Leon needs money, so he advertises his flat to share... except, whoever moves in with him would also have to share his bed. Leon works nights, spends every weekend at his girlfriends, so it's the perfect arrangement. Right? Whoever moves in can have the flat every night and every weekend. Perfect.

Tiffy needs a place to live. Her ex-boyfriend, who she is still living with, has brought his new fiance home to rub in her face and she can't take it anymore. She needs to get out. So, against the advice of everyone she knows, she accepts Leon's flatshare offer. She sleeps on the left, he sleeps on the right, and the two never have to meet. Simple, right?

First off, I LOVE the premise for The Flatshare. It's been on my radar for so long because it's so original, but so fun, and you don't need to know a lot about the plot to know it has so much room for comedy and for things to go wrong.

The thing that really sells this book, and has made it a favourite of mine, is the characters. Mainly Leon and Tiffy, who are both so unique in their voices, (although Leon's chapters are very blunt, almost bullet point in his thoughts which takes some getting used to, but in the end I actually wound up enjoying them because there's so little drivel to sift through) but also Mo, Gerty, Katherin, and Rachel. I loved Rachel, especially. There is something so genuine about her friendship with Tiffy, the way they always have each others back, their inside jokes, the way they understand each other with a simple look. It's a beautifully written friendship and I adored it.

I smiled like all the way home on the bus reading this because it's just so damn cute!! The flirty notes Leon and Tiffy leave for each other, the sexy tiffin eating, all of their interactions, no matter how far removed from being face-to-face they are, are so very heartwarming and make you feel fuzzy inside. But it's not just all cutesy stuff (well, it is, but it's really well written cutesy stuff!) When reading it I would like I was the one in that situation - my stomach is going and I feel nervous and like I'm about to pounce on my flatmate! I was getting butterflies and that dipping in my stomach of anticipation. I don't actually recall getting that with any other book before.

It's also a very funny book. Maybe not belly laughing, laugh out loud kind of way, but subtle one liners and little quips that are ingrained into who Tiffy is as a character. Just a couple of examples are:

'Mo, hold this,' Rachel says. I think 'this' is referring to me.

and

'So sweet that he hears 'restraining order' and thinks of me.'

Not major punchlines, but just the right amount of sarcasm and wit and joy to make me chuckle to myself.

Definitely one of my favourite books I've read this year so far, and one of my favourite romcoms. It's hard to say much more about the specifics I loved without spoilers, but what I will say is that I loved how much respect there was between characters, and acceptance that some things weren't up to them to change, or a be a part of that decision making progress. I loved the growth they all had, and how important they themselves were in that growth process, not relying heavily on their romantic interest. I mean this specifically about Tiffy, who, just having come out of an abusive relationship with a controlling, manipulative, cheating ex-boyfriend and who is unlearning all of the terrible ways he made her think about herself, and how he made her act, and does it all by herself! I mean, obviously she has help off her friends, but no man comes along and saves her, which is still so overused in romcoms.

Lastly, this book just gave me such a high. Cute, funny, warm and fuzzy, it's the perfect pick me up book which still has a lot of depth and great character arcs. I can't recommend it enough!

5 out of 5 stars for a truly brilliant read! The Flatshare is out 18/04/19 by Quercus books.

One for anyone in need of an uplifting story. 4/5 stars.

This book serves up everything you'd expect from the blurb and cover, and sometimes it's great to get exactly what you were hoping for.

Bibliotherapy is actually a thing, and this is the sort of story I would prescribe to anyone who needed cheering up. The Flatshare is a fabulous happy hug of a book in which dragons are slain and everything gets wrapped up nicely. If that sounds like the sort of uplifting read you need right now, I wouldn't hesitate in seeking this book out.

I was also pleased with how the book dealt with the tricky subjects of gaslighting and other forms of psychological abuse within a story which has an overarching comedic structure. The main character's experiences are never dismissed or swept out of the way quickly as some sort of inconvenience, but are rather dealt with sensitively and thoroughly.

