Jess Cohen er vant til at møde verden med charme, selvtillid og velplejet hår, og som CEO for en stor techstartup holder hun hovedet koldt og kortene tæt ind til kroppen. Intet kan ryste hende … var hun overbevist om, indtil hun opdager, at hendes ekskæreste Jake er tilbage i New York.
Jake har aldrig forstået, hvorfor Jess slog op, og smerten og forvirringen efter deres bratte brud sidder stadig i ham. Nu er han tilbage to år senere for at få talt ud, så han en gang for alle kan komme videre med sit liv.Men Jess er stadig den samme kvinde, som han faldt for dengang, og da Jake får et sjældent glimt af sårbarhed bag hendes ellers så uigennemtrængelige facade, må han erkende, at han stadig elsker hende.
Jess har sine grunde til at have paraderne oppe, grunde hun aldrig har afsløret for nogen før. Men måske er det på tide at lægge fortiden bag sig og indse, at man ikke bliver svag af at give sit hjerte til en anden?
Kelly Rimmer is the author of historical and contemporary fiction, including The Warsaw Orphan, The Things We Cannot Say and The Secret Daughter, with 3 million books sold. Her books have been translated into dozens of languages and have appeared on bestseller lists around the world, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today.
Since 2022, Kelly has owned and operated Collins Booksellers Orange, the last remaining bookstore in the small regional city she calls home. Her next novel, The Midnight Estate, will be released in Australia, New Zealand and the UK in July 2025.
Undone is a heartwarming, second-chance romance that brings together the sweet, kindhearted Jake who’s still hopelessly in love with the one woman who doesn’t seem to want him back, and the independent, stubborn Jess who may finally have found the one man to help her overcome all the hurt and baggage from her past.
The writing is smooth and tender. The characters are dependable, loyal, and multifaceted. And the plot is a passionate, touching tale filled with sizzling tension, poignant moments, scorching chemistry, genuine emotion, and a swoon-worthy, happy-ever-after ending.
Overall, Undone is a lighthearted, charming, entertaining read by Rimmer that’s a fantastic addition to the Start Up in the City series with its push-pull storyline and wonderful cast of characters.
Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
There has yet to be a Kelly Rimmer book I have read and have not given 5 stars to and Undone is no exception! I've read all the books in this series so far (they all can be read as standalones but are all worth the read) and I have to say, Jessica and Jake are my favorite couple. This book is filled with so much heart and all the feels as well as some steam - making it the perfect romance to escape with right now!
Thank you to HQN for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Jess is so excited to be the bridesmaid in her best friend’s vow renewal ceremony, where she’s re-marrying Jess’s business partner. The only problem? The best man is the groom’s brother, Jake, who Jess secretly dated behind their friends’ backs. And their breakup was a little messy to say the least.
Jake was heartbroken when he was ready to take their relationship to the next level and Jess instead broke up with him. He moved across the country to California to work at Stanford as a doctor. But being back in the same place as Jess stirs up all his old feelings. Jake thought he was over Jess, but now he knows for sure he isn’t.
Jess needs independence. The second she feels lack of control, she bolts. And that’s exactly what happened with Jake. The two of them are complete opposites, they’d never work. So why is Jake’s re-appearance into her life making Jess question her true feelings for him?
Undone by Kelly Rimmer is book 3 in the Start Up in the City series. I’ve loved this series and book 3 is no exception! I enjoyed how much the other books’ couples made appearances in this story and it helped me to fall for this group of people even more. Jess was a hard character to understand and like: she’s complicated, hard-headed, mysterious. But somehow by the end she really grew on me. Jake is a sweetheart and I loved him from start to finish. I have a hunch who is our hero of book 4 and I cannot wait to read it! 4/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, HQN and Kelly Rimmer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So I went into this book not knowing it was the final book in a series that can be read as a stand-alone, but it was completely fine and i didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything by not reading the first two.
This book follows Jess and Jake as they reconnect at their best friends wedding after breaking up, but their friends don’t know they broke up, let alone even dated. Jess has a lot of pain from her past she is working through and Jake is such a great supportive partner! It was a sweet story and a good, easy read
So, I have lots of thoughts and I am going to try to be the least critical possible.
I think that Kelly Rimmer is an incredible writer! She creates in depth, wonderful characters with real problems and real issues. I respect so much that she doesn't write one dimensional cut outs of characters. And this book was not bad by any means. I really enjoyed it. BUT, the only thing I couldn't get past was our main heroine, Jess. I hate to say that I truly despised her. She was such a contradictory character.
