The Spare Room: the absolute must-have forced proximity, friends to lovers romantic comedy to read this year!

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars | 2,270 ratings

Price: 2.99

Last update: 01-03-2025


About this item

'I mean it when I say: Laura Starkey has written the most perfect romcom' Suzy Krause, Sorry I Missed You

'Freaking PERFECTION. 10/10. I couldn't get enough of it and wanted a thousand more pages of this' Reader review, 5 stars

Two unexpected flatmates. One shared space. Will they cross the line into love?
Rosie had the perfect evening lined up: she'd come home early, slip into a sexy dress and surprise her boyfriend with date night. What she was not expecting was to find his bags packed and herself unceremoniously dumped.

But she can't even think about her heartbreak when she faces the more pressing matter of making rent this month. And in desperate times, she agrees to let out her spare room to her elusive upstairs neighbour.

Aled needs somewhere to stay while his place is being renovated, and she gets to keep her home. It's a win-win situation... At least in theory.

For Rosie has sworn off men indefinitely, and never saw herself living with one so soon after her breakup. But being in Aled's company day in, day out has this annoying habit of playing havoc with her heart...

On paper they're just flatmates, but could there be room for more between them?

The ultimate forced proximity, slow-burn romcom to get your hands on, for fans of Beth O'Leary, Portia MacIntosh and Mhairi McFarlane.

Authors and Readers are loving The Spare Room:

'If this book isn't on your MUST READ WHEN IT COMES OUT then it needs to be.... Seriously, you won't be disappointed. It gave me all the feels.' Reader review, 5 stars

'I LOVED THIS BOOK! I struggled to put it down. It was absolutely addictive... loved the characters and everything about it' Reader review, 5 stars

'An absolutely gorgeous story - I now have a massive book hangover. I loved it' Jules Wake, The Spark

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kyra Skal
    4.0 out of 5 stars So close to 5 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2024
    I loved so much about this book. The yearning, the found family, the bio family dynamics, the James subplot...

    But I can't help but feel it just fell a little short. Everything could have been better with some different pacing and a real climax. There was never a point where I wondered how'd they make it to romance at the end of the book, I could map exactly what happened several chapters in advance.

    But as romances go, the best I've read in a while for it's ability to captivate me. Blew through this in less than a week while having a lot of other responsibilities that I grievously ignored. I loved Aled most of all, but they all were missing a certain depth that could've taken this story to the next level.

    Overall, would definitely read again and recommend to anyone that wanted something cozy and sweet instead of having your heart ripped from your chest for the hundredth time.
  • GiRose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
    This was such a heartwarming, lovely story. It was funny and relatable and romantic.
    I know I can definitely relate to Rosie in many ways, and reading this made me feel all the feels.
  • Kayla
    3.0 out of 5 stars okay
    Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    3.5⭐️

    this was a comfy read but it definitely could’ve been better if there were more obvious things to show Aled was actually interested in Rosie. for half of the book it just seemed rosie was falling for a man that didn’t see how as nothing but a roommate. it sucks her drama with her ex was more entertaining than her chemistry with Aled.
  • Astra
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars - Almost 5
    Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
    The Spare Room is hands down the must-read forced proximity, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy of the year! I absolutely loved this story. I usually gravitate towards standalone books, as I don’t always want to commit to a series. If the first book doesn’t work for me, I don’t feel obligated to continue. But with The Spare Room, I honestly found myself wishing for a sequel—I’d love to see more of Rosie and Aled’s story. The chemistry between them was just... ugh, *chef’s kiss*. The softness of their love was so beautifully done, yet you could still feel the fire between them. What I especially appreciated was that there were no heavy, spicy scenes, which I found refreshing. Instead, the romance unfolds in such a sweet, simple way—one that makes you laugh and kick your feet in the best possible way.

    I will admit, I wish there had been more of Rhianne. She wasn’t the main focus of the story, but her presence really brought so much energy to every scene she was in. I think everyone could use a friend like her, and Niamh, of course. It was great that nearly everyone got the ending they deserved, too.

    Aled’s poetic nature will stay with me for days. Some of the quotes in this book really resonated with me, like: “When you feel like your world’s blown up, it hurts – but afterwards, you don’t have to live in the place where you land,” and, "For doing what you always seem to, for breaking my fall." Rosie’s journey of learning to choose herself before anyone else was so powerful. She truly deserved to feel chosen, and I loved seeing her grow in that way.

    Overall, The Spare Room is a beautiful, heartwarming story that I will cherish for a long time. I will definitely be coming back to read more of Laura Starkey’s books!
  • Diana Johnston
    5.0 out of 5 stars and a lovely new author I have found
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
    I give things a go sometimes based on the cover even though I know the old adage. This cover intrigued me and after 2 chapters I was hooked! The characters are so relatable and I just adore how the develop over the course of the book. Looking forward to the next one on my TBR!!
  • Tabbatha Lone
    3.0 out of 5 stars slow slow start
    Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
    I’m tried to read this twice but could t get past the 1st few pages. I finally just started and got through. It’s a cute story but it took time to get into
  • Jennifer Andersen Smith
    4.0 out of 5 stars Funny sweet and a little unexpected
    Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2024
    From the beginning you have a general idea of how the story goes, but the details of how it moves and who learns what about themselves is what keeps it moving and interesting. Very enjoyable.
  • C
    5.0 out of 5 stars Female main developed nicely
    Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2024
    I liked this book. I think the female lead learned and grew a lot. I loved that it's single point of view. It creates more drama. And I loved the fade to black

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