Jessica Park: Flat Out Love

Flat Out Love
Jessica Park
Published April 11, 2011 (Self-Published eBook)
A SIN: B004W9BYR8
400 Pages

Synopsis
Craigslist is not a trustworthy place to find a living situation - especially if you are a little naive and send first last and security deposit - sight unseen. Julie Seagle realizes her mistake when she finds herself homeless sitting outside of a burrito place wondering where she is going to live for her first semester of college. Luckily her mom's best friend from years past lives in the area, and can put her up while she finds a place. Julie finds herself in a different world. There is something definitely 'off' in the Watkins household, and she does her best to help everyone around her without crossing a line. Celeste, the young daughter in the family has some odd habits, and Julie desperately wants to help her; I suppose because she sees a little of herself in the girl. Matt the middle brother is a nerd who is always studying, but does his best to take care of the family since the parents are very busy and are almost always out. The oldest brother, Finn, is away traveling, and through Julie's conversations with him online - she starts to see the truth about the family, and a dark moment in their past.

Musings
It’s cute and laugh-out-loud funny, but there is no steam here – so don’t jump in expecting a hot and intense romance. I don’t want to do the book a disservice. It was exceptionally good. The use of social networking, IM, and email enhanced the story and let you get a better glimpse into the characters. The story was elaborate and paced. There were no gotcha’s or screw-ups, and I didn’t notice a single typo. The story was very well thought out. Everything connects and keeps you interested and engaged, but it rushed at the end.

Long, interesting story, with a few twists...
                                  -BOOM- big reveal!
                                                -BOOM- HEA!
                                                              -BOOM- over, the end!
                                                                            don’t pass go, don’t collect $200!
                                      Don’t see them interact in an actual relationship.

It’s like it stopped where the story should have started(especially if you want to consider this a romance). And as for that big reveal, it IS exactly what you are thinking from the beginning. And if you are thinking it, it never allows you to enjoy the ride.  In fact it kinda sours the whole thing.
I don’t regret reading it. It really was good for the story it was. But it wasn’t what I was looking for.

3.5 Stars – I’ll recommend it to those that are looking for it.

-Rita

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