Let me first list the things that I did like about her: She was a strong, independent woman - respect that so much! She is compassionate with her friends - she was instrumental in matchmaking two incredible couples, who are totally better for her existence. She is a hard worker and created (along with her two business partners/friends) her own start up business that is remarkably successful.
But, this girl has a mess of a brain when it comes to her lovelife... She wouldn't understand the word compromise if it bit her on the ass. She demands so much, but doesn't take the time to give in return.
A past hot and heavy (but casual, duh), and super secret relationship with sexy Dr. Jake ends in her breaking things off abruptly. He is heart broken and runs off across the country with his tail between his legs because he simply cannot live in the same city with this woman without being with her. The book begins with a rehearsal dinner for the marriage pt.2 of her bff and her business partner. Its just the friend group/bridal party. Jake is the groom's brother, so he flies in from California and they have to sit in the same room at the same dinner table after two years of not seeing one another post split. Jake makes a scene and she runs off before their friends can learn the truth.
He is clearly still hurting about her decision, but goes to her house to apologize. The spark is still there and you're left wondering why she broke things off in the first place. She is even brash enough to tell him that they WERE NOT in love, they were in lust. How do you presume to KNOW someone else's feelings and tell them they are wrong about them to their face?
Ultimately, she secretly doesn't want him to go back home to California and he doesn't want to be away from her again so soon, so he gives himself two weeks to stay in New York. They decide to hang out while he is there... This is where I started to get annoyed...
The entire middle third of this book was a revolving door of the same exact thing! So exhausting. She wants what she wants from him but is infuriated when he wants what he wants and its not the same thing she wants from him. I mean, what? Selfish much? I am sorry, but the fact that Jess recognizes she is insensitive doesn't excuse it!
She explains that events from her past are the reason that she feels the way she feels about commitment. But she blindly sees commitment as allowing a man to control her. That isn't how it works. While her past is very traumatic, she is only denying herself happiness by stubbornly not compromising to any change, even if it will ultimately make her happy.
I am an advocate for women's rights. What self respecting woman isn't? But, there is a give and take. You cannot demand to be treated as an equal while not affording men the same respect. And Jake does nothing but treat her respectfully.
But, ultimately, the real reason that she denied herself a truly happy relationship with Jake was a direct result of the most annoying trope in any book... MISCOMMUNICATION! And it was done shamelessly and annoyingly here. She breaks things off in the past without sitting down and having a conversation with Jake. Had she had a much needed heart to heart, they would have been able to determine that what she thinks he wants IS NOT the be all end all of what he actually wants from her. Instead, she breaks his heart and her own in the process.
I know that I said I would attempt to not be too critical, but I feel how I feel... I still really liked this book and the entirety of the story. I loved the growth of the characters, especially Jess. And I love how this book unashamedly deals with some very strong heartbreaking themes. TRIGGER WARNINGS for pregnancy complications and some brief talk of domestic physical and emotional abuse.
Thank you to Kelly Rimmer and Harlequin for sending me this copy of Undone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I will read anything that Kelly Rimmer puts out! I’m not usually a romance book reader but I jumped at the chance to read this romance trilogy. I enjoyed book 3, as I was wholly invested in the characters by this point. This was a sweet and perfect ending to this trilogy! I’m glad I stepped out of my genre comfort zone to try something new because these books were fun and put a smile on my face. Thank you to the publisher for the advance reader in exchange for my honest review.
This is going to be a fairly spoiler-y review. That said I think it is important to read the CWs for this one because I was not prepared for what stood in store for my reading experience based on the cover and blurb.
CW:
You ever start reading a book and immediately go oh f*ck this is not going to work for me but then it is 1am and you're crying and holy sh*t, how did it work?
Well somehow Undone managed throw many of my big no's at me and I still could not put this book down and in fact finished it in one sitting.
The basics: Jess Cohen is ready to celebrate her best friend and business partner's wedding, but is concerned that she'll be in close proximity with their fellow friend and her former lover, Jake Winton. She and Jake had a secret four month long relationship that was entirely amazing but had to end because Jess didn't want to promise Jake forever, or even come clean to their friends. Jake, heart broken, moved across the country to the west coast.
