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Carolina Classics #2
Hold On to Me
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B0B36Q3W3B can be found here
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.
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.
Kindle Edition
First published November 9, 2022
236 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Karen Grey
22 books614 followersKAREN GREY is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of vintage romantic comedies with smart heroines and hunky heroes. Drawing on a long career as a performer, her retro 80's and 90's romances are populated with characters working both on- and off-stage in theater, TV and film.
She's a lifelong omnivorous reader (including 20 years as an audiobook narrator). When not reading or writing, she's lounging at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Or dreaming about both with an IPA in hand and a dog or a cat nearby.
To get the latest news, join her VIP club at followkarengrey.com.
If you are seeking content guidance for any of my books (which may include spoilers) it can be found at http://bit.ly/ContentGuidanceKarenGrey
Enjoy your trip back in time! Karen
She's a lifelong omnivorous reader (including 20 years as an audiobook narrator). When not reading or writing, she's lounging at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Or dreaming about both with an IPA in hand and a dog or a cat nearby.
To get the latest news, join her VIP club at followkarengrey.com.
If you are seeking content guidance for any of my books (which may include spoilers) it can be found at http://bit.ly/ContentGuidanceKarenGrey
Enjoy your trip back in time! Karen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
March 8, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! I really liked Sully and Helen and thought that they worked really well together. Sully survived a crash that took his boat and left him using crutches so he needs a job that will allow him to stay off his feet. Helen works in the movie business and needs a new assistant since her last one just quit. It was obvious right away that their personalities fit together perfectly. I couldn’t wait to see them find their happily ever after together.
I thought that Sully and Helen had wonderful chemistry with each other and I loved the way that they seemed to understand each other. Sully’s group of friends was great and I thought that they added a lot to the story. The 90s references were a lot of fun and brought back quite a few memories.
I listened to the audiobook and thought Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding did a fantastic job with the story. I liked the voices that they both used to bring this story to life and I thought that their voices complimented each other very well. I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to either of these narrators but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up their work again in the future.
I would definitely recommend this audiobook to fans of contemporary romance. This is the second book in the Carolina Classics series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to read more of Karen Grey’s work!
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publicist.
This was great! I really liked Sully and Helen and thought that they worked really well together. Sully survived a crash that took his boat and left him using crutches so he needs a job that will allow him to stay off his feet. Helen works in the movie business and needs a new assistant since her last one just quit. It was obvious right away that their personalities fit together perfectly. I couldn’t wait to see them find their happily ever after together.
I thought that Sully and Helen had wonderful chemistry with each other and I loved the way that they seemed to understand each other. Sully’s group of friends was great and I thought that they added a lot to the story. The 90s references were a lot of fun and brought back quite a few memories.
I listened to the audiobook and thought Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding did a fantastic job with the story. I liked the voices that they both used to bring this story to life and I thought that their voices complimented each other very well. I believe that this is the first time that I have listened to either of these narrators but I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up their work again in the future.
I would definitely recommend this audiobook to fans of contemporary romance. This is the second book in the Carolina Classics series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I cannot wait to read more of Karen Grey’s work!
I received a copy of this audiobook from the author/publicist.
March 7, 2023
Well I think I fell in love. A little with the characters, a lot more with their story. I mean, office romance and reverse age gap, I’m all for it. Add to that interesting characters, multiple references that speak to me, and some feminist talk, and I’m sold.
I was a bit anxious to read Sully’s story. In the previous book, as well as in the prequel, a love triangle was implied involving him, his friend Ford, and their friend Whitney. A love triangle that lasts a long time, and that ends badly. So either he finally won the girl, or the author had a neat trick up her sleeve. And she actually had one! She wrote Sully in such a way that the explanation makes sense, and the writing is consistent. Basically, his competition against Ford wasn’t really about Whitney, and his heart was actually free. Well done. And it really helps with defining who Sully is and how he grew up as he is.
After a boat accident and a dire need for a job to get out of his funk and earn some money, he ends up with an office job, which is the exact opposite of what he likes, and working with Helen, a sexy older woman with a strong will. The dynamics between the two were fascinating. There’s a push-pull force–they’re attracted to each other, but their position at work, as well as the age gap, and the fact that Helen will leave soon, make a relationship difficult. They both learn a lot by working together, even before they become a couple.
Helen carries the feminist subtext, as a woman in a very patriarchal work environment, and through her past–which is slowly revealed. Barely concealed references to real people and events from the entertainment industry ground her struggles into reality. Not the subtlest way to do it, but definitely efficient.
The author wrote sexier scenes in the previous installment than she did in her other series, and she keeps momentum. Though not everything is on page, what’s happening is kinkier than I was used to with her work. You won’t hear me complain.
Another thing I enjoyed a lot: all the references to the nineties. Movies, music, events… This is me falling back into my sweet sixteen. If I had one.
I finally want to point out that the author made me uncomfortable, but that was the good kind. At some point, Helen speaks with a friend of her relationship with Sully, and asks for her opinion and the story of her own relationship. The friend has some kind of open relationship with her husband, whom she barely ever see, and where cheating is tacitly accepted–it’s more complicated than that of course. As a dedicated monogamist, it made me cringe. But as a reader, I was strangely accepting because the author wrote about it without any judgement, with a list of pros and cons, and through a side character’s point of view. So though I was uncomfortable, it kind of opened my eyes a little. Kudos.
Quickie
- Series: Carolina classics #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #90’s #nostalgia #office romance #reverse age gap #slow burn
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Helen O’Neill & Sullivan Calloway
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the critic of the entertainment industry
- – Sully was a bit too laid back for my taste, more like a 18 year old than a 28 year old really
EDIT: the audiobook was great. The male narrator was perfectly cast, good with Sully's false nonchalance hiding his real vulnerability. The female narrator did amazing with Helen's determination, as well as the rare moments when she lets her walls down. Once again, the audio version brings a great book to another level, thanks to its narrators.
I was a bit anxious to read Sully’s story. In the previous book, as well as in the prequel, a love triangle was implied involving him, his friend Ford, and their friend Whitney. A love triangle that lasts a long time, and that ends badly. So either he finally won the girl, or the author had a neat trick up her sleeve. And she actually had one! She wrote Sully in such a way that the explanation makes sense, and the writing is consistent. Basically, his competition against Ford wasn’t really about Whitney, and his heart was actually free. Well done. And it really helps with defining who Sully is and how he grew up as he is.
After a boat accident and a dire need for a job to get out of his funk and earn some money, he ends up with an office job, which is the exact opposite of what he likes, and working with Helen, a sexy older woman with a strong will. The dynamics between the two were fascinating. There’s a push-pull force–they’re attracted to each other, but their position at work, as well as the age gap, and the fact that Helen will leave soon, make a relationship difficult. They both learn a lot by working together, even before they become a couple.
Helen carries the feminist subtext, as a woman in a very patriarchal work environment, and through her past–which is slowly revealed. Barely concealed references to real people and events from the entertainment industry ground her struggles into reality. Not the subtlest way to do it, but definitely efficient.
