#TheFlatshare is such an amazing love story! Now, I figured out what the plot, twists & ending would be for Tiffy & Leon early on. That would usually irritate me, but in this case, the ride along the way was so worth it, knowing the destination didn’t hurt.

The character growth of Leon, and the fact that he is a decent, principled, loving man, who isn’t perfect and has his own storyline not just as a love interest, made him a male lead that I really rooted for.

Tiffy....oh god I love Tiffy! Her journey through the reality of her relationship with Justin was one of the best representations of a person coming to terms with those realisations that I have ever read. Shes loyal and kind, awkward and real.

I know this is chick lit, but Tiffy’s story will stay with me for a long time.

Thank you so much to #NetGalley and the publisher for my free advance copy in return for an unbiased review.

This debut, in some ways, does what other novels have done before: there’s a boy, a girl, they fall in love, and they triumph over adverse situations. This may sound like a typical ‘chick-lit’ read. However, O’Leary does something quite different here, both in content and from, which makes The Flatshare an enjoyable read.

Tiffy is looking for somewhere to stay, having broken up with tyrannical (and sometimes quite wooden) boyfriend, Justin. She needs somewhere to live and comes across Leon - a palliative care nurse in a hospice. So far, so good - but it turns out that Tiffy will need to share Leon’s bed but not at the same time: when he goes to work, Tiffy returns home. In theory, they’ll never meet and their lives will carry on being as they have always been, apart from the fact two strangers are sharing a bed at separate times.

Leon has a girlfriend, Kay, and a brother in prison; Tiffy, who works for a publisher as an editor. Their lives continue as usual - until Kay and Leon break up and Justin becomes a major pain in Tiffy’s life.

O’Leary has written a book here that does have a happy ending. The alternate viewpoints - Leon and Tiffy - and the dialogue between characters makes this a less than conventional read. But it’s not just a romance: this deals with emotional abuse, gay love with a reconciliation after decades apart and the struggles that young people have when living in an expensive city in 2019. It’s not firmly rooted in setting but it doesn’t need to be. This is a novel about the intricacies of characters and how we learn so much about each other, through home baking, wardrobe choices and Post-it notes - and that’s without even seeing the other person.

Finishing ‘The Flatshare’ left me with a fuzzy feeling - but also made me realise the lengths some people go to in order to help others. Read this and enjoy.

O'Leary with natural charm. Her voice is compelling and easy to read, making this book a pleasant read. A truly interesting concept, The Flatshare is a unique romance, with lovely, genuine characters.

I can’t remember the last time I gave a romance book 5 stars. They just don’t seem to fully do it for me anymore. Well until The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary came along and stole my jaded heart.

Thanks to Quercus for giving me for giving me a copy of this book for review consideration. As always, no matter what the source of the book, you get my honest, unbiased opinion.

FIRST LINE OF THE FLATSHARE BY BETH O’LEARY

You’ve got to say this for desperation: it makes you much more open-minded.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE FLATSHARE BY BETH O’LEARY

I’ve all the love for

- the unique blurb. It’s genius!
- the adorable characters that I immediately fell in love with, especially our leading duo Tiff and Leon
- the quirky friends who were loyal, hilarious and outspoken as the occasion demanded
- all the post-it notes, from funny to tender, I was smitten with them
- the chemistry and the lack of stupid misunderstanding which drives me crazy in most romance books.
- the heartwarming feels that I got watching love triumph (yes even this cynic was charmed.)

Beth O’Leary…you have a new fan! If you keep writing fun, unconventional books with delightful characters, I’ll be queueing up to read them.

WHO SHOULD READ THE FLATSHARE BY BETH O’LEARY ?

I’d highly recommend this to you, if you are looking for a light-hearted, fun book, that will give you all the warm and fuzzy feelings. Fans of authors like Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Carmel Harrington should also enjoy.

