tristatereader 's review for:

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

3.75

challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense 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

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I know I’m a little late to the party, but I finished The Flatshare a few days ago and what a clever story y’all! 

Tiffy Moore is a young professional who is working in the publishing business. After a recent split from a controlling and manipulative ex-boyfriend, Tiffy finds her in a bit of conundrum: she has no place to live. Enter Leon Towmey, an introverted hospice nurse looking for a flatmate. Leon works the night shift and is therefore able to offer his flat to Tiffy during that time. Despite living together (and sharing a bed!), Tiffy and Leon’s schedules never overlap and they don’t physically meet for several months. Their chosen method of communication? Post it notes! As the two continue to correspond via written communication, they find themselves more and more intrigued by the other. After an incredibly awkward meet-cute in the bathroom, it’s clear these two are down bad for each other. But Tiffy’s POS ex and the trauma related to his (psychological) abuse threatens the pairs happiness. 

Initially I had a difficult time with the way Leon was written. His thought pattern was a bit clunky to me. But as I became more invested in the plot, I found his chapters flowing easily. I loved watching Tiffy and Leon’s friendship blossom through writing and the strangers to friends to lovers trope was so smooth between these two. I did find the end a smidge rushed but the epilogue was perfection. There was even a queer subplot dating back to WWII and I would do anything to read about Mr. Prior and JW the 6th’s romance… Beth I beg of you!