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kimalah's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Her Unexpected Roommate is the final book in the Cider Bar Sisters series. Rose has treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. Her mother also had it, and eventually committed suicide. Cal is a very easy-going guy who likes Rose for who she is, depression and all. As someone who has lived with treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, Rose means a lot to me. The mental health representation is excellent. Rose’s thought processes and internal struggles are true to my experience. She knows and understands herself and her issues, and has developed coping strategies and self-care.
While the book is honest in its depiction of depression and anxiety, Rose also believes that she deserves a full life including love. In Cal, she finds someone who accepts her for who she is. In return, she does the same. It is a kind and nurturing relationship after they get past their initial stumbles.
There are some potentially triggering subjects in the story. Jackie Lau wrote a very affecting note at the front of the book. I recommend reading it and paying attention to her subject warnings.
Her Unexpected Roommate is a lovely ending to this series. It will stick with me for a long time.
While the book is honest in its depiction of depression and anxiety, Rose also believes that she deserves a full life including love. In Cal, she finds someone who accepts her for who she is. In return, she does the same. It is a kind and nurturing relationship after they get past their initial stumbles.
There are some potentially triggering subjects in the story. Jackie Lau wrote a very affecting note at the front of the book. I recommend reading it and paying attention to her subject warnings.
Her Unexpected Roommate is a lovely ending to this series. It will stick with me for a long time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Mental illness
Moderate: Racism, Misogyny, and Suicide
heydebigale's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was PERFECT. I was nervous to read it because of Jackie Lau’s very thoughtful author’s note at the beginning, but Lau took absolute care of her reader with this one. In the author’s note, Lau talks about this book is heavier than all of the other books in the series since the MC Rose deals with suicidal ideation and also lost her mother to suicide.
This book still made me laugh out loud multiple times!!
The depression representation in this book is A+ imho. I love that Lau showed a woman who was working on herself but was still not well.
Cal was the sweetest & most affirming MC. Loved him so much!!
Highly highly recommend this book!!!
Notes: Takes place in Toronto, Canada. Cal is white and struggles with dyscalculia. Rose is Canadian of East Asian descent and is also a fat woman who struggles with chronic depression.
This book still made me laugh out loud multiple times!!
The depression representation in this book is A+ imho. I love that Lau showed a woman who was working on herself but was still not well.
Cal was the sweetest & most affirming MC. Loved him so much!!
Highly highly recommend this book!!!
Notes: Takes place in Toronto, Canada. Cal is white and struggles with dyscalculia. Rose is Canadian of East Asian descent and is also a fat woman who struggles with chronic depression.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
the_vegan_bookworm's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was my favourite book of the series, because I really liked Rose and Cal. As someone who also struggles with depression like Rose, it was just very heartwarming to see a dynamic where she is just accepted and loved as she is. The romance itself is also so wholesome and heartwarming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Death of parent, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Ableism, Grief, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Suicide
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