Cover Image: Undone

Undone

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Member Reviews

***Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Decent romance with some wonderful characters.

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What a fantastic book! The third in the series - this is the story of Jess and Jake - they had a secret relationship. Jess's best friend is marrying Jakes brother - this story was a fantastic way to end a trilogy. I was so invested in the characters and their happiness.

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I really loved this series so MUCH! This was such a treat. Thank you so much for letting me read and review this book.

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Have you ever finished a book and found it only so-so and wondered if you were the problem? Or, more accurately, your current life circumstances? I started Undone while I waited for a flight on the last day of February (remember flying?) and finished it while jetlagged during my week in Edinburgh (remember vacations?). But, then again, I don't know if I would have been especially riveted by Kelly Rimmer's novel even if I hadn't been on a whirlwind trip to Scotland.

Here's the synopsis:
The only vow she’s ever been prepared to make is not to say “I do”
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.
Given the way the last three months have gone, I'm having to work to remember exactly what happened in this book. Honestly, that's nothing new but it is kind of indicative of how I felt about this book. I wasn't super invested but I didn't dislike the time I spent reading it. It's a weird place to be for trying to write a review, let me tell you.

It turns out Undone is part of a series. It's one of those ones where you don't necessarily have to read the first ones because each story is about a different couple. In this series, they're all friends and colleagues so the other couples pop up in this one, happily loved up. I don't mind knowing they're having their HEA because, after all, that's what I'm expecting when I start reading these romances. What kind of bugged me about this one, and many other romance series like it, was how I was given enough background information to know something about all the characters but also kind of expected to know exactly what the characters were like. I felt like I was dropped into Jess' life and was trying to play catch up instead of gradually getting to know her like I normally would with a character. Does that make any sort of sense? Did the jetlag really screw with me?

Jess was an intriguing character. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that some readers don't like her but I admired her strength and tenacity. She knew what she wanted and was making no apologies for it. Plus, inside she had a heart of gold even if she didn't allow many people to see it. And when you learn more about her past? You have to admire her even more for emerging from that.

Jake, on the other hand, was the quintessential Nice Guy. He was head over heels for Jess but had a lot to learn about how to be the best partner for her.

I will say I'm happy with the way Rimmer wrote Jess and Jake's HEA. I don't want to say too much and give anything away but I will say Happily Ever After can be a lot of different things. It doesn't have to include a ring or wedding or babies. Just because that's your version of happy doesn't mean it is for someone else. I'm glad when authors are true to their characters and allow them the ending they deserve.

If you're a romance reader who is looking for something to pick up right now, Undone may be the book for you. I might recommend reading the others in Kelly Rimmer's series first so you have a full understanding of the dynamics between all the characters.

*An egalley of this novel was provided by the publisher, Harlequin, via NetGalley, in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*

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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.

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This was one of my favorite books of 2020 so far!! Kelly Rimmer is an amazing writer and her Start Up in the City series is on of my favorite contemporary romance trilogies I’ve ever read. Each book was five stars and this one is no different! Undone is much heavier than the other two books, dealing with lots of difficult topics, but Rimmer manages to handle it all in such a well done manner. It’s emotional and heartwarming at the same time. These characters feel true to life and I was so sad this is the last book in the series. I didn’t want it to end! I loved this book so much and highly recommend it!

CW: previous stillbirth, pregnancy complications, emotional abuse in past relationship

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Jess is a fiercely independent, loyal, and driven young CEO, with a long history she keeps locked away inside. She's ready and willing to take on the corporate world every single day, yet somehow the thought of being a bridesmaid in her friend's upcoming wedding; a role where she'll come face to face with Jake, has her on edge. Jess and Jake have a past, and she's spent the past two years avoiding him all together. Meanwhile, Jake up and moved across the country following their split, and has spent the past two years trying (and failing) to forget about her. He never quite understood what went wrong and he's sure the spark between them is still there. He is bound and determined to make things work, if only he can get Jess to open up.

Jess is an amazing heroine in this book, as she definitely doesn't need a prince on a white horse to swoop in a save her. Her story is heart-breaking and heart-warming all in one. Don't get me wrong, Jake is a swoon-worthy character with a huge heart and a kindness any girl could easily fall for. I thought Rimmer did an excellent job developing them, and they definitely seemed relatable to me. The writing was smooth and easy to follow, while the plot line flowed perfectly. It slowly unraveled the story of Jess, and the reasons she is the way she is. One of the reasons I ended up liking it so much was because the story has substance, whereas for me many romance novels don't. It was an emotional read, with just the right dose of sexy romance.

Overall this was a good contemporary romance novel, I'd recommend to any romance fan who loves a good second shot at love plot, especially one with a strong female lead. For me it was a light, and easy read, but bear in mind this book deals with some very heavy topics including stillbirth, child loss, relationship abuse, and pregnancy complications. It's also important to note that Undone is the third installment in Rimmer's Start Up in the City series, but it can definitely be read as a standalone. The couples from books 1 & 2 are featured, but aren't the focal point of this story.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

TW: Stillbirth, Child Loss, Abusive Relationship, Pregnancy complications

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To me this novel is perfection. I'd give it ten stars (out of five) if I could. I don't even have the words to properly convey how much this book means to me. I read it in February, but I already know that it will be my favorite of the year.

