REVIEW: The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley

The Roommate Experiment is complete with a fun group of friends, a great concept, and is cute and charming. Even though this is the third book in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone.

Hunter moves in with her best friend’s brother, Dylan. She has had a massive crush on him for years. The problem is that Dylan is in a relationship with someone else for most of the book. It is very frustrating how long it takes for him to end things, and there are many moments you will want to shake him, including pining for Hunter when he is still in a relationship.

Besides those frustrating elements, the rest of the book has a lot going for it. Hunter grows so much throughout the book, especially in her confidence. There is so much good, witty banter as well as some hilarious moments. This story is easy to read and light, while touching on real problems without being too heavy. The ending was definitely worth the wait.

Overall, The Roommate Experiment is a fun rom-com; just be prepared for a very slow burn.

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for providing me with a free advanced copy for my honest review.

Camilla Isley delivers a sweet, funny, and engaging story with The Roommate Experiment. Even though it’s part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone. I loved the chemistry and banter between the main characters, as well as the dynamic with their group of friends.

Hunter has secretly been in love with her best friend’s brother, Dylan, for years. When he moves in as her new roommate, she’s forced to navigate her feelings—complicated by the fact that he already has a girlfriend. This created the tension I was expecting, and while Dylan is likable, his indecision was frustrating at times.

Hunter, on the other hand, was a standout. Smart, ambitious, and relatable, I enjoyed watching her grow in confidence at work while managing her emotions at home. Dylan has his moments too, especially when he finally opens up in a vulnerable way that made me root for him. The epilogue tied everything together nicely.

This is a charming, slow-burn, roommates-to-lovers romance filled with fun, frustration, and heart. Perfect for fans of light, uplifting love stories.

Lustig, cozy und echt gut geschrieben. Ich liebe diese Art von kurzem "Snack". Perfekt zum lesen während man entspannt!

I love this series so much! Each story is unique and got its own addictive charm. I was in the biggest reading slump but couldn't stop myself from binging this one!!

This was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style and characters. This book was a fun bingeable romance that I had fun reading. The pacing felt a little off to me, the slow burn was a little too slow and then the last 10% of the book felt super rushed. I also didn’t like all of the other woman drama during most of the book. I’m not a fan when one of the main characters is seeing someone else while crushing on the main character. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

There's no way to sugarcoat this... This was awful. The characters have no depth, the conversations are so unrealistic and in spite of the FMC always referring to their "playful banter", the actual banter is nowhere to be found. Never read such cringe-inducing drivel. The plot was extremely basic and honestly would have been better as a two-page short story. Only reason I didn't DNF this is because I received the ARC through Netgalley and believe it is fair to push through in exchange (But it required A LOT of effort).

By the end of this book I was in love. With that said I struggled to get into it. Not because it was too slow or boring but I found it difficult to connect with the characters. Especially Hunter. I’ve never felt this away about any of the other books by this author but something did not work for me. The story itself was good enough but in the beginning I struggled a lot with Hunter. I instantly fell for Dylan though and there were some pretty good laughs that I have come to always expect from Camilla Isley. Overall not my favorite from her but cute nonetheless.

The Roommate Experiment is a lighthearted rom-com that delivers on its promise of a slow-burn, roommates-to-lovers romance. Hunter has secretly harbored feelings for her best friend’s brother, Dylan, for years. When circumstances lead to them becoming roommates, the forced proximity sets the stage for a journey filled with awkward moments, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry.
bookslifeandeverything.blogspot.com
+4
Camilla Isley
+4
aveson.store
+4

Camilla Isley’s writing is engaging, and the dynamic between Hunter and Dylan offers both humor and heartfelt moments. The slow-burn romance unfolds gradually, allowing readers to savor the tension and anticipation. The inclusion of a supportive friend group adds depth to the story, providing a sense of community and camaraderie.
NetGalley

However, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow, especially in the early chapters. While the gradual buildup contributes to the slow-burn aspect, it might leave those seeking a quicker resolution feeling a bit impatient. Additionally, the plot follows familiar tropes without introducing many new twists, which may affect its memorability for some.

Overall, The Roommate Experiment is a charming and enjoyable read for fans of slow-burn romances and the roommates-to-lovers trope. While it may not offer groundbreaking originality, it provides a cozy and satisfying escape into a world of budding romance and personal growth.

Camilla Isley’s The Roommate Experiment is a heartfelt, funny, and swoony rom-com that delivers on all the best tropes—roommates-to-lovers, secret crush, and sister’s best friend—wrapped in a slow-burn romance that will have you rooting for Hunter and Dylan from page one.

Hunter, a brilliant engineering consultant, has been quietly crushing on Dylan—her best friend’s older brother—for over a decade. When Dylan suddenly becomes her new roommate, she finds herself navigating late-night kitchen encounters, unspoken longing, and the agony of watching him date someone else. Their chemistry crackles in every scene, balancing laugh-out-loud banter with tender, emotional vulnerability.

