I really enjoyed this slow burn romance!

The story starts out with our FMC, Rosie, feeling insecure about herself and her relationship. He takes advantage of her and It’s NOT a good situation. Luckily (for her) he ended it and she becomes desperate for a roommate. Aled, the new landlord, decided to move in while renovations were being done. Aled was such a great character, way better than her ex!!

I absolutely LOVED them as a couple, if you like slow burn - then read this book! It has great characters, romance building, and an ending that causes you to leave feeling good❤️❤️

My only criticism on this book is that it did bother me HOW much the FMC talked about her weight in the beginning. I get that it’s important to understand her, but it felt like a lot!

Tropes:
*forced proximity
*slowburn
*landlord/ tenant

Thank you Embla Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Net Galley and Embla Books for my advanced copy!

This was delightful. The way Rosie grows into her self-confidence, Aled’s thoughtfulness, and the delightful cast of side characters had me yearning for more. Some truly profound quotes here. This one was a joy, a warm hug on a cold day.

Read if you enjoy:
- Single POV
- London Setting
- Plus Size Rep
- Fade to Black/ Closed Door
- 3rd person POV
- Slow burn

Fun easy read. I loved both Rosie and Aled’s characters. I enjoyed the slow burn and the dynamic between Rosie and Niamh. Rosie went through a lot of self confidence issues throughout the book and seeing her self discovery/self love journey was encouraging. I do wish we saw more of them together at the end and gotten to see more of what Rosie ended up doing career wise.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4


Thank you to NetGallery for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

Rosie got dumped by her bf unexpectedly. But she still need someone to help her with rent. Reluctanly, she rent out her spare room to her upstairs neighbour while he's renovating. Will they fall in love?

I like both Rosie and Aled. Aled is so sweet. Rosie wasn't that confident in the beginning but it's nice to see how she grows. Great characters. I love the slow burn. Terrific characters.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

3.5 stars rounded up
When Rosie's boyfriend of ten years unceremoniously dumps her for better pastures three weeks before the rent is due, she finds herself renting her spare room to Aled, her taciturn new neighbour.

Laura Starkey's 'The Spare Room' is a fun, easy read about one woman reclaiming her self-confidence and power after being a doormat for her selfish, lazy ex-boyfriend and her parents who treat her like a servant and side with her bully of a brother.

Rosie is the sort of woman you'd easily be friends with, though you'd be frustrated by how she allows herself to be walked allover. And Aled? Well what a sweetheart. He loves literature, rom coms and is a quiet, supportive rock for Rosie.

I really enjoyed how this book is mostly low in melodrama, but I did find at the 60-80% mark the pace really dropped off with Rosie repetitively ruminating how she's attracted to Aled but he's not attracted to someone like her, and how hot he is. I would've preferred to see Rosie firm up her future career/education plans, instead of rushing it through at the end as an afterthought because someone else made a deal with her. I also found resolution with her ex and family rushed through a bit too easy given what they put her through. Words mean nothing if action isn't followed through.

Overall this is another delightful Laura Starkey book, featuring a relatable heroine to root for and a sweet, supportive hero to drool over.

Thanks to Embla Books and NetGalley for the ARC. I've pre-ordered a copy.

4.5 stars!

i was looking for a little palate cleanser to get me out of a reading slump and this book did the job!! a cute little romance book that had me giggling and kicking my feet. i mean forced proximity?? sign me up.

i really enjoyed both aled and rosie. as a woman, i felt like i could relate a lot to rosie’s struggles and insecurities. i think her character growth throughout the book was amazing, i loved watching her confidence grow. and aled?? come on, who doesn’t love a brooding english teacher with a love for cats?? he was perfect in my eyes, he can do no wrong <3

i really loved the side characters as well! that can make or break a book for me tbh. the ending felt a little rushed which was why i knocked it down from a five, but i think i’m a bit tough when it comes to endings so that is more a personal issue.

all in all, this book was a light and easy read! i really enjoyed it!

thank you netgalley and everyone involved for providing me with this arc!