Unspoken

Start Up in the City #2

by Kelly Rimmer

Sometimes it’s what you don’t say that can change everything…

Isabel Winton had planned to spend the last few days of her marriage at her vacation home, intending to reflect, regroup… or maybe just do some solitary sulking. Instead, she collides with her almost ex, Paul, who has the same idea. Too stubborn to leave, Isabel figures this is a chance for them to get some closure. But she’s astonished to see that months apart have transformed her emotionally aloof husband into “Paul 2.0,” more open than ever before.

Paul was blindsided when Isabel left him. He had no idea she felt he was more committed to his career than to their marriage. With his new, hard-won self-awareness, he blames himself for letting her walk away. But winning her back will take more than simple words. It’ll mean finding the courage to grow, to trust, and grab a second chance at life by each other’s sides.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Adult, Second Chance Romance, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 26, 2019

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and I think it is the last book I will read in the series. This was Paul and Isobel's book, and since I had read the first book and this couple was mentioned I was nosy and wanted to read. I liked Paul well enough and I was stumped on why no one had figured out before that he was a little autistic, while reading I had picked up on it so it made me wonder why if Isobel claimed she had loved him so never figured it out? Huh? but I have to say I did not like Isobel at all, here we are constantly reminded that she is so nice and yet I didn't pick up on that at all. Yes I get that going thru a divorce can bring out the worst in people but she really bugged me..I am glad that they were able to resolve their differences but to read the next one on Jess, yeah no..

rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sincere, emotional, and sweet!

Unspoken is a heartfelt, second-chance romance between the intelligent, workaholic Paul and the spirited, outgoing Isobel as they discover just days before their divorce is finalized that perhaps they both made a lot of mistakes and that their love is something worth fighting for.

The writing is passionate and smooth. The characters are frustrated, angry, and sympathetic. And the plot is a genuine, push-pull tale of relationship dynamics, miscommunication, introspection, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, love, friendship, understanding, steamy romance, and new beginnings.

Overall, Unspoken is a heartwrenching, sexy, tender read by Rimmer with characters you can’t help but root for and a happy-ever-after ending that leaves you smiling, satisfied, and hoping for more.

Thank you to Harlequin Books for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[DeAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 breaking up is hard to do stars

I am a huge fan of Kelly Rimmer. I loved “The Things We Cannot Say” and “Before I Let You Go.” At some point, I saw that she had started a romance series. When I saw that I could request this one (even though it’s #2) I thought I would give it a try.

I think the previous two books I read were much darker books, but this one has the same deep explorations of characters and relationships. I would almost describe this one as a romance in reverse. We meet Isabel and Paul when their divorce is just about final. They are somehow thrown together at their beach house for the last weekend before it moves ownership to Isabel and the divorce is final. Paul heads up a start-up technology company and Isabel is a yoga and fitness instructor.

They do not want to be together at the vacation house, but they decide that maybe enough time has passed that they can hash some things out, get some closure, and maybe have a friendship. We learn all about their relationship and marriage and what went wrong.

The two have some deep and tough conversations and I don’t want to give away the story. It was an interesting process for them to go through. I found them to be interesting characters and I do want to go back and read the first one in the series and #3 once it’s written. This was not a fluffy romantic book, but a deeper dive into what makes people tick and poses the question if you can change. I liked the way this one ended.

Thank you to Kelly Rimmer, Harlequin, and NetGalley for an early copy of this one to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Jamie Rosenblit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance romance from the author who can literally do no wrong? We were introduced to Paul and Isabel, the arguing couple in the midst of a divorce in book 1 of this series, Unexpected, but now we get to really know them, what went wrong, why and is there hope for salvation?

Rimmer does a masterful job (as always) at capturing emotions and making her characters come to life. There are moments where I wanted to scream at these two and moments where I wished they would just kiss and make up - but Rimmer takes no short cuts here - we are taken through the true rollercoaster of emotions alongside this couple and the ride is worth it. I continue to be amazed that Rimmer writes multiple novels a year without ever sacrificing a drop of quality. I, for one, will now be counting the days until Undone (book #3) is released.

Thank you to Harlequin for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Booksandchinooks (Laurie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabel is days away from finalizing a divorce from Paul and is going to their beach house for some introspection on her life. Paul has the same plan in mind and also unexpectantly ends up at the beach house. After some discussion they both decide to stay but to do their own thing. These characters were briefly introduced to us in this author’s previous book and I was looking forward to seeing what their story would be. This book isn’t as light hearted as the previous book and deals with some important issues regarding communication or lack thereof. Paul does a lot of work on himself after his marriage collapses and has become a different person in many ways. Paul and Isabel decide they will spend time together over the weekend and try to find a way to be friends. As they bare their souls to each other so many truths and misperceptions come to light. Can this couple find their way back to each other or do they have too much anger and miscommunication to reconnect?

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul and Isabel are about to be divorced after nearly 4-years of marriage. When Isabel walked out on Paul 11-months before, he felt distraught and couldn’t help but question why. Now their divorce is going to be final in 5 days. And Paul’s agreed to give Isabel their weekend house, a house that’s sentimental to them both. So Paul’s decided to take the rare weekend off from work and spend it one last time at the house that’s not going to be his for much longer.

To Paul’s surprise, Isabel also had the idea to spend the weekend at their house. And due to their own stubbornness, both of them re guy we to leave. So now Paul and Isabel are stuck together, whether they like it or not.

