In Melissa Collings' captivating novel, "The False Flat," Penelope Auberge embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Plagued by an overbearing mother, unfulfilling relationships, and professional setbacks, Pen yearns for a life free from the constraints imposed upon her. Pen's decision to relocate to Tennessee and establish her own financial business marks a pivotal moment for her. The move symbolizes her determination to forge her own path and create a future where her accomplishments are truly her own. However, the process of shedding the baggage of her past proves to be more complex than she initially anticipated. As she navigates the unfamiliar territory of Nashville, Pen encounters Deanna and Grant, two siblings who challenge her solitary existence. Deanna's warmth and Grant's charm slowly coax Pen out of her shell, but she remains cautious, her heart scarred by previous disappointments. Amidst the blossoming friendships and the undeniable chemistry with Grant, Pen grapples with the complexities of her past. She realizes that true freedom lies not only in physical distance but also in confronting the emotional wounds that have shaped her. Collings skillfully weaves together themes of self-love, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Pen's journey, she explores the challenges women face in defining their own paths and the courage required to break free from societal expectations. "The False Flat" is a relatable and inspiring tale that resonates with readers seeking self-discovery and empowerment. It is a testament to the transformative power of human connection and the importance of embracing one's true self, even when it means pedaling away from the familiar.

First and foremost this is a book about DEATH.

Like, this book centers around death and grief and trauma.

And then there's like, a splash of romance mixed in.

Penelope "Pen" lives in the world of finance. She loves it and she's good at it. Her life is very particularly set to cause the least amount of chaos. She assigns people numbers instead of getting to know them. 10s aren't TENS because of their looks of personality, it's more like they feel like a 10, and others feel like a 4. Kind of the same way we look at folders from school and we all immediately say red was for math. It's a feeling she gets from people that assigns them their number. Those numbers can also change as she gets to know someone. Occasionally they creep into the double digits, but it's rare.

Why did she start doing this? When she was a teenager, her best friend and brother died of cancer and she fell into a depression and the rest of her family fell apart. Her dad starting cheating and drinking, and her mom became an ice queen determined to put on a good face, and Pen had no one on her side anymore. Her aunt tried to take her to a therapist and while in the waiting room, she saw a little girl making faces on numbers on a piece of paper and making them argue with each other....basically personifying these digits and she thought, huh, what a great way to look at people. And she's done it ever since.

But when she lands a big client and it's taken from her and given to a white man with far less experience....she finds out her boyfriend is actually married....and she's about to have a major panic attack at work, she decides she needs to get OUT.

So she moves to Nashville on a whim.

Oh yeah - she also has panic attacks and her way of coping is with bike riding.

In Nashville, she meets her "people." But she's constantly being torn between her old life and the expectations those around her and she has always had for her life, and what she has started to figure out she actually wants from life.

I really liked the plot of this. I liked the fact that it really focused HEAVILY on the trauma and the panic attacks. Pen FLEES a lot when put in a situation that makes her sweaty. She is the poster child for fight or flight, see: flight.

The thing I didn't love about this book...

The cheating. There's....kind of a lot of it. And literally the day I picked this book up I was having a conversation with friends about how we do not our main characters/love interests to be cheating and then have to have some sort of redemption arc. Leave that to the terrible exes.

Penelope's dad cheated and was a mess and she never wanted to be like him. Then she inadvertently is because she finds out she's been dating a married man. She takes a lot of the blame for this and says a lot of "well I could have seen it if I really tried" but like bb girl this man didn't tell you and lied to you, and HE'S in the wrong. Not to spoil it too much but that relationship doesn't end there.

But then there are feelings toward someone else while shes in a relationship and so is that man. And there is a kiss.

And I'm like, okay you keep saying you didn't want to be like your dad but dang do you keep finding unavailable dudes to fall for.

It felt unnecessary. And that's where my rating for this book is torn. Because while a lot of it gets "justified" away, not all of it does nor can it. And that leaves me a bit irked by this plot.

Also this book is just about death and grief and how you move on and still live LIFE. So it's pretty heavy. This is definitely not a light rom-com.

However, there's also a character that wants to enjoy every single piece of life and teaches Pen how to do that as well. Is it raining? Go dance in it. Bury some kimchi in the Chattanooga mountains and unearth it during a picnic. Fall in love. Enjoy EVERYTHING. So it has a wonderful message if not a little manic pixie dream girl in flavor.

Anyway, now I'm just stalling because the next part of this review process is rating it with stars and I genuinely don't know where this one falls. In some ways it's a 3, in some ways it's a 4. I guess I"ll pull a Pen and give this book what it FEELS like.

