The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary

Tiffy needs a new flat, and preferably one without suspicious mold growing behind the toilet. Leon, a nurse on the night shift, has a flat he’s rarely in and could use some extra cash. Why not rent out the apartment overnight to someone with a regular 9 to 5? Someone like Tiffy? They share a flat. They share a bed. But they’ve never met. Their friends think they’re crazy, but it works for them. Tiffy leaves for work before Leon gets off of his shift, and Leon, in turn, leaves to start his day right before Tiffy comes home for the evening. They leave notes throughout the apartment; Tiffy bakes, Leon occasionally makes dinner and leaves leftovers. They become close, as two people who share a space are bound to do-- even if they’re never in the same place at the same time.

This is, of course, a romance, so the pair do eventually meet. As life throws them curves in the form of manipulative ex-boyfriends, a wrongfully imprisoned brother, sick patients, and demanding clients, Tiffy and Leon learn to lean on each other until they can’t imagine making it through without the other person there.

An emotionally resonant story disguised as a fluffy meet-cute, O’Leary touches on themes of emotional abuse, violence, and gaslighting. And yet, there is humor and light and romance to carry these characters through to a very promising end. Recommended for fans of Marian Keyes or Christina Lauren.