"A hilarious and charming descent into love, fake dating, and actual Hell. I couldn't stop grinning." - Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys
A swoon-worthy YA rom com about an ambitious college student whose plans get derailed when he discovers his roommate is the prince of hell.
Owen is not going to college to have fun. Nothing is going to stop him from achieving his goals: study hard, get a good job, and set himself up for the rest of his life. The last thing he needs is to have a loud, obnoxious, and infuriatingly hot roommate. Especially since said roommate just so happens to be the prince of hell.
Prince Zarmenus has come to Point University for the first-ever Earth/hell exchange program, and he's determined to make the most of it. Which may or may not include wild parties, bringing in random boys to his and Owen's room, and accidentally setting Owen's furniture on fire. Sparks fly (literally) as Owen and Zar clash, but Zar's actions threaten to not only ruin Owen's peaceful college life, but demon-human relations as well. To clean up his image, he asks Owen to be his fake boyfriend and teach him how to be a better human in exchange for an internship that will secure Owen's future. That, and Zar will consider being a better roommate.
A deal is struck, and the two start pretending to be in a relationship where they each have agendas of their own. Only Owen has a secret-dating his mortal enemy, even if it's fake, is the most fun he's ever had.
Charming and fun, My Roommate from Hell is a rom com with a magical twist. Think just one bed, but that bed is in hell, surrounded by fire and brimstone.
About the Author :
Cale Dietrich is the internationally bestselling author of multiple queer YA books, including THE LOVE INTEREST, THE RULES OF ROYALTY and IF THIS GETS OUT (co-written with Sophie Gonzales). His books have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, been Rainbow List selections and have received multiple starred reviews. He lives with his boyfriend in Brisbane.
Review :
Geek Girl Authority, "8 LGBTQ+ Books to Keep Pride Going for the Rest of 2025"
"This queer paranormal rom-com is one to watch...When the fake dating leads to real feelings, the chemistry is delightful. The character details make this story exceptional." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"As a slow-burn romance, the story is tender, undeniably electric, and charmingly innocent, and the examination of the often-fraught first year of college is superb...Delightfully messy." --Kirkus
"Dietrich's unique take on a queer forced-proximity rom-com highlights his fiery wit in this interdimensional romp...teens looking for a monster romance with a comedic flare will devour this." --Booklist
"Owen and Zarmenus's experiences perfectly capture the highs and lows of college freshman year...the book as a whole serves as a reminder that while hatred exists, joy can still be found." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Deeply charming." - Paste Magazine, "The Best New YA Books of November 2025"
"We loved My Roommate From Hell and the way it played with some of our favorite romance tropes with a twist that felt fresh and fun...It's a sweet opposites attract story with plenty of unexpected supernatural elements." - Sweety High, "Our Favorite Must-Read Books Releasing in November 2025"
""I've been a fan of Aussie author Dietrich's fun and quirky YA since his m/m spy romance debut...But of all his titles, I probably have the highest hopes for this one." --Dahlia Adler via Smart B*tches, Trashy Books
"This is the feel-good book of the fall and one of the best this year. It's well-written with LOL moments." --Red Carpet Crash
"A vivacious, charming romance full of banter and fun." --C.S. Pacat, New York Times bestselling author of Dark Rise
"Devilishly fun and delightful! My Roommate From Hell is a perfect demonstration of how to execute a hellarious concept." --Sara Raasch, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Nightmare Before Kissmas and Night of the Witch
"Cale Dietrich's My Roommate from Hell perfectly captures queer longing while balancing important coming of age elements like evolving friendships, learning to stand on your own, and ghosts haunting the dorm showers. It's a very fun ride with a bit of devilish flirtation." --David R. Slayton, bestselling author of White Trash Warlock
"A hell of a good time! A sweet, cozy romance with just the right sprinkling of demon cats and giant eyeballs." --James L. Sutter, author of Darkhearts
"Hell is other people, especially when they're hot. Cale Dietrich brings heat, heart, and chaos in this demonically delightful roommate rom-com that blends college hijinks with supernatural flair. A hilarious and charming descent into love, fake dating, and actual Hell. I couldn't stop grinning." --Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys
Praise for The Rules of Royalty:
"Dietrich has written a quintessential gay romance. Everything about it--its tantalizing premise, its highly engaging plot, its to-die-for characters--is practically perfect, and it's irresistibly readable, to boot. The pages fly by as readers root for the starcrossed boyfriends, with whom readers will have doubtlessly fallen in love, and hope for a happy ending." - Booklist (starred review)
"Immediate and emotional first-person chapters detail the highs and lows of royal teenage life in this slow-burn romance by Dietrich, which is studded with high-society extravagance and old-world charm." - Publishers Weekly
"An LGBTQIA+ romance reminiscent of The Princess Diaries with -characters readers will root for." - School Library Journal
"Readers will enjoy indulging in the deliciously slow-burn romance between the kind, honest, and adorable boys, who narrate in alternating first-person chapters...this cozy royal love story is thoroughly delightful." - Kirkus
"Smart, funny, full of heart, and packed full with Dietrich's signature style, The Rules of Royalty is the type of book that reminds you that miracles happen, once in a while. I couldn't stop smiling while reading and rooting for Jamie and Erik. A must read for all who love, love." --Kosoko Jackson, USA Today Bestselling author of The Forest Demands Its Due
"An enchanting, crown-worthy read! The Rules of Royalty delivers laughs, swoons, and a reminder that being our most authentic selves is the best happily-ever-after. Erik and Jamie are what real fairy tales are made of."--Julian Winters, award-winning author of Right Where I Left You
Praise for If This Gets Out:
"If This Gets Out is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance--Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich tell this story in perfect harmony." --Phil Stamper, bestselling author of The Gravity of Us and As Far as You'll Take Me
"If This Gets Out is the perfect book.... It deftly explores the dark side of fame [and] the giddy thrill of first--and forbidden--love." --Mackenzi Lee, New York Times-bestselling author
"[A] sweet and swoon-worthy romance. Zach and Ruben are a pitch-perfect duet!" --Caleb Roehrig, author of Last Seen Leaving
"Dazzle[s]...with a narrative of queer boy-bandmates who wrestle with newfound fame, and newfound feelings for each other. Readers will fall in love." --Adam Sass, author of Surrender Your Sons
"If This Gets Out blends the ache and the beauty of coming out under the lights of celebrity with the ways in which queer love is told to stay hidden, even when it's the only thing keeping the music going." --L.C. Rosen, author of Camp and Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts)
"If This Gets Out will suck you in from Page 1...[and] stick with you beyond the finale." --Associated Press
"Fun, heartwarming, and a vital purchase for all collections serving teens." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"This unexpectedly poignant love story... subverts expectations in refreshing ways.... A lively novel with as much appeal as the band itself." --Kirkus
"Dietrich and Gonzales keep the tension high and Ruben and Zach's voices distinct in this friends-to-lovers romance that shines with passion and verve." --Booklist
"Riveting...If This Gets Out is the perfect read for anyone who loves music, friends-to-lovers romances or ever secretly shipped members of a band!" --Nerd Daily
