I received a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review. I completely related to Sophia as like her, I am a primary school teacher, who would go into school to care for key worker children. I love how Sophia and Jack came full circle from the dress shop in the prologue to the end of the story where they finally meet. The build up to them meeting was so cute. It was similar to ‘Love is Blind’ the show that was mentioned in the story, as they both just fell in love with each other, just from speaking to one another from their balconies. They had a lot in common as they both had medical conditions, were very giving and had a love for cocktails and Dua Lipa songs. This book really made me reminisce the first lockdown, when everyone would be out on their balconies or in their gardens enjoying the sunshine. And obviously not forgetting the ‘Clap for NHS’ and loo roll and flour shortage! I love how this book not only had romance but elements of comedy. For example, when Jack decided to ironically hoover to Queen’s hit song ‘I want to break free’, whilst wearing a tea towel as a wig. As well as Jess’ virtual wedding when Uncle Jim’s camera was showing a strange woman flashing her knickers. This was followed by the vicar unknowingly plucking his nose hairs with tweezers. I just couldn’t put this book down! It was so sweet and touching and highlighted how in the end appearances shouldn’t matter.

A cute and quick romance read. It was fun and entertaining few hours reading this. It even managed to make me think of first lockdown fondly, imagine!

Cute and interesting premise, but reading about love in lockdown while still in lockdown was a,little too soon for me. I prefer to escape reality, although I did appreciate the cute moments.

I was curious what this pandemic romance was going to be like, but it honestly felt charming. Not too gimmicky, but really exploring what a meet cute and romance would be like.

Lively character, fun story, would recommend.

I absolutely loved this! What a great book which exactly captures the spirit of early lockdown. The ways of amusing themselves and each other were really inventive. As I write this we are deep in lockdown no 4 with little hope of this nightmare ending soon, but this story really cheered me up!

A really good book with a great writing style and twist on a very rough time in everyone's lives. I enjoyed it, and at times it was a little slow but it was a good read overall!

Entertaining reading during lockdown that makes you smile and a happy ending, just what everybody needs at the moment.

This isn't my favourite book of 2020, but it definitely wasn't the worst! I don't know whether reading a book about lockdown whilst being in lockdown kind of clouded my view of this book, but it just wasn't what I was expecting! Maybe I will read this one again at a later date.

I enjoyed this book. It was a quick read for me since the story unfolds very smoothly. Also, appreciate the premise. It is our current situation and being always at home, makes it difficult to meet someone new.
Great story!

This was a cute romance and a quick read. I liked the premise, now the we’re locked down meeting someone new is more and more difficult. I enjoyed this a lot, 4 stars

Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This story is set in the UK during the Covid lockdown. Jack, suffering a medical complication that keeps him completely isolated. Slowly going stir crazy with his own company, he strikes up a conversation with the woman in the apartment below when he hears her on her balcony. Soon, their conversations are the highlight of his life. Sophia creates an online group with Jack to help people that are having difficulty with the isolation. From just talking on the phone to grocery shopping and dog walking, everyone needs to feel a sense of connection. As their project grows, so do their feelings for each other. And all this without even seeing each other's faces.
I really loved the feeling of closeness between the members of this apartment complex, pulling together to help each other out, socially distanced of course. And through it all a sense of anticipation and hope for when the lockdown ends.
Thank you to Chloe James and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Unfortunately this one didn’t work for me and i found myself skimming to get to the end.

I must say, it was a bit strange to read a book about 2020 already (this was for a challenge that had a topic of a book that reminds you of 2020). Overall, it was a decent read. I liked Sophia and Jack and their conversations. There were a few times where I had to push myself a bit to get through the book because it didn't feel like much was happening, but overall I thought it was a sweet book.

This book is sweet, romantic and light hearted and I’m pretty sure if I hadn’t had lived through lockdown in 2020 the premise and the plot would have been thought of as unthinkable! The characters are likeable and the kindness and thoughtfulness that undoubtedly reflects real life by some during this difficult period shines from the page. An enjoyable story. Great read.

Thank you Netgalley

Cute
Romantic
Sweet
Very sugary
Too sugary sweet at times

Bit close to home seeing we are still in lockdown

But I did enjoy the sweeter unthinking read that you could just go with it once overlooking we are actually living in it at this time, just enjoy the cuteness without overthinking.

Unfortunately a situation a lot of us can see themselves. Out of the brutal reality came out this nice piece of work that even if the reason to creating it is a sad one brings a smile on your face.

*ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

WOW! my first chloe james book and let me tell you, im impressed.

the characters are very relatable and can basically represent us in this whole mad thing we’re in right now..
It was also the first of many (im sure) books about covid and quarantine and how it might’ve teared us all apart in these crazy times but also kind of brought us all together.

recommend!

This is a lovely sweet story.

I really enjoyed some bits I loved how the different perspectives of lockdown were captured and others I felt were rushed I felt the ending was missing something.

3⭐

First, thank you to NetGalley for the free copy of this book!

This was a sweet, fun story. It was interesting to read a romance set during lockdown.

This story starts off with our two main characters, both so absorbed in their lives (as we all were prior to the pandemic) that they didn't really notice others around them. As the lockdown begins, that all changes.

Jack has to stay in and shield due to kidney disease. This resonated with me so much because I also had to shield at the beginning of the pandemic. It is lonely and shocking to realize how much we rely on basic human interaction even when we feel we aren't a "people person".

Sophia is a school teacher who is having to deal with the new normal in education.

They are drawn together when Jack overhears Sophia crying on the balcony below his. A beautiful friendship develops through honest conversation and the need to help their community and find purpose in trying times.

This story really touched on the reality that was 2020 for so many. It showed how wonderful community is and that we can find love in the most unexpected places. It was such a sweet story and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a feel good story.

A very quick read. I finished it in a couple of days. Everything about this book is very real, from the unavailability of antibacterial wipes to the weekly clapping for the NHS staff. Not forgetting the Zoom calls. I feel like a lot of people will relate to this book. I loved the budding relationship between Jack and Sophie. This is definitely one I'd recommend if you enjoyed The Flat Share.