Karen Grey

An unapologetically nerdy heroine and a talented but stubborn hero find love in spite of themselves in this vintage romance debut from Karen Grey.

A Nostalgic Romantic Comedy

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR

The course of true love never did run smooth. Like, for real, dude. When a socially awkward finance-hotshot—aka me—grudgingly walks into Boston's famous Cheers bar to do happy hour with the insufferably misogynistic guys from work, I don't expect the cute bartender to salvage the rest of my never-ending workday with a cleverly disguised mocktail. I especially don't expect him to talk Shakespeare to me. Fate keeps bringing us together, just like the star-crossed couples in the plays Will loves to quote. But while the chemistry between us may be stronger than a stiff Cape Codder, it's clear that on paper, the math doesn't add up. I can't help wondering if we're capable of an ending happier than Romeo and Juliet's. He's living in a dream world while my feet are planted firmly on the ground, and I can't risk my heart again on a guy who'll bail when the going gets rough. Even if he does rescue me from a murderous juggling clown. Fans of Lucy Score and Meghan Quinn will love this smart, feel-good, sweet-and-sexy romcom set in the late 1980’s—an era of big hair and bigger egos. ★★★★★ “This is a fabulous read that’ll take you back in time, make you swoon, and serve you with a heavy dose of nostalgia.” —The Rogue Reviews ﻿★★★★★ “Such a lovely debut from one of my favorite audiobook narrators! I loved the 80s nostalgia, the answering machine message lead-ins to each chapter, and be still my Shakespeare loving heart--a theatre actor hero (named Will) who quotes from the bard!” USA Today best-selling author A.J. Pine ★★★★★ “Opposites attract! 80s music! Boston! Shakespeare! So many good things in one book!” Julia Whelan, author of My Oxford Year ★★★★★ “Shakespearean actor Will and financial analyst Kate aren’t exactly star-crossed lovers, but, despite intense attraction, they can’t ever seem to stay together very long. Set within the Boston theater community and the (equally dramatic) world of high-stakes consulting, Grey’s wry, charming, and compulsively readable first novel demonstrates that, when it comes to romance, falling in love is only the beginning.” Dana Sachs, author of The Secret of the Nightingale Palace ★★★★★ "This is my first book by Karen Grey and I’m hooked." Rellim Reads ★★★★★ “This is a fabulous read that’ll take you back in time, make you swoon, and serve you with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Smart escapism at its finest! Five bitchin' stars for What I’m Looking For!” The Rogue Reviews ★★★★★ “An excellent read that gave me all the feels and put a smile on my face at the end. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary(-ish) romance and romantic comedy.” Laurie Reads Romance ★★★★★ "Kate and Will share a sizzling attraction and complex connection, giving me all the feels in this timeless romance." That's What I'm Talking About ★★★★★ "Set in the 1980s, this funny yet warmhearted character-driven tale checks all the boxes for classy contemporary romance while providing the longed-for “something different” readers seek out. It’s smart. It’s sexy. It’s sophisticated romance at its best." —Lea Hensley, Audiogals ★★★★★ “I grew up in the 80’s and so I am glad that Karen Grey decided to make a romance series based in the 80’s as it was rather nostalgic. Just look at that cover, phones with cords!! 😉” Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My ★★★★★ “A very character-driven book that took me back to when I was just starting out in the workforce in the mid 1980’s (one of the best decades!). Take a trip back in time when people actually left messages on answering machines (before texting was a thing) and enjoy!” Comfy Chair Books ★★★★★ “I would recommend this book to fans of romance. I thought that Will and Kate were both fantastic characters and I had a great time with their story. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Karen Grey's work in the future.” Carol’s Random Life in Books ★★★★★ “A well crafted romance set in the 1980s between two characters who seem to exist in separate worlds yet can't deny their attraction to each other.” Christie, Bookbub ★★★★★ “When a Shakespeare actor meets a financial analyst in the eighties and answering machine messages caption chapters, it’s a recipe for romcom genius! What I’m Looking For is a unique, witty, nostalgia-filled romcom that made me laugh all day!” Liz, Bookbub ★★★★★ “A must-read, fascinating Rom-Com with a wonderful storyline.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Eighties nostalgic romantic comedy and answerphone messages that open every chapter...what's not to love about this book!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “A unique, witty, nostalgia-filled romcom that made me laugh all day!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “This was a really cute blast from the past. I loved to read a book placed in a world where there were no cell phones available, people used pagers, and answering machines were a regular thing.” Alex, Goodreads