Now Jake is back and their chemistry is still off the charts, but Jess still is convinced that they cannot ever work long term. Jake is confused, but is willing to wait for the woman he's always loved and is also willing to set her free if she truly is done with their relationship. And he refuses to sleep with Jess even for just one more time. His heart is too involved.
Now, why, with all evidence that Jake is 100% in for forever, is Jess so prickly and unwilling to be in a relationship? Both she and Jake have great jobs, they can basically live wherever they'd like, or at least try the long distance thing because they can afford airfare. Their friends would be completely onboard. What is the hold up?
Well here comes the spoilers.
Jake, oh Jake. Jake simply loves Jess. He loves her so much, and he just wants to be with her, however she'll have him. I won't spoil how these love birds eventually get their HEA, but it is fantastic. "He always respected my no."
I'm sure we are going to see reviews claiming Jess is difficult, Jess is hard to like. I loved Jess. For all the reasons that make her "difficult."
So, if you can handle a whole lot of angst, kind of scary medical stuff, and an epic slow-burn (pays off in the end), give this one a try!
*Thank you to the publisher for the free advance review copy.
I'm sorry--It's just that Jess was really an asshole while Jake was a really fucking good person. I'm not trying to be insensitive: I understand that Jess went through a lot of trauma, and I'm not trying to minimize the fallout of an abusive partner and a stillborn child. But Jess is truly an asshole.
I'm also not condemning her lifestyle choices. Everyone doesn't want commitment, and everyone has different views on sex. I had nothing against that. Jess just simply tried to blame Jake for her own choices, and that was not okay because Jake really was a good man. Previously, in romance novels, I've appreciated when the characters have grown and developed and worked through their flaws. And in a way, I guess you can say Jess did grow and eventually learn to trust. But it still doesn't forgive a lot of what she did, and there was really not a lot of resolution for the way in which she hurt Jake. She kept on trying to say that they both hurt each other. They did not. Jess was simply cruel.
I'm sorry to say I was disappointed in this novel, and I hope that I can find a different Kelly Rimmer book that I do end up liking.
This book suffered a bit cos of Corona, I mean who could stay of the net while trying to listen? I know I know, my bad!
I couldn't really get behind Jess, sure late in the book we do learn why she doesn't want something steady. And yes I get it, but you know, if you actually talk about it then maybe things can work out.
Jake is a sweetie. Omg, why did he keep trying? I would have moved on.
Commitment phobic with issues from the past meets dreamguy, smexy times, hearts broken. Second chance and last chance.
I was actually more interested in her best friend, he needs a hea. Jess was really hard to like when I tried to get under her skin.
I did like it, at other times it suffered do to googling, but then if I really enjoy something maybe I would't let my mind wander. A tough one, yes I liked it, and at the same time I wasn't all convinced. I still can't see these two together.
Two narrators, which worked well as they could do their own voices. But I could have done with more distinct ones at times.
Jake is just so charming, “Jessica. Clara is a dog. She’s—” He groans and reaches for his phone. “She’s a dog. An actual dog. That’s her species, not an insult. Now can you put some clothes on and stop acting like a crazy jealous person so I can apologize for being an a***ole back there?” Oh the thoughts this woman gets when her man is thoughtful, "oh, I am going to give that man the blowjob of his life tonight." I liked this book, I loved Jake.
I loved this book so much more than I ever expected! Thank you, Kelly Rimmer, for creating such a strong, independent female who owns her flaws but does not see the lack of children in her life as making her incomplete or less of a person or woman. The character of Jess is unfolded to the reader beautifully, later by layer, no matter how painful those layers are to face. At the same time, those layers are revealed to Jake, who is someone every man should take a lesson from in regards to how he views women and modern relationships. He was dreamy not only from a physical sense but in an emotional sense at all.
This book is more than a straightforward romance; it deals with unsuccessful outcomes of pregnancy, emotional abuse, and the repercussions of both in a realistic sense. There is only one sex scene which is a strong 4.5 put of 5 on my eggplant scale but it could be easily read over if too much for sensitive readers. It was from start to finish a beautiful story that starts light and gets heavy at a pace that is easily to digest. I am so looking forward to reading more from Kelly Rimmer as she has yet to let me down and more writers should take a page from her book in writing women that do not need children in order to mark their success in life.
It was so difficult understanding why Jess would let a man like Jake go, but don't worry, because once Rimmer let me in on the full story, I did understand her choices a lot more. What happened to Jess was heartbreaking, but I never stopped believing that she and Jake belonged together. My eyes got watery every time Jake reflected on how much he loved Jess, and he really was a wonderful unicorn man. An utterly sweet and heartwarming second chance romance!
