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Boston Classics #1, 1.5, 2
Boston Classics Box Set, Volume One
What I'm Looking For
While financial analyst Kate may be a numbers whiz, computing social situations like happy hour with her colleagues is an entirely different story. But an unexpected exchange with Shakespeare-loving bartender Will is about to turn her life upside down…
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
Take a trip back in time to the 1980s with this exclusive prequel to Forget About Me, where the setting may be retro, but falling in and out of love hasn’t changed.
Forget About Me
Internationally famous underwear model Ben has never forgotten his first love Lucy, his best friend’s younger sister. Back in Boston, the dog he finds on his front porch gives him a second chance with Lucy, but it looks like he might also steal the show…
While financial analyst Kate may be a numbers whiz, computing social situations like happy hour with her colleagues is an entirely different story. But an unexpected exchange with Shakespeare-loving bartender Will is about to turn her life upside down…
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
Take a trip back in time to the 1980s with this exclusive prequel to Forget About Me, where the setting may be retro, but falling in and out of love hasn’t changed.
Forget About Me
Internationally famous underwear model Ben has never forgotten his first love Lucy, his best friend’s younger sister. Back in Boston, the dog he finds on his front porch gives him a second chance with Lucy, but it looks like he might also steal the show…
Audible Audio
Published May 4, 2023
151 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Karen Grey
22 books617 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 34 reviews
April 30, 2023
**What I'm looking for
(audiobook) What a delicious romcom! I felt like I went back in time–what we call a ‘madeleine de Proust’ in French. I was just a kid at the end of the 80s, but I grew up without a cell phone or the internet, so I still related.
All the references helped with the immersion. I suppose it would be extremely foreign to young people nowadays, so be prepared if you were born after 1990–yep, consider yourself still young, no need to thank me.
Both characters had definite goals that fleshed them out and explained all the choices they made in the book. They were surrounded by interesting secondary characters, and the dynamics between all of them, and the often witty dialogues, made for a very entertaining story.
Though there wasn’t a lot of steam, the chemistry between Kate and Will was enough to make it sexy. And what is sexier than Shakespeare quotes? The answer is nothing. I really enjoyed this very special relationship in a time when connecting with people wasn’t as easy as it is now.
**Signed, sealed & delivered
(audiobook) This prequel is interesting because it could definitely be read before or after Forget about me with equal pleasure. Read before, and it builds anticipation regarding how Lucy and Ben will reunite. Read after, and you get a bonus story about the characters you have fallen in love with. Win-win.
Pivotal moments in Ben and Lucy’s relationship, going backward from their first time in bed to their first meeting, are interspaced with Ben’s letters to Lucy, where he’s trying to convey his feelings, now that she’s gone to college. There’s nothing really new about their relationship, except we see things not tainted by regrets and remorses, how there’s always been something between them.
Despite the story’s shortness, the author offers a message about body positivity and body shaming, how people don’t always see themselves as they are but more as other people see them. She also has something to say about casual bullying and how simple kindness can mean everything to its victims. Nothing deep nor sanctimonious, just common sense, to show how Lucy and Ben came to be such close friends.
The narrators are different from those of Forget about me, but the author already worked with the new narrators on a short novella, and they did pretty well. That’s why it is nice to hear them again. The energy is right for the characters, and it’s a few hours you won’t regret spending with them.
**Forget about me
(audiobook) That was fun. And sad. And beautiful. And smart. A real rollercoaster! I loved every second of it.
The narration was on point. Emma Wilder’s quavers bring the characters’ emotions to life. You can’t help but feel with them. Oh so many feels! The sound of a rewound tape that announces flashbacks was a stroke of genius, as it serves its purpose while giving an 80’s touch to the narration.
The whole story revolves around Puck, the stray dog found by Ben. He gives a new meaning to Ben’s life, changes Lucy’s career, and brings his talent on stage. And without him, Ben and Lucy wouldn’t have found each other again. Another great idea.
I found this book a bit sadder than the previous one in the series. I didn’t mind, because I enjoy all the feels. But grief, and how it affects people, is a big element in the story. The way they all deal with it felt pretty realistic and made a lot of sense.
I think this author brings fresh air to romance novels, and I can’t wait for her next book.
Quickie
Series: Boston classics #1-1.5-2
Hashtags: #romcom #80’s #nostalgia
Hotness: 3/5
Romance: 4/5
(audiobook) What a delicious romcom! I felt like I went back in time–what we call a ‘madeleine de Proust’ in French. I was just a kid at the end of the 80s, but I grew up without a cell phone or the internet, so I still related.
All the references helped with the immersion. I suppose it would be extremely foreign to young people nowadays, so be prepared if you were born after 1990–yep, consider yourself still young, no need to thank me.
Both characters had definite goals that fleshed them out and explained all the choices they made in the book. They were surrounded by interesting secondary characters, and the dynamics between all of them, and the often witty dialogues, made for a very entertaining story.
Though there wasn’t a lot of steam, the chemistry between Kate and Will was enough to make it sexy. And what is sexier than Shakespeare quotes? The answer is nothing. I really enjoyed this very special relationship in a time when connecting with people wasn’t as easy as it is now.
**Signed, sealed & delivered
(audiobook) This prequel is interesting because it could definitely be read before or after Forget about me with equal pleasure. Read before, and it builds anticipation regarding how Lucy and Ben will reunite. Read after, and you get a bonus story about the characters you have fallen in love with. Win-win.
Pivotal moments in Ben and Lucy’s relationship, going backward from their first time in bed to their first meeting, are interspaced with Ben’s letters to Lucy, where he’s trying to convey his feelings, now that she’s gone to college. There’s nothing really new about their relationship, except we see things not tainted by regrets and remorses, how there’s always been something between them.
Despite the story’s shortness, the author offers a message about body positivity and body shaming, how people don’t always see themselves as they are but more as other people see them. She also has something to say about casual bullying and how simple kindness can mean everything to its victims. Nothing deep nor sanctimonious, just common sense, to show how Lucy and Ben came to be such close friends.
The narrators are different from those of Forget about me, but the author already worked with the new narrators on a short novella, and they did pretty well. That’s why it is nice to hear them again. The energy is right for the characters, and it’s a few hours you won’t regret spending with them.
**Forget about me
(audiobook) That was fun. And sad. And beautiful. And smart. A real rollercoaster! I loved every second of it.
The narration was on point. Emma Wilder’s quavers bring the characters’ emotions to life. You can’t help but feel with them. Oh so many feels! The sound of a rewound tape that announces flashbacks was a stroke of genius, as it serves its purpose while giving an 80’s touch to the narration.
The whole story revolves around Puck, the stray dog found by Ben. He gives a new meaning to Ben’s life, changes Lucy’s career, and brings his talent on stage. And without him, Ben and Lucy wouldn’t have found each other again. Another great idea.
I found this book a bit sadder than the previous one in the series. I didn’t mind, because I enjoy all the feels. But grief, and how it affects people, is a big element in the story. The way they all deal with it felt pretty realistic and made a lot of sense.
I think this author brings fresh air to romance novels, and I can’t wait for her next book.
Quickie
Series: Boston classics #1-1.5-2
Hashtags: #romcom #80’s #nostalgia
Hotness: 3/5
Romance: 4/5
May 4, 2023
Amazing Boxset! Amazing Characters!
What I’m Looking For (Boston Classics, #1)
Amazing! Loved it!
The series is set in the 80s and is about our main characters Will and Kate. Kate works in Finance, and is trying to navigate the world and office during that time period, as well as, rise up the ranks in her job. Will is a starving theatre actor who has his own views and insecurities regarding money.
The characters were great! I especially enjoyed Will’s Shakespeare references (no pun intend - the H’s name really is Will lol). Kate was so likeable, and we got to see how she tried to balance being a successful woman in the work place (in that time period); having to be tough to handle those situations, with been able to relax in her own personal life. There so much more to say about our H & h, but this review would to far too long, so I’ll just stop there.
I also enjoyed the side characters, namely Alice and “Hot Steve”. And, a little birdie (aka, the synopsis for the Novella within this series) has informed me that they got their own book. So, I definitely cannot wait to read that book!
In conclusion, the book is well written, the pacing, great, and again, all the characters were amazing!
——————
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered (Boston Classics, #1.5)
Great Prequel Novella for Book 2!
This was definitely great short introduction into the characters of book 2 (Forget About Me). It mainly focuses on the history of Ben and Lucy. These 2 characters have known each other since childhood and this prequel shows some of the important moments that developed their underlying feelings towards each other.
Finally, although this is a prequel for Forget About Me, it can be read before or after the book. In fact, I first read it after already reading Forget About Me. It made for a fabulous addition and bonus story to accompany Forget About Me. If read before, I can imagine it creating and building anticipation for it. Each way works great.
—————
Forget About Me (Boston Classics, #2)
Loved this book!
I really enjoyed this series and I’m so sad my journey with it has come to an end…sobs :(… Although, there’s a new book within the series coming out next month (I cannot wait to read it!)
Forget about me is part of the Boston Classics series set in the late 80s. It follows our hero & heroine, Ben Porter and Lucy Minola. Ben is a CK underwear model and former theatre actor, whom makes a return to the theatre, after he moves back to his childhood home due to a family tragedy. Lucy works in a vet hospital and unofficially trains animals, specially dogs.
Ben and Lucy are childhood best friends turned lovers. However, they had an awkward breakup and some complications due to Ben also being best friends with Lucy’s older brother, and haven’t seen/spoke to each other for 7 years.
They reconnect when Ben unofficially adopts a stray dog who needs training by Lucy.
This book gave me everything I needed. It had sweet moments, sad moments, fun and happy moments.. just everything. I truly didn’t want it to end!
Additionally, I read/listened to the audio version of this book. No only was the narration excellent, I also loved the sound effects of the flashbacks.
All in all, I had a great time with this book. Truly enjoyed it!
Please note, this book is part of a series, but, can be read as a standalone, and, in any order (I read this book last).
What I’m Looking For (Boston Classics, #1)
Amazing! Loved it!
The series is set in the 80s and is about our main characters Will and Kate. Kate works in Finance, and is trying to navigate the world and office during that time period, as well as, rise up the ranks in her job. Will is a starving theatre actor who has his own views and insecurities regarding money.
The characters were great! I especially enjoyed Will’s Shakespeare references (no pun intend - the H’s name really is Will lol). Kate was so likeable, and we got to see how she tried to balance being a successful woman in the work place (in that time period); having to be tough to handle those situations, with been able to relax in her own personal life. There so much more to say about our H & h, but this review would to far too long, so I’ll just stop there.
I also enjoyed the side characters, namely Alice and “Hot Steve”. And, a little birdie (aka, the synopsis for the Novella within this series) has informed me that they got their own book. So, I definitely cannot wait to read that book!
In conclusion, the book is well written, the pacing, great, and again, all the characters were amazing!
——————
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered (Boston Classics, #1.5)
Great Prequel Novella for Book 2!
This was definitely great short introduction into the characters of book 2 (Forget About Me). It mainly focuses on the history of Ben and Lucy. These 2 characters have known each other since childhood and this prequel shows some of the important moments that developed their underlying feelings towards each other.
Finally, although this is a prequel for Forget About Me, it can be read before or after the book. In fact, I first read it after already reading Forget About Me. It made for a fabulous addition and bonus story to accompany Forget About Me. If read before, I can imagine it creating and building anticipation for it. Each way works great.
—————
Forget About Me (Boston Classics, #2)
Loved this book!
