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Gray Area: Off the Books, Book 3
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Her ex said she was past her prime. Her younger man begs to differ.
Two decades designing couture for the elite, and building a billion-dollar fashion brand, should feel like success. Instead, I have an empty mansion, a fresh divorce settlement, and the sinking feeling that I traded everything meaningful for a life that looks better on social media than it does in the mirror.
When my practically estranged best friend passes away, she leaves me with the one thing my ex-husband never gave me a chance to have—a baby. Well, a soon-to-be baby, currently residing in a surrogate's belly. Surprise!
Guilt-ridden, and scared to face this alone, cue my desperate funeral plus-one Saylor, an escort with bedroom eyes and a smile that makes me forget I'm supposedly "past my expiration date." He's over a decade younger and shouldn't give me a second glance after the check clears.
Only he does.
And while I'm spiraling over surprise motherhood and the thoughts of launching a new fashion empire, away from the clutches of my ex, this way-too-young-for-me man has the audacity to look at me like I'm the only woman in the world.
"Too old" is what society whispers about women my age starting over. Too old for babies. Too old for new beginnings. Definitely too old for Saylor's salacious advances that make me feel like a teenager in lust.
But what if the happily ever after isn't lost, just fashionably late? And what if the unattainable escort couldn't care less about earning his money, because he's making a play for my heart?
Narrated in duet style.
Two decades designing couture for the elite, and building a billion-dollar fashion brand, should feel like success. Instead, I have an empty mansion, a fresh divorce settlement, and the sinking feeling that I traded everything meaningful for a life that looks better on social media than it does in the mirror.
When my practically estranged best friend passes away, she leaves me with the one thing my ex-husband never gave me a chance to have—a baby. Well, a soon-to-be baby, currently residing in a surrogate's belly. Surprise!
Guilt-ridden, and scared to face this alone, cue my desperate funeral plus-one Saylor, an escort with bedroom eyes and a smile that makes me forget I'm supposedly "past my expiration date." He's over a decade younger and shouldn't give me a second glance after the check clears.
Only he does.
And while I'm spiraling over surprise motherhood and the thoughts of launching a new fashion empire, away from the clutches of my ex, this way-too-young-for-me man has the audacity to look at me like I'm the only woman in the world.
"Too old" is what society whispers about women my age starting over. Too old for babies. Too old for new beginnings. Definitely too old for Saylor's salacious advances that make me feel like a teenager in lust.
But what if the happily ever after isn't lost, just fashionably late? And what if the unattainable escort couldn't care less about earning his money, because he's making a play for my heart?
Narrated in duet style.
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
WELL… MY WISH CAME TRUE. 🥹🎧
I asked for more Kay Cove after Paper Hearts and apparently the audiobook gods were listening because Gray Area landed in my ears and proceeded to completely wreck me.
And when I say Kay delivered another ripper… I mean a bloody beaut.
This book had me SOBBING, CHEERING, LAUGHING and feeling every single possible emotion. My heart went through the full bloody washing machine cycle.
Celeste and Saylor… honestly, I adored them.
A reverse age gap, a billionaire FMC, an escort, surprise motherhood, grief, fake relationship, family baggage and two people who are absolutely not looking for what they end up finding.
And somehow Kay takes all of that and creates something incredibly funny, beautifully emotional and genuinely inspiring.
Celeste’s journey completely stole my heart. Watching her realise that she isn’t past her prime, that she doesn’t have to live according to anyone else’s expectations and that starting over isn’t failure… that message hit me HARD.
And Saylor?
OH MY DAYS.
This man had me from the moment he appeared. The accent certainly didn’t hurt either. 😂 But underneath the charm is a man carrying so much responsibility and love for the people he cares about, and watching him slowly realise that he deserves a life of his own absolutely broke me.
Together, these two were EVERYTHING.
And then we have Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis.
PHE-NOM-A-NOL.
Seriously.
Pagan and Antony didn’t just narrate this book—they brought it to life. Their performances captured the humour, the tenderness, the heartbreak and the chemistry so perfectly that there were moments I genuinely forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
Duet narration + these two narrators + Kay Cove’s writing?
Bloody brilliant.
And can we talk about Kay’s writing for a second?
Because after Paper Hearts, I already knew I loved her humour and storytelling, but Gray Area showed me another side of her writing. It’s emotional, thoughtful, inspiring and beautifully written without ever losing that wicked sense of humour.
I SOBBED.
I CHEERED.
I fell completely in love with these characters.
And that ending?
Excuse me while I go and recover.
