The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This easily became one of my all-time favourite books. It's fun, romantic, and serious all at the same time.

Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey both have a problem that can be fixed together. While Tiffy needs a cheap apartment to live in after having broken up with her boyfriend, Leon needs money to help pay for the costs required to get his brother out from an unfair imprisonment. So when Tiffy chances upon Leon's flatshare arrangement, she takes it. Yes, it's unthinkable to be sharing a bed with a total stranger, but it's not like they'd ever meet! Tiffy works in the day while Leon works night shifts. Nothing can happen. But as days go by, they begin to build a relationship with one another through Post-It notes.

Doesn't it sound absolute fun, to have a romance going on between two people through the use of pen and paper? That was what drew me to shelf this book under the TBR list in the first place, and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it. But hold up! It's not only the concept that is so amazing.

This book is written in the POVs of Tiffy's and Leon's. It is very, very clear which POVs they belong to. Each of them has their own voice, and learning about them through the actual way they think, speak and write is fantastic character development. But the distinct qualities of characters don't end there; all the other characters were not forgotten. It is apparent that the author took an effort to ensure that her characters are realistic individuals with unique personalities.

Furthermore, this book doesn't only cover the romance between Tiffy and Leon. It also covers a very serious subject that I personally think should be spoken more about. All was handled in a practical manner, thus pushing this book to an even higher standing on my favourites list.

Readers of this book will find that it's quirky and romantic. But there is also a serious undertone to it that is relevant to everyone. Highly recommended. Cannot wait for O'Leary's next book!