The Roommate Risk
Author: Talia Hibbert
Genre: Romance
Romance Subgenre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Topics: Black Lead, Contemporary Romance, Cozy Living, Emotional Growth, Friends-To-Lovers, Roommates, South Asian Lead, Warm Humor
Release Date: May 5, 2021
Summary
Jasmine Allen is fiercely independent—until a plumbing disaster leaves her temporarily houseless and forces her to crash on the sofa of her best friend, Rahul. For seven years, Rahul has upheld three rules: don’t touch Jasmine, don’t look at her that way, and never admit his true feelings. But living together brings them dangerously close. Shared dinners turn into quiet nights in, unspoken tension simmers beneath every glance, and one kiss could shatter their carefully balanced friendship. Can they risk everything for something more?
With charm, humor, and tender emotional stakes, this roommates‑to‑lovers romance draws you in and won’t let go.
Characters
Jasmine Allen
Jasmine is a confident, lawyer who trusts no one—especially not love. When life upends her, she learns to lean on others and face her deepest fears.
Rahul Khan
Rahul is Jasmine’s best friend for seven years—steady, dependable, and secretly in love with her. As they cohabit, he grapples with his self‑control and whether risking everything is worth revealing his heart.
Age Rating
Recommended for readers 18+ due to mature themes.
The story contains romantic intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and references to alcohol dependence and parental death.
Banned
The Roommate Risk has not been banned anywhere.
Who is this book for?
Perfect for readers who love heartfelt, character-driven romances with diverse leads and emotional resonance.
Recommended for fans of:
- Cozy friends-to-lovers romance
- Authentic multicultural representation
- Warm, emotional comedies
If you enjoyed these books, you’ll love *The Roommate Risk* by Talia Hibbert:
- Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert (Black lead, romantic comedy)
- Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (diverse characters, feel-good romance)
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (multicultural leads, emotional depth)
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Diverse Elements
The Roommate Risk is rich in diversity—from its protagonists to its themes.
- Black Female Lead: Jasmine Allen, a Black British woman, anchors the narrative, bringing layered cultural grounding.
- South Asian Male Lead: Rahul Khan, of South Asian heritage, offers representation of another BIPOC perspective.
- Emotional Mental Health Themes: The novel addresses grief, abandonment, and the coping mechanisms of adult friendships in a nuanced, affirming way.
Each element is central to the story and illustrates Hibbert’s commitment to inclusive, heartfelt storytelling.
What do readers think?
- Warm chemistry and heartfelt banter make readers swoon.
- Many praise the emotional depth and internal conflict that feels authentic and compelling.
- Fans appreciate the balance of lighthearted humor with serious emotional arcs.
Sweet Pairing
Consider a store-bought Belgian chocolate brownie—moist, indulgent, and satisfying. To match the novel’s warmth and unexpected intimacy, gently warm it and top with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few edible rose petals. The sweet-salty contrast mirrors Jasmine and Rahul’s playful tension and emotional layers. Enjoy it with a warm mug of chai or tea to echo their cozy nights in.
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About the Author
Talia Hibbert is a British-Jamaican writer celebrated for her emotionally rich and inclusive romances. She has been praised for bringing BIPOC characters to the forefront with humor, depth, and unapologetic sensuality.
In interviews, she’s shared how her own experiences with neurodivergence and cultural identity shape her writing. Hibbert’s novels consistently challenge romance tropes, creating space for underrepresented voices within the genre.