I really enjoyed this series and I’m so sad my journey with it has come to an end…sobs :(… Although, there’s a new book within the series coming out next month (I cannot wait to read it!)
Forget about me is part of the Boston Classics series set in the late 80s. It follows our hero & heroine, Ben Porter and Lucy Minola. Ben is a CK underwear model and former theatre actor, whom makes a return to the theatre, after he moves back to his childhood home due to a family tragedy. Lucy works in a vet hospital and unofficially trains animals, specially dogs.
Ben and Lucy are childhood best friends turned lovers. However, they had an awkward breakup and some complications due to Ben also being best friends with Lucy’s older brother, and haven’t seen/spoke to each other for 7 years.
They reconnect when Ben unofficially adopts a stray dog who needs training by Lucy.
This book gave me everything I needed. It had sweet moments, sad moments, fun and happy moments.. just everything. I truly didn’t want it to end!
Additionally, I read/listened to the audio version of this book. No only was the narration excellent, I also loved the sound effects of the flashbacks.
All in all, I had a great time with this book. Truly enjoyed it!
Please note, this book is part of a series, but, can be read as a standalone, and, in any order (I read this book last).
May 20, 2023
In What I’m Looking For we meet Kate and Will. These two were adorable. Their first few awkward interactions were endearing. And even though there wasn’t much steam, these two had great great chemistry. The character growth was well done, I love bed the pacing of it. Karen and Joe did a great job bringing these two to life.
The answering machine tone was a fun touch that added to the nostalgic 80’s feel.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
This was a fun prequel to Forget About Me. We meet Lucy & Ben and learn about their past. Listening to it before Forget About Me made me excited to listen to their second chance romance, and curious to see how they would reconcile.
Forget About Me
This one is probably my favorite. It was emotional and beautiful, but also really fun.. and sexy.
When Ben rescues Puck, he’s reunited with Lucy, who agrees to train Puck to perform with Ben in a play. So I guess we can definitely credit Puck for these two reuniting.
Grief and how people deal with it plays a prominent part in this story. I love the way Karen dealt with it in this story, the emotion felt real and true to to the story and the characters.
These books were a lot of fun! I definitely recommend checking them out if you’re looking for some fun romcoms that will bring the emotion, fun, and nostalgic 80’s feels.
The answering machine tone was a fun touch that added to the nostalgic 80’s feel.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered
This was a fun prequel to Forget About Me. We meet Lucy & Ben and learn about their past. Listening to it before Forget About Me made me excited to listen to their second chance romance, and curious to see how they would reconcile.
Forget About Me
This one is probably my favorite. It was emotional and beautiful, but also really fun.. and sexy.
When Ben rescues Puck, he’s reunited with Lucy, who agrees to train Puck to perform with Ben in a play. So I guess we can definitely credit Puck for these two reuniting.
Grief and how people deal with it plays a prominent part in this story. I love the way Karen dealt with it in this story, the emotion felt real and true to to the story and the characters.
These books were a lot of fun! I definitely recommend checking them out if you’re looking for some fun romcoms that will bring the emotion, fun, and nostalgic 80’s feels.
February 1, 2023
Charming, funny, and character driven. Loved going back to the 1980’s, in my option, one of the best decades!. Highly recommend this series.
August 12, 2023
Boston Classics Box Set 1 is a must-listen. Author Karen Grey’s books always make you laugh out loud, swoon ‘til you shiver and put on your thinking cap about what’s really happening just under the surface and the wonderful narrators take these stories to another level with their perfect pacing, perfect tone and perfect emotion. It’s the perfect introduction to the Boston Classics Series and the perfect trip down memory lane. Did I say perfect enough times? It’s true. Go back to the 80’s and re-live the big hair, shoulder pads and goofy catch phrases. Wonder how we got along without cell phones, social media, streaming and dating apps and had to make do with answering machines, mix tapes, and actually talking face-to-face. Chapters are introduced by something cleverly connected to the story.
Grey makes these stories original yet familiar, laugh-out-loud funny yet serious and thought-provoking, sweet and sexy. Perfect (there’s that word again) standalones but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning and get to know these wonderful characters one-by-one as they are introduced and connect to one another. I am sure you will grow to love them all much as I have and never want your blast from the past to end. I was sent this free box set and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. I recommend these books and everything this author writes without hesitation; all opinions are my own.
What I’m Looking For (Boston Classics, #1), Narrators: Karen White & Joe Arden
Kate Bishop and Will Talbot are the perfect match. Ha! Not even close. Kate is an uptight, math-loving numbers whiz. Will is an actor, and not one of those frivolous guys that does movies, television or commercials. Will is a serious guy when it comes to his craft – it’s Shakespeare, Shakespeare, and Shakespeare. So how do their paths even cross? He’s a part-time bartender and she works at a financial firm whose young, politically incorrect male employees like to go to bars. They tease her mercilessly, make wildly inappropriate remarks (it IS the 1980’s) or treat her like a little sister. She’s a genius at running the numbers and analyzing them, but in order to keep her job and advance at the firm she needs to present those numbers to clients, and that means getting over her paralyzing stage fright and hopefully finding one of the guys to go on the road with who won’t throw her under the bus. So off to the bar she goes with her co-workers, trying to kind of be one of the guys but not really, and that’s where Bartender Will comes in. He gives her the perfect drink/non-drink so she’ll fit in without actually drinking.
Pretty tame start, right? Why on earth would two so remarkably different people ever see each other again after this innocuous bartender-customer meeting? Well, somehow they do keep seeing each other, ending up in the same places, spending time together – and thinking about each other pretty much non-stop. Of course once they do start to spend more time together each is very, very, very, very (enough verys?) clear that they aren’t looking for a serious long-term relationship, they’ve been down that road before, their careers must come first, they don’t have time for anything more, blah blah blah. And although this klutzy financial wizard and Shakespeare-quoting actor/bartender have very different opinions and butt heads often, you can fairly see the sparks of attraction between them, and the tenderness, too.
What I’m Looking For (or maybe the title should be What I’m NOT Looking For, since Kate and Will are both so very clear about that) is a delightful story, unpredictable, at turns happy and sad. I was hooked from the very first word, which was cleverly an answering machine message. Remember those? The focus switches between Kate and Will and each chapter begins with that answering machine. The story transports you to the 1980’s. The clothes, hair, music, movies, dating scene, office culture. No cell phones or social media, no #metoo. Kate and Will are fabulous, as are Will’s female roommates who hover like big sisters, and Kate’s office road trip mate Hot Steve and her childhood best friend Love ‘em and Leave ‘em Alice. The story moves smoothly along, lots of surprises, lots of satisfying moments, and enough conflict and uncertainly to keep it interesting.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered (Boston Classics #1.5), Narrators: Carly Robins & Bradley Ford
Do you want to laugh out loud, swoon, take a trip down memory lane and just have an overall good time? If so Author Karen Grey’s Boston Classics are for you. Great standalones, and even better if you read in order because each one is better than the last and you’ll just keep adding to a cast of characters you love. Absolutely marvelous reads, and even better as audiobooks. These stories are meant to be read out loud: perfect narrators like Carly Robins and Bradley Ford bring the stories to life.
I am always delighted when we are lucky enough to get a prequel or an in-betweener like Signed, Sealed & Delivered – something that gives us a preview of what to expect next, provides some background, or is a little bridge between novels.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered sets the scene for whatever it is Ben and Lucy have. It is laugh-out-loud funny right from the first, and achingly sweet at the same time. When the story opens, Ben is twenty-one and home from school for the summer. Eighteen, Lucy has just graduated from high school and has a summer job at a vet’s office. Lucy has had a crush on Ben f-o-r-e-v-e-r and it doesn’t look like it’s about to cool down. Ben is Lucy’s brother Tony’s best friend and has always thought of Lucy as a little sister. Well, until that summer when he was 18 and she was 15 and the first words out of his mouth were something like, “Whoa, when did Lucy get so hot?” when she returned home from a vacation with her cousin. Tony made it clear those thoughts were NOT ALLOWED. Ben went off to school so not really a problem. But that was then and this is now – like now when Ben’s driving Lucy to work every day. That crush of Lucy’s hasn’t cooled off a degree, and Ben realizes with dismay and panic that he’s going to have to work really hard to maintain those Big Brotherly thoughts. He’s tongue-tied, clumsy, mesmerized and absolutely incapable of refusing when Lucy outlines her brilliant scheme – and gives him a little touch-feely demo. She doesn’t want to be “inexperienced” when she goes to college, she’s been reading and studying and who better to provide the hands-on tutorial and give her her diploma than Ben? She trusts him completely; he’s safe, handsome, hot – did I say really handsome and really hot – therefore, the perfect candidate. And they’ve got all summer! Possible bonus: he might just fall in love with her and rock her world. Well, it doesn’t look like the love has happened (yet) but worlds are sure rocking.
Grey, that clever as always author, takes us backwards in time to when Ben and Lucy met, when she was the 6-year-old Worm Saver. Grey also lets us intrude on Lucy’s innermost thoughts, doubts, longings, yearnings: I’m fat, my hair is frizzy and awful, why would Ben ever look at me. And Grey shows us a handful of almost-finished-but-never-sent letters from Ben to Lucy. Letters that show somebody’s world has been well and truly rocked.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered is short and sweet. And steamy. And scorching. And silly. And somber. And nearly perfect. Scenes and situations are an exquisite balance of humor, desire, life choices, and some truly witty comments and descriptions you do not want to miss.
Forget About Me (Boston Classics, #2), Narrators: Emma Wilder & Brian Pallino
They had their summer of fun and when he got back to college Ben realized he loved Lucy, but as he was coming home to declare that love he and best friend Lucy’s brother Tony got in an argument about it on the way to pick Lucy up and there was a car accident – an accident that cost Tony his life. Obviously Ben’s fault, right? So he can’t ever face Lucy again.
Lucy’s take on that is a little different. If she hadn’t acted like the spoiled, bratty little sister and insisted Tony pick her up there would never have been an accident, would there? Obviously Lucy’s fault, right? So she doesn’t deserve a life or love or anything. Caring for her family is her priority. Anything else is frivolous and not to be allowed. And Ben? She needed him, really needed him. Except he wasn’t there – no words, no explanations, no nothing. And after what she did, she doesn’t deserve him anyway. So she needs to keep that door to her heart closed. The past is the past. But that’s not how it works in rom coms (or in life), is it?
All of Karen Grey’s books are my favorites but Forget About Me might just be the favorite favorite. Even more than the funniness and the sexiness there is the sweetness and the rightness: these two have so much history, are like two pieces of a puzzle that are meant to click together but are so confused and in so much pain . . . it’s hard to imagine how they can get past it. They are both so good: good intentions, good hearts, good gracious, can’t they see what we do? But of course we have a birds’ eye view so we can see the misunderstandings, the misplaced guilt they both feel, the insecurities, the land mines, and the heartache that could be eased with a few simple words. Talk, people, talk. But Lucy and Ben don’t have that view; they are down in the middle of it, feeling that overwhelming yearning rise up again but afraid to take a step because it might be the final misstep.
