What Happens in Carolina: Carolina Classics, Book 2.5

Carolina Classics #1.5

by Karen Grey, Carly Robins (Narrator), Bradley Ford (Narrator)

First, there’s only one office. Then, there’s only one bed.

I’m over the moon when I land my first-ever writing job on a new TV show that’s like, da bomb. So what if my old boss twisted her son’s arm to get me the job?

I’m not so enthused when I have to share an office the size of a broom closet with a grumpy guy who ignores me. I don’t care if he’s totally fly. I’ve got enough on my plate trying to come up with high concept storylines and punchy dialogue for hormone-filled teenagers—the actors and the characters—while being hazed in the writers’ room.

Things begin to heat up between us on a work trip to the gorgeous coastal filming location for our show, but when a hurricane threatens, sharing an office is the last thing we need to worry about.

Fans of TV shows like Dawson’s Creek and Buffy the Vampire Slayer will love this throwback 1990’s forced proximity, partners to lovers, road trip romcom with an unconventionally geeky hero.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Ebooks, Audiobook, Short Stories, Enemies To Lovers

Audible Audio

Published March 25, 2025

About the author

KAREN 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

Reviews

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an adorable novella. I even think that Tina and George deserved a longer story–hopefully we’ll see more of them in the rest of the series.

They end up working together writing scripts for a TV show. They have no idea what they’re doing here, but they quickly find out that they have complementary skills. They work well together. They also complement each other in a more personal way–Tina can speak a lot and is quite social, while George is more of a quiet force. I really enjoyed the dynamic between them.

I don’t want to give away too much about the story, because it’s short. So let’s just say that they’re obviously attracted to each other, but won’t act on it if not forced by circumstances; George has an endearing quirk; and though the heat is here, you won’t have much on the page.

But it’s quick and sweet, so this story deserves to be read.

Quickie

- Series: Carolina classics #1.5 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #romcom #90’s #nostalgia #office romance #forced proximity #nerd #fade to black #novella
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Tina Fiorentino & George Bronson
- Hotness: 1/5 (nothing on page)
- Romance: 3/5
- + oh sweet nerd
- – way too short, I wanted more (it’s a minus, right?)

EDIT: once again it was a perfect casting. Both narrators showed the quirkiness of their characters, as well as their deeper emotions and their energy. I didn't want it to end.

[Rellim · Rating 4 out of 5]

2/25/2023: ALC narrated by Carly Robins & Bradley Ford.
$2.99 pre-order:
https://payhip.com/b/i9oxJ

Updated review below.

11/29/2022: This novella is book 1.5 in Karen Grey’s Carolina Classics series. Some of the events are concurrent with those in book 1, You Get What You Give and also contains slight spoilers for it. Series is definitely best enjoyed in order.

Fun addition for fans of the series. I enjoyed George and Tina. They’re kind of opposites attract and find they have more in common than they realize. I admit I love forced proximity and “only one hotel room with only one bed” tropes, so this was great for me.

George is a bit of a gentle giant/quirky nerd and Tina is an empathic writer who is bucking her family’s vision for her life. Lots of laughs in this one as well as hunkering down during a hurricane. I adore that Tina loves what so many others have criticized George for.

They get a cute and somewhat open ended HFN. They’re an adorable couple and I’m looking forward to “seeing” more of them as the series continues.

Narration:
I already love Carly Robins and she was a great fit for Tina. Bradley Ford is new-to-me and I loved him as George. Together these two made a great team that perfectly complimented Grey’s story.

I received advanced copies of the ebook & audiobook from the author and am leaving honest reviews.

[Karen Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now in audio everywhere including libraries!
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[DarcyLovesLiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two leads are just about made for each other…

This sweet novella was short sidestep in Grey’s Carolina Classics series. George and Tina have popped up in other books, so it was fun to see their romance get some space. Novellas don’t leave much room for character development, but Grey makes the most of the short form. There is the hint of some stereotype in both leads, but they are still charming and their interactions with the series mains and each are entertaining. George also has a personality quirk I found unique despite his other more by-the-book nerdy traits. Tina was slightly less compelling on her own, but I still found the romance between her and George appealing and was happy they found a work around for their romance.

A definite recommendation, especially for those who are enjoying the Carolina Classics.

December 2022: I received an advance copy via the author. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook Addendum

Carly Robins and Bradley Ford are very well cast. Robins has such a unique voice, and her delivery of Grey’s words is a great match. Her performance also smooths some of the bumps in Tina’s character that were less appealing when I read the novella; this is another case where listening really does add nuance to the character. Ford is a new-to-me narrator and I thought he was a fine fit for George. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face in most of his scenes. His delivery nails George’s endearing oddball-ness and just makes you want to hug this hero even more. Overall, a quick, quirky, sweet audio that’s well worth a listen.

