It is rare that a book makes me bawl my eyes out just pages after making me laugh out loud, but The False Flat did just that. The last time a book took me on such a fun emotional roller coaster was three years ago - with a book by Fredrik Bachman, so that's high praise for The False Flat. Readers will fall for Pen's journey (and, I must admit, waving a hand in front of my face, for her romantic interest as well!) and be rooting for her to make all the right choices. I love that she's a financial planner, instead of something more traditional for female characters; her struggle with work decisions makes the book more interesting than it would have been in a different career. Additionally, as a cyclist myself, I was drawn into the plot twists around the cycling group. If you love evidence of the writing craft, if you enjoy smiling as you read and highlighting tight turns of phrase, if you long to root for a character for reasons other than 'getting the guy' and - most importantly - if you like happy (but not sappy, and COMPLETELY UNPREDICTABLE) endings, this book is for you. It is a romance with meat on its bones, women's fiction that offers up life lessons for all of us, and a book that you'll hold to your heart upon finishing it, mixed emotions swirling around you, thinking, "Wow! What a great read!"

The author's skillful navigation of these deeply affecting subjects renders the story not only compelling but also deeply personal, making it an unforgettable and emotional

This novel seamlessly blends elements of both romance and women's literature, with the compelling relationship between Grant and Penelope serving as a pivotal aspect of the storyline. However, it's important to note that the book delves beyond the romantic narrative, exploring a rich tapestry of themes.

If you're a person who needs/likes to know trigger warnings please do check. Due to the poignant and emotionally charged content within the pages. Readers should be aware of sensitive topics such as cancer, the loss of a sibling, death, drunk driving, references to self harm, and the portrayal of severe anxiety/ panic attacks. As a survivor of cancer, this hit me on a deeply personal level, especially considering the heartbreaking loss of my mother to the same insidious disease.

Big Thanks to Netgalley for the arc!

I quite liked Penelope for being sharp and observant (indeed, why can't mustaches not be female?), but this book wasn't for me. It was so heavy on the one hand with her suffering from things long ago, and then on the other Grant revealing he has his eye on a building so he can help his sister start her B&B... it was a bit too good to be true. Did not finish.

This book was SHOWSTOPPING!!! I've never read a book more raw and real. Each of the main characters was so very vulnerable! I've never read a book that is more open about how loss and family can change our perception of life. I felt as if I was reading someone's diary or living their lives. It was such a beautiful representation of life's scars and how they mark us. I think this book will stay with me forever and has taught me many things. Melissa Collings is a truly powerful author.

4.5 stars, rounded to 5

Beautiful, devastating, and hopeful all at once – not at all what I expected going in, but so well done.

First things first – the plot synopsis for this book, at least the one I received, doesn’t adequately inform the reader that, at times, this a heavy read. If you’re a crier, be prepared to cry. Also, without spoiling anything too much, this is a love story but not an HEA.

Initially Pen reads as pretty one dimensional - a very serious, type-A woman on the brink of a meltdown. As the book continues, Pen blossoms into a multi-dimensional character. The Penelope you start with is not the Penelope you end with, and I’m so grateful for getting to read her journey. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that I wish Grant had been written with the same depth as Pen.

In terms of genre, I would consider this equal parts romance and women’s lit. Yes, the relationship between Grant and Penelope is central to the plot, but there is so much more to this book.

A list of trigger warnings, which I don’t usually include, but there are several: cancer, sibling death, parental death, death by drunk driver, mention of suicide, severe anxiety and panic attacks, and I’m probably missing some.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing the advanced reader copy of this book.

I went into this blind thinking maybe it was a cute rom com. I did not expect to be sobbing at the end. Pens story was beautiful and heartbreaking. There was found family. There was plenty of romance. Oh Grant we did not deserve you. It reminded me of Kristen Higgins books in the best way. Go read it!

i didn’t really connect with the main character in any way but i can understand that some people may connect to penelope if they have had similar experiences in life. the whole book i couldn’t really get myself in to it, i feel like each chapter is too jumpy and then it’ll bring something up to link a couple chapters i didn’t really understand what was going on apart form her having bad history which she brings up constantly in the present.

The False Flat is a remarkable novel that skillfully blends a relatable story with such care and attention to details, evoking such strong emotions out of me.

Taking place in a contemporary setting, the story unfolds with a genuine authenticity that drew me in right away, into a world that feels familiar. The plot centers around our main character, Penelope Auberge. Struggling to break free from an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a sexist boss, she decides to start fresh by opening her own financial business. As she navigates new friendships and relationships, she confronts her fears of stepping outside her comfort zone. This heartfelt tale delves into the complexities of love, friendships, and relationships, offering a refreshing take on the genre.

some trigger warnings that i ought to mention:
•death of loved ones
•cancer diagnosis
•anxiety
•cancer diagnosis
•grief

This book was absolutely riveting, so full of depth and emotions that it completely took my breath away! I was hooked from start to finish! From addressing traumas, everyday challenges, lack of self-confidence to the ache of loneliness, the story explored such deep topics, topics that are my absolute favorite because how easily they can elicit strong emotions out of me, right away making me feel so personal about this book.

What sets this story apart is its focus on the evolving friendships and the growth of Penelope, who initially struggles due to her past traumas. Pen is not our easy going cookie cutter heroine. She had her flaws and was hard to fall in love with easily at first but the more i went on the more I warmed upto her. I absolutely loved how she SEEKED out therapy herself because we very rarely get to see main characters take this decision like that. That really proved that she wanted a positive change in her life. I loved to see her come out of shell and the road to her growth was absolutely amazing to witness.

However, I feel like it's important for me to mention that this book takes a bittersweet turn at the end, with no HEA. And I feel like the grief could be more resolved. But towards the end of the book, tears were rolling down my face. Oh how poignant this story was and how deeply it made me feel!

I have to give props to the author's meticulous detailing, with an extremely down to earth and relatable approach to the story, my heart was touched very deeply with every page that I read, that I can't help but recommend it. it is
a must-read for those looking for a story that include self exploration and growth filled with depth and sheer authenticity.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc!

This book is perfect for the readers of emily henry and the likes. Super realistic characters and conflicts. The emotional journey of our characters really took me by the heart. I laughed some, I cried some. What a wonderful read this was.

Thank you to netgalley and montlake for giving an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Fantastic. Beautiful. Thorough.

Before I go further:

SPOILER ALERT
Please do not read past this point if you dislike spoilers. To do this review justice, I feel I have to include some. Honestly, this is one book where I wish I’d had some advance knowledge.

TRIGGER WARNINGS for this book!
- cancer diagnosis
- death of sibling
- pregnancy loss
- death by drunk driving
- severe anxiety
- complex/unresolved grief
- death of spouse

I was sucked in. Collings wrote a beautiful, deep, colorful story that made me feel like I actually knew these people. I loved watching Pen grow, change, and open herself to her new circumstances. I loved watching her come out of her self-imposed shell and awaken to everything, and everyone, around her. From realizing her boyfriend Chad really is “a Chad,” to discovering why her rigid, controlling mother is rigid and controlling, Collings pulled me into Pen’s beautiful, broken world. I loved watching Pen learn to open up and trust people, learn to make friends, and learn to find her own way. I also was happy to see Pen actually REALIZE she needs therapy and SEEK IT OUT. So many times the main character has deep flaws, and it frustrates the hell out of me that they refuse to seek help. From someone who knows, sometimes one can’t push through things on one’s own. This was refreshing in that regard.

Here’s the spoiler part: this book does 𝙉𝙊𝙏 finish with a HEA. I’m sorry to spoil that, but I feel it’s important to know. This book ended with me having tears streaming down my face. It’s very poignant and sweetly written, but fair warning: Grant dies.
He leaves a letter for Pen to only be opened after his passing, and the result of that letter is where the book ends. I’m not ashamed to admit I bawled.

So, while I thought I was reading a traditional romance with occasional comedic elements, it turns out I was reading a bittersweet love/“life goes on” story. Take that for what you will. If you don’t mind, or even if you want, a good cry, I strongly recommend. I would definitely read more of Collings’s work.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦, 𝘚𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.

This book was everything I didn’t know that I needed.

This book follow Penelope’s journey of finding herself and the lessons she learns along the way. I found myself immersed in the story and it felt like I was going along her journey with her. I laughed, I cried, and learned some amazing things along the way.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of The False Flat.

In this charming love story, Penelope Auberge seeks to rise above her fear of deep relationships after the tragic death of her beloved brother.

When Pen Auberge’s life in Minnesota busts apart, in a spur of the moment act of self-preservation, she flees to Nashville, where she decides to start a financial planning business of her own. There, she finds friends who despite her best efforts, she can’t push away, and out from under the thumb of her mother, she sees herself in a new light. I enjoyed seeing Nashville from newcomer Pen’s eyes. I’ve never travelled there, and I learned there’s so much more to the city than the country music industry. If you like quirky, flawed characters, Pen will soon win you over as will moustachioed sweetheart Grant. Keep the tissues handy, this fast-paced novel will have you laughing and crying.

Penelope works in finance, a boys’ club, where she lands big clients and her boss passes the accounts off to lesser qualified, lesser experienced male colleagues. Then she finds out the guy she’s been dating, Chad, is secretly married. The final straw that pushes her from the Twin Cities to Nashville is her cold hearted mother who, after a series of not-very-believable events lets Pen’s ex, Chad, move in with her. (Yes, it’s very weird.)

Nashville it is.

A bit of a loner, Pen struggles in all ways once she arrives and immediately buys a house (also very weird): making friends, establishing her own business, finding a way through her grief. But she quickly meets Deanna (over Cap’n Crunch, a redeemable moment in the book), and her brother Grant who are determined to help her adjust. It just so happens that Pen rides bikes and Grant organizes weekend rides.

From there, a whole lot of convoluted events occur at indiscriminate times leaving Penelope unsure of what she wants or how to get it.

Honestly, I wanted to like this book but there was too much that didn’t work.

If you’re going to feature a hobby prominently, be sure you actually do the research.
• cyclists described as wearing knee pads (grimace)
• using the trunk of a car to transport multiple bikes
• people who aren’t avid cyclists doing an 80 mile weekend ride like it’s nothing

Nothing pulls me from a narrative like a lack of research.

But more importantly, Pen isn’t likable. At first I thought she was on the spectrum (she constantly pictures people as numbers), but later it is described as social anxiety. What it comes off as is selfishness. She’s ridiculously self-centered. I won’t spoil anything, but her love interest gives her the worst news you can imagine and she turns it all into how it affects her and stirs up things from her past.

It’s…cringey.

The epilogue does contain a very sweet scene that touched me, so I left the book with that small glimmer.

Thanks to Netgalley and Montlake Books for the ARC to read and review. Available June 11, 2024.

Was not ready for the range of emotions that this book was going to make me feel! The character growth over the book was so wonderful, and I could really relate to some of the anxiety that was felt. Overall a really good book.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

Title: The False Flat by Melissa Collings

4 Stars

The False Flat is a captivating romance novel that seamlessly combines a down-to-earth narrative with meticulous attention to detail. Set against a realistic and down to earth setting, the story unfolds with a refreshing authenticity that invites readers into a world that feels relatable . Traumas, everyday problems and lack of self confidence, as well as the fear of loneliness that many people can relate to.

The plot revolves around Penelope Auberge, having to detach herself from an overbearing mother, a married boyfriend, and a sexist boss that undervalues her work, she moves away from it all, determined to build a life on her own by opening a solo financial business. She meets and slowly forms friendships and relationship whilst battling the angst and fear of living out of her comfort zone.

This story provides a heartfelt journey that explores the nuances of love, friendships and relationships.

What I love in this story is that it is not just pure sweet, funny, romance but the found friends and how the friendship progresses. It’s lovely to read as Penelope is not the social butterfly to begin with due to her traumas.


The False Flat is a standout romance novel that excels in its down-to-earth approach and meticulous detailing.

This book is a recommended read for those seeking a romance/ found friends with depth and authenticity.

I struggled to get into this at first because I don’t know the first thing about finance nor numbers but I stuck with it and I’m so incredibly glad I did. The characters are so well written throughout the entire book and I ended up not being able to put it down. The whole story is heartbreaking but in the sweetest way and I will definitely be recommending this to everyone as soon as it is published! My first 5* read of the year.

I did not realize how much emotions, wanting and yearning there would be in this story. The book maintains a steady balance of fun and seriousness throughout. I loved it.