Under One Roof (The STEMinist Novellas #1) Book Review by Ali Hazelwood New
The Book Review is about Under One Roof, written by Ali Hazelwood and part of the The STEMinist Novellas.
Why did I choose to read Under One Roof?
Having had Loathe to Love You sitting on my TBR pile for quite some time, I’ll admit I was initially hesitant to pick it up. Contemporary romance isn’t exactly my go-to genre, after all. But the book genuinely caught me off guard in the best way possible, and I ended up thoroughly enjoying every page.
The Basics
Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn….
As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.
The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.
What Worked
What really drew me into Under One Roof was the roommate setup. Having the two main characters living under the same roof naturally creates the perfect environment for slow-burn tension, delightfully awkward encounters, and playful banter. There’s something incredibly engaging about forcing two people who might not initially get along to share their everyday space—it means they can’t simply walk away when things get complicated. Instead, they’re pushed to navigate their differences face-to-face, which makes the developing relationship feel far more grounded and authentic.
I also appreciated that the central conflict doesn’t rely on some dramatic external event to keep the story moving. The tension comes from the mundane reality of cohabitation—bumping into each other in the hallway, navigating shared chores, and dealing with clashing habits. This grounded approach makes their emotional progress feel much more personal and rewarding, because you’re watching them learn to compromise and communicate in real time, side by side, rather than fighting against some manufactured obstacle. It turns everyday domestic life into the real driving force of their romance.
Final thoughts
Rating: 9/10
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys contemporary romance stories
💬 Have you read Under One Roof? How did you like it?