The author wrote sexier scenes in the previous installment than she did in her other series, and she keeps momentum. Though not everything is on page, what’s happening is kinkier than I was used to with her work. You won’t hear me complain.
Another thing I enjoyed a lot: all the references to the nineties. Movies, music, events… This is me falling back into my sweet sixteen. If I had one.
I finally want to point out that the author made me uncomfortable, but that was the good kind. At some point, Helen speaks with a friend of her relationship with Sully, and asks for her opinion and the story of her own relationship. The friend has some kind of open relationship with her husband, whom she barely ever see, and where cheating is tacitly accepted–it’s more complicated than that of course. As a dedicated monogamist, it made me cringe. But as a reader, I was strangely accepting because the author wrote about it without any judgement, with a list of pros and cons, and through a side character’s point of view. So though I was uncomfortable, it kind of opened my eyes a little. Kudos.
Quickie
- Series: Carolina classics #2 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #90’s #nostalgia #office romance #reverse age gap #slow burn
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Helen O’Neill & Sullivan Calloway
- Hotness: 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + the critic of the entertainment industry
- – Sully was a bit too laid back for my taste, more like a 18 year old than a 28 year old really
EDIT: the audiobook was great. The male narrator was perfectly cast, good with Sully's false nonchalance hiding his real vulnerability. The female narrator did amazing with Helen's determination, as well as the rare moments when she lets her walls down. Once again, the audio version brings a great book to another level, thanks to its narrators.
March 15, 2023
3/10/2023 - Updated for audio review
11/1/2022 - This is the second book in Karen Grey’s Carolina Classics series. While each book focuses on a different couple, there’s definitely some story lines that will weave throughout the whole series. While I loved and think the prequel, I’ll Stand By You, is a good intro – minimally this would best be enjoyed after reading/listening to book 1, You Get What You Give.
Oh my heart! Sully and Helen were PERFECT. I connect really well with Grey’s writing and characters which is why I continue to devour her books – but this is my absolute favorite of all her books. First there are so many tropes & themes that I love: office romance, age gap, competent women and men who appreciate them for it, small town romance, found family and lots of laughs.
Sully is recovering from a disastrous boating accident and dealing with all that comes with it: physically, financially, and emotionally. Helen is a movie executive who has no patience for assistants or time for love. When Helen’s in need of help during a shoot in North Carolina, Dani suggest Sully. While he’s usually the muscle on set, he knows how the business works.
Immediately I connected with Sully. I just got off crutches after a surgery earlier this month and I could relate with how frustrating it is to not be able to do so. many. things. I love the way Grey brought all of those little details into the story. Helen was also fantastic. The perfect mix of strong, driven, smart, a fierce friend, and yet still vulnerable.
These two are fireworks. At first just clashing (in a fun way) in the office and then sparks fly in the bedroom. But it isn’t all just lust. It was easy to tell that these two belonged together and that their HEA was a certainty… once they managed a few bumps in the road. While Helen is 10 years older at 38, the age gap didn’t actually cause a lot of issues. Overall, Grey provided just enough angst in a few areas to make things interesting without dragging it out.
I like that the rest of the Carolina Classics gang is integral to the story, but doesn’t take the light away from Helen and Sully. We get updates on Violet & Nate, Ford, Whitney, and it looks like Dani’s book is up next. She’s been such an intriguing character – I can’t wait.
Narration:
JF Harding & MacKenzie Cartwright were *perfect* as Sully & Helen. The accents, the personalities, each narrator making the necessary changes to bringing the opposite character to life. Absolutely flawless and a delight to listen to. This will definitely be one I enjoy over and over.
CW (spoilers):
I received an ARC & ALC from Home Cooked Books and am leaving my honest review.
11/1/2022 - This is the second book in Karen Grey’s Carolina Classics series. While each book focuses on a different couple, there’s definitely some story lines that will weave throughout the whole series. While I loved and think the prequel, I’ll Stand By You, is a good intro – minimally this would best be enjoyed after reading/listening to book 1, You Get What You Give.
Oh my heart! Sully and Helen were PERFECT. I connect really well with Grey’s writing and characters which is why I continue to devour her books – but this is my absolute favorite of all her books. First there are so many tropes & themes that I love: office romance, age gap, competent women and men who appreciate them for it, small town romance, found family and lots of laughs.
Sully is recovering from a disastrous boating accident and dealing with all that comes with it: physically, financially, and emotionally. Helen is a movie executive who has no patience for assistants or time for love. When Helen’s in need of help during a shoot in North Carolina, Dani suggest Sully. While he’s usually the muscle on set, he knows how the business works.
Immediately I connected with Sully. I just got off crutches after a surgery earlier this month and I could relate with how frustrating it is to not be able to do so. many. things. I love the way Grey brought all of those little details into the story. Helen was also fantastic. The perfect mix of strong, driven, smart, a fierce friend, and yet still vulnerable.
These two are fireworks. At first just clashing (in a fun way) in the office and then sparks fly in the bedroom. But it isn’t all just lust. It was easy to tell that these two belonged together and that their HEA was a certainty… once they managed a few bumps in the road. While Helen is 10 years older at 38, the age gap didn’t actually cause a lot of issues. Overall, Grey provided just enough angst in a few areas to make things interesting without dragging it out.
I like that the rest of the Carolina Classics gang is integral to the story, but doesn’t take the light away from Helen and Sully. We get updates on Violet & Nate, Ford, Whitney, and it looks like Dani’s book is up next. She’s been such an intriguing character – I can’t wait.
Narration:
JF Harding & MacKenzie Cartwright were *perfect* as Sully & Helen. The accents, the personalities, each narrator making the necessary changes to bringing the opposite character to life. Absolutely flawless and a delight to listen to. This will definitely be one I enjoy over and over.
CW (spoilers):
I received an ARC & ALC from Home Cooked Books and am leaving my honest review.
March 11, 2023
Sully, hurt by Whitney’s decision not to leave town with him, spends time alone with his cat on his boat. When another boat collides with his, Sully finds himself injured, unable to work, and a bit adrift in life. In an effort to get him out of his funk, Dani finds him an assistant job for Helen, a line producer she knows. Helen may be hard to work for, but it’s because she’s a perfectionist. She’s unsure of hiring untrained Sully, but he makes a good first impression.
Hold on to Me is a delightful and emotional romance about moving beyond past hurts and assumptions, while accepting that compromise doesn’t mean giving up a piece of yourself. The pair feel a strong pull and attraction from the start, but Helen refuses to act on it; she’s had a past work relationship go poorly. But when production shuts down for two weeks, the pair decides to give into passion.
Sully is a great character, and I loved seeing him get out of the funk that hung over him during the first book. I like watching Sully realize anger, frustration, and his own negative perception are keeping him from being happy. This allows him to repair his friendship with Ford and relationship with his father. It’s emotional in all the best ways. He learns to open himself to Helen and shares much of his pain and joy.