I may have skipped book two… but let’s be honest, that’s no longer a problem because it’s going straight onto the TBR. 😂
Kay Cove, you have officially become one of my must-listen authors.
And after only two audiobooks, I’m already sitting here wondering how many more emotional support AirPod sessions you’re going to cost me.
🎧 Performed in duet by Pagan McGrath & Antony Davis
🎙️ Podium Entertainment & Kay Cove
An absolute ripper. A bloody beaut. And in the Queen’s English… bloody brilliant.
I asked for more Kay Cove after Paper Hearts and apparently the audiobook gods were listening because Gray Area landed in my ears and proceeded to completely wreck me.
And when I say Kay delivered another ripper… I mean a bloody beaut.
This book had me SOBBING, CHEERING, LAUGHING and feeling every single possible emotion. My heart went through the full bloody washing machine cycle.
Celeste and Saylor… honestly, I adored them.
A reverse age gap, a billionaire FMC, an escort, surprise motherhood, grief, fake relationship, family baggage and two people who are absolutely not looking for what they end up finding.
And somehow Kay takes all of that and creates something incredibly funny, beautifully emotional and genuinely inspiring.
Celeste’s journey completely stole my heart. Watching her realise that she isn’t past her prime, that she doesn’t have to live according to anyone else’s expectations and that starting over isn’t failure… that message hit me HARD.
And Saylor?
OH MY DAYS.
This man had me from the moment he appeared. The accent certainly didn’t hurt either. 😂 But underneath the charm is a man carrying so much responsibility and love for the people he cares about, and watching him slowly realise that he deserves a life of his own absolutely broke me.
Together, these two were EVERYTHING.
And then we have Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis.
PHE-NOM-A-NOL.
Seriously.
Pagan and Antony didn’t just narrate this book—they brought it to life. Their performances captured the humour, the tenderness, the heartbreak and the chemistry so perfectly that there were moments I genuinely forgot I was listening to an audiobook.
Duet narration + these two narrators + Kay Cove’s writing?
Bloody brilliant.
And can we talk about Kay’s writing for a second?
Because after Paper Hearts, I already knew I loved her humour and storytelling, but Gray Area showed me another side of her writing. It’s emotional, thoughtful, inspiring and beautifully written without ever losing that wicked sense of humour.
I SOBBED.
I CHEERED.
I fell completely in love with these characters.
And that ending?
Excuse me while I go and recover.
I may have skipped book two… but let’s be honest, that’s no longer a problem because it’s going straight onto the TBR. 😂
Kay Cove, you have officially become one of my must-listen authors.
And after only two audiobooks, I’m already sitting here wondering how many more emotional support AirPod sessions you’re going to cost me.
🎧 Performed in duet by Pagan McGrath & Antony Davis
🎙️ Podium Entertainment & Kay Cove
An absolute ripper. A bloody beaut. And in the Queen’s English… bloody brilliant.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Celeste is dealing with a divorce from a cheating husband who has undermined her and unfortunately still owns half her elite design company and flaunts his younger models in the company.
Her self esteem and creative side have taken a nose dive because of all the stress.
When she gets a letter about her best friend, the one she had an argument two years ago and not spoken to since, her world collapses at the news.
Afraid to go to the funeral alone she hires an escort from her lawyer friend. Saylor an Australian is that escort a handsome man, much younger then herself with his own baggage, living with his mom as she is almost housebound from a car accident.
In all the initial sadness there are a few light moments, especially when Saylor talk about the mischief that the local trash cans, where they jump out at unsuspecting cars, to make Celeste smile.
Dealing with her friend Whitney's mother is daunting as she is a cold woman who Whitney had left when she went to collage. So when she had to stand to give the speech she had written she breaks down, Saylor knowing what it cost her to write he gives the speech, cue a box of tissues her.
Saylor finds out something about Whitney's will That Whit's mother did not want Celeste to know.
Whitney has named Celeste in her will to be guardian of the child growing in the surrogate Raven and Whitney's mother wants guardianship of the child and is willing to fight in court.
Knowing she will have to show she can support a child she tells Saylor, who has already asked her out, that her parents left her a house but it needs renovating. He says he will do it. When they get an unexpected visit from the court to assess suitability. Saylor and Celeste claim they're engaged.
To prove they are a family, Saylor moves in with his mom as it is a very large house. Their relationships grows as Saylor shows the insecure Celeste that age doesn't matter and she is beautiful. It is a very important message and so well written.
Whitney's mother fights dirty and tells Celeste her world is crumbling around her feet and it is her cheating ex that is the root cause. She get the court to appoint her guardian ship of the unborn child.