Seeing Ben and Lucy together again after all those years is a comedy of errors. Ben didn’t quite realize his dream of becoming a famous actor. He’s famous alright, but as a model. Women all over the country – the world maybe – dream about him. In her self-imposed-near-nun-like existence, however, Lucy has no clue about that. He does make it into her dreams anyway, though. When she sees women going speechless at the sight of him she’s even more sure he’s just that guy from the past; even if she didn’t have the guilt that can’t be erased, why would he even look at her. Well, they have a chance meeting over an injured dog and look at her he does. They spend more and more time together – friends, friends, be glad to be getting our friendship back, just friends – each trying to get up the courage to confess to being the cause of that accident. And along with this very serious stream of feelings and regrets and events we are treated to laugh out loud mishaps and mistakes, witty dialogue, funny people, pet antics, behind the scenes glimpses into the Boston Shakespeare theater scene and an undercurrent of sizzle that threatens to burst into flame. All written and described satisfyingly, enjoyable, perfectly as only author Grey can do. There’s a lot going on in Forget About Me: emotions, career decisions, family, friends, lovable pets all expertly balanced and wrapped up. You’ll need tissues and a fan as you read or listen. Tissues because even though your head says this will work out sometimes your heart hurts for Ben and Lucy, and a fan because when Ben and Lucy do hook up – or even think about it – it’s as scorching hot as a menopausal hot flash.
Amazing story, amazing characters, amazing series – and a fun trip down memory lane back to those weird and wild 80’s. Can’t just send off a text; you have to call or write – or whoa, talk in person.
Grey makes these stories original yet familiar, laugh-out-loud funny yet serious and thought-provoking, sweet and sexy. Perfect (there’s that word again) standalones but do yourself a favor and start at the beginning and get to know these wonderful characters one-by-one as they are introduced and connect to one another. I am sure you will grow to love them all much as I have and never want your blast from the past to end. I was sent this free box set and am voluntarily leaving this honest review. I recommend these books and everything this author writes without hesitation; all opinions are my own.
What I’m Looking For (Boston Classics, #1), Narrators: Karen White & Joe Arden
Kate Bishop and Will Talbot are the perfect match. Ha! Not even close. Kate is an uptight, math-loving numbers whiz. Will is an actor, and not one of those frivolous guys that does movies, television or commercials. Will is a serious guy when it comes to his craft – it’s Shakespeare, Shakespeare, and Shakespeare. So how do their paths even cross? He’s a part-time bartender and she works at a financial firm whose young, politically incorrect male employees like to go to bars. They tease her mercilessly, make wildly inappropriate remarks (it IS the 1980’s) or treat her like a little sister. She’s a genius at running the numbers and analyzing them, but in order to keep her job and advance at the firm she needs to present those numbers to clients, and that means getting over her paralyzing stage fright and hopefully finding one of the guys to go on the road with who won’t throw her under the bus. So off to the bar she goes with her co-workers, trying to kind of be one of the guys but not really, and that’s where Bartender Will comes in. He gives her the perfect drink/non-drink so she’ll fit in without actually drinking.
Pretty tame start, right? Why on earth would two so remarkably different people ever see each other again after this innocuous bartender-customer meeting? Well, somehow they do keep seeing each other, ending up in the same places, spending time together – and thinking about each other pretty much non-stop. Of course once they do start to spend more time together each is very, very, very, very (enough verys?) clear that they aren’t looking for a serious long-term relationship, they’ve been down that road before, their careers must come first, they don’t have time for anything more, blah blah blah. And although this klutzy financial wizard and Shakespeare-quoting actor/bartender have very different opinions and butt heads often, you can fairly see the sparks of attraction between them, and the tenderness, too.
What I’m Looking For (or maybe the title should be What I’m NOT Looking For, since Kate and Will are both so very clear about that) is a delightful story, unpredictable, at turns happy and sad. I was hooked from the very first word, which was cleverly an answering machine message. Remember those? The focus switches between Kate and Will and each chapter begins with that answering machine. The story transports you to the 1980’s. The clothes, hair, music, movies, dating scene, office culture. No cell phones or social media, no #metoo. Kate and Will are fabulous, as are Will’s female roommates who hover like big sisters, and Kate’s office road trip mate Hot Steve and her childhood best friend Love ‘em and Leave ‘em Alice. The story moves smoothly along, lots of surprises, lots of satisfying moments, and enough conflict and uncertainly to keep it interesting.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered (Boston Classics #1.5), Narrators: Carly Robins & Bradley Ford
Do you want to laugh out loud, swoon, take a trip down memory lane and just have an overall good time? If so Author Karen Grey’s Boston Classics are for you. Great standalones, and even better if you read in order because each one is better than the last and you’ll just keep adding to a cast of characters you love. Absolutely marvelous reads, and even better as audiobooks. These stories are meant to be read out loud: perfect narrators like Carly Robins and Bradley Ford bring the stories to life.
I am always delighted when we are lucky enough to get a prequel or an in-betweener like Signed, Sealed & Delivered – something that gives us a preview of what to expect next, provides some background, or is a little bridge between novels.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered sets the scene for whatever it is Ben and Lucy have. It is laugh-out-loud funny right from the first, and achingly sweet at the same time. When the story opens, Ben is twenty-one and home from school for the summer. Eighteen, Lucy has just graduated from high school and has a summer job at a vet’s office. Lucy has had a crush on Ben f-o-r-e-v-e-r and it doesn’t look like it’s about to cool down. Ben is Lucy’s brother Tony’s best friend and has always thought of Lucy as a little sister. Well, until that summer when he was 18 and she was 15 and the first words out of his mouth were something like, “Whoa, when did Lucy get so hot?” when she returned home from a vacation with her cousin. Tony made it clear those thoughts were NOT ALLOWED. Ben went off to school so not really a problem. But that was then and this is now – like now when Ben’s driving Lucy to work every day. That crush of Lucy’s hasn’t cooled off a degree, and Ben realizes with dismay and panic that he’s going to have to work really hard to maintain those Big Brotherly thoughts. He’s tongue-tied, clumsy, mesmerized and absolutely incapable of refusing when Lucy outlines her brilliant scheme – and gives him a little touch-feely demo. She doesn’t want to be “inexperienced” when she goes to college, she’s been reading and studying and who better to provide the hands-on tutorial and give her her diploma than Ben? She trusts him completely; he’s safe, handsome, hot – did I say really handsome and really hot – therefore, the perfect candidate. And they’ve got all summer! Possible bonus: he might just fall in love with her and rock her world. Well, it doesn’t look like the love has happened (yet) but worlds are sure rocking.
Grey, that clever as always author, takes us backwards in time to when Ben and Lucy met, when she was the 6-year-old Worm Saver. Grey also lets us intrude on Lucy’s innermost thoughts, doubts, longings, yearnings: I’m fat, my hair is frizzy and awful, why would Ben ever look at me. And Grey shows us a handful of almost-finished-but-never-sent letters from Ben to Lucy. Letters that show somebody’s world has been well and truly rocked.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered is short and sweet. And steamy. And scorching. And silly. And somber. And nearly perfect. Scenes and situations are an exquisite balance of humor, desire, life choices, and some truly witty comments and descriptions you do not want to miss.
Forget About Me (Boston Classics, #2), Narrators: Emma Wilder & Brian Pallino
They had their summer of fun and when he got back to college Ben realized he loved Lucy, but as he was coming home to declare that love he and best friend Lucy’s brother Tony got in an argument about it on the way to pick Lucy up and there was a car accident – an accident that cost Tony his life. Obviously Ben’s fault, right? So he can’t ever face Lucy again.
Lucy’s take on that is a little different. If she hadn’t acted like the spoiled, bratty little sister and insisted Tony pick her up there would never have been an accident, would there? Obviously Lucy’s fault, right? So she doesn’t deserve a life or love or anything. Caring for her family is her priority. Anything else is frivolous and not to be allowed. And Ben? She needed him, really needed him. Except he wasn’t there – no words, no explanations, no nothing. And after what she did, she doesn’t deserve him anyway. So she needs to keep that door to her heart closed. The past is the past. But that’s not how it works in rom coms (or in life), is it?
All of Karen Grey’s books are my favorites but Forget About Me might just be the favorite favorite. Even more than the funniness and the sexiness there is the sweetness and the rightness: these two have so much history, are like two pieces of a puzzle that are meant to click together but are so confused and in so much pain . . . it’s hard to imagine how they can get past it. They are both so good: good intentions, good hearts, good gracious, can’t they see what we do? But of course we have a birds’ eye view so we can see the misunderstandings, the misplaced guilt they both feel, the insecurities, the land mines, and the heartache that could be eased with a few simple words. Talk, people, talk. But Lucy and Ben don’t have that view; they are down in the middle of it, feeling that overwhelming yearning rise up again but afraid to take a step because it might be the final misstep.
Seeing Ben and Lucy together again after all those years is a comedy of errors. Ben didn’t quite realize his dream of becoming a famous actor. He’s famous alright, but as a model. Women all over the country – the world maybe – dream about him. In her self-imposed-near-nun-like existence, however, Lucy has no clue about that. He does make it into her dreams anyway, though. When she sees women going speechless at the sight of him she’s even more sure he’s just that guy from the past; even if she didn’t have the guilt that can’t be erased, why would he even look at her. Well, they have a chance meeting over an injured dog and look at her he does. They spend more and more time together – friends, friends, be glad to be getting our friendship back, just friends – each trying to get up the courage to confess to being the cause of that accident. And along with this very serious stream of feelings and regrets and events we are treated to laugh out loud mishaps and mistakes, witty dialogue, funny people, pet antics, behind the scenes glimpses into the Boston Shakespeare theater scene and an undercurrent of sizzle that threatens to burst into flame. All written and described satisfyingly, enjoyable, perfectly as only author Grey can do. There’s a lot going on in Forget About Me: emotions, career decisions, family, friends, lovable pets all expertly balanced and wrapped up. You’ll need tissues and a fan as you read or listen. Tissues because even though your head says this will work out sometimes your heart hurts for Ben and Lucy, and a fan because when Ben and Lucy do hook up – or even think about it – it’s as scorching hot as a menopausal hot flash.
Amazing story, amazing characters, amazing series – and a fun trip down memory lane back to those weird and wild 80’s. Can’t just send off a text; you have to call or write – or whoa, talk in person.
February 3, 2023
What I’m Looking For (Book 1): 4.5 ⭐️s… definitely the romance you’re looking for…
The first book in Grey’s Boston Classics series sets up the time and place masterfully. She creates a world and characters you just can’t help but want to know more.
Kate is adorably nerdy and her struggle with the rat race has very Working Girl/Baby Boom, etc. vibes - appropriate considering the ‘’80s setting. She’s great at what she does and is unapologetic about it. Her journey towards a more fulfilling career that better aligns with her values was something I think many aspire to. She was also a fully rounded character and her emotional journey was as satisfying to follow as her professional one. She and Will were well matched; the reasons they shouldn’t fit were far less important than the ways that they did, and how they each come to that realization was compelling. Will’s development was equally satisfying, plus he is also just a fun character. I loved his dynamic, not just with Kate, but also with his his fellow actors; his Shakespeare quote duals with Jessica were especially fun. Grey lays some ground work for a lot of great characters here, without detracting from the central relationship.
If there is any downside here, it is perhaps that the conflict came up a bit fast. This was a couple that was so up-front about the importance of their work and their expectations in the relationship that the fight seemed a bit forced. It would have felt more earned if there had been at least one other instance of thwarted expectation. Still, this is a minor quibble and does not take away from all the wonderful things about this story.
I also listed to the audio. Karen White’s Kate performance is pitch perfect; I just love the way she plays the character. She hits the every note from humor to heart. And Joe Arden as Will was his usual amazing self. Just excellent casting all around, making this an excellent listen as well as read.