"I was wrong when I'd said life was like a cake with all the right ingredients. Life isn't about having the right ingredients; it's about figuring out what to make when you're missing some."

Penelope is well into her career in finance when circumstances at work push her to quit and pursue her own work in Nashville. As she works through personal obstacles, she finds new friends, new work, and new love while also working through her traumatic past.

There were so many things to like about this book, but I could not get into it until I was well past the halfway point. To start off with what I enjoyed, I loved seeing Penelope let go of her troubles and ease into her friend group. Her relationship with Deanna was refreshing and I think that she was the ultimate friend to Penelope when she needed it. Grant's understanding nature when it came to Penelope was also very heartwarming. From the time they met to the very end of the book, I was so excited to see where their story went! The way that Penelope's character was able to evolve was amazing. I loved seeing her step out of her comfort zone and not only find friendship, but also find love!

The False Flat by Melissa Collings is a novel with depth. I loved that this book is set in my hometown of Nashville and seeing a strong woman build a business! There is found family and a beautiful love story. If you’ve experienced loss due to cancer this one might be hard for you.

good romance and loved that they are taking their time with the romance and that she is figuring out her life.

The False Flat is a vulnerable exploration of growth and relationships (romantic, familial, and between friends). While the narrative portrays the highs and lows of self-discovery, a challenge I faced was connecting with the main character. Also, I was caught off guard by multiple heavy topics that surfaced, suggesting a need for clearer indication in the summary. I laughed and grieved throughout the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review. The False Flat releases on June 11, 2024.

4.5 stars!

Wow! What an unexpected surprise this book was! I went into this book thinking it was going to be a light, happy romance…it was not. It was full of so much depth and character development. The friend group and "side characters" were all wonderful and I found myself wanting to hang out with this group more. They had "real" interactions but provided each other so much love and support.

I will say this title is misleading. The main character, Penelope, is not dealing with a “false flat”. She’s dealing with an uphill battle, but she handles everything thrown at her with grace and growth. I loved watching her grow from an anxious, unsure woman to one who could handle all the tough things life threw at her.

This book gave me all the emotions. I cried quite a bit because there are a lot of sad parts…however, the book leaves you feeling hopeful and even content. Due to some plot points, I do not believe this book can be classified as a traditional romance, but it is an amazing read and one that I highly recommend!

I think I should start this review with a disclaimer that me rating this book three starts doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. Because I surely did - it was a fun time, had an interesting plot that made me wanna read more and more and I found myself staying up late couple nights because I couldn't put it down. That being said, it wasn't groundbreaking by any means and as I oftentimes feel when reading romance books after I've read some many others in this genre - it was very predictable. However, I would still recommend reading this book to everyone who wants a book with an interesting story and relatable characters.

A big thank you to the publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I just finished the false flat by Melissa R. Collings and it was one of the most bittersweet reads I've had in a while.

Going into this, I thought it would be a cute romance book and while it definitely fulfilled those expectations, boy was there depth to these characters. I love how every character was given their own personality and backstory, and specifically Penelope was given space to grow (we love to see it!!).

The only thing I personally and subjectively didn't enjoy was there were some tropes and some topics I was wholly unprepared for and did not want to read about due to personal history. To keep this spoiler free, I will not mention them explicitly, but I went into this thinking it'd be lighthearted when it's really not, and I want people to know that.

nonetheless, a very good read and I would recommend this to everyone who loves a good bittersweet romance!

thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc!

Melissa Collings masterfully crafted a story that is more than entertaining words on pages. It holds life lessons some of us need to learn or be reminded of. Reminders of how to love and be loved. When to hold on and when to let go. Reminders to dance in the rain and watch the sun set. This story made me giggle, cry, sob, smile, and warmed my heart. In my opinion, this is a book to treasure.

This book is more than just a story; it's a journey of self-discovery, love, friendship, and navigating through grief. What drew me in were the beautifully developed characters and the perfectly paced plot that kept me hooked from start to finish.

"The False Flat" isn't your typical romance novel. It effortlessly weaves together a grounded narrative with meticulous attention to detail, creating a world that feels incredibly relatable. From everyday struggles to the fear of loneliness, the characters face challenges that many of us can resonate with.

But what truly stole my heart was the portrayal of friendship in the story. Watching Penelope, our main character, grow alongside her newfound friends despite her initial hesitations was incredibly heartwarming. It's a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful connections are the ones we least expected.

I highly recommend "The False Flat" to anyone craving a romance with depth and authenticity. Just a heads-up, though: this book tackles some heavy themes, including cancer diagnosis, loss, anxiety, and grief. So, be sure to take care of yourself while diving into this emotional journey.