Now, I am curious if there will be a book 4, because there seemed to be a set up there towards the end of the book.
Undone by Kelly Rimmer. Running a major tech company without breaking a sweat? No problem. But being bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding is giving Jess Cohen a bad case of the jitters. Maybe that’s because she’ll have to face the groom’s brother, Jake—the man she’s been avoiding for the last two years. Jake, who Jess dumped mercilessly, unable to tell him the truth about her past. Jake, who’s loyal, loving and all wrong for someone who refuses to be tied down. If only Jess’s heart could remember that. Jake Winton spent four months secretly dating Jess, and the past two years trying—and failing—to forget her. He’d been ready to propose, convinced Jess was every bit as in love with him as he was with her. Now he’s sure their connection is still there, sizzling and undeniable. Whatever she’s holding back, he can handle—if only she’ll trust him with her secrets, her fears and her heart. A good read with some good characters. Good story. I liked Jess and Jake characters. Was hoping they would be together. I loved the airport part. 4*.
I had no idea this was part of a series, and unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to read the two previous books before diving into this one. I don't know how much it would change my opinion of this one, though.
Undone was definitely a slow burn book, which can be annoying at times. We meet Jess, who is standing up in her best friend's wedding. This is the second time the couple is getting married after taking a little bit of a break. Unbeknownst to the couple, Jess had a relationship with Jake, who is the groom's brother. She hasn't seen him since she ended things with him a few years ago, and when it enters the room, she remembers how stunning he is. He moved across the country after Jess ended things, but he thinks about her constantly.
Jess is a difficult person to connect with, mainly because she's holding so much back. Once she confides in Jake, he falls even harder. But Jess is still so defensive, and at times I found that frustrating. There was a lot of angst, and part of me wondered why Jake was so constant in his admiration of her. I would've given up. The other characters were endearing, so I might give the other books in the series a chance.
Jess and Jake's love story about grown-ups who stumble across the tripwires of each other's past traumas offers nuanced portrayals of how much effort recovery and real love require. Compassion, compromise, trust, and vulnerability combined with humor make Undone a compelling read. Themes from To Kid or Not to Kid and variations on domestic abuse and violence resonate too.
It was okay, I adore their friendship, the six of them and i like both main characters they deserved respect. Story wise it's good and solid, i really like Jess background how she strive and become who she is now because of what happened to her. But that's it, I like it but doesn't impressed me either, though i would read Mitch's story if the author decided to write it.
The only reason this isn’t 5 stars is because while Jess is completely valid and incredibly amazing, both her and Jake had some eye narrowing moments - that while very human and realistic - made me more irritated than I wanted to be.
I loved this book so much more than I ever expected! Thank you, Kelly Rimmer, for creating such a strong, independent female who owns her flaws but does not see the lack of children in her life as making her incomplete or less of a person or woman. The character of Jess is unfolded to the reader beautifully, later by layer, no matter how painful those layers are to face. At the same time, those layers are revealed to Jake, who is someone every man should take a lesson from in regards to how he views women and modern relationships. He was dreamy not only from a physical sense but in an emotional sense at all.
This book is more than a straightforward romance; it deals with unsuccessful outcomes of pregnancy, emotional abuse, and the repercussions of both in a realistic sense. There is only one sex scene which is a strong 4.5 put of 5 on my eggplant scale but it could be easily read over if too much for sensitive readers. It was from start to finish a beautiful story that starts light and gets heavy at a pace that is easily to digest. I am so looking forward to reading more from Kelly Rimmer as she has yet to let me down and more writers should take a page from her book in writing women that do not need children in order to mark their success in life.
I think I may have liked this book the best, we had met Jess from the very beginning and after reading the last book, we wanted to know what happened with Jake and boy did we. I have to admit that sometimes Jess annoyed me however we got to see why. Jake is wonderful and I liked him as a bookboyfriend an then some..We went thru some emotions with this book, sadness, happiness and laughter...Good bye my friends until Kelly writes a new series..
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author...(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
Not all of it, of course. Let's start with what I liked: There was a plot, at least for the first half of the book, which is more than I can say about a lot of other romance novels that are getting published these days.
Yeah, that's... pretty much it.
