Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Unspoken (Start Up in the City, #2)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Unspoken

(Start Up in the City #2)

Kelly Rimmer (Goodreads Author)

3.81 · Rating details · 431 ratings · 87 reviews

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 c ...more

Get A Copy

Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages

Published November 26th 2019 by Hqn

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Unspoken, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Unspoken

Lists with This Book

November 2019 Most-Anticipated Romances

183 books — 2,033 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 3.81 ·

Rating details

· 431 ratings · 87 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Unspoken (Start Up in the City, #2)

Sep 11, 2019 Zoe rated it really liked it

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, introspect ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Aug 27, 2019 Pelusa Rivera rated it liked it

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 I ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 14, 2019 Jamie Rosenblit rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs

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 - ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Oct 28, 2019 DeAnn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

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 an ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Jan 27, 2020 Booksandchinooks (Laurie) rated it really liked it

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 imp ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Nov 08, 2019 Shelby rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, married-romance

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 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. ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 14, 2020 Cherry Bob*omb rated it it was amazing

Shelves: love, will-reread-it, atypical, spectrum-ish

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 an ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 09, 2019 Samantha (WLABB) rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, adult, romance, audiobooks

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 ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 16, 2019 Kristen rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019, e-arc, romance

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. Inste ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 08, 2020 Shirley Ririhena rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, family-bond, friendship, neurodiversity

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 yo ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jan 17, 2020 Kimberly Kowalski rated it really liked it

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 individua ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 19, 2019 Laurel rated it it was amazing

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

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 01, 2019 Frankie rated it did not like it

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.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 31, 2019 Samantha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary, arc-galley-pre-pub, romance, adult, 2019

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.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 14, 2019 Shae rated it liked it

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.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 22, 2020 Sonny rated it really liked it

**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 det ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 10, 2019 Joan rated it really liked it

Paul and Isabel Winton are instantly attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Their romantic story becomes legendary. They are the golden couple, him a rising star in the technology industry and her committed to coaching for health and fitness in the leisure industry. They feel invincible, but as Paul’s business thrives there are huge expectations of an innovative new product being nearly ready for the market. The increasing amount of time he spends away from home begins to worry and a Paul and Isabel Winton are instantly attracted to each other from the moment they meet. Their romantic story becomes legendary. They are the golden couple, him a rising star in the technology industry and her committed to coaching for health and fitness in the leisure industry. They feel invincible, but as Paul’s business thrives there are huge expectations of an innovative new product being nearly ready for the market. The increasing amount of time he spends away from home begins to worry and annoy Isabel. Their problems are never aired; grudges increase but when Isabel walks out on Paul he is completely devastated and cannot believe what is happening to their marriage. They try counselling but sadly that proves to be of no help, just another nail in the coffin. They fight and bicker and have awful quarrels about how they will split their assets. Divorce is soon inevitable and unstoppable. It is like a runaway train: the disaster is bound to happen.
Several sad and frustrating months go by, both living alone and wondering if they are doing the right thing. The weekend before their divorce is finalised is looming up on them. They are scarcely on speaking terms by now, both angry and hurt. Paul’s team are spending the entire weekend working on ironing out the glitches in the eagerly awaited new product, and out of nostalgia Paul decides to spend his last time recharging his weary brain ready for its release. He goes to their holiday home at the seaside, planning on relaxing, sleeping and generally dossing out. Meanwhile Isabel, who has fought for ownership of the property and ‘won’ the battle, also decides to head for the property that will soon be hers. Inevitably they clash, both thinking the other should move out. Neither of them intends to change their plans, both stubborn and truculent, so they both stay put. The tension is palpable, but can they work at being friends? This is what Paul wants more than anything in the world. He has accepted that Isabel doesn’t want to reconcile, but they could make a truce for old times’ sake. If they both agree they are both surely able to put aside their differences. You’ll have to read the novel yourself if you want to know what happens next.
This is the second romance novel in the ‘Start Up in the City’ series, but it reads well as a standalone novel, so don’t worry if you have not read ‘Unexpected’ beforehand. It is a sassy, sexy story of a couple whose marriage has gone awry, and although they both still love each other, they cannot talk honestly about why the marriage has failed. It is so sad really. If only they had discussed what was wrong and what they both expected and wanted from their relationship, the rift would never have happened. It seems so heart-breaking. It was frustrating for the reader certainly, because the obvious answer was that they should be honest with each other. Nevertheless, the chances of a second-chance reunion begin to look bleak without mediation. My favourite character was Paul. The secret he is keeping from Isabel is a massive surprise. Isabel is deeply unhappy, hurt and let down. She is very emotional and a tad jealous, and Paul has no idea why. The storytelling is wonderful. The author explores the rift from each point of view with ease and care. I enjoyed this novel and kept hoping for the happy ever after ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from publisher Headline Eternal through my membership of NetGalley. It was sent in return for an honest and unbiased review and I would like to thank them for my copy of the novel. It’s a 4* review from me and the part I loved best of all was how the author actually rounded off her novel. Be alert for surprises, you may shed a few tears but you’ll enjoy your rocky ride.
...more

flag Like · see review

Jul 14, 2020 Meggily_ever_after rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance, nowadays, sexy-scenes, explicit-sex, medical-issues, serie

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 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! ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 15, 2019 Kellisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019-favorites

I know everyone loves Kelly Rimmer for her more serious books and historical fiction, but if you haven’t tried her contemporary romance series, Start Up in the City, you are missing out. Both of her books in this series were hands-down five star reads for me.