Thank you Net Galley for this eARC.

This book is a beautiful story about life, love, grief and friendships. I enjoyed reading it, it has great pacing and great character development. I laughed, cried and grieve along the story.
#thefalseflat #netgalley

The False Flat by Melissa R. Collings was an absolute delight to read and is an amazing addition to the genre of romance. The story begins with a definition of what the book title means for those not in the biking know- like me. A false flat is a term describing an area before a steeper biking climb that looks deceptively flat but will still take notable effort to climb. The authors definition also draws parallels to the main characters life. Penelope “Pen” Auberge is a woman whose life has been marked by tragedy. She copes the only way she knows how by riding her bike furiously when anxiety hits and turning people into numbers. These numbers interestingly enough are based on the way you present yourself and the way you make her feel. Pretty straightforward right? (Throughout the book I often wondered what number I would have be assigned). Despite her anxiety and coping strategies Pen has been getting through life just fine -she’s got her job which also includes the numbers she’s so comfortable with and a boyfriend who‘s happy to know Pen at a surface level. Friends and often family don’t fit into Pens world and that’s what shes always known and is comfortable with . Circumstances arise and Pens whole world is turned upside down. She reacts with what some would consider blowing up her life- quitting her job without a new one lined up and moving halfway across the country to a city she’s never even been to. Pen flourishes in her new home despite her quick arrival and makes a new friend in an unlikely almost “meet cute” situation. This new friend encourages her to join the local bike riding group which she’s very opposed to at first but eventually gives in to. This chain of events sets the tone and for the majority of the book and introduces more pivotal characters. Pen meets Grant - initially standoffish and that moustache -just no! But eventually they form a close friendship and become eachother’s confidants- something Pen has never experienced. Watching Pen go from an individual who’d never dealt with her trauma to fully taking control and ownership and doing the work for the life she wanted was inspiring. The growth and character development was such a home run for me and made this book exceptional. I think we can all appreciate the struggles of feeling unlovable and wondering if our unresolved feelings and traumas make us able to be loved and be in a healthy place. Pens navigation through these struggles makes her character so rich and palpable. Her finding her “people” finally and having the life she never thought possible for herself was such a heartfelt joy for me. I’ll defiantly be reading more Melissa R. Collings books thanks to this work of ar. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for this advanced copy read.

3.5/5 stars!
When I read the description of this novel after spending the summer in Nashville while working and also taking up cycling as a hobby, I immediately knew I had to read it. A small spoiler at the end.

TRIGGER WARNINGS for this book!

- cancer diagnosis

- death of a family member

- pregnancy loss

- death by drunk driving

- severe anxiety

- complex/unresolved grief

- death of spouse

I thought this novel was very well thought out in certain aspects of the story. The novel was gorgeously colorful and complex, which made me feel very close to the characters and see parts of myself in them. I enjoyed watching Penelope grow, change, and open herself up to new experiences that come her way, especially a person who seemingly needs everything perfect. I loved watching her emerge from her comfort zone to really take in the world around her outside of numbers and perfectionism. I loved watching her make new friends and learning how to trust people again. As a person who started to go to therapy after this summer for a specific reason and then realized she needed it for a multitude of reasons, I was so thrilled to see Pen realize she needs therapy and actively seek it out. I feel like I do not see this in some of the novels I’ve read, where I strongly believe it would aide in character development, so it was very refreshing to see. She realizes her ex-boyfriend is a loser (his name is Chad… that is a red flag already girl!), why her mother is so controlling, amongst other things. Pen truly becomes a multidimensional character as the novel continues.

Some aspects of the novel I did not love:
- It would have been nice to feature more places in Nashville other than downtown, such as restaurants, coffee shops etc. I think that would have helped with the plot and not just made it another generic novel set in Nashville.
- This book is set in Nashville… Why are y’all going to CHATTANOOGA for a date??? There are plenty of date places in Nashville, especially since everyone was yelling at Penelope for not having gone on broadway!!!
- why are cyclists wearing knee pads?????? That is not a thing.
- THE TRUNK OF THE CAR TO TRANSPORT BIKES?!?! That is a great way to ruin a $600+ bike (yes, bikes do cost that much if they are GOOD bikes)
- y’all just picked up the hobby of biking and you are doing rides more than 20 miles??? Nashville is too hilly for that!!! There is no way Pen is demolishing the hills in the Nations or that one hill in 12 South.

OKAY! So the spoiler:

The ending is not a happily ever after!!! Pen grows and becomes a beautiful multidimensional character, but DAMN she went through it to get to this moment!!! I was sobbing at the ending. While you think you are reading a happy little romance, it turns into a bittersweet Hannah Montana “life is what you make it so let’s make it rock” :’). If you don't like love ripped away in the last few chapters, I would still tell you to read this book but just be forewarned it has a complicated, multidimensional ending just like Penelope’s character development!

This may be my favorite book of the year. I related to the FMC so much. I am an African American woman who is very pale and, unfortunately, had many similar experiences as her. Melissa Collings, I am so happy you decided to return to writing and blessed us with this lovely book. This book does have some trigger warnings. Please be mindful of them before reading.

Mrs. Collings crafted a beautiful world with lovely and complex characters. She was able to weave a story with various themes and incorporate them almost flawlessly. Our FMC (Pen) has had a vibrant life and is trying to find her true self. "Caring what people thought had been ingrained in me since birth. I didn't want to care, but I did. I needed people to like me, to think I was capable, strong, and worthy of praise."

She works hard to overcome her past and become the person she aspires to be. Along that journey, we meet various characters that help and hinder her progress. Our MMC (Grant) was a refreshing breath of fresh air. Like our FMC, he has had a vibrant life, and the chemistry and connection between the two was electric. There was little to no spice but plenty of intimate moments. Deanna Grant's sister quickly likes Pen, and they become close friends. Similar to real life, everyone has a back story that is diverse and exciting. "Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. You have power over your mind- not the outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

As the story progresses, we learn more about the main characters and various sides. We are able to see the characters struggle and grow beautifully. "The surest way to set yourself up for personal failure is to compare yourself to someone else." This book left me wanting more but also very content. There are few times I want to re-read a book, especially after just finishing it, but this one left me in awe.

If you are on the fence, just read it. If you feel it's slow, that is okay. Just keep going. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

The False Flat is a dramatic story that deals with a lot of deeply emotional topics with empathy and light humor.

It centers on Penelope, a financial planner who is consistently overlooked and mistreated by her boss. When she finds out her long-term boyfriend happens to be married to a women who isn't her, it's the final straw. She picks up her life and moves to Nashville, starting her own business, overcoming her fears, and falling in love along the way.

I appreciated the found family aspect of this book, the way Penelope overcame her anxieties, and Grant (he's a swoon-worthy love interest for sure!) This book also inspired me to buy the first box of Cap'n Crunch cereal I've eaten since I was kid. Penelope is right, that sugary cereal is worth fighting someone in a grocery store aisle for LOL.

I really wanted to like this book, but ultimately felt that it dragged on a little too long. There were definitely times when I felt excited about the characters and story but most of the time I felt like I wasn't invested in the characters enough to truly appreciate the emotions of the challenges they faced. There was a lot of heartache in this book that I just couldn't get connected to.

I'm giving The False Flat 3/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for my honest review. The False Flat releases on June 11, 2024.

"This is a false flat... It looks flat and unthreatening, but there's an imperceptible gradient that gives you a real workout... Life was like a false flat. It looked smooth and easy and straightforward, but it was a steady, arduous climb to the finish, living you haggard and out of breath."

Wow. This was absolutely beautiful, yet so bittersweet. I did not expect to cry so much while reading this, but this heartfelt story really dug deep for me. All in all, it's about the conscious effort of choosing to live.

"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."

Grant was amazingggg I cannot get over how good of a human he was written to be. I wanted him to be real and I wanted to be his friend.

I hesitated on 5 stars only because sometimes the writing confused me. Character overload sometimes (like who is so-and-so?) but maybe that was just reader's error. And, honestly, it just took me a few chapters to get used to the writing style.

This was funny, heartbreaking, inspiring, and just all the things, you know? I'm so glad this book took me by surprise and I look forward to more from this author.

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. You have power over your mind--not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive--to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

I approached "The False Flat" with uncertainty, but was pleasantly surprised by its engaging mix of romance and women's fiction. Penelope's journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and friendship drew me in, along with the heartfelt portrayal of the characters' emotions and the evolving romance. The book sensitively tackles themes of grief and loss, highlighting the path to recovery. While the bittersweet ending left a lasting impression, the touching epilogue provided closure. Overall, it's a compelling read that skillfully balances entertainment with heartfelt storytelling. I highly recommend it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

pretty entertaining. i liked the plot quite a bit. took me awhile to read this book, but i kept coming back for more. 3/5 stars

The False Flat by Melissa Collings is a good fit for those seeking a heartwarming and uplifting story of self-discovery and growth, with a focus on themes of friendship, love, and empowerment.