Firstly, this book has ripped my heart out. Secondly I would DIE for Pen Auberge and thirdly, this is the best book I’ve read this year (and definitely in my favourites, ever).
Right from the beginning, Pen captivated me with her vulnerability & her growth she journey. I loved the relationships between Pen, Grant, Deanna & William, nothing felt forced & I can’t believe these are just characters in a book because I felt so connected to them.
I think I felt every single emotion, at points I was belly laughing (thanks, William & the marshmallow LOL) and uncontrollably sobbing.
It had everything I look for in a book - authenticity and relatability. My only complaint is that it had to end; I could have easily read another 500 pages!

★★★★★
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Thank you NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for the opportunity to review this book.

Happy Publication Day to Melissa Collings for THE FALSE FLAT! This is such a well-rounded novel. It’s heartwarming, romantic, funny, sad at times, and quite serious. If you like your rom-coms to have a lot of depth and grit, then this is definitely the book for you. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster!

What I loved most about this novel were the characters. They were impeccably crafted, likable, flawed, and so real. They all felt like friends by the conclusion, and even reminded me of some of my own friends and acquaintances.

I also appreciated the glorious love story and romance between Penelope and Grant. It was perfectly paced, believable, and sweet. It was tastefully done, and didn’t consume the entire plot.

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:

- Cycling and fitness
- Nashville setting
- Careers in finance
- Relatable, realistic, and quirky characters
- Starting over, fresh starts, and personal growth
- Complicated mother-daughter relationships
- Dealing with unresolved trauma and feelings
- Reflections on loss, grief, and healing
- Insight on social anxiety
- Strong female friendships
- Sibling bonds
- Emotional reads

I just know that this debut will get a lot of love and praise this summer. It’s an easy breezy read, yet genuine and deep. I think it will appeal to a lot of readers. THE FALSE FLAT is available TODAY!

I don’t know that I would call any amount of time “enough” to gather one’s self after finishing this book. It broke me apart and put me back together several times. Definitely NOT your typical romance. But I loved it all the same.

First, let’s talk about why I love Penelope a.k.a. Pen so freaking much. Penelope feels real to me. No, she is real. Her mannerisms, the way she needs to cope, all of it. On a personal note she also gets a little bit of an edge because there are very few romance books where our heroine works in finance. So I love the added personal connection. I have to the character.

Now let’s talk Grant… sigh. He is amazing. Grant and his sister Deanna are simply great people. Deanna is the kind of person you want as a best friend and realize the kind of person you should strive to be as a friend. And Grant…. He’s not only a nice guy, he’s also funny, passionate, hard-working, and loyal. How can you not fall for that?!?!

Despite how much this book will make you angry and this book will make your heart hurt, I hope you love it as much as me. Because , overall you will love how beautiful the love story is.

I had the privilege of reading this book and listening to the audio version as well. I can recommend bothwhole heartedly!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Tropes: 
🩵 self discovery
💛 found family
🧡 mental health rep
💚 overcoming grief

“It’s okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it’s also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return.”

Blurb:
With an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a boss who gives Penelope Auberge’s high-profile finance clients to male colleagues, it feels like nothing she’s accomplished in her 32 years belongs to her.
Determined to build a life entirely her own, Pen moves from Minnesota to Tennessee to open a solo financial business. She meets siblings Deanna and Grant there, who help Pen get out of her socially anxious shell. Because of her past, Pen is slow to develop a friendship with Deanna, and is determined to ignore her feelings for Grant, which is difficult given she’s joined his cycling group and a clear something begins to blossom between them.

My thoughts:
This is more than just a romance book. It’s really a coming of age book and I adored it because of that. When I hear “coming of age” I always think of a teenager like 15-18, but it’s refreshing when the MC is closer to my age. I found this book to be very relatable and an emotional read for me. Noooo I didn’t cry… who said that 🥲 but honestly I went from laughing to crying within a page.
I adore and love Penelope. She’s so witty, funny, and most importantly, realistic. You really get to grow with her as the story progresses. Her journey is so beautiful. Yes, she formed new relationships but also able to rediscover old ones. She just needed the right group of people to nudge her in the right direction.
If you’re looking for a romance coming of age book, The False Flat is available NOW! 🥰

⭐️: 3

🩵 found family
🩵 grief
🩵 terminal illness
🩵 self discovery
🩵 mental health rep

A sweet yet sad story about grief and the very real, very hard moments in life.