Onto what I didn't like, which was the heroine and hero, Jess and Jake. Between the two, Jake was the least annoying, but still had a lackluster personality consisting only of being tall and liking dogs. Most annoyingly, his relentless pursuit for Jess' love/affection was pathetic. Like, dude, you ever hear the phrase 'she's just not into you'? Take the L, man.
And then there was Jess, who was absolutely INSUFFERABLE. I get that she had this really tragic backstory and all, and I honestly felt sorry for her when she talked about it, but that didn't excuse how much of an asshole she was. She acted like a huge jerk and then pulled a shocked Pikachu face any time anyone treated her like she was a huge jerk! She was an entitled asshole who had no idea how to communicate, but don't worry, it's okay because she's a #Girlboss. Girlboss vibes from her all around--big yikes.
The most annoyed I got with her was when she accused Jake of mansplaining to her when he told her how he saw her relationship evolving. Like, it wasn't mansplaining, she just didn't like his perception of their future together. That's literally it lmao. This sort of misuse of this term is why people don't take women seriously.
Anyway... not my favorite but I'm willing to give other books by the same author a chance, provided these characters aren't in it. Rant over.
Undone by Kelly Rimmer. Running a major tech company without breaking a sweat? No problem. But being bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding is giving Jess Cohen a bad case of the jitters. Maybe that’s because she’ll have to face the groom’s brother, Jake—the man she’s been avoiding for the last two years. Jake, who Jess dumped mercilessly, unable to tell him the truth about her past. Jake, who’s loyal, loving and all wrong for someone who refuses to be tied down. If only Jess’s heart could remember that. Jake Winton spent four months secretly dating Jess, and the past two years trying—and failing—to forget her. He’d been ready to propose, convinced Jess was every bit as in love with him as he was with her. Now he’s sure their connection is still there, sizzling and undeniable. Whatever she’s holding back, he can handle—if only she’ll trust him with her secrets, her fears and her heart. A good read with some good characters. Good story. I liked Jess and Jake characters. Was hoping they would be together. I loved the airport part. 4*.
This book was really phenomenal. I was surprised when I got to the end and nary a steamy scene in sight! But honestly the writing was just so damn good I wasn’t mad! Well, I wasn’t *that* mad.
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a story like this one. Jake and Jess were so real & well crafted, and reading their story was just heartrending, and then so undeniably satisfying!! I was particularly drawn to Jess’s character- I feel like I’ve known a number of women like Jess, but this feels like the first time I’ve read a character like her in a romance novel. So that was also just really refreshing and delightful
Content warning for mention of a past abusive relationship, gaslighting, and a stillborn child- it’s handled so well but it’s still rough
Looove this book. I love the characters in this series so much. This one is another second chance romance and I am living for it. It was fun seeing Jake and Jess together, especially during their little dates. The angst in this book was great. Also, I'm really hoping that Mitch gets his own book. There is gonna be a 4th book, right? I hope it'll be his book.
Undone is the third book in the Start Up in the City series, but the only one I have read/listened to. I had no problems following the story, but having said that, I will have spoilers when I go back and read the first two. Jess Cohen is the main character in the story. She is preparing to stand up for her best friend Izzy (Isabel) at her second wedding to one of Jess's partners Paul. The problem is that Jess has to face Paul's brother Jake, the man she is still in love with.
This is Jess and Jake's story. We learn about their previous relationship and what happened between them. Jake is a great character. He is angry at Jess for dumping him, but he still has feelings for her. Jess has a lot of secrets that get in the way of her relationships and until she is finally willing to share them with her friends, who are actually her family, she will not be able to move on. There were times that I got really frustrated with Jess. She made assumptions about people that were not always accurate and she didn't give them a chance to clarify or correct. I also felt very sorry for her. She had a lot of baggage that affected her decision making. The supporting cast were great. They say that if you have one good friend you are blessed, Jess had several and the support they gave her, especially when she finally shares her secrets was wonderful. The story was told in alternating chapters with both Jake's and Jess's POV. It was a great way to see the situation from each of their perspectives. This was a wonderful second chance romance that I enjoyed. I will go back and read Abby's and Izzy's stories.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lidia Dornet and Rock Engle. I enjoy when there are both male and female narrators and this was especially appreciated with this story being told from both of their points of view. Both of their performances were well done with a good pace, expression and intonation. These are narrators I have not listened to before, and I enjoyed their narration very much.
