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The Roommate
Cities tend to be glamorized by movies and Instagram pictures, but the truth is it’s harder to live in urban areas than expected. Stepping out onto the urine-soaked streets of San Francisco can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a slightly overweight, single, small-town girl.
In order to cover the cost of over-priced city rent, twenty-three-year-old Mallory Bates is forced to do the responsible thing and ask a complete stranger to move in with her. Kaden Covington, her supposed Southern belle roommate, turns out to be a he rather than the she Mallory expected. Mallory has always been lacking in the boyfriend department, so she’s naïve to the signs of a budding relationship with Kaden until it’s too late to turn off the emotions.
On top of an unconventional living situation, Mallory’s first client at her PR firm, Rachel Hines, is a demanding nightmare.
Follow Mallory's journey as she navigates through the tough "firsts" as an adult.
In order to cover the cost of over-priced city rent, twenty-three-year-old Mallory Bates is forced to do the responsible thing and ask a complete stranger to move in with her. Kaden Covington, her supposed Southern belle roommate, turns out to be a he rather than the she Mallory expected. Mallory has always been lacking in the boyfriend department, so she’s naïve to the signs of a budding relationship with Kaden until it’s too late to turn off the emotions.
On top of an unconventional living situation, Mallory’s first client at her PR firm, Rachel Hines, is a demanding nightmare.
Follow Mallory's journey as she navigates through the tough "firsts" as an adult.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2015
215 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 20, 2016
I feel as if I read a novel that has been published before it was actually ready for that. Parts of it feel incomplete, there's a rather clear lack of so-called minipauses in the chapters where for instance one moment we're seeing how our heroine Mallory is doing stuff A and then all of a sudden in the next sentence we're thrown into a completely different setting with stuff B. All you need to add, actually, are some symbols or whatever between these paragaraphs so that the reader wouldn't be surprised as hell if the next sentence has very little to do with the previous one.
The other thing that bothered me, the thing that actually made me think that the story is not finished, was the way the story progressed, and the characterization... the idea was there, but unfortunately the execution made me think that neither Mallory nor Kade (nor their friends) were real people. They seemed onedimensional and quite unlikable, to be frank.
I have nothing against plus-sized heroines who want to do somethigg about their state of being overweight (for instance I LOVE Neve from You don't have to say you love me), but I am not a fan of Mallory's attitude towards her goals of losing some weight and actually skinny-shaming women who dare be slim (gasp!). That is not acceptable!
And then there was the fact that there was so much telling, so much stuff being omitted that by the time the ending rolled around, I actually didn't know the characters and the parts that I did know, I didn't actualy like... Maybe it's just me because the other review this books currently has, has only praise. :/
The other thing that bothered me, the thing that actually made me think that the story is not finished, was the way the story progressed, and the characterization... the idea was there, but unfortunately the execution made me think that neither Mallory nor Kade (nor their friends) were real people. They seemed onedimensional and quite unlikable, to be frank.
I have nothing against plus-sized heroines who want to do somethigg about their state of being overweight (for instance I LOVE Neve from You don't have to say you love me), but I am not a fan of Mallory's attitude towards her goals of losing some weight and actually skinny-shaming women who dare be slim (gasp!). That is not acceptable!
And then there was the fact that there was so much telling, so much stuff being omitted that by the time the ending rolled around, I actually didn't know the characters and the parts that I did know, I didn't actualy like... Maybe it's just me because the other review this books currently has, has only praise. :/
October 28, 2016
This book is suitable if you're looking for:
-Simple romance with slight drama
-Predictable storyline and quickly resolved conflicts
-Funny first person P.O.V. narration
-Very fast paced
One line summary: Enjoyable narration, but fast paced and story lacks depth.
I find the first person P.O.V. narration to be the most enjoyable element in this book. It was funny and very real. I also truly enjoyed the effort the author put into describing the lifestyle and settings of San Francisco. It brought me to the scene and helped understand the characters (and their actions) better. Although I appreciate the author's effort to comprise a number of elements in this story i.e. work, romance, friendship, life, and family relation to make this story more realistic, I think each of these elements lack depth. They were really just touch-and-go, which was unfortunate because I can imagine this story would be more impactful had the author took some 'time' to develop them in the book. All in all, this is a tame version of The Devil Wears Prada.
-Simple romance with slight drama
-Predictable storyline and quickly resolved conflicts
-Funny first person P.O.V. narration
-Very fast paced
One line summary: Enjoyable narration, but fast paced and story lacks depth.
