The Flat Share is a contemporary romantic read by Beth O’Leary. I’ve recently listened to the audio of the book and wanted to share my thoughts in this book review.
I recently used one of my Audible credits on The Flatshare. Contemporary reads aren’t usually my go to but I do enjoy them from time to time. I’ve seen this one recommended on Bookstagram a few times and have been curious about. The audio is dual narrated by Carrie Hope Fletcher and Kwaku Fortune.
I rated The Flatshare 5 stars.
Basic Synopsis of The Flatshare
The Flatshare is a contemporary romance read in dual narrative; Leon and Tiffy. Leon needs money, Tiffy needs somewhere to live. She responds to an add to share a flat with someone for cheap rent and bills in London. It’s a slow burn read as the two have issues with ex relationships and it takes them around five months or so to actually meet and cross baths and when they do it’s hilarious!
Review of The Flatshare
There was so much I loved about this story and I now want to read more from this Author. I found myself nodding along to a lot of this and I really loved Tiffy and Leon. The concept of the book is really interesting too. Tiffy and Leon share a flat, a bed yet they’ve never met. One has the flat during the day and the other during the night and weekends. It had that sort of feeling of ships passing when you’re in a relationship, sharing a space but almost living seperate lives. It took me a while to get around to listening to this but I really enjoyed it. Tiffy works as a publisher for a small company that specialise in eccentric diy books and Leon is a palliative care nurse. The side characters really add a compelling plot which really brings them all together in the very last chapter. I loved it.
What I really loved about this romance was the fact that neither of the characters was trying to push the other into commiting to anything. I also loved that despite the abuse Tiffy faced with her ex she was healing in this book. It really dismantled a lot of tropes in that way. Tiffy isn’t a typical girl but she doesn’t become this perfect female, she isn’t the trope ‘not like other girls’ because she’s really relatable and interesting. She has lovely friends which was brilliant to read.
Leon is the good guy that you want to win. He’s kind and thoughtful and introverted and he recognises the signs of an abusive ex but he doesn’t push Tiffy to do anything she isn’t ready to. He doesn’t advise her, he just listens, comforts, and asks what she wants. He is so respectful of Tiffy’s boundaries which is amazing. Both characters had a bit of fear getting into something new so the build up was full of tension and anxious but ultimately it was the respect of each other, the mutal fear and for once, in the end, talking to each other that made this romance work so well.
There were moments where I thought the plot would go in a completely different direction but didn’t and I loved that I was unexpected and didn’t end the book in tears. There was enough drama to keep me going but ultimately it was actually just a really lovely read. I have to give a special mention to Rachel who had some of the funniest moments in the book as well as some ball of rage moments. He castle dance and double thumbs up reminded me a lot of how I would react to certain conversations.
A list of eleven books arriving to bookstores and doorsteps in 2021 that I just can’t wait to read.
So many books, so little time. There are so many amazing books coming out this year that I can’t wait to read. They will no doubt make it onto my 2021 reading challenge of 80 books as many of them are preorders. I wanted to share 11 books I can’t wait to read in 2021. Will you be reading alongside me?
A Vow So Bold and Deadly
The final of the cursebreaker books. I am really excited to see how this trilogy will come to an end. I really can not call it but I know in A Heart so Fierce and Broken I was firmly on the side of Grey. I still like Harper and I can’t see her wanting to fight in this upcoming war so I’m really looking forward to seeing the end.
A series of books I love that is continuing: A Court of Silver Flames
I can not wait to get back into the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses which is one of my favourite series. I love these books and I’m so intrigued to get into Nesta’s head and see how she recovers from her trauma and kind of comes into her own. Some of the teasers I’ve seen have been so interesting so getting back into this world is just going to be amazing. I’ve ordered the Illumicrate mini box with the book, dust jackets and enamel pin. I probably own the most editions of this series as I have the audio books, the paperbacks with the new covers, the ebooks and the hardbacks with the new covers on order. I’ve also got a preorder of A Court of Silver Flames on order that’s been signed and includes a bonus Feysand chapter too.