If you’re like me and read Bromance Book Club and then immediately said “I need more married couple romances”, put Unspoken on your TBR ASAP! It’s the second in the series, but totally works as a stand-alone.

Isabel and Paul are getting a d I know everyone loves Kelly Rimmer for her more serious books and historical fiction, but if you haven’t tried her contemporary romance series, Start Up in the City, you are missing out. Both of her books in this series were hands-down five star reads for me.

If you’re like me and read Bromance Book Club and then immediately said “I need more married couple romances”, put Unspoken on your TBR ASAP! It’s the second in the series, but totally works as a stand-alone.

Isabel and Paul are getting a divorce. A few days before their divorce is final, both decide to spend some time at their vacation home, without knowing the other is going to be there. Of course, both are too stubborn to give the house up for a weekend and end up staying there together one last time.

Okay I loved basically everything about this story! Seriously, it is married couple romance perfection. I didn’t know going into the book, but the entire story is told over a few days. If you don’t love characters talking like I do, this probably won’t work for you. But I LOVE some characters who can talk things out like adults, even during hard parts (the forced proximity helps too!). Therapy isn’t something that’s an active part of romances a lot of the time, but it’s very prevalent here. While Isabel and Paul discuss why their couples therapy didn’t work, and Isabel’s frustration with attending therapy with him, Paul continued to go on his own. I freaking loved this aspect so much! Both have pretty much accepted their marriage was over, but the fact that Paul continued to work on himself and go to therapy? Yes, please to a hero who puts in the work!

The chemistry between the two is so good, but I loved the in between moments even more. When they’re both unsure of what the next step is or what they even want.

The story moves fast when you consider it takes place over the span of days, but it can get pretty intense with how involved the conversations can be. I LOVED Isabel’s growth in this, both before this weekend and during her conversations with Paul. There’s some revelations from Paul about halfway through that he discovered during therapy, and both their responses made me love their characters even more. And that epilogue! Perfection!!

Ugh, I just loved these characters and their story so, so much! Unspoken was a five star read for me. I highly recommend checking it out! I cannot wait for the rest of these series! ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 05, 2019 Olivia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: other-reviews

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 ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 10, 2019 Elaine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult, alternative-story, favorites, 2019, contemporary, netgalley, contemporary-romance, puzzles, inspirational, romance

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 ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 24, 2019 Gwen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

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, ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 29, 2019 Edi McNinch rated it liked it

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 thr ...more

flag Like · see review

Dec 04, 2019 Clare Perry rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

flag Like · see review

Mar 28, 2020 Carolyn Sharp rated it really liked it · review of another edition

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 ...more

flag Like · see review

Jun 24, 2020 Beth McLeod rated it really liked it

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 ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 15, 2020 Kate Vale rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemp-women-s-fiction

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 te ...more

flag Like · see review

Sep 08, 2019 Kym rated it really liked it

Definitely a different kind of love story. This one begins with so much pain (almost hard to continue when you can feel Isabel’s through the pages) but then slowly turns as Paul begins to tell HIS side of their story.

Fair warning though...watching the bickering and hurtful words slung at these two, who were only married for such a relatively short time, is painful.

BUT...once they truly start to talk, truly begin to see one another, truly begin to realize they both have issues that led to where ...more

flag Like · see review

Nov 26, 2019 Jessica Figueroa rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, adult, romance, netgally

The divorce is drawing the a close and Isabel is feeling down so decides to go to the vacation home for some peace and quiet. Problem is her soon to be ex husband had the same idea. Both refuse to leave and end up finding that they are not the same people they were when they were together and the year has changed them. This will give them the time to put things on the mend maybe even come out as friends rather then bitter enemies.

I love a good second chance at romance and this book was pretty gr ...more

flag Like · see review

Jan 21, 2020 Jalapeño Lobster rated it liked it

I enjoyed the book for the most part, because them looking back at their relationship to understand where it went wrong was interesting.

That said, that last little bit pissed me off. (view spoiler) ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Romance

21 users

Contemporary

11 users

Adult

6 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

5 users

Fiction

3 users

Adult Fiction

2 users

Audiobook

2 users

See top shelves…

About Kelly Rimmer

Kelly Rimmer

2,295 followers

Kelly Rimmer is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten novels, including The Secret Daughter and The Things We Cannot Say. She’s sold more than one million books, and her novels have been translated into more than 20 languages. Kelly lives in the Central West of New South Wales with her family and fantastically naughty dogs, Sully and Basil.