Grey

by Samantha Johnson

Aurora Thorn strives to be a successful music journalist but can't escape the shadow cast by her rockstar father's fame. Growing up in the spotlight, Aurora learned firsthand that all that glitters is not gold - in fact, it's the opposite. As she navigates the trials and tribulations of early adulthood and attempts to distance herself from the past, what happens when she falls for someone that embodies the very lifestyle she's running from?

Genres: Romance

822 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2025

About the author

Samantha Johnson is a storyteller at heart and a lifelong lover of music. With a career rooted in the music industry, she brings an insider’s perspective to her writing, blending behind-the-scenes authenticity with irresistible romance. She's the author of the Grey book series, a captivating journey that follows the intense and emotional love story between a sharp-witted journalist and a world-famous rockstar. When she’s not writing or immersed in the world of music, Samantha can be found with a notebook in hand, dreaming up her next swoon-worthy tale.

Reviews

[Michelle Quintana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional

I won this book on Goodreads. When I first started reading this book, I didn't know what to think because the writing kept throwing me off. However, once I got used to the style of writing, I couldn't stop reading. Finn is the lead singer of a band from England and when he reads a not so glowing critique of their album, it really bugs him. Rory is the author of said critique. She wrote it just by listening to the album but when she sees them play love, she starts to get hooked. She is drawn to Finn but doesn't understand why. When they do meet, his touch lights her up. Because her ex-boyfriend did a number on her, she just wants to remain friends. Finn is so attracted to her that he doesn't want anyone else. He starts to pursue her and they do end up together, she keeps telling everyone they're just friends. She doesn't believe he actually wants just her, no matter what he says. Various parts of the book are very emotional due to her insecurities or him being hurt. I liked the ending of the book and I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Maureen Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't enough words for just how much I loved this book. I was hooked right from the start and had a hard time putting it down!

Rory and Finn have so much chemistry right from the jump, but she didn't make it easy for them. Rory's insecurities and history made it hard to navigate their challenges, but it also made the experience relatable and real and so worth it in the end. You’ll find yourself rooting for them, hoping they can work through their issues and find a way to make it work. It’s all so relatable, capturing the highs and lows a new love you aren't quite sure you can trust.

My favorite thing is when authors have really strong side characters, and she nailed them in this book. Even though they aren't the focus, they are well developed and provide a lot of humor along the way.

Can't recommend this book enough. All the stars!

[Sunshine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grey is a story that feels raw and honest in a way that is hard to find. This book carries a deep emotional weight through simple writing. Every chapter builds tension between the characters and their choices. The story explores identity love and the fear of being truly seen. The main character feels real and flawed and easy to connect with. I felt every moment of doubt and every spark of hope.

What makes Samantha Johnson stand out is how she handles relationships and growth. The connections between the characters feel layered and meaningful. Nothing feels rushed or forced. The pacing allows the emotions to settle and grow. The ending felt earned and powerful. It leaves you thinking about the choices people make and who they become. This is a five star read that delivers both heart and depth.

[kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️

Oh, Rory & Finn 🥹 such a unique love story between two individuals with old souls. Having this story based in LA is theeee perfect touch, almost like a nostalgic feel to it! It suits the characters so well given their personalities and really fuels the plot. While I found Rory to be slightly insufferable, I can’t blame the girl. But I’m looking forward to how she’s going to navigate moving forward with Finn and how his new level of fame will test their relationship aka I NEED SPIN NOWWWW.

To add on — this was a special read for me b/c I’ve been a big fan of Samantha’s writing for forever so seeing Grey published was really exciting. Such a phenomenal writer and will forever give her the flowers she deserves!!

[Daniella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me the warm and fuzzies. Watching Rory and Finn’s situationship bloom and grow kept a smile on my face and even a few tears in my eye. The way Samantha Johnson wrote this book gave me strong fan fiction vibes in the best way. She was able to weave in the strong feelings of trust, confidence and love for yourself and others so seamlessly into this story. I just enjoyed getting to know these characters because they were written so realistically that it made we want to root for them. I’m looking forward to the next book and what crazy scenarios Rory and Finn get up to. Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Meg McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so in love with this book. I have been following this writer since her early days posting in online serial sites and it is so amazing to see her growth and development.

This story is truly something special. The right balance of humor and deep emotion. She gives each character such depth, you feel like you know them personally. Finn and Rory have off the charts chemistry from the first time they meet, and Finn is definitely about to be your next book boyfriend.

[Ava Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, not the FMC

Ok so I won this book in a giveaway and thought I’d try it and I actually loved it. But Rory, the main character, kinda annoyed me. I understand being insecure but she just like couldn’t have a single moment without thinking everything was about to go wrong. Overall though, I really liked the book and would definitely read the rest of the series.

[Errilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not enough words to describe how much I love this book! Beautifully written with a perfect amount of romance & angst- cannot wait for the next one!

[Gabriella Ledesma · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love love this book!!! the characters are so easy to get involved with and easy to just indulge fully into their story. can’t get enough of this

[Brittany Crouser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway and I’m so happy I did. I fell in love with Rory and Finn! This is a great read and once you start it’s hard to put it down. I didn’t want it to end!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, fast reading

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love whenever a romance book makes the characters realistic. It's one of my favorite things, a silly sex scene where something like the guy finishing faster than he "should" and being embarrassed. It makes them feel so real, that just is something that happens. This was an easy, warm read, where I could easily imagine the characters as people I knew in my life. This is one of the few stories I can read and actually imagine falling with the characters in the same way, slowly and over many easy conversations. The pain towards the end of the book had me in genuine tears. I am impatiently waiting for the next book.

[jamie Wyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by this Author and will not be my last! This book had me smiling,,crying,, laughing. Such a beautiful and well written love story. The main characters are amazing Finn and Rory. I seriously love how long this story is I love a think book and it kept me so focused from beginning to the end! A must read! I highly recommend this beautiful book!📕

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aurora is so relatable. Looking forward to reading more from Samantha Johnson

[Tesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rock star romance

I loved how real the characters in this book felt. Rory's insecurities resonated with me and had me tearing up more than once.