I find the first person P.O.V. narration to be the most enjoyable element in this book. It was funny and very real. I also truly enjoyed the effort the author put into describing the lifestyle and settings of San Francisco. It brought me to the scene and helped understand the characters (and their actions) better. Although I appreciate the author's effort to comprise a number of elements in this story i.e. work, romance, friendship, life, and family relation to make this story more realistic, I think each of these elements lack depth. They were really just touch-and-go, which was unfortunate because I can imagine this story would be more impactful had the author took some 'time' to develop them in the book. All in all, this is a tame version of The Devil Wears Prada.
February 3, 2022
I just sort of stumbled over this one and decided to give it a shot. It intrigues me just how often I wind up finding little gems like this in that same fashion - when I'm not expecting it.
I was surprised to note that this book was published back in 2015 and that I'd never seen it before. So while it might seem a bit after the fact to some that I review it, I disagree. It's worth the little extra time.
This was a cute, quick read and very well written. The characters were all genuine and likeable and it was easy to imagine meeting them in real life. As a reader, believable characters that I can envisage in every day life and in all its often mundane glory is important.
The heroine, Mallory, was particularly well developed. She was young at 23, just starting out in the world, really. She had struggled with weight throughout her life thus far, but there were no deep seated or melodramatic reasons for it. She'd experienced some self-esteem issues as a result but wasn't portrayed as wallowing in self-pity, either. She had a relatively normal family growing up. She was by turns a little awkward and unsure, but also assertive and ready to take initiative. She had a steely spine in her and a pretty good sense of who she was and where her strengths lay. I liked that the writer didn't play the pity card to manipulate readers into liking Mallory. She simply presented her as a normal, relatively well adjusted young woman who was a little chubby, who wanted to be more comfortable in her body for herself and nobody else. She was determined to live her best life but not obsessive on how she achieved that. I liked her because even though she had her moments of uncertainty, she liked herself.
The story was believable and easy to get caught in and it seems clear to me that Ms. Bugg's craft is organic to her. One might assume that the same applies to any writer but that assumption is quite wrong. Natural writing talent isn't as common as the vast numbers of 'writers' would suggest.
These days too much emphasis is placed on negative personal experiences to create interest in a story and its characters, and that strikes me as disingenuous - like the writer is trying too hard. But contrived melodrama is not the way to engage readers, at least IMO.
And many feel like reading is an escape and that suspension of belief is the point, or that since a book is 'romance' it is somehow not required to adhere to believability.
What utter crap, perpetrated no doubt by the advent of self-pub.
If I want to suspend belief, I'll read fantasy. And whether a book is romance or a thriller based on real life events, its plot should actually stay within the boundaries of things that can really happen. I need to believe what I'm reading and not want to roll my eyes over it or throw my kindle at the wall.
This story was relatable and fun with one OTT character that made things interesting at times. There was steam of the closed door variety and the dynamic between hero and heroine was straightforward without a lot of bullshit emo antics.
That said, if I have a criticism it would be that the writer was holding back on any deep emotional stuff. Yes, this was a romcom but it was also a journey through a small part of what is a critical time in the life of a young adult, and I felt that the writer took the safe route in the feels department.
Still, it was a good read. Unfortunately, as is often the way, Ms. Bugg doesn't appear to have written but two books and almost a decade ago at that.
Shame. She would have been one to watch.
I was surprised to note that this book was published back in 2015 and that I'd never seen it before. So while it might seem a bit after the fact to some that I review it, I disagree. It's worth the little extra time.
This was a cute, quick read and very well written. The characters were all genuine and likeable and it was easy to imagine meeting them in real life. As a reader, believable characters that I can envisage in every day life and in all its often mundane glory is important.
The heroine, Mallory, was particularly well developed. She was young at 23, just starting out in the world, really. She had struggled with weight throughout her life thus far, but there were no deep seated or melodramatic reasons for it. She'd experienced some self-esteem issues as a result but wasn't portrayed as wallowing in self-pity, either. She had a relatively normal family growing up. She was by turns a little awkward and unsure, but also assertive and ready to take initiative. She had a steely spine in her and a pretty good sense of who she was and where her strengths lay. I liked that the writer didn't play the pity card to manipulate readers into liking Mallory. She simply presented her as a normal, relatively well adjusted young woman who was a little chubby, who wanted to be more comfortable in her body for herself and nobody else. She was determined to live her best life but not obsessive on how she achieved that. I liked her because even though she had her moments of uncertainty, she liked herself.
The story was believable and easy to get caught in and it seems clear to me that Ms. Bugg's craft is organic to her. One might assume that the same applies to any writer but that assumption is quite wrong. Natural writing talent isn't as common as the vast numbers of 'writers' would suggest.
These days too much emphasis is placed on negative personal experiences to create interest in a story and its characters, and that strikes me as disingenuous - like the writer is trying too hard. But contrived melodrama is not the way to engage readers, at least IMO.
And many feel like reading is an escape and that suspension of belief is the point, or that since a book is 'romance' it is somehow not required to adhere to believability.