a nostalgic romantic comedy

WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

"This slow burn, second chance, brother’s best friend romance was perfect. It featured dogs, an entertaining and amazing host of supporting characters and two fantastic leads." -- Anna Reads Here Ben Porter may be living the dream, but it’s not his. His dad’s health scare might not be the ideal reason to come home for the summer, but it’s a welcome break from the stellar glitz of Ben’s life in Los Angeles. Even if modeling has him rivaling Marky Mark’s fame, posing isn’t his passion. Landing a role with a Boston Shakespeare theater brings him closer to fulfilling his dreams of being a real actor. Facing the reason he went west in the first place? That’s another story. Lucy Minola’s dreams were shattered seven years ago when a drunk driver smashed into her brother’s car. She knows it was her fault. So as penance, she works hard to care for her family, goes to confession faithfully, and buries all the feelings she had for the person who left when she needed him most: her brother’s best friend. When an injured dog brings them back together, Lucy’s good-girl façade begins to crack. Women everywhere are obsessed with the rad bod they see in magazines, but she’s the only one Ben seems to notice. She can’t trust herself with the man who walked away… but can she let him go a second time? This bittersweet romance, Book #2 in Karen Grey’s 1980’s Boston Classics series, proves that everyone deserves a second chance in love and in life.

Forget About Me

Fake relationship? As if. I don’t need a man to complete me, but to get my tubes tied before I turn thirty, I do need a husband. When the former child TV star turned producing director for the angsty hit drama series currently shooting in my hometown comes to me desperate for a favor, the exchange of my services for his seems like a great idea. I help him relearn how to drive a car, and he acts as my fiancé for a few doctor’s visits. What could go wrong? Bingeing 90’s TV shows like Seinfeld and Beverly Hills 90210 have you jonesing for a time when email and cell phones were strange new things, and an app was something you ate before the first course? Then this slow burn, fake relationship, entertainment biz romantic comedy is just what the doctor ordered. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Lucy Score seeking all the feels in a sweet and sexy romance.

a retro romantic comedy

I WANT IT THAT WAY

From insta-lover to insta-enemy. All that, and a bag of chips. In a sleepy southern coastal town crowned the Hollywood of the East, worlds collide, and sparks fly when fate has two TV casting directors acting as accidental rivals. It's not just that the town isn't quite big enough for the two of them. Violet Davenport brings deep roots, local allies, and old-fashioned Southern charm to the table. Nate Fowler's got deep pockets, tech knowhow, and a family that's been in the biz since the silent film days. For their businesses-and their hearts-to survive, they'll have to overcome both a bitter hostility and a sweet insta-temptation. In this enemies-to-lovers, new-in-town, one-night-stand unlikely love story, a girl boss and a Hollywood bad boy find that you only get as good as you give.