On the other hand, Helen is hard to read. The listener gets glimpses of Helen’s past via her inner monologue. She rarely shares herself and stories with Sully. I don’t know that I really got to understand Helen until near the end of the book. I love that she’s there for Sully, and over time, we witness how wonderful they are together.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POVs of Helen and Sully, with Mackenzie Cartwright performing Helen’s POVs and JF Harding Sully’s. Both narrators do a very good job, finding the right voice for their respective characters. JFH uses a slight southern accent that is easy to enjoy without becoming overwhelming. He captures Sully’s zen attitude with slow, even pacing and a calm tone. That said, he is able to infuse emotion into the character when called for by the storyline. MC’s Helen is direct and infused with confidence. She is quick to change the pace and amp up the intensity matching Helen’s busy life. Both narrators effectively alter dialogue based on gender, age, and accent. The two narrators compliment one another.
In the end, Hold on to Me is a lovely romance. I loved watching them break down barriers and fall in love.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author
Hold on to Me is a delightful and emotional romance about moving beyond past hurts and assumptions, while accepting that compromise doesn’t mean giving up a piece of yourself. The pair feel a strong pull and attraction from the start, but Helen refuses to act on it; she’s had a past work relationship go poorly. But when production shuts down for two weeks, the pair decides to give into passion.
Sully is a great character, and I loved seeing him get out of the funk that hung over him during the first book. I like watching Sully realize anger, frustration, and his own negative perception are keeping him from being happy. This allows him to repair his friendship with Ford and relationship with his father. It’s emotional in all the best ways. He learns to open himself to Helen and shares much of his pain and joy.
On the other hand, Helen is hard to read. The listener gets glimpses of Helen’s past via her inner monologue. She rarely shares herself and stories with Sully. I don’t know that I really got to understand Helen until near the end of the book. I love that she’s there for Sully, and over time, we witness how wonderful they are together.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POVs of Helen and Sully, with Mackenzie Cartwright performing Helen’s POVs and JF Harding Sully’s. Both narrators do a very good job, finding the right voice for their respective characters. JFH uses a slight southern accent that is easy to enjoy without becoming overwhelming. He captures Sully’s zen attitude with slow, even pacing and a calm tone. That said, he is able to infuse emotion into the character when called for by the storyline. MC’s Helen is direct and infused with confidence. She is quick to change the pace and amp up the intensity matching Helen’s busy life. Both narrators effectively alter dialogue based on gender, age, and accent. The two narrators compliment one another.
In the end, Hold on to Me is a lovely romance. I loved watching them break down barriers and fall in love.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B+
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author
March 3, 2023
Hold On To Me by Karen Grey was a sweet and emotional reverse age gap boss assistant romance that I didn’t know I needed in my life. This is book two in Karen’s Carolina Classics series. Since You Get What You Give ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, I had been eagerly anticipating Sully’s story, and I loved every bit of his and Helen’s romance. Sully’s escape from the whole Ford and Whitney fiasco was on his boat Endless Summer, where he found his inner peace and solace. However, when he loses his boat after a freak accident he is in a dark place, and he needs a job to get back on his feet. Enter Helen, a unit producer, who is tough, brazen, and knows how to get work done. She knows she is not the sweetest person in the industry, but being a female she knows she has to keep her walls up, or so she thinks. The instant attraction between these two is magnetic! As Helen and Sully spend more time together their chemistry is undeniable, and I love how Sully falls first and is willing to do whatever it takes to win Helen’s heart. Helen has been burned in the past and has many obstacles to overcome, but when she lets Sully in wow did I swoon so hard!
Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a passionate hunky hero, fiercely determined heroine, boss assistant vibes, movie sets, boat spice, reliable friends, family time, emotional trauma, a little bit of a forbidden relationship, walks on the beach, overcoming the past, and a HEA that is worth holding on to forever, then you will love Sully and Helen’s romance. Thank you, Karen, for another heartfelt swoony romance that made my heart super happy!
**Audio Review**J.F. Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright narrate this audiobook, and this narrator pairing was cast PERFECTLY for Sully and Helen! J.F.’s performance of Sully’s broody, charismatic, and dedicated persona was absolutely swoon-worthy in a delectable Southern drawl! Mackenzie portrayed Helen’s tough, hard-working, and passionate demeanor brilliantly! However, when Sully and Helen both let down their emotional walls and let love in, you could hear so much more vulnerability in both narrators which made me love this couple even more!
Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of a small-town romance with a passionate hunky hero, fiercely determined heroine, boss assistant vibes, movie sets, boat spice, reliable friends, family time, emotional trauma, a little bit of a forbidden relationship, walks on the beach, overcoming the past, and a HEA that is worth holding on to forever, then you will love Sully and Helen’s romance. Thank you, Karen, for another heartfelt swoony romance that made my heart super happy!
**Audio Review**J.F. Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright narrate this audiobook, and this narrator pairing was cast PERFECTLY for Sully and Helen! J.F.’s performance of Sully’s broody, charismatic, and dedicated persona was absolutely swoon-worthy in a delectable Southern drawl! Mackenzie portrayed Helen’s tough, hard-working, and passionate demeanor brilliantly! However, when Sully and Helen both let down their emotional walls and let love in, you could hear so much more vulnerability in both narrators which made me love this couple even more!
November 2, 2022
Karen Grey does an amazing job at writing about the past, making it so relatable and the characters so loveable. I love all the retro references, 1998 was a good year...
Sully is a man down on his luck after a boating accident and in need of work. Helen is in need of an assistant so she hires him. The attraction between the two is instant. Helen is a very demanding boss. She puts on a good front but Sully breaks through her walls. These two have baggage from past relationships that keep them from fully committing. Once all is revealed these two go all in. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sully and Helen's story. These two are so perfect for each other. This is a solid 4.5 star read.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Sully is a man down on his luck after a boating accident and in need of work. Helen is in need of an assistant so she hires him. The attraction between the two is instant. Helen is a very demanding boss. She puts on a good front but Sully breaks through her walls. These two have baggage from past relationships that keep them from fully committing. Once all is revealed these two go all in. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sully and Helen's story. These two are so perfect for each other. This is a solid 4.5 star read.
I was sent a free book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
October 30, 2022
Loved the retro aspect! I also love employee/boss romances where the woman is the boss. This was fun, steamy but also filled with so much emotion!
March 8, 2023
*updated for audio review Narrated by JF Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright*
After getting to know the characters through reading the book, I can honestly say JF Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright were the perfect choices to bring life to Sully and Helen through their performances in the audiobook. They brought a new level of energy and charm to an already wonderful story and were just a delight to listen to. I’d definitely recommend this book to any romance fan, and I can not wait to listen to it again !
It’s time to bring out your boom boxes and mix cds were going back to the 90s for Sully and Helen’s story in this retro romantic comedy!
After a boating accident that left his leg messed up, Sully is recovering at his friend Dani's place back in Wallington, NC. Only it’s more than just his leg causing a problem. Sully, the normally easy-going Zen master is drowning in depression. He can’t surf, he isn’t working, and the boat that he put blood sweat and tears into restoring is now wrecked, and he's unsure if his trusted furry friend survived the accident. With his money dwindling away and medical bills piling up he accepts a interview his friend Dani sets up with Helen O’Neill a unit producer with a reputation of being kind of sassy. Helen cares little about her reputation of being a hard to work with because at the end of the day she gets the job done and done well. Hiring Sully is a risk but one that could pay off in more ways then one..
