Subway Serenade and Stalker Crush

Holland Bakker, a young aspiring writer in New York, is stuck in a rut—her creative ambitions stalled, her job at a Broadway theater a family favor, and her love life nonexistent. Her one thrill is a secret crush on a mesmerizing Irish guitarist who busks at her subway station. She invents a name for him—Jack—and builds a fantasy life around his music, making detours just to hear him play. Holland's fascination is both a comfort and a source of embarrassment, as she's convinced she's just another invisible face in the crowd. But when a drunken night emboldens her to finally speak to him, she learns his real name is Calvin, and his music is even more intoxicating up close. This fleeting connection sets off a chain of events that will upend both their lives.

A Fall, A Rescue

After her awkward first conversation with Calvin, Holland is attacked by a deranged man in the subway and pushed onto the tracks. Calvin, witnessing the assault, calls for help but disappears before the police arrive, leaving Holland to face suspicion and confusion alone. Her arm is broken, her phone destroyed, and her sense of safety shattered. The incident brings her closer to her loving uncles, Robert and Jeff, who care for her as she recovers. Yet, Holland is haunted by Calvin's absence and the knowledge that he saw what happened but didn't come forward. The trauma and Calvin's mysterious behavior deepen her obsession, but also plant seeds of doubt and longing for something more meaningful in her life.

Uncles, Guilt, and Purpose

Holland's uncles, Robert—a celebrated Broadway composer—and Jeff, provide her with a home and a job, but she feels like a perpetual side character in her own story. As she heals, Holland grapples with guilt over her dependence and lack of direction. Her uncles' love is unwavering, but their success and passion for their work highlight her own sense of inadequacy. Holland's only spark of excitement remains her subway crush, but after the attack, even that feels tainted. She wonders if she'll ever find her own purpose, or if she's destined to orbit other people's dreams forever.

Confrontations and Connections

Determined to confront Calvin about his disappearance, Holland seeks him out at the subway. Their awkward, charged conversation reveals his Juilliard training and his own struggles as an undocumented immigrant. Meanwhile, a crisis at the theater—her uncle's show losing its lead violinist—gives Holland an idea: what if Calvin could fill the role? She convinces Robert to listen to Calvin play, and his talent is undeniable. For the first time, Holland feels she's contributed something meaningful, but the joy is short-lived when Calvin reveals he can't legally accept the job. The connection between them deepens, but so do the complications.

The Audition That Changes Everything

Calvin's audition for the Broadway show is electric, impressing everyone and reigniting hope for the production. Holland is elated, feeling validated for the first time. But when the truth about Calvin's expired visa comes out, the dream seems impossible. The theater's leaders are desperate, and a joking suggestion—Holland could marry Calvin to solve the problem—plants a dangerous seed. Holland is torn between her feelings, her loyalty to her uncle, and the ethical and emotional risks of such a drastic step. The stakes are higher than ever, and the line between fantasy and reality blurs.

The Visa Dilemma

As the theater's deadline looms, Holland can't shake the idea of marrying Calvin to secure his place in the show. She weighs the pros and cons, consults her brother, and ultimately decides to propose the arrangement to Calvin. Their lunch is a mix of nerves, humor, and vulnerability. Calvin is surprised but not opposed, and suggests they try dating first to see if they can convincingly pull off a marriage. Their chemistry is undeniable, and what begins as a transactional plan quickly becomes emotionally charged. Both are aware of the risks, but the allure of possibility—and the pull between them—proves irresistible.

The Marriage Proposal

Holland and Calvin's whirlwind courtship culminates in a city hall wedding, witnessed by friends. The ceremony is both surreal and intimate, filled with nervous laughter and unexpected tenderness. As they navigate the logistics of living together, they set boundaries and rules, but the attraction between them simmers beneath the surface. Their arrangement is meant to be temporary and practical, but the emotional stakes rise as they share space, secrets, and small moments of domesticity. Holland is both exhilarated and terrified by the new reality, unsure where the act ends and the truth begins.

Fake Wedding, Real Vows

Settling into married life, Holland and Calvin struggle with the awkwardness of their situation. They must convince immigration officials—and their families—that their relationship is genuine. The pressure to perform as a couple leads to staged photos, shared routines, and even fake sexting. But as they learn more about each other, the pretense gives way to real intimacy. Holland's insecurities and Calvin's vulnerability surface, and their connection deepens in unexpected ways. The line between fake and real blurs, and both are forced to confront what they truly want from each other—and from themselves.

Roommates and Boundaries

As roommates, Holland and Calvin navigate the challenges of sharing a small apartment, balancing privacy and proximity. Their initial boundaries—separate beds, no expectations—are tested by late-night conversations, shared meals, and the slow burn of attraction. Holland's creative block begins to lift as she finds inspiration in Calvin's music and their evolving relationship. The tension between them finally erupts in a night of passion, complicating their arrangement and raising questions about what's real. The stakes are no longer just legal or professional; their hearts are now on the line.

