Cover Image: Room Service

Room Service

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Member Reviews

I’m just going to start out this review by letting you know there’s carousel sex in this book, and if that doesn’t sell you on it, I don’t know what will.

“Do they usually call you after hours?”
“More often than I’d like, unfortunately.”
Olivia nodded and frowned at the sad tone in Savannah’s response. She lifted her head and looked at her while she gestured playfully between them. “You know, taking a little work home with you sometimes isn’t so bad.”
Savannah smiled and pressed her lips to Olivia’s. “This kinda work after hours is never a bother, trust me.”


I’m not sure if it’s just a super popular category in f/f romance, or if I just tend to gravitate toward it, but I’ve been reading a ton of lesbian workplace romances lately. Olivia and her team are renowned for their eco-focused workplace designs – think zen areas with waterfalls and special lighting that bring nature into your average cookie cutter cubicle farm. They’re already on the rise, but a trial contract with a big firm to remodel three sites could really increase their profile. It’s already looking to be a bit of a challenge, with lots of travel, tight deadlines, and unexpected site issues, but the last thing Olivia is expecting is the deep attraction she feels for Savannah, the client liaison. But they’ve got to spend the next few months working closely with each other, and both realize that a fling-gone-bad could cause all sorts of issues. As their relationship deepens, will they give love a chance, or does their relationship have an expiration date at the end of the project?

What really stood out to me in the book was the chemistry and heat level. Oh my goodness, do these two have some serious chemistry, and there were some super steamy scenes, including the aforementioned carousel sex. There were a few that didn’t work so much – that piano scene, among other seriously public displays of affection that seemed out of character for both women – but for the most part, woohoo, I was fanning myself. Leading up to all this sex, though, was a delicious slow burn, full of lots of absolutely adorable flirting. The steaminess isn’t at the expense of their relationship, either, and the end of the book left me with the happy feeling that they were a couple whose HEA I believed in.

“Olivia pressed her index finger to her lip in thought, then replied, “Um, there may be a daydream about the drafting table that seems to continually occur…”
Savannah quirked an eyebrow at her. That was it. She would never look at a drafting table the same way again. And considering they would be around a lot of drafting tables the next few months, that would make things very difficult. Savannah frowned as that thought went from a very naughty place to one of a painful realization: they were going to have to continue to work together, for months.”


But before they get to that ending, of course, there’s all the obstacles they have to overcome. Number one, of course, is their professionalism. Neither want to either show favoritism or impede the progress of the project, so they initially try to ignore the heat between them. I thought the major conflict at the end of the book was realistic, if predictable, and I enjoyed Savannah’s solution to it. The secondary characters were excellent. I loved Olivia’s team, and Olivia’s and Savannah’s interactions with their families (Olivia’s sister and niece, and Savannah’s brother and his girlfriend) were highlights of the book for me. Though Reagan’s fratgirl attitude annoyed the heck of me, I still appreciated what she added to the story, along with Olivia’s boss.

Overall, this was a steamy, fun read, and very much recommended. I’ll definitely be looking up more of Ms. Riley’s books!

I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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This would be my fourth book read by Fiona Riley. The Perfect Pairing series was incredibly well written, and I came into this book expecting something similar.

Above all, it was a nice read but lacked a bit when it came to the characters. At some point I was expecting a bit more chemistry and that certain something that was so characteristic on her previous work. Do not get me wrong, it was a nice book, the plot was good but it lacked when it came to the drama and build up that is so special about a romance novel.

Although not her best work, it is understandable, since she mentioned at the beginning of the novel that this was something she had work previously and was technically an older novel, so my guess is that her style in writing had not fully developed yet.

Regardless of, she is one of my favorite authors and will definitely look forward to her future work.

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Interior designer Olivia Dawson is in a rut but when her team is tapped to work with a company looking to up their image she couldn’t be happier. She knows her work is going to be hard but meeting the corporate liaison, Savannah Quinn makes it even more of an interesting challenge. Savannah Quinn has fled a broken heart, by moving to a new city and a new job. You can’t help but care for both women as they find a way to be together without it affecting their jobs. Very, very nice read.
eARC via NetGalley

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This one just wasn't for me--both from a story standpoint and a technical one. I just didn't connect with any of the characters. One of the things I appreciate about contemporaries is that the heroines usually have great friendships with other women, but here, Olivia's kind of terrible to Reagan, who's supposedly her best friend. That's where she lost me. Savannah was pretty two-dimensional, too. I think part of the problem was that their jobs were so glossed over that what could've been an opportunity to show them connecting professionally just felt empty.

