I appreciate NetGalley and L.B. Gains for the opportunity to
listen to this advanced copy of Room 214, San Juan.
Introduction:
Sanaa is focusing on her mental health and wellness app. She
needs investors. She is stressed out about losing her presentation. Everything
has to be perfect if she wants the funding she needs. She dreams of her app’s
triumph after leaving her job.
That is why she is working nonstop. Yet, her health is
suffering. That is why the people in her life are suggesting she take a break.
Sanaa reluctantly packs her bags and goes to her family member’s wedding.
But a hurricane ruins her plans. A stranger is now offering
her a room. Ezra helps Sanaa calm down and realize that it is safer to share a
space, since there are no other rooms available.
Representation: Black female/ woman main character,
Multiethnic Black male/man character, OCD representation
Tropes: Forced Proximity
Trigger Warnings: Medical misdiagnosing in the past, Health issues in the past, Burnout, Sex Scenes,
My Thoughts
Though brief, Gaines’s writing about Sanaa and Ezra is
wonderful. She provides sufficient details about their lives and personalities.
She is not one for repetition, though. Gaines discusses various aspects of
their lives with ease. That is why this book is not just a romance
story. It is about people becoming the best versions of themselves. Writing the book in this manner gave it depth and made the story more insightful.
Sanaa craves control, but it’s beyond her reach right now. She has changed her thinking. She has to relax and focus on what she can control. Ezra can sense that Sanaa is tense. He tries to help relax her. He achieves this by being honest and letting her know about his personal life. What he did was thoughtful and helpful. Most people would be anxious if they had to share a room with a stranger.
Doing this helped Sanaa to open up about her struggles and goals. Hearing Sanaa talk about her goals inspires Ezra to pursue his dreams. Sanaa and Ezra being in this serene environment has helped them to grow. I love how they learned from each other without putting one another down.
For instance, both are in a new setting that motivates them
to break away from their daily routines. I enjoyed seeing Sanaa step out of her
comfort zone. The setting of the story improved Sanaa’s mood. She was far away
from overthinking her meeting and app. San Juan is a lovely and relaxed place you
will want to see.
Conclusion
Room 214, San Juan is a perfect book for those who love
short romance books. This story is impactful and memorable. It is also a book
about living out your dreams. Both Sanaa and Ezra were able to do what they
believed in. It is also a love letter urging Black women to prioritize
themselves and self-love. I am giving this book four stars for being a perfect
story about self-love and finding love.
Room 214, San Juan by L.B. Gaines can be found at Barnes and Noble, Bookshop.org, Books-a-Million, and your local indie bookstore near you. Room 214, San Juan release date is September 19, 2025.
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