Tiffy answers an advert to share a flat with Leon. He has it during the day and she has it at night so they never meet. This unconventional flat share works for them and they forge a beautiful friendship. Soon the lines move and they start to realise that there could be more to their flat share.
This was a cracking read and I couldn’t keep myself away from it. Thank god for my train commute today! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a perfect, feel-good, moving, funny, tender story, all I wanted to do when I finished was share it with everyone I knew and immediately read it again. Despite it's semi-ludicrous concept (I know London renting is hard, but sharing a bed???), Beth O'Leary completely makes the story believable, and the quirky situation meshes so neatly with the protagonists' own natural quirks that the storyline quickly doesn't seem so outlandish...

Tiffy is an incredibly likable heroine - funny, unique, unapologetically herself - and I loved following her journey from start to end. What I thought was initially just a plot driver - her horrendous ex kicking her to the curb - develops into a much more serious theme, which is handled so well in the book and really added some originality and depth to the story.

Leon is, put simply, wonderful. I loved that he was so three-dimensional and not your standard romance hero; even though he's sweet and sensitive and compassionate (and more than a little socially awkward), he absolutely has his own confidence and is willing to say what he means and take a firm hand when necessary. Basically, he's the dream. And don't even get me started on his brother, Richie...

Tiffy and Leon are what really make this book special - though they both have their own idiosyncrasies and peculiarities, Beth O'Leary balances these so that it doesn't feel like that's the only thing that makes these characters who and what they are. I kept thinking of them as New Girl characters, but less in-your-face with their individuality (if that makes sense...). There are some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments in The Flatshare and it's usually always down to these two characters, though an honourable mention has to go out to their friends and family, who also have their brilliant moments.

This book is a romance with real heart. It's not afraid to tackle serious issues and does so in a meaningful way. We have tensions, conflicts and villains that aren't farcical (as can often be the case in this genre) and create real problems, balanced with a romance that builds from something that should be pure unbelievable silliness, but actually stems from new friendship based on communication.

If you like Sophie Kinsella, Julia Quinn (for the witty dialogue and repartee), Melissa Nathan and Gail Honeymoon, this is 100% the book for you.

I would firstly like to thank Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they're crazy, but it's the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy's at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time. But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven't met yet, they're about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window.

I fancied a change from my usual genre of book, and I was not disappointed! I loved this one! The ending I did see coming but that didn't stop the whole plot being fabulously-written with plenty of joyous moments and loveable characters. I adored both Tiffy and Leon right from their start, and their post-note relationship kept me smiling the whole way through. Witty, funny, romantic and uplifting - this is definitely a read I highly reccomend!

The Flatshare is a heartwarming book with a bit of a dark edge to it; Tiffy needs a cheap place to live in London after breaking up with her boyfriend. A flatshare seems a perfect option, but with this one there's only one bed. Leon works nights and needs money, so he offers his flat to Tiffy nights and weekends, he'll occupy it during week days. Perfect, yes? What follows is a charming story as Tiffy and Leon communicate through Post-Its and develop a friendship. It's not all sunshine and flowers though, the book deals with abusive relationships and criminal injustice which gives the book depth. The characters were well rounded and I enjoyed getting to know them. I read the book in one sitting and loved every minute.

This is a lovely and fun romance book, which is a unique story as two people share a bed and a flat but they never meet - and they end up communicating via notes they leave to each other, and the way they start to get to know each other is so nicely done. I think this will also be a great movie.
I am not really a fan of contemporary romance but really liked this book. Recommended read for summer holidays, or if you need some uplifting reads!

I originally picked up this book as I was looking for something light and fluffy to pass the time, in reality what I got was so much more.
The premise of this book initially drew my attention, two strangers sharing a flat and a bed. As they work opposite hours, one sleeps in it at night and the other in the day. They begin leaving each other notes and start to get to know each other although they have never met face to face.
Yes it was cute and fluffy and heart warming but it was also serious and important, with themes of stalking, abuse, work place bullying, the justice system and gaslighting. I loved the dual points of view and feel it gave the book a much more rounded and complete feel.
All in all this was great, I loved the individual voices and circle of friends/support network. The serious topics were addresses brilliantly and sensitively.

