I expected The Flatshare to be a cute romance but it ended up being so much more and I devoured it in one day.
The book is dual perspective, following Tiffy and Leon. Leon has a one bed flat and needs some extra cash so he decides to rent it out, bed and all, as he works nights and is only ever there 9 to 5. Introducing Tiffy, she has just split from her ex, works 9 to 5 and needs to move out, cheaply, and sharing a bed with someone you’ll never meet isn’t too weird right?
The first thing that stood out to me was the writing style. Tiffy and Leon have distinct voices and their chapters reflect this and dual POV worked well for the book. Leon’s chapters were stilted and sentences were very short and structured simply. I originally didn’t enjoy this but then I realised it was an accurate reflection of his personality and the way he speaks. It grew on me and made his chapters stand out.
I went in expecting a fun romance novel, but there was also some chillingly dark undertones. The majority of the book is a light and fun read but Beth O’Leary sensitively and excellently discusses emotional abuse and the impact it can have on the abused and people around them.
Tiffy and Leon’s relationship developed slowly and naturally. I was frustrated at points with them not meeting but it was good frustration, it made the pay off all the more sweeter. I also have to commend Beth on developing a relationship mainly through the medium of post it notes they leave for one another.
In the end it was a well rounded rom-com that I would highly recommend.
The book is dual perspective, following Tiffy and Leon. Leon has a one bed flat and needs some extra cash so he decides to rent it out, bed and all, as he works nights and is only ever there 9 to 5. Introducing Tiffy, she has just split from her ex, works 9 to 5 and needs to move out, cheaply, and sharing a bed with someone you’ll never meet isn’t too weird right?
The first thing that stood out to me was the writing style. Tiffy and Leon have distinct voices and their chapters reflect this and dual POV worked well for the book. Leon’s chapters were stilted and sentences were very short and structured simply. I originally didn’t enjoy this but then I realised it was an accurate reflection of his personality and the way he speaks. It grew on me and made his chapters stand out.
I went in expecting a fun romance novel, but there was also some chillingly dark undertones. The majority of the book is a light and fun read but Beth O’Leary sensitively and excellently discusses emotional abuse and the impact it can have on the abused and people around them.
Tiffy and Leon’s relationship developed slowly and naturally. I was frustrated at points with them not meeting but it was good frustration, it made the pay off all the more sweeter. I also have to commend Beth on developing a relationship mainly through the medium of post it notes they leave for one another.
In the end it was a well rounded rom-com that I would highly recommend.