About to lose the company she had built up, an unexpected call leads to a meeting in a graveyard where all her troubles are sorted from an unexpected source. Saylor's mother gets an operation that eases her pain.
A happy ending for all except Celeste's cheating husband who gets his just desserts.
The narrators have lovely calming voices and I listened to this in almost one go. A great heart warming read that initially has you choking back a sob but a soft Aussie makes everything better.
Her self esteem and creative side have taken a nose dive because of all the stress.
When she gets a letter about her best friend, the one she had an argument two years ago and not spoken to since, her world collapses at the news.
Afraid to go to the funeral alone she hires an escort from her lawyer friend. Saylor an Australian is that escort a handsome man, much younger then herself with his own baggage, living with his mom as she is almost housebound from a car accident.
In all the initial sadness there are a few light moments, especially when Saylor talk about the mischief that the local trash cans, where they jump out at unsuspecting cars, to make Celeste smile.
Dealing with her friend Whitney's mother is daunting as she is a cold woman who Whitney had left when she went to collage. So when she had to stand to give the speech she had written she breaks down, Saylor knowing what it cost her to write he gives the speech, cue a box of tissues her.
Saylor finds out something about Whitney's will That Whit's mother did not want Celeste to know.
Whitney has named Celeste in her will to be guardian of the child growing in the surrogate Raven and Whitney's mother wants guardianship of the child and is willing to fight in court.
Knowing she will have to show she can support a child she tells Saylor, who has already asked her out, that her parents left her a house but it needs renovating. He says he will do it. When they get an unexpected visit from the court to assess suitability. Saylor and Celeste claim they're engaged.
To prove they are a family, Saylor moves in with his mom as it is a very large house. Their relationships grows as Saylor shows the insecure Celeste that age doesn't matter and she is beautiful. It is a very important message and so well written.
Whitney's mother fights dirty and tells Celeste her world is crumbling around her feet and it is her cheating ex that is the root cause. She get the court to appoint her guardian ship of the unborn child.
About to lose the company she had built up, an unexpected call leads to a meeting in a graveyard where all her troubles are sorted from an unexpected source. Saylor's mother gets an operation that eases her pain.
A happy ending for all except Celeste's cheating husband who gets his just desserts.
The narrators have lovely calming voices and I listened to this in almost one go. A great heart warming read that initially has you choking back a sob but a soft Aussie makes everything better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received the ALC to review. This book was an emotional journey, just like the previous book in the Paper Hearts Series, but Celeste, the main female character, had so much more to lose.
Celeste’s life is stuck after her messy divorce from her cheating husband, Greg. Over a year after the divorce, he still criticises her, calling her old at thirty-eight years of age. He is awful, but Celeste must work with him because he owns half of her fashion empire. He also pressures her for new designs. No wonder she has anxiety and is suffering from creative block.
Her stress escalates when she learns that her best friend, Whitney, has died. They stopped speaking two years ago after a fight over Greg. Her grief and the thought of going to the memorial alone make her hire an escort. Her close friend Rina, who runs an escort agency, organises a twenty-six-year-old Australian named Saylor to go with her.
Knowing a little about Saylor from the first two books in the series, in this instalment we learn why he came to the US and the reason he stayed. His story is sad, and you feel for him and understand why he became an escort. He truly is a sweet, handsome, and caring guy. It’s no wonder he becomes an instant friend and confidant to Celeste in her time of need when she discovers what Whitney left her in the will.
The storyline captured my attention immediately, and the reverse age-gap trope fit the narrative perfectly. It was wonderful watching Celeste realise she is still desirable to a man twelve years her junior. Yes, I’m swooning over a fictional character, but Kay Cove knows exactly how to write the ultimate book boyfriend.
This audiobook was only made better by the performances of the narrators, Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis. I knew little about them except that I randomly follow Pagan on Instagram because of her laugh. Their skill in changing accents is exceptional. They knocked the Australian accent right out of the park. I should know, as I am an Aussie. Well done, Pagan and Antony. I will listen to a lot more of their work soon.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. It takes you from sadness and heartbreak to the exhilarating highs of romance and spice, before plunging you back into angst. Ultimately, it leaves you in a place of pure contentment and joy. I highly recommend this audiobook!
Celeste’s life is stuck after her messy divorce from her cheating husband, Greg. Over a year after the divorce, he still criticises her, calling her old at thirty-eight years of age. He is awful, but Celeste must work with him because he owns half of her fashion empire. He also pressures her for new designs. No wonder she has anxiety and is suffering from creative block.
