Title: The Roommate Situation
Series: N/A
Author: Zoe X Rider
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: Novel (330 pages)
ISBN: 978-1-62300-492-7
Publisher: Loose Id, LLC (October 7, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate – light bondage / non penetrative sex
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts
Reviewer: Harper
Blurb: College freshman Shane Hahn finds himself unexpectedly shuffled to a new dorm room–which is fine by him, but his over-involved mother takes one look at toothpick-chewing, motorcycle-riding Derek McClain, his new roommate, and gets on the phone with the school. The school requires that Shane be the one to file the room-change paperwork, but Shane’s reluctant.
He’s attracted to Derek’s independence, even though that independence means Derek has to pay his own way through college, which he does by making leather products (you know: belts, wallets…bondage gear) and selling it online. Shane isn’t even allowed to work while he’s in school, much less join a band, which is what he really wants to do with his life. Unfortunately, his parents are holding his guitar hostage until he can prove he’s taking his future seriously.
Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/the-roommate-situation.html
Review: I liked the idea of this book, and was really excited about reading it. Unfortunately, for me, it was just ok.
The pacing was the biggest problem for me, it was very slow and drawn out.
The book is set in College. Shane is a freshman finding his feet away from the tight reins of home. His original roommate commits suicide, so he gets moved to a new residence, cue Derek.
Derek is a mysterious leather wearing biker, who happens to have a business making leather items including bondage gear.
There was a lot of page filling, which made you understand about Shane’s parents control but in all honesty, it was too much, I just wanted to “get in to” the story.
Neither Shane or Derek have been with another guy so the initial get together was quite cool but for me it needed more depth- it wasn’t insta love but there was definite insta attraction/awareness.
I liked the way Shane and Derek were there for each other, with each of them having personal issues during the book. It showed a realistic mutual need and appreciation.
There was a fantastic scene created where Shane takes control, it truly had my toes curling. But sadly, that was the only one I really thought WOW about.
I think I was expecting a bit more from the kink, but it was very tame. I’m surprised the author didn’t have them experimenting more (maybe that’s in the next book).
I was most disappointed with the ending though, you finally get a feeling the story is going to get going and then Bam – THE END! There was no gradual ending, no closure, it was just done. I’m hoping there will be a follow-up book so we can see how the boys play out.
To summarize, this book is a coming of age, double gay for you, college romance.
Would I recommend it? Yes…but you have been warned. 😉