The Room Mate

Paige and Cannon have known each other since they have been young but nothing ever happened between them. Now as independent adults. Paige is single and on her own enjoying life except no relationship but then Cannon comes to stay with her. Cannon is independent but still finishing training to be a doctor and trying to survive all obstacles and crazy ex. They are at different points in life, plus the age gap, and the relationship between them. But that does not stop the chemistry between them and the love that blossoms it was a good story but there was some separation. I will say it was interesting that it was both parties at fault with the separation, instead of just one person. But glad they could both risk a chance to be together. One thing that puzzled me was the crazy ex and 1st scene in the book that seemed were gonna be major players but felt it not really impactful to love story.

The Room Mate launches Kendall Ryan’s new series – Roommates – and it is a clever, romantic and extremely sexy book with an entertaining and unexpected plot twist. Rather than the typical romance where the girl falls for her brother’s best friend, The Room Mate’s girl falls for her best friend’s little, younger brother. It’s a nice change of pace, and there is something particularly enjoyable about reading an older woman with a younger man. Of course, they’re both in their twenties and only four years apart, so this is by no means a cougar romance. (Not that there’s anything wrong with those either. Did I just create a new sub-genre?)

Cannon Roth’s favorite appendage seems to have voodoo powers that make women fall hopelessly in love with him. This might not sound like a problem except Cannon is finishing medical school and not looking for a relationship, and these mesmerized women start acting like psychotic loonies when doesn’t return their feelings. His apartment was just trashed by one of his crazies, and he needs a place to stay for his last two months of school. Luckily, his big sister’s best friend, Paige, has an extra bedroom he can use to crash. Unluckily – depending on how you look at it – he’s been half in love and fully in lust with Paige since he was a tween.

Paige hasn’t seen Cannon in years and is very surprised that he’s not a kid anymore and certainly not her best friend’s cute-but-nerdy little brother. She’s extremely attracted to him, but knows his sister would not approve of them sleeping together or having a relationship of any kind. Heck, she doesn’t think they should get involved, but her body isn’t listening to her mind. She realizes her new roommate could end up being her Pandora’s Box and these two short months could feel like forever. As she gets reacquainted with the mature, hunky, soon-to-be-doctor Cannon, Paige realizes these two months could actually be the start of her forever.

Kendall Ryan can be relied upon to deliver a smart romance that will make your Kindle emit steam while you laugh, sigh and ultimately smile, and she delivers with The Room Mate. A day spent reading a Kendall Ryan book is a day very well spent, and I can’t wait for the next book in this new sexy series.

4.5 stars

The Room Mate is a perfect blend of friends to lovers romance with a healthy dose of forbidden love (best friend's little brother). Cannon and Paige have known each other since childhood, but things take a steamy and emotional turn once they unexpectedly begin living together. This is the first book in the Roommates series, but can be read as a standalone.

I loved Cannon and Paige, individually and together. They are both caring, smart, and independent people, but they also have their insecurities and baggage. Neither wants to put themselves truly out there. Paige is fearful of the loss of her friendship with Cannon's sister, Allie, as well as the possible hurt and rejection she may face if she gives into her attraction. Cannon doesn't want anything to interfere with his goals to be a physician and to take care of his mother and sister, but how can he resist his childhood crush? The story is told from both of their points of views and it really helped to understand the struggle and emotions each of them were dealing with.

Cannon may be 4 years younger than Paige, but these two have amazing chemistry and I loved their witty banter and steamy moments. Cannon is equal parts tender and sweet as he is dominant and assertive. His cute relationship with his mother was adorable, but I did find Allie to be too judgmental and annoying. I understand her concerns, but Cannon and Paige are adults and they can do what ever they want with their lives. I also didn't quite believe that someone as smart as Cannon, would continually find/hook up with such crazy obsessive women. The crazy ex's drama seemed a little too over the top. For better or for worse, both Cannon and Paige make decisions that they think are for the best for everyone. I do wish these two would have spent a little more time being honest with each other though, rather than assuming they knew what the other was thinking and feeling. It made the epilogue that much sweeter though and who doesn't love lemonade? ;)

Overall, this was a sexy and sweet book with both lighthearted, laugh out loud scenes and heavier, more emotional moments. I felt invested in Cannon and Paige and the push and pull between them had me feeling all the feels! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.*