Mostly, this felt like a first draft. There was a lot of info-dumping toward the beginning and a lot of telling throughout. The technique of telling can be used to great effect, but here, I just felt like we were going through the story motions. We couldn't get from point A to point B without a lot of summary in between. At one point, Savannah mentions that Olivia "gave her a tour of some of her favorite NYC haunts before the week began," but . . . we never saw it. Scenes like that would've been great opportunities to deepen the connection between Olivia and Savannah. A lot of the dialogue could've been polished, too.

One small detail that irked me a bit: Savannah's whole reason for being closed-off was that her ex-girlfriend "had struggled with depression after the loss of her mother and started an affair with someone she'd met in a bereavement group." I felt like this kind of made light of depression, especially since Savannah never examines if she could possibly bear any of the blame. I just thought it was a bad reason and would've liked a more nuanced explanation.

I like to read romance because they're generally fun, quick reads. I started reading this before Sparks Like Ours, was kind of slogging through it, and ended up finishing Sparks Like Ours first. Room Service probably didn't benefit from being read adjacent to a Melissa Brayden book. Overall, this wasn't for me, and that's okay.

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There’s nothing much to say about this book only that it’s well-told. The characterization was convincing and consistent which shows the depth of Fiona Riley’s writing prowess.
She’s consistent when it comes to writing sexy scenes. You would never know what to expect, when or where it’s gonna happen. They’re unconventional and fun which keeps you from feeling bored even if it happens twice or more in the book. The title was clever and catchy that at first my gutter brain thought it involves a different kind of service. That’s play of words right there. The synopsis which mentioned about the jealous ex was actually inexistent so I’m still wondering. Overall this book is recommendable.

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This was a fantastic read! Savannah and Olivia were wonderfully relatable main characters. Their romantic development was filled with a lot of sizzle, which I’m a fan of. They both were hesitant to move forward with their feelings due to the fact that they were working together. When they finally did....it was hot! I felt that the angst towards the end was just enough, but not too much, like many authors in this genre tend to do. I’m a huge fan of Fiona Riley and feel that this book was just as good, if not better than, Miss Match.

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My goodness, what a roller coaster of feelings.

To start off, two things are very special about reading 'Room Service'. One: Fiona Riley has become a bit of a staple for me; I flock to her releases. And, two: One can definitely see that Riley's storytelling has improved since the time this was originally written. While enjoyable, it proves that she's grown as writer. I respect this so much. Miss Match is still my #1 pick of hers. To this day, I reread my favorite bits.

But! Back to 'Room Service'. Great title; it has several meanings there. Our heroines are Olivia Dawson and Savannah Quinn, two gorgeous femmes with superb names. I love the girly heels, fashion, style fantasy of Riley's books. I'm a les who loves glamour, sue me.

Their profession, while not on-the-nose to my personal field, was somewhat adjacent in the way it operates. So, I was able to relate. I could've used less paragraphs going in depth for the projects--I think some people may get lost or glaze over. In instances like that, less can be more.

Speaking of more, the SEX. I felt giddy with how much Fiona Riley spoils us with sex scenes. Too much? I think not. Their romance itself had that sort of I-shouldn't-be-with-you-but-I-cannot-resist tension that's so hot once they get together. In fact, a certain steamy phone call is one of my favorite scenes ever. Just my taste.

I liked their romance. Savannah and Olivia suited one another. I didn't take well to Reagan's character. Corrine and Farrah actually seemed more adept at pushing the characters toward accepting their feelings while Reagan...meh.

If I may critique a thing, it'd be dialogue. Some of these characters' manner of speaking could be toned down a bit, with less prose-y speaking. Sometimes, what they said didn't come off naturally. Or, someone sounds overly smart, which isn't bad, but not realistic if too many characters sound that way.

All in all, it's a thumbs up for me. I'd give it a 3.5, leaning towards four stars because Riley manages to keep putting out quality work. I'm already anticipating her next one!

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This author keeps getting better and better! I loved her 'Match' series, but this one is even better than all of those. I loved the fact that Liv and Savannah actually got into a relationship that seemed real and not rushed, It also didn't fall into the cliche traps of breakups, but instead focused on how long distance relationships are so complex.

The weirdest thing about this book is the description. It makes is sound like Reagan is WAY more involved in this book, and especially their relationship, than she actually is. I didn't get the jealous ex-girlfriend at all, and in fact got a great best friend who just so happened to be her ex. She had no sexual interest in Olivia at any point in the book, so I think that gives the complete wrong impression.

Overall it was a fantastic read. I've become a big fan!

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Two talented and available women that sizzle with sex appeal. Savannah Quinn is looking for a stable relationship with a strong woman and she does not even know it. Olivia Dawson knows what she wants: a successful business and a partner she can count on. The one-on-one interactions were very well written that the reader feels intoxicated with the build up. I would not describe the build up as slow burn more like intense burn. Wonderful romance with likable characters and interesting secondary characters.

