Under One Roof

Books, Coffee & Passion

3.5 stars

An entertaining novella.

Mara unexpectedly inherits half of a house from her mentor that passed away. Considering the location of the house and that Mara isn't in a good position financially, she decides to move in temporarily. However, there's a catch. The other owner of the house also lives there: Liam.

I read the 3 novellas out of order, so this one was the last one I read and my least favorite. I was expecting to love this one more, because of the forced proximity. However, I'm not sure why, but I think Liam just wasn't my favorite hero. The ending was also a little abrupt.

It was cute, though. I had fun listening to it.

Beautiful Introduction

Navigating through Booktok and watching avid readers on YouTube has acquainted me with numerous authors, and Ali Hazelwood's name has consistently resonated within these literary circles. Opting to dip my toes into the world of short STEM romcoms, I found myself immersed in the delightful universe of “Under One Roof,” and the decision to explore Hazelwood's work proved to be immensely gratifying. As I eagerly dive into the second installment of this series, I reflect on the initial encounter with the first book.

“Under One Roof” doesn't necessarily reinvent the wheel when it comes to its narrative structure, but the sheer enjoyment I derived from the experience is undeniable. The concoction of a mildly audacious premise, endearing albeit somewhat clueless protagonists, and an abundance of snarky banter contributed to a thoroughly enjoyable reading journey.

Ali Hazelwood's prowess in crafting banter emerges as a standout feature of her writing. It exudes a certain charm that captivates readers, leaving them eager to savor every witty, humorous, and slightly eccentric exchange. The banter became an integral part of the narrative's appeal, and I anticipate it will remain a defining aspect of Hazelwood's literary charm.

The emphasis on STEM females, embodied in the feisty character of Mara, resonated with me. As an environmental engineer, Mara's clash with her attractive roommate, a high-profile corporate lawyer in the oil industry, provided a comedic backdrop that yielded consistently amusing results.

Novellas, often a genre I approach cautiously due to a fear of unsatisfying brevity, had me initially skeptical. While “Under One Roof” offered an enjoyable storyline, there's an undeniable sense of yearning for more. The short length leaves an appetite for a deeper exploration of Mara and Liam's dynamic. Yet, in a peculiar way, this craving for more is a testament to the story's impact, showcasing its ability to leave readers wanting an extended immersion in its world.

As I reluctantly wipe away the silly smile induced by this delightful book, I can confidently declare it a perfect companion for a relaxing day off. “Under One Roof” has proven to be a serendipitous discovery, and I eagerly anticipate further literary adventures within Ali Hazelwood's imaginative realm.

Spoiler-Free Review:

I'm pretty convinced that Ali Hazelwood knows exactly what I want to read and writes just that! This was such a fun, short novella following Mara and Liam. I listened to the audiobook which was short and sweet with well done dual narration. My only complaint is that I want more from these characters! I became attached and then the novella ended, and I was so bummed. The premise around the novella is unique and not something I'd read before. This is a forced proximity, grumpy sunshine, and quirky romance with both sweetness and spice. I just love their romance so much, and like I said, I want more! I found this novella relatable because my husband and I are both in STEM. Aspects of their story kind of paralleled with ours and that was fun. This is out now on audio with the kindle format coming out May 3, 2022. This is an adult romance novella, 18+ for sexual content and language.

As Adam, Liam is very very tall.

As Olive, Liam appears to be asexual, which again feels like a lost opportunity to teach and promote diversity on the book.

This was, however, a very entertaining read, albeit a bit similar to the “love hypothesis”.

P.S - I became aware Ali Hazelwood started as a Reylo fanfiction writer (shiping Rey and Kylo romance on Starwars), which justifies all the towering her male characters do.