The writing in this trilogy is phenomenal. Each book got even better than the last. (I'm really hoping for Mitch to get his own book now!) The story was extremely emotional, be sure to check the trigger warnings if you need them. I've never read a sex scene that was as emotionally charged as in this book.

Jess is the heroine that I've been dying to read about. She has easily become one of my favorite characters. I loved seeing the walls around her heart slowly come down, and that she was able to have a happy ending without compromising any of her ideals.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for my ARC for review.

TW: stillbirth, preeclampsia, emergency c-section, NICU, abusive relationship

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Undone was a hard one to get through for a variety of reasons. First, it's a slow burn - a very slow burn, which isn't a favorite trope for me. But the biggest thing that made it so hard to get through is the sheer amount of angst in the book. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the normal type of second chance romance angst. Nope, this is stuff that hits you right in the gut and tears your heart out, fiction or not. I won't give spoilers, so I'll just say to be cautious because this one could be too much for some people. It took me a good bit to warm up to Jess. She comes across as difficult as best, and I just thought that Jake should move on. Of course, that wouldn't have made for much of a romance, so we'll just skip ahead to the part where I finally got it. I finally understood everything that made Jess who she is, and then I was able to get behind this romance. In the end, this one ended up being a middle of the road read for me. It's a little too angsty for my tastes, so it's not something I would want to read again, but it is a story worth reading once.

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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!

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It took meeting Kelly Rimmer at a book event for me to finally get around to picking up Unexpected, the first book in her Start Up in the City series. I loved Abby and Marcus's love story, and upon meeting their friends, Jess I was excited for her book. Undone follows Jess and Jake, who is the brother of one of Jess's co-founders. I was definitely invested in Jess and Jake's love story from the start and the slow burn definitely got to me at times. That being said, the payoff was quite satisfying even if the ending felt a bit rushed and clichéd, though the airport and plane scenes had some funny parts to them. Didn't enjoy it as much as Unexpected, but appreciated how the author didn't try to change Jess by having her suddenly change her mind about kids or marriage, it's a refreshing change for a romance novel end with a couple happily committed together without having babies or getting married, especially if it's not something one of them ever wanted in the first place.

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Another great story by Kelly Rimmer!
I read the first book in this series and instantly loved Jess. She's fierce, independent, loves her friends hard and takes no crap.
This is her story and what a story it is. You learn why she is so independent and strong. Her past. *sigh* She keeps so much hidden from everyone, including her closest friends.
Jake is such a loving character. I adored him. He stuck to his heart and worked under all of Jess's layers to understand her.
My only issue with this story was that I felt like Jess held on to her mistrust/issues a little too long.
Wonderful story about learning to let go and accept love and trust.
I really hope we get Mitchell's story.

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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.

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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.

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Jess Cohen and Jake Winton were involved for four months two years ago. Then he got serious and she freaked out. He ended up moving to the West Coast. There was a good job offer in oncology at Stanford but he was also slinking away to nurse his wounds. Now Jake's brother (who is one of Jess's best friends and business partners) is getting married so Jake and Jess are seeing each other again. It does not go well, not least because Jess insisted on keeping their relationship secret so no one knows why they have a blow-up at the rehearsal dinner.
The rest of the book follows Jess and Jake as they start to reconnect. And it really sets up Jess's friend Mitchell as sequel bait. It was an okay book but Rimmer has written better. There was So. Much. sturm and drang in this one and it just felt overwrought. Jess and Jake sort of talked to each other but mostly it was past each other.

Three stars
This book came out February 25th
ARC kindly provided by Harlequin and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

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This book is typical Kelly Rimmer, extremely well-developed characters and plot. This is the third book in the Start Up in the City trilogy. Jess is a woman that doesn't need a man or children to define her, but she is jittery about being a bridesmaid in her friend's wedding and seeing her former lover. Such an ordinary premise could fall flat with another author, but Kelly Rimmer has a gift for taking the ordinary and making it extraordinary. I highly recommend this one.

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Jake and Jess have had a non-relationship for a few years. First the hated each other, then they had a secret sexual relationship and then Jess broke it off. Now with Jake's brother, who is also Jess's business partner getting married they are thrown back together.
Jake is seriously the kindest most patient man I've ever met in or outside of a book! Will his patience pay off?
Kelly Rimmer creates wonderfully full characters , complete with history and a compliment of friends we want to get to know better.
Thanks to #Netgalley for providing me with an ARC in return for an honest opinion. #Undone

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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.

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I don't read much contemporary romance, but the cover of this one drew me in. I found the book emotionally satisfying while reading, and definitely cried on more than one occasion. But when thinking about it afterwards, there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary, unrealistic angst.

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Book #3 in Kelly Rimmer's Start Up in the City series, this book installment tells the story of Jess and Jake (*who may very well be my new book boyfriend.) I have enjoyed this series since Book #1 Unexpected and this was the perfect conclusion to the trilogy. I am real fan of Rimmer's voice in fiction and her work in an auto-buy for me!

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