The main characters are very loveable. From the get-go you are rooting for them and quickly get behind their relationship.

My highlight was the section of the book in which Tiffy and Leon are communicating only through notes. In fact, I never felt the story was quite as good once they met in person! Personally, I would have kept them apart and had them only writing to each other until a few chapters from the end :-) However, I do appreciate this would have kept the story back (!) and there is plenty of drama surrounding both the main characters to keep you interested once they have met.

Overall: a happy, uplifting book which all romance fans will enjoy.

I wish I could give this book more than five stars. Every so often you are lucky enough to read a book that you really don’t want to put down. This is one of them.
To say I enjoyed the story of Tiffy and Leon, family and assorted friends is an understatement. It’s an odd thing but I seem to often find myself making judgements about whether a certain book would make a good film. I believe The Flatshare would indeed.
Thrown together (but apart) Tiffy and Leon’s lives become entwined with at times hilarious and at other times extremely sad events. There is a goodness at the heart of the book that rekindles some faith in humanity in these trying times.
Please give this book a read. It will reward you.
This book was provided as an advance copy by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Note :
I provided the above review on Amazon when the book was released on Kindle on 11 April 2018

I absolutely loved this book. It’s been a while since I have literally laughed out and I couldn’t put it down.

If you're looking for an utterly charming, feelgood book then look no further than Beth O'Leary's deliciously funny and delightfully uplifting debut novel, The Flatshare!

The premise for The Flatshare shouldn't work (Tiffy and Leon share a flat; Tiffy and Leon share a bed;
Tiffy and Leaon have never met...) but O'Leary has pulled it off perfectly, whilst offering a refreshingly unique perspective to the crowded romcom scene. Told through a dual narrative - charismatic and reliable Tiffy, and quiet and kind Leon - and witty dialogue, The Flatshare is charmingly fast-paced, with just enough oomph that made me devour it in one sitting.

For a debut, this book already feels like an unforgettable classic, ringing bells of Bridget Jones and Me Before You. A must read for 2019!

After splitting with Justin for the umpteenth time, Tiffy knows something has got to give. She finally makes the heartbreaking decision to move out. The only place available is a flatshare in which she will share with Leon. They will never meet as, he will only be home during the week at daytime (as he works nights and will be with his girlfriend of a weekend).
An unlikely relationship blossoms between the two, whereas they write eachother post it notes by way of communicating.
This book has so many loveable characters but would not be complete without a bad guy.
Lovely feel good book with the hint of badness.

Loved this book - it is one of my favourite reads of the year!

The story of Leon and Tiffy. Great characters and a story that keeps you interested.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

I was luckly enough to read this before it came out thanks to Netgalley!

I've been devouring this book for the past week, slowly feeling like I'm in the flat alongside Tiffy and Leon and their day to day lives. 

Tiffy needs to move out of her ex-boyfriends flat and start afresh. But hasn't got the money to rent/ buy her own flat, or even enough money to even rent a room in a flat/house. So she does the one thing she can afford, share a bed with a stranger. Leon decides to to share the bed/flat to bring in some extra income to help with his brother (Richie) trial as he is in prison for a crime he did not commit. So all money comes in handy for Leon and its great for both people as Tiffy has it at nightime and Leon has it during the day. It works out great for many months, until one day they meet and not in a suitable manner. But now there is feelings, thoughts and emotions rising and will either one of them, or both of them act on it or just keep living as flatmates. 

It's out in hardback next Thursday!

What an amazing debut! Original, unique .. and quite enthralling!

Tiffy needs a place to lay her head at the end of the day - quickly, cheaply and in London. Leon needs to raise some extra cash - and fast. Working constant night shift and staying over at his girlfriend's home each weekend, gives him the notion to not only flat-share, but as he has a one-bedroom apartment, it also needs to be a room-share and a bed-share. Not the easiest choice, but needs must and as it suits both of them, so begins home-sharing for Tiffy and Leon who have yet to meet each other.