Isabel walked out on Paul because he never put their relationship first. It was always work, work, work. It’s not about what he couldn’t do, but what he wouldn’t do. But over the course of 3 days together, the couple learns what tore them apart in the first place. And Isabel realizes Paul wasn’t the only person at fault in their divorce. She’s as much to blame as Paul, and that makes Isabel reevaluate her reasons for leaving.

Paul and Isabel’s marriage fell apart slowly over 4-years but now a weekend together has the ability to bring them back together once and for all.

Unspoken by Kelly Rimmer is the second book in the Start Up in the City series. What I enjoyed most about this book was that it’s a love story between two people who are already married. It’s about fighting to stay together, not fighting to be together for the first time. I’m not sure if this type of story will appeal to people who haven’t been married, but I felt so many emotions about this and imagined myself in their shoes. Usually I’m not a fan of romances that take place over a short period of time, as that usually leads to the insta-love trope, but here it works because of the nature of their relationship. I really enjoyed the second installment to this series! 4/5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, HQN and Kelly Rimmer for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Cherry Bob*omb · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was worried that this would be yet another book where a character is clearly autistic but the author doesn't know about autism and so they become a "Sheldon", who is never diagnosed and whose behaviour is never really explained. (I love Penny Reid's books, but so many Sheldon characters...)

I'm new to Kelly Rimmer's writing, but obviously she's wiser than that. This isa story about a separated couple actually dealing with their issues in a mature way, and learning to understand one another as they failed to do the first time around, talking things through, both admitting to their own failings and figuring out how to do better. It's understandable why they broke up, and it's believable that they would be able to work on things and get back together. And as someone married to someone not unlike Paul, it resonated quite well: their marriage didn't end because they didn't love each other, but because they were not able to communicate effectively or to understand one another. Paul is quite lovely and devoted, but it's certainly understandable how it doesn't come across that way in her perspective (not to mention, he has that certain type of autistic hyper focus where the person kind of forgets their partner exists sometimes). Isabel is aware of how mean- and hurt- she has been and is both honest and repentant about it.

I found this book both romantic and relatable in a way that is missing from so many contemporary romance books. I want more books with complex characters, where the drama comes from real life, not from dramatic plot twists.

[Samantha (WLABB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance romances. They always tend to leave me so hopeful about the world in general, but I have really been loving these second chance romances between married couples.

It was almost a year since Isabel left Paul. They had been sparring over the details of their divorce, and now, the day was almost here. In some sort of preparation for D-day, both Isabel and Paul decided to take a little weekend getaway to their vacation home. However, neither expected, or was prepared, to see the other. It was supposed to be the end, but it may have turned into a new beginning for them.

This was very sweet and emotional. Endings make me sad, and seeing a marriage dissolve really puts some tears in my eyes, but Rimmer gave these two a great setup for finally getting some closure, and maybe figuring out where it all went wrong.

There were some really ugly and intense moments, as well as some really hot moments, but what I loved most, was how Isabel and Paul learned to listen to and be honest with each other. Paul especially made a lot of progress since Isabel walked out. He spent the year in therapy and finding life/work balance.

I found myself feeling very hopeful about this couple, and I was rooting for them the whole time. I adore seeing two people in love working through their issues and really fighting for each other, and I felt like I got that with this book. It also had an adorable ending, which left me with a big grin on my face.

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[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Kelly Rimmer's Unspoken, the 2nd installment in the Start Up in the City contemporary romance series, this moving love story will pull your heart strings real taut and make you cry. For Isabel Winton, she wanted to escape into her vacation home before her marriage to Paul ended in a divorce. She's the one who walked away from the marriage and asked for a divorce when Paul also chose work over her. For Paul, this vacation home belonged to his family and didn't expect to see Isabel there. Instead of kicking her out, told from their views, they talked things over about what went wrong in their marriage before they could say goodbye. They revisit memories on how they met and when they married and when things soured like spilled milk. They've gotten to know each other better and worked things out with a better understanding. Right before Isabel could say goodbye to him, it's up to Paul to put his heart on his line and give her what she wants if they want a second chance to stay together... forever.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall i had a great time reading it, it was delightful, pretty angsty but also heartwarming.
Isabel can be a bit explosive & dramatic than i like but i get it that she feels frustrated, but there's a time where i get a little annoyed with her. Paul is..adorable? he is sweet and attentive when he interested, he's resilient and despite having a hard time showing or understand it but the fact that he go all the way for her is adoring. A little spoiler about him, if you haven't read it I suggest you to not read this spoiler so you can figure it out yourself He has asperger syndrome which is why he's having a hard time with social skill but excellent with data/facts. The hints is everywhere that i almost sure that he have from the beginning it but I wait for the author to drop the name . I really like the concept, that it takes effort & honesty from both party to make relationship works, love & attraction isn't always enough. I also like that they're from the same friendship group so not only it will complicated for Isabel & Paul if they end their marriage in bad manners but also their friends.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one blind. I knew it was a standalone 'sequel' to an ARC I read last year and enjoyed so I decided to just jump in and hope for the best. I was surprised by the content and not at all disappointed. I rarely read romance novels that revolve around a married couple, this one was particularly heart wrenching at many turns. Reading about the struggles and miscommunication that lead to the downfall of their marriage broke my heart in two. But ultimately seeing how they grew individually was incredibly satisfying.