Karen really sets the tone in her books, I absolutely love the Carolina Classics series so far. Reading this is like immersing yourself in your favorite dramedy. All your favorite characters and the couple you are currently shipping front and center in the latest installment. Sully and Helen are complete opposites in most every way. He's so laid back his life goals has never been to conquer in his career, his dreams are to sail and surf and enjoy life he wants to live to live not live to work. Whereas Helen is a career oriented person. She is a woman in a man’s world and works to prove herself not to others but to herself. There are times you can’t see how they could possibly work out but they do. It’s one of the many things I love about this couple. They don’t really want to change one another to fit themselves they accept one another and find a balance. They build from a great working relationship to a physical relationship then to an actual relationship. This is a well rounded fun read with all the charm and nostalgia we come to know and love from Karen’s stories. I don’t know who is up next in the series but I cannot wait for more! 5/5⭐️
After getting to know the characters through reading the book, I can honestly say JF Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright were the perfect choices to bring life to Sully and Helen through their performances in the audiobook. They brought a new level of energy and charm to an already wonderful story and were just a delight to listen to. I’d definitely recommend this book to any romance fan, and I can not wait to listen to it again !
It’s time to bring out your boom boxes and mix cds were going back to the 90s for Sully and Helen’s story in this retro romantic comedy!
After a boating accident that left his leg messed up, Sully is recovering at his friend Dani's place back in Wallington, NC. Only it’s more than just his leg causing a problem. Sully, the normally easy-going Zen master is drowning in depression. He can’t surf, he isn’t working, and the boat that he put blood sweat and tears into restoring is now wrecked, and he's unsure if his trusted furry friend survived the accident. With his money dwindling away and medical bills piling up he accepts a interview his friend Dani sets up with Helen O’Neill a unit producer with a reputation of being kind of sassy. Helen cares little about her reputation of being a hard to work with because at the end of the day she gets the job done and done well. Hiring Sully is a risk but one that could pay off in more ways then one..
Karen really sets the tone in her books, I absolutely love the Carolina Classics series so far. Reading this is like immersing yourself in your favorite dramedy. All your favorite characters and the couple you are currently shipping front and center in the latest installment. Sully and Helen are complete opposites in most every way. He's so laid back his life goals has never been to conquer in his career, his dreams are to sail and surf and enjoy life he wants to live to live not live to work. Whereas Helen is a career oriented person. She is a woman in a man’s world and works to prove herself not to others but to herself. There are times you can’t see how they could possibly work out but they do. It’s one of the many things I love about this couple. They don’t really want to change one another to fit themselves they accept one another and find a balance. They build from a great working relationship to a physical relationship then to an actual relationship. This is a well rounded fun read with all the charm and nostalgia we come to know and love from Karen’s stories. I don’t know who is up next in the series but I cannot wait for more! 5/5⭐️
February 23, 2023
Hold On To Me picks right up where You Get What You Give (Book 1) in the Carolina Classics series leaves us on a cliffhanger.
Sullivan /Sully is forced to take on a new job, not one that he wants, but one that he needs. This job will force him to be a bit humble, patient and to get along with his grumpy boss.
Helen is hell on wheels, tough to work for but she is determined to do things right. She feels like she has to be tough and perfect because of her line of business and competition with men in the business. Tough on the outside but soft, sexy and vulnerable on the inside.
Sully and Helen have an instant attraction but do their best to keep their workplace professional. I love the banter and sass between the two and they give us some funny moments. Wanting to remain professional and not cause issues they decide to keep their romance a secret…until it isn’t.
One of my favorite scenes is how Helen finally announces their romance…it’s brave, bold and fantastic.
I loved the cameo appearances from other characters in book one. This is a sweet and emotional romance that takes you back to all the fun things from the 90’s.
Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding deliver a fantastic performance with the characters. JF’s characterization of Sully is fantastic - his voice is smooth, confident and patient when it comes to Helen. Mackenzie voice is fantastic, strong and determined which is perfect for Helen.
Loved the cassette tape sound between each chapter….brought back lots of memories.
Sullivan /Sully is forced to take on a new job, not one that he wants, but one that he needs. This job will force him to be a bit humble, patient and to get along with his grumpy boss.
Helen is hell on wheels, tough to work for but she is determined to do things right. She feels like she has to be tough and perfect because of her line of business and competition with men in the business. Tough on the outside but soft, sexy and vulnerable on the inside.
Sully and Helen have an instant attraction but do their best to keep their workplace professional. I love the banter and sass between the two and they give us some funny moments. Wanting to remain professional and not cause issues they decide to keep their romance a secret…until it isn’t.
One of my favorite scenes is how Helen finally announces their romance…it’s brave, bold and fantastic.
I loved the cameo appearances from other characters in book one. This is a sweet and emotional romance that takes you back to all the fun things from the 90’s.
Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding deliver a fantastic performance with the characters. JF’s characterization of Sully is fantastic - his voice is smooth, confident and patient when it comes to Helen. Mackenzie voice is fantastic, strong and determined which is perfect for Helen.
Loved the cassette tape sound between each chapter….brought back lots of memories.
February 16, 2023
I loved this emotional, sweet and swoony, reverse age gap love story. This slow-burn boss-assistant romance was filled with fun nostalgia in a heartfelt story, with down to earth characters, and loads of sexual tension leading to steamy passion! Sullivan is out of work after a boating accident that left him injured. His friends help him get a job as Helen's assistant after her last one ran out in tears. It isn't ideal for him, but he needs the money and as a bonus is unflappable. He stubbles a bit at first, but quickly becomes invaluable to Helen. They both work well together and their attraction is undeniable. Helen has worked hard in a male dominated industry and is afraid to act on her feelings and appear too soft. But when they can't hold back their feelings anymore, they give in to their combustible chemistry. But can a woman whose work is everything, leaving her feeling lonely, and a man who works so he can have a life with family, friends and the water, who wants her with him on his adventures, find a way to be happy together? This was a tender and fun story that warmed my heart. I loved Helen and Sully, and how they helped each other navigate what they struggled with, making each other stronger to find love and happiness. This romance has all the feels, it’s romantic, and funny, and its full of sizzling chemistry with wonderful characters you can’t help loving.
November 16, 2022
Karen Grey is writing this super nice series about five childhood friends who share a dog and a lot of history. We get their backstory in the prequel “I’ll Stand by You”, then Violet’s story in “You Get What You Give”. In that story, we read that Sully and Ford had left to live in Los Angeles, stayed there for seven years and came back. That book ends and this one starts with the accident to Sully’s boat that sends him to the hospital.
Someone hit Sully’s boat while he was anchored and getting ready for bed. He woke up in the hospital with a broken leg, a lost and possibly dead cat and a ton of hospital bills. Unable to work since he’s a movie sound guy, he’s depressed, even more because he was told he won’t be able to surf for a year.