What makes this book shine is how Isley layers in real-life struggles—like navigating male-dominated careers, dyslexia, and PCOS—without losing the charm and fun of a rom-com. Hunter is a strong, relatable heroine you’ll root for, and Dylan, while occasionally frustrating in his obliviousness, ultimately delivers a swoon-worthy payoff.

Packed with humor, heart, and just enough tension to keep you turning the pages, The Roommate Experiment is rom-com comfort food with a modern twist. Fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood will find plenty to love here.

This is a slow-burn, roommates-to-lovers gem that delivers all the swoons, awkward tension, and cookie-baking-induced heart flutters you could want in a rom-com.

Hunter’s been quietly crushing on Dylan—her best friend’s brother—for years. But when he moves in as her new roommate, her quiet pining becomes a full-blown emotional crisis. With a forced proximity setup and a no-go romantic rule she definitely didn’t agree to, things get hilariously complicated. Think towel mishaps, one-bed dilemmas, and a hero who’s equal parts oblivious and irresistible.

The STEM component adds smarts to the charm, and the emotional stakes sneak up on you in the best way. I loved the witty banter, lovable side characters, and the genuine emotional payoff.

Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, The Roommate Experiment proves that sometimes, the riskiest experiments have the sweetest results.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Boldwood Books and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I didn't realise this was part of a series, however it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books as this worked just fine as a stand alone. Hunter's new roommate is Dylan, her best friend's brother, who she has secretly been in lust with for years. However, Dylan has a girlfriend. When Hunter and Dylan end up in the same restaurant on separate dates, the evening doesn't go as planned for either of them. As events conspire to push them towards each other, will Dylan ever realise Hunter's true feelings?

This was a cute story, with likeable characters (apart from Dylan's girlfriend, which I guess was the point!) It worked perfectly as a light holiday read.

I may well look for others in this series, even if it does mean reading them in the wrong order!

*Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this eARC; the review is my own.*

3.5 stars

This series has been pretty consistently enjoyable. I've been in the mood for come cute rom-coms to enjoy alongside some other books I'm reading, and these have satisfied that craving. Although this book could have been read as a standalone, I'm glad that I listened to the two previous books in the series first so that I could get a better understanding of all of the characters. This book and the second one (If the Ring Fits) take place concurrently after the first book (This Is Not a Holiday Romance), so I would say that they could be read in any order after book one.

Hunter (29) and Dylan (33) were obviously perfect for each other, but it was a little awkward knowing that she'd carried unrequited feelings for him for the last eleven years. That sounds like the makings of a sad stalker, but she didn't come across that way at all. Dylan was a nice guy who allowed someone else's (Olivia's) happiness to get in the way of his own for the majority of the book. I was a little disappointed with how that conclusion came about simply because he didn't really have to act, but it still worked.

One thing that irked me a little in this book was that the majority of characters outside of their friend group were rather one dimensional. Not every character has to have a huge backstory--that's not what I'm saying. But every guy Hunter met through the dating app turned out to simply be a foil to Dylan. The men she worked with tended to treat her condescendingly, making her prove that a woman was equal to the same tasks that they were. Dylan's girlfriend was annoyingly "perfect" but also crazy, clingy, obtrusive, presumptive. Where are the normal people, besides our main characters and the Thompsons' parents?

But I still enjoyed it.

Although it seems that this series has come to a close, I've already added a bunch of Isley's other books to my list for when I want something light and fluffy with what I'm assuming is a guaranteed HEA. Because why would I ever intentionally read a book with a romance that doesn't end well?

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

First of all - this cover? The pink, the couch, the skyline, the characters themselves? Really well done and it alone made me happy.

Hunter - ah, I loved her. She's been in love with her best friends brother forever, but sadly Dylan has barely even noticed her until he moves into her spare room. She thinks this is her chance to finally tell him how she feels and that when she does? He will of course love her back. The crush is just hilarious with how really embarrassing and awkward she is - I think it's funny because all women have been there. She's dreamed of him for years and has compared all others to him for years.

Only problem is he has a girlfriend and he kind annoyed me in general. He had feelings, knew all about hers, and was still a chicken? Also the 3rd act breakup made me flat out hate him cause GAH!

Overall - this was a cute and quick read with an easy to follow story and some amazing humor!

The Roommate Experiment is a charming, feel-good, slow-burn romance that blends classic rom-com tropes—roommates-to-lovers, only one bed, forced proximity—with a modern, nerdy twist. Hunter is an awkwardly lovable STEMinist harboring a longtime crush on her best friend’s brother, Dylan. When he moves in as her roommate, things heat up—emotionally and romantically.

Camilla Isley brings humor, heart, and swoon-worthy chemistry to the page, making this a perfect summer read. The banter is on point, the tension builds just right, and the emotional payoff is totally satisfying.

I really enjoyed the character's dynamic, and I was giggling and blushing with the romantic scenes, but I had a hard time with the dialogues. Some of them felt cringy and too formulaic for my taste. I've read a lot of romance at this point and I know is not a genre that's always suitable for me, so I think it's a matter of personal preference.