Personal Soft Spot: Learning how to communicate with someone infinitely worthy of love, but not always capable of expressing it in conventional terms. The reader learns that Paul has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum, his behavior and attitude were highly indicative of this early on. I always appreciate when a novel includes and expands on awareness of autism.

[Laurel · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first word to the very last word, I just absolutely loved this book.
A very emotional story which moved me greatly with fabulous well constructed characters. I was totally absorbed by their situation and felt very involved, as if I knew them personally.
So beautifully written, Kelly Rimmer is one of my favourite contemporary authors.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and independent review.
5 stars

[Frankie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read for enjoyment and there is nothing enjoyable about two characters that are constantly bickering. They were both annoying - more so heroine then hero.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this was so fucking delightful? The romance was sweet and sexy and the positive portrayal of therapy and communication just 100% made my day to be honest.

[Jennifer Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4* good lesson to learn

[Shae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun, but a fairly average romance for me. There is a good chance that this is my fault, as I have read some amazing romances recently. Will probably revisit in future.

[Cait · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7⭐ I really enjoyed the premise. Second chance romance carries hope and background structure similar to Australian eucalyptus seeds that can lay dormant for 50 years until the right conditions arise. The fruits of existing structure and hard work, require a blazing wildfire to reignite and bloom the new seeds to regenerate a new forest. Surrounded by the partially damaged environment of previous trauma.

Isabel and Paul must navigate their separation and divorce through miscommunication, assumptions, familial attraction and comfort and previous sensitive issues.
If you can't stand these tropes, this is not the book for you as those juicy issues take up a whopping 80% of the book.

I relished in the refreshing believability of a couple separated , compared with short term instalove. Logic and communication is not usually the main motivator but hurt, avoidance, blame and conclusion jumping. I could see the possibility of this dynamic in my future life and enjoyed that groundedness in reality.

This story involves a neurodivergent character who is on the spectrum. I assumed it quite early on in the beginning as it reminded me of people I deeply know who share the same traits and identification. I felt like it was a truthful and realistic depiction of a type of person diagnosed with autism could present as.

The depiction of neurodivergency was fundamental to the character and story and I must congratulate Kelly on the justice done with taking care of the care of the character. The diagnosis wasn't used as a one and done quirky character trait to prove how they are a genius, but explained how the character thinks and came to their decisions, weaving into the backbone of the narrative.
It was not seen as shameful or a deterrent but as a label that allows people to understand and categorise more easily. I appreciated how asd and its characteristics were discussed between characters throughout the book and the compassionate stance on how close people would /could relate and interact with someone on the spectrum when disclosed. "You're blaming me for not directly spelling out what I want for you." Similar comments like this really shows how these conversations really play out and how communicate is so different between individuals, especially between neurotypicals and neurodivergents. Trying to explain how ones brain works and the other taking it as them blaming or criticising them when actually trying to be understood.
There was a lot of aftercare, and trying to fully understand which unfortunately is not common in the media or in reality.

Spoilers:
A man in therapy 😭🥵🎉😁 finally! And he worked on himself 🔥
I know romance male interests usually do no wrong and their actions were just misunderstood and so I found myself forgiving and being compassionate to Paul. I did imprint some of the traits of a loved one who is very similar, which may have filled in some greater depth, emotional and personality enhancement. Paul seemed sincere, loyal, straightforward, reliable, deeply dedicated and improving his greater self awareness. He also respects autonomy and what people say they want 🙌 which doesn't work out for him but I love that (no stupid games pls unless it's for sexual tension).

Isabel - It could be so frustrating , isolating and hurtful being a partner to someone with undiagnosed ASD who you don't understand their intentions. I felt for Isabel but I question how their marriage survived 5 years!? WAT 🥸.
I was compassionate for her until the morning when Paul had to go to work because his whole team and company is relying on him and Isabel was obviously upset and instead of confronting Paul when he asked her what's wrong and what he can do 2x she escalated it in her head and gave up 😮‍💨😤. I started to be done with her then 😵‍💫 I know it's because I'm being logical but what did you want him to do!!!!??? He has told you for the last 2 days he has difficulties understanding when people don't explain specifically and that he would do what is necessary to make sure the relationship survives. Which should include not wanting someone to change their values , his reliability for his work. The entitlement lol.
Also he gave you 3 days of undivided attention and let you know when he would be going to work. If you had different expectations and are upset 🗣️ SPEAK UP! LOUDER 4 THE PPL IN THE BACK
"what's wrong?" "I'm fine" 😠🙄🫨
Isabel had a lot of personal therapy and self reflection to do at that moment. Too bad the laptop was broken so she couldn't fit in a quick zoom session. She came to her self realisations and then next chapter she would immediately dismiss her growth. It was starting to get irritating 🤔🤡

How have you lived 34 years and not asked for your needs to be met? Then hold resentment for never getting what you want even though you never specifically stated it. How has she not been let down is so many other areas of her life to see there is a pattern in her unhappiness and fear of rejection? I'm confused 🤔 were she and Paul having mind blowing sex on the reg she had memory loss? Idk she said she tried really hard and did everything but walked out of couples counselling within 6 minutes.

I would be jarred if someone didn't discuss divorce and whipped that out of nowhere straight to me. How have they not have regular check ins and communication. Anyway that's why I liked it 😂 this really do be how people are in relationships 😂😂 thanks for reminding me of what to make sure not to do in my long term commitments because, we all have blind spots.

