed man wh*re, I loved the fact that he stood up for Natalie, even in the beginning. Their friendship evolved into something neither one of them expected.
January 16, 2016
Not my cuppa. Just nope. If I never hear/read "Clintoned" again it would be too soon. It's not funny or endearing it's middle school locker room humor that falls flat and makes me want to gag. This is supposedly supposed to be a romance, but it's just kind of a gross telling of how a dirty manwhore finds his "bland toast". Little romance, with very little sexy if any in my opinion. Could have done without most of Brady's stories of past and present conquest. I need a brain scrub and a bath.
I kept hoping it would get better, but it didn't. Brady doesn't want to be judged by people for sleeping with every female he comes across, but he'll judge the crap out of someone because they work for a rich family? or because their family is rich. He's got some major issues and needs some serious blood work done.
I kept hoping it would get better, but it didn't. Brady doesn't want to be judged by people for sleeping with every female he comes across, but he'll judge the crap out of someone because they work for a rich family? or because their family is rich. He's got some major issues and needs some serious blood work done.
November 13, 2015
İt was a light read about a hockey player and a digital artist:) they end up in an apartment as roommates. İn the first chapters NAtalie has a boyfriend who studies law. He is rich and nat's mom wants her to end up with him. Nat loves him (thinks she loves him) like 6 years but they're together for 3 years. They broke up then make up about every few months. He cheats her like 1000 times but it doesnt count because they're broke up. She leaves him then start immediatley with her roommate. Brady's sex scenes was disgusting. What is all the fuss about this clinton thing??? İt was ridiculous. İt was sooo boring ... Nothing exited happened and it was really predictable. I waited till the end of the book sth to happen but nothing ... İm really disapointed with this one. The plot was nice ı really hoped to like this one. Congrats to ME no dnf again:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2015
Sweet and Super Funny!
This book was funny and sweet, and had the perfect ending. Spoiler alert!!! I kept waiting for the formulaic break up at around 70% (when everything seems to be going well, and a stupid misunderstanding breaks them up only to have them get back together at 99%). But it never happened! It was a refreshing, sweet, really funny read and I HIGHLY recommend this book!
This book was funny and sweet, and had the perfect ending. Spoiler alert!!! I kept waiting for the formulaic break up at around 70% (when everything seems to be going well, and a stupid misunderstanding breaks them up only to have them get back together at 99%). But it never happened! It was a refreshing, sweet, really funny read and I HIGHLY recommend this book!
November 1, 2015
Loved it ! First time when I read a book by this author and i like it. Now i want Sami and Matt story
November 1, 2015
Cute story of a manwhole changing his ways. of course throw hockey in, I'm there
July 14, 2019
3 1/2 stars
So, I will be 100% truthful. I almost dnf'd this right out of the gate. I absolutely despise detailed sex scenes with other women even if the main characters aren't together yet. You can "tell" me it happened but don't give me the details. I don't want or need them. Everyone got the fact that Brady was a man-whore, we did not need the level of description that was provided. I literally cringed through those scenes. Ugh! Yes, there were more than one.
That aside, I really enjoyed the rest of the story. Brady and Natalie end up as roommates due to some confusion with names and genders. They agree that they can room together with no issues. Of course, we know that things like that never work out as planned. Brady is instantly attracted to Natalie. He's a "hockey god" so she finds him attractive albeit not her type since he's a total man slut. The way their relationship develops and Brady realizes he truly cares for Natalie in more than a sexual way is actually well done.
Overall, a good story that I would have rated higher if the "other women" sex scenes hadn't been included. Those were really detracting initially and bothered me through a good portion of the story.
So, I will be 100% truthful. I almost dnf'd this right out of the gate. I absolutely despise detailed sex scenes with other women even if the main characters aren't together yet. You can "tell" me it happened but don't give me the details. I don't want or need them. Everyone got the fact that Brady was a man-whore, we did not need the level of description that was provided. I literally cringed through those scenes. Ugh! Yes, there were more than one.
That aside, I really enjoyed the rest of the story. Brady and Natalie end up as roommates due to some confusion with names and genders. They agree that they can room together with no issues. Of course, we know that things like that never work out as planned. Brady is instantly attracted to Natalie. He's a "hockey god" so she finds him attractive albeit not her type since he's a total man slut. The way their relationship develops and Brady realizes he truly cares for Natalie in more than a sexual way is actually well done.
Overall, a good story that I would have rated higher if the "other women" sex scenes hadn't been included. Those were really detracting initially and bothered me through a good portion of the story.
December 3, 2015
Roommates is a laughably bad read. So bad that I actually started taking notes so that I wouldn't forget to include anything in my review.