Forget About Me (Book 2) - 4.5 ⭐️s
Signed Sealed Delivered (Book 1.5 - FAM prequel novella) 3 ⭐️s
This novel was a beautiful exploration of grief. There was so much I loved about the way Grey portrayed both Lucy and Ben’s character development through their grieving for Tony. It’s such a complex emotion, and learning that you’re allowed to be happy can be a real struggle, which Grey never flinches from showing. There were also those moments that show that life does go on and that you can laugh and have joy; not just can, but should and how she shows Lucy and Ben coming to that realization rang so true. I also loved that their growth and development was on an individual level; they had forge their own roadmaps before they could travel together. It was all just beautifully observed and some of the lines really spoke to me. I especially appreciated the perspective on anger being healthy (“A cleansing fire leaving room for growth…”) and Ben’s dad’s advice to “Live the life you’ve been granted, the one you wish you had.
The novel was not without its flaws and for me, those were mostly related to story structure. And since my thoughts on this also relate to the prequel novella, and I’m combing them because they are of a piece. Honestly, the novella was a rather unnecessary as much of what was there was included or hinted at in novel proper. I was frustrated by the structure of both, but especially the novella and wish it had just been chronological. In fact, the chapters of the novella and the flashback elements of the main novel should have been combined; then, rather than inserting flashbacks into the main storyline, those flashbacks and the novella could have been a “before” section in the novel and the main story line could have been an “after”. I know that story structure does not have to be linear to work, but in this instance - because of the overlap and so as not lose the moment of the main FAM storyline - a traditional linear structure would have been more effective.
I also listened to FAM and narrators Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder did a wonderful job. I am so sad that Pallino is no longer with us; I have loved every narration of his I have heard and his portrayal of Ben was another beautiful performance. If SSD gets an audio, he will be very much missed, but I cherish FAM and his other performances all the more (he’s particularly wonderful in Avery Flynn’s The Hartigans series). Wilder also does a great job as Lucy, striking a fine balance between the lighthearted moments and the heavier emotional beats.
***
I received a review copy of this boxed set via the author. All opinions are my own.
The first book in Grey’s Boston Classics series sets up the time and place masterfully. She creates a world and characters you just can’t help but want to know more.
Kate is adorably nerdy and her struggle with the rat race has very Working Girl/Baby Boom, etc. vibes - appropriate considering the ‘’80s setting. She’s great at what she does and is unapologetic about it. Her journey towards a more fulfilling career that better aligns with her values was something I think many aspire to. She was also a fully rounded character and her emotional journey was as satisfying to follow as her professional one. She and Will were well matched; the reasons they shouldn’t fit were far less important than the ways that they did, and how they each come to that realization was compelling. Will’s development was equally satisfying, plus he is also just a fun character. I loved his dynamic, not just with Kate, but also with his his fellow actors; his Shakespeare quote duals with Jessica were especially fun. Grey lays some ground work for a lot of great characters here, without detracting from the central relationship.
If there is any downside here, it is perhaps that the conflict came up a bit fast. This was a couple that was so up-front about the importance of their work and their expectations in the relationship that the fight seemed a bit forced. It would have felt more earned if there had been at least one other instance of thwarted expectation. Still, this is a minor quibble and does not take away from all the wonderful things about this story.
I also listed to the audio. Karen White’s Kate performance is pitch perfect; I just love the way she plays the character. She hits the every note from humor to heart. And Joe Arden as Will was his usual amazing self. Just excellent casting all around, making this an excellent listen as well as read.
Forget About Me (Book 2) - 4.5 ⭐️s
Signed Sealed Delivered (Book 1.5 - FAM prequel novella) 3 ⭐️s
This novel was a beautiful exploration of grief. There was so much I loved about the way Grey portrayed both Lucy and Ben’s character development through their grieving for Tony. It’s such a complex emotion, and learning that you’re allowed to be happy can be a real struggle, which Grey never flinches from showing. There were also those moments that show that life does go on and that you can laugh and have joy; not just can, but should and how she shows Lucy and Ben coming to that realization rang so true. I also loved that their growth and development was on an individual level; they had forge their own roadmaps before they could travel together. It was all just beautifully observed and some of the lines really spoke to me. I especially appreciated the perspective on anger being healthy (“A cleansing fire leaving room for growth…”) and Ben’s dad’s advice to “Live the life you’ve been granted, the one you wish you had.
The novel was not without its flaws and for me, those were mostly related to story structure. And since my thoughts on this also relate to the prequel novella, and I’m combing them because they are of a piece. Honestly, the novella was a rather unnecessary as much of what was there was included or hinted at in novel proper. I was frustrated by the structure of both, but especially the novella and wish it had just been chronological. In fact, the chapters of the novella and the flashback elements of the main novel should have been combined; then, rather than inserting flashbacks into the main storyline, those flashbacks and the novella could have been a “before” section in the novel and the main story line could have been an “after”. I know that story structure does not have to be linear to work, but in this instance - because of the overlap and so as not lose the moment of the main FAM storyline - a traditional linear structure would have been more effective.
I also listened to FAM and narrators Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder did a wonderful job. I am so sad that Pallino is no longer with us; I have loved every narration of his I have heard and his portrayal of Ben was another beautiful performance. If SSD gets an audio, he will be very much missed, but I cherish FAM and his other performances all the more (he’s particularly wonderful in Avery Flynn’s The Hartigans series). Wilder also does a great job as Lucy, striking a fine balance between the lighthearted moments and the heavier emotional beats.
***
I received a review copy of this boxed set via the author. All opinions are my own.
May 6, 2023
**Audiobook Review**
The Boston Classics is a great nostalgia series set in the 1980s that are such great stories and I loved listening to them. Each narrator was the perfect choice for their character. I love how progressive the stories are and focus on such important issues with a rom-com flair. The audio of this book brings all the 80’s references to life as we get to listen to answering machine messages and the familiar sound of a cassette winding up.
What I’m Looking For
What happens when a struggling actor/bartender and a finance guru meet in a bar… unexpected attraction forms between the two.
Kate Bishop is a finance geek who is working her way up through her company which is run by the good old boys club. One of her struggles in moving up is her shyness which when she’s trying to give out financial advice isn’t the easiest thing. Will Talbot is a bartender by most nights and a Shakespearean actor by day. Although it doesn’t completely pay the bills all the time, he loves what he does. The two are an unlikely pair on paper but are just right when they’re together.
I loved Kate from the beginning and was an instant favorite for me. Even as shy as she was, she was a career woman in a man’s world. I loved her passion for her career. She’s smart, sweet with a bit of quirkiness that is so endearing. Will is a treat and I loved how passionate he was about being a stage actor and wasn’t ashamed to love the words of Shakespeare. I loved how well developed they were and confident in their career choices. Each had a relatable insecurity which made me love them even more. The epilogue was so sweet and wrapped up their story wonderfully.
Joe Arden and Karen White were so great as Will and Kate. Karen did a great job of bringing sweetness and quirkiness to life. And I could listen to Joe’s passionate narration of any Shakespere all day.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
I loved this novella that is the prequel to the next book in the series. We get to go back in time to see how Lucy and Ben first get together as young adults. Their relationship is sweet and I loved how it developed. The details of their story are great and I can’t wait to start their full story next.
Carly Robins and Bradley Ford voice Lucy and Ben and they were a great choice for them. Carly is a favorite of mine and I loved how she brought the quirkiness and innocence of Lucy to life. Bradley is a new to me narrator who did a great job as Ben and I will be looking for more books narrated by him in the future.
Forget About Me
What a beautiful, emotional and sweet second chance romance. I was intrigued by Ben in “What I’m Looking For” and was so excited to read his story next.
Ben is back home in Boston and working with the Shakespeare company on their upcoming play. He had been living in LA and has been unhappy for a while now. Lucy had dreams of being a veterinarian but after losing her brother to a drunk driver, she left college. Now working as a vet tech, she runs into her first of everything from that one summer and her brother’s best friend. The two have some unfinished issues but also a strong connection that still runs deep even all these years later.
I loved Lucy and Ben so much and really enjoyed their story. The guilt that they both carried over her brother’s death is super relatable. So much was left unsaid and both struggled with making amends on some of the guilt they had carried for years. But even with that, this story is full of laughs and light. It’s a great rom-com that hits all of the emotions that make it a great story. The flashbacks from when Ben and Lucy were kids and then teens added so much to the story so we could fully see how they grew as friends and then into something more.
Emma Wilder and Brian Pallino were amazing as Lucy and Ben. Both brought so much passion and all the emotions as they brought Karen’s writing to life. Emma is always so wonderful at capturing the character she narrates. I can’t believe this was my first book with Brian in it and I’m going to go back through his catalog and listen to more by him. I just loved him so much as Ben.
The Boston Classics is a great nostalgia series set in the 1980s that are such great stories and I loved listening to them. Each narrator was the perfect choice for their character. I love how progressive the stories are and focus on such important issues with a rom-com flair. The audio of this book brings all the 80’s references to life as we get to listen to answering machine messages and the familiar sound of a cassette winding up.
What I’m Looking For
What happens when a struggling actor/bartender and a finance guru meet in a bar… unexpected attraction forms between the two.
Kate Bishop is a finance geek who is working her way up through her company which is run by the good old boys club. One of her struggles in moving up is her shyness which when she’s trying to give out financial advice isn’t the easiest thing. Will Talbot is a bartender by most nights and a Shakespearean actor by day. Although it doesn’t completely pay the bills all the time, he loves what he does. The two are an unlikely pair on paper but are just right when they’re together.
I loved Kate from the beginning and was an instant favorite for me. Even as shy as she was, she was a career woman in a man’s world. I loved her passion for her career. She’s smart, sweet with a bit of quirkiness that is so endearing. Will is a treat and I loved how passionate he was about being a stage actor and wasn’t ashamed to love the words of Shakespeare. I loved how well developed they were and confident in their career choices. Each had a relatable insecurity which made me love them even more. The epilogue was so sweet and wrapped up their story wonderfully.
Joe Arden and Karen White were so great as Will and Kate. Karen did a great job of bringing sweetness and quirkiness to life. And I could listen to Joe’s passionate narration of any Shakespere all day.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
I loved this novella that is the prequel to the next book in the series. We get to go back in time to see how Lucy and Ben first get together as young adults. Their relationship is sweet and I loved how it developed. The details of their story are great and I can’t wait to start their full story next.
Carly Robins and Bradley Ford voice Lucy and Ben and they were a great choice for them. Carly is a favorite of mine and I loved how she brought the quirkiness and innocence of Lucy to life. Bradley is a new to me narrator who did a great job as Ben and I will be looking for more books narrated by him in the future.
Forget About Me
What a beautiful, emotional and sweet second chance romance. I was intrigued by Ben in “What I’m Looking For” and was so excited to read his story next.
Ben is back home in Boston and working with the Shakespeare company on their upcoming play. He had been living in LA and has been unhappy for a while now. Lucy had dreams of being a veterinarian but after losing her brother to a drunk driver, she left college. Now working as a vet tech, she runs into her first of everything from that one summer and her brother’s best friend. The two have some unfinished issues but also a strong connection that still runs deep even all these years later.
I loved Lucy and Ben so much and really enjoyed their story. The guilt that they both carried over her brother’s death is super relatable. So much was left unsaid and both struggled with making amends on some of the guilt they had carried for years. But even with that, this story is full of laughs and light. It’s a great rom-com that hits all of the emotions that make it a great story. The flashbacks from when Ben and Lucy were kids and then teens added so much to the story so we could fully see how they grew as friends and then into something more.
Emma Wilder and Brian Pallino were amazing as Lucy and Ben. Both brought so much passion and all the emotions as they brought Karen’s writing to life. Emma is always so wonderful at capturing the character she narrates. I can’t believe this was my first book with Brian in it and I’m going to go back through his catalog and listen to more by him. I just loved him so much as Ben.
