I feel like I just read a book about absolutely nothing. The Spare Room was so slow and nothing at all happened. I guess Rosie had a decent growth arc, but other than that, I was bored. I didn’t think it was funny at all, so I’m not sure where the “laugh out loud” in the blurb came from.

I received an advance review copy of The Spare Room for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My favourite romance of the year so far! This is so good I could not stop reading! It was so easy to fall in love with these characters; they felt like real friends. I didn't find the conflict far-fetched or fake as it can be in some romances.

Rosie can't even think about her heartbreak when she faces the more pressing matter of making rent this month. And in desperate times, she agrees to let her spare room out to her elusive upstairs neighbor. Aled needs somewhere to stay while his place is being renovated, and she gets to keep her home. It's a win-win situation... At least in theory.

Love a good, cozy roommate romance if done right. And this was one such!
I really enjoyed Rosie & Aled's banter and how it grew to a swoony relationship. The humor was very clever, too!

<i>Thank you Netgalley and publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.<i>

I loved this book. I loved all the characters & identified with them, even James. It’s such a lovely heart warming story. I read the entire book in one day & didn’t want it to end

I love a good romcom read and jumped at the chance to review this cute-sounding novel with the colourful cover.

Let me start with the good. This is a nice book to read if you’re looking for something extremely light. It’s a story about Rosie, who has been with her boyfriend James for the past 10 years. She comes home one night thinking that this might be *the* night and James will pop the question.

He does not.

The thing I liked about this book was the people – I loved Rhaina and Niamh; Aled was mysterious and bookish; Ellie is adorable. I enjoyed the relationship between Rosie and Aled; not so much the relationship between Rosie and James. There’s really not much else to say – it was indeed a very light read that was perfect for before-bed reading.

While the story was enjoyable, I wouldn’t say there was much substance to it. Bad things happen to Rosie and she doesn’t do a whole lot to change her life – in fact, with James, she was a bit of a doormat for him, letting him walk all over her.

The problems I had was that the story was extremely predictable. It’s not hard to figure out what’s going to happen, how the story is going to end, etc. Of course, with many romcoms, this can be the case – we all expect that happily ever after by the end, right? But the predictability went beyond that.

There was also an extreme lack of substance and character development. We meet Aled in the very beginning and the interaction between him and Rosie is just so … painful. It reads like it goes on for 10 minutes and Aled says nothing. It just seemed so unrealistic. I also really had no idea what either character looked like – I knew that Rosie was curvy (which is stated many, many times) and that Aled is very tall and wide, but I really couldn’t picture them in my mind.

Throughout the story, there’s a lot of talking, eating, swooning … and not much else. I think it might have benefitted from having dual perspectives throughout the story, but all we get is Rosie’s and she’s not the most exciting character. She lets James and her family take advantage of her and it’s very frustrating.

As for the romance, there’s not a lot of it. Rosie and Aled talk a lot but we never learn a lot about Aled’s life until the very, very end (and once I met his family, I would have LOVED to have seen more of them in the story) and Rosie’s family is insufferable. I’m on the fence as to whether or not they actually have chemistry beyond brooding, intense gazes, and the odd touch.

There’s also an issue about the pacing – “the spare room” is mentioned multiple times throughout the first half of the story, but doesn’t actually come into play until nearly halfway through the book.

Despite the negatives, I wouldn’t say it’s a terrible book – I did give it a solid three stars – but it’s one of those books you’d take with you to the beach, or read before bed, or in a doctor’s office, etc. It doesn’t have a lot that you need to remember as you read and can easily be picked up and put down.

Would I recommend this book? Probably not. If you’re just kind of on the fence about what to read, or in between novels, it’s fine to pick up, but I wouldn’t say that it’s an amazing read. I’ve read a lot of romcoms and chicklit and still think of some of them – this one was a little too forgettable.

I was completely captivated by the narrative, drawn in by the initial aspects of the story. However, my excitement soared when the new character emerged, promising fresh and thrilling possibilities. The only wish I had was for a briefer introduction to the first element, creating more space for the enthralling tale of the new guy to unfold.