This is a book which grabbed my attention from the first and kept it til the last. We learn so much about the lives of Tiffy and Leon; their work, their friends,, their relationships and then they need to learn about each other without actually being able to picture their opposite number. I loved the idea of this before I opened my kindle, and I love it even more now I've read it all. The basis of the story is cleverly developed, and expands into an excellent first novel with beautiful writing and a tale which flows smoothly with plenty of ups and downs so the reader is never absolutely exactly sure where it's leading. With several intertwining stories all wrapped up into one, it's a fab read! I really hope that Beth O'Leary is making progress with her second novel, because I want to read it! An absolutely splendid 5* book.

My thanks to publisher Quercus for my copy via NetGalley. All opinions give here are, of course, entirely my own.

There are many, many things I loved about this book, but the outstanding characters are the absolute top best things in this novel. Tiffy is intelligent, creative, kind and very very funny. Leon is introverted, sensitive, loyal and loveable. Their friends and family are equally as amazing; Rachel, Mo, Gerty, Richie, Holly etc. You feel part of their gang and inspired by the bonds they share.

This definitely has a classic, poignant rom-com feel alongside greats such as P.S. I Love You, Me Before You and One Day In December. It tugs at your heartstrings, explores serious issues such as coercive/ abusive relationships, and provides some serious chemistry.

Anyone who has ever house-shared will relate to many of the aspects these two strangers encounter, from passive aggressive notes about mess to how much someone's little actions (coffee cups, cooking, fridge contents etc) can tell you so much about them. Throw in random neighbours who you never know their real names just what number they live it or name them after what car they drive or name them "cat man" because you saw them talking to their cat through the window once, and you get how relatable and funny this book really is.

It did take me a little while to adjust to Leon's chapters because of the clipped, almost listed way his dialogue was written, with words missing almost in an abridged text message. But, I soon realised this quite cleverly portrays how Leon thinks, and speaks, with few words and more guarded and cautious than Tiff's overenthusiastic and chatty style. Leon hates change, he's an introvert and not prone to talking too much to people he doesn't feel open with; those that he does bond with however, such as his brother, and a couple of his patients, get the best of Leon's Irish charm and humour. I actually find myself sometimes reading male perspective dialogues in romance books and wondering if many men at all ever think and speak in such ways, so this tactic in my opinion was a refreshing and effective use of narrative.

Ultimately, The Flatshare is a positively warm, encouraging and feelgood book that is guaranteed to make you smile and feel that little bit better for reading it.

I'm super excited to talk about this book today! I received a proof of The Flatshare through Netgalley, and I'm supes excited because *spoiler*, I bloody loved it.

The premise of The Flatshare is simple. Leon is a nurse that works nights. He needs to save money. Tiffy is an editor at a publishing house. She works 9-5 and can't afford her own place. The solution? They end up sharing a flat ... and a bed. He stays there during the day, and then is gone before Tiffy gets home in the evening. They've never met and communicate via lots of post-it-notes stuck up around the flat. And well ... the story goes from there!

I absolutely loved the premise. It intrigued me immediately. It's such a 21st-century-living-in-London dilemma, because who can really afford to live in London really??? And it was woven together seamlessly with really interesting sub-plots and characters I grew quickly attached to.

I honestly couldn't put it down.

The whole book felt very complete - it didn't just rely on the romance to make it entertaining. The romance was cute sure, and I enjoyed it greatly, but I also really cared about the other characters in the book. It's definitely the sign of a great writer, because so often, books can have complex main characters, but then really two-dimensional side characters that add next to nothing. I'm so glad The Flatshare didn't fall into that dangerous trap!