The beginning of this book had me feeling unsure about the story. I wanted to reach through my kindle and wring Chad’s neck and shake Pen for forgiving him. But as we watched Pen’s self growth, and later got to know Grant, I could tell the story was something much greater. This story is very much focused on grief and sorrow, an outlet for a good cry.

📚Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Melissa R. Collings for the ARC of The False Flat

The False Flat is a story of about self-discovery, growth, friendship and grief. The False Flat is a little different than what I normally read but while reading this I could relate to the MFC on so many levels. It is important to note that a good portion of this book is centered around death and grief. Overall, it was a good read.


Thank you NetGalley & Publisher for the opportunity in receiving an ARC for The False Flat in exchange for my honest review.

This was relatable. I think we all have a past that we need to leave behind in order to move on while taking only what we learned from it. This story was a reminder to me of that.

A sweet story, straddling the line between warm and bubbly contemporary romance, and a tender, heartrending treatise on loss, grief, and finding one’s path through what may feel overwhelmingly insurmountable.

Pen (Penelope) Auberge is thirty-two years old, a financial wizard and an avid cyclist, with social skills that leave much to be desired, and a history of debilitating panic attacks, stemming from a traumatic and unresolved family loss that occured in her youth.

The story begins as Pen’s world (bordered and made safe by her laser-like focus on numbers, spreadsheets, and a good deal of emotional avoidance), collapses in on itself when she suddenly finds herself unemployed. Acting unusually, on wild impulse and without a clear plan, Pen decamps from her home-town in Minnesota and escapes to sparkly Nashville, where a new life appears to beckon.

As Pen — born biracial and forever finding herself straddling two communities, accepted by neither — struggles to find solace and closure within her own skin, a chance meeting, and an outspoken new friend, may very well open the door to all she has been seeking.

A lovely read, which packs a somewhat unexpected emotional wallop, this is a book to cuddle up with, a cup of tea and a Kleenex box close at hand.

A great big thank you to #Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.

Wow, I've never read this author before but the title and blurb lured me in. I'm so glad I took at chance on this author.

A really great, emotional read. Pen is relatable and the whole book really spoke to me. This is one of those books that I don't seem to be able to break down and review. It was just all good.

False flat (a cycling term):
Noun
1. a road that appears delightfully flat and straightforward but in reality is a low-gradient climb that wears a rider out

the false flat is a gorgeous reclamation of life through new beginnings, healing, and found family.

penelope has developed a system of detachment due to previous heartache that allows her to view people as an associating number. this stoicism has enabled her to thrive in the “finance bro” world but a slice to her career rep from her misogynistic boss and a mishap with her less than honest boyfriend forced her to quietly abandon the successful life she’s known in minnesota and start anew in nashville.

in nashville, penelope meets the kind of people everyone needs in their life: kind, uplifting, honest, listening and propel her forward on a path of healing and rerouted purpose. she also meets grant, the brother of her soon to be closest friend who possesses an absolute heart of gold…and a very impressive mustache haha!

while navigating her complicated feelings towards grant, penelope undergoes a transformation through biking to release her anxiety, confronting emotions long ago buried and coming to the realization that:

"it's okay to let yourself feel grief and sorrow, but it's also okay to let it go, to let people in, to let all kinds of people love you and be loved in return. a lot of people will hurt you, but when you find love, friendship, a good hairstylist, whatever, it's worth it. and life isn't worth living if you don't take risks."

the false flat is heartwarming, so terribly funny, and so beautifully written to encourage readers to embrace life as it is despite all its bumps in the road. you’ll definitely want tissues because once you’re done laughing, the tears will also inevitably fall :’)

—

there are some central themes around cheating that i didn’t love and found very conflicting especially as things were not entirely clarified where the “other woman” is concerned. i wish this dynamic had not been a factor, however given the context of one of the characters’ familial history, i understand why it was present (but will never condone reciprocation from the other party).