Her stress escalates when she learns that her best friend, Whitney, has died. They stopped speaking two years ago after a fight over Greg. Her grief and the thought of going to the memorial alone make her hire an escort. Her close friend Rina, who runs an escort agency, organises a twenty-six-year-old Australian named Saylor to go with her.
Knowing a little about Saylor from the first two books in the series, in this instalment we learn why he came to the US and the reason he stayed. His story is sad, and you feel for him and understand why he became an escort. He truly is a sweet, handsome, and caring guy. It’s no wonder he becomes an instant friend and confidant to Celeste in her time of need when she discovers what Whitney left her in the will.
The storyline captured my attention immediately, and the reverse age-gap trope fit the narrative perfectly. It was wonderful watching Celeste realise she is still desirable to a man twelve years her junior. Yes, I’m swooning over a fictional character, but Kay Cove knows exactly how to write the ultimate book boyfriend.
This audiobook was only made better by the performances of the narrators, Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis. I knew little about them except that I randomly follow Pagan on Instagram because of her laugh. Their skill in changing accents is exceptional. They knocked the Australian accent right out of the park. I should know, as I am an Aussie. Well done, Pagan and Antony. I will listen to a lot more of their work soon.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. It takes you from sadness and heartbreak to the exhilarating highs of romance and spice, before plunging you back into angst. Ultimately, it leaves you in a place of pure contentment and joy. I highly recommend this audiobook!
Review of advance copy
5⭐️ 3🌶️ 5🎧
This book captivated me! Such an interesting plot, wonderful characters, a 3rd act resolution I did not expect, and happiness in my heart!
Celeste is jaded and dealing with immense grief and Saylor is the golden retrieve that is determined to show her exactly how she deserves to be treated! I loved their dynamic so much! Saylor (literally) held Celeste up when she needed him the most and his commitment to her never faltered. Celeste took a moment to let her feeling be what they were and when she finally decided to give into her desires, Saylor ate it (and her!) up! I loved the side characters as well! Ada is amazing and I adore her! As much as I despised Eleanor, she ended up not on my ish list... and she was DEEP in the ish pile.
The Epilogue was absolute perfection! It wrapped a beautiful bow on top of this beautiful story!
Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis narrate this book in DUET and did an amazing job!! I loved this listen so much, they brough these characters to life wonderfully!
Thank you, Kay Cove and Valentine PR, for an advanced copy of this audiobook, I love this series so much!
This book captivated me! Such an interesting plot, wonderful characters, a 3rd act resolution I did not expect, and happiness in my heart!
Celeste is jaded and dealing with immense grief and Saylor is the golden retrieve that is determined to show her exactly how she deserves to be treated! I loved their dynamic so much! Saylor (literally) held Celeste up when she needed him the most and his commitment to her never faltered. Celeste took a moment to let her feeling be what they were and when she finally decided to give into her desires, Saylor ate it (and her!) up! I loved the side characters as well! Ada is amazing and I adore her! As much as I despised Eleanor, she ended up not on my ish list... and she was DEEP in the ish pile.
The Epilogue was absolute perfection! It wrapped a beautiful bow on top of this beautiful story!
Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis narrate this book in DUET and did an amazing job!! I loved this listen so much, they brough these characters to life wonderfully!
Thank you, Kay Cove and Valentine PR, for an advanced copy of this audiobook, I love this series so much!
August 21, 2026
This series is a great time. I’m so glad I found it and I really appreciate the advanced listening copy. Thank you to Kay Cove and Valentine PR.
The duet narration by Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis was wonderfully done. The Australian accent was *chef’s kiss and the emotions portrayed were excellent.
The escort agency that we’ve come to know throughout this series strikes again with a wonderfully green flag of a man. This time much younger 😉
This book is full of learning to forgive, to move on, to trust yourself, allowing yourself to be happy and realizing your worth. It was funny and sweet and emotional. I really enjoyed it. I will say to possibly check the triggers as it is emotional.
The duet narration by Pagan McGrath and Antony Davis was wonderfully done. The Australian accent was *chef’s kiss and the emotions portrayed were excellent.
The escort agency that we’ve come to know throughout this series strikes again with a wonderfully green flag of a man. This time much younger 😉
This book is full of learning to forgive, to move on, to trust yourself, allowing yourself to be happy and realizing your worth. It was funny and sweet and emotional. I really enjoyed it. I will say to possibly check the triggers as it is emotional.
Review of advance copy
Celeste and Saylor’s love story was everything I had hoped it would be! This book proved that with some determination and a lot of love that anything can happen! I loved watching everyone evolve (especially Evelyn) I absolutely cannot wait for book 4!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews