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lala_reads_too's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A delightful, heart-warming story filled with unexpected twists and character growth, making it a surprisingly engaging read. Could not put down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic, Emotional abuse, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Terminal illness
Minor: Body shaming, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Sexual assault
angelofthetardis's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
After being ditched for another woman, Tiffy is desperate to find a new place to live. Leon has a flat sitting empty at night while he's out working and is in need of extra cash. Seems like the ideal arrangement; they live together and yet have the place to themselves. It's just the rest of their lives that make things more complicated...
Picked this book up after seeing the recent TV adaptation advertised (still haven't managed to actually watch ot though!) and liking the premise. It certainly delivered upon my expectations; I was pleasantly surprised that the set up didn't feel contrived, but instead made perfect sense in the circumstances! Similarly, the exchange of messages via post-it note works really well; they have phones and know how to use them, but somehow again there was no questioning why they didn't just message or WhatsApp eachother, even when their notes become longer.
On the surface, this is a very cute story, but there are darker themes running throughout. Normally, the only thing that gets me to close the book and take a breath before continuing is second-hand embarrassment, but in this case there were a couple of occasions where I needed a moment to allow my more visceral reactions towards certain characters and actions to subside. Tiffy does go on something of a healing journey throughout the book, and so I also found myself having to revise my opinion on some of her thoughts and actions, and recognise them as almost a 'conditioned response' to a girl who can't quite let go of a guy who is clearly not good for her. I give the author kudos for illustrating the development and recovery process in such a way.
The book is very well rounded, with a number of great little sub-plots and other details that serve the main plot very well and flesh out both the main and secondary characters, making them particularly lovable (or hateable as the case may be). There's a little bit of social commentary on the state of the justice system, a story of long-lost love, and an admiration of crochet that absolutely tips this towards the 'cosy' end of the spectrum in places!
The one thing I didn't get to grips with was the way Leon's chapters were structured. The chapters alternate between Tiffy and Leon's PoVs, but while Tiffy's are written in fairly standard prose, Leon's are a bit all over the place. Parts are written in abridged sentences, almost like he's filling in a patient's chart as part of his job. Speech isn't set out in speech marks, but rather prefixed with the name of the speaker, giving the impression of text messages or even a script. And other elements of the text feel more like a continuation of the post-it notes. There isn't a specific reason given for this quirky style and, while it is still 100% readable, it felt like energy needlessly wasted when it could have been set out in the same way as Tiffy's and been just as effective while being easier to digest.
I was initially torn about whether I'd keep this book or not, but the more I think about adding it to the charity pile, the stronger the feeling I get that I'll want to read it again at some point. So, for now at least, it earns a place on my bookshelf.
Picked this book up after seeing the recent TV adaptation advertised (still haven't managed to actually watch ot though!) and liking the premise. It certainly delivered upon my expectations; I was pleasantly surprised that the set up didn't feel contrived, but instead made perfect sense in the circumstances! Similarly, the exchange of messages via post-it note works really well; they have phones and know how to use them, but somehow again there was no questioning why they didn't just message or WhatsApp eachother, even when their notes become longer.
On the surface, this is a very cute story, but there are darker themes running throughout. Normally, the only thing that gets me to close the book and take a breath before continuing is second-hand embarrassment, but in this case there were a couple of occasions where I needed a moment to allow my more visceral reactions towards certain characters and actions to subside. Tiffy does go on something of a healing journey throughout the book, and so I also found myself having to revise my opinion on some of her thoughts and actions, and recognise them as almost a 'conditioned response' to a girl who can't quite let go of a guy who is clearly not good for her. I give the author kudos for illustrating the development and recovery process in such a way.
The book is very well rounded, with a number of great little sub-plots and other details that serve the main plot very well and flesh out both the main and secondary characters, making them particularly lovable (or hateable as the case may be). There's a little bit of social commentary on the state of the justice system, a story of long-lost love, and an admiration of crochet that absolutely tips this towards the 'cosy' end of the spectrum in places!
The one thing I didn't get to grips with was the way Leon's chapters were structured. The chapters alternate between Tiffy and Leon's PoVs, but while Tiffy's are written in fairly standard prose, Leon's are a bit all over the place. Parts are written in abridged sentences, almost like he's filling in a patient's chart as part of his job. Speech isn't set out in speech marks, but rather prefixed with the name of the speaker, giving the impression of text messages or even a script. And other elements of the text feel more like a continuation of the post-it notes. There isn't a specific reason given for this quirky style and, while it is still 100% readable, it felt like energy needlessly wasted when it could have been set out in the same way as Tiffy's and been just as effective while being easier to digest.
