★ ★ ★ ★ FOUR STARS

Ooh boy! This was a fun read. I love a good post-it note romance, with a dash of witty comments and eccentric ornaments added in. The Flat-Share was everything I wanted it to be – light, heart-warming and delightfully funny. If it was summer in my hemisphere, I’d conclude that it was the perfect beach day read. Since its mid-winter and cold as balls out, I’ll just say that it’s a great read for anytime, anywhere. You really can’t go wrong with picking up this book.

The story follows the lives of Leon and Tiffy as they embark on the (initially cringe-worthy and funny-as-hell) journey of living together. Not at the same time. But still sharing a bed. Confused yet? As a palliative carer, Leon works nights while trying to save up every last penny in order to help out his brother. Tiffy, after having broken up with her abusive ex-boyfriend is in need of a place to stay. Namely, a cheap place to stay. What could go wrong when they’re forced to share a space and bed without ever having met each other? Pretty much, everything.

CHARACTERS

TIFFY – My favourite part of this book was Tiffy. While it was written well and I enjoyed the rest of the characters, I adored Tiffy. She was super sweet, quirky as hell and enviously confident. It was great to finally read a story of a woman who embraced her flaws and was perfectly imperfect. I loved her witty honesty. She was self-deprecating but confident and strong in her own beliefs. She was also a fan of craft. Who doesn’t love that? As an amateur hobbyist of almost everything at some point (I tend to go through them like lunar phases) it was nice to have a character I could relate to. As someone who is also a fan of crochet, it was an odd thing to relate to in a character but I did. We now share a crochet-lovers’ soul. It’s official.

LEON – In comparison to Tiffy’s heart-on-her sleeve approach to life, Leon was a suitably appealing contrast. While he initially came across as unemotional, his big heart was slowly revealed throughout the story as we saw him truly care and devote his time to helping others. Especially the efforts he went to in his own time. He’s just a solidly good guy that has been taken for granted in the past. This book raised awareness of fact that not everyone needs to be outgoing to be caring, and not everyone who cares a lot needs to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Leon’s devotion to his work and his genuine care for his patients was charmingly sweet. I’m glad O’Leary explored this in the book. Too often introverted characters are associated with being shy but also uncaring. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Often it is those who don’t say much who feel the most.

Book Blurb

Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met… 

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day, and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.  But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed this book. While it’s not a 5-star rating (that’s reserved for stories that leave me reeling) this was by no means a less than perfect book. It was the perfect balance between sweet and witty and I hope others enjoy it as much (or even more) than I did! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for future books by this author!

// do you enjoy books with alternative forms of communication? could you ever flatshare? //

Jen