March 2023: I received and ALC via Home Cooked Books. All opinions are my own.

[Jojoreadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens in Carolina is a standalone novella that is a side story addition to Karen’s Carolina Classics series. The story takes place within the same time frame as You Get What You Give book one in the series and follows Tina and George the two new writers for the new fictional TV series Lawson’s Reach.

When Tina and George take a work trip to Wallington NC where the New hot show they are writing for is filmed the two couldn’t have imagined they would be stuck together in a hurricane, or that their attraction to each other would hit new levels. But George has a bit of a unique problem and he fears when Tina hears about it she will run for the hills so he is putting up distance between them. Only problem is she’s not letting him get away that easily….

I love the Carolina Classics series so far, so I was super excited to read this. First the creativity of this story is just amazing. I don’t believe I’ve ever read a book with two characters like Tina and George before and believe me that’s a good thing. They are wonderfully weird and endearing. Karen did such a wonderful job tying this story into the series so we get some Dani, Ford, Violet, Sully and Whitney appearances, plus the laugh out loud moments that I’ve come to love from Karen’s characters. It’s a fast read but a good read. If you like close proximity, retro Rom-Com you can check this one out!!

A huge thank you to Karen Grey for the advanced read. I love your books so much and this was definitely a good one!

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a season filled with holiday tales of Mistletoe, cookies, and gifts, this was more than a welcome reprieve.
George and Tina are two of the quirkiest people I've had the pleasure to meet in a book.
The inner dialogue perfectly matched while outwardly they seem somewhat opposite till they actually sit down to connect. The connection between the two was brilliant.
Sometimes when you only see things through your own lens you miss the animation seen through another's.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very cute novella is part of the Carolina Classics series. It tells the story of Tina and George who we first saw in "You Get What You Give" and will apparently continue to see in future stories. It's sweet, short (obviously, being a novella), and to the point, but is just as fun and a story worth telling as the other stories within the series. I was intrigued by Tina and George when reading "You Get What You Give". It is a treat having the gaps filled in with this relook through their point of view. Familiar but new at the same time. A worthwhile quick read.

[JoJoRe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Review

Sweet short story between two self proclaimed geeks of a time when being geeky was not a good thing. George and Tina really show the world that they have feelings too.
I absolutely loved their story, especially narrated by the super funny Carly Roberts and the talented Bradley Ford.

[Sherri Lupton Hollister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and Anxty

A cute, unique romance I really enjoyed seeing the of them work through their personal difficulties to become partners & lovers.

[Anni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a great, quick read from a brilliant author, then look no further! I’ve actually read this one several times (beta, arc in Smartasses, and now arc before solo/independent release). I love it even more each time! This is an excellent addition to the Carolina Classics series, but not necessary to read it with the other books - works as a standalone. Karen Grey is awesome and everyone should pick up this novella, and pick up all of her works!

Two script writers for the new Lawson’s Reach series (takes place in ‘98, a “take” on Dawson’s Creek), from LA taking a trip to the Carolina’s where it’s shooting. A hurricane (and tornado) cause everyone having to evacuate, cause Tina and George to be forced into actually speaking, working together during the storm, getting to fully know each other, and realizing they actually like each other... George hides a personal quirk from Tina that people generally send him to therapy for, but she takes it in stride. Tina withdrew when George basically ignored her from the first minute, so it’s a big deal that they finally clear the air.

This novella takes place concurrently with book 1 in Grey’s Carolina Classics series, “You Get What You Give” (if you read the book you will understand the overlap, but in no way does either need to be read to understand the other).

Love it just as much with a second and third full read through! My second re-read was with a re-read of You Get What You Give. Third was on its own. And then a forth when it came out on audio in February (ALC), which was the best re-through of all! Amazing narrators - one of my very favourite gals around, Carly Robbins, was absolutely brilliant as Tina, and new-to-me Bradley Ford did an awesome job as George. Fantastic! This novella is great, but best on audio!


I received an advance review and listen copy of this book from Karen Grey, and Home Cooked Books Promotions, and this is my honest feedback.

[bella rhys (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little novella within the ‘Carolina Classics’ series!

(February 21st 2023, Audio Re-Read/Review)
For my re-read, I listened to it on audio which was narrated by Bradley Ford & Carly Robins. I enjoyed the narration. Both narrators did amazingly in bringing the story and characters to life, and the narration production was very high! I highly recommend it!

(December 27th 2022 Read)
When Tina lands her first-ever writing job on a new TV show, she’s initially excited until she finds out she will be sharing a tiny closet-like office with her grumpy co-writer colleague. When they must take a work trip together, things begin to heat up!