Jess jest kobietą sukcesu, CEO spółki, którą założyła z dwoma przyjaciółmi, bohaterami poprzednich części serii. Kiedy ich informatyczny startup powstawał nie dawano mu szans. A jednak się udało, w dużej mierze dzięki niej. Ma opinię osoby zimnej, zdystansowanej do całego świata poza najbliższym gronem przyjaciół, zmieniającej kochanków jak rękawiczki. Nikt nie wie, źe trzy lata temu łączył ją gorący romans z Jake’em, bratem jej wspólnika, lekarzem onkologiem. Po czterech miesiącach to ona niespodziewanie go zakończyła i Jake wyjechał do Kalifornii. Teraz pojawia się z krótką wizytą w Nowym Jorku.
Wydarzenia towarzyszące tej wizycie są dramatyczne, dobrze opisane stanowią ciekawe okoliczności wstępu do tzw. drugiej szansy dla związku Jake’a i Jess. Czy ujawnienie przez Jess jej tragicznych przeżyć z wczesnej młodości wystarczy?
Przy ocenie kolejnych tomów serii niewątpliwie duże znaczenie miały dla mnie sylwetki protagonistów. No cóż, święty doktor Jake Winton, jak często zgryźliwie nazywa go Jess, po prostu mnie denerwował. Mimo że kochankiem jest wspaniałym i nieba wszystkim, a przede wszystkim jej, gotów jest uchylić. Prawdę powiedziawszy mało przekonujące się wydaje, że jednak jego czar może na taką kobietę jak ona zadziałać. Krótko mówiąc, meandry ich romansu wydały mi się mocno naciągane.
Choć może powinnam docenić, źe w tym i poprzednim tomie cyklu Start Up in the City to facetów obsadziła Kelly Rimmer w roli roztropniejszych i bardziej spolegliwych partnerów niż kobiety, potrafiących rozmaitymi środkami, nawet uległością, pomóc swoim straumatyzowanym i/lub rozhisteryzowanym kochankom zrozumieć, co dla nich będzie najlepsze. Autorki współczesnych romansów częściej obdarzają kobiety takim przywilejem życiowej mądrości. A odpowiedzi jak jest w prawdziwym życiu zależą w końcu od odczuć czytelników
UNDONE by Kelly Rimmer is a well-conceived novel with an amazing heroine.
As the CEO of a successful technology company, Jess Cohen can command a boardroom with the best of them. However, her personal life is a different story. Although she has an awesome group of supportive friends, she has never shared her tragic past with any of them. Jess has become an expert at dodging her former life. She protects her heart and soul by never seeking out a romantic relationship. However, one man has the ability to make her whole once again, even though Jess will not give in to her feelings. Being a bridesmaid in her best friend’s wedding will take all of her energy, because the one she drove away is the best man.
Jake Winton is back in New York City to attend his brother’s wedding. He loves the Big Apple and misses the hustle and bustle of the city. His life is now on the West Coast, treating patients with his superior doctoring skills. Two years ago he and Jess had a lustful, four month relationship. Then she broke it off and broke both of their hearts. Jake has never stopped loving Jess, and he knows that their chemistry is still undeniable. Luckily, he is able to break down her barriers to love.
UNDONE is truly an inspiring and heartrending book. It is an emotional read with sexy times that are both loving and steamy. Jake’s ability to be patient and take baby steps where Jess is concerned is truly astounding. Jess deserves complete happiness, and Jake is the ying to her yang. This is the third book from the START UP IN THE CITY series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.
Complimentary copy provided by Romance Junkies, romancejunkies.com.
What a sweet book. I wish there were a couple more of these. An easy read, sweet characters, interesting story.
Jess Cohen, CEO of Brainway Technologies, is mostly content with her life. She’s the CEO of a flourishing business, has amazing friends that have become like family, and an incredible life. But Jake Winton is the one that got away. They dated for 4 months but even now, more than 2 years later, she misses him.
Jake Winton moved to California after Jess broke up with him. It was an amazing job offer, but it was an easy decision to move far away from Jess. He misses her still, and he misses the family of friends he left behind in New York.
Now Jake and Jess are together for Jake’s brother Paul’s wedding, and tensions are high. Things between them ended badly and they can’t stop fighting.
Stop here for spoilers ***
At Isabel and Paul’s wedding reception, Jess notices their pregnant friend Abby is not doing well. She needs to go to an emergency room. Jess has Doctor Jake take a look at her, and then they all go to the hospital. Abby is taken in for an emergency C-section and delivers mostly healthy twin girls. Had she waited even a few hours, things would have gone differently.
