Book Review: The Roommate Experiment (Funny Feelings #3) by Talia Hibbert
Have you ever felt the thrill of watching a long-held crush unfold in front of you, like a delicate origami bird finally taking flight? That’s the sensation I craved when diving into The Roommate Experiment, the latest from Talia Hibbert. As someone who’s been enchanted by the author’s knack for intertwining humor with heartfelt stories, I was eager to see how she’d navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and the awkwardness that accompanies it. While my journey with this book was full of ups and downs, it certainly didn’t lack charm.
At the heart of The Roommate Experiment is Hunter, a character I instantly related to: she’s been secretly in love with Dylan, her best friend’s brother, for a staggering eleven years. Picture this: she’s finally got her chance—Dylan becomes her new roommate when her besties move out. But, of course, there’s a significant catch: Dylan has a casual girlfriend. It’s a classic romantic trope that I couldn’t resist, and I dove into the story eager to see how Hunter would navigate this maze of unspoken feelings and awkward dates.
One of the standout elements of this book is Hibbert’s ability to mix serious themes like dyslexia and endometriosis with a light, humorous touch. I truly commend her for crafting relatable experiences without making them feel overwhelming; it keeps the reader engaged and allows for a genuine emotional connection. Hunter’s embarrassingly real crush on Dylan hit close to home for me, showcasing the entire range of feelings: jealousy, frustration, and that pesky glimmer of hope. It felt authentic and relatable, even if it was a little too real at times.
On the other hand, Dylan… bless his heart. He started off as a decent character, but at times, I found myself rolling my eyes at his indecisiveness. I tried to root for him, hoping he’d finally get a grip, but there was just too thin a line between exhibiting good qualities and sheer cowardice. His character arc’s pivotal break-up scene struck me as a crucial moment that was sort of bungled, leaving me frustrated rather than satisfied.
As for the supporting cast—Olivia? I oscillated between thinking she was overly clingy or simply optimistic. It was difficult to pin her down, which made her addition to the story feel both chaotic and intriguing.
The spicy scenes sprinkled throughout the story added a hint of excitement, even if they leaned towards fade-to-black territory. I must admit, the last quarter of the book ramped up the heat unexpectedly, but I welcomed it. The epilogue, combining all the characters’ storylines, was just what I needed to tie everything together, leaving me with a warm, hopeful feeling.
In summary, The Roommate Experiment is a lighthearted, steady-paced romance that touches on complex health issues while balancing humor and emotional vulnerability. Although it may not be my favorite in the series (I’m still rooting for Adrian from If the Ring Fits!), I appreciate Hibbert’s ability to evoke laughter and connection through her words. I think fans of humor-infused romance and character-driven narratives will find delight in Hunter and Dylan’s story. Although it didn’t hit all the right notes for me, it’s certainly a book I’ll pass on to fellow romance enthusiasts.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books for the eARC of this book! This review contains my honest opinions. Happy reading!
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