His friends find him depressed and find him a job as assistant to a movie producer so he can at least pay for his medical bills and get out of the house. He starts working and finds himself riveted to his new boss. She’s older, grumpy and very assertive. Sully is actually her third assistant because she’s scared the first two into resigning. The funny thing is that when he hears her yell, he doesn’t hear insults, he hears passion.
He’s a quiet, big guy, he flunked out of college with one semester to go and made his living as a sound guy in movies, while surfing on his free time. He used to have anger problems but now he’s hooked on meditation tapes and has grown a lot. He truly was a wonderful character and I liked him a lot.
I loved his story with Helen because it demonstrates that he’s not a loser nor a quitter. He actually did a great job as her assistant, fast and efficient despite having to use a wheelchair, got all her paperwork organized and filed.
I loved the contrast between Sully and Helen and I think that’s what made them fall for each other. Helen’s successful at her job, but it came after many years of hard work and struggles. She had a hard childhood, product of an abusive father. Then she had a relationship turned bad at the start of her career so she’s naturally wary of new ones. On the contrary, Sully may have been a bit of a drifter but he enjoys loving parents and a group of friends who have been tight together since childhood. Their nuances click together and made them work, despite Helen’s misgivings about what it might do to her reputation.
The author’s writing is impeccable, she made us love the characters and in my case, envy the closeness of the five friends. Whitney, although separated from the group because she married a previous bully, still feels like one of them when they do get together. Sully’s self image grew up and Helen’s heart opened up to friends and love. Amazing and awesome!
Someone hit Sully’s boat while he was anchored and getting ready for bed. He woke up in the hospital with a broken leg, a lost and possibly dead cat and a ton of hospital bills. Unable to work since he’s a movie sound guy, he’s depressed, even more because he was told he won’t be able to surf for a year.
His friends find him depressed and find him a job as assistant to a movie producer so he can at least pay for his medical bills and get out of the house. He starts working and finds himself riveted to his new boss. She’s older, grumpy and very assertive. Sully is actually her third assistant because she’s scared the first two into resigning. The funny thing is that when he hears her yell, he doesn’t hear insults, he hears passion.
He’s a quiet, big guy, he flunked out of college with one semester to go and made his living as a sound guy in movies, while surfing on his free time. He used to have anger problems but now he’s hooked on meditation tapes and has grown a lot. He truly was a wonderful character and I liked him a lot.
I loved his story with Helen because it demonstrates that he’s not a loser nor a quitter. He actually did a great job as her assistant, fast and efficient despite having to use a wheelchair, got all her paperwork organized and filed.
I loved the contrast between Sully and Helen and I think that’s what made them fall for each other. Helen’s successful at her job, but it came after many years of hard work and struggles. She had a hard childhood, product of an abusive father. Then she had a relationship turned bad at the start of her career so she’s naturally wary of new ones. On the contrary, Sully may have been a bit of a drifter but he enjoys loving parents and a group of friends who have been tight together since childhood. Their nuances click together and made them work, despite Helen’s misgivings about what it might do to her reputation.
The author’s writing is impeccable, she made us love the characters and in my case, envy the closeness of the five friends. Whitney, although separated from the group because she married a previous bully, still feels like one of them when they do get together. Sully’s self image grew up and Helen’s heart opened up to friends and love. Amazing and awesome!
March 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️out of 5️⃣ for Story
🌶️ out of 5️⃣ for spice
🔈🔈🔈🔈 out of 5️⃣ for narration
⚓️ Small Town
⚓️ Reverse Age Gap
⚓️ Instant Attraction
⚓️ 90s Vibes
Miss Karen Grey, what did you put in this book?? I am so obsessed! The overall story is amazing! It’s a small town romance, with amazing characters! There is so much character development that it’s insane, actually insane how smoothy the book goes. Helen O’Neill is grumpy, older boss lady. Sullivan “Sully” Calloway is the younger, go with the flow, I follow no rules but the ones on my boat type, new assistant. There is instant attraction but O’Neill refuses to go there due to her role as the boss and not wanting to cross this lines. She is so committed to this that she lies to Sully about being married!! That’s how much she wanted to protect her career (and I personally felt that!!!!!). This doesn’t last long and the two eventually begin a romantic relationship but they have so many ups and downs that really make them reevaluate what they want for themselves, and for their relationship.
As an audiobook, the narrators killed it! Sully is voiced by J.F. Harding and O’Neill is voiced by Mackenzie Cartwright. And let me tell you, the chemistry was there! The audiobook goes back and forth between Sully and O’Neill and the narrators did such a wonderful job with the transitions that it felt so natural while listening. Mr. Harding’s voice was so catchy that I was falling in love with Sully after each one of his chapters. He did such a great job portraying all the emotions Sully was going through in his own life and with O’Neill. The scene where he rescues her from the man at the bar *fans myself* that voice had me gushing. Mackenzie portrayed the strong and independent O’Neill perfectly and did an amazing job showing her vulnerable side. No only did they kill voicing the main characters but they also did a great job portraying secondary characters as well. Oh and the quotes at the start of each chapter… obsessed!! I love how they’re presented them in the audiobook. It was absolutely one of my favorite parts. I loved how they were words of wisdom/inspirational quotes that really pulled at the audience’s heartstrings.
🌶️ out of 5️⃣ for spice
🔈🔈🔈🔈 out of 5️⃣ for narration
⚓️ Small Town
⚓️ Reverse Age Gap
⚓️ Instant Attraction
⚓️ 90s Vibes
Miss Karen Grey, what did you put in this book?? I am so obsessed! The overall story is amazing! It’s a small town romance, with amazing characters! There is so much character development that it’s insane, actually insane how smoothy the book goes. Helen O’Neill is grumpy, older boss lady. Sullivan “Sully” Calloway is the younger, go with the flow, I follow no rules but the ones on my boat type, new assistant. There is instant attraction but O’Neill refuses to go there due to her role as the boss and not wanting to cross this lines. She is so committed to this that she lies to Sully about being married!! That’s how much she wanted to protect her career (and I personally felt that!!!!!). This doesn’t last long and the two eventually begin a romantic relationship but they have so many ups and downs that really make them reevaluate what they want for themselves, and for their relationship.
As an audiobook, the narrators killed it! Sully is voiced by J.F. Harding and O’Neill is voiced by Mackenzie Cartwright. And let me tell you, the chemistry was there! The audiobook goes back and forth between Sully and O’Neill and the narrators did such a wonderful job with the transitions that it felt so natural while listening. Mr. Harding’s voice was so catchy that I was falling in love with Sully after each one of his chapters. He did such a great job portraying all the emotions Sully was going through in his own life and with O’Neill. The scene where he rescues her from the man at the bar *fans myself* that voice had me gushing. Mackenzie portrayed the strong and independent O’Neill perfectly and did an amazing job showing her vulnerable side. No only did they kill voicing the main characters but they also did a great job portraying secondary characters as well. Oh and the quotes at the start of each chapter… obsessed!! I love how they’re presented them in the audiobook. It was absolutely one of my favorite parts. I loved how they were words of wisdom/inspirational quotes that really pulled at the audience’s heartstrings.
