Unzipped

Book excerpt: Peta Wheeler measures time differently now. Before the couch. After the couch. Before the couch, Peta knew who she was. A 34-year-old information-dissemination professional, married to the man of her dreams and thinking about motherhood. She'd never been late for work, drunk beer or kissed a stranger. After the couch, Peta hits a cyclist, tries to get pregnant, tries to make sure she isn't pregnant, avoids her husband and family and friends and colleagues, drinks too much coffee, and falls in love with a girl. And that's just the first week. Nicki Reed was born in 1968, and lives in Melbourne with her husband and three sons. She says writing Unzipped, her first novel, was the best fun she ever had. 'Reed is a very good writer. Intelligent, sure of herself and emotive without going overboard. There are some truly lovely descriptive passages and a lot of snappy, reads-like-real-life dialogue. I hope straight women don't feel embarrassed about buying this book. It's not lesbian erotica, it's just a love story, minus a man.' Sunday Star Times 'The writing is reminiscent of a Bridget Jones style, albeit without the diary entries. The quirky humour is there as are the lists of dos and don'ts and the moments of hilarious humility. This is a light fun easy read with genuine erotic passages that should delight most women readers.' Readings Monthly 'Hilarious, intelligent, snappy and sassy: Unzipped is a knockout.' Toni Jordan 'Unzipped is like every girl-meets-boy story, but better. Oh, and it's girl-mets-girl.' Jessica Rudd 'Unzipped is a mix of Mills & Boon, the raunchy 50 Shades series and comedy. It's romantic, detailed and more than naughty enough that it should be kept out of the reach of young readers.' Dominion Post Weekend 'This is chick lit—perhaps that should be les lit—with a bit of class.' Saturday Age 'First-time novelist Nicki Reed writes with an assured voice and Unzipped has a singular charm all on its own.' Saturday Age 'This entertaining sexual romp comedy is enhanced by the personalities of BJ, who knows herself almost too well for one so young and Peta's mouthy sister Ruby, who will steal the show when the movie version gets made.' Booktopia BUZZ