Wanted: hot nerd seeks dating coach.Picture this – I’m ready to win back the love of my life, and I’m going big this time. We’re talking boom box, sing her name in the rain, let the whole damn neighborhood know I’m good and ready this time around. After all, if you’re going to grand gesture the ever-loving hell out of a second chance, you need to pull out all the stops. There’s only one little … only one little problem.
My college girlfriend isn’t the one who shows up when I play my “I’ll do anything to win you back” tune. The woman who flings open the second-floor window tells me my ex doesn’t live here anymore. But she’ll help me win her back. Anything for romance, anything for a guy so willing to go big for love. And that’s what I want at first. Until I get to know my new “romance coach” and discover she’s funny, clever, and keeps me on my toes. Now I don’t want to win anyone else’s heart. I want the woman who’s been helping me all along. Trouble is – she thinks I’m in love with someone else, and when we take off on a road trip, everything I think I know about women is about to be unzipped and turned inside out.
***
He’s the last person I ever expected to pop into my life, but he might be exactly what I need to save the thing that matters most to me. All I have to do is not fall for him.
Unzipped is a standalone romance!
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4.9 Stars
Finley is the creator and writer of a tv comedy show, but the network is not really excited about renewing her show. She has to write six amazingly funny episodes asap!
Enter Kyler. Eight years after his college love Cassie broke up with him and issued the ultimatum that he grow up and make something of himself, he’s finally ready to win her back. A la Say Anything – boom box and everything! Only worse.
Unfortunately it’s Finley’s window he’s embarrassing himself under! LOL!
Fin is super excited by Kyler’s story – she could use it for her show!!!
And off they go on a mission to win back the love of Kyler’s life.
But what if you fall for someone else on the way ??? ……
What will happen with Finley & Kyler-Tom?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
Awww … that was adorable and hilarious!
Kyler is so sweet. Thinking that Cassie was just pining away for him these last decade! He believes that she will take him back when he shows up with his great gesture.
And poor Finley. She’s kinda mega attracted to Kyler/Tom, but she won’t allow herself to fall for him because the exact same thing happened with her ex – the ex that was still in love with his ex!
But of course those two can’t resist falling for each other … and the reader has an amazing time watching it happen!
I really enjoyed reading this story!
So funny, sweet, California-ish, adorable and roadtrippy and movie-quote-y and a bit heartbreaking too … I might have cried a tear or two ….
Amazing Rom-Com!!
Plus also … I wouldn’t mind seeing this on Netflix one day!
Oh and the only thing that was a bit weird. All those brothers and cousins of Kyler and the book store owner lady and her guy? What’s up with them? Do they have their own books already or are we getting their story one day??? There was to much in this book about people and their story – it was a bit confusing/redundant … unless we’re getting their books soon! In that case: GIMMEEE!
(edited after finishing the book – it’s explained a bit at the end – and also I was doing some goodreadsy research – I now know that Gabe and Arden will be the stars in Best Laid Plans – coming in March. And there are lots of Lauren books coming in 2019 – maybe we’ll get more of the people from Unzipped – also – a few are already happily married.)
UNZIPPED was such a fun and adorable half meet-cute-getting-to-know-you – half road-trip love story!! Run to your nearest amazon asap for your own Kyler Tom – this one is MINE !!!
I’ll never be able to see/hear ‘lollygag’ again without giggling.
I listened to the audible version of Unzipped narrated by Joe Arden & Andi Arndt. I’m a big fan of Lauren Blakeley’s books, but this is the first time I’ve listened to one. I enjoy listening to books with both male and female narrators. It makes it so much easier to get lost in the characters when you can hear their voice inflections, especially the whispers, growls, and gasps. It’s like a guilty pleasure and I might actually blush when I hear the sex scenes, looking around to make sure that nobody else can hear what I’m listening to. And then, when I giggle snort or laugh out loud it’s even more embarrassing. But does that mean I’m gonna stop doing it? Hell no!
“In comedy, timing isn’t just everything, it’s the only thing. It’s the same in love.”
Listening to what was going on inside his head as he’s attempting to execute a grand gesture to win back the college girlfriend that dumped him years ago is hilarious. Everything that could go wrong, does. It’s horrible in the best way. It certainly gets the attention of the wrong girl. At least the woman behind the window that he’s focusing his horrible demonstration on has a sense of humor, right? Otherwise, she might have called the cops on him for disturbing the peace.