February 8, 2023
What I'm Looking For (Boston Classics 1)
What I'm Looking For is a great escapism read that brings readers back to the eights! The mention of pagers and archaic car phones brought back many beautiful memories of my teenage years.
This book has the feels of Romeo & Juliet with Kate and William in very different worlds - AND the twists were in Shakespearean plays that it was impossible NOT to compare. I enjoyed the book immensely - from the funny characters, cute plot, and romantic gestures in Shakespearean quotes!
I enjoyed the chemistry between Kate and William from the very beginning. It got me going with the chills upon seeing these characters grow as they went on their first date and later became intimate (close-door). It is how young love is supposed to be. Still, I felt both characters had a lot growing up to get to be together and have their careers "secured," so the misunderstanding moments were painful to read through. I was an emotional wreck when they started discovering the error of their ways. Good thing that letter writing was very "in," and they started communicating there.
I cannot wait to get started with the rest of the books in the series!
<><><>
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered (novella) by Karen Grey
This book is a prelude to Forget About Me (Book 2) on how Lucy and Ben met, their random interactions, and shared experiences that led them to the infamous summer of 1981. This book is an excellent short read yet detailed enough to show readers how many impressionable moments there were for Lucy and Ben that it was impossible to "forget about" any of them.
<><><>
Forget About Me (Boston Classics 2) by Karen Grey
I enjoyed reading Forget About Me even more than Book 1 in the series! There were so many good 80s quotes and references that I firmly believed the book was meant for me! I did most, if not all (my young story is different also from hers) of what Lucy did - from making mixtapes to updating my Filofax (which I still have and sometimes refer to up to this day!).
Firstly, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book cover. Of course, the whole book series is fantastic, and I remember having a few covers in them, but this book got me started with the series and the author! I remember seeing this cute and colorful cover as a newbie in the book community and immediately was drawn to it. I don't know if it's the color, the art, or even the poses of Lucy, Ben, and even Puck, BUT the whole book made me gravitate to it. It was only later that I am now able and privileged to read this book, and it still holds the same wonder and excitement as I remembered before.
Secondly, I enjoyed the author's technique of incorporating the mix tape songs at the beginning of the chapters. It sets the stage for the upcoming chapters and is an excellent trip down memory lane. I couldn't help but find some songs and play them in the background as I read through the chapters. It is a very well-thought-out list!
Thirdly, I like seeing growth in a series. It's not only insta-love and internal conflicts that hook a reader like myself to a story. I invest in a book because of the thought-provoking, heavy topics and issues. I love the book's portrayal of sometimes the ugly side of life - wroth with loss, tragedy, and abandonment. The traumatic event had an impactful and lasting rippling effect on so many people that it was debilitating for both MCs. I love the road to healing for any book and how Lucy and Ben pushed through their lives and inspired others because of their coincidental working relationship. It is one of my favorite outcomes in the story.
Forget About Me is a beautifully written story about young love, tragic loss, second chances, and healing for all. I enjoyed the love story of Ben and Lucy - the trials and victories through songs and Shakespeare! The book will entertain and captivate readers by bringing everyone back to the 80s!
What I'm Looking For is a great escapism read that brings readers back to the eights! The mention of pagers and archaic car phones brought back many beautiful memories of my teenage years.
This book has the feels of Romeo & Juliet with Kate and William in very different worlds - AND the twists were in Shakespearean plays that it was impossible NOT to compare. I enjoyed the book immensely - from the funny characters, cute plot, and romantic gestures in Shakespearean quotes!
I enjoyed the chemistry between Kate and William from the very beginning. It got me going with the chills upon seeing these characters grow as they went on their first date and later became intimate (close-door). It is how young love is supposed to be. Still, I felt both characters had a lot growing up to get to be together and have their careers "secured," so the misunderstanding moments were painful to read through. I was an emotional wreck when they started discovering the error of their ways. Good thing that letter writing was very "in," and they started communicating there.
I cannot wait to get started with the rest of the books in the series!
<><><>
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered (novella) by Karen Grey
This book is a prelude to Forget About Me (Book 2) on how Lucy and Ben met, their random interactions, and shared experiences that led them to the infamous summer of 1981. This book is an excellent short read yet detailed enough to show readers how many impressionable moments there were for Lucy and Ben that it was impossible to "forget about" any of them.
<><><>
Forget About Me (Boston Classics 2) by Karen Grey
I enjoyed reading Forget About Me even more than Book 1 in the series! There were so many good 80s quotes and references that I firmly believed the book was meant for me! I did most, if not all (my young story is different also from hers) of what Lucy did - from making mixtapes to updating my Filofax (which I still have and sometimes refer to up to this day!).
Firstly, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book cover. Of course, the whole book series is fantastic, and I remember having a few covers in them, but this book got me started with the series and the author! I remember seeing this cute and colorful cover as a newbie in the book community and immediately was drawn to it. I don't know if it's the color, the art, or even the poses of Lucy, Ben, and even Puck, BUT the whole book made me gravitate to it. It was only later that I am now able and privileged to read this book, and it still holds the same wonder and excitement as I remembered before.
Secondly, I enjoyed the author's technique of incorporating the mix tape songs at the beginning of the chapters. It sets the stage for the upcoming chapters and is an excellent trip down memory lane. I couldn't help but find some songs and play them in the background as I read through the chapters. It is a very well-thought-out list!
Thirdly, I like seeing growth in a series. It's not only insta-love and internal conflicts that hook a reader like myself to a story. I invest in a book because of the thought-provoking, heavy topics and issues. I love the book's portrayal of sometimes the ugly side of life - wroth with loss, tragedy, and abandonment. The traumatic event had an impactful and lasting rippling effect on so many people that it was debilitating for both MCs. I love the road to healing for any book and how Lucy and Ben pushed through their lives and inspired others because of their coincidental working relationship. It is one of my favorite outcomes in the story.
Forget About Me is a beautifully written story about young love, tragic loss, second chances, and healing for all. I enjoyed the love story of Ben and Lucy - the trials and victories through songs and Shakespeare! The book will entertain and captivate readers by bringing everyone back to the 80s!
January 25, 2023
I originally read (then listened) to the books individually. Snippets from those reviews:
What I'm Looking For
This was my first book by Karen Grey and I was hooked. A fabulous mix of endearing and realistic characters, humor, a little bit of guarded hearts, and if I’m being honest I did tear up at one point. Grey brings the reader completely into 1987 in a way that the time period almost becomes a secondary character while not overwhelming the cast or story in any way. I do admit to spending quite a bit of time Googling pics of JFK Jr. who is Will’s look-a-like. Or vice versa.
Will is an actor/bartender who is trying desperately not to sell out and ends up falling for Kate the finance analyst. On paper, or in a spreadsheet, these two don’t have much in common but we get to know them separately and together and this couple definitely adds up. What I especially love about this is that while there are several steamy scenes between Will & Kate, there is also a lot of talking, dating, and fun. I couldn’t help but be invested in their HEA. This is fairly low angst, yet compelling. A fine line that Grey artfully balances.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
This is a quick and adorable novella introducing us to Ben & Lucy, a glimpse into how they met, and Grey even manages to give us several sexy and hilarious scenes. I know, ahem, things happened in vans… but not quite like that!
Lovers of the Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend tropes will adore this.
Forget About Me
This incorporates one of my favorite tropes: Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend and the added bonus of an adorable dog. What I really enjoyed here is that while it’s a cohesive addition to the series – it’s definitely a unique story. Ben & Lucy were brought together in friendship as children by Lucy’s brother, Tony and then torn apart as young lovers by his death. Forget About Me has it’s fair share of grief and growing pains to go along with it’s hilarious RomCom status. Add in the constant stream of music referenced from Lucy’s obsession with mixtapes and this is a truly delightful story. (Have your Spotify or Amazon Music app ready!)
I’ll admit, I am not a fan of flashbacks – the story regularly takes the main characters on trips down memory lane, mostly to 7 years earlier – but Grey weaves them in so well that instead of disrupting the flow they reveal bits of information and emotion at the perfect times. While there are numerous sexy scenes for Ben & Lucy, I truly enjoy romance where I get to know the characters individually and together as a couple. I want to believe that these people belong together and I’m thrilled that’s exactly what I get. In some respects, we get their love story twice – young love as new adults at 21 & 18 and again at 28 & 25 with more life experience and self-awareness.
Note: While I received advanced copies of all of her books, I loved them so much I purchased all the audiobooks as they became available. These are my honest reviews.
What I'm Looking For
This was my first book by Karen Grey and I was hooked. A fabulous mix of endearing and realistic characters, humor, a little bit of guarded hearts, and if I’m being honest I did tear up at one point. Grey brings the reader completely into 1987 in a way that the time period almost becomes a secondary character while not overwhelming the cast or story in any way. I do admit to spending quite a bit of time Googling pics of JFK Jr. who is Will’s look-a-like. Or vice versa.
Will is an actor/bartender who is trying desperately not to sell out and ends up falling for Kate the finance analyst. On paper, or in a spreadsheet, these two don’t have much in common but we get to know them separately and together and this couple definitely adds up. What I especially love about this is that while there are several steamy scenes between Will & Kate, there is also a lot of talking, dating, and fun. I couldn’t help but be invested in their HEA. This is fairly low angst, yet compelling. A fine line that Grey artfully balances.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered
This is a quick and adorable novella introducing us to Ben & Lucy, a glimpse into how they met, and Grey even manages to give us several sexy and hilarious scenes. I know, ahem, things happened in vans… but not quite like that!
Lovers of the Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend tropes will adore this.
Forget About Me
This incorporates one of my favorite tropes: Best Friend’s Sister/Brother’s Best Friend and the added bonus of an adorable dog. What I really enjoyed here is that while it’s a cohesive addition to the series – it’s definitely a unique story. Ben & Lucy were brought together in friendship as children by Lucy’s brother, Tony and then torn apart as young lovers by his death. Forget About Me has it’s fair share of grief and growing pains to go along with it’s hilarious RomCom status. Add in the constant stream of music referenced from Lucy’s obsession with mixtapes and this is a truly delightful story. (Have your Spotify or Amazon Music app ready!)
I’ll admit, I am not a fan of flashbacks – the story regularly takes the main characters on trips down memory lane, mostly to 7 years earlier – but Grey weaves them in so well that instead of disrupting the flow they reveal bits of information and emotion at the perfect times. While there are numerous sexy scenes for Ben & Lucy, I truly enjoy romance where I get to know the characters individually and together as a couple. I want to believe that these people belong together and I’m thrilled that’s exactly what I get. In some respects, we get their love story twice – young love as new adults at 21 & 18 and again at 28 & 25 with more life experience and self-awareness.
Note: While I received advanced copies of all of her books, I loved them so much I purchased all the audiobooks as they became available. These are my honest reviews.
February 18, 2023
I adore everything written by Karen Grey, so to be able to pick up a box set of her first two novels including the novella "Signed, Sealed & Delivered" which is the prequel of Lucy & Ben's story? This was the best news!
These books take you take to the nostalgic 1980's, before cellphones were stuck to everybody's ears and eyes, the time of Saturday morning cartoons and great TV commercial jingles. I grew up in that time and love to read characters and stories set there!
This is an excellent series starter set and everyone truly needs it in their lives - run out and pick it up now! This is one of the only ways you can get your hands on "Signed, Sealed & Delivered," and it's important back-story info!