March 8, 2023
Hold On To Me is the second book in the Carolina Classics series by Karen Grey. I am a huge fan of the nostalgia romances Ms. Grey writes, and Hold On To Me was another winner in my book.
I’ve wanted to know more about Sully from the moment he first appeared on the page. We met Sully and his friends in You Get What You Give. Sully is in a boating accident, and must find a job until he recovers enough to work on set again. The only job available it assistant to Helen O’Neill, who has already run off multiple assistants, with production starting very soon. Sully feels instant attraction to his boss from day one, and I loved the chemistry between them from the moment they meet.
Let me just say, I absolutely loved how strong Helen is over the entire story. Yes, she has had some rough times in the past, and she fights her attraction to Sully because of something in her past. I loved when they both finally gave into their attraction. OMG they had the best chemistry!!! I liked they really seemed to get one another, even with the age gap between them. Loved Helen is 10 years older than Sully, and yet, they just seemed to work as a couple for me. I think part of it was because Sully truly has an old soul, but most was because Helen never treated him like he was less of a person for being so much younger than her. They worked well both at work and in their relationship.
I thought the audiobook narrators did a fantastic job with this story. Both narrators were spot on with all the different character voices, and I felt like there was a seamless transition between narrators. There were many emotional parts to Hold On To Me, and I felt like the narrators delivered on every single emotion.
Hold On To Me is a fun story that takes the reader back to the late 90’s. I loved all the nods to things from the past, and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I love the group of friends that is at the center of each story, and can’t wait to read more.
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
I’ve wanted to know more about Sully from the moment he first appeared on the page. We met Sully and his friends in You Get What You Give. Sully is in a boating accident, and must find a job until he recovers enough to work on set again. The only job available it assistant to Helen O’Neill, who has already run off multiple assistants, with production starting very soon. Sully feels instant attraction to his boss from day one, and I loved the chemistry between them from the moment they meet.
Let me just say, I absolutely loved how strong Helen is over the entire story. Yes, she has had some rough times in the past, and she fights her attraction to Sully because of something in her past. I loved when they both finally gave into their attraction. OMG they had the best chemistry!!! I liked they really seemed to get one another, even with the age gap between them. Loved Helen is 10 years older than Sully, and yet, they just seemed to work as a couple for me. I think part of it was because Sully truly has an old soul, but most was because Helen never treated him like he was less of a person for being so much younger than her. They worked well both at work and in their relationship.
I thought the audiobook narrators did a fantastic job with this story. Both narrators were spot on with all the different character voices, and I felt like there was a seamless transition between narrators. There were many emotional parts to Hold On To Me, and I felt like the narrators delivered on every single emotion.
Hold On To Me is a fun story that takes the reader back to the late 90’s. I loved all the nods to things from the past, and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I love the group of friends that is at the center of each story, and can’t wait to read more.
Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher
November 10, 2022
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Carolina Classics series continues with what I thought would be Whitney's story, but it's Sully. We get both his and Helen's points of view. All five friends: Violet, Danielle, Whitney, Sully and Ford make appearances and they socialize together except Whitney. Sully initially is living with Dani, as a roommate not a romantic relationship. Perhaps because they are new adults, the series has lots of both personal and career developments.
In Hold On To Me, Sully takes some temporary work while recovering from an accident. He ends up learning a lot about himself and what he wants. He is attracted to his boss, Helen, and provides her with good support, both professionally and then personally. As he becomes certain of what he wants, he is clearer and better in all his relationships.
Helen has never had a good relationship and her career normally has her moving to wherever a production is happening. Her childhood wasn't easy either. She doesn't want to accept the comfort and personal support Sully offers because what happens when filming ends? She is so strong and competent because she has had to be in the competitive field where she works. She doesn't think she can have more than work, or any relationship.
I enjoyed the growth of the characters who were more honest with each other and kept communication going even when things were uncertain. It's more complex than I've explained. You will need to read for yourself. I, like Helen, wish I had a long-time group of friends and circle of support. It makes me even more worried about Whitney.
Review copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Carolina Classics series continues with what I thought would be Whitney's story, but it's Sully. We get both his and Helen's points of view. All five friends: Violet, Danielle, Whitney, Sully and Ford make appearances and they socialize together except Whitney. Sully initially is living with Dani, as a roommate not a romantic relationship. Perhaps because they are new adults, the series has lots of both personal and career developments.
In Hold On To Me, Sully takes some temporary work while recovering from an accident. He ends up learning a lot about himself and what he wants. He is attracted to his boss, Helen, and provides her with good support, both professionally and then personally. As he becomes certain of what he wants, he is clearer and better in all his relationships.
Helen has never had a good relationship and her career normally has her moving to wherever a production is happening. Her childhood wasn't easy either. She doesn't want to accept the comfort and personal support Sully offers because what happens when filming ends? She is so strong and competent because she has had to be in the competitive field where she works. She doesn't think she can have more than work, or any relationship.
I enjoyed the growth of the characters who were more honest with each other and kept communication going even when things were uncertain. It's more complex than I've explained. You will need to read for yourself. I, like Helen, wish I had a long-time group of friends and circle of support. It makes me even more worried about Whitney.
November 5, 2022
“She’s a cocktail my mouth can’t get enough of. Something tart, something sweet.”
I have been looking forward to Sully’s story since Karen Grey introduced the Carolina crew in I’ll Stand By You! Hold On To Me is everything I had hoped for and more for Sully’s HEA. I could not put it down! Cats and dogs living together, this romance has it all! This slow-burn, age-gap, workplace romance is clever, funny, and absolutely heartwarming. It will take you on a trip down memory lane to the late ‘90s. Sullivan Calloway is a Southern cinnamon roll surfer who is the easy-going one in his group of friends. He’s a work-hard & play-harder kind of guy until a tragic accident renders him unable to partake in either work or play. I love the way Sully’s friends rally around him and bolster him when it seems all is lost. Despite compounded losses since the accident, Sully’s jovial nature and can-do attitude remain untarnished. It was refreshing to see the hero fumble to adjust to his new daily life and a completely foreign workplace. I love the way Karen wrote Sully with realistic struggles and turmoil while maintaining the core character readers had come to know and love. Helen O’Neill is one of Karen’s best heroines yet! Her backstory is revealed in pieces throughout the book. By the time her pivotal history comes forward, the heartache moment cuts even deeper. I adored her stalwart, confident, no-nonsense personality, and not to mention, she’s a stone-cold fox. Her quiet compassion for Sully while maintaining a professional exterior is utterly endearing. Their friendship made me smile and their romance made me swoon. Their immediate rapport was fascinating and charming; their office interactions were like a well-choreographed dance. Karen has outdone herself once again with another beguiling, funny, steamy romance. Sully will sweep you off your feet and Helen is my new favorite badass book bestie. Catching up with Ford, Violet, Dani, and Whitney was wonderful. Ford and Sully’s friendship arc just keeps getting better! Bursting with nineties pop culture references, complex characters, and delightful storytelling, Hold On To Me is a must-read romance!