A Retro Romantic Comedy

You Get What You Give

★★★★★ “Grey had me at the first film quote! This novella is smartly written, hysterically funny and has a romance too!” Essential Romance Book Club Love 'em and Leave 'em Alice Kim and "Hot" Steve Lowell are perfect for each other. It'll only take them ten years to figure that out. Just because they throw the most bodacious wedding party ever… Just because they're perfect partners in pranksJust because they love all the same boss movies… Just because they share one totally bangin' night of sex together… Does not mean they'll break the One Time Rule. Even if they do… they don't do relationships. And they're never getting married. Like, ever. In this friends-to-lovers, marriage-pact novella spanning the last decade of the 20th century, life forces a playboy and a playgirl grow up—and grow apart—before giving them a chance to create a happy-ever-after they can actually be happy about. ★★★★★ “A special story that spans a decade. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but everything I needed. Steve and Alice are meant to be, but like Harry and Sally, it takes them a while to figure it out.” That’s What I’m Talking About ★★★★★ “Full of humor and on-point nostalgia references and movie quotes. Makes me long for the last decades of the 20th century when times were simpler and fun...Highly recommended as well as the other books in the Boston Classics series.” Comfy Chair Books ★★★★★ “Highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary(-ish) romance and romantic comedy.” Laurie Reads Romance ★★★★★ “Sweet, sexy, with lots of compelling funny characters that made you want to read more.” Lost in Booklandia ★★★★★ “A fun NYE novella that spans a decade and will have you laughing.” Book Addiction Reviews ★★★★★ “One of those novellas that feels longer than it is, but in all of the good ways.” YA It’s Lit ★★★★★ "This book grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end." Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Funny and sweet and sexy and transports you to the 1980’s and 1990’s.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “This is a love story between two commitment-phobic people, and it’s delightful! I loved watching them grow up and learn what they want in life, and finally finding each other. Again. Though it took ten years.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “a funny, feel-good novella that is themed perfectly to ring in the new year!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “What can I say? I loved everything about this book! The author engaged me from the 1st quote and I enjoyed strolling down memory lane while reading this sweet and funny story.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Well written romance where timing is everything.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Fun novella that took me back to the good old days!” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “The perfect friends-to-lovers between a playboy and a playgirl.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “An entertaining love story with lots of fantastic, nostalgic references.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Fun, flirty, with some drama.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “It's the perfect pick me up for an afternoon listen and if you are movie buff like me, you will love all the quotes!!” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Absolutely adorable… a fun, unique romance with humor and a little bit of spice.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “A novella that reads as a full story; you get to know the characters and their story.” Bookbub review

a nostalgic romantic comedy novella

LIKE IT'S 1999

Avery Flynn

Sonali Dev

Jana Aston

Helena Hunting

Penny Reid

Susannah Nix

Sara Ney

Kayley Loring

Krystyna Allyn

Jiffy Kate

Erin Mallon

Because what's hotter than a sexy nerd? Twelve of your favorite Rom Com authors bring you a new anthology celebrating geeking out and falling in love. Featuring Smartass Stories by: Avery Flynn Erin Mallon Helena Hunting Jana Aston Jiffy Kate Karen Grey Kayley Loring Krystyna Allyn Penny Reid Sara Ney Sonali Dev Susannah Nix