Also Leon is a complete babe and I wish he was my boyfriend!!

Tiffy and Leon, both have problems to take care of that require the other one to solve.

Tiffy's boyfriend dumped her and brought home his new girlfriend leaving Tiffy with a tough choice to finally shift. She was living with Justin and hadn't thought of renting a flat when this news came along. Plus, homes in London are anyways too expensive to even rent for someone who works in a small publishing house.

Leon needs 350pounds a month to pay to his brother, Richie's lawyer in order for him to fight a wrongly accused case of an armed robbery that put Richie in jail. He is forced to share his flat and hence, his bed with a stranger to get those 350pounds. He works as a palliative care nurse and is home only from 9am-5pm, so he puts up an ad for anyone working in that time frame. His girlfriend disapproves of this arrangement but later agrees only to support Leon.

Tiffy's friends are against her taking up the offer in the ad, but she has apparently no choice but to go for it. She meets up with Leon's girlfriend and fixes the deal.

Leon and Tiffy now share a flat,
they share a bed.
But they haven't, yet, met!
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.
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- This is not just a romantic story. There are elements of family responsibility and friendly drama.
- Tiffy and Leon are poles apart and yet they are quite perfect for each other. (as it is supposed to be :p)
- Tiffy is still wounded by her emotionally abusive relationship with Justin. He is obsessive, compulsive and knows how to get his ways. Tiffy finds herself weak around him. And, Leon is too engrossed in his brother's case that he didn't realize when he lost his relationship to time.
- They end up leaving post-it notes for each other all over the flat, which sort of became their only communication. They went over a year without actually seeing each other until one day their paths crossed in the shower!
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This debut comes as a breath of fresh air! The writing is very different from others of this genre. It's more like a dialogue but without the designatory names. It flows too well once you get the grip of it. Tiffy's parts are quite lengthy like she is too and Leon's are more concise because he won't speak much (but I would've liked more from him too).

The story isn't anything new. We have come across it in simpler ways. The two protagonists meet each other in odd ways and fall in love. The world is against their union but they somehow stick together until a blast from the past happens and blows everything away!
But what is different is the way these events happen and everything between them.
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The author has done a wonderful job at creating these characters that need each other to find their own true balance. Tiffy needed someone like Leon to feel safe in her skin, to be herself and to really know what a guy should be like. And Leon needed Tiffy to break out of his shell and experience life like he never had. They fit in like a puzzle.
Plus, the supporting characters have a story of their own (which I love in a story) that supports the main plot. All the characters are quirky and unique with a bit of drama.
The epilogue was a bit too cheesy but I guess something had to be.

It's a beautiful rom-com + family drama, embedded amazingly well gelled.
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4.25/5 for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Leon only uses his flat during the day to sleep in (he works nights and spends the weekends with his girlfriend), he needs extra cash so decides to rent his flat out for the time he doesn't use it. Tiffy works during the day (so wouldn't be using the flat then) and is in desperate need of a cheap place to stay ...its the perfect solution isn't it? Join Tiffy and Leon as they begin their sharing a flat and bed sharing agreement, despite never having set eyes on each other.

This novel is written from both Tiffy and Leon's view points with them sharing alternate chapters throughout. I loved reading both sides of this quirky unique story, the characters are likeable, relatable and funny. O'Leary pulls you in with her fresh, fun concept and will have you turning the pages long after you should have turned the lights out. This is a well rounded and uplifting story, with some brilliantly poignant, a few darker and many laugh-out-loud moments. I haven’t been as touched by a book since Me Before You.... it’s laugh-out-loud and all kinds of crying (sad and happy tears were shed in the reading of this novel!). If you pick up one book this year make sure this is it!

