THE FLATSHARE

Rating edit: 4.5 stars.'Have you ever looked forward to reading a book so much you can’t actually start it?’I was pleasantly surprised to find this quote in the book, as this was the very reason why I didn't start reading this book even though I bought it last year.And I'm so glad I read, finally. It's entertaining and endearing. So engrossing that it traveled with me to my kitchen. That I took a break from an important writing project as I couldn't put it down.The protagonists, Leon and Tiffy, they just click, fantastically. Reminds me of something Leon said, 'I feel something shift in my chest. Hard to describe. Maybe like a lock clicking into place.'It's so endearing how they bond (and come to know each other) through the frequent notes they exchange, as they're not supposed to meet.'Like if we meet, everything will be different, and there will be no going back to how it was. And I like how it was. Is.'Those messages were so interesting that I looked forward to it (there are plenty).'It’s weird how easily you can get to know someone from the traces they leave behind.'I particularly loved Leon: someone who doesn't use pronouns. :) He's very-very nice!Even the secondary characters are interesting and important: Gerty, Mo, Rachel, Richie…Lovely, lovely read. One of my favourites this year. Please read if you enjoy reading love stories.

Not just a love storyWhen I stumbled upon The Flatshare and read the blurb, I knew that I would love it. I am so happy to say that yes, I was right and I absolutely loved this book.WHY I LOVED IT:**Interesting story set upTiffy is an assistant editor for a niche independent DIY and crafts publisher who often overworks and in return, her company pays her a pittance. She is searching for a cheaper flat to live after her wealthy and manipulative ex-boyfriend, Justin, evicts her from his flat because of involvement with another woman. Leon wanted some extra money to pay to his brother’s lawyer, who was framed for an armed robbery and was in jail. When Tiffy saw the advertisement for Leon’s one bedroom flat, she was more than happy to accept the offer. Leon had night shifts at the hospitals and he only lived in the apartment from 9 to 5. So he wanted someone who would live there after his working hours. Tiffy and Leon shared a bed but the interesting thing is they never met each other. They used to talk with post-it notes. Soon these small conversations through notes made them good friends and they started to understand each other without even meeting.**Adorable charactersI loved Tiffy. She was like your girl next door, talkative, energetic, outgoing and had a devastating fashion sense. Leon, on the other hand, was reserved in nature and was a man of few words. But as they say, opposites attract each other and thus later, they form a quirky and interesting relationship. Richie, Leon’s younger brother, was a fun character. I loved how he talked to Tiffy and made her comfortable and known without even meeting her. Mo and Gerty were Tiffy’s best friend and were always there for her as her support system. Rachel was Tiffy’s co-worker and they had quite interesting friendship too. I hated Justin so much. He was Tiffy’s ex-boyfriend. He was manipulative and aggressive.**Not just a love storyThe Flatshare is not just a love story. It is way more than that. It is about celebrating friendship, life, grief and overcoming your fears. It is also about an important form of abuse in a relationship- mental abuse.**Amazing writingBeth O’Leary has written a wonderful novel. Her writing is mesmerising and humorous. She has created a wonderful set of characters with whom you would relate. You would instantly fall for Leon and Tiffy. With the alternate POVs, the story keeps you hooked till the end. In the beginning, the story feels to be a light read. But as you move forward it becomes more emotional. Along with being emotional, there are so many humorous moments which really kept the story interesting.**OverallI would definitely recommend The Flatshare to all the contemporary romance lovers. This is an appealing, fun and entertaining read while also handling some important issues like abuse. With an interesting plot and lively characters, Beth O’Leary has delivered an amazing read which I would remember for a long time.

A marvelous read and a perfect pick me up book. The characters are real, warm and funny. Definitely recommend for a feel good read

I liked the interesting style of writing. I liked the premise but....I wish she hadn't brought her strong dislike about D. Trump in the midst of story, not once but many times. She could have done without it. It left a bad taste in my mind.

I finished reading The Flatshare yesterday. It took me nearly 10 days to complete this book and it was totally worth the time.The story is about Tiffy and Leon who decide to do a flat share in a single bedroom apartment. Tiffy works as an editor of DIY genre books and Leon is a nurse. The story starts off with Tiffy moving in to Leon's flat as a tenant after having dealt with a messy breakup. And as a part of the contract, they are not supposed to see each other in person. So, they interact via Post It notes. This aspect adds so much warmth to the story and finally in the middle of the book the protagonists end up meeting as the circumstance demands for it. Both Tiffy and Leon are warm and huggable characters filled with kindness and love. The story does have a predictable ending and the supporting characters, Tiffy's friend and Leon's patients and brother add all the more warmth and fun to the story.The language was simple and eloquent and I liked the flow of the story. It was precise and unique because of the first part of the story. The descriptions of the scenes and people were rich with imagery. I am going to give this book a 4/5.

What a lovely Hollywood like romcom story! Totally loved it!! I recommend it to everyone who loves to read the romantic genre!

It’s such an amazing story to read!!The characters and the plot are really good and closer to real life!

An entertaining read that will make you turn each page to get know what's going to happen to Tiffy and Leon! Meet-cute takes a new design. Good work Beth O' Leary

Tiffy is such a quirky fun loving protagonist. It’s fun to read as she and Leon develop a relationship. While there is light and fun moments these characters definitely have some heavy baggage to overcome. The story is well paced with levity offsetting the serious topics the book incorporates. I found a recommendation for this book on SM and am glad I finally moved it off my TBR

Comprei para treinar meu inglês e gostei. Não tem palavras difíceis e a história é boa.

This was a fun little novel. Even for an early 30s man. I only wish the television series of this book stuck to the original material. - They had the perfect cast but ruined the script.Anyways, this is a fantastic quick novel to read, for everyone.

Un libro que en verdad es súper fácil de leer , tiene la cantidad necesaria de romance y drama, además de que la escritora redactó de una manera muy chistosa los escenarios que se presentaban.

What a beautiful real story about characters with real people problems and experiences.