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.

Love! Love! Love!

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

It's one of the best. Great story. Fantastic narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I'm not a vocal laugher usually but this book had me laughing out loud. I just hope the people driving around me didn't think I was nuts!!

Any additional comments?

Once I finished this book, I immediately started replaying it. I couldn't get enough of it.

Story and character grew on me.

Would you consider the audio edition of Flat-Out Love to be better than the print version?

I probably wouldn't have stuck with the print version. In the beginning I didn't like the character of Julie. She seemed rude and pushy. But as the story progressed she grew on me. I did find Matt, Celeste & their other family members to be quirky and I liked them a bunch.

What did you like best about this story?

The mystery of just what was going on with Matt's family. I figured it out before it was reveled but still wanted to see if I was correct. By that point I liked Julie better and was invested in seeing what happened to all the characters.

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

She brings good characterization to each person. You could tell without being told what character was speaking. Not every narrator does that well.

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

When Julie was stuck in the elevator and when Julie and Matt have big argument.

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I stuck with finishing this listen. Not great fiction but certainly a good listen. You will grow to care about the characters and in seeing how this story turns out.

Not sure why I avoided this one for so long

I avoided reading this for quite some time, despite people's continued recommendations. I expected it to be cute, maybe a bit quirky, but otherwise just average. I didn't want to read average, so I didn't bother.

That was dumb. This is indeed cute, quirky, and heartwarming. It also explores the darker sides of loss and how getting by is not always enough, not forever. Coping is important, but healing and growing can be better.

The way the characters are appreciated for who they, even though who they are is not standard, is really beautiful.

Also, the narration is good.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!

Jessica Park freaking knows how to write a love story, watch out Nicholas Sparks 😁

This is my second book by Ms. Park, the first being 180 Seconds which was equally amazing!

I love how her writing is never raunchy, just the perfect amount of humor, love, mystery and “steam” to keep you hooked until the end (and maybe seeking out your own partner for a little extra loving!)

Julia Whelan is a fantastic narrator, I think. Her male voices do all seem very similar to me, but the writing makes it clear who is talking, so it never creates an issue in this audio performance.

The story made me laugh, cry and feel all warm & fuzzy inside. An absolute delight! I am in love with Ms. Park’s writing! 5 Stars all around!

Loved this so much!

This was such a great story, and I couldn’t stop listening. Julie, Matt, and Celeste were endearing characters, and the story was touching. I listened to 4 hours in one day :)

Fun, quirky, love!

Would you listen to Flat-Out Love again? Why?

Yes. Such a fun story, with great characters.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Flat-Out Love?

The relationship between Celeste and Julie.

Which character – as performed by Julia Whelan – was your favorite?

Matt

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

What's your status update?

Any additional comments?

Such a fun loving book. Great for all ages.

Flat out LOVE this book!

I absolutely love this book! I have read it before but it gets me every time. The only negative thing I have to say is that the narrator does an awful job with men's voices.

Fantastic Story!

One of my favorite books in print, I'll admit I was a little leery of the audio version. I was happily surprised and satisfied by the audible version. Julia Whelan did a fantastic job bringing these characters who are so dear to my heart to life. This is a story you don't want to miss - unique, touching, funny, smart, with a hero unlike any you've read before.

flat out love is fantastic!

This book is a great book and the narrator is the best! She brings this story to life! Love the different problems and how the families deal with it and how the main character tries to help the host family and how her own families problems are not important to her. Love love love this book!

Noir Antidote

Prior to Flat Out I read two quite dark books. Both featured psychotic, uncaring main characters. This book was certainly what I needed to change that virtual taste left over from my previous choices. Had I known in advance that this bordered on (or maybe actually was) a YA romance book, I wouldn't have purchased it. I'm glad for what I didn't know.

Julia Whelan is a gifted narrator who is particularly entertaining when she voices young girls and women. She brought humor and a touch of wryness to the story that was great fun.

Yes, the story was rather predictable, but this listener didn't mind figuring it out 1/2 way through. Yes, the character development didn't proceed with much depth, but that was fine. Yes, the romance was laced with naivete, but grinding sex wouldn't have worked with this book.

All in all, it was an enjoyable break from deeper, darker books. However, I will now return to my normally scheduled programming.