Sometimes I just need a cute romance novel to restore my faith in humanity, and (for the most part) this book did exactly that.
I was expecting a sweet, simple read with some overly quirky characters and a one bed trope, but the story is a lot more thoughtful and complex than that. Sensitive issues like emotional abuse, flashbacks and trauma are explored with care and depth, and yet somehow the book maintains a hopeful, optimistic buzz that managed to make me smile at least once per every double page spread.
Apart, of course, from the scenes about the awful ex-boyfriend, Justin, who was so terrible and manipulative that I actually found myself shuddering. I can't begrudge the author for including him, though, because it's often the darkly powerful, rich and commanding characters we're taught to root for in romance books, rather than being warned about things like unhealthy possessiveness and obsessive control.
It's great to follow Tiffy's journey as she tries to face up to and move on from such a destructive relationship, and her past only makes me love the sweet respect of her flatmate Leon all the more.
If you're looking for a perceptive read with adorable moments and smatterings of humour spread throughout, pick this up.
I was expecting a sweet, simple read with some overly quirky characters and a one bed trope, but the story is a lot more thoughtful and complex than that. Sensitive issues like emotional abuse, flashbacks and trauma are explored with care and depth, and yet somehow the book maintains a hopeful, optimistic buzz that managed to make me smile at least once per every double page spread.
Apart, of course, from the scenes about the awful ex-boyfriend, Justin, who was so terrible and manipulative that I actually found myself shuddering. I can't begrudge the author for including him, though, because it's often the darkly powerful, rich and commanding characters we're taught to root for in romance books, rather than being warned about things like unhealthy possessiveness and obsessive control.
It's great to follow Tiffy's journey as she tries to face up to and move on from such a destructive relationship, and her past only makes me love the sweet respect of her flatmate Leon all the more.
If you're looking for a perceptive read with adorable moments and smatterings of humour spread throughout, pick this up.