A Sexy Nerd Rom Com Anthology

Smartasses

★★★★★ “Second-chances, letting the past go, telling truths we are afraid to reveal, overcoming fears and keeping on fighting even when life throws us a curveball.” Read What I Like Blog The bigger the secret, the harder it is to hide. Single mom Isabella York was a celebrity before she had her first kiss, her first date, or her first sip of alcohol. Playing the bad girl--both on and off the set--allowed her to make up for lost time. While making an all-too-public mess of her life. Back home in Boston, with her “checkered past” behind her, all she wants is to raise her little girl far away from the spotlight. But when a job offer she can’t refuse means she has to work side-by-side with an unforgettable one-night stand, Bella has a choice to make. Revealing her past could mean losing everything, or gaining more than she ever hoped. For her, and her daughter. It’s not that Henry Smith hates kids--they don’t like him. Meanwhile, he’s stuck producing children’s TV, so he’ll try to tone down the grumpiness that’s dogged him since his life imploded seven years ago. After all, not everyone gets a second chance to chase his dream. If he plays his cards right at this new gig, he can move on to making television that will change the world, not just entertain a bunch of brats. Maybe he can charm the woman he never thought he’d see again into a do-over while he’s at it. In this sexy, heartwarming not-quite-historical romance, the latest Boston Classics standalone romcom, a sunshine/grumpy pair has to face the past to before they can find a future… together. ★★★★★ “5 '80s loving' stars for this fourth installment of Karen's Boston Classics!!” Pixiedustreads ★★★★★ “One of the most delightful books I’ve read all year...As secret baby books go, this is one of my favorites… Grey’s writing is whip-smart with wonderful dialogue (especially the voices in Bella’s head), interesting developments, and steamy sexy times.” Once Upon a Page Blog ★★★★★ “If you are a fan of a nostalgic 80s romance with a hot grumpy yet caring man, a determined strong single mama, a sweet and smart little girl (secret baby!), the perfect touch of steam, forced proximity, a little bit forbidden workplace romance, catching up with some favorite past characters, some dark issues, and a swoon-worthy heartfelt HEA, then you will absolutely adore this book.” @JodiReadsNListens ★★★★★ “A funny, sweet, sometimes emotional, but ultimately heartwarming story featuring endearing, three-dimensional characters and a well-crafted second chance romance.” Laurie Reads Romance ★★★★★ “Grey did an amazing job with the secret baby/second chance romance in Child of Mine. Both tropes can be hit or miss, but Ms. Grey took the ball and ran with it and gave her readers a funny, sexy, and endearing story.” Blogging by Liza ★★★★★ “Lots of nostalgia, loads of humor, just enough drama to keep it interesting but not too much to overload you, and overwhelming feelings of love and happiness in the end.” LA Loves Romcoms ★★★★★ “If you enjoy a secret baby romance, a second chance, and workplace romance, a really sweet and very smart child, and handling the aftermath of being a child TV star (ie. substance abuse, rehab and everything that goes along with it, which is well researched and very well handled in the story context), you will surely love this one as much as I did!” Bella Reads Romance ★★★★★ “One of my favorites of the series, if not the best for me!” Lisa Loves Literature ★★★★★ “The characters are extremely well developed and I feel their emotions, they are so relatable.” Books of My Heart ★★★★★ “An adorable kid, a dog, a bookstore, a couple of cats, and some family drama and I was a happy camper.” Carole’s Random Life in Books ★★★★★ “Child of Mine was a great rom com read and I HAVE to go back and read the other books in the series. While I'm late to the game, Karen Grey's writing has me completely hooked!” LB Book Blog ★★★★★ “Delivers every single one of her characters with so much care and love and you can feel that as you turn the pages.” Anna Reads Here ★★★★★ “Second chances, undeniable attraction, well-written characters, the ugly and unforgiving side of fame and success, and love that spans time and space.” Currant 7 Recommends ★★★★★ “Babies and Bookshop Cats and Shakespeare, oh my!... an outrageously fun, touching, cheeky retro romcom. Karen Grey has outdone herself once again with more 80’s fun!! Run, don’t walk back in time to dive into this spectacular second-chance, secret baby retro romcom with a lot of heart and plenty of steam!!” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “The perfect continuation of a series I hope lasts forever… serious, sweet, saucy, and sexy, sexy, sexy all rolled into one.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “The emotions--the feelings her characters are going through--rock your world.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Heartwarming, fun, humorous, and with witty banter, emotions, secrets, and is a heartfelt and steamy riveting page turner.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Each time I think I’ve read the best book in the series, and each time the author proves me wrong. This time, she tackles various subjects like child celebrities, addictions, single parenthood, and family conflicts, with her swooniest hero so far and a strong independent heroine. It was fun, sweet, sexy.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I loved Bella and Henry. Both had real human weaknesses and were definitely not depicted as "perfect" characters, what with Bella's difficulty in opening up to others, her temptation to addictive substances, and Henry's career devotion, his occasional grumpiness and temper, as well as his uncomfortable interactions initially with the kids on the show. Their warts just made them more interesting and relatable.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Grey is able to insert humor where appropriate to keep the book from being too heavy but without taking away from the seriousness of the topics she chose to tackle in the book. This one was heavy in the feels and I even had tears in my eyes more than once.” Bookbub review

Child of Mine

★★★★★“Karen Grey has a lovely, deft touch with her characters, the plot, and with the world she's created.” - Bookbub review You Spin Me If two lonely people fall in love over late-night phone calls, will meeting face-to-face make them, or break them? In this heartfelt, slow-burn retro romcom, it may be the end of a decade, but it’s the beginning of a love story. Child of Mine When a job offer she can’t refuse means single mom Bella York has to work side-by-side with an unforgettable one-night stand, she has a choice to make. Revealing her past could mean losing everything, or gaining more than she ever hoped… for her, and her daughter. Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes A novella in snapshots: a couple's relationship across several New Year's Eves, including dating, sex, marriage, kids, job-changes, and moving. As steadfast in their support of each other as they are to the fight for reproductive rights, this sweet and sexy short is chock full of heart. Originally published as part of the limited release Resolve anthology.

Boston Classics Box Set Volume Two

Because what's hotter than a sexy nerd?Twelve of your favorite Rom Com authors bring you a new anthology celebrating geeking out and falling in love. Featuring Smartass Stories by:Avery FlynnErin MallonHelena HuntingJana AstonJiffy KateKaren GreyKayley LoringKrystyna AllynPenny ReidSara NeySonali DevSusannah Nix

Fans of 1990's shows like Dawson's Creek and Mad About You will love this throwback romantic comedy. After a devastating accident at sea, the only job Sullivan Calloway can get is one that few have survived. If time and tide wait for no man, neither does Helen O'Neill. She's spent years forging her own path in the movie business. The young hunk she's hired to replace her latest assistant to leave in tears may be a sight for sore eyes, but expectations will not be lowered. If he can’t do the work, he’ll be out on his very fine behind. If only her heart would get the memo. Don't miss this slow-burn, boss-assistant, entertainment biz romance from USA Today bestselling author Karen Grey.

Hold On To Me

★★★★★ "Oh my stars, I loved this novella! This book has a late 80s/early 90s movie feel a la St. Elmo's Fire mixed with a dash of Mystic Pizza." - Laurie Anne, Goodreads Can five friends grow up without growing apart? Summer, 1991: Working at a beachfront hotel in their sleepy southern coastal town gives life-long friends Violet, Danielle, Whitney, Ford and Sully the chance to spend as much time as possible together after college graduation—and before real life begins. One exceptionally busy night, each of them wrestles with potentially life-changing choices, all while serving guests at a wedding, looking for a lost dog, watching sea turtles hatch, and dealing with a love triangle. Don't miss this combo sequel to Grey's Boston Classics series and prequel to her new Carolina Classics series. It'll take you from the neon, big-haired 1980's into the boho, laidback 1990's.

