I do not normally read romance and can admit to probably enjoying this more as a rom-com movie. In the beginning, Leon felt very one-dimensional and like he was just moving through the motions in his own life. That happens to people, but I nearly quit the audiobook from boredom through his chapters. His brother is more interesting from jail. Tiffy has a chorus of people surrounding her, passions in life, and depth of her character that contribute to real plot points. Leon and Tiffy each grow greatly as people through either self-awareness or being more active in their own lives. Both narrators do a good job of putting emotions into their characters. A textbook toxic gaslighting relationship is in the book, but overcoming abuse is done respectfully without being patronizing. The expected 3-act romance formula happens, and I did not care for how the break-up act played out. 

I loved how the phone calls throughout the book really sounded more electronic and distant as if the listener was actually hearing it through a phone and not just more regular audio. The difference in audio styles of the phone calls is a nuance and attention to detail I do not typically hear in audiobooks. 

It has some heavy themes, so it's not completely the "turn your brain off" kind of fun read that I usually pick. While that did stress me out a bit, the stress was a sign that I got to care about the characters and their story which is a good thing! As other reviews pointed out, it does take a long time for the relationship to develop, but I was invested in both of their individual storylines enough that I still enjoyed the part before the romance. The epilogue was so cute it had me almost jealous of a fictional character lmao. 

I read this in like 2 days. I just wanted to keep going. I loved the bits about her eccentric style, in the craft book industry, crochet, just fun setting. Abusive relationships can be hard for me to read about but this handled it in a way that wasn’t as jarring. I think it helped that it was more so reflecting and seeing it for what it was instead of us having to be in there during the relationship. I enjoyed seeing the support all around her as she went through it. 

A delightful, heart-warming story filled with unexpected twists and character growth, making it a surprisingly engaging read. Could not put down. 

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.

I’ve been wanting to read this book and to say it  has surpassed my expectations is putting it lightly. I can’t find a single flaw. It had everything: slow burn, sharing a bed, opposites and a slight miscommunication tripe that lasted the right amount and had me at the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Tiffy and Leon and their adorable post its and showcasing the true friendship between Tiffy and her friends are only some of the excellent points of the book. 
Just read it. You won’t be disappointed. 
P.S. check trigger warnings before reading 

I have given The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Mad at myself for not picking up one of Beth O’Leary’s books sooner, but I somehow knew that her writing would be my cup of tea. I absolutely adored The Flatshare and honestly, I could read about Leon and Tiffy for hours and hours. Not only our main characters though, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Mo, Gerty, Rachel and Richie too. Can only hope we get to learn more and re-visit these characters in O’Leary’s future work. 

The plot was everything I needed and the Post-It note communication between Tiffy and Leon had me smiling and giggling. On a different note, my heart was palpitating whenever Justin scenes happened, a very unlikeable character who had what was coming to him! 

I cannot wait to read the rest of O’Leary’s novels and her future books too.