I couldn’t help shaking my head at the cluelessness of the poor nerd. While his lack of a clue was amusing, it was also heartbreaking. He had a lot to learn if he ever planned to catch and keep a good woman. Simply opening his mouth could be the end of his search for love if he didn’t get some help. What better person to coach him than the object of his misdirected display?
“I’ll help you on your quest. And you, in turn, can continue to be one of the most interesting curiosities I’ve stumbled across.”
Of course, my romantic heart was matchmaking almost immediately. So, I packed my virtual bags and stowed away on their road trip adventure, shamelessly eavesdropping and taking notes. So, take my advice and grab your audiobook copy of Unzipped to listen their road trip while you take a road trip of your own. Win/win, right?
Unzipped was a fun and light hearted read, exactly what I needed to get out of my book funk.
Kyler is ready to win back his college sweetheart. He decides to go old school and “serenade” her only to get the attention of her neighbor.
Loved Finley, she’s hilarious and just a little quirky. She decides she’s going to help a clueless Kyler win his girl back.
Loved these two and how easily they connected and how their friendship effortlessly flowed into more.
Loved this book!
I adored this book. It’s got the perfect mix of humor and fun, with the perfect level of heat and the tiniest bit of angst. From the cute-meet moment to the big gesture finish, I just couldn’t put it down.
Our heroine is quirky and enthusiastic about life. She’s got just the right amount of goofiness that makes her playful but not annoying. (I kinda want to be her when I grow up.) He’s also just a hoot. Sexy, smart, and also charmingly goofy – a great match for our girl. The flirty banter just flows between them and it makes for a highly entertaining read.
With characters who are adorably dorky (and who own in), Unzipped is lighthearted, charming, funny, and easy to read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves romantic comedies and/or a lot of fun in their reads.
**Review given honestly and freely after receipt of a reader copy. This opinion is completely my own and was not influenced in any way.**
This is a laugh out loud read.
So many tropes are covered. I loved it.
The only thing that bugged me a little, was the whole Kyler/Tom thing. I like Kyler a lot better than Tom. Tom is so boring, and common, in comparison.
I don’t want to say too much and give anything away.
I did love both Tom and Finlay.
They are both funny and both have moments of being completely clueless. Tom has more of those moments though.
These two are perfect for each other. You can tell right from their first meeting.
It is a little predictable, but it’s still a great read.
Both characters grow and you can actually see them falling in love.
I give this a 4.5
This was the sweetest romantic comedy ever!! I absolutely loved Kyler/Tom and Finley. What could have been the most embarrassing day ever turned into a week that changed two lives. Get ready for the laughs, love, hot and steamy romance that will curl your toes and is all rolled into the sweetest story ever!
* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
OMG!! This was such a fun, sweet and sexy read by Lauren Blackly. I also loved that this story focused on the 80’s Era… All the tie ins were amazing!! This book brought back some great memories for me while I was reading it.
UnZipped is a strangers to friends to lovers story. I know that sounds confusing but it is a story that is about two people who have a chance meeting and over time turn into great friends.
This is the latest romantic comedy standalone by Lauren Blakely. This book is a complete standalone and no other book needs to be read before enjoying this story. It is told in Dual POV. I thought the pace and flow was perfect. I loved how she had Tom and Finley become friends before anything romantic developed. Lauren is a wizard when it comes to romantic comedies. I alway know that I am going to laugh throughout the story and end with a HUGE smile on my face.
In this story we follow Tom (AKA Kyler) and Finley. Tom is determined to win back the heart of his college sweetheart. So he plans a GRAND gesture….little does he know that it won’t be Cassie in the window….it’s Finley. Finley is so impressed with what Tom is trying to do, that she offers to help him in his mission. Over the course of the story they become fast friends and come to rely on each other. What happens when Tom sees Cassie again?? What happens when things become more real between Finley and Tom?? Can they get their HEA??
I have to say I truly enjoyed this storyline and the characters in the story. I laughed throughout the story. Tom and Finley were a great match!! I loved how open and honest they were with each other. Their banter was spot on.
If you are looking for a sexy, flirty and overall enjoyable romance story, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed!! This is also a perfect story to read if you haven’t read anything by Lauren Blakely before.
I am an enormous Lauren Blakely fan, and when I read the synopsis for this book, my interest was instantly sparked. I’m a lover of all things romance, especially romantic comedies, whether they be in book form or on film. I love everything about them from the meet-cutes to the sweet and sometimes cheesy way the couples fall in love to the over-the-top grand gestures and everything in between. So when I realized this book kicks off with a play on what is probably the grandest of the grand gestures on film – the Dobler/boombox scene from Say Anything – I was sold.