I'll Stand by You

Fans of 1990's shows like Dawson's Creek and Friends will love this throwback rom-com! From insta-attraction to insta-hate. All that and a bag of chips. In a sleepy southern coastal town crowned the Hollywood of the East, worlds collide and sparks fly when fate sets up two TV casting directors as accidental rivals. It’s not just that the town isn’t quite big enough for the two of them. Violet Davenport brings deep roots, local allies, and old-fashioned Southern charm to the table. Nate Fowler’s got deep pockets, tech knowhow, and a family that’s worked in movies since the silent film days. For their businesses—and their hearts—to survive, they'll have to overcome both a bitter hostility and a sweet insta-attraction. In this enemies-to-lovers, new-in-town, one-night-stand improbable love story, a boss lady and a Hollywood bad boy find that you only get as good as you give. Content guidance for this book can be found at karengrey.com/contentguidance ★★★★★ “Loved the one-night stand plus enemies-to-lovers: ‘oops the person I just slept with turns is now my biggest business rival--RIGHT NEXT DOOR.’” - NYT best-selling author Cathryn Fox ★★★★★ “This enemies-to-lovers, small-town retro romance is bursting with nineties pop-culture fun, deep-seated friendship, and lots of spice!” - Bookbub review ★★★★★ "I don’t want to wait… to gush about this book! You Get What You Give by Karen Grey was a nostalgic romantic throwback to my teenage years that did crazy good things to my heart." - Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Smexy tension, banter and wonderful personalities.” - Bookbub review ​​★★★★★ “Dust off your MMMbop cassette single and spritz on your Gap Grass fragrance spray we are going back to the 90s… When I say I loved this book I mean I LOVED it!!! It really did remind me of a 90s dramedy where one episode in an ensemble cast focuses on one couple.” - Goodreads review ​​★★★★★ “Violet's hot one night stand turns out to be her rival in this enemies-to-lovers romance! Nate is looking to find his purpose in life and a place where he fits in. Loved how they fought everywhere but the bedroom. Bossy Nate is HOT!!!” - Bookbub review ★★★★★ “As soon as I finished the prequel to the "Carolina Classics" series, I knew the series and characters were going to be all that and a bag of chips. "You Get What You Give" is a fun and nostalgic story set in the late 1990s that brought me back to my favorite era.” - Bookbub review ★★★★★ “An absolute must-read… You’ll be hooked and like me, chomping at the bit for the next book in the series!” - Goodreads review enemies to lovers coastal romance, found family small town feel good fiction, business rivals love triangle romcom, lighthearted friendship womens fiction, television behind the scenes novel, left at the altar one night stand romcom, beach read new in town insta attraction

Some scars go further than skin deep... 1988 doesn't end well for Jessica Abraham. In just one week she turns thirty, loses her day job, and loses the role of Ophelia to a younger actress. Rallying, she goes after a part at a theater outside of the city, but the director's plan to hide her beauty behind hair, makeup and wardrobe from Cosmo's "Don't'' column shakes her confidence to the core. For the first time in her acting career, she won't be able to rely on her carefully managed physical charms. Only her craft will count. On a snowy night early in January 1989, a woman calls into DJ Callihan Alonso's alt-rock radio show at the end of her commute. He asks her to call back the next night, and the next, just so he'll know she's home safe. There's something about her voice that has him wanting more, but the longer they talk, the closer she gets. Compromising each and every wall he's built around his heart. If two lonely people fall in love over late-night phone calls, will meeting face-to-face make them, or break them? In this heartfelt, slow burn retro romcom, it may be the end of a decade, but it's the beginning of a love story.

You Spin Me

★★★★★ "Fresh, bright, original, laugh-out-loud funny yet serious and thought-provoking. And a marvelous trip down memory lane back to the 1980's, when we had big hair and before cell phones and social media ruled our lives." Some scars go further than skin deep… 1988 doesn’t end well for Jessica Abraham. In just one week she turns thirty, loses her day job, and loses the role of Ophelia to a younger actress. Rallying, she goes after a part at a theater outside of the city, but the director’s plan to hide her beauty behind hair, makeup and wardrobe from Cosmo’s “Don't'' column shakes her confidence to the core. For the first time in her acting career, she won’t be able to rely on her carefully managed physical charms. Only her craft will count. On a snowy night early in January 1989, a woman calls into DJ Callihan Alonso’s alt-rock radio show at the end of her commute. He asks her to call back the next night, and the next, just so he'll know she’s home safe. There's something about her voice that has him wanting more, but the longer they talk, the closer she gets. Compromising each and every wall he's built around his heart. If two lonely people fall in love over late-night phone calls, will meeting face-to-face make them, or break them? In this heartfelt, slow burn retro romcom, it may be the end of a decade, but it’s the beginning of a love story. This book may contain descriptions of events that might be upsetting or triggering for some readers. For more information, please see the Content Guidance page on my website: bit.ly/ContentGuidanceKarenGrey

Karen Grey

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