I loved Tina and George together. They worked so well and complimented each other very well with Tina’s extroverted and social personality in comparison to George’s more quiet nature. They were opposites in a lot of ways, but that was what made their dynamic so fun and worked well!

As always, I loved Grey’s writing. Even though this is a short novella (and I really wished Tina and George had gotten a longer story), the book overall flowed very well, and the pacing was solid!

This had fun, hilarious moments and is a great addition to the series! It’s also a great little novella for fans of workplace romance, as well as forced proximity!

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What Happens In Carolina” is a perfect novella to follow the very first book in Karen Grey's new series. We get to see a little bit more of the insight on how the TV show works with some romance between two of the writers.

George and Tina are both new writers for the show and are sharing an office together. They are complete opposites of each other and need to navigate their new job. George and Tina fly to Carolina to work on the show and when a hurricane comes to town, they find themselves spending more time together.

This was a great quick novella to add on to the Carolina Classics series so we can have more from this amazing world that Karen Grey has created. I loved their banter, chemistry, and how they grew into being more with each other. The close proximity with all the 90s rom-com nostalgia was perfect.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this short addition to the author's Carolina Classics series, a side-story to the first book that fleshes out the two series writers who have to share a hotel room during a hurricane. That's not the only forced proximity that George and Tina have to endure: ostensibly complete opposites, the way their interactions develop through their work and then personally is beautifully done. Add in some entirely believable side characters, a television show that won't sound familiar to anyone who remembers the late Nineties at all (honest), many notstalgic cultural references that fit naturally rather than feeling forced, and the aforementioned hurricane, and this is a swift and entertaining read.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens in Carolina is a Carolina Classics novella and is the 1990’s throwback, forced proximity, one-bed, colleagues to lovers rom come story of George and Tina.
George Bronson and Tina Fiorentino are the new script writing duo for the new fictional TV series Lawson’s Reach.
Tina and Geroge are sent on a work trip to Wallington, NC where the hot new show they are writing for is filmed only to find themselves stuck together in a hurricane. As the atmosphere outside whips up into a destructive tropical cyclone there is an atmospheric pull between George and Tina as they ride at Beverly. However, George is apprehensive to take things further with Tina as he has a rather unique and quirky trait, his brain visually interprets emotions into cartoon images. But to George’s surprise Tina completely understands and is accepting of his unusual talent because she has just as an imaginative brain as he does. And when they are stuck in a hotel room with one bed and one condom things heat up between these two unique, neurodiverse script writers.
The amazingly talented Carly Robins and new to me narrator Bradley Ford bring Tina and George to life in the most perfect way possible. Carly’s performance as the geeky script writer was absolute perfection. Carly has such a beautiful tone to her voice and her ability to switch from nerdy work mode Tina, to frightened Tina, to horny as hell wanting to climb George like a tree Tina was simply magnificent. Bradley’s portrayal of super quirky, unique script writer George is superb. I loved how Bradley could switch it up from awkward geek to his cool internal dialogue to protector so effortlessly.
Karen can do no wrong in my eyes. Her writing style and dazzling storytelling ability is amazing! This forced proximity, sharing one bed, colleagues to lover’s novella is the perfect amount of sweet and spice and gives us a sneak peak at the other people who will be featured in this series. If this sounds like it’s a bit of you then be sure to grab a copy as well as the rest of the series.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Happens in Carolina is a novella length work place romance of a sort. Tina and George are literally thrown together as office mates on their very first day as writers on Lawson’s Reach. Since their office is the size of shoebox, they are working in extremely tight quarters, and the attraction between both is pretty obvious from the beginning.

Since it was a novella length story, it moves pretty fast, but Ms. Grey gave her readers a fully developed story. Tina and George are definitely on the opposites attract scale, and because of the shorter story length, I hope to see them both together in the rest of the Carolina Classics series.

I listened to this story and have to say the casting of Carly Robins and Bradly Ford were absolutely perfect. I felt like both narrators brought the story to life and kept me so engaged, I didn’t want the story to end. Ms. Grey does a great job finding just the right narrators for each and every one of her stories, and What Happens in Carolina was another winner.

Rating: 4 Stars (B+)
Review copy provided by publisher

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I laughed so many times because of things that were said in this book. Because I remember saying them and sometimes I still say some of those words.

You have Tina and George who are both new television writers. They are two totally different people. But, even though they are different they realize they work well together. They end up having to go to the set on the East Coast. While there Tine and George get a lot closer than they thought they ever would. They experience a lot for only being there a short time!

The narrators did an amazing job! This was my fist experience listening to Bradley Ford and Carly Robins. Their voices were spot on with emotion or the characters quirkiness. I would definitely listen to another audiobook with either of these two narrating it.

(This a review for an Audiobook Arc, and this is my honest opinion. Thank you for the ARC)

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had previously read the What Happens in Carolina novella, but it was so much more fun as an audiobook. Carly Robins and new-to-me Bradley Ford did an awesome job with the narration and made this a fun, quick listen. In written form, I prefer full length stories to novellas, but in audio, the novella length was okay. I would recommend listening to the audiobook.

The characters are fun, and many of the characters get full-length stand alone stories in the other books in the Carolina Classic series. I liked all the late 90s pop culture references and the guy/girl next door characters (no billionaires, sports stars, etc.).

I own the ebook, but I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

[Kitty Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALC Review: What Happens In Carolina, by Karen Grey. Narrated by: Bradley Ford & Carly Robins. I did receive this ALC from Home Cooked Books and am volunteering my review. All opinions are mine.

This was so damn cute!! A quick two hours listen, this book was quirky, gave a shout out to certain 90s pop culture. The reference to the show the two main characters are writing had me laughing because it’s a show I grew up watching.

Bradly & Carly’s performance was excellent, offering comical and whimsical elements to the story.

I highly recommend, especially if you need something happy and playful.

[Annie Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cute side story outside of the main crew! Tina and George are adorably awkward and after constantly being thrown together again and again, a natural disaster is what makes them finally crack. Even after all that, these two are still awkward and somehow know how to write characters that can communicate but can't seem to do it themselves. This was a fun novella for sure! Not necessary for understanding the series as a whole but still very cute!
And you cant go wrong with Carly Robins and Bradley Ford, they are both incredible performers so when I saw them on the title that was an automatic yes!

[Felicia Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Happens in Carolina is a sweet little novella (part of the Carolina Classics Series). I love that the main love story didn’t include any of the main friend group but they were still sprinkled throughout. This was a quick, fun and sexy read and I enjoyed it (with all the cartoon heart eyes). I listened to the audiobook and all the narrators did a great job. I love all the accents (especially the southern ones). 😍

I would like to thank Dreamscape Select and NetGalley for giving me an ARC (which did not sway my opinions or review).

[XenyMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For one long moment, I'm Pepé Le Pew and she's the black and white cat”

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧

This was such a fun quick listen with a really good narration.

I loved the way that the MCs had their own quirks that complemented each other and fit in seamlessly.

It was fun getting to know a little more about these side characters that make appearances in other books in the series.

Quote: “Only one bed, only one hotel room, only one condom. The universe might be giving us a message.”

[SmexyReadingMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The MMC and the FMC were made for each other. This sweet novella is a fun quick read in the Carolina Classics series, giving George and Tina their moment to shine. Even with the shorter length, Grey makes the romance appealing—George’s quirks stand out, Tina balances him well, and together they’re charming. A light, heartwarming listen for fans of the series.

Carly Robins and Bradley Ford are very well cast.  Overall, a quick and sweet audio that’s worth a listen.

Thank you Home Cooked Books and Karen Grey for not only providing this ALC for review..

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute story of a couple who thought they were very different and have nothing in common. I liked their thoughts on each other before they get to know each other. The characters are a bit fun and I enjoyed watching them interact.

I did listen to this on audio. Bradley Ford and Carly Robins did the narration and they are both new to me. Each one did a wonderful job. They are pleasant and easy to listen to.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This Story Should’ve Stayed In Carolina

Not even the 90’s references could save this book. The writing was as awkward as the main character Tina. It rambles and is quite confusing at times. For example: “Lust zinging from my toes to my nose blows every one of my circuits.” What?! A novella is supposed to whet my appetite and make me want to read more. In that sense, this story failed.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is a fun, entertaining read. George and Tina are interesting, relatable, intriguing, entertaining, fun characters. I enjoyed their romance and the connection to the Carolina Classics series. I wish we had gotten more of them, but enjoyed what was in this novella. Hopefully we’ll get to see them make cameos in the other books in the series.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators.

[Linda English · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a quirky read. At last something from an author who looks at life differently. Will not tell you the story, as that would spoil the surprise. Indy authors, take note, and don't be afraid to write what you feel.
More of the same please.

[Jodi Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What and amazing story I had no idea you pack that much into a short novel.I have always loved Carly Robin's ❤️ how ever this was the first time listen to Bradley Ford he was amazing and perfect for the geeky awkward George Well done 😃..

[Lisa Mandina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the Smartasses anthology!

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

So bad. There was nothing about this book I enjoyed except the fact it was only 70 pages.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A super quick, fun read.
I loved how George sees in cartoons. I've never read a character like that before.