What utter crap, perpetrated no doubt by the advent of self-pub.
If I want to suspend belief, I'll read fantasy. And whether a book is romance or a thriller based on real life events, its plot should actually stay within the boundaries of things that can really happen. I need to believe what I'm reading and not want to roll my eyes over it or throw my kindle at the wall.
This story was relatable and fun with one OTT character that made things interesting at times. There was steam of the closed door variety and the dynamic between hero and heroine was straightforward without a lot of bullshit emo antics.
That said, if I have a criticism it would be that the writer was holding back on any deep emotional stuff. Yes, this was a romcom but it was also a journey through a small part of what is a critical time in the life of a young adult, and I felt that the writer took the safe route in the feels department.
Still, it was a good read. Unfortunately, as is often the way, Ms. Bugg doesn't appear to have written but two books and almost a decade ago at that.
Shame. She would have been one to watch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2018
Aside from the predictable storyline this was a sweet little book with a relatable main character and some cute romance. If you’re looking for something quick and easy to read I’d recommend picking it up.
December 31, 2021
This was the last book I read this year, number 104. It was such a fun book to read. It had several laugh out loud moments. Ended my year with a laugh.
April 5, 2018
Super cute
I needed a book distraction today and this was it. Adored it and the twists here and there. Loved going through Mallory’s weight loss journey.
I needed a book distraction today and this was it. Adored it and the twists here and there. Loved going through Mallory’s weight loss journey.
June 2, 2020
I wanted a light read and found this fairly enjoyable. There were a lot of fun ideas, but few of them were really fleshed out and so a lot of things weren't very believable. If your family is close and you move far away, then a phone call with your mom COULD potentially make you feel better when you're down. If it didn't seem like the character was feeling that down and a conversation short enough to be a text exchange lacks realism, it's jarring to read about how she feels so much better after the fact. If she's drinking a ton of calories, occasionally swapping junk for healthy food, and exercising here and there, I could buy that she's in better shape by the end of the book, but not that she lost 30 pounds. A lot of these characters and situations were too good to be true, so there isn't any real conflict. The descriptions of clothes and food and scenery from the first person narrative have a lot of fun personality to them! Overall, it's a decent bit of escapism. Too much sex for my taste, but I'm sure I'm a minority. Once I realized this was an unpublished draft I forgave all the writing mistakes and figure the final product will be a solid 3 stars.
October 8, 2016
I picked this book because of the cover and because I e just visited San Francisco! Not the best of reasons and I didn't know what it was about. I quickly learned it was "chick lit" which I normally avoid Luke the plague, however it had me interested enough to keep reading. I enjoyed the " voice" of the writer and it was light, amusing and fun to read. Fun.
October 21, 2017
Adorable
This book is just the perfect feel good book. So many phrases she says made me bust out laughing. I loved the story and could picture everything in my mind. I don't do that with all of my books I read. The author is also adorable. Such fun. Thank you for such a fun read Shae Buggs.
This book is just the perfect feel good book. So many phrases she says made me bust out laughing. I loved the story and could picture everything in my mind. I don't do that with all of my books I read. The author is also adorable. Such fun. Thank you for such a fun read Shae Buggs.
January 25, 2017
The roommate
As Mallory struggles with her weight issues, I can relate perfectly. And then to meet the man of her dreams, even better. And I admit it, I laughed because again, I relate and have done the same!
As Mallory struggles with her weight issues, I can relate perfectly. And then to meet the man of her dreams, even better. And I admit it, I laughed because again, I relate and have done the same!
June 13, 2017
Fun summer read! I think it's a great summer book that had a modern romance feel. I liked the plot twist. The only drawback was I didn't learn anything interesting (i.e. Cool, lesser known facts about San Francisco-locale of book, public relations, etc)
October 20, 2017
Great
The characters are brought to life. The real question is not going to be do people in real life have the same worries? The answer is, yes. She brought life to a real problem. I loved the quirky characters. It's a wonderful read.
The characters are brought to life. The real question is not going to be do people in real life have the same worries? The answer is, yes. She brought life to a real problem. I loved the quirky characters. It's a wonderful read.
January 9, 2018
Good read
This is a well written entertaining book. It is meant more for young adults but I enjoyed reading about the working lives and love lives of this younger generation. There were laughs and a few surprises.
This is a well written entertaining book. It is meant more for young adults but I enjoyed reading about the working lives and love lives of this younger generation. There were laughs and a few surprises.
March 26, 2016
Sweet Romantic Story
Sweet story about a roommate that was supposed to be a female, but was a guy. Friendship turns to love.
Fun Story.
Sweet story about a roommate that was supposed to be a female, but was a guy. Friendship turns to love.