I have been looking forward to Sully’s story since Karen Grey introduced the Carolina crew in I’ll Stand By You! Hold On To Me is everything I had hoped for and more for Sully’s HEA. I could not put it down! Cats and dogs living together, this romance has it all! This slow-burn, age-gap, workplace romance is clever, funny, and absolutely heartwarming. It will take you on a trip down memory lane to the late ‘90s. Sullivan Calloway is a Southern cinnamon roll surfer who is the easy-going one in his group of friends. He’s a work-hard & play-harder kind of guy until a tragic accident renders him unable to partake in either work or play. I love the way Sully’s friends rally around him and bolster him when it seems all is lost. Despite compounded losses since the accident, Sully’s jovial nature and can-do attitude remain untarnished. It was refreshing to see the hero fumble to adjust to his new daily life and a completely foreign workplace. I love the way Karen wrote Sully with realistic struggles and turmoil while maintaining the core character readers had come to know and love. Helen O’Neill is one of Karen’s best heroines yet! Her backstory is revealed in pieces throughout the book. By the time her pivotal history comes forward, the heartache moment cuts even deeper. I adored her stalwart, confident, no-nonsense personality, and not to mention, she’s a stone-cold fox. Her quiet compassion for Sully while maintaining a professional exterior is utterly endearing. Their friendship made me smile and their romance made me swoon. Their immediate rapport was fascinating and charming; their office interactions were like a well-choreographed dance. Karen has outdone herself once again with another beguiling, funny, steamy romance. Sully will sweep you off your feet and Helen is my new favorite badass book bestie. Catching up with Ford, Violet, Dani, and Whitney was wonderful. Ford and Sully’s friendship arc just keeps getting better! Bursting with nineties pop culture references, complex characters, and delightful storytelling, Hold On To Me is a must-read romance!
March 8, 2023
After losing his boat, Endless Summer, during a freak boating accident, Sully lands himself on a set of crutches and in a dark place. He needs a way out of this state of depression and a job that will allow him to be off his feet and keep his insurance benefits. With the help of his friend, Sully finds himself as the assistant to the unit director, Helen. Working in a male dominated field, Helen knows she has to be tough in order to get things done. But when she meets her new hunky assistant, she finds that she can let those walls come down a little.
Hold On To Me is the second installment in author Karen Grey's "Carolina Classics" series. It's an emotional reverse gap story with a side of sweet. As a reader who is new to Karen's work, I thoroughly enjoyed this throwback story. It has everything that romance readers love. It's a small town romance between a hero who working to overcome his past and a holds no bar heroine who fights for want she wants. Readers are going to really enjoy all the throwback references.
Mackenzie Cartwright and J.F. Harding narrated this wonderful story. I couldn't have asked for a better pairing for Helen and Sully, these two were perfect for these characters. J.F. Harding really brought the swoon factor to this hunky hero. From the very first chapter, I loved his character. I could feel his passion, charm, and even the pain of his character through my earbuds. I have yet to find something that Mackenzie Cartwright can't do. She really brought the brazen and tough beauty that is Helen to life. Just like Mr. Harding, you could feel the passion that Helen has and her vulnerability through your headphones.
Hold On To Me is the second installment in author Karen Grey's "Carolina Classics" series. It's an emotional reverse gap story with a side of sweet. As a reader who is new to Karen's work, I thoroughly enjoyed this throwback story. It has everything that romance readers love. It's a small town romance between a hero who working to overcome his past and a holds no bar heroine who fights for want she wants. Readers are going to really enjoy all the throwback references.
Mackenzie Cartwright and J.F. Harding narrated this wonderful story. I couldn't have asked for a better pairing for Helen and Sully, these two were perfect for these characters. J.F. Harding really brought the swoon factor to this hunky hero. From the very first chapter, I loved his character. I could feel his passion, charm, and even the pain of his character through my earbuds. I have yet to find something that Mackenzie Cartwright can't do. She really brought the brazen and tough beauty that is Helen to life. Just like Mr. Harding, you could feel the passion that Helen has and her vulnerability through your headphones.
July 22, 2023
Audiobook Review
Sully and Helen are completely opposites that complement each other so well. Helen is hard working, demanding but with a good heart whilst Sully is laid back and liked by everyone as nothing gets to him so when he’s offered the job if working for Helen, he’s more than capable of putting up with the mean boss. For Helen, Sully doesn’t just grate on her nerves, it grates on the smexy ones too.
Both characters have a hurtful past story to tell and when all comes to light both understand each other, better than many others would.
Thank you to Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding for an emotional and fun narration.
Sully and Helen are completely opposites that complement each other so well. Helen is hard working, demanding but with a good heart whilst Sully is laid back and liked by everyone as nothing gets to him so when he’s offered the job if working for Helen, he’s more than capable of putting up with the mean boss. For Helen, Sully doesn’t just grate on her nerves, it grates on the smexy ones too.
Both characters have a hurtful past story to tell and when all comes to light both understand each other, better than many others would.
Thank you to Mackenzie Cartwright and JF Harding for an emotional and fun narration.
November 14, 2022
This is such a fun series with the 90’s vibe. Has a varied cast of characters which is made up of five lifelong friends. The banter is fun and the story flows which makes it an easy read. It’s a reverse age-gap storyline. I liked how Sully & Helen were a bit opposite but were the right fit as each struggled through their own obstacles. Romantic, funny, and sizzling heat.
Each book in this series focuses on a different couple but all the story lines weave throughout the series. I really like this because I get a chance to really get to know the characters. I recommend reading the prequel novella first (I’ll Stand By You) so you get the friends background and then book 1, You Get What You Give.
Each book in this series focuses on a different couple but all the story lines weave throughout the series. I really like this because I get a chance to really get to know the characters. I recommend reading the prequel novella first (I’ll Stand By You) so you get the friends background and then book 1, You Get What You Give.
March 9, 2023
This is the third book in the Carolina Classic, a throwback series. Sullivan/Sully and Helen's story is beautifully written, sweet, emotional, and engaging. They are both interesting characters. I liked their slow burn romance, and push and pull relationship. The definitely complement each other. This is an excellent reverse age-gap/office romance. I enjoyed it. Mackenzie Cartwright and J.F. Harding did an outstanding job bringing this story to life. They are perfect as Helen and Sully. This is an excellent addition to the series. I highly recommend it.
March 8, 2023
I got an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion
4.25 stars/ 3 peppers
One of the best things I liked about this audiobook was it's attention to production. The first thing you notice that is out of the ordinary is the 'extras' at the beginning of each chapter, be it a gong and a meditative quote or a throwback VCR rewind and a movie quote or added muffling when a character is listening to a voicemail on the old school style message machines. That kind of production value I can appreciate as a long time listener.
JF Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job bringing Sully and Helen to life. Book 1 in the series did end on a cliffhanger that a character was in a wreck, and you're lead to believe that it was Sully. He's coming off a sailing accident and thinking that he's lost his beloved cat Mr. Jones.