The Crown of Gilded Bones
I loved From Blood and Ash and it’s sequel so knowing the next book is just around the corner is so exciting. Poppy and Hawke have quickly become one of my favourite literary couples in books. I love them together and I’m so interested to see what is in store next after THAT ending of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. I am currently saving up to buy the Illumicrate Collections box which I am super excited for as that will have From Blood and Ash merchandise as well as the Fairyloot special editions which will have the first three books and then a matching edition of the fourth at a later date.
Nameless
This one isn’t top of my list of reads but I am really interested in what will happen next after the events of Fable. The relationship aspect came so late into the story I kind of didn’t see it coming. Fable was one of those books that wasn’t quite what I was expecting and whilst it wasn’t one of my favourites, it’s a sequel I’m hoping will deliver. You can buy the first book in the series below.
Bone Criers Dawn – a fairyloot sequel special edition I’ve ordered
Bone Criers Moon was one of those underatted reads for 2020 for me that I really enjoyed but didn’t quite make it into my favourites. I feel like it ended far too soon and I can’t wait for the next part in the story. I’m so intrigued to find out what will happen next.
Witchshadow: The perfect blend between YA and NA can be found in the Witchlands books by Susan Dennard
This is my most anticipated read of 2021. I absolutely love The Witchlands books and I think I’ll do a full on review of them when I reread them before I hear Iseult’s story. It’s such a well thought out world with a diverse range of characters and I have loved every book so far. I still need to read the Sightwitch novella. It’s fundamentally a book about sisterhood against the odds with some enemies to lovers romance and such a well done intricate magic system. I need to write about this series.
Broken Web
This is the second book in the Shamonborn series following Forest of Souls. This was a twisty turny book that kept me guessing at every moment. I’m really interested to know what will happen next. This one has cool magic and dragons but also a lot of spiders.
Gods and Monsters: A Series of books I can’t wait to finish
The third and final book in the Serpent & Dove trilogy. After that ending with Blood & Honey I can not wait to see what happens next. I love Lou and Reid and I’m desperately hoping for a happy ending for them.
Once Upon a Broken Heart
The Caraval books are another of my favourite series. They’re just so perfectly magical. Once Upon a Broken Heart is set in the same world but focusing on Jacks, The Prince of Hearts and new character Evangeline (It is always strange seeing my daughter’s name in books!). I have my edition preordered already but if anyone does a special edition box I will be all over it.
Crescent City 2
After the first book House of Earth and Blood I am really intrigued to see what will happen next. Crescent City was such an interesting read bringing all kinds of magical creatures together and a murder mystery. I don’t know if we’re going to get another switcharoo relationship as is typical of Maas’ previous books. I would love to see a collectors box of this one come into play. I am hoping the book boxes allowed to do something with A Court of Silver Flames will allow this to happen if all goes well!
Kingdom of the Cursed
Kingfom of the Wicked was an absolutely excellent book. I loved every second of it even though it made me super hungry. The first book was one of my favourites of the year and I really want to know what is going to happen next.
Kingdom of the Wicked was one of my favourite books of 2020
Here is a list of my favourite reads from 2020 and exactly what it was I loved about them.
My Favourite Reads from 2020 and Where to Find Them
It’s been really hard to narrow down my absolute favourite reads from last year but I think I’ve picked a really good bunch. It would have been even easier to know what my favourite reads were if I’d written them down somewhere. I ended up reading 70 books in 2020 and beat my reading challenge. This year I am going to actually write down my favourite books of every month so that this list feels more complete.
Favourite Reads: The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
One of my favourite reads last year was the Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden. I loved this Russian folklore inspired story and found the character of Vasya enchanting. It is a really magical tale but in a very sublte way. The writing is superb and the level of detail makes this a slow paced read perfect for wintery rainy days. I found it took me a little longer than normal to read because it’s very descriptive but the ending of each book really packs a punch. Affiliate Link for The Bear and the Nightingale.
I loved the whole of the Winternight Trilogy. The Bear and the Nightingale was book one in the series and absolutely enchanting.
