3.75

The Flatshare is the debut rom-com by English author Beth O’Leary. Main characters are the quirky Tiffy Moore and palliative care nurse Leon Twomey who share a flat-and a bed-but never at the same time. With the challenges of finding a flat in London pressing upon her, Tiffy responds to an advert seeking a flatmate for a one room apartment. She works in the day and uses the flat at night and the weekends, and Leon works nights and sleeps in the flat during the day. A friendship evolves as the two exchange post-it notes about day to day things, then gradually involving the challenges of their lives: a brother in prison, an entitled ex-boyfriend and a demanding girlfriend.

This was a light, easy read but I preferred it to most contemporary romances as there was less than the usual amount of drooling and constant references to his biceps. The difficulties with Tiffy’s ex were also something many female readers would relate to. ( )

I finally understand all the hype and praise that The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary was given. As two roommates who never meet face-to-face fall in love through notes, the reader can’t help but join them. As romantic comedy novels go, this one was top-notch.

Tiffy who works as a publisher of DIY books, and is going through a difficult break-up from her nasty ex-boyfriend, discovers a flat that is within her budget. Leon, a palliative care nurse, works nights so the arrangement is easy, Tiffy has the use of the bed at night, while Leon sleeps in the day. But as they exchange notes on day-to-day things their lives start to entwine and slowly they discover what the reader already senses, these roommates could soulmates. Of course there are a number of things to sort through before these two can live happily ever after and it’s a fun ride with these two lovable characters.

The Flatshare is a clever, slightly quirky story. The two main characters are fun to follow and the author gives us some interesting secondary characters who help move the story along. I liked how the characters developed a friendship before getting romantic and that they both had issues to deal with. I was surprised that this is the author’s debut novel but happy that I can now search out more of her stories. ( )

Ordinarily, I leave romances on the shelf where they belong. Two of my favorite people recommended this, though, and I was pleasantly surprised. It is one of the best romances I've ever read, and uniquely told from both perspectives. I loved it! ( )

This is a lovely modern story with believable, mature characters. At times the story flows over situational humor even as the plot directs the cast through believable challenges. In the end, you’re rooting for everyone—main and supporting characters alike. ( )