I was initially torn about whether I'd keep this book or not, but the more I think about adding it to the charity pile, the stronger the feeling I get that I'll want to read it again at some point. So, for now at least, it earns a place on my bookshelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Gaslighting
Moderate: Terminal illness, Violence, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Alcohol, War, Racism, and Sexual content
hjb_128's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Stalking, Cancer, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Medical content, Emotional abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Sexual violence and Sexual assault
samcanuel's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
This book got me out of a major reading slump. I really enjoyed how the narrators each had a distinct voice. This story dealt with heavy topics with grace and entwined a sweet love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Medical content, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Violence, Sexual violence, and Terminal illness
Minor: Fatphobia, Body shaming, Alcohol, and Sexual content
vivisms_82's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
3.5
A little bit funny, a little bit witty, a little bit cheesy. Usual circle of friends you find in a rom-com. Yeah this features an emotionally abusive and manipulative ex, as well as a brother in prison for a crime he didn't do but it is still very much a light romance. Leon is sweet; Tiffy is a gorgeous, tall redhead. Nothing truly heavy or surprising happening here. Still an ok light read nontheless.
*I did the audiobook featuring Kwake Fortune & Carrie Hope Fletcher; I thought the narrators were excellent and captured the tone of the book and characters well.
*I did the audiobook featuring Kwake Fortune & Carrie Hope Fletcher; I thought the narrators were excellent and captured the tone of the book and characters well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Terminal illness
alexiconic's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
really, this book did so much right. i loved the (side) characters and their relationship with our main characters, and the ways in which they brought color to the book and illuminated the main characters’ best attributes and flaws.
the story built up our main characters with great delicacy and care. the book gave us so much slow buildup - and it worked.
and then came the mid-to-end part where everything was suddenly fast-paced. that conflict just hadn’t received the same careful buildup as the rest of the narrative. and it could really have been so much better if it had.
the story built up our main characters with great delicacy and care. the book gave us so much slow buildup - and it worked.
and then came the mid-to-end part where everything was suddenly fast-paced. that conflict just hadn’t received the same careful buildup as the rest of the narrative. and it could really have been so much better if it had.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Domestic abuse, Stalking, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Mental illness, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, and Violence
nineinchnails's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
----
15/02/2024
on a reread i found the writing style in leon's chapters insufferable it felt like he constantly missed the first few words of every sentence. the premise sounds a bit ridiculous at first but honestly with rent prices in london i really don't think it's that crazy of a circumstance - the craziest thing about it is that leon is a normal guy and not some creepy 50 year old. i love the characters though and the story in general and even tiffy's 'quirkiness' is super charming in this book. i love romances where the main characters have their own shit going on tho (am i delusional or is this way more common in british romances?) so im biased. this was one of the books that got me back into reading a few years ago and i think i'll always love reading it. also if i don't start a new book in the next couple days it's because i'm (finally) watching the flatshare miniseries.
----
first read: 01/01/2021
loved it but tiffy was a little too quirky girl for me to fully immerse myself in the novel
15/02/2024
on a reread i found the writing style in leon's chapters insufferable it felt like he constantly missed the first few words of every sentence. the premise sounds a bit ridiculous at first but honestly with rent prices in london i really don't think it's that crazy of a circumstance - the craziest thing about it is that leon is a normal guy and not some creepy 50 year old. i love the characters though and the story in general and even tiffy's 'quirkiness' is super charming in this book. i love romances where the main characters have their own shit going on tho (am i delusional or is this way more common in british romances?) so im biased. this was one of the books that got me back into reading a few years ago and i think i'll always love reading it. also if i don't start a new book in the next couple days it's because i'm (finally) watching the flatshare miniseries.
----
first read: 01/01/2021
loved it but tiffy was a little too quirky girl for me to fully immerse myself in the novel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Medical content, Body shaming, Terminal illness, and Cancer
Minor: Homophobia and Fatphobia
Post traumatic stress disorder and Leukaemiatroglodata's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Look, I wanted to read this, expecting it to be a light hearted little romp. And it is, a bit. But there's a lot more heart and a little less lightness. Which isn't to say it's dark. But it's certainly got a few more shadows than I expected and it's very, very good and moving and still fun. And sexy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Gaslighting, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
maeveredzich's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Cancer, Medical content, and Terminal illness
annierosebel's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Emotional abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Terminal illness