What I'm Looking For
This was a fantastic book! I read "Like It's 1999" twice before this one, so I was already familiar with many of the characters, their traits and a bit of the storyline from that one. It didn't spoil anything because I didn't know exactly how everything played out, just little bits that were mentioned in "Like It's 1999."
Will is a stage actor doing Shakespeare and there are a ton of Shakespeare quotes he does throughout, as well as a bartender - which is where he meets Kate when she is out with her work colleagues one night.
The dynamic between Will and Kate is pretty great, and I also truly love how Karen chose to write this series in the 1980's so there were a lot of mentions about old technology, like relying on landlines, beepers, the first car-phone, "wouldn't it be great if we could take our phones with us everywhere?" - that sort of idea!
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
A very quick novella, but has all of the critical, back-story information you need about Lucy and Ben, and how they were friends (sibling's best friend trope), how Lucy gets into dog/animal training, and how much they actually pine for each other. They have a quick little (secret) tryst. Love it!
Forget About Me
The story of Lucy and Ben 8 years later - after Signed, Sealed & Delivered (when they are adults and run into each other again). Ben has returned to Boston from LA, when his father has a health issue and needs help. Much has changed in the last 8 years, and they have had no contact since Lucy went off to college and Ben didn't send her any letters back... Lucy got the message that he didn't want to keep in touch after their summer.
While Ben is in town, he's acting in plays at the local Shakespeare Boston theatre (he's been modeling while in LA and it got really hot!). Lucy has been a very good girl ever since, but a dog (of all things) brings her and Ben back together - but will things be the same? She lost her big brother all those years ago to a drunk driver, and she's been trying to be a model daughter, so will being friends with Ben again fit into that new lifestyle? And Ben has a secret about Tony that might just change everything... And he feels that he has to share it with Lucy. Will she ever forgive him? Can she love him after he tells her?
Go pick it up now! Available everywhere!
I received an advance copy from the author and Home Cooked Books Promotions. This is my honest feedback and reviews.
These books take you take to the nostalgic 1980's, before cellphones were stuck to everybody's ears and eyes, the time of Saturday morning cartoons and great TV commercial jingles. I grew up in that time and love to read characters and stories set there!
This is an excellent series starter set and everyone truly needs it in their lives - run out and pick it up now! This is one of the only ways you can get your hands on "Signed, Sealed & Delivered," and it's important back-story info!
What I'm Looking For
This was a fantastic book! I read "Like It's 1999" twice before this one, so I was already familiar with many of the characters, their traits and a bit of the storyline from that one. It didn't spoil anything because I didn't know exactly how everything played out, just little bits that were mentioned in "Like It's 1999."
Will is a stage actor doing Shakespeare and there are a ton of Shakespeare quotes he does throughout, as well as a bartender - which is where he meets Kate when she is out with her work colleagues one night.
The dynamic between Will and Kate is pretty great, and I also truly love how Karen chose to write this series in the 1980's so there were a lot of mentions about old technology, like relying on landlines, beepers, the first car-phone, "wouldn't it be great if we could take our phones with us everywhere?" - that sort of idea!
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
A very quick novella, but has all of the critical, back-story information you need about Lucy and Ben, and how they were friends (sibling's best friend trope), how Lucy gets into dog/animal training, and how much they actually pine for each other. They have a quick little (secret) tryst. Love it!
Forget About Me
The story of Lucy and Ben 8 years later - after Signed, Sealed & Delivered (when they are adults and run into each other again). Ben has returned to Boston from LA, when his father has a health issue and needs help. Much has changed in the last 8 years, and they have had no contact since Lucy went off to college and Ben didn't send her any letters back... Lucy got the message that he didn't want to keep in touch after their summer.
While Ben is in town, he's acting in plays at the local Shakespeare Boston theatre (he's been modeling while in LA and it got really hot!). Lucy has been a very good girl ever since, but a dog (of all things) brings her and Ben back together - but will things be the same? She lost her big brother all those years ago to a drunk driver, and she's been trying to be a model daughter, so will being friends with Ben again fit into that new lifestyle? And Ben has a secret about Tony that might just change everything... And he feels that he has to share it with Lucy. Will she ever forgive him? Can she love him after he tells her?
Go pick it up now! Available everywhere!
I received an advance copy from the author and Home Cooked Books Promotions. This is my honest feedback and reviews.
February 3, 2023
~ What I'm Looking For (Boston Classics, #1)
This is first book in the Boston Classics series is a fun, and heartfelt romance. Will and Kate are complete opposites and do not make sense together. Will is a charismatic, struggling actor, while Kate is a practical, financial analyst who is more comfortable with numbers than with people. Their jobs are demanding, with opposite hours, so they don't have alot of time together. They also have heartbreaking pasts that make them protect their hearts, but they still can't stay away from each other. When they get too close, and they start to focus on why they shouldn't work, will they fight for the only one who really own their heart? This was such a quirky, fun, moving, and steamy romance. I loved the nostalgia of the 80's and especially the importance of the telephone answer machine. I also loved the Shakespeare quotes that Will would recite, confusing Kate but also making us both swoon. I loved Kate's growth from mousy to going after what she wanted and believed in. Will was so sweet, charming, and romantic. I loved how they enjoyed each others differences, and worked to understand them. I really enjoyed this fun, touching, sweet and steamy romance!
~ Signed, Sealed & Delivered (Boston Classics, novella)
This is the prequel to Ben and Lucy's story in Book #2. It gives us a glimpse into how they met as kids and grew to care for each other. I loved how it spanned many years showing the joy, angst, and awkward, clumsy encounters that made them fall hard for each other, even when life had other plans for them.
~ Forget About Me (Boston Classics 2)
I really enjoyed this delightful, and touching, second chance romcom. Ben Porter has been in love with his best friends little sister for years. They had a passionate secret affair before Lucy left for college. They thought it would be easy to be apart as they experienced life. Just when they couldn't endure the time apart any longer, tragedy strikes. The guilt they both suffered was too much and Ben moved across the country hoping it would be best for everyone, but it only broke their hearts more. Now years later, Ben is home to help his ailing father. He and Lucy meet again, opening old wounds, and revealing the deep love they tried to forget. Ben wants Lucy to know he is a better man and will do whatever it takes to win her back. This delightful romcom has wonderfully rich characters, a heartwarming, and heartbreaking story, great nostalgic music, witty banter, an adorable dog named Puck, and the sizzling chemistry that made for a captivating romance that stole my heart!
Emma Wilder, and Brian Pallino were so perfectly cast to narrate this fun and heartwarming romance. They completely captured these characters and made me feel all the hope, heartbreak, love, and passion they possessed. I was completely mesmerized by their storytelling making this romance even more captivating and delightful.
This is first book in the Boston Classics series is a fun, and heartfelt romance. Will and Kate are complete opposites and do not make sense together. Will is a charismatic, struggling actor, while Kate is a practical, financial analyst who is more comfortable with numbers than with people. Their jobs are demanding, with opposite hours, so they don't have alot of time together. They also have heartbreaking pasts that make them protect their hearts, but they still can't stay away from each other. When they get too close, and they start to focus on why they shouldn't work, will they fight for the only one who really own their heart? This was such a quirky, fun, moving, and steamy romance. I loved the nostalgia of the 80's and especially the importance of the telephone answer machine. I also loved the Shakespeare quotes that Will would recite, confusing Kate but also making us both swoon. I loved Kate's growth from mousy to going after what she wanted and believed in. Will was so sweet, charming, and romantic. I loved how they enjoyed each others differences, and worked to understand them. I really enjoyed this fun, touching, sweet and steamy romance!
~ Signed, Sealed & Delivered (Boston Classics, novella)
This is the prequel to Ben and Lucy's story in Book #2. It gives us a glimpse into how they met as kids and grew to care for each other. I loved how it spanned many years showing the joy, angst, and awkward, clumsy encounters that made them fall hard for each other, even when life had other plans for them.
~ Forget About Me (Boston Classics 2)
I really enjoyed this delightful, and touching, second chance romcom. Ben Porter has been in love with his best friends little sister for years. They had a passionate secret affair before Lucy left for college. They thought it would be easy to be apart as they experienced life. Just when they couldn't endure the time apart any longer, tragedy strikes. The guilt they both suffered was too much and Ben moved across the country hoping it would be best for everyone, but it only broke their hearts more. Now years later, Ben is home to help his ailing father. He and Lucy meet again, opening old wounds, and revealing the deep love they tried to forget. Ben wants Lucy to know he is a better man and will do whatever it takes to win her back. This delightful romcom has wonderfully rich characters, a heartwarming, and heartbreaking story, great nostalgic music, witty banter, an adorable dog named Puck, and the sizzling chemistry that made for a captivating romance that stole my heart!
Emma Wilder, and Brian Pallino were so perfectly cast to narrate this fun and heartwarming romance. They completely captured these characters and made me feel all the hope, heartbreak, love, and passion they possessed. I was completely mesmerized by their storytelling making this romance even more captivating and delightful.
May 8, 2023
🎭What I’m Looking For🎭
OMG, this book spoke to my soul!
📼When a Shakespeare actor meets a financial analyst in the eighties and answering machine messages caption chapters, it’s a recipe for romcom genius!
Performances by Joe Arden & Karen White were wonderful! Their chemistry is so organic and easy-going. Joe gives a fun, flirty, and delightfully nerdy performance to bring Will to life. I love when talented narrator/authors narrate their own work! There is a levity and tone of pride that shines through in the audio. Karen is a prime example!
💌Signed, Sealed, & Delivered 💌
I will never tire of reading Karen Grey’s stories over and over in any format available! Signed, Sealed, & Delivered is the prequel novella for Ben and Lucy’s second-chance romance, Forget About Me. This sweet origin story has heartwarming moments between new friends. The flashbacks lay the foundation for the relationships between Lucy, Ben, and Lucy’s brother, Tony perfectly. I adore the love letter interludes. Signed, Sealed, & Delivered is a perfect mix of sweet & spice with first love, a pining hero, and a relatable, real-bodied heroine.
Carly Robins and Bradley Ford gave wonderful performances bringing Lucy and Ben to life. Carly Robins is so naturally charismatic and vivacious that Lucy’s character seemed to just flow off the page. Bradley Ford’s characterization of Ben was genuine, charming, and swoony sweet. Carly and Bradley’s storytelling styles and pacing matched perfectly. And their kid voices were marvelous! I loved hearing this duo again!
🐾Forget About Me🐾
Again, Karen Grey’s attention to even the tiniest of details makes this unique romcom a delightful & flawless read. If you thought answering machine chapter breaks were fun, you’ll totally get a kick out of the cassette tape rewind flashback prompts. The Shakespeare, nostalgia, and incredibly well-developed/relatable characters combine beautifully in Forget About Me.
I was a huge fan of Brian Pallino’s work in Avery Flynn’s audiobooks. He was utterly charming as Ben in this sweet & funny second chance romance. Emma Wilder is always a joy to listen to and her performance as Lucy is fabulous. Emma’s portrayal of Lucy’s witty, quirky, and beguiling character is flawless. I loved every moment of this young love reacquainted, retro romance.
OMG, this book spoke to my soul!
📼When a Shakespeare actor meets a financial analyst in the eighties and answering machine messages caption chapters, it’s a recipe for romcom genius!
Performances by Joe Arden & Karen White were wonderful! Their chemistry is so organic and easy-going. Joe gives a fun, flirty, and delightfully nerdy performance to bring Will to life. I love when talented narrator/authors narrate their own work! There is a levity and tone of pride that shines through in the audio. Karen is a prime example!