Becoming More Than Roomies

With their physical relationship ignited, Holland and Calvin must navigate jealousy, vulnerability, and the fear of rejection. Their chemistry is undeniable, but old wounds and secrets threaten to pull them apart. Holland's best friend Lulu's erratic behavior and Calvin's hidden past create friction, while the looming immigration interview adds pressure. As they prepare to prove their marriage's authenticity, both must decide if they're willing to risk their hearts for something that started as a lie. The performance of love becomes real, but trust is fragile.

The Show Must Go On

Calvin's debut in the Broadway show is a triumph, catapulting him to fame and bringing new challenges. Holland watches from the sidelines, proud but increasingly aware of her own supporting role. The demands of the show, the attention from fans, and the scrutiny of their marriage test their bond. Holland's creative spark returns, and she begins to write again, inspired by the journey she and Calvin have shared. But as secrets come to light and the pressure mounts, both must confront what they truly want—and what they're willing to risk to keep it.

Secrets, Fights, and Family

The arrival of Calvin's family and the revelation of his past lies threaten to unravel everything. Holland learns that Calvin has been hiding the truth about a previous fake marriage, and the pain of betrayal cuts deep. Their relationship is rocked by mistrust, jealousy, and the fear that their love was never real. As they face a second, more intense immigration interview, the cracks in their foundation widen. Both must decide if they can forgive, move forward, and build something lasting—or if their marriage was always destined to fail.

Immigration, Interviews, and Truth

The second immigration interview exposes inconsistencies in their story, forcing Holland and Calvin to confront the truth about their relationship. The threat of deportation looms, and the future of Calvin's career—and their marriage—hangs in the balance. In a moment of clarity, they realize that the only way forward is through honesty, vulnerability, and a willingness to let go of the past. The legal crisis becomes a catalyst for personal growth, as both learn to trust themselves and each other. The outcome is uncertain, but the journey has changed them forever.

Love, Loss, and Letting Go

After the immigration ordeal, Holland and Calvin separate, each needing space to heal and rediscover themselves. Holland quits her job, finds new work, and begins to write in earnest, channeling her pain and growth into her art. Calvin's career flourishes, but he is haunted by the loss of their connection. Both struggle with regret, longing, and the fear that they've lost their chance at happiness. Yet, in their time apart, they find strength, purpose, and a deeper understanding of what they truly want—and what they're willing to fight for.

Finding Herself, Finding Home

Holland's essay about her journey and Calvin's music is accepted by The New Yorker, marking a turning point in her self-worth and creative identity. The success gives her the confidence to reach out to Calvin, and they reconnect over the shared pride in her accomplishment. Their reunion is tentative but hopeful, as they acknowledge the pain of the past and the possibility of a future together. The love that began as a performance is now rooted in honesty, mutual respect, and a hard-won sense of self. Both are changed, but the connection between them endures.

The Grand Reunion

At a celebration for Holland's uncle, Holland and Calvin finally confront their feelings, misunderstandings, and the obstacles that kept them apart. The truth about Calvin's supposed new relationship is revealed, and the depth of their love is undeniable. Surrounded by family and friends, they choose each other again—not out of necessity or convenience, but out of genuine love and commitment. Their journey from strangers to roommates to lovers to partners is complete, and they look forward to a future built on trust, creativity, and the music that brought them together.

Characters

Holland Bakker

Holland is a twenty-something aspiring writer adrift in New York, defined by her self-doubt, creative block, and tendency to play a supporting role in her own life. Raised by loving, successful uncles, she feels both grateful and guilty for their support, struggling to find her own purpose. Her secret crush on Calvin is both a fantasy and a catalyst for change, pushing her to take risks she never imagined. Holland is introspective, witty, and deeply empathetic, but her fear of failure and rejection often holds her back. Over the course of the story, she transforms from passive observer to active participant, learning to claim her desires, trust her instincts, and create her own narrative. Her journey is one of self-discovery, courage, and the messy, beautiful process of falling in love—with someone else and with herself.

Calvin McLoughlin

Calvin is a gifted Irish guitarist, Juilliard-trained but living in the shadows as an undocumented immigrant. His music is his lifeblood, and he pours his soul into every performance, whether in a subway station or on a Broadway stage. Outwardly charming, easygoing, and magnetic, Calvin hides deep insecurities about his worth, his past, and his right to belong. His willingness to enter a marriage of convenience is born of desperation, but his growing feelings for Holland complicate everything. Calvin's journey is one of vulnerability, honesty, and the struggle to reconcile his dreams with his reality. He is both a romantic and a realist, fiercely loyal but sometimes evasive, and his greatest challenge is learning to trust and be truly seen.

Robert Okai

Robert is Holland's uncle, a renowned Broadway composer and conductor whose passion for music is matched only by his devotion to family. He is a force of nature—brilliant, exacting, and deeply compassionate. Robert's belief in Holland is unwavering, but he also pushes her to find her own path. His willingness to take risks, both professionally and personally, sets the tone for much of the story. Robert's relationship with his husband Jeff is a model of partnership, and his support is a constant anchor for Holland. He represents the power of art, love, and chosen family.

