And They Were Roommates

By: Page Powars

Narrated by: Ben Balmaceda

A hilarious, binge-worthy second-chance-romance about the most unlikely, gay roommate mishap. Perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston and Gwen & Art Are Not in Love.

“A vibrant story that’s perfect for fans of Casey McQuiston”—People

Romance is the last thing on Charlie’s mind.

On his first day at Valentine Academy for Boys, Charlie’s carefully crafted plan to hide his identity as the school’s only trans student is set in motion. Only to be immediately destroyed. Charlie has been assigned the worst roommate in the world (possibly the universe): Jasper Grimes, the boy who broke Charlie’s heart the year before he transitioned.

Except, Jasper doesn’t recognize Charlie.

Who knows how long until Jasper realizes the truth? Charlie has one shot at freedom and a dorm room all to himself, but only if he helps Jasper write love letters on behalf of their fellow students first. No problem. Charlie can help Jasper with some silly letters.

Long nights spent discussing deep romantic feelings with Jasper? Surely, no unintended consequences will arise…

A Macmillan Audio production from Roaring Brook Press.

©2025 Page Powars (P)2025 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

★"The dynamic between the roommates sizzles with electricity and tension... [A] vibrant love letter to trans readers."—Booklist, starred review

"Page Powars books always sparkle with witty humor and so much heart! I had such a blast with this fresh new take on a boarding school story. To channel Charlie, I would say roses are red, violets are blue, I loved this book... and I think you will, too!"—Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author of With Love, from Cold World

"And They Were Roommates is a joyously tropey, campy while also deeply relevant romance with an incredible cast of characters to fall in love with."—Jonny Garza Villa, award-winning author of Ander & Santi Were Here

perfect in every way

from the writing to the voice over it's everything I could have hoped for when preordering this book

A cheesy romance that knows it’s audience

I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters, however at times, the cliche fanfiction esc shenanigans of coincidences felt out of place at times. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but would love more from a sequel in the form of plot dynamics.

Exactly What I Wanted

This book is exactly what you think it is. When you read the summary and wonder, “will it have the _____ trope?” Yes. Yes it will. And you will love every second of it.

Relatable, fun, and entertaining!

I very rarely find any media that I can relate to like this, really I never do. So it was such a meaningful experience seeing myself however much in Charlie. This story is really enjoyable, with very lovable characters. Charlie and Jasper remind me of a lot of Haruhi and Tamaki head canons, as well as the S.T.R.I.P. and poetry arcs being reminiscent of the Cadence of Part Time Poets.

Relatable

I laughed. I cried. I found the main characters and their plight relatable. will definitely read again. 10/10

love it💛

I love how throughout the story we can see Charlie being able to open himself to others, gain confidence, form friendship and even allow himself to fall in lover. While for jasper I love the fact that even though he didn't recognize who Charlie was he was still in love with him before his transition and after when he found. Also enjoy the side character as they were funny and supportive.

SO CUTE

This book was so cute and funny and queer!!! I loved it so much and I wish there were YA books like this when I was a teen🥹 10/10 recommend

Such a cute and charming story!!!!!

I had a great time reading this! It was funny, charming and romantic! And the characters are really fun!

Amazing Story!

Having read another incredible work by this author, I knew this would be a great read as well and I certainly wasn't disappointed. Being able to listen to Ben Balmaceda's excellent skills in combination with Page Powars' amazing writing has been an absolute joy! I'm sure to listen (or read) again at least half a dozen times, just as with his previous work "The Borrow a Boyfriend Club'".

A+++ Highly recommend this story.

AHH

The only thing I disliked was the fact that it ended. I loved it so much!😌