Jake and Jess reconnect. Jess explains why hospitals are hard for her, and they grow closer. Jake decides to stay in New York for a couple of weeks because he wants to be with Jess. They spend time together, sharing meals and walks. But Jake wants a relationship from Jess, a commitment and possibly marriage. Jess is not interested in anything long term and she makes this abundantly clear. They argue because Jess sees Jake’s ulterior motives of staying in New York to convince her they can have a relationship. Jess essentially tells him to get lost.
But Jess does want to be with Jake, and feels she should tell him why she doesn’t want to get married or have any children. She goes to his hotel, they are intimate, and then she explains that she was in an abusive relationship. Eric had gotten her pregnant, cut her off from family and friends, convinced her to marry him, and then cut her off from the world. It was a gaslighting scenario. Jess had called her grandmother, who lived in New York, and she got Jess out of the situation. Jess’s baby was born stillborn. She moved to New York, divorced Eric, and started a new life.
Jake now understands Jess’s past, and reacts exactly as Jess would have hoped. He doesn’t look down on her or make it about himself. And he doesn’t pressure her. He makes to leave for California.
But Jess doesn’t want to be apart from Jake any longer. She trusts him and knows he won’t hurt her, and she wants to try. So she explains her past to her team, tells them she is going to be with Jake, and work from their California office one week a month. She rushes to the airport and joins Jake on the plane, where he is waiting for her with a seat he bought for her. They decide to try to make it work. Essentially, they live their version of happily ever after.
I read this book in a day. It was a quick, sweet read and I enjoyed it. I knew how it would end and I was glad to not be surprised. It was a fun book and I was glad to read Jess’s story. I have been trying to place Mitchell, and I wonder if one day readers will find out what happened in his life that he ended up caring for his four-year-old niece.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was so looking forward to this one and you will definitely not be disappointed. This one follows the story of Jess and Jake, who has only been referenced before and is also Paul’s brother. I enjoyed how we joined as it felt like a continuation from book 2 starting at a pre wedding day celebration with friends also firming up on plans for the next day.
We find that Jess has not spoken with Jake for over 2 1/2 years and is dreading the experience which is unavoidable as they are Best man and Matron of honour so working together is what there friends need. From the outset from Jess seeing Jake she still feels an undeniable attraction to him and given that it was her choice to end things she shouldn’t really have any issues but that is where the problem lies.
At first meeting it feels they are in competition with one another, when Jake starts discussing Clara who has moved in with him she walks out very upset and this never happens although at this point Jess doesn’t really Jake is talking about his beloved Dog as he was kind of testing out her feelings.
Following instructions he goes off to clear the air before the big day un be known to his friends he previously was in a serious relationship with her and he still doesn’t know the reasons for this. As they work through there shared history and individual history which stems from long ago for Jess and is clearly linked to why she had to end things even though she is still madly in love with him but she keeps telling herself it’s not real. We also get to meet Mitch purely platonic friend in her apartment block and we also get to see a lot more of Marcus, Abbey, the twins which is also interconnected to this story and Jess along with Paul and Isobel - Book yourself out you will not wish to put in down. If only a recap book 4 but this is the finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved Undone so much! This is the third book in the series - but you could start here.
Jess is a really great heroine - she’s an independent successful CEO who also has realistic flaws and history that she chooses to keep to herself. She’s fiercely loyal to her friends/chosen family - even while building up some walls around herself. When asked to be a bridesmaid in her good friend’s wedding - of course she’s there. Even though it means seeing Jake again. Jake - the guy she broke up with suddenly 2 years ago. Jake - who then moved across the country. Jake - who she hasn’t been able to stop thinking about.
Jake is one of the swooniest heroes - definitely a favorite book boyfriend of 2020 so far. Mostly because he works really hard to listen to what Jess is telling him and to communicate what he’s feeling. So many great moments that turned me into a heart eye emoji while reading.
The couples from the first two books are heavily featured in this one - so if you already know and love them, you’ll enjoy the chance to see them again. And if you haven’t, it will certainly make you want to go back and read their stories.
Important Note: this book also covers some really serious topics amidst the amazing romance. Content warnings for pregnancy complication, prior emotional abuse from a romantic partner, prior stillbirth, complicated family relationships.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.