Favourite Reads: Standalone – The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levensellar
The Shadows Between us was a great read for me and I reviewed it earlier in the year. This was a short read that I loved. Perfect for those that love Enemies to Lovers. It has amazing fashion, good romance and a pretty intriguing plot. It’s a standalone book where both the protagonist and love interest are morally grey characters with murder on their minds.
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J Maas
I couldn’t write a favourite reads blog post without including an autobuy author. I loved Crescent City and I am eagerly anticipating the sequel which is supposed to be coming out towards the end of 2021. I wrote a full review on Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood earlier in the year just after reading. I laughed, cried, swooned throughout. I did struggle with the pacing at the start of the book but by the end I was enthralled.
Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood is the start of the new series from Sarah J Maas and one of my favourite reads in 2020
Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Now I usually love my fantasy; it’s my go-to but sometimes a bit of SciFi really helps me feel fresh about reading. Another of my favourite reads of 2020 was Aurora Burning. Now, this is actually book two – and book one is great, but the second is my favourite because of the line “I am not feeling nothing” from the legendary Zila. I really can not wait for book three in this series.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
When I first signed up to Fairyloot & Illumicrate in January 2020 one of the big announcements was a special edition box of Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. At this point I hadn’t read a Shadowhunters book but I have seen the netflix show. I impulsed bought this and then read, very quickly, The Infernal Devices in time for Chain of Gold. I ended up not reading it until July but it was evidently one of my favourite reads of 2020. I absolutely adore Cordelia Carstairs and her story. I think I am team Carstairs overall because I loved Jem, and I love Emma in the dark artifices too. Anna Lightwood is another fabulous character and I think it’s the character driven story that really made me love Chain of Gold.
The Court of Miracles by Kester Grant
This was a really suprising read for me as the concept was so interesting and actually kind of dark too. It’s a Les Miserables retelling focusing on the underground guilds of revolutionary Paris. It was so interesting and I found the main character, Cat, a little on the morally grey side but she’s dealing with some pretty nasty people in order to suvive. It was a great story. The Court of Miracles affiliate link.
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L Armentrout
From Blood and Ash and it’s sequel, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire, were amazing reads of 2020. I am now on the hunt for all the things so I’m thrilled that both Fairyloot and Illumicrate are doing special editions. I am absolutely getting both because I think this is in the running to be one of my favourite fantasy romance series. I love Poppy and Hawke. they are forever on pair with my ultimate ship Feysand. These are big books, sizzling smutty romance, character growth and amazing battle scenes. I love the worldbuiling. I want all of the books.
Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo
Lastly I’m ending my list of favourite reads of 2020 with Kingdom of the Wicked. This book will make you hungry for pasta like never before. I loved the magic and the way the seven deadly sins are portrayed as princes of hell. It was action packed and intriguing and I still don’t know what to expect for the next book Kingdom of the Cursed. You can buy Kingdom of the Wicked on Amazon with my affiliate link.
Reviewing Legendborn by Tracy Denonn is a 2020 debut novel. The first in a new fantasy ya series with an interesting spin on King Authurian legends. The books focus is secret societies and demon hunting.
Legendborn is described as “A heard-pounding YA fantasy series from debut author Tracy Denonn”. I felt my heart pounding right from the first page which I’ve heard others describe as a little bit of a slower build up. I was instantly hooked and intrigued by Legendborn and I wanted to know more. It quickly became a fantasy murder mystery with an intricate magic system, demons and secret societies.
Legendborn Paperback by Tracy Deonn with a frothy latte. Reading and coffee in perfect harmony,
Content Warnings for Legendborn and This Review:
Parental death, Racism, Alcohol Use, Memory Tampering and Loss.
Summary Review for Legendborn (non spoiler)
Originally, I purchased this on my kindle on an amazon and then got a paperback copy in my illumicrate box. Lots of friends have been recommending Legendborn; the hype is worth it. I am reading in January 2021 as part of a book group to help read books I actually own. My rating for Legendborn is 5/5 Stars.