Fun Story.
June 26, 2016
Cute book
Slow at first but then started getting better and couldn't stop reading. Its a great book all around that's for sure
Slow at first but then started getting better and couldn't stop reading. Its a great book all around that's for sure
January 18, 2022
This was a nice easy book to read, I like to call it a pallet cleanser book, something that's easy going, has no high stakes and is quite predictable. I still enjoyed it, it was a very simple and sweet book. I did think it jumped around a lot and we didn't get enough insight into the characters or how the characters relationships develop. One minute Mallory and Kade are just roommates, the next second they are dating and taking really romantic trips, it went from 0-100 really quick but i wasnt really invested in it.
Ngl, I thought I was reading a spicy book at first. It wasnt until i finished that i realised i read the wrong one lol. There is another book with the same title with a similar premise but spicy
Ngl, I thought I was reading a spicy book at first. It wasnt until i finished that i realised i read the wrong one lol. There is another book with the same title with a similar premise but spicy
January 10, 2020
It made me laugh, so for that 5 strs
The book draws a simple story, straight forward romance, like meet and falls in love kind.
I love the way it brings the body issues so many of us strugles.
Its brings problem and solution in a light way.
It makes me laugh a lot.
I totally recommend this.
The book draws a simple story, straight forward romance, like meet and falls in love kind.
I love the way it brings the body issues so many of us strugles.
Its brings problem and solution in a light way.
It makes me laugh a lot.
I totally recommend this.
February 17, 2022
Well written!
I grew up in "The valley of the sun" in Arizona. The Roommate is set in a realistic San Francisco, adding body images, food journals and making reasonable choices in your life. I had similar experiences in my life so at times it was like reading about myself and I think many, many women will relate to the characters in The Roommate. Well done!
I grew up in "The valley of the sun" in Arizona. The Roommate is set in a realistic San Francisco, adding body images, food journals and making reasonable choices in your life. I had similar experiences in my life so at times it was like reading about myself and I think many, many women will relate to the characters in The Roommate. Well done!
November 19, 2022
Mallory was way too timid for my liking. I'm also never a fan of a woman being so hyper focused on her weight & then hating herself for it on top of that. She was way too much of a doormat. The only thing I liked of this book was when Mallory made Rachel, the grandmother, to apologize to both her & Kade for her meddling.
July 13, 2018
Loved this
The best thing about this book are the characters. So believable, you will want Mallory to be your friend. This novel has just the right amount of romance and humor. 4.5 stars
The best thing about this book are the characters. So believable, you will want Mallory to be your friend. This novel has just the right amount of romance and humor. 4.5 stars
November 29, 2018
Entertaining
This was a fun and surprising read. A slightly new twist on the same old girl meets boy love story. These characters just come to life in the page and draw you in! I do so hope there are going to be many more books in this series!
This was a fun and surprising read. A slightly new twist on the same old girl meets boy love story. These characters just come to life in the page and draw you in! I do so hope there are going to be many more books in this series!
September 5, 2020
Good read
This book was a good rea it was well writtend.Kade & Mallery drew into the story & kept you on the edge of your wondering what was going to happen next & has a twist you didn't see coming.
This book was a good rea it was well writtend.Kade & Mallery drew into the story & kept you on the edge of your wondering what was going to happen next & has a twist you didn't see coming.
January 29, 2022
Cute quick read
I was looking for a fun story with a nice happily ever after and this book fit the bill. Mallory's first adventure into the big city is made even more adventurous by her new roommate, Kaden. Discover why and how when you read this fun book.
I was looking for a fun story with a nice happily ever after and this book fit the bill. Mallory's first adventure into the big city is made even more adventurous by her new roommate, Kaden. Discover why and how when you read this fun book.
April 29, 2018
Sweet story
Small town girl moves to the big city. She advertises for a roommate. The roommate she gets is not the one she expected.
Small town girl moves to the big city. She advertises for a roommate. The roommate she gets is not the one she expected.
July 16, 2018
Like it
I like the book very much. The characters were well written. I love romance a lot ...so this is you book.
I like the book very much. The characters were well written. I love romance a lot ...so this is you book.
February 8, 2019
Simple enough read . I would say the breezy type . Characters were fairly well developed. Love story is typical, twist was predictable as well. I think it was a feel good , happy ending Romance.
March 7, 2019
Fun read!
This book was a fun light read. Great storyline. It also included a surprise that I liked. It had several laugh out loud moments, too!
This book was a fun light read. Great storyline. It also included a surprise that I liked. It had several laugh out loud moments, too!
September 15, 2019
This was a very well written book and the author was able to keep my attention until the end.
May 14, 2020
Perfect book if you want a quick and easy read
Loved it
Loved it
Read
September 2, 2020Review to come
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews