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.