He just inherited his family estate.

So did she.

 
Living with a total stranger for twelve months is the only way Weston Thomas can claim possession of his Georgia family mansion.

If not, the place goes to the dogs—seven rescue pups being looked after by Paige Martinson, his co-owner, to be exact.

West’s instant, unexpected attraction to the free-spirited ghostwriter comes with rules of engagement.

But when chemistry deepens into more powerful emotions, is the accountant willing to bank on a future that was never in his long-term plans?

Titles in Sierra’s Web series include — His Lost and Found Family – Reluctant Roommates – Tracking His Secret Child – (November 2022 possible release) – (December 2022 possible release) –

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Reluctant Roommates
Series:  Sierra’s Web #2
Author:  Tara Taylor Quinn
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  April 26, 2022
Publisher:  Harlequin Special Edition
My Rating:  4 stars

Reluctant Roommates continues the Sierra’s Web series with an intense story that is quite unlike any other that I’ve read recently.  I cannot recall a couple so intensely determined to never, not ever get emotionally involved with each other (or anyone else for that matter)… or such a strong love to hate / enemy to lover story.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Weston and Paige – absolutely loved the pups/dogs – yet I don’t think I’m even going to try to describe their relationship, at the beginning at least.  It’s complicated.  And unique.

Both Paige and Weston are wounded souls, in far different ways that we won’t discover the complete details of until well into their story.  Weston has a skewed memory of his father and has built himself into the exact opposite in every way possible.  That his memories are not quite as clear as he believed will become obvious in time.  Paige has suffered a tremendous tragedy in her past, one that has shaped who she is today… but maybe not who she can become tomorrow.  Yet, in spite of knowing these things (as the reader), it was impossible to not feel the sizzling attraction between them and be somewhat surprised at their non-emotional response to that “constantly in the background” reaction.  I think, in the end, that Reluctant Roommates proves that there are millions of ways that humans react to events in their lives, all unique, and some not often seen in romantic stories… at least, in my opinion.  I would have called them cold, analytical… if it weren’t for the passion that was obviously just below the surface, and that each was denying it not only to each other but to themselves.  I don’t use the word “fascinating” often, yet their relationship from start to finish was indeed fascinating in delivery, and in the ultimate outcome for them.

I loved the interaction with and the focus on the rescue dogs.  They are described as emotionally as the humans in this story.  In fact, I would have adopted them all in a heartbeat.

In all, I enjoyed Reluctant Roommates.  I felt it is a well-written story that pulls the reader into a different style of a romantic couple, one with issues and complexities that we don’t often encounter.  And it takes the series a bit further with some interaction with people we’ll, perhaps, one day get to know much better.  I enjoyed myself here and look forward to the next story to come in this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent. I was not financially compensated for this review and no expectation of a positive review was promised.*

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