Roommate

By: Sarina Bowen, Heart Eyes Press LGBTQ

Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Stephen Dexter

Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

Wanted: One roommate to share a three-bedroom house, split the rent, and ideally not be the guy I can’t stop thinking about. 

I’m a man with too many secrets, so the last thing I need is a new roommate with a sexy smile and blue eyes that see right through me. Eight years ago, Roderick left town after high school. We’re not friends. I owe him nothing. But back then, I let one of my secrets slip, and he’s the only one who noticed.   

Part of me knows I should run far, far away. But the other part wants him to come upstairs and spend the night. But if I let him in, I could lose everything. 

Seeking: a room to rent in town. I’m tidy, have no pets, and I will feed you homemade bread.  

I should probably add: gay AF, and has no filter. It’s no wonder my new landlord is so wary of me.  

A smarter man would ignore those hot glances from the broody lumberjack. He may want more from me than another fresh-baked pretzel. But if I push my luck, I’ll end up back on the street. 

Too bad I’ve never been smart with my heart....

©2021 Sarina Bowen (P)2021 Sarina Bowen

Wonderful opposites attract M/M love story

I love this! It took me a while to get into M/M romance. Ironically, I didn't think they had much romance. I needed to find a writer that I enjoy. I also want to like, and hopefully love the characters. I knew a little bid of Kieran (from the True North series). This is a standalone. You can read or listen to this without reading the TN series. Kieran and Roderick are so different. At first, Roderick seems more bold, but he does get knocked down a bit. Kieran is just starting to become independent. He cares a lot for his family and doesn't want to shake things up . Kieran and Roderick become friends first. I think that this is new for Roderick. He's been rejected and betrayed. I love how determined he is. He picks himself up and doesn't wasted time whining about his troubles. Reread in my future (I did this with Loverboy too). Read this or listen to the audio. Enjoy. I love the ending. PS, Grandpa Shipley is awesome. Plus, there's another supporting character or two that may surprise you! I always love Teddy Hamilton's narrations. I really enjoyed hearing Stephen Dexter as Kieran. *A wonderful tease to an upcoming spin off series Vino and Veritas !! PS. I did go back and listen again to my favorite parts. The first 10-15 chapters is wonderfully setting up the relationship between Kieran and Roderick.

✫✫ 4.5 Stars ✫✫

I was dying for this book to come out and I gotta say the story and narration was everything I wanted it to be. I love Sarina Bowen's books and her characters are also so interesting that you just want to be friends with them all. Kieran is my favorite type of guy, he is quiet and observant. I loved how much he grew and came out of his shell in this book. He just needed someone to put him first and show him that he mattered. Rodrick was hard for me to grasp but that I think is a production issue for me(see end of review). In the beginning he seemed more serious and had a lot of people let him down in life and was now just trying to find his place. Once he found his place he seemed to loosen up and be himself. I really enjoyed their story and loved the way they became what mattered to each other and knew that anyone who didn't see them for who they were didn't matter. I also loved all of the side characters, especially because it felt like visiting with old friends. The steam level of this book was surprisingly not what I expected but it just made this book more about the love story than the sex, not that i would have minded a little more steam. The narration was incredible. Teddy is my favorite male narrator so I knew he would be perfect but I have to say, Stephen Dexter was very surprising in this book. He did an amazing job at giving every character their own voice and with that gravely smooth voice I am hoping we hear more from him. Ok so here it is my one and only issue with this audiobook production which I am not blaming either narrator for, I think maybe it's more on the editor/proofer for not noticing or who ever is in charge of giving the narrators direction for the characters (I don't know the actual process). I really struggled getting a grasp on Rodney's character because each narrator made him seem like a different person. I don't expect both narrators to be able to give the character the same voice but it should flow at least and this did not. One made him seem a little feminine and almost chipper, while the other made him come across a little lost, guarded and not feminine at all. I honestly would have liked him either way but I need consistency. (This is just a listeners 2 cents and I didn't let this change my rating of the book or narrators)

Amazing

This. Book. Is. Amazing. Also the narration is fabulous!! Teddy Hamilton is one of my absolute favs, and now I’ll also be adding Stephen Dexter to that list! They did a great job.

What a great book

The story is just great. I love how the characters discover themselves and love for each other. It's a great addition to the true north world.

So Amazing! A Must Listen!!

I have been anxiously awaiting this book. And it was sooo worth the wait!  Both Roderick & Kieran have stolen my heart. Their sweet story captured me in a way I haven't felt before. Thank you so much for bringing them to us, Sarina! I think they "may" have surpassed my love for #Wesmie. And I don't say that lightly because I love #Wesmie. But man oh man, Roddy & Kieran are amazing! TOTAL SWOON! I can't decide which one of them I like better. Teddy Hamilton & Stephen Dexter were both amazing and were perfect for their roles!

A truly savory romance

This was a truly amazing audiobook. I was hooked from the beginning. I had a vested interest in how Kieran and Roderick's life turned out. Both MCs are struggling with the intimacy of a relationship. Roddy and Kieran are completely opposite persons who balanced each other nicely. The relationship that both characters had with their immediate family will break your heart especially Roderick. However, the love and acceptance of Kieran's extended family was simply beautiful. As for the cooking side of this book, Roddy's cooking skills will leave you craving all the delicious goodness prepared. From pretzels, bagels, cookies, cheddar biscuits to baked chicken, pork chops, all the pies. I was craving it all and wishing Busy Bean was real so I could visit. Superb narration from both Teddy Hamilton and Stephen Dexter

Wow is all I have to say

Omg so I loved this story it was fun and cute and the way the relationship formed between Kieran and Roderick was just so natural and how Kieran discovered himself and how Roderick gave him time to find home was awesome. I have to say I love Teddy and Stephen they are by far to of ma favs.

Love this story and narration!!!

WOW! Sarina Bowen is a master at writing the best stories for audiobooks! These narrators stephen Dexter and Teddy Hamilton brought these characters to life! Love the different voices and the emotion and nuances brought by both. They are true voice actors and this audiobook will go in my All Time Favorites group!

Mixed Feelings

The story concept is great but I had a hard time with one of the narrators voices so it distracted me and took too much of the story away from me. I love Sarina Bowen’s books this one wasn’t one of my favorites.

Beautiful!

Sarina Bowen writes beautiful m/m books tackling difficult and realistic hurdles to happiness. Roderick and Kieran came from very different backgrounds and experiences but found that opposites do attract. Their relationship grew very organically and slowly until they finally admitted their attraction. Their story is a study in common themes experienced by the LGBTQ community. Stephen Dexter and Teddy Hamilton were brilliant and brought these two characters and their extended families to life perfectly. Definitely worth a credit. Bravo Sarina Bowen!

Good story

Loved this book, the narrators brought the whole story to life. I will put it in my favourites and enjoy listening to it again.

Thank you, Sarina!

The books was hearty and light at first, and grew deeper, as it went on. excellent narration ❤ teddy was perfect as the witty Rod, and it was my first time listening to Stephen, but it won't be my last. I love the true north univers, and I can wait for more.