My Roommate From Hell / Cale Dietrich / Book Review

MY ROOMMATE FROM HELL

Owen heard about the whole "portal to another dimension" thing. Of course he did. Everybody did. And he new about the interdimensional exchange program, too. He just didn't think he'd be turning up to his first semester of college to find out his new roommate is the prince of Hell.

Owen is a serious student, and Prince Zarmenus is... decidedly not. But there's a lot hinging on the first-ever Earth/Hell exchange program going well. Including a personal incentive for Owen. If he can make this work with Zarmenus for the semester, there might be a shiny internship (and the key to his future career) within his reach.

But living with Zarmenus is hard. Really hard. And not just when it comes to wild parties, unexpected overnight guests, and messy roommate problems. Brimstone, ghoul hauntings, and random assassins out for all demonkind kind of hard. It's threatening Owen's semester, his future, and Zarmenus's place here on campus. Because the King and Queen of Hell aren't impressed with their son's antics, which means something's gotta change. Even if that means upping their relationship to secure both of their futures...


MY ROOMMATE FROM HELL


THOUGHTS

This book was shockingly fun! When I read Rules of Royalty last year, I was somewhat underwhelmed. But I'm a sucker for a good concept, so I wasn't going to be passing up this one. And it really worked for me (even if it is as sacrilegious as you might guess - lol!).


PROS

Roommate Woes One thing I was not expecting in a book like this? Actual, legitimate roommate struggles. Adjusting to college life is hard as it is. Having a bad roommate only adds to that. And Zarmenus is a bad roommate, all "demonic" stuff aside. He's messy. He's inconsiderate. He's bad at communication and unrepentant when it comes to his roommate sins. Dirty laundry, unexpected overnight guests, hooking up in the room... with other roommate present (and not at all into it). It's not good, and yet, it's something that happens for real. So, you know... I appreciate it.

Not-So-Young Love YA is all about firsts, but usually those firsts are happening in high school. But not everybody has these first experiences in high school. This is a college story, and for Owen, college is a chance to really try new things. He's never dated. He's never looked for love. And that's something he's wanting to do now. I like this representation, because there are a lot of people who don't really dabble in the romantic side of things in high school. It isn't too late to wait until college (or later still).

Campy Content Every little intrusion from "hell" in this book is so campy. It's a lot of fun! Eyeball monsters, ghouls in the mirror, and a hellish propensity for calling all things "horrible" and "torturous" just because it makes the humans squirm: what's not to like? It's a lot of not-so-serious fun, and I like that.


CONS

Owen's got an internship on the line so long as things go well with Zarmenus, and... I didn't like that. It adds to the plot. To the character motivations. But with the dean and the strings she can pull being involved in her students' interpersonal relationships... The power dynamics felt really weird and icky. It made me uncomfortable, and I don't think that discomfort was purposeful on the author's part. Power Play

Owen and Zarmenus work things out. And then a "fake" relationship ensues. And it's cute. And it's fun to read. But it could never be me. Some of these roommate sins Zarmenus commits are really unforgivable, like bringing someone home in the middle of the night to make out on the (bunk) bed while your roommate is there. While you know your roommate is there. Um, what? Absolutely not. No. Hard pass. We're never friends again after this. Sorry. Unforgiveable

While I don't think the book overall has a problem with pace, this fake relationship sure does. And not because they fall into their legitimate feelings faster than they should. Because the whole ruse moves quicker than it should. It's a plot, at the beginning. It's a scheme. And a scheme has to be paced well enough to be believable. And while they did discuss pacing their relationship before the public, the actual execution left me in doubt about whether anyone would believe it. They were not on good terms at the start, after all. There should have been more buildup in their public-facing personas. It's go-go-go from the start, and that made the believability of their scheme feel... like no real person would believe it. And as the plot hinges on their fake dating being believable, well... Pacing Problems


Rating

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8/10

Fans of Ann Dávila Cardinal's Breakup From Hell will like this new interdimensional romance. Those who liked Jake Maia Arlow's Leaving the Station will like Owen's journey of self-discovery this first semester of college.

BREAKUP FROM HELL LEAVING THE STATION

Details
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Date: November 11, 2025
Series: N/A
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Buy it HERE

Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.

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