Jeff Okai

Jeff, Robert's husband and Holland's other uncle, is the calm to Robert's storm. A finance professional with a passion for pottery, Jeff is rational, nurturing, and always ready with a reality check. He is Holland's confidant, offering advice without judgment and love without conditions. Jeff's own journey—finding fulfillment outside of work, embracing creativity later in life—mirrors Holland's struggle to define success on her own terms. His presence is a reminder that family is not just about blood, but about the people who show up, again and again.

Lulu

Lulu is Holland's best friend, an aspiring actress whose impulsivity, humor, and emotional volatility both inspire and exhaust Holland. Lulu's larger-than-life personality masks her own insecurities and longing for validation. Her friendship with Holland is tested by jealousy, misunderstandings, and the shifting dynamics of adulthood. Lulu serves as both a catalyst and a cautionary tale, forcing Holland to confront her own boundaries, desires, and the importance of self-respect. Their relationship is messy, real, and ultimately transformative.

Brian

Brian is the stage manager at the theater, a petty, sarcastic, and often antagonistic presence in Holland's work life. He is both a source of conflict and a darkly comic foil, embodying the challenges of navigating toxic work environments and the politics of creative industries. Brian's skepticism and snark push Holland to assert herself, and his occasional moments of unexpected humanity add depth to his role as more than just a villain.

Davis Bakker

Davis is Holland's older brother, a grounded, practical presence who offers both comic relief and genuine support. His skepticism about Holland's choices is rooted in love, and his advice—though sometimes blunt—is always well-intentioned. Davis represents the pull of home, the importance of family, and the challenge of balancing loyalty with independence.

Brigid McLoughlin

Brigid is Calvin's younger sister, a link to his family in Ireland and a reminder of the life he left behind. Her warmth, curiosity, and eventual involvement in Holland and Calvin's lives add complexity to the story, highlighting the costs and consequences of secrets, distance, and the longing for connection.

Marina McLoughlin

Marina is Calvin's mother, whose pride and concern for her son shape much of his internal conflict. Her presence in New York brings both joy and anxiety, forcing Calvin to confront the lies he's told and the person he wants to become. Marina's love is fierce, and her expectations are both a burden and a blessing.

Ramón Martín

Ramón is the charismatic new lead in Robert's Broadway show, whose arrival sets off the chain of events that brings Calvin into the spotlight. His talent, fame, and friendship with Calvin add layers of pressure, competition, and camaraderie. Ramón represents both the allure and the challenges of success, and his presence forces Holland and Calvin to confront their own ambitions and fears.

Plot Devices

Marriage of Convenience

The central plot device is the marriage of convenience between Holland and Calvin, initially conceived as a practical solution to an immigration problem. This trope is used to explore themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and the blurred lines between performance and reality. The fake marriage forces both characters to confront their desires, fears, and the masks they wear, ultimately transforming a transactional relationship into a genuine partnership.

Dual Narratives of Performance

The story is structured around the interplay between performance—on stage, in relationships, and in the self. Holland's journey from observer to participant mirrors Calvin's transition from hidden talent to celebrated artist. The narrative uses the theater as both setting and metaphor, highlighting the ways we perform for others and for ourselves, and the courage it takes to step into the spotlight.

Secrets and Revelations

Secrets—about identity, past relationships, and personal fears—drive much of the tension and conflict. The gradual revelation of these secrets, through confrontations, interviews, and emotional breakdowns, serves as both plot engine and character development. The story uses foreshadowing, misdirection, and dramatic irony to build suspense and deepen the emotional stakes.

Immigration and Bureaucracy

The looming threat of deportation, the complexities of immigration law, and the scrutiny of government officials provide external conflict and urgency. These plot devices force the characters to make difficult choices, confront their values, and test the authenticity of their relationship. The legal challenges are both literal and symbolic obstacles to intimacy, trust, and self-acceptance.

Self-Discovery and Creative Block

Holland's creative block and eventual breakthrough are woven throughout the narrative, paralleling her emotional journey. Writing becomes both a means of processing her experiences and a path to self-worth. The motif of art—music, writing, performance—serves as a vehicle for healing, connection, and transformation.

Analysis

Roomies is a contemporary romance that uses the familiar trope of a marriage of convenience to explore deeper questions of identity, authenticity, and the messy, nonlinear path to self-actualization. At its heart, the novel is about two people who begin as strangers—each hiding behind roles, secrets, and self-doubt—and gradually learn to risk vulnerability, claim their desires, and build a life together that is both chosen and earned. The story is as much about Holland's journey to selfhood as it is about romantic love; her transformation from passive observer to active creator is mirrored in her relationship with Calvin, whose own struggles with belonging and honesty force him to grow. The book deftly balances humor, heat, and heartache, using the world of Broadway as both backdrop and metaphor for the performances we give in life and love. Ultimately, Roomies argues that real intimacy requires honesty—with oneself and with others—and that the most meaningful relationships are those in which we are seen, known, and loved for who we truly are. The novel's modern take on immigration, creative ambition, and the search for purpose makes it both timely and timeless, offering readers not just a love story, but a blueprint for finding home within oneself and with another.

Last updated: January 4, 2026