Title: Flat-Out Love
Author: Jessica Park
First published April 11, 2011
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.99
Overview
Flat-Out Love is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of a dysfunctional yet endearing family, with a touch of mystery and a whole lot of romance. When college freshman, Emma, finds herself without housing, she is taken in by the Watkins family.
But something is not quite right in their Boston home. The parents, Roger and Erin, are distant and obsessed with academic success, while the middle child, Matt, is a tech genius with little social skills.
The youngest, Celeste, is a brilliant but peculiar 13-year-old who carries around a life-sized cardboard cutout of her older brother. And then there’s Finn, the charming and handsome oldest brother who is always traveling the world.
Through their late-night texts, Finn and Emma start to develop a connection that is both sweet and flirtatious. As Emma delves deeper into the Watkins family, she uncovers a buried secret that threatens to tear them apart.
Will she be able to save this quirky family and find love in the process?
About the Author
Jessica Park is a renowned author known for her captivating books including 180 SECONDS, CLEAR, The Left Drowning Series (LEFT DROWNING and RESTLESS WATERS), and the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (& the companion novella FLAT-OUT MATT), FLAT-OUT CELESTE, and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She resides in New Hampshire and loves spending her time pondering about rocker boys and their guitars, sipping on complex caffeinated beverages, and planning exotic vacations.
When she isn’t indulging in her interests, she dedicates her time to writing. You can visit Jessica at jessicapark.me or connect with her on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter @JessicaPark24.
Editoral Review
Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park is a young adult romance novel that was first published on April 11, 2011. Jessica Park is an American author who has written several popular young adult novels, including 180 Seconds, Clear, and Left Drowning.
Flat-Out Love is a beautiful and heartwarming story about family, love, and self-discovery that will resonate with readers of all ages. The novel tells the story of Julie Seagle, a freshman at college who unexpectedly finds herself homeless and alone in Boston after her dorm room reservation falls through.
She is taken in by the Watkins family, whom she has never met before, and welcomed into their home with open arms. She soon becomes close with the eccentric Watkins family, especially the youngest member, a mysterious and charming boy named Finn.
The novel takes place in two main locations: Julie’s college in suburban Massachusetts and the Watkins family’s home in the city. Park paints vivid descriptions of both locations, with the college campus being described as idyllic and peaceful, while the Watkins’ home is portrayed as cluttered but cozy, filled with books, art, and love.
The main conflict of the story revolves around Julie’s struggles to adapt to her new surroundings and her growing feelings for Finn, who she finds simultaneously comforting and frustrating. The novel also explores several themes, including family, identity, loss, and the power of love and forgiveness.
One of the strengths of Flat-Out Love is its well-written and relatable characters. The Watkins family, in particular, are well-drawn and complex, each with their own quirks and flaws.
Even the minor characters, such as Julie’s college roommates, are given depth and personality. This attention to detail makes the reader feel fully invested in the characters and their emotional journeys.
As for the weaknesses, there are a few plot points that feel a bit contrived or unrealistic, particularly towards the end of the novel. However, these flaws are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.
Overall, Jessica Park’s Flat-Out Love is a beautifully written and well-crafted young adult romance novel that is sure to capture the hearts of readers of all ages. With its relatable and multidimensional characters, insightful themes, and engaging plot, Flat-Out Love is a must-read for fans of the young adult genre.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