💌Signed, Sealed, & Delivered 💌
I will never tire of reading Karen Grey’s stories over and over in any format available! Signed, Sealed, & Delivered is the prequel novella for Ben and Lucy’s second-chance romance, Forget About Me. This sweet origin story has heartwarming moments between new friends. The flashbacks lay the foundation for the relationships between Lucy, Ben, and Lucy’s brother, Tony perfectly. I adore the love letter interludes. Signed, Sealed, & Delivered is a perfect mix of sweet & spice with first love, a pining hero, and a relatable, real-bodied heroine.
Carly Robins and Bradley Ford gave wonderful performances bringing Lucy and Ben to life. Carly Robins is so naturally charismatic and vivacious that Lucy’s character seemed to just flow off the page. Bradley Ford’s characterization of Ben was genuine, charming, and swoony sweet. Carly and Bradley’s storytelling styles and pacing matched perfectly. And their kid voices were marvelous! I loved hearing this duo again!
🐾Forget About Me🐾
Again, Karen Grey’s attention to even the tiniest of details makes this unique romcom a delightful & flawless read. If you thought answering machine chapter breaks were fun, you’ll totally get a kick out of the cassette tape rewind flashback prompts. The Shakespeare, nostalgia, and incredibly well-developed/relatable characters combine beautifully in Forget About Me.
I was a huge fan of Brian Pallino’s work in Avery Flynn’s audiobooks. He was utterly charming as Ben in this sweet & funny second chance romance. Emma Wilder is always a joy to listen to and her performance as Lucy is fabulous. Emma’s portrayal of Lucy’s witty, quirky, and beguiling character is flawless. I loved every moment of this young love reacquainted, retro romance.
May 8, 2023
This boxed set is definitely a wonderful treat! It's 4.5 stars, for sure! I had a lot of fun listening to this one. What I love most about this series is the fact that it takes place in the 1980s. The author does a great job of dropping it right down in that decade with fun 80s references. First, I'll discuss What I'm looking for with Kate and Will. These two characters had good chemistry. Kate is woman working in finance trying desperately to navigate the office world in the 80s. Will is a theater actor who bartends at night. I loved all the secondary characters in this story, too!
Signed, Sealed & Delivered is a short prequel allowing us a glimpse of what Ben and Lucy were like when their relationship first began.
Forget About Me was my favorite book in this boxed set. Ben is Lucy's older brother's best friend. At the beginning of the story, Ben finds an injured stray dog and takes him to the vet where Lucy works. Lucy wanted to be veterinarian, but family obligations got in the way of her dream. n
Ben was an underwear model and actor. He's back in town to help his dad with his business. These two characters get to know each other again when Ben hires Lucy to help train his dog. Ben and his dog are working in a local theater production.
These stories gave me ALL the feels. They are well written and kept me listening through the day. I loved the character development. The narrators for What I'm Looking For were Joe Arden and Karen White. Both narrators are two of my absolute favorites. They do an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder did an equally good job in Forget About Me. These books were fun listens! I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
Signed, Sealed & Delivered is a short prequel allowing us a glimpse of what Ben and Lucy were like when their relationship first began.
Forget About Me was my favorite book in this boxed set. Ben is Lucy's older brother's best friend. At the beginning of the story, Ben finds an injured stray dog and takes him to the vet where Lucy works. Lucy wanted to be veterinarian, but family obligations got in the way of her dream. n
Ben was an underwear model and actor. He's back in town to help his dad with his business. These two characters get to know each other again when Ben hires Lucy to help train his dog. Ben and his dog are working in a local theater production.
These stories gave me ALL the feels. They are well written and kept me listening through the day. I loved the character development. The narrators for What I'm Looking For were Joe Arden and Karen White. Both narrators are two of my absolute favorites. They do an amazing job of bringing this story to life. Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder did an equally good job in Forget About Me. These books were fun listens! I received this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
May 9, 2023
Thanks to Home Cooked Books and the author for the chance to listen to a free ALC copy of this box set and the chance to give my candid review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Audiobook Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4.5 (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) foreplay is descriptive and then fade-to-black
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Entertaining voice narrations—All of them give an amazing mix of feels that are super cute and totally hot!!
🤩 80s vibes—some might even find this series a bit historical romance .ha The Brady Bunch fandom, cool beans, frisky feelings, corded phones, pay phones, answering machine messages, Walkman, letter writing, seatbelt learning, mixtapes.
🤩 Laugh-out-loud funny (with all the feels, and even with intense topics and grief).
🤩 Delicious description of physical attraction—it’s one of my favorite things in books.
🤩 First kiss goodness.
🤩 Pets in books.
🤩 Male actors, trying to find their way. And, females making their way in male dominated careers. Adorable and likable characters. Great characterization.
🤩 In the novella, I loved the teenage fun (which sometimes doesn’t work for me because I have teens and YA of my own).
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I liked the steamy descriptions during foreplay. Then I was caught off guard when it was more fade-to-black than I was expecting.
💫 I wish What I’m Looking For had some physical connection/intimacy after the drama. It helps me believe in the HEA.
Trigger Warnings:
🔬 Loss of a loved one in a car accident.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Audiobook Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4.5 (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) foreplay is descriptive and then fade-to-black
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Entertaining voice narrations—All of them give an amazing mix of feels that are super cute and totally hot!!
🤩 80s vibes—some might even find this series a bit historical romance .ha The Brady Bunch fandom, cool beans, frisky feelings, corded phones, pay phones, answering machine messages, Walkman, letter writing, seatbelt learning, mixtapes.
🤩 Laugh-out-loud funny (with all the feels, and even with intense topics and grief).
🤩 Delicious description of physical attraction—it’s one of my favorite things in books.
🤩 First kiss goodness.
🤩 Pets in books.
🤩 Male actors, trying to find their way. And, females making their way in male dominated careers. Adorable and likable characters. Great characterization.
🤩 In the novella, I loved the teenage fun (which sometimes doesn’t work for me because I have teens and YA of my own).
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 I liked the steamy descriptions during foreplay. Then I was caught off guard when it was more fade-to-black than I was expecting.
💫 I wish What I’m Looking For had some physical connection/intimacy after the drama. It helps me believe in the HEA.
Trigger Warnings:
🔬 Loss of a loved one in a car accident.
May 19, 2023
What I’m Looking For -
This was a fun, enjoyable flashback rom com. What I loved most about this book was the character’s growth. I thought the ending was done so well and it gave them both time to reflect on things and I loved how the author executed it. What I enjoyed most about the audiobook version was the answering machine between the chapters with the sound effects. It was a fun touch to the book. Joe and Karen were fun to listen to.
NOVELLA - Signed, Sealed & Delivered
This was a great introduction to the characters in Forget About Me. It was enjoyable and sweet. Carly Robins & Bradley Ford did a great job with this especially the younger voices in the flashbacks.
Forget About Me -
This was a second chance brother’s best friend romance. Those are my two favorite tropes mixed into one. Their slow burn back to each other was nicely written. I loved how the dog was what brought them together. They both had a lot to overcome as individuals and I think the author provided us a nice backstory mixed in throughout the book. I’m also a sucker for a good mixed tape and I LOVED how the chapters were each a song from her tape.
I really enjoyed Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder’s narration. It was a first listen for both narrators and they both made me fall easily into the story with their voices.
This was a fun, enjoyable flashback rom com. What I loved most about this book was the character’s growth. I thought the ending was done so well and it gave them both time to reflect on things and I loved how the author executed it. What I enjoyed most about the audiobook version was the answering machine between the chapters with the sound effects. It was a fun touch to the book. Joe and Karen were fun to listen to.
NOVELLA - Signed, Sealed & Delivered
This was a great introduction to the characters in Forget About Me. It was enjoyable and sweet. Carly Robins & Bradley Ford did a great job with this especially the younger voices in the flashbacks.
Forget About Me -
This was a second chance brother’s best friend romance. Those are my two favorite tropes mixed into one. Their slow burn back to each other was nicely written. I loved how the dog was what brought them together. They both had a lot to overcome as individuals and I think the author provided us a nice backstory mixed in throughout the book. I’m also a sucker for a good mixed tape and I LOVED how the chapters were each a song from her tape.
I really enjoyed Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder’s narration. It was a first listen for both narrators and they both made me fall easily into the story with their voices.
May 21, 2023
I am a huge fan of the Boston Classics series. Each book in this series both fills me with nostalgia and feeds by romance loving heart. Karen Grey writes wonderful romances with characters that have so much depth and emotion that she always leaves you satisfied.
What I’m Looking For is the first book in the series. Kate and Will are such a great couple. Kate is hard working and trying to make her way in a male-dominated field. Will, an actor and her local bartender, develop a true friendship first, and romance blooms. They are truly a perfect match. Narrated by Joe Arden and Karen White, this story will definitely leave you satisfied, and also make you a Shakespeare fan!
Signed, Sealed and Delivered is a prequel to Forget About Me, where we meet Ben and Lucy, and get introduced to their young, secret romance. Carly Robins and Bradley Ford bring their letters to life, and it's a really great addition to the series.
Forget About Me is book 2, and brings Ben and Lucy's romance back to life. Their love for each other never really died, but how it really has a chance to thrive as they heal themselves and their love. Although the prequel featured different narrators, here we have Emma Wilder and the late Brian Pallino, and they bring so much emotion and feeling to the performance.
I love this trip back to the 80s, to Boston and to Romancelandia!
What I’m Looking For is the first book in the series. Kate and Will are such a great couple. Kate is hard working and trying to make her way in a male-dominated field. Will, an actor and her local bartender, develop a true friendship first, and romance blooms. They are truly a perfect match. Narrated by Joe Arden and Karen White, this story will definitely leave you satisfied, and also make you a Shakespeare fan!
Signed, Sealed and Delivered is a prequel to Forget About Me, where we meet Ben and Lucy, and get introduced to their young, secret romance. Carly Robins and Bradley Ford bring their letters to life, and it's a really great addition to the series.
Forget About Me is book 2, and brings Ben and Lucy's romance back to life. Their love for each other never really died, but how it really has a chance to thrive as they heal themselves and their love. Although the prequel featured different narrators, here we have Emma Wilder and the late Brian Pallino, and they bring so much emotion and feeling to the performance.
I love this trip back to the 80s, to Boston and to Romancelandia!
January 25, 2023
This was an amazing blast from the past full of so much fun and all the feels.
The 80’s touches were totally on point without feeling stale or dated. It was a nostalgic walk down memory lane with so many moments that felt like special “in jokes” between the reader and the author.
What I'm Looking For:
- Will: Bartender some nights, struggling Shakespearian Actor the rest of the time
- Kate: Workaholic Investment banker, research trips, social anxiety
- Running and Biking and other swoony dates
- A cat! (in audio this is epic because narrator Karen White does amazing animal voices)
- Answering Machines, Payphones, Cassette Tapes, A Car Phone??
Signed, Sealed & Delivered:
- Prequel novella to Forget About Me (Ben & Lucy)
- Moments in time through growing up
- A Secret Summer of Love
- Letters back and forth when Lucy goes to collage
Forget About Me:
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's little sister
- Second Chance
- Guilt and Loss and Feels
- Learning to follow your passion
- An adorable dog!!!
- Mix Tapes, Phones attached to the wall, Pagers, Answering Services
I have read all of these individually and would totally recommend them.
As a child of the 80s, it was such an amazing walk down memory lane.
The 80’s touches were totally on point without feeling stale or dated. It was a nostalgic walk down memory lane with so many moments that felt like special “in jokes” between the reader and the author.
What I'm Looking For:
- Will: Bartender some nights, struggling Shakespearian Actor the rest of the time
- Kate: Workaholic Investment banker, research trips, social anxiety
- Running and Biking and other swoony dates
- A cat! (in audio this is epic because narrator Karen White does amazing animal voices)
- Answering Machines, Payphones, Cassette Tapes, A Car Phone??
Signed, Sealed & Delivered:
- Prequel novella to Forget About Me (Ben & Lucy)
- Moments in time through growing up
- A Secret Summer of Love
- Letters back and forth when Lucy goes to collage
Forget About Me:
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's little sister
- Second Chance
- Guilt and Loss and Feels
- Learning to follow your passion
- An adorable dog!!!
- Mix Tapes, Phones attached to the wall, Pagers, Answering Services
I have read all of these individually and would totally recommend them.
As a child of the 80s, it was such an amazing walk down memory lane.
May 3, 2023
I have these individually as ebooks, but I listened to this set as an audiobook. Because the author of these stories spent years narrating audiobooks, they translate well into that format and are well performed by some of my favorite narrators. It's also fun to go back to the 80s and remember things like long-distance calling cards and mixtapes.
What I'm Looking For -- Kate is a terrific character, and she is the part of this book that sticks with me the most. She is finding her place as an adult in a world that is changing rapidly, and she does it with grace and good humor. Will is a fun character, too, and his quotes are great. This is better as an audiobook because some of the details are more fully realized while performed.
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered -- I don't usually enjoy prequels very much because things are left unresolved. But this one is unique in the way it is told. Certainly there are unresolved things, but I got so involved in the characters as we moved back in time with them that I forgot to worry about resolutions. I was just enjoying the tale. Both narrators did a great job with the ages of the characters as we go back in time.
Forget about Me --I enjoyed the emotion in this story. Ben and Lucy have so much true connection between them, and they bring out the best in each other even when times are hard. Truthfully, I had held off on reading this book becasue the description sounded so sad. I am glad that I waited until I had the audiobook because the narrators really seemed to get what was going on underneath the surface and added a lot of heart and fun to the story. I got more of the humor and fun than I would have if I had just read it. The story is happier than I thought it would be, and I am glad I listened to it.
What I'm Looking For -- Kate is a terrific character, and she is the part of this book that sticks with me the most. She is finding her place as an adult in a world that is changing rapidly, and she does it with grace and good humor. Will is a fun character, too, and his quotes are great. This is better as an audiobook because some of the details are more fully realized while performed.
Signed, Sealed, & Delivered -- I don't usually enjoy prequels very much because things are left unresolved. But this one is unique in the way it is told. Certainly there are unresolved things, but I got so involved in the characters as we moved back in time with them that I forgot to worry about resolutions. I was just enjoying the tale. Both narrators did a great job with the ages of the characters as we go back in time.
Forget about Me --I enjoyed the emotion in this story. Ben and Lucy have so much true connection between them, and they bring out the best in each other even when times are hard. Truthfully, I had held off on reading this book becasue the description sounded so sad. I am glad that I waited until I had the audiobook because the narrators really seemed to get what was going on underneath the surface and added a lot of heart and fun to the story. I got more of the humor and fun than I would have if I had just read it. The story is happier than I thought it would be, and I am glad I listened to it.
May 9, 2023
Great Boxed Set!
What I Am Looking For
This is the first book in the Boston Classics. This is a great classic romance set in the 1980's. I liked the characters. Kate and Will are opposites attract. Their story is original and unique, interesting, and engaging, filled with humor and romance. Some scenes are hilarious. Joe Arden and Karen White did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
I liked this short prequel. This is a great introduction to to Ben and Lucy's story. Carly Robins and Bradley Ford did a great job bringing this short story to life.
Forget About Me
Ben and Lucy's second chance to love is beautifully written, emotional, and engaging, filled with drama, and miscommunication. The characters are well developed, and interesting. The back and forth back to present is well done and easy to follow (I liked the sound effects!). This is a beautiful and heartfelt romance. Excellent narration from Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more in the series.
What I Am Looking For
This is the first book in the Boston Classics. This is a great classic romance set in the 1980's. I liked the characters. Kate and Will are opposites attract. Their story is original and unique, interesting, and engaging, filled with humor and romance. Some scenes are hilarious. Joe Arden and Karen White did a great job with the narration. I enjoyed it.
Signed, Sealed & Delivered
I liked this short prequel. This is a great introduction to to Ben and Lucy's story. Carly Robins and Bradley Ford did a great job bringing this short story to life.
Forget About Me
Ben and Lucy's second chance to love is beautifully written, emotional, and engaging, filled with drama, and miscommunication. The characters are well developed, and interesting. The back and forth back to present is well done and easy to follow (I liked the sound effects!). This is a beautiful and heartfelt romance. Excellent narration from Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder. I enjoyed it. Looking forward to more in the series.
June 6, 2024
I loved all of the books in this series. In the late 80's I was in my late 20's, on my own, establishing a career, and hoping to find the right guy. Karen Grey has totally nailed the vibe of that era and it was so much fun revisiting it.
I especially connected with Kate in What I'm Looking For. Her struggles to be taken seriously in her field and to advance in a male dominated profession hit very close to home as well as her having to negotiate the nuances of a relationship in which she was the one earning the larger salary. Much as I love my smart phone, it was nice to be taken back to a time in which not only did smart phones not exist, we didn't even have cell phones or the web, and many people didn't even have PCs at home.
I especially connected with Kate in What I'm Looking For. Her struggles to be taken seriously in her field and to advance in a male dominated profession hit very close to home as well as her having to negotiate the nuances of a relationship in which she was the one earning the larger salary. Much as I love my smart phone, it was nice to be taken back to a time in which not only did smart phones not exist, we didn't even have cell phones or the web, and many people didn't even have PCs at home.
May 8, 2023
The Boston Classics series is in my top 5 favorites! I love the old school vibe (otherwise known as my 20's), the characters are like your own family/friends, and the stories are REAL. This box set includes
What I'm Looking For - the financial analyst navigates a relationship with a Shakespearean actor;
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - novella of a hometown boy turned famous model and the girl he can't forget;
Forget About Me - famous model/actor returns home to care for his father and runs into the girl he's never forgotten.
Don't miss this series!
What I'm Looking For - the financial analyst navigates a relationship with a Shakespearean actor;
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - novella of a hometown boy turned famous model and the girl he can't forget;
Forget About Me - famous model/actor returns home to care for his father and runs into the girl he's never forgotten.
Don't miss this series!
May 20, 2023
What I like about Karen's short but addicting stories is how they keep you wanting more. Even when it has ended, you can close your eyes and see the story in your mind .Carly Robbins has always been a favorite of mine. Carly and Bradley Fords' performance is bang on every time I have heard them together they really bring the story to life.. So thank you. I will be looking for more.
February 3, 2023
An excellent series with great characters. I've read and loved all three books. This centers around one of my favorite era's the 80's. I also listened to the audio and loved the voice the narrators gave to the characters. You can check out my reviews for each book it's under Nicole Ortiz.
June 4, 2023
ALC REVIEW; Boston Classics Collection;
This collection of nostalgic filled audiobooks was a real treat to listen to.
What I’m Looking For: Kate & Will navigate a relationship of opposites. Kate works in finance, while Will is an up in coming actor, acting in a Shakespeare play, while starting his filing career. I loved the chemistry between these two.
I absolutely loved the voicemails at the beginning of each chapter, it really took me back to my childhood( I’m a 90s baby)
Joe & Karen lend their voices and bring them to life in your ears.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered;
This novella connects with Forget About Me; we get the back story of for Lucy & Ben. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how their story came to be, it really helped you understand more in F.A.M
Forget About Me; we catch up with Lucy & Ben 10 years later when Ben rescues a stray dog, Puk and unknowingly take him to the vet and runs into Lucy, who works at the animal hospital.
Showcasing how everyone deals with their grief, it was done in such a heartfelt and beautiful way. I loved the cassette tapes and music references!!
Emma & Brian really put themselves in these characters.
Overall these story’s are unique and so much fun to listen to, really bringing it back. I really recommend them.
This collection of nostalgic filled audiobooks was a real treat to listen to.
What I’m Looking For: Kate & Will navigate a relationship of opposites. Kate works in finance, while Will is an up in coming actor, acting in a Shakespeare play, while starting his filing career. I loved the chemistry between these two.
I absolutely loved the voicemails at the beginning of each chapter, it really took me back to my childhood( I’m a 90s baby)
Joe & Karen lend their voices and bring them to life in your ears.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered;
This novella connects with Forget About Me; we get the back story of for Lucy & Ben. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and how their story came to be, it really helped you understand more in F.A.M
Forget About Me; we catch up with Lucy & Ben 10 years later when Ben rescues a stray dog, Puk and unknowingly take him to the vet and runs into Lucy, who works at the animal hospital.
Showcasing how everyone deals with their grief, it was done in such a heartfelt and beautiful way. I loved the cassette tapes and music references!!
Emma & Brian really put themselves in these characters.
Overall these story’s are unique and so much fun to listen to, really bringing it back. I really recommend them.
July 31, 2023
This was such a fun trip back in time. When is the last time someone made a mixed tape on cassette. The audio was perfect listening to the fast forward soundtrack of tapes with Ben & Lucy; the original brick car phone with Will & Kate I loved each couple’s HEA & the journey.
April 6, 2024
3 very good stories
Boston Classics Box Set Volume 1
Books 1&2 of her series set in the 80s plus a prequel novella to the 2nd book. I really enjoyed all three especially the trip down memory lane for this old codger.
Boston Classics Box Set Volume 1
Books 1&2 of her series set in the 80s plus a prequel novella to the 2nd book. I really enjoyed all three especially the trip down memory lane for this old codger.
February 1, 2023
I loved this series!!
September 27, 2023
Please see individual stories for review.
December 1, 2023
Entertaining
These books were engaging and had me,chuckling. The characters were so cool and I loved the track tape lists at the end of the books.
These books were engaging and had me,chuckling. The characters were so cool and I loved the track tape lists at the end of the books.
May 20, 2023
Just One More Chapter… Maybe
Boston Classics Boxed Set
“What I’m Looking For”
“Signed, Sealed & Delivered”
“Forget About Me”
By Karen Grey
Narrated by Joe Arden, Karen White, Bradley Ford, Carly Robins, Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder
I received an ALC of this boxed set and it’s been a wonderful journey! So many laughs in this set! Lots of serious moments too but these romcoms are great! Amazing characters, all of them so likable and well written. Absolutely loved the retro style of these stories. It brought back so many memories. Going back to the 80’s was such a great time. Definite relistens in the near future. All narrators give outstanding performances!! I’m not going to break down each book individually, but just say this series is fantastic and lots of fun! All books can be read as stand-alones but you’re going to want to hear them all!
Boston Classics Boxed Set
“What I’m Looking For”
“Signed, Sealed & Delivered”
“Forget About Me”
By Karen Grey
Narrated by Joe Arden, Karen White, Bradley Ford, Carly Robins, Brian Pallino and Emma Wilder
I received an ALC of this boxed set and it’s been a wonderful journey! So many laughs in this set! Lots of serious moments too but these romcoms are great! Amazing characters, all of them so likable and well written. Absolutely loved the retro style of these stories. It brought back so many memories. Going back to the 80’s was such a great time. Definite relistens in the near future. All narrators give outstanding performances!! I’m not going to break down each book individually, but just say this series is fantastic and lots of fun! All books can be read as stand-alones but you’re going to want to hear them all!
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