Undercurrent of hope. No big trauma. Normal people ✅
Loved the duel narration!


Here is the improved ai version which is more poetic:

3.7⭐ Oh, how I adored this premise! resonating with the power and resilience of Australian eucalyptus seeds. Just like those seeds, sometimes love needs time to lie dormant before it can blossom again. The story beautifully captures the struggle of rebuilding amidst the ashes of past trauma.

Isabel and Paul's journey is filled with heart-wrenching miscommunication, heartbreaking assumptions, and the complexities of familial attraction. It's not an easy path they tread, but it feels incredibly real. This is not a story of instant love, but rather a tale of hurt, avoidance, blame, and the all-too-human tendency to jump to conclusions. And that's what makes it so captivating. I saw myself in their shoes, navigating the turbulent waters of separation and divorce, and that groundedness in reality was engaging.

What truly struck me was the inclusion of a neurodivergent character. From the very beginning, I sensed it, as it reminded me of dear friends who possess the same remarkable traits. The portrayal of this character's autism felt authentic and truthful. It was not used as a mere quirk or an excuse to showcase genius, but rather as a way to explore their unique perspective and decision-making process. Kelly did a remarkable job of integrating this element into the core of the narrative, without shaming or deterring. The discussions around autism and its characteristics were compassionate, shedding light on the challenges neurodivergent individuals face when trying to communicate with neurotypicals. It was a refreshing look at the complexities of understanding one another.

I must mention that rare occurrence of a male character seeking therapy. Finally, we have a male protagonist working on himself and striving for personal growth. Paul's sincerity, loyalty, reliability, and deep dedication touched my heart. He respected autonomy and truly listened to what people wanted. No intentional mind games here, just genuine connection.

Isabel, on the other hand, evoked a mix of frustration and compassion within me. I couldn't help but feel for her as she struggled to understand her partner's undiagnosed ASD. However, there were moments where her actions left me perplexed. How did their marriage survive for five years with such a lack of communication? And when Paul asked her what was wrong and how he could help, she chose to escalate her emotions internally rather than express herself directly. It frustrated me to see her hold onto resentment without clearly communicating her needs. She had so much personal growth and self-reflection to undertake, but it felt like she would take one step forward only to dismiss her progress in the next chapter.

How could she have gone 34 years without truly asking for her needs to be met? How did she not see the patterns of unhappiness and fear of rejection? These unanswered questions bewildered me. And while I understand that relationships aren't perfect, it was a stark reminder of the importance of open communication and regular check-ins.

But oh, how the undercurrent of hope flowed through every page. This is not a story filled with grand traumas, but rather one that depicts the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. It serves as a powerful reminder of our own blind spots and the need for growth in our long-term commitments.

In the end, this book resonated with me on multiple levels. It stirred my emotions, making me laugh, cry, and ponder the complexities of love and communication. The premise, the characters, and the depiction of neurodiversity came together to create a passionate, emotional, and ultimately satisfying read.

[Vonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Actually a 3.5-rating**

I really do not know how to even begin to talk about how I would like to review this book. I have had some distance from it, talked about it a bit, verbally, but it still sits in my gut and it irks me. And I hate what seemingly feels like a tiny inconsequential detail sours the entirety of a book’s enjoyment. It feels like the detail should be tiny, it shouldn’t matter but here, unfortunately, the Author created a scenario where the minor detail...a massive character detail, I need to preface...becomes a pretty hardcore catalyst to exactly why this book exists.

Maybe I have to start where the detail originates. I am all for complex characters; I want 3-D and 4-D, flawed, maybe even messy but common-sensed people. I want the Good with the Bad, the Simple with the Complex. I want to see the inclusion of everyone, not the exclusion of particular people. Lately, romance books have dealt with heavier issues, leaning more toward mental or hard disabled issues. Panic and anxiety disorders, to PTSD, to all sorts of mental illnesses...and even more popular books that deep dive into MCs who deal with neuro-disorders, like Autism or Asperger’s...what I am not looking for is a book to show this being used as a “plot device”. Or to even give it a new writing term as an Author’s “tool-set” to say...a “plot mover” or maybe even a “plot explainer/excuser”. Either way, this is not what diversity in books is to be used for nor is it to be an excuser of a shitty character or multiple shitty characters.

Why you may ask? Well, I’m a disabled person who has a form of Rheumatoid Arthritis - like a form of chronic pain - who constantly would like to see not just representation, but proper, respectful representation. I am all for an MC [male or female] to be as complicatedly detailed as possible. What I am not looking for is a genuine diagnosed medical condition utilized to gain empathy for an MC’s actions - like an excuse because s/he didn’t know any better, but for it to be utilized to sloppily explain away other complex issues between a couple...a married couple who is mere days away from a divorce. I say “sloppy” but what I truly mean is there’s been an abuse of a real medical condition to explain-away serious traumas and tragedies inside a falling-apart marriage.

Let me jump-ahead a little by saying a few things readers suss out from this story...