The storytelling was vivid, weaving a tapestry of emotions and anticipation. The author's ability to create such intriguing characters left me eagerly turning the pages, hungry for more insights into the complexities of the newfound connection. With a bit of tweaking to balance the story's pacing, this could easily become a masterpiece, showcasing the brilliance of the narrative. An exhilarating experience with the potential for even greater heights!

3.5 stars - This was a really fun slow-burn, closed-door romance. I really liked the main characters (and the side characters), even if there was a bit too silly at times. The main character, for,at least the first half of the book, was very down about her looks, which some readers will not love, but is understandable considering her family. I really liked the mmc. He’s pretty much my favorite type of love interest- not at all smirky and winky. He’s a bit shy and holds back (and his feelings are slightly mysterious throughout a lot of the story), but is always kind. The main character’s relationship with her family (although luckily not my personal experience) will definitely be relatable to lots of women. I do appreciate how things ended concerning her family. I like that things were left feeling hopeful. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would definitely check out other books written by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Embla for providing me access to this eARC for my honest opinion!

This is a cute rom com with a sweet romance involved, but it is also a much deeper message of loving yourself first. We all have things about ourselves that we don't like and that takes a hit to our self-esteem and confidence, but what if you lived your whole life hearing that you weren't smart, were too fat and just a silly woman? How would that affect the love that you have for yourself? Rosie finds herself at a major crossroads in life starting with the end of a 10-year relationship that spirals into a life makeover. Will she find the courage to love herself and in turn find true love or will she fall back into bad habits brought on by years of verbal beat downs from her parent and former boyfriend. This one definitely has a happy ending and is a really cute story, however, the message it also puts forth is one that all women of all ages should read, hear and take to heart! I am absolutely this author's newest fan and can't wait to read more from her!

This was perfectly lovely but unfortunately not a favourite. A solid 3 stars.
It was sweet, and I read it super fast, but I just needed a little bit more romance between our MMC and FMC.
A favourite part of the book for me was definitely the relationship between the FMC and her best female friend. I loved that their had each others back despite their little arguments!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

A genuinely sweet, cosy read. Definitely a book for a light-hearted reading session. It made me chuckle more often than not and giggle like an idiot in the late hours.

Can I just say, Aled? Yes please and thank you.

The character growth throughout the book for all characters and just the MCs was great. Their struggles and insecurities are things that aren’t rare to come across, so watching them work through these was really heart-warming.

Also the most relatable quote, ‘You will pry my kindle from my cold, dead hands’

For anyone who loves slow-burn, this is definitely a book for you.

A wonderful slow burn, forced proximity rom-com.

What really stood out for me were how relatable and likeable (most) of the characters were, the ones that were meant to be that is. The two MCs Rosie and Aled were warm and authentic and I loved reading how Rosie grew to be a stronger more confident person throughout the book. The romance was very sweet and, even though it was a slow burn there was enough romance splashed throughout that you didn’t feel like you had to wait until the last page for any closure.

While I enjoyed the light-hearted nature of most of the book, Starkey also addressed some more complicated subjects around self-worth, family favourites and being under-appreciated which added an extra layer of depth.

Despite the slow burn I found the pace enjoyable and never seemed to stall. Everything was wrapped up quite quickly before the epilogue and I would have enjoyed having a bit more in the resolution or a chapter from Aled’s POV.

A fun, easy read, clean romance with many laugh out loud moments.

I hadn’t come across this author before but I will be seeking out the back catalogue after this wonderful book. The main character was delightful to meet, as were the other characters in the book. It was great to see her standing up to the not so wonderful people in her life and really finding her own little place in the world which made her happy despite it going against what everyone expected of her. I will definitely recommend this book to others.

Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy to read.

I really enjoyed this story. Its a sweet romance that follows Rosie as she encounters life changing situations. The book is about self development, realising that their is life after things ending and family resolution.

I actually wish the book was longer so we could have seen what happens after the ending.

The characters aren't hugely developed and it isn't a very descriptive book but it was enjoyable nonetheless. If you're looking for easy to read very slow burn romance then give this a try.

3.5 stars.

Rosie is let down by her ex. Enter Aled. Friendship, a journey and some romance. A great Sunday afternoon read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book!! 🥹
It was seriously so sweet I was smiling and kicking my feet with every interaction Aled and Rosie had. This slow burn was so worth the wait. I loved the pining and the roommates to lovers dynamic they had.

I felt so bad for everything Rosie had to go through with her family and ex, but I am so happy she found Aled and his group of friends. The man was absolutely perfect - a professor who read books, watched romcoms, wore glasses, and recited poetry for her. 🫠 He was such a hopeless romantic. And Rosie’s character development was absolutely perfect!

“‘Yes, yours, my love, is the right human face’. It was a poem about finding a home about seemingly endless travel - about stumbling upon a soulmate.”

Things I loved:

🌆 Roommates to Lovers
🌆 Soulmates vibes
🌆 Hopeless romantics
🌆 Opposites attract

Thank you Embla Books and Laura Starkey for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was marketed as a romance but maybe I’m wrong. Either way that’s why I picked up this book but it wasn’t much of a romance. There is not much interaction between the two love interests however there is a happy ever after.

This cozy, low stakes romance is perfect for Emily Henry and Talia Hibbert fans. The slow burn of Rosie and Aled isn't too drawn out and has just enough tension. Aled is brooding and mysterious and everything we could want in a romcom love interest. Rosie is relatably hilarious and self-conscious. The unexpected romance trope doesn't feel forced, as the characters' chemistry is electric on every page. They are couple goals and I couldn't help shipping them together instantly! I gobbled up this fun light-hearted romance within hours.

While I was reading the book, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the interactions between Rose and Aled. Once I was done though, I was left feeling the need for more. While we get to know Rosie really well, Aled is very much a mystery by the time we reach the end of the novel. With this being a VERY slow burn love story, I thought by the end of it we’d finally get to know Aled. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

We only get to know him in relationship to Rosie, and while he displays good characteristics then, there’s nothing else we know about him so it’s hard to root for him.

Rosie is likeable, but she reminds me of Louisa Clark in Me Before You. It was hard not to picture Louisa while reading Rosie.

Overall, I enjoyed it and would read more of Rosie and Aled, but definitely would prefer a faster pace next time.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

I am often forgiving of a twee, low smut romance if it takes place in London. If the same down on her luck heroine was American I would toss that bitch out like yesterday’s trash. But give her an accent and a propensity for solving all her problems w a “cuppa” and I’m in love. Perhaps it’s because I was raised by Bridget Jones that I now idolize an accented, curvy, clumsy British heroine.

Rosie is a millennial Bridget Jones who gets dumped by her very below average bf after dating/mothering him for a decade and then rage quits her soul crushing job. Her hot Welsh neighbor, Aled needs a place to stay while his apartment is being renovated so she leases him her spare room so she can pay her rent. Obvi she falls for her quiet, emotionally intelligent, snack of a roomie bc who wouldn’t? They bang, but we don’t get to watch and it’s a shame, but I forgive you Laura Starkey bc this book is a quiet and sweet story about a woman who turns her shit around and finds herself a happy ending and maybe I needed that this week.

To summarize- this book is low smut and is absent of any assault, kidnapping, threats either MC lives, or dinosaurs BUT it is full of heart, self discovery, a makeover scene, friendship and romance. It’s a little slow going to start, but I truly enjoyed this British rom-com. This book drops on 2/6.

Smut- 1.4 stars
Romance- 4.7 stars
Story- 4.3 stars
London based twee romances- 6.3 stars

A lovely beautifully written book that takes you on a journey about Rosie and Aled.

Rosie has just been dumped by her boyfriend of ten years, knowing she can’t afford the rent of her flat, she puts an ad in the paper. Aled who lives above her, is getting work done to his flat and is needing a place to stay so it’s easy for him to move into the spare room.

Rosie is a great character, she’s stressy, insecure and easily relatable to a lot of woman. I found her fun to read about specially when she came out of her shell.

Aled is the dashing male who lifts the book. No more words needed.

An easy romantic read.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.