Lovely little book!
A bit slow and cozy and just lovely. Not the best book I've ever read but really warm. Liked the characters and theme. Good plot progression. The last 10% felt a bit fast in comparison but that added to the drama I reckon.
I don't think the cover suits it though.

This book was utterly charming from start to finish. I absolutely loved Rosie, who I identified with straight away.

I then proceeded to fall in love with the guy who eventually becomes her flatmate (nope, not telling you his name) and the other cast of vibrant characters.

The romance element is there from the beginning but it's slow burn - that's normally not my thing but it was written so well that I absolutely did not want Rosie and her flatmate to rush things. I relished the pining. It was totally worth the wait, and Rosie had to awaken, open her eyes and see what was around her before she could appreciate what was in front of her. She's got some body hang ups too, which were written sensitively. It's Rosie's empathy and kindness, not her body image, that is the real focus of this story.

It's all from Rosie's point of view but there are subtle hints that he falls first, and hard. It was so much fun to read, and funny too. There's some lovely classic literary references for book nerds and though there is not much steam, there's plenty of sexual tension.

I haven't read anything by this author before but I am already a dedicated fan.

If you want to read something light, funny, sweet and emotional then read this book.


I received an advance copy of this book from Embla Books and Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4🌟

For fans of the lighthearted, romcom genre, this one is for you guys. I read a few reviews before writing this and was shocked to find quite a few people didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did. Of course everyone is entitled to their own opinions but well, they’re wrong 🤣

This book made me giddy. The romance in this story was so adorable and the build up was written so well! I loved Rosie, I thought she was incredibly relatable. I liked that the tough moments she went through weren’t overshadowed and that they were actually spoken about. Her family, her job, her flat. I also really liked Aled! He was such a soft, shy guy with a heart of gold. I really liked his personality and how he wasn’t that classic cocky main character who thinks he’s the shit. I liked that they became friends first and foremost before pursuing a relationship. It made the romance that much better.

This is such a fast paced, easy read and written so well. The only little gripe I had with the story is that there were a couple of filler chapters that felt unnecessary but they weren’t a major issue. Also I wished we saw more of Rosie and Aled’s relationship, there just wasn’t enough!

Overall, I really enjoyed this ARC. It was funny, heartwarming and left me feeling all smiley. It was my first book by Laura but won’t be my last. Definitely an author to add to your TBR’s.

Starkey delivers a fun and quick rom-com esque story that has many pop culture references and feels incredibly British. I'll admit, the use of some stereotypical british slang very heavily in the start did make me feel like I was reading something written by someone who wanted to be british but was not. I still don't know whether that is the case or not, but in the first few pages it is really shoved in your face, yet the descriptions aside from that are not very thorough or detailed. We know Rosie is fat to some extent, though whether that is just in comparison to her mother and societal expectations we don't know. We know she is blonde. We know Aled is tall, dark, and handsome, without going much further than that. I do believe that Rosie's size is a critical point in the story unlike some other reviews because it is a confidence hurdle she has to jump like many others. For people who aren't fat it can be uncomfortable to read, but for someone who is it is refreshing reading a romance where you see the protagonist already love her body (while needing to occasionally remind herself to against some harsh comments) and just grow in her confidence after it's smashed by a man with a worthless opinion. Speaking of a man with a worthless opinion, James is a piece of crap and I want to say he's poorly written but experience with men says he is just a coward. The ending and his large declaration are pathetic on his part, there were no redeeming qualities in him which I think is an aspect of him that is poorly written. I will say I liked Rosie and Aled's chemistry, it was nice to see the quiet moments of them together. I wanted more of that and less of the conflict and pining from afar. Overall, fairly decent, but nothing spectacular.

I hate writing negative reviews but I just couldn’t gel with the characters, the premise of the book sounds really good it just…. I couldn’t get into it so I had to DNF I am so sorry!

Thank you Netgallery for this opportunity to read this.

This book was a easy read. It wasn’t great and wasn’t terrible. The FMC was a carbon copy of all other romantic comedy FMCs and her constant body negativity and insecurities were annoying to read. She had no discernable character traits apart from being curvy and “kind”. I understand it was part of her character arc but was still boring and had little pay off.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC

This was a lovely little read however not a book to get you out of a reading slump and not the story took a long time for the plot to takeoff.

This is the perfect definition of a slow burn.

I am going to be perfectly honest. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book. I decided to go into it with an open mind and I am so happy I did.

I think what I loved the most about this book was how relatable Rosie is. She’s a character that a lot of people can see themselves in, myself included, with the insecurities and struggles she faces. I also loved that this story wasn’t centred around her self-worth being based on another man but her realising it for herself.

Also, Aled? I love him

This was a great palate cleanser when all I've been reading lately are horrors.

Thank you to NetGalley and Embla Books for providing me with this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Really great book with really lovely characters. I though this book moved prety quickly but I enjoyed it overall. 3,5 stars!

3.5 stars

Cute, sweet, funny. I appreciate that there wasn’t a lot of explicit sex scenes.
This was predictable yet still so endearing. The characters were good, and the storytelling was well done.
This was just what I was looking for in a rom-com.

This was a cute read, however I would’ve loved more spice. I thought as a romcom it was pretty good and actually the focus on finding oneself after a break up was very refreshing for the genre. However, I felt like I hardly knew the main male character and I would’ve like to get to know him better.

I really enjoyed this one!

I picked this up as an “easy read” to start the new year after reading a few heavy ones, and I’m so glad I did.

The perfect blend of drama, romance and comedy. Aled was a swoon-worthy love interest, and Rosie a likeable and relatable leading lady,

I’m a huge Mhairi McFarlane fan and would put this in the same league. I’ve not yet read Starkey’s previous novels but I certainly will now!

This book was just "ok" to me. It was pretty predicable and honestly, the constant talk about her weight was just depressing. It was a pass for me.

A sweet rom com with a cute but somewhat predictable plot line! I found Rosie quite endearing and her journey of development was a nice touch, I wish we would have had more of Aled’s POV or just more info about him. Nevertheless I did root for them in the end and this book was a great palate cleanser due to its lighthearted easy style. Tropes included:
Forced proximity, friends to lovers, he fell first, slow burn.

Overall 3.5 stars 🌟 probably won’t stick with me but an enjoyable read nonetheless

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I have the biggest smile on my face having just finished this book.

It has all the usual elements but is written with just enough wit and heart to fully win you over.

Rosie and Aled are good as flatmates. Even better as friends. Ultimately wonderful as more.

I would recommend this book.

DNF @ 35%

Honestly the writing style is not my cup of tea for starters. There’s a lot of going nowhere dialogue. The FMC is very body negative towards herself and that is not it for me.

I love a great roommates to romance book and The Spare Room did not disappoint. It was very well written and I highly enjoyed the storyline as well as watching these supposed “roommates” build a will they or won’t they relationship with each other. Will be sharing a full review expanding in these initial thoughts soon. Laura Starkey is a great author. I look forward to her future titles.

A great romcom with a supercute cover. Though this plot has been portrayed in a lot in other books, this one was just as good. Funny commentary, great characters, the usual 'misunderstandings'.....a great feel good book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Great romcom, with the usual misunderstandings, loyal friends, but ultimately feelgood.
I needed a break from the ubiquitous thrillers, and this was perfect.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I struggled to put it down. It was absolutely addictive and just an enjoyable read. Loved the characters and everything about it.