Flat-Out Love

Flat-Out Love, Book 1

By: Jessica Park

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 9 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

He was tall, at least six feet, with dirty blond hair that hung over his eyes. His T-shirt read Nietzsche Is My Homeboy.

So, that was Matt. Who Julie Seagles likes. A lot. But there is also Finn. Who she flat out loves.

Complicated? Awkward? Completely.

But really, how was this freshly-minted Boston transplant and newbie college freshman supposed to know that she would end up living with the family of an old friend of her mother’s? This was all supposed to be temporary. Julie wasn’t supposed to be important to the Watkins family, or to fall in love with one of the brothers. Especially the one she’s never quite met. But what does that really matter? Finn gets her, like no one ever has before. They have connection. But here’s the thing about love, in all its twisty, bumpy permutations - it always throws you a few curves. And no one ever escapes unscathed.

©2012 Jessica Park (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Creative yet lacking...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes and no. It's a bit different from anything I've ever read, a good "in between" if you're burnt out on reading the same genre over and over. I can see why some people rate it low, as it may be so out of the norm. It's compelling at times and confusing, but the winding up and down of not knowing what the next page will contain kept me going. I'd give it a solid 3.5.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jessica Park? Why or why not?

Sure. Why not?

Amazing

Where does Flat-Out Love rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best audio book I have read so far. The narrator was fantastic.

What other book might you compare Flat-Out Love to and why?

I don't read YA books so I don't have any comparisons.

What does Julia Whelan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

When she was doing Julie’s voice she sounded like Kristen Bell to me, which was pretty cool. From Erin’s haughty voice to Celeste’s high pitched younger voice I liked them all.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The narrator did the cracks in her voice when Matt got choked up so well I started crying. It felt very real to me. Bravo!

Any additional comments?

I am diving into Flat Out Celeste next and I am kind of sad Julia is not narrating this book.

Fun story of young love among tragedy

I really love Julia Whalen's narrations. Story was a little predictable but enjoyable. I am 46 and still enjoyed this story

Loved it

This was a great listen. Narration was entertaining and easy to follow. The story was a bit sad, but oh so good. Characters are developed and complex.

It was okay

This book was predictable. I belatedly understood that this is really for the "college age" reader. However, it was a good story and well written. It was also very funny!

Good but not Great

This is a good book. It goes on and on a bit but left me hanging on to see how it ended. There's enough intrigue to keep you listening. I was not a fan of the narration, well, not of the male parts. I disagree with the other listeners and think she made the fatal mistake when doing male voices when trying to go deep it through off the cadence and was slow and drawn out. This in the past has made books to annoying to listen to. This wasn't that bad.

Fun reading!

The story was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it. The narrator did a great job. I would read other stories by Jessica Park.

Predictable and for teens

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I found it entertaining at first, however, it became predictable somewhere after chapter 18 and towards the end.

What was most disappointing about Jessica Park’s story?

I hate when it takes only a short read to figure out what was to happen in the story. But it is cute and rather stupid. A pleasant enough journey, though I was waiting for it to end too early in the book. The characters are somewhat flat as is the overall love affair which is the basis on which the book is built. But take it for a day and that is enough.

Have you listened to any of Julia Whelan’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, she was ok

Was Flat-Out Love worth the listening time?

not really, i got bored after first 10 chapters

Any additional comments?

People 21 and younger would enjoy it more. Facebook updates bored me after a while.

FLAT-OUT LOVED THIS STORY AND NARRATOR

SWEET, DIFFERENT, CHARMING, INTELLIDENT, WITTY, FUNNY AND SAD ALL ROLLED INTO ONE. THE BOOK IS GEARED MORE FOR TEENS BUT I ENJOYED IT VERY MUCH AND HOPE MORE OF JESSICA PARKS BOOKS ARE MADE AUDIBLE.

Wonderful story with wonderful narrator!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it because this book is amazing and the audiobook is as well!

Which scene was your favorite?

Chapter 22 was one of my favorite scenes.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed that the narrator of the book took on each character and portrayed the emotions like we imagined them.