To get him out of his rut, his friends work their movie production strings to get him an interview as an assistant to a very demanding line producer on a local movie production...enter Helen O'Neil. She's been paying her dues after being partially blacklisted by a very Harvey Weinstein-esque character from his past.
What ensues is a great story of a high tension office romance and an age gap where there's a potential power imbalance. Karen handles the potential workplace harassment issues well and ramps the steam up in all the right places.
This is a great 2nd book in this series and I'm excited to see how the other friends in this group get their own HEA.
4.25 stars/ 3 peppers
One of the best things I liked about this audiobook was it's attention to production. The first thing you notice that is out of the ordinary is the 'extras' at the beginning of each chapter, be it a gong and a meditative quote or a throwback VCR rewind and a movie quote or added muffling when a character is listening to a voicemail on the old school style message machines. That kind of production value I can appreciate as a long time listener.
JF Harding and Mackenzie Cartwright did an amazing job bringing Sully and Helen to life. Book 1 in the series did end on a cliffhanger that a character was in a wreck, and you're lead to believe that it was Sully. He's coming off a sailing accident and thinking that he's lost his beloved cat Mr. Jones.
To get him out of his rut, his friends work their movie production strings to get him an interview as an assistant to a very demanding line producer on a local movie production...enter Helen O'Neil. She's been paying her dues after being partially blacklisted by a very Harvey Weinstein-esque character from his past.
What ensues is a great story of a high tension office romance and an age gap where there's a potential power imbalance. Karen handles the potential workplace harassment issues well and ramps the steam up in all the right places.
This is a great 2nd book in this series and I'm excited to see how the other friends in this group get their own HEA.
February 27, 2025
It's not my favorite of the series but I still enjoyed reading it! With this one the story focuses on Sullivan and his story. I liked the relationship a lot, but Helen annoyed me from time to time. The spice was a bit better than the other books.
Overall good book! This one does have a fair few trigger warnings to it so be weary of that.
TW:
Overall good book! This one does have a fair few trigger warnings to it so be weary of that.
TW:
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July 25, 2023Now available everywhere in print, ebook and audio!
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https://books2read.com/HOTMKGrey
Audio links:
https://www.audible.com/pd/B0BWZ53JC3
Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/...
Payhip https://payhip.com/b/0LTD8
Chirp https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks...
Spotify Hold On To Me: a retro romantic comedy
Nook Audio https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hold...
February 16, 2023
I loved this emotional, sweet and swoony, reverse age gap love story. This slow-burn boss-assistant romance was filled with fun nostalgia in a heartfelt story, with down to earth characters, and loads of sexual tension leading to steamy passion! Sullivan is out of work after a boating accident that left him injured. His friends help him get a job as Helen's assistant after her last one ran out in tears. It isn't ideal for him, but he needs the money and as a bonus is unflappable. He stubbles a bit at first, but quickly becomes invaluable to Helen. They both work well together and their attraction is undeniable. Helen has worked hard in a male dominated industry and is afraid to act on her feelings and appear too soft. But when they can't hold back their feelings anymore, they give in to their combustible chemistry. But can a woman whose work is everything, leaving her feeling lonely, and a man who works so he can have a life with family, friends and the water, and who wants her with him on his adventures, find a way to be happy together? This was a tender and fun story that warmed my heart. I loved Helen and Sully, they are opposites who helped each other navigate what they each struggled with, making each other stronger to find love and happiness.
Narrators Mackenzie Cartwright and J.F. Harding helped to endear Helen and Sully even more to me. They really nailed these characters so perfectly, making them their own. They made this story even more captivating, expressing this story so intuitively and with great passion. This romance has all the feels, it’s romantic, and funny, and it's full of sizzling chemistry with wonderful characters you can’t help loving.
Narrators Mackenzie Cartwright and J.F. Harding helped to endear Helen and Sully even more to me. They really nailed these characters so perfectly, making them their own. They made this story even more captivating, expressing this story so intuitively and with great passion. This romance has all the feels, it’s romantic, and funny, and it's full of sizzling chemistry with wonderful characters you can’t help loving.
November 2, 2022
I received an ARC of this book, and it is awesome! It's hard to know what I like best--the age gap romance, the fact that they worked together, or that it is set on a beach in the eighties. It's steamy and funny and brilliant. It's the second in this series, and it is definitely worth a read. I loved it.
November 6, 2022
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. Ok I'll just come out and say it...Helen is a Boss!! She is a strong,no nonsense woman. She becomes Sully's boss after he suffers an injury on a boat. Slowly but surely an attraction between the two begins to form. Sully wants to show Helen and himself that he is still competent after the accident. Helen has a tough exterior but is slowly letting Sully into her heart. Interesting take on age-gap,slow burn romance.
November 7, 2022
Overall I enjoyed this reverse age gap romance. It's rare that you have the older woman who is the boss and the younger man who is the employee. I think that this one was very well done. There is about 10 years between Sully and Helen. This is a very slow burn romance (and for me it was almost too slow). I liked the chemistry between Sully and Helen, as well as the fact that Sully was the one who somewhat fell first so to speak. Helen struggled with the boss/employee issue because of mistakes she made in her past. She didn't want others on the set of the movie to think that Sully was where he was at due to their relationship. She also didn't want the staff to think that she was incapable of managing her employees.
Both Helen and Sully were dealing with aspects of their pasts that was making it hard for them to focus on the future that they could have together. It took a while but these two finally got it figured out. I am excited for the next book to see where this group of friends end up next.
Both Helen and Sully were dealing with aspects of their pasts that was making it hard for them to focus on the future that they could have together. It took a while but these two finally got it figured out. I am excited for the next book to see where this group of friends end up next.
December 12, 2022
I loved the lawyer character!
November 10, 2022
I can't get over how much I truly enjoy this series. And I never watched a single episode of Dawson's Creek not then and not since.
This series though is so full of fun nostalgic references , witty characters, sarcastic / fun banter, loyal friendships,
Sully and O'Neill are great both verbally and to the point, get things done kind of people. They are constantly at each other but not in a bad way. It's challenging and motivating.
But the big question is can they get past the decade between them in age, the fact that she's his boss and people are going to talk?
Hang on your in for the time of your life.
I have voluntarily left this review.
This series though is so full of fun nostalgic references , witty characters, sarcastic / fun banter, loyal friendships,
Sully and O'Neill are great both verbally and to the point, get things done kind of people. They are constantly at each other but not in a bad way. It's challenging and motivating.
But the big question is can they get past the decade between them in age, the fact that she's his boss and people are going to talk?
Hang on your in for the time of your life.
I have voluntarily left this review.
November 14, 2022
Another great book in the Carolina Classics series! Author Karen Grey combines sexy romance with fun (and funny) nostalgia to make books that are a delight to read.
March 3, 2023
I really like all of Karen Grey's books. I love the 90s so these books are right up my alley. I like that Helen's a hard ass and Sully seems to take it all in stride, even gives it back sometimes. I like the narrators, they are new to me but they brought out the right amount of snide and snarkiness. I can't wait for the next thing Karen writes.
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