The writing and pacing is fantastic. The plot makes me think of a sort of cross between Twilight and Shadowhunters. It is mordern/urban fantasy with a hidden world element that I really love. The insights into black lived experience is phenomenal and painful for the main character. This story does have a strong undercurrent of racism and misogyny. There’s a point in the book where it’s kind of said that Bree has two faults; being black and being a woman. I can understand this discrimination for being a woman. The way this was tied into the plot and the civil war is really well done. It made it more real as it dealt with real life issues. I was thrilled with the ending and I can not wait for more.
Where Can I buy Legendborn?
Full Review and Series Predictions (Spoilers)
I was instantly gripped when I started Legendborn with the image of the shimmery police officer talking about the main character, Bree Matthews and her mother’s death. It really drove empathy with the main character straight away and almost effortlessly. I already felt connected emotionally with the character and that’s something I’ve been struggling with for quite a while. It’s always impressive when an Author can connect you like that.
Discussing the start of Legendborn
We quickly learn in the early chapters of Legendbrn that Bree is really intelligent and is going to an early college programme and again right at the start there is talk of cliff diving and I’m just like this is going to be sending my heart in all kinds of places. Then we are introduced to Selwyn Kane who approaches Bree in a bit of a strange way and of course he is all tall, dark and brooding so naturally I want him to be the love interest in this. I’m not sure though. He tries to erase Bree’s memory but it doesn’t work so she stays hidden and watches the magic unfold. She hears a lot of terms she doesn’t understand and so it becomes her mission to find out more.
There is some racism in the start of the book, coming from the police officer and I found that really interesting to read as a white person reading the personal experience of a black person. I obviously can not fully comphrehend a back person’s lived experience with racism but it really gave you an insight into that sort of everyday casual racism and it did shock me.
The themes of racism really show how hurtful offhand comments and snide remarks can be
Because I was in Bree’s headspace hearing her reaction and it just made me so angry that he would speak to her like that – not because I don’t believe it happens but more because I have not witnessed it (white priviledge) and it was just a snippet in this lived experience. Like I was horrified because I have never had those assumptions made about me and I would hope I would never make those assumptions about anyone else (the conversation is doubting Bree getting into the early college programme on merit).
Holding up a paperback copy of Legendborn against a grey brick background
It was evidently and obviously because of her skin colour and even though it was still me reading about an experience rather than living it it made me angry. Again, that’s excellent writing but it’s also drawing on what goes on every day for people of colour and it’s not all about attacks and violence, it’s the sneers and asumptions and just lack of decency when having human contact.
Moving on then after Bree gets in trouble with the Dean she is given a peer mentor and he turns up all bright eyed and smart and is also part of the Legendborn. Nick is all charismatic and has a winning smile. I am not sure on him at the start of the book but maybe it’s because I find the dark and mysterious Selwyn more appealing? Who even knows. We learn that he dennounced his heritage to the Legendborn but he’s going to sponsor Bree to join so she can find out the truth about her Mother’s murder.
Getting some answers and firmly in middle book territory
Basically I got completely enthralled and could not put this book down. Every time I made a prediction about the book I was wrong and I kind of loved that I was. Basically, Bree has to do these trials to get into the secret society which are to test her skills, strength and combat. This book takes place just over a couple of weeks I think – its less than a month I’m sure and so there’s a bit of insta love in there between her and Nick. I’m not keen on Instalove but I think the instant connection is necessary.
Later down the line Bree has a conversation with William, the healer, who says relationships between Scions are basically forbidden because of the risk of mixing the lines and not knowing where the scion true bloodline is. This is vital for the ending as we find out but also will give the author the ability to stop the relationship with Nick.
After the final trial Bree hears Selwyn, the kingsmage sworn to protect Nick is out throwing trees around. Bree goes to check on him because he had the coutesy to offer her some final training so she wouldn’t loose in the combat round too badly. The conversation is heated and angry, things are said that are hurtful and then she goes back to the house, to Nick’s room, to wait for Nick who has gone to pick up his father. At this point we know Nick is the Scion for the Arthur line and he wants Bree to be his squire so he can help her find what happened to her mother.
The build up to the final act
Time passes and Bree dozes off to be woken by Sel returning and slamming doors. She goes to check on him a little while later and then confesses everything and he does agree with her. He ends up helping her to break into Lord Davis, Nick’s Father’s, study to find information about Bree’s mother. They find what they looking for and it reveals so much but Bree’s mothers death was complate accident.
We also find out about Selwyn’s mother which is devestating. Bree leaves really upset and then she can’t really shake out of it for a week or so. She’s supposed to be going to a gala selection dinner where the scions choose their squires and she doesn’t want to go. Her dad takes her out to pancakes and they chat and he gives her an old bracelet from her mother. Bree opens the charm bracelet box back in her room and is sucked into a mage flame memory.
Basically, her mother tells her loads of stuff about why she might be dead. She’s with a younger version of Bree. She confesses lots about the line and their magic and how it’s a cursed part of root magic called bloodcrafting. The curse is that the magic can only live in their bloodline at once, and is passed down mother to daughter.
This usually means that, as the best scion age is 16-21 or something that for the magic to awaken in Bree, her mother had to die. So her mother’s death wasn’t caused by a merlin but instead was just part of the curse from an ancestor. Bree’s mother is talking to someone else, a merlin, who then mesmers child Bree so she won’t remember this speech her mother is giving to teenager Bree.
What will happen next in the Legendborn series?
Here is the final act where everything is revealed about who Bree really is, why the family was cursed, why I think her and Nick’s relationship is doomed. Also, why I think Bree and Sel are going to end up as endgame and I honestly think that is a couple I ship because they have shared pain. There is another connection as well which is just really well done. I think with everything they have and learn they have what it takes to not only change how things are run within the secret society order. Bree and Sel also potentially have the power between them to beat the shadowborn and line of Morgaine. You will have to read it to find out what happens in the end!
I received the Crystal growing set in exchange for this post.
STEM toys are in their absolute prime right now. Children have so much choice to help them learn about Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and it’s something I wish I had access too when I was growing up. As much as I’ve always loved humanities and English and literature there were times when I wanted to learn how to make things and STEM toys would have been the foundation for that. I would have loved a Crystal growing kit like this one that was gifted to my daughter to use. We haven’t had the time to use it just yet with Evie being with her dad for most of the Christmas holidays and it’s something she’s been eagerly waiting to do together but I’ll be posting a full review of the I’m Genius Crystals kit soon to show off our creations. You can purchase this alongside many other STEM toys from Toys and Bears.
The I’m Genius Crystal kit comes with everything you need to make a set of grow your own crystals and a really informative book on crystals and different creations you can make. There is also a useful leaflet talking about kitchen substitutes you can use as reagents to recreate the experiements. I think once you have the intructions booklet and an understanding of how the kit works it would be able to be done again or more experiements could be explored.
The foundation of STEM toys I think really starts with lego, or duplo, for the younger years and something my son loves to build things with. It’s colourful, versatile and really allows your imagination to lead in what you can create. There are plenty of other building blocks around too from branded names to low cost versions and made of a variety of different materials too. We also have plain wooden blocks and shape sorters for my younger son which have been great for his development and understanding of colour, size and shapes.
Children as well are drawn to our electronics because we spend so much time playing with our own gadgets I am always on the hunt for games and apps that can help develop their learning. We love video games so we are not a family that shy’s away from tablets and electronic devices but I do want to see some learning going on. We have access to audiobooks which are a great way to relax to and an alternative to reading. I remember Evie had a mathematics game which really helped her with her numbers and as a result maths is an area she does really well with in school.
Children will always learn best through play and to encourage their learning STEM toys can develop a passion for a subject that can turn into a hobby and a lifelong career. The possibilities really are endless and with so much choice at a variety of prices it makes it easy for parents to choose STEM toys to help develop their child’s interest and passion for inventing, creating and developing technical skills that will help them continously through their lives.
