From the publisher:
When two polar opposites find themselves sharing a cabin for the summer, they lay down some ground rules to keep the peace—only to discover that one of those rules might be impossible to keep in this steamy new novel from the author of The Friendship Fling.
Dylan is the kind of person who is always fifteen minutes early and never leaves things to chance–so she can’t believe she’s about to spend six weeks on a last-minute trip to Wales that she didn’t plan, living in a cabin with a man she’s only met once.
Max always goes with the flow, and after his plus-one drops out of his all-expenses-paid travel influencer trip, he’s happy for his sister’s friend to take the spot. After all, from what he remembers of their brief meeting a year ago, Dylan is the kind of woman he’d be more than happy to spend some alone time with.
Not that anything is going to happen between them, because Dylan knows getting involved with this reckless, irrepressible flirt is the last thing she needs. So she makes a house rule: they are roommates only, and under no circumstances can anything . . . untoward . . . happen between them.
But as the days go by, Max starts to realize how much he enjoys chipping away at the walls Dylan hides herself behind, while Dylan begins to admit to herself that there may be more to Max than she first assumed. And before she knows it, she finds herself wondering if their “roommate rule” might be one rule she actually wants to break…
The Roommate Rule is a standalone sequel to The Friendship Fling — you don’t need to have read the first book, but fans will love the familiar faces.
Dylan is Ava’s best friend, and Max is Ava’s twin brother, so they’re essentially strangers when they end up sharing a six-week trip along the Welsh coast. Max, a travel influencer, has an extra spot; Dylan, a chronic people-pleaser, is suddenly without vacation plans. The setup delivers everything you’d expect—forced proximity, roommates-to-lovers, only one bed, and opposites attract—but with genuine depth behind the tropes.
At its heart, this is a classic pairing: a cautious planner and a reckless free spirit. But beneath that familiar dynamic is a story rich in emotional depth, strong character development, and plenty of heart. The banter sparkles, the Welsh setting is vividly rendered, and while the tone is often light and funny, the story doesn’t shy away from heavier themes like trauma, mental health, and healing.
Both Dylan and Max undergo meaningful self-reflection before they can truly love themselves—and each other. I was equally charmed and frustrated by them. Dylan bends herself to please others, often losing her sense of self, while Max is so shaped by his past cancer experience that he avoids thinking about the future, sometimes at others’ expense. What makes their journey compelling is how naturally they connect and push each other to grow. Their development feels authentic, driven by a desire to become better for themselves, not just for each other.
One highlight is how Max helps Dylan rediscover her confidence and self-worth after a difficult childhood and toxic relationship. His carpe diem outlook encourages her to take risks and prioritize herself. In turn, Dylan grounds Max, challenging him to face his fears and imagine a more stable future. Their dynamic is messy, heartfelt, and entirely believable.
Georgia’s writing is sharp and warm, balancing wit with moments of genuinely beautiful prose. The Welsh coast is so vividly depicted you may find yourself browsing flights.
A couple of notes: the spice level is higher than The Friendship Fling, and while the intimate scenes are well done, there are quite a few. The third-act breakup feels a bit unnecessary, though the ending and epilogue more than make up for it—tissues recommended.
Overall, a top-tier romance with two lovable, fully realized characters and banter that absolutely delivers.
Note: This book is only available as an ebook; the paperback and the audiobook will not be available until 7/7/2026. I think this is the first time I’ve seen this happen from a traditionally published author.
4/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE ROOMMATE RULE by Georgia Stone. Harper Perennial. (March 31, 2026). ASIN: B0FV38XDSR. 346p.
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