Blakely gives readers a hot nerd hero in roller coaster designer, Kyler. He was so endearing, so adorable in his cluelessness—I adored him instantly. His mangled attempt at the Dobler-inspired boombox moment was a hot, hot mess, but he owned it and stole my heart in the process. Finley, the girl next door to the girl of Kyler’s dreams, is a comedy writer of her own TV show on the verge of being cancelled. She is in desperate need of inspiration when the poorly singing, bumbling Kyler is dropped right on her lawn. After hearing his plan win his former girlfriend’s heart back, she knows she needs to help this guy.
Finley and Kyler were both so quirky and very different, but I think that’s what drew them to each other. They naturally challenged each other, and I think that was what initially drew them to each other and sparked the attraction between them. Their flirty banter was quick and hilarious, and despite their differences, this couple had fantastic chemistry. Finley wasn’t exactly keen to take another spin on the “I’m still in love with my ex” rollercoaster ride that is written all over Kyler, but she does want the inspiration he’s giving her—as long as it doesn’t inspire anything other than plot ideas. It doesn’t take Kyler long to realize that he’s chasing the wrong girl, though, and he flips his focus on Finley. I loved all of his movie-quoting, and his whole sweet and seductive routine was utterly swoon-worthy.
Unzipped by Lauren Blakely was lighthearted, sexy and amusing, and it was exactly what I was looking to read when I started it. With Blakely’s clever writing and a wholly entertaining storyline, Unzipped was a witty, fun and charming romance that kept me smiling the whole way through. Five smooches from me!
~Danielle Palumbo, Red Cheeks Reads
This book is funny, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
This was a very fun book to read!
I loved everything about it. I loved the movie themes, talks about romantic tropes and the main characters were just fun.
Finley was a writer whose career was circling the drain. In need of a distraction to meet Kyler or “Tom”, She starts brainstorming creative ideas through him and in the process starts to fall.
Kyler is a BIG fan of the grand gesture. One leading him to meet Finley. Watching him fall for her but also realizing what happened in his past relationship was fun to read.
I bought this book almost a year ago now so I don’t exactly remember what drew me in in the first place. And if I could go back, having finished it now, I would not have made this purchase.
I didn’t hate it. I want to be clear that I finished the book and it wasn’t too painful. But it was so full of rom-com tropes and dated stereotypes that I felt like I was rolling my eyes most of the time. I wanted a bit more depth or a surprise or something that wasn’t so predictable. Finley was alright but I hated Kyler/Tom. He wasn’t very believable.
I say skip this one.
As soon as I finished reading this book, I immediately wanted to re-read it. First of all, I’m an 80’s baby. I grew up listening to 80’s music and watching all the fun 80’s Rom-Coms.
This book was hilarious. I loved both characters so much. Kyler (Tom) was so clueless at times, yet so smart, handsome and confident. He was such an 80’s nerd and loved his movie quotes. I feel that Kyler really wanted to prove something to himself when it came to Cassandra. It’s not like he kept in touch with her throughout the seven years. I truly believe he wanted her to see the kind of man he had become. Finn – she was such a unique character. She was nerdy in her own way, but she was so open about things and so much fun.
Finn and Kyler developed such a fun friendship. The two of them were so honest and open with each other from the beginning. They talked about their successes, failures, expectations, wants, etc. I loved how comfortable they were with each other. Kyler was such a fan of Finn’s show. Finn wasn’t afraid to call Kyler out when he needed calling out. They both really wanted to help one another and they got so excited over little things that made them so different yet perfect for each other.
Some of my fave things/references in this book: a boombox, iced tea, Tom, her show, his roller coaster, comedy playlist for road trip, airport scene, romance tropes, Debbie Gibson, Peter Gabriel, Say Anything, Ferris Buller’s Day Off, When Harry Met Sally, Ghost, and so many others.
This book made me feel as if I was watching a rom-com sitcom on tv. I LOVED this book so much…..and by the way, I still love Debbie Gibson
3.5 stars
Unzipped is unlike anything I have ever read before. I have never read a trope quite like this one. It is so outside of the box, so different. It personally reminds me of a 90’s sitcom. A little bit corny, but still a sitcom like. The characters were unique, with a humorous personalities. Not really relate-able, but likable for sure. This Rom-Com was a quick read for me. Very little drama, with some roasting, that I personally thought was funny.
Her. It’s so hard to even find words to express her correctly. Quirky for sure, she says how she feels, on the drop of a dime. She finds humor in almost everything, which could get annoying because it was like a switch that couldn’t get turned off. Shy in a sense, but child like in some instances.
Him. To me, pretty much a genius that lacked some common sense. Great work ethic with the whole nerd vibe. Also, a quirky guy that finds humor in almost everything. I personally feel like he had a thought process of a teenager instead of a man his age. He was likeable, but sooooo different than any hero I have ever read,
Trying to win his college girlfriends heart back, HE lands on the wrong doorstep. When SHE offers to help win his ex back, he finds reasons why his EX is not the one for him, but SHE is the one for him. Now he only needs to convince her of that.
In all honesty, this was just an okay read for me. Not really my cup of tea. But if YOU like little to no drama, sitcoms, and some laughable moments, this book is for you. Just because this book wasn’t really meant for me, doesn’t mean someone else won’t find enjoyment out of it, so for that reason, I recommend this book.
*Reviewed for Reviews From the Heart
There something just so irresistible about a Higgins/Doolittle type HEA, especially when it’s got grand gestures, over the top feels, and true love staring you right in the face. Kyler wanted to pull out every stop to win back his lady love. He just didn’t know she had moved and ended up serenading the wrong person. Finely just happens to be a sucker for Hallmark moments and vows to help him get Cassie back. As they tirelessly work on project get back together, the lines of tutoring and tantalizing become oh so blurred. What if what you thought was your HEA points you square in the direction of fate’s plan.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book
Lauren Blakely strikes again.
I started reading this story thinking… this seems a little too cheesy for my taste. Like, “blue level,” and I don’t care for blue cheese. (Yes, that’s a book reference.) I was thinking this Hero, Kyler, was going to be a little too pushover for my taste.
However…
In true Lauren Blakely fashion, things took a whopping turn, and when all was said and done, I was flipping pages, bleary-eyed, fist-pumping in delight as Kyler, who prefers to go by Tom, and Finley navigated their way to each other in a most epically romantic fashion.
If you like 80s music and old rom com movie quotes and thrilling roller coaster rides, buckle in and get ready for a giddy hearted read. This one delivers.
Oh my this was such a good book! What happens when you make a ploy to serenade the love of your life to win her back? Well, that’s a good plan but when you sing to the wrong person because your love doesn’t live there anymore. End of story right? Nope, it’s just the beginning of a great story when the poor girl you sang off key to tells you that she’ll help you win back that love!
Kyler and Finley embark on this journey to help Kyler win back his true love. But, as they are plotting, and getting to know each other he questions does he really want her back? Finlay may be exactly what he wants in a woman, he just didn’t know it!
Great, funny, sweet story!!
Lauren Blakely is a one-click author for me whom I recommend all the time. This book was so witty and charming and I loved how Kyler (aka Tom) and Finley meet and how they get to know one another.
Just as the book describes, Kyler is trying to woo an old flame who isn’t at home when he makes his grand gesture. Instead, Finley is there and is immediately intrigued and agrees to help him get his girl.
What happens next is all the magic. Finley, a comedic writer for cable TV, and Kyler, a lover of movies and movie quotes, hit it off immediately. She is impressed with his smarts as he is an engineer and designer of roller coasters and the two set off on an adventure and agree to help each other. His nerdy personality is so endearing and honest, and he inspires her to write creatively as her show is on the verge of being cancelled.
What I like best about this couple is their support of one another and friendship. They respect each other, can laugh and make fun, all while being hot and bothered and smitten. They of course try to fight off their attraction, but Kyler realizes he is chasing the wrong girl and that is where the real fun starts. They have so much in common, enjoy each other’s company so much, and you can’t help but route for them to be together the entire time.
I am always impressed reading a Lauren Blakely book because she does so much research to back up her stories. The locations are always spot on whether the book takes place in Paris or Toyko, and I always learn something new such as the life of a roller coaster designer, etc. As always, I pre-ordered all future Lauren Blakely books and can’t wait!
Loved these characters!!
The Queen of RomComs does it again! Unzipped is everything you have come to know and love from Lauren Blakely: sweet, heat, heart and amazing characters – the perfect RomCom! FIVE HUMONGOUS STARS!!
Aw! What a fun, sweet story filled with wit. I love the way Tom and Finley meet and I loved watching their friendship and romance blossom and grow. They are both so quirky and so much fun together. This story had me chuckling throughout and left me with a smile on my face. A delightful, feel good story.