Thanks to Quercus Books & Netgalley for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

I know I'm not the first person to rave about this book and I certainly won't be the last but this book is definitely worth the hype.
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The Flatshare is a story about Tiffy and Leon, two people who live in the same flat in London but have never actually met. Tiffy lives in the flat in the evenings and weekends and Leon, who works nights in a hospital, lives in the flat during the day. As the two never get the chance to meet, they begin communicating through post-it notes throughout the flat.

As a romance novel, this wouldn't usually be my first choice for a book but I was so pleasantly surprised! The book deals with some serious issues (which I don't want to give away too much about) and I absolutely loved seeing the relationship between Tiffy and Leon grow. It made me laugh and cry and I whizzed through it in the space of a day.

A feel good romantic comedy with brilliantly lovable characters. Tiffy, a flamboyantly dressed editor for a small book publisher has to move out of her ex boyfriends house, with little money in London she ends up in a bizarre flat share with Leon, the quiet hospice nurse who is willing to share his bed with a stranger for the money to help his brother.
Leon's girlfriend Kay, vets Tiffy as appropriate to spend the nights and weekends in Leon's flat when he is working night shift. He gets the flat during the day, the plan is never to meet, leaving notes for each other is their only communication.
Even though the plot is a generally obvious, the route it takes is pleasantly written, with strong characters who you will feel yourself routing for. Tiffy and her friends who love to dissect her love life, and Leon's patients who are his closest friends, all play their part in the friendship that Tiffy and Leon share.
I am not normally a romance reader but The Flatshare is a modern, fresh, take which uses comedy and great characters to make a very enjoyable read.
I think if a book makes you cry(especially happy tears), the author has done a good job!
Big thanks to the publisher Quercus books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Ok, I absolutely loved this book. It was not what I was expecting at all, it had so much more heart. I adored both Tiffy and Leon, I loved the romance that played out between them both. It felt very romantic in a normal, everyday way not too over the top and silly.
I was actually disappointed when I cake to the end of the book, I could have carried on reading about these characters for ages. Whilst it was light hearted and enjoyable it did touch on the topic of emotional abuse in relationships which I personally felt was done very well. But I will totally read this Beth O'Leary's next book!

The Flat Share is a book I don’t read a lot of from this genre but I have to say that this was a really, really good read.
Tiffy and Leon are bed mates, living in London is a pricey thing to do so for me I can’t see why other people aren’t doing it. It’s Leon’s flat and he works nights at the hospital and weekends with his girlfriend and Tiffy works days and gets to stay in the flat at weekends, so long as each stays to their side of the bed everything runs smoothly and they never meet.
I loved Tiffy I thought she was a great character and cared a lot about her, I also liked Leon although not as much. Thinking about it apart from Justin all the characters were likeable, the story moved along at a good pace and because you care about the main characters you fly through the pages. There were a few sensitive subjects covered but done well and I have to say it was a joy to read.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Quercus Books for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my goodness I loved this book so much and devoured it in 24 hours. A first class com com which I really hope someone makes into a film. At first the stilted writing style in Leon’s chapters was annoying but I soon got used to it and it did help easily distinguish Leon’s chapters from Tiffy’s chapters. I loved Leon and stuffy and the whole gang (except Justin, obviously)! Left me with a big smile on my face.

I'm afraid I really didn't enjoy this book. The characters didn't hold my attention, and I didn't like the writing style at all - putting the characters names in front of every sentence they spoke. I found that really distracting and the story didn't 'flow'.

Tiffy moves in to Leon's flat after breaking up with her abusive, controlling partner. Leon works nights, she works days so they share a bed. A mass of very funny post it notes are their means of communication. A brilliantly written, book with a different theme as Leon tries to get his innocent brother out of jail, and Tiffy copes with her feelings about her break- up.

This was way cuter than I anticipated! I've been having a hit-or-miss kind of relationship with adult romance lately, but this kept me reading with its easy to follow writing and feel-good story! Tiffy and Leon have great chemistry and their dialogue felt so natural. The "there's only one bed" trope was handled so well in this and I'm excited to read more from this new author in the future!