Overall rating: 3 stars
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pub Date May 27 2025

Thank you to the author, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the next book in the series that follows on from the last book I posted. But you can read them standalone and still enjoy them if you want to read them out of order to I feel.

This one was fun, I loved the forced close proximity and I always love a brother’s best friend trope too!

From the blurb -
friend’s brother Dylan for years, despite barely registering as a blip on his radar. She’s not even in the friend zone—more like friend zone adjacent. But her luck is about to change: Dylan is taking over her spare room, and she’s being promoted to roommate. Could this be the moment Dylan finally notices her?

Not so fast. When Dylan moves in, he carries more than just boxes—he brings complications. Suddenly, the dream of living under the same roof turns into a daily struggle. Dylan is off-limits, for reasons Hunter couldn’t have anticipated, and the closer they get, the harder it becomes to ignore her feelings.

But Hunter’s determined to keep her heart in check—no matter how difficult the task. She just has to avoid ogling him in a towel. Definitely don’t imagine what’s under the towel. And try not to swoon when he bakes cookies.

But after he saves her from a terrible date and they’re forced to share a sofa bed at his parents’ house, her emotions reach a breaking point. She’ll have to either move on or move out. Will she tell him the truth—or lose him forever?

* ARC from NetGalley ✨

🛏️ “WE ALREADY SHARED A COUCH- LOVE WAS JUST THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP.”

🛏️ Pick this up if you like/ don’t mind:
📌 book series ( this is the third book in “funny feelings” series however it can be read as a stand alone too)
📌 cute/ slow burn/ light hearted rom com
📌 room mates to friends to lovers
📌 secret crush/ best friend’s brother
📌 forced proximity
📌 one bed troupe
📌 dual POVs
📌 short chapters
📌 sexual tension/ closed door romance/ funny banters
📌 themes of dyslexia, endometriosis, infertility ⚠️

🛏️ This was my second book by Camilla, and once again, she delivered exactly what I was looking for. I don’t usually reach for romance novels, but when I do, I lean heavily toward closed door romances and Camilla has become my go to author for that. Her stories manage to be sweet, emotionally engaging and full of tension without getting overly explicit, which I really appreciate.
The book was light and I flew through the first half in one sitting. The chemistry and sexual tension between the main characters was spot on, just the right amount of slow burn to kept me hooked.
There were plenty of funny, charming moments, though I will admit a few parts tested my patience. Dylan the classic “nice guy” leaned a little too far into being overly considerate at times especially when it came to his breakup with Olivia. But then he completely won me over with that scene where he cared for Hunter during her period. It was thoughtful, gentle and honestly kind of swoon worthy. There’s just something about a guy who knows how to support you when you are not at your best, that’s a major keeper energy right there.
One of the highlights for me was getting to revisit old characters, especially Rowen and Adrian. Their story is my most favourite in the entire series, so seeing them again made me really happy.
Overall this was a fun and feel-good read. And let me just say, that epilogue? Absolute chef’s kiss. It wrapped things up in the most satisfying way. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

🛏️ PS: Apologies for the super late review of this ARC . In my defence, I was buried under a towering pile of thrillers that just wouldn’t stop coming.

In this funny and tropey romance book from the Funny Feelings series, readers meet Hunter when she discovers that her longtime crush and best friend’s brother Dylan is about to move in with her. Hoping he’ll finally notice her, Hunter is ready for the romance and happy ending she’s wanted, but Dylan comes with baggage and is not the easiest roommate at the beginning. However, their relationship begins to change as they get used to each other’s quirks and become part of each other’s lives, but the constant proximity is testing Hunter, who realizes she needs to move on or move out and break her heart either way. Full of tropes and packed with fantastic characters, readers will love the mix of emotions that Isley brings to the table in this latest book. Hunter is particularly interesting because her storyline does not only revolve around Dylan, who also has some interesting backstory elements for readers to discover. Their evolving dynamic will really pull readers into the story, and the tropes really further the plot along in some charming and fun ways. As part of an interconnected romance series, readers will love nods to prior books and really enjoy the latest instalment in this fun and heartwarming addition.

The Roommate Experiment is a charming, slow-burn romance that blends heartfelt emotion with witty banter. When Hunter’s longtime crush—her best friend’s brother Dylan—moves in as her temporary roommate, tension simmers just beneath the surface. Told through alternating perspectives, the story captures the complexities of unspoken feelings, emotional vulnerability, and the messy road to love.

Camilla Isley crafts believable characters and a cozy atmosphere, though the pacing may feel a bit sluggish in the first half. The romantic payoff, while satisfying, arrives quickly and might leave some readers wanting more time with the couple post-confession. Still, this is a sweet, feel-good read perfect for fans of forced-proximity and best-friend’s-brother tropes.

A warm, swoony romance with just enough spice to keep things interesting

TV-16, for language, fade to black but kisses are steamy

Read this book if you love women in STEM, best friend’s brother, and men wearing backwards baseball hate. This book had New Girl vibes. The banter between them two was so good!