This book was such a fun ride and honestly, exactly what I needed. It's dual-narrated by Tiffy and Leon - their voices are both very distinct, which I appreciated. There was never any confusion about whose chapter it was, which can sometimes happen.

Whilst it was a fun read, Beth O'Leary also wasn't afraid to touch upon difficult topics. In particular, the story incorporates really important conversations about abusive relationships, emotional manipulation, and unjust imprisonment.

And lastly, as someone who works in publishing and is also a very crafty person, I absolutely LOVED that Tiffy worked at a crafty DIY publisher. It was so entertaining to read about her dilemmas with authors, day-to-day life, and the events she would get roped into helping with. Such a fun addition that was a surprise, but I really enjoyed.

This is the first 'Adult' book I've read in a while, as I tend to steer more towards YA books. However, I honestly would recommend this book to everyone as it's such a fun read, with great characters, and a plot that really delivers on the premise. It's out in 2 weeks time so be sure to look out for it!

The Flatshare is a quirky love story along the lines of One Day and The Day We Met. It focuses on the separate lives of Tiffy and Leon. People who share the same bed but have never met.

Tiffy works in publishing and is recovering from a break up and Leon works in a hospice and has far too many people demanding his time and care.

As with most good love stories, The Flatshare has plenty of ups and downs and is swoons-worthy in many parts. What was refreshing is that Beth O’Leary has managed to deal with plenty of ‘real-world’ problems that haven’t been overdone or seem tired. She handles her characters and their stories rather masterfully.

The Flatshare was a brilliant story; one that I will be recommending to everyone.

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary is available now.

For more information regarding Beth O’Leary (@OLearyBeth) please visit her Twitter page.

For more information regarding Quercus Books (@QuercusBooks) please visit their Twitter page.

I'm going to start this review with " I absolutely loved this book" . Beth O' Leary's Flatshare is a massive comforting hug of a book. This is a book about love in its many guises familial, obsessive and romantic. Leon needs money Tiff needs somewhere cheap to live and so begins the flatshare of the title. Tiff and Leon communicate by note and gradually get to know one another. The various plotlines are cleverly entwined and I just had to keep reading to see how events transpired. Thank you ,#Netgalley for the chance to read this lovely novel and thank you #BethOLeary for writing this piece of loveliness #TheFlatshare.

We've all heard the horror stories about renting in central London, so while the idea of sharing a flat with a stranger on a rota might be bizarre in real life it does make for a humourous and intriguing premise for a novel.

Tiffy more, a twenty something editor, has recently broken up with her boyfriend and needs to find a flat pronto. Cue Leon, who needs some extra cash and works nights, so advertises his flat to share - quite literally in shifts. This creates a hilarious, even if a bit unrealistic, scenario in which Tiffy and Leon never actually meet but begin an endearing relationship through post it notes.

The novel is light-hearted and funny, yet O'Leary interweaves more serious issues of domestic abuse and the justice system into the character's lives. The characters are complex, with creative sub-narratives, not only the core two, but also the wider cast, who provide depth and variety to the story. Tiffy's different relationships with her friends are well painted, from the in jokes, oversharing and constant messaging with Rachel, to the gentle affection of her relationship with Mo.

However, despite the aspects of the novel which are well done, the novel is predictable and relies on a number of multiple ridiculous coincidences, which push the limits of the imagination. There were moments where the surprise was not due to the events of the narrative, but actually in the realisation that something which was obvious from the beginning was supposed to be a reveal. Moreover, the narrative was sometimes difficult to read, with Leon's sections written in broken and incomplete sentences, and the passages of messages between the two not well distinguished as to who is speaking. This makes the narrative flow less seamlessly. The characters, while well rounded, were also difficult to picture, and at times seemed like an amalgamation of quirky personality points.

This plotline would make a wonderful 'dramedy' romance film with the right cast, and was entertaining. However, at times it was just too over the top and predictable to make the most of a fun and original premise.