The premise of this story was a good one, but Leigh proceeds immediately to mess it up royally. Oh how I wish someone else could have written this!
The actual writing of this story is forced. It feels fake, and I think Leigh is trying too hard. She understands what New Adult is, but she doesn't quite know how to execute it. She doesn't know what the reader actually wants. For example, all the HORRIBLE sex scenes with other women who is NOT Natalie aka the female POV and Brady's love interest/roomie. What was the point of this. He's supposed to be a "manwhore" (terrible word choice, to be honest) we get it. This can easily be portrayed without the disgusting scene with the 30-something hockey team nurse right off the bat. In fact, new adult is pretty good at making the main guy character a so called slut (again, terrible word choice) without completely grossing out the reader.
The lingo in this story is to put it plainly, stupid. "Knob" "Pissed". If we're in Great Britain, sure go for it. But NO AMERICAN USES THOSE WORDS THAT WAY. A knob belongs on a door and pissed is an emotion. Randomly borrowing these slang terms stuck out like sore thumbs in the dialogue, frankly it distracted me, and annoyed me.
The author also has this bizarre fascination with rich people and their lifestyle. She makes such a point to separate Natalie and Sami to the point that Natalie is just the poor sidekick girl. At one point Sami makes a comment about how her dad likes the "poor work ethic" - or something similar. Really? Ha Ha who do you think you are Erin Leigh? Cecily von Ziegesar already wrote Gossip Girl, maybe you've heard of it? This was a poor attempt, and it was actually pretty insulting to both "poor" and "rich" people. Leigh wrote these two groups of people in such a black and white manner, that it was like comparing someone from Nigeria to someone from Japan. In her eyes, they're just sooooooooo different. Barf.
The inconsistent character portrayal in Roommates also lends to Leigh's complete fail at this story. Natalie is meek and a doormat but she's also fun and cool and gets drunk and lets loose? Okay? Again, she separates these personas so hard that there might as well be different people fitting the descriptions. This story is stereotyped to the nth degree. She's a graphic designer but she's described as a "Tech nerd." In fact most graphic designers are actually artists in their own right.
And because Brady is a hockey player, why does he automatically have to be a "manwhore?" And the god-awful slang terms that come with it. *eye-roll*
This entire story was an absolute trainwreck. I had to force myself to finish reading it, I can't even lie. Wish I wouldn't have, but I knew I needed to write this review.
The premise of this story was a good one, but Leigh proceeds immediately to mess it up royally. Oh how I wish someone else could have written this!
The actual writing of this story is forced. It feels fake, and I think Leigh is trying too hard. She understands what New Adult is, but she doesn't quite know how to execute it. She doesn't know what the reader actually wants. For example, all the HORRIBLE sex scenes with other women who is NOT Natalie aka the female POV and Brady's love interest/roomie. What was the point of this. He's supposed to be a "manwhore" (terrible word choice, to be honest) we get it. This can easily be portrayed without the disgusting scene with the 30-something hockey team nurse right off the bat. In fact, new adult is pretty good at making the main guy character a so called slut (again, terrible word choice) without completely grossing out the reader.
The lingo in this story is to put it plainly, stupid. "Knob" "Pissed". If we're in Great Britain, sure go for it. But NO AMERICAN USES THOSE WORDS THAT WAY. A knob belongs on a door and pissed is an emotion. Randomly borrowing these slang terms stuck out like sore thumbs in the dialogue, frankly it distracted me, and annoyed me.
The author also has this bizarre fascination with rich people and their lifestyle. She makes such a point to separate Natalie and Sami to the point that Natalie is just the poor sidekick girl. At one point Sami makes a comment about how her dad likes the "poor work ethic" - or something similar. Really? Ha Ha who do you think you are Erin Leigh? Cecily von Ziegesar already wrote Gossip Girl, maybe you've heard of it? This was a poor attempt, and it was actually pretty insulting to both "poor" and "rich" people. Leigh wrote these two groups of people in such a black and white manner, that it was like comparing someone from Nigeria to someone from Japan. In her eyes, they're just sooooooooo different. Barf.
The inconsistent character portrayal in Roommates also lends to Leigh's complete fail at this story. Natalie is meek and a doormat but she's also fun and cool and gets drunk and lets loose? Okay? Again, she separates these personas so hard that there might as well be different people fitting the descriptions. This story is stereotyped to the nth degree. She's a graphic designer but she's described as a "Tech nerd." In fact most graphic designers are actually artists in their own right.
And because Brady is a hockey player, why does he automatically have to be a "manwhore?" And the god-awful slang terms that come with it. *eye-roll*
This entire story was an absolute trainwreck. I had to force myself to finish reading it, I can't even lie. Wish I wouldn't have, but I knew I needed to write this review.
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