— biracial rep
— found family
— black cat fmc golden retriever mmc
— hilarious + sweet supporting cast of characters

tw: loss of parent/sibling, alcoholism, cheating, drug use (party drug), cancer.

thanks so much to montlake for gifting me an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

Well this book well and truly captured, healed and broke me. It took me on SUCH a journey that I couldn’t not give it 5 stars. The characters, the story, the growth, the way grief is handled, the laughter, the tears, the throw-my-kindle-across-the-room-in-frustration moments. I don’t think I’ve ever ‘hightlighted’ as many lines as I have with this book and looking over them now I’m so full of emotions. I feel so grateful to have been able to read this in advance of its release and absolutely urge you to pick it up as soon as you can (just be prepared with plenty of tissues!) ❤️‍🩹😭💔 Thank you Melissa and Montlake Publishers for allowing me to read this as an eARC in exchange for my honest review ✨

What a sweet story. I love Pen and Grant and getting to know them and their journey. Deanna was my absolute favorite and I would love a story about her and William. I did get teary-eyed at the end, so be sure to grab your tissues while reading this.

Recently, books have been hit or miss
I get hooked and then frustrated with the plot/writing, but this was Realistic in its pacing and well-developed side characters. Despite the heartbreaking yet beautiful moments, I particularly loved witnessing Penelope's growth throughout the book.

This book is not just a love story it's more than that. It's about finding oneself, overcoming grief, and opening your heart to those waiting for you. The book was funny, emotional, and relatable. I loved Penelope - her sarcasm was witty and amusing, making me laugh and cry throughout the book. I loved Grant. Every character was well-crafted, and each chapter left me wanting to read more.
For me, Penelope was the only main character. It was her journey, and it was beautiful and overwhelming. The story wasn't just about creating new relationships but also rediscovering the old ones. Everything was already inside her; she just needed some good people to help her to bring it out.
I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves a heartwrenching yet heartwarming and overwhelming story.

Never underestimate friendship to guide one from their past yet how does one escape it completely? Penelope is a relatable character who just wants to start new and move on. The characters became my friends by the last chapter. This is a rich novel full of emotions and beautifully written. Along with the realistic view that at times one needs to let go to move on.

Love this stunning novel by a debut author! Had been waiting to read this one and so glad I held out so that it could be savored! The portrayal of anxiety and PTSD are very well handled. Loved the secondary characters (well except Chad), but our heroine most of all! Thanks NetGalley for the chance and can’t wait to read more by this author soon!!!

Update - this review was written mid-book. I thought it couldn’t get any better. It did. 5+ stars and all the feels. This book actually moved me to tears. Lots of them. This belongs on my physical 5+ star book shelf. It will be reread. And many quotes will be highlighted. Wonderful!!

A wonderfully written story about finding yourself and opening yourself up to what the world has to offer.

'False flat - A low-gradient climb, usually occurring partway up a steeper climb. So-called because while it may look deceptively flat and easy (especially after the steep climb preceding it), it is still a climb'
4.5/5
For the first few chapters of this book I struggled to get into the story, I was hesitant on the FMC Penelope 'pen' Auberge but after that it was plain sailing, I was fully invested in the plot and eager to sit and go along on the journey.
I found myself not being able to put the book down, the way Pen started to forge real friendships and open herself up to new experiences was truly magical to read I loved that she was able to discover her own self worth and put her foot down when people tried to steer here life in the wrong direction.
This book also manages to focus a lot on past trauma and the journey of acceptance and healing which is shown through the main characters and that it's never too late in life to find yourself help when it is needed. And throughout the book it was all sprinkled with humour, witty banter and finding true love.

When I started this story I was expecting a well written women's fictions books what I wasn't expecting was to read one of the most beautiful portrayals of true love and soul mates with an ending that ripped my heart out and only just about glued it back together. So if you do read this bring your tissues for when the unexpected crying starts.

truly beautiful, I cant wait to see what else this author has in store.

4 stars

thank you netgalley for the e-arc and audiobook arc
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a really cute book about moving on from alot of internalised issues, being the replica of what her mom wants, grieving the loss of her brother, a relationship built on infidelity, navigating the world as a mixed woman. our main character chooses to turn her life over in a complete 180 to start living her life for her.
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i really enjoyed this book and all the characters that we got to know. i was NOT expecting the ending but man oh man did i really enjoy it.
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I loved seeing Pen get to explore herself and he life some more in the book. i really liked that her growth journey wasn’t predictable and cheesy. it was really well written and in a way that still grabbed your attention.