Isabel [the female MC, and Paul’s soon-to-be Ex Wife] is a personal trainer. I went and did some small research. I didn’t go too in-depth because I am not writing a book, but I wanted to be assured I was right. Okay, so when you make a decision to seek out a career as a personal trainer you need a medical-adjacent degree. This can be between 2-4yrs depending on how you plan on carrying out your future job plan. Maybe you get a BA...maybe you dive a bit into a Business degree in case you want to start your own gym or become part of one, but do freelancing on the side. You still need a good chunk of medical knowledge, physio, biology...which can delve into major deep dives into ways to figure out how the body works or functions. Not to mention, Isabel fell in love with Paul...she falls more in love with Paul...for 4yrs of their marriage, she never once became concerned by his CLEAR SIGNS to the fact he could or might possibly have gone undiagnosed for much of his maturation. Isabel never come across as an idiot, she's pretty sharp and when her marriage began to eradicate...never once did she think..."My husband is acting like he places on the Autism Spectrum", she blows it off as typical male checking-out.

Paul’s Mom - from Paul's own backstory POV, tells us his Mom was a medical science expert. Oh, kay...this does not need an exploration because, yeah... "medical” and “science” shows us his Mom had to have some degree of college or university background, so she knows her shit. Also, he slipped it to readers she was ABLE TO SUSS OUT HER OWN CANCER ?!?!? yeah, we’re told some fanatical or maybe farcical deal where Mom knew she had tumors even before her Doc showed her x-rays or broke the bad news to her. I get it...it’s really more than a spiritual thing because dammit sometimes women just know their bodies and what changes their body is going to go through. I think we are even supposed to think with all of Paul’s Mom medical knowledge she saw all the signs and symptoms in herself so she self-diagnosed her own cancer. and guess what...she was god-damn right! Good for her. But Mom has been with Paul for ALL of his maturation until she had passed away, but still...never had she "spotted" a malady or oddness to Paul's emotional or mental states around her, even with her serious medical degrees AND having been able to figure out her own Cancer. This runs inconsistent for me, just because...maybe Paul's Mom was a doctor...but my Mom was just a registered nurse [RN] and she could spot differences in me from miles away. Just saying...a Mom and her child...that's a special bond and Mom's "know", ya know.

And my last rudimentary mention is this...and it’s a straggler theory I’ve toiled and tumbled over. This book series is called START-UP IN THE CITY...so it’s like a Steve Jobs/Steve Walzniack/starting Apple in a garage back-history, of a trio of folks who are all really smart intelligent and capable people who know coding and tech and computers...just yeah. It’s Marcus, from Bk 1...it’s Paul from Bk 2...and in Bk 3, I can only assume it’ll be Jess’s romance. Each one of the Start-Up trio has shown in every book, so far. Not only are we talking The Trio, but their combined company also has a good number of employees JUST LIKE THEM. And I would be foolish to not imagine there aren’t several if not half of the coders, techs and computer specialists who do have Autism, place somewhere on the spectrum...can function with Asperger’s in a normal everyday job. You cannot mean to tell me someone in that company would not be able to spot a fellow person who had Asperger’s/on the Autism spectrum. Or even that Marcus & Jess themselves who are told to readers as being Paul’s best friends since college...and all three are now in their late 20s-early 30s. If Jess or Marcus are doing the hiring...they have got to be capable of spotting their disabled employees, if they are an EOE employer, which I hope they are.

In Bk 1 when we get Isabel & Paul in the periphery, we can still spot their troubles and deeply embedded marital issues. What was weird was Paul...even when first intro’d in Marcus’s book, he came off immediately to me as A Cyborg. Robotic in nature. Cold/hardhearted and only capable of focusing on one steadfast issue and running with it, never wish-washy in emotions or feelings. I had complaints about Bk 1 but I was still able to figure out there was something wrong...some bigger problem Isabel & Paul had to face. I, literally, teased and joked in my own mind that, "watch, it's going to be that Paul has Autism. Just wait"...never imagining that it would be exactly what the Author decides to do.

Okay, so when Bk 2 Isabel & Paul’s story begins...they instantly enter a Forced Proximity trope. Each figures out they were BOTH tricked by their mutual friend Jess who they had both had a conversation with prior to arriving at their shared cabin. It’s days away from the papers being finalized for their divorce, so, yeah...Isabel has been secretly using this cabin on weekends [Jess knew this]...and Paul had just had a conversation with Jess, his female best friend of 10+yrs and she wormed it into his brain to possibly use the last weekend before the divorce to stay at his family’s cabin. I easily state "cabin", but I think it’s more like an oasis home they nickname “cabin” just because of it being off-grid in some woods - see, rich people cabin.

Meeting Isabel & Paul in Marcus’s Bk 1 is not important because we truly get into the nitty-gritty in their book. We learn they have been solidly separated for a year. Isabel going one way as she moves on, and Paul going another, really struggling to move on. Except Paul never got comfortable enough in separation so his true “separation” genuinely began for HIM maybe six months ago, when he started seeing a therapist on his own. This therapist was actually their old couples’ therapist and then she took them on as individuals.

Thru Paul’s POV chapters we learn the 2nd Paul’s therapist sat down with him on a one-on-one situation...she told him right away..."You place on the Autism spectrum, you have Asperger’s" because he showed clear signs TO HER. I was not just floored but it wasn't okay, then it wasn’t simply me finding Paul’s character details as weird..it supposed to show me that he shows CLEAR SIGNS to everybody...even readers and his own therapist...yet...wow, has gone undiagnosed for not just the 4yrs of marriage to Isabel...who thought he was a weird emotionally unavailable guy in the first place...he would “checkout” on her, only able to focus on ONE THING, never HER...but also to go undiagnosed by a Mom who was purported to have spotted her own tumors and self-diagnosed HERSELF prior to her own oncologist or General Physician told her.