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A good solid sexy romance, with interesting likable characters, it did start to get a bit too frustrating at one point, I also thought the 4 page fallout was a over the top and bloody stupid, but apart from that it was full of chemistry, flirting and eventually great sex scenes, I do think this book could have been shorter, but it was an enjoyable romance so I’d totally recommend this to romance fans...

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I adored this book… from start to finish. It’s just damn sexy!

Olivia is stuck in a rut so when a work opportunity comes up she jumps at the chance to show off her skills, that is until the formidable and sultry Savannah becomes the corporate liaison between Olivia’s team and the company she designing for. Olivia is everything Savannah didn’t know she was looking for and more. From the moment they meet each other the chemistry is palpable and hot as hell. But is a relationship with someone you work with conducive to the task at hand? And could it ruin a future design contract for Olivia?

What a beautiful love story with a provocative edge. This is not an angst-ridden book but for me that was one of the reasons I loved it so much, both protagonists wore their hearts on their sleeve most of the time and it made their love story so very enjoyable. The moment Olivia and Savannah meet the chemistry is hot. Both women can feel the energy and (this is where Fiona Riley is amazing) what’s great is that the reader is feeling it just as much.

The sexual tension between Olivia and Savannah is combustible and I was hoping with every flirtious moment they would jump each other… I was so very invested! And then when they finally did have their sex scenes it was immensely sexy… I was on the train coming home from work, praying no one could read my mind or over my shoulder. HOT!

I really loved the affectionate moments between them especially the ones that both Olivia and Savannah were so lost in each other that they forgot the outside world was with them. For example, watch out for the fairground scene… I am still getting over the sheer sexiness of it all.

The falling in love part of this story is rather lovely. Both Olivia and Savannah have such a beautiful connection that the reader is watching them become more than lovers from early on… I think the term 'soul mates' describes them perfectly.

This is definitely a sexy summer read that will be going on my re-read list. If you're anything like me you will devour it in one sitting.

Room Service is unequivocally 5 stars of sexiness.

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I’ve read all of Riley’s novels and I think this is my favourite. Olivia and Savannah meet when their respective companies engage in a joint venture to create some dynamic, green spaces in a few buildings in different cities. Spending large tracts of their time liaising and being in the same place, they find that not only do they work well together but that their attraction for each other is undeniable.

They are both really likeable characters and their chemistry is sizzling. This has been shelved as “slow-burn” by a couple of people but to me that means that the main characters circle around each other for months or years until 90% when they finally admit to being in love and have sex. “Room Service” is ridiculously hot and sexy throughout.

The story line is a good one. It’s not thought-provoking or overly angsty but it is strong enough that it doesn’t fall into the PWP? category. I think it is the most erotic novel I’ve read in a while and better than those that were actually listed as erotica. Far too many climax (literally and figuratively) too soon, leaving fairly boring interactions for the last 40% of the novel and just as many keep you waiting until right near the end and then it’s done, leaving you inadequate time to feel their love for each other.

This is a five star read for me in the romance genre because of the great characters, the emotional connection, the sustained eroticism, the sexy dialogue and a good story.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

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*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion*

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this book. This story was about Olivia, a manager at an architecture company and Savannah, who is the manager at the company Olivia is working with. As the heads of their company for this project, they start working together and spend a lot of time together. They start to become friends and then they both realize they start to have feelings for each other, and it goes from there.

I love tension and this book has a lot of tension. They work together, so they think a relationship is not the best thing to have so they try to just be friends and nothing more. Their chemistry works really well as they both enjoy each other and have good banter. They both develop throughout the book as their relationship changes, although the relationship still seems very quick moving.

It is a book I enjoyed and would read again and would recommend to my friends. It is a solid story with solid characters.

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Olivia and Savannah are both great characters, the chemistry between the two is instant but the build up is slow.
There are some really hot scenes in this story, both Olivia and Savannah are not afraid to ask for what they really want.
This is a well written story and a great book to read, great for that relaxing 'time out' day

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Room Service is my favorite so far of Fiona Riley’s books. I always enjoy reading about careers that I have no experience in, such as the space designers here. Olivia and Savannah have instant attraction at their first meeting, and the slow-ish burn chemistry is palpable throughout the book. The pacing of the non-relationship storylines was such that I couldn’t put the book down. There were a couple of scenes where the couple couldn’t keep their hands off each other while in public that I felt were implausible even in a large city, but then I remembered that it’s fiction! Why not live vicariously through characters?

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3.5 Stars. While not as great as her Perfect Match Series, this was still a good read. This is actually the second book Riley has written. She put off releasing this until after her Perfect Match Series was completed. One thing all four books have in common is heat and chemistry. Riley is very good about writing chemistry in her romances. If that is something you enjoyed from her Perfect Match Series, chances are you will like this read too.