This is an absolute gem! I was intrigued from the opening page. Our FMC Penelope/Pen is clearly neurodiverse - she’s much happier with numbers than with people. She has a difficult backstory with unresolved grief, a toxic relationship with her mother, a cheating boyfriend, and she moves to a new town on impulse when her life implodes.

Grant is a small town architect, he cycles, has a bit of a mystic side and is influenced by eastern philosophies. Both are in relationships with other people when they meet and it takes until about 50% through the book before they are both free. I don’t see this as cheating or OM/OW drama. They are both adults, in their 30s living their lives and who are feeling a growing attraction and connection. Pen has a lot to navigate as a financial advisor (a woman in a man’s world) and to a lesser extent, her biracial identity. These aspects of her character propel some the plot and her character development. Grant is more fully formed in the sense that he knows who he is. It just takes time for them to both be ready for each other. It’s not steamy, more like a closed door but there’s lots of tenderness and communication between them. No spoilers but it really is a ride and the title is so apt – you’ll see …

There’s some sparkles here - moments that foreshadow more - the roadside chicken, the colour run, the kimchi, Pen’s hair as a side character, her shoes, Grant’s bike, Chad’s name (OMG), chapter titles - this is a writer who can laugh at herself and wink at the reader - in her first novel too!

I’d label this general fiction/women’s fiction as it is not really only a romance. Suggest you let the book settle before reading the epilogue. Thank thank thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking"

I received The False Flat as an Advance Ready Copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for sending me the ARC and letting me read this book! The False Flat will be published on June 11th, 2024.

When Pen's life falls apart, she quits her job, leaves her boyfriend, and buys a random house in Nashville. She moves and runs into a local in the grocery store which sends her on the adventure of a lifetime as she faces her fear of close connection and loss as she falls in love with the little community she has found.

I mean it when I say that this may be one of the most beautiful books I have read this year.
When you find a book that you can see yourself in, it is always a privilege to read that book and learn about yourself as you learn about the characters. This book felt like a mirror in so many ways to me.
First, the writing in this book is absolutely stunning. The way Melissa Collings writes this book had me hooked from the first page. Because Pen is so focused on others perception of her, her internal thoughts are so vulnerable and real, the version of herself that she would never let anyone else see. And with that vulnerability comes the most beautiful writing about past trauma and loss and the possibility of love and mistakes. I have never enjoyed being in the mind of a character more than I enjoyed learning the two sides of Pen that we get to see in this book.

Second, Pen is a beautifully flawed character. Seeing someone learn to live life after loss and years of living alone is always beautiful, but seeing someone do it knowing that, and accepting that loss could strike at any time just feels so much more intimate and realistic.
Second, this book is proof that love transforms people. You see it in all the character that you interact with. Love, when given the chance, changes people's lives. It challenges us to enjoy the present without considering the future and what it has in store. It encourages us to reflect on our past and make ourselves better for those we get to love. And it pushes us to live past the loss of that love in honor of their memory that lives on in everything we interact with after they are gone.

Third, the emotional vulnerability of this book is so impactful. As someone who is mixed, there were moments in this book that I cried recognizing similar situations in my own past as Pen was processing. As a woman, I processed the healthy sisterhood of women joining together over the grief they have both survived and continued to endure through. As a wife, I processed the importance of savoring love while you have it rather than worrying about the possibility of losing it. As a daughter, I was reminded of the traumas of my own parents and how those have shaped and changed their lives.
There is something for everyone in this book. There is something for you to connect with and be moved by with all the ways we see emotional growth and processing in the characters we meet.

I cannot recommend this book enough.
I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book as soon as it releases because it is truly one of the most beautiful books I have every read.

The False Flat will be released on June 11th, 2024 and I cannot wait for you to read it!

Please note, The False Flat does discuss many topics that could be triggering for some audiences. Some topics covered include: loss of a sibling, loss of a parent, anxiety and panic attacks, cancer, miscarriages, broken relationships with parents, controlling relationships.
Please consider these topics before reading this book.