And then we have Marcus and Jess...who have known Paul and his weird awkward ways for 10+yrs since college...and should know or be capable of spotting these CLEAR SIGNS everyone else can detect. This isn’t a book written in 2013...it’s 2018-2019 when Asperger’s and Autism-on-the-Spectrum can almost be diagnosed even by an untrained eye.

Several things crop up in the story as it unfolds which leads me to feel that this story is told sloppily...or the Author didn’t consider how certain minute details of her story between this married couple might come across.

Forced proximity forces the couple to consider and think about sex...maybe it’s a “last time” before their divorce. But wow...reading that scene...a clear spot-on sex scene...an intimate married couple scene of people who have been separated for a year sexually...when they “give in” or succumb to the passion...because this was always a good thing between them. The sex on both sides is awkward emotionally and mentally for BOTH. But they go ahead and have it because...ya know...sex is sex...gotta have it or you lose readers. Not only is Paul not present...he hasn’t even told Isabel his secret...That he has Asperger’s. Isabel is even more awkward because it’s almost like she gave in but she didn’t want to have sex with Paul because they weren’t together-together...or close like friends anymore. But it was even more awkward for me as a reader because...uh, this feels like a weird non-consenting form of marital sex that isn’t comfortable when secrets are kept from one person and they’re simply going thru regular routine motions. I felt unclean while reading and even worse every time they kept having sex...because, ew...it became gross at some point.

My 2nd issue with using this shocking reveal of Paul’s spectrum Autism is this...when a person has Autism they DO NOT pick up on subtle social cues. So, they don't get ha-ha inside jokes...they don’t get subtle teasings...they don’t even get the way you make a small mention of a “Hey you should go to the cabin for one last hurrah before you give the place over to Isabel after the divorce” This happened a week prior to this forced proximity moment...from Jess to Paul...and then yeah, Paul shows up to the cabin and OH-NOEZ bumps into Isabel who has been using this cabin every weekend. If Paul truly had Asperger’s he would never have picked up on Jess’s subtle innuendo of going to the cabin. And just because for 6months Paul has been seeing his therapist and he has become a little better at being self-aware...he hasn't allowed his therapist teachings to sink in...because he’s not in love with Jess. He is in love with Isabel and working to be a better man FOR HER is a priority. I don't imagine Asperger’s allows you to succinctly shut off whether you pick on everyone's subtle social cues. If Jess doesn't know Paul is on the Autism spectrum, then her subtleness was or should be LOST on him. He never would've thought to go to the cabin. And this story never would have begun. There. I said it.

My conclusion, take out the Autism-aspect...and Paul is simply an unfocused man, stumbling through love and marriage who simply needs work. Stop being a workaholic and focus on wife and family. Even toward the end, near their HEA...Paul still fumbles thru his Asperger's and cannot even begin to treat Isabel how she really wants to be treated. Now, Isabel feels guilt...and truthfully, where does this shift blame...because it now easily excuses Paul...but it also shows how inept all these people around him let him down and allowed him to fail. I cannot believe this is how the Author meant for this story to unfold or meant it to be executed...but it is how it has come across to many readers besides me, so, yeah...take this review with what you will. Maybe you can come at it from a different perspective, but as someone who has experience...this was extremely sloppy writing.

[PamelaF1998 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the first and now the second book in this series. This will be my last. I really did not enjoy this book. I did not like Isabel's character and Paul was just okay. Overall the story was not realistic and no couples problems are going to be solved over just one weekend. In this case, this couple had been hateful to each other for the past ten months. Another part of this book that bothered me was the fact that it took a therapist about two minutes of meeting Paul to suggest he may be on the spectrum. And Isabel or his family did not even suspect this could be a possibility. As stated above I am not going to read the third installment.

[Meggily_ever_after · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STAR BOOK - I enjoyed this book a lot, it is full of love, passion, willingness to overcome the obstacles of a difficult relationship and honest sharing of each others' points of view.

Read this book if you like second chances love stories and are ready to delve into a difficult ex-spouses relationship and move with them to the beginning of a new-love-story.
This book contains explicit sexual scenes. This book deals with divorce and some medical issues (I don't want to spoiler it, so I won't say more).

"Occasionally, just before a divorce becomes final, a husband and wife might find themselves sharing a vacation home for a few nights and if that does happen, you're allowed to hold her hand and share a meal with her"

The book starts with two of "Unexpected" characters, Paul and Isabel, who are getting closer and closer to the date of their divorce. After a year of mediation, it is decided that Isabel will gain the lake house that Paul bought before their wedding. For the last weekend, Paul, the workaholic co-founder of a successful tech start-up, decides to visit the house... And find it occupied by his almost-ex-wife.
-- I liked the fact that we have some back story from the previous book in the series about Paul and Isabel's marriage, we know how he still loves her but feels overwhelmed by his inability to fully understand her needs and wishes and we know how she gets angry thinking about the end of their marriage and her "robot" husband's behavior.

"I forgot how easy it was before it wasn't easy anymore, and how good it was before it stopped being good (...)"

Living under the same roof for a weekend gives the characters the chance to face the last months of their marriage, looking at them from their spouse's point of view.
-- This is not a common love story, where two people start their journey together as a couple. This book tells the story of a couple who didn't work, who was overwhelmed by its incapacity to communicate and find time and space for itself. For this reason, I think that this book succeeds in telling a story of forgiveness and strength, showing how Paul and Isabel have to find a new way for their love.

"You review the code. You figure out why it keeps looping back over itself, then you change it."

-- One of the main points of strength of this book is the characterization of Paul, the male protagonist. I loved how the author describes his quirks and the incontrovertible logic he applies to his life. He is a character who touches your heart because the people around him are unable to fully understand him and label him as robotic and cold-hearted, while you, as the reader, know that he is anything but!

I loved this book. It moves from funny moments to romantic ones to deeper discussions about balancing one's identity in a marriage. Suggested reading!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good! Enjoyable characters and sweet plot.

Isabel and Paul are getting divorced on Wednesday. It has been a long 10 months since Isabel left Paul, later filed for divorce, and then battled for their settlement. With less than a week until their marriage is officially over, both members of the former couple have the same idea: spend the weekend at their vacation home.

Both of them refuse to leave. Isabel will keeping them property after Wednesday, but the deed still has Paul’s name on it until then. After nearly a year of fighting, they reach a tentative truce for the weekend.

Stop here for spoilers ***

Over the course of the year, Paul had worked on himself. He attended hours of therapy, took stock of how he communicates and observes people, and cut back on his work hours. Though Isabel hasn’t done this kind of work, this allows Isabel and Paul to communicate in a much more authentic way, and they begin to work through their past issues. They both explain how they were feeling when their marriage was ending, and why they acted the way they did. Isabel is blown away by Paul’s progress.

Of course, the physical attraction is still there and now that they can put aside hating each other temporarily, it doesn’t take long for them to become intimate again.

With lots of conversations, stops and starts, and an openness they never shared before, Paul and Isabel ultimately get back together. They allow the divorce to finalize, but only so they can start over and build their relationship from scratch again, on a foundation of better communication.

This book was sweet. I now see that these “Startup in the City” books couldn’t have been interwoven into one story, but they all connect. This was a fun read that made me look at my relationships and want to communicate more authentically.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paul jest komputerowym geekiem, genialnym autorem aplikacji, które zdecydowały o rynkowym sukcesie internetowej spółki Brainway opisanej w poprzednim tomie serii. Isabel, przyjaciółka protagonistki również znanej z pierwszej części Start Up in the City, jest dyplomowaną trenerką różnych programów fitness.

Kiedy Izzy po czterech latach małżeństwa wyprowadza się, Paul jest zdołowany, nie rozumie przyczyny. Później jest coraz gorzej, w procedurze rozwodowej małżonkowie zażarcie walczą ze sobą. Parę dni przed orzeczeniem rozwodu niespodziewanie spotykają się w wakacyjnej rezydencji na Long Island, której jedyną właścicielką wkrótce ma zostać ona. Czy wykorzystają ostatnią szansę, aby przynajmniej nie zniszczyć kruchych obecnie więzi łączących ich ze sobą oraz z gronem osób zaprzyjaźnionych z obojgiem?

Wiodący wątek na pierwszy rzut oka wydaje się podobny do pierwszego tomu, ale jego realizacja zrobiła na mnie znacznie korzystniejsze wrażenie. Może dlatego, że z jednej strony zafascynowała mnie osobowość Paula, a z drugiej poraziła bezradność Izzy, skądinąd silnej, zdecydowanej kobiety, wobec narzuconej jej przez męża drugoplanowej, po pracy, roli w jego życiu. Mimo że seks zawsze mieli udany. W każdym razie z zainteresowaniem śledziłam kolejne próby odwrócenia złej karmy. Tym bardziej, że są pomysłowe i jak zwykle u Kelly Rimmer po prostu dobrze opisane. Oczywiście w ramach konwencji współczesnego romansu, jaka niestety niezbyt często sprawdza się w realnych, życiowo podbramkowych sytuacjach. Ale w końcu przecież po to między innymi te romanse czytamy, aby się od prozy życia oderwać

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely devoured this book! What a fantastic read! UNSPOKEN gets off to a rough start- Paul and Isabel, who are about to be divorced the next week have shown up at their country house at the same time, and neither of them is willing to leave. Considering the relatively small space, they cannot help but continue bumping into each other, and eventually, they both decide they need the closure of a deeper discussion.

As they begin to communicate more and better, they realize that maybe they both made mistakes in the past. However, whether they can and want to move past them is still up for debate. As they continue to talk, they realize the potential of their relationship.

This was quite a fantastic read. It sounds a little crazy from the premise, but the book is really so fantastically well written that it was easy to see both sides and to understand how far they have come, why it didn't work, and why it could work now. Each was a highly sympathetic and fully realized character, and while their relationship was complex, it is also beautiful.

I also want to give kudos to the author for including a main character with autism and really doing a fantastic job with handling it. Although this book looks like a second chance romance, it is really so much more and so much deeper than the surface description. I highly recommend picking up this gem!

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5/5*
This is an emotive second chance romance which demonstrates the importance of communication in relationships. Isabel and Paul Winton will be divorced in less than a week, despite the fact that they both love each other very much. Both are distraught at the breakdown of their marriage and, after some comments from a mutual friend, go to stay at their holiday home where they have so many happy memories together. However, neither expected the other to be there! For the last ten months all their encounters have resulted in disagreements, even when in counselling. Neither wants the other to stay but both are too stubborn to leave. The time apart has changed them both but will this be enough for them to risk their hearts with each other again?

The story is mainly told from the alternating points of view of Isabel and Paul. It is an story of a love that never was lost but of a relationship that was broken by lack of communication. This is their chance to talk to each other, explore what went wrong and see if there’s any chance of them being a couple again. It is a very moving story, a real page turner and enthralling second chance romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley and I am happy to give my honest review.

This is my first book by this author and won’t be my last. I am a sucker for second chance romance and especially love when they feature married couples. This one did not disappoint.

Isabel and Paul have been married for 5 years. She has been increasingly unhappy and Paul feels blindsided when she leaves him. The spend the next several months duking it out in the divorce mediation. The weekend before the divorce is final, they both end up at their vacation home to lick their wounds. Both are too stubborn to leave.

The book takes place mostly over 4 days, Friday-Monday. The pacing was good and the emotions were so heart wrenching and believable. I loved when they finally lowered their defenses and finally talked over what exactly went wrong.

One thing I didn’t really get was the lack of speculation that Paul could be autistic. It took 5 minutes with a therapist to say he had warning signs but all of the smart, educated people (like an oncologist brother) never thought his single minded focus could be more?

In the end I really enjoyed this book and loved these two together. I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Edi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't notice that this was a second book in a series but I don't think that would have changed my opinion much. I would really give it a 3.5, but we don't have halves!

It had my attention for the first part, but after they end up at the house together and were bickering, I sort of lost interest and didn't get it back until the last chapter and epilogue.

Seems very much like a version of "he said,she said" that was popular many years ago. , I think it might be a good book for someone going through rough times in a marriage,. May be more interesting than a self help book, but I really didn't like Isabel. She is very spoiled and self centered, he nailed it with the shrew analogy, but probably more like the word that rhymes with witch.

I got bogged down with all their bickering and analyzing the bickering. (And I get that is his personality) Me thinks a bit much. Looks.like the next book may be more story, not analytical, so I might try it. It is a decent read, just not a favorite.

I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.

[Clare Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly an amazing and book which will really make you look at your own thinking behaviours. Paul and Izzy are in a bitter feud soon to divorce, they cannot bear to be in the same room as each other. Having a last weekend at their away home, it turns out due to a friend’s intervention they both plan and are their at the same time.

It is hear there learn to discuss the heart of their problems and get to the route of the cause. It is unbelievable how something so simple could be the problem with a specific personality type. Through Paul’s self discovery he finds more about his personality after the split and is the one guiding them back to friendship. With Izzy I could see myself in how her thinking and communication came across and I believe it is typical a women thing and is a people person not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings.

From the weekend they both start to fall in love again and both realise the importance of taking a risk at putting their relationship first. This one is even better than the first, but more so I really connected with the story.

At the end you get a little glimpse of book 3 and pleased that the progress continues without giving too much away.

[Carolyn Sharp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another thought-provoking novel from Kelly Rimmer. A common scenario of a couple in the throes of a divorce that has turned bitter. Communication has broken down and the barriers are up. Isobel and Paul are both encouraged by their mutual friend Jess to go to their ‘holiday home’ to lick their wounds. Neither realise that the other will be there.
As things begin to thaw, they develop a strength to begin talking about what caused their marriage to fail. The story is told from both Isobel and Paul’s perspective. They begin to consider each other’s needs and the way in which they want their relationship to go. The barriers begin to come down and the flame is reignited.
As the book progressed, the pace picked up and it was hard to put down. I found myself thinking about my own relationship and how sometimes we just don’t communicate and can stop making the effort.
The second book in the Start Up In The City series does not disappoint and can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to Kelly Rimmer, her publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Beth McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book was very similar to another book published about 6 weeks later, Love Her or Lose Her, by Tessa Bailey. The first quarter or so, it seemed like the same book.

This one went a different way, though, and I think I liked it better. Basically, the couples are both very close to divorce, due mostly to a complete lack of communication in their marriage. Although with this book, it wasn’t they DIDN’T communicate, it was more the way they’d each been communicating was not the way the other needed to hear it to they would understand. There was a LOT of passive aggressiveness on Isabel’s part, and eventually she seemed to realize why she communicated that way, and how they could each understand better where the other was coming from so they could avoid the issues that kept them apart.

Having been in a rocky marriage, and counseling, and eventual divorce, this book was more science fiction/fantasy than reality, but I thought the way it handled the couple being forced into close quarters the week before their divorce, and the difficult conversations they allowed themselves to have, was very well done. I didn’t expect to enjoy the journey.

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Start Up in the City series, in which Isabel Winton is eager for her divorce to become final and chooses to spend her last days as a married woman at the vacation house she managed to secure as part of the divorce agreement. Unfortunately for her, her ex, Paul Winton, shows up there, too. Ack!

Now what are they going to do? Continue fighting. Well, yes. That. Or acknowledge that this Paul seems somehow different from the one who drove her crazy with his intense focus on his start-up tech business? Over the long weekend, both Isabel and Paul come to recognize how each of them misunderstood the cues the other was sending and that Paul may be right when he suggests that each of them, in their own way, contributed to the mess that befell their marriage.

They have a chance to make things right so that they can become friends, if not married. Will they take it? And if they do, how is that going to affect what they do AFTER the divorce? Telling dialogue that accurately reflects how many couples find themselves in a conflict of their own making. Prepare with tissues at the end.