A review by andintothetrees
The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

5.0

I really enjoyed reading this book and struggled to put it down! It was very entertaining and a great distraction from current events. As the cover implies, it's a romantic comedy (for the most part), and it did genuinely make me laugh (which few books do). It's got all the classic romantic comedy elements - two very different characters (vivacious and creative Tiffy, thoughtful introvert Leon), a few hurdles put in the way of them getting together (this is where it deviates slightly from the usual romantic comedy tropes - there is the obvious flat share arrangement but also a big problem in the shape of Tiffy's revolting ex and the impact of that relationship on her, so this book comes with a content note for abusive relationships), a big crisis that sees them almost break up and the inevitable reunion (is that a spoiler? I think you know what to expect from the plot trajectory just looking at the cover). As far as readable, fun (mostly, I think the abusive relationship plot line was a good inclusion despite the seriousness it brought to the story. And there's also a miscarriage-of-justice/false imprisonment plot line) novels go, this ticked all the boxes. I liked the supporting characters too, and Leon's relationship with his brother. My only caveats are that 1. I'd liked to have known more about Tiffy's background. We learn about Leon's family but hers are just "elsewhere". She doesn't appear to ever speak to hers or visit them in an entire year, yet there hasn't been a big falling out. 2. Some of the scenes are a little too cheesy/unlikely in the real world - I'm thinking of the ones that take place by the coast. It's also a bit "London is the centre of the universe" *eyeroll* - but well, I guess lots of people do live there and there's more of a market for that than books set in provincial backwaters *shrug*. So, if you're looking for a bit of escape from corona I recommend reading this.