I loved this book! I am in love with Tiffy and Leon. I enjoyed the overall story and yes it may have been slightly predictable as many rom-coms are but I enjoyed every second of reading it.
The premise of the book is what drew me to it. I was intrigued by the idea of how 2 people sharing a flat but never meeting would work and I loved the progress of their relationship. It was carefully and gradually done and at no point did it seemed rushed especially with what you learn to be the problems Tiffy has.

Tiffy needs somewhere to live, and Leon needs a flatmate - but not a conventional one - he only has one bedroom, and one bed, and ia offering his flat and bed during evenings and weekends whilst he is at work. For Tiffy this sounds like a perfect plan. Tiffy and Leon haven’t met, but for Tiffy its the perfect opportubity to start afresh after breaking up with her controlling boyfriend Justin. Leon has a girlfriend, Kay, and she is not happy with Leon sharing his flat, but understands that he needs the money to help pay the legal fees for his brother Richie who is in prison. Tiffy and Leon communicate via post it note. Until one day they accidentally meet....... This story was brilliant, Inreally really loved the book, Tiffy and Leon are great characters, ands are best friends Rachel, Gertie and Mo. Highly recommend this book.

I started to read this when I went to bed last night - and stayed awake to 4am to finish it - I wouldn’t have been able to sleep without knowing the ending.
I loved this book!
Tiffy needs somewhere to live to get away from Justin, with whom she has had an on and off relationship for a while, but who has treated her badly, getting engaged to another woman within a few months of their split.
. Leon needs money to pay for his brother’s legal defence for a crime he didn’t commit. Leon works nights so advertises his one bedroom flat to share from 6pm to 8am, an arrangement that suits them both - and also Leon’s girlfriend who doesn’t want them to meet.
They each have their own side of the bed, and get to know each other by leaving messages and occasional food for each other.
Tiffy becomes increasingly aware that her relationship with Justin wasn’t exactly healthy - but he keeps confusing her by turning up unexpectedly when she is working at events.

I loved how the characters developed, how Tiffy became stronger with support from her friends who recognised her abusive relationship, and how their friendship made introvert Leon more open. Supporting characters were all so well written too. Can’t wait to see what Beth O’Leary does next.

Tiffy is desperate to leave her ex’s flat, she can’t afford much on her salary which means its mostly hovels when looking in London. She is so desperate that she actually applies to do a flat share with a mystery person where she gets the nights and they get the days, as he works nights and needs the extra cash. Leon likes a quiet life and ghosting along the corridors of the hospices where he works as a palliative car nurse suits him fine. It is a bit disconcerting when his flat is suddenly filled with multicoloured clutter but he slowly gets used to it. Its difficult to describe how much I loved this book except to say I think it’s the best book I’ve read this year and hope there’s more to come. Highly recommended. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Tiffy, God, I loved Tiffy. She’s kooky (think of, the greatly missed, Emma Chambers portrayal of Honey in Notting Hill but red-haired and taller and you’ll be able to conjure her up). Like Honey she’s unlucky in love and has made some bad choices in the past, choices that find her pretty much homeless and unable to afford anywhere to live in London except sharing a flat with, palliative-care night-nurse, Leon. Leon has his own financial worries, all his money going on lawyers fees in order to secure the release of his wrongly imprisoned brother.

The scene is set. The characters are strong, the writing stronger and the plot….well, I’m not giving away any spoilers but, if this little slice of literary delight doesn’t pretty much clean up the 2019 rom-com/up-lift market I’m in the wrong job!

A million yellow, shiny, pointy thingamajigs.

*Thank you Netgalley for my copy* I did really enjoy this book, very light hearted and easy to read - a great book for the beach (if you don’t mind laughing out loud!!) I didn’t give this 5 stars though, just because it was so predictable in parts - I pretty much knew what was going to happen before I began. However this doesn’t detract completely from the enjoyment, I really felt a lot of love and warmth to the characters :)