Olivia is an interior designer for companies. She is in charge of a team of really talented people. When her firm is asked to remodel three locations for a big company, it could be the chance to really put their design firm on the map. What Olivia doesn’t expect is to be attracted to the company’s point person for the project. Savannah is smart, attractive and kind. She also can’t take her eyes off of Olivia the person she has to spend the next few months working with. Can these two women have a chance at a relationship, or will the fairytale end when the job does?

As I mention above, the chemistry is off the charts. Riley is really excellent about writing great chemistry. You could almost feel the sparks jumping off the pages. I just loved all the flirting and just plain sexiness between the two women. It took a while to actually consummate their relationship so the heat just kept building and building and was a joy to read about.

While I really enjoyed both characters and their intense connection, I wasn’t as big on the rest of the story. I found their jobs to be okay, but I wasn’t really grabbed by any of the work scenes (except for when flirting was involved). In fact I found myself almost getting into boredom territory a few times. Luckily, all the times the characters spent together was great, I just wish I was enjoyed it more when they we not.

I also found the actually storyline to be pretty predictable unfortunately. There were no surprises and you could see what was coming a mile away. The romance was 4.5 Stars but the rest of the plot was more like 2.5 Stars, hence my 3.5 rating.

I loved the chemistry and connection as well as the characters. I think other readers will be happy with it too. I just wish the plot had more going for it because then I would have loved this book instead. I’m still recommending it to romances fans since I think the romance is worth it. I’m looking forward to what Riley writes next.

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This is an early work by Ms. Riley just published now after the three books of her 'Perfect match' series. This is an office romance between interior designer, Olivia Dawson, and Savannah Quinn, her client corporate liaison. As they travel around the country to tackle different projects, their mutual attraction grows making it impossible to ignore. Will their corporate association get in the way of their budding relationship?

'Room service' is a slow-burn romance written from the point of view of both main characters. Ms. Riley excels at building their chemistry that slowly grows to sizzling hot. Both characters are a bit too perfect but their relationship works fine. My only concern is that their public displays of affection seem too over the top to be realistic. Despite that, the intimate scenes are well written, specially the phone sex passage which, in my opinion, is one of the best ever written in lesfic. Some of the secondary characters are a bit blurry specially at the beginning but it doesn't interfere with the enjoyment of the main story.

Overall, a sweet office romance read. 4 stars.

ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The title fits the story well in relation to the circumstances of both women in this romantic tale between business associates who fall in love while working on the road. The character development is superb for both Olivia and Savannah, and consequently the story drags a bit as we are immersed in their worlds and relationships outside their interaction. It all fits together nicely by the end and you can’t help but hang on the edge of your seat as the suspense builds to the crescendo of their relationship. This author has a real knack for building that suspense and this story is no exception. I also appreciate that the author knows how to write an imperfect character that you can’t help but root for even when their mistakes make your eyes roll and huff in exasperation. Olivia and Savannah will charm you as much as they charmed each other.

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This novel brings together an orderly, frequent-flying professional, and a top-of-her-game creative design expert.

I decided to try this novel based on Fiona Riley's previous novels, and I was not disappointed. This novel had all of the genuine, fun, and sexy connection that you could hope for. Fiona Riley continues to write better and better novels - I look forward to whatever she writes next.

Though it had all the wish fulfillment that you would expect in any romance novel, it did not stray too far into the realm of cliche or over-done drama. This novel was engaging, light, and definitely worth the read.

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Room Service by Fiona Riley is a really good romance about what lengths one is willing to go for love. If you are a fan of her Miss Match books, then you will really like Room Service.

Olivia and Savannah are thrown together when Savannah’s firm contracts out a series of projects to the design company that Olivia works for. They dance around their attraction for each other until they simply can’t deny that attraction or the friendship that is developing along the way. This book is a traditional romance in that it follows the formula: two main characters fall in love; an outside force causes a misunderstanding which breaks them up; and then everything is resolved for a happy ending. What sets this apart from most romances is the chemistry between Olivia and Savannah. It is blistering to say the least.

Riley creates two main characters that are ideal for each other and she doesn’t just tell us they are. She shows us their unique personalities, their vulnerabilities and their quirks. They each have subtle idiosyncrasies that make them completely relatable. The slow burn that builds between them is hotter than anything else I have read by this author, which kept me glued to the book.

The story is told in the third person and it moves between Olivia and Savannah’s points’ of view. I never felt like there was head hopping going on because Riley deftly moves between the two so seamlessly. The dialogue is witty while still remaining natural.

My only criticism of the book was that the final resolution felt a little rushed to me. I didn’t quite understand Olivia’s final reticence at the end as well as Savannah’s actions. These left me with a few unanswered questions, but this is something that I realize might just be my reaction to the book and not something other readers might have a problem with.

I would definitely recommend this book. If you are new to this author it’s a great place to start or if you are familiar with her books, you won’t be disappointed.

I was given an ARC of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.

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