Unzipped

Publisher's Summary

Available in audio first, a brilliantly funny, scorchingly sexy new romance from number one New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely!

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 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. And boy, do I ever need that. 

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.

©2018 Lauren Blakely (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC.

Appealing to my college self!

What would be better than listening to a book with great narrators and good characters? How about characters who quoted movies I watched, listened to songs I love and had a chemistry so strong you could cut it with a knife? Lauren Blakely hit a chord with me on this one, bringing back some good, fun memories while getting to know this couple. "Tom" (Kyler) is a successful engineer designing roller coasters and Finley is a sitcom writer. When Tom shows up on Finley's front lawn with a grand gesture for his college ex-girlfriend to find out she is not there. Now Finley is on a mission to help Tom get his ex back while gathering some ideas for her tv show. Little does each of these two know how their chance meeting will effect them. This heart warming story is full of great banter, but the best part(other than the 80's flashbacks) is the way they help each other out. Both Tom and Finley are able to give each other advice, as they enjoy each other's company. In true Blakely fashion, it's a fun and easy listen that hits close to my heart.

Narrated by Joe Arden and Andi Arndt, it is like coming home to some good friends. These two have great comedic timing and are able to fit into the personality of the characters with such ease, it's like they are Tom and Finley. They make the story full of hilarity and entertainment.

14 of 14 people found this review helpful

#Lollygag *giggle snort*

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?

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Laugh out Loud Funny

If you love rom-coms and one-liner, then this books will make you laugh out loud. Lauren Blakely literally used famous quotes from movies and TV shows and incorporated them into a cohesive and tight story that just clicked.

Oh, some reviewers have mentioned that this book was trying too hard to be comedic. I disagree with that comment. In an era of social media, pop culture has become a trope. This is one of the big reasons why this book is so funny. Lauren Blakely made fun of pop culture. In a roundabout way, she was making fun of today's society. And if we can't laugh at ourselves, then we had become as stiff as the Spanish inquisitors.

As for the narrators, Joe Arden and Andi Arndt are always brilliant in their performance.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

You had me at "This is Audible...."

fabulous. superb. hilarious, classic falling in love story, upbeat, great use of adding in modern day technology without it overshadowing the interpersonal connection between the main characters. love love loved it.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Outstanding RomCom!

What do you get when you combine Lauren Blakely's unique style of humor and heart with Joe Arden and Andi Arndt's voices? RomCom gold. This title had me laughing throughout, snorting along with the heroine and shaking my head and sighing at our hero. I fell in love with these characters and know this is a book I will listen to again and again.

Finley is my kind of heroine. Smart, funny and a little bit vulnerable. Her personality came shining through in this audio. I love her job and how creative she is with it. Seeing her relationship with her father was sweet and really showed insight as to why she is the person she is. I would love to be her friend and just hang out with her.

Kyler/Tom had me GRINNING. I'm such a sucker for a grand gesture and I loved seeing him go all in....even when things didn't work the way he thought they would. He was adorkable (nope, that's not a typo). He was clueless on so many levels (and smart on others) but I loved watching him absorb and learn from Finley. His journey into love was a joy to experience.

These two have great chemistry. The banter is spot on and just fun. I'm not kidding when I say I was constantly chuckling. I loved seeing how they came together as a couple; I thought the narrators did a great job of bringing them and their emotions to life. I fell for Tom right along with Finley-and I wouldn't change a thing about that.

The plot of this book was just FUN. Pure fun to listen to and Joe Arden and Andi Arndt really brought their A game with their performances. This story felt new and the references to some of my very favorite movies had me grinning.

I used to be a read it then listen to it kind of audio book person, I was always afraid I'd miss something by not seeing the words first. With books like this from this Author, and performances like the ones here, I am SO glad I got over that mindset. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Terrific rom com with unexpected depth!

I expected to laugh...I expected to enjoy the banter...and I was delightfully surprised with the depth and nuance of Unzipped. This hilarious romance explores how people change, what it means to take risks, how to say you're sorry, and how to express your true heart! Finley and Tom are delicious characters with flaws, quirks and charms and their story melted my heart!

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Laughed out loud. Loved every word.

Unzipped is Lauren Blakely's newest hilarious, sexy, fun romantic comedy. Lauren Blakely is just phenomenal. She can write anything and make it fresh, witty, unique and exciting. I listened to Unzipped in audio and I'm such a new fan of audio and I'm loving listening to books come to life. Unzipped was special to me because Tom is a big gesture guy and he loves to use movie quotes in everyday conversation. I also do this and I was giddy listening to him quote my favorite movies! Tom wants to win back his college girlfriend. He thinks go big or go home so he jumps right in. Except it's not her who hears but her neighbor Finley. She can't help but love his gesture, but after learning why he did it she wants to help him win her back. But she's also going to get something out of it. She's a tv show writer and she needs a muse. Tom is perfect! He's nerd sexy with his glasses and perfect face and he's hopeless when it comes to what women want. He has a lot to learn and she has a lot to teach! They aren't initially attracted to each other. It's more of a slow burn as they get to know each other, have fun together and learn new things. Then they go on a road trip together. Tom realizes he's not chasing his old love anymore, he wants new love. With Finley. Finley is afraid of her feelings for him because she's been here before. Left for the old girlfriend. But Tom is just so great, she can't help but fall for him. He's so clueless and I just wanted to pat him on the head and say "Bless your Heart." Finley is the perfect teacher, because she knows how women think and what they want. Tom is also helping her write new episodes of her show and they are some of her best work. They make a great team. They are pretending to date so he can learn. She is getting awesome material. And they are getting closer. Tom is learning and when he realizes he wants Finley, he's making all the right moves to woo her. Will Tom do all the right things to show Finley he wants her forever? Will Finley let her guard down and see the real Tom? I loved this story! The movie quotes, the 80's references, the hilarity, the swooning, the jokes, the music, the gestures. It was all perfection. This romance is so much more than just a unexpected lovers story. It shows Tom growing up and moving on. Letting go of childhood notions and looking at what's right in front of you. Finley learns to let go of her past and trust the man she's with. Not all men are the same and Tom is special. It made me nostalgic for my childhood. I wanted to call old friends. Watch Moonstruck, Say Anything, Love Actually, Bull Durham and all of my 80's favorites. Not going to lie, I already started watching a few! Andi Arndt and Joe Arden are fantastic! They have the comedy down perfectly and Joe has mastered the sheepishness of poor Tom! They are a few of my favorite narrators. They always bring me into the story with the great voices, ability to chuckle, use the right tone and bring the characters to life. They do emotion so well, I felt what they are feeling. Overall, I laughed out loud, smiled a lot, shook my head, got tingles, laughed more and really, really loved it.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

4.5 Fun and Flirty Stars!

I had so much fun listening to this latest rom-com by Lauren Blakely. I loved the meet cute between Finley & Kylar (Tom). Their accidental meeting lead to Finley helping Tom win back the woman who broke his heart in college, and in return, Tom would help Finley with her new show that she needed to write. This took them on practice dates, and a road trip filled with fun and unique experiences. Finley and Tom bonded over their shared love of 80's movies, and going on new exciting adventures. Finley was second choice with her last relationship, so she doesn't want to believe Tom when he tells her that he has developed feelings for her. As their adventures bring them closer together, and their attraction more electric, Finley realizes that Tom had her at 'Hello'! One of the things I love about Blakely's stories, besides the witty banter she does so well, is the uncommon jobs her characters have, the unique foods they enjoy, and unconventional spots they visit. She opens up a new, fresh, and exciting world of possibilities to us.
Her story is brought to life beautifully by narrators, Joe Arden, and Andi Arndt. Their ability to deliver Ms. Blakely's witty dialogue along with imparting the genuine emotion of all characters was exquisite. I loved how Arden portrayed the charming, clueless, adorkable Tom, and Arndt easily played the perfect balance of Finley's love of adventure, but fear of putting herself out there. I was totally lost in their storytelling.
This is a heartwarming, fun and sexy romance that you will want to listen to again and again!
#FriendstoLovers #Funny #Quirky #Heartfelt #HappyEnding #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Loved This Book!

Fun and funny from the first. Characters had depth, but minimum angst. Loved every moment.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Unique, funny

Lauren never fails with her books! And this one did not disappoint! I love the uniqueness of its. Fast paced but still amazing read. Definitely recommend!

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Real life movie romance moments

Opposites most definitely attract in this cliched romantic comedy. A lovely story, no angst, great characters and a tried and tested storyline. Kyler really is clueless when it comes to women and most definitely relationships, but with the help of his new companion Finley, he’ll be able to win back his college sweetheart. As you may have guessed, by the end of their road trip to meet the illusive ex girlfriend, both Kyler and Finley have found much common ground and are desperately fighting the attraction they feel for the other, lying to themselves is not really working. I love the writing, the movie references are truly wonderful, once they got past their differences they really were a match made in heaven. Unconventional start and an unconventional journey leading to a wonderful movie moment finish. Narrated perfectly by Joe Arden and Andi Arndt.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful