You Get What You Give Book Reviews

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Great Romance!. This was such a great romance listen! Nate and Violet shared a romance and chemistry that just couldn’t be denied. I love me a great small-town romance and enemies-to-lovers romance are my jam so YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE by Karen Grey was right up my alley! Romantic, sexy, and full of feels. This book did not disappoint. Narration was performed by Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell. The casting was clearly spot on as these two effortlessly bring the story to life. Credit worthy.

Fun new series. I am a fan of Karen Grey's Boston Classics series, so I was excited to read the new Carolina Classics set in North Carolina in the late 1990s. There are extra layers of fun for readers who are familiar with Dawson's Creek, but it's also written in a way that you don't have to know it to understand the references. You Get What You Give stands alone in the sense that this is Nate and Violet's HFN, though I was glad I read I'll Stand By You to have some additional background on the characters, and there is definitely more to a bigger storyline that continues into the next book. I received a copy of this book at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

All the nostalgia!. **Audiobook Review** As soon as I finished the prequel to the "Carolina Classics" series, I knew the series and characters were going to be all that and a bag of chips. "You Get What You Give" is a fun and nostalgic story set in the late 1990s that brought me back to my favorite era. Violet has opened a casting agency in a small town in North Carolina when a new teen drama is being filmed there. But a new man in town, Nate, has also set up an agency right next door. And he happens to be her one-night stand from a few nights ago. Now Violet sees her one-time fling as the enemy. But as these two start to battle it out, the attraction they have for each other starts to win. I absolutely loved the angst and tension between Violet and Nate as they worked next door to each other. Violet is outspoken, smart and driven. It doesn't matter if she's working on casting or helping her grandparents, she gives 110%. Nate was swoon and an instant favorite for me. Nate's personality is fun, caring and I was drawn to him just as much as Violet was. The rest of the crew were fun to read and I can't wait to read their stories, especially with that ending Karen left us with. I loved Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan in this audiobook. I don’t think I’ve heard her with a Southern accent and she was so good. I haven’t listened to much narrated by Jack but I loved him as Nate. I loved the added theme song musical notes before each chapter. A perfect addition to the story.

Great retro read. Updated 8/19/22 with audio review Fantastic book one in the Carolina Classics series. The crew is still somewhat together trying to adult and figure out their lives. Some are trying to break away while others are fighting to keep them all together. Nate and Violets initial meeting is not hot hot…one night, no strings. However, that may come back to bite both of them. Violet is a tough, determine woman who will not let anyone stand in way. I love her drive and perseverance regardless of the obstacles that come her way. She’s been dealt an unfortunate blow to her business but she is doesn’t back down. Her grandparents are adorable - they run the local in where Violet is helping out with daily tasks. Between her workahokic tendencies, her job and helping at the inn the girl has no time to herself. Nate is new to town, doesn’t necessarily want to be there or do the job he’s been asked to do. There are some underlying factors that he has not been made aware of which will make his job and relationship with others challenging. Violet and Nate are both facing challenges that they did not anticipate. They both have some baggage they are carrying around and realize they can help one another. I really enjoyed the smexy tension, banter and wonderful personalities. Karen did a great job writing engaging and realistic characters. I also loved the fact this book took place in the 90’s…reminding us of life before cell phones, gps and the interweb. So important to know a phone number or street address at that time. :) Favorite quote from the book: “I’ve got a Free Willy situation to deal with.” Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell nailed the narration of this book. They each brought personality, emotion and individual voices to each character.

90s nostalgia romance fans will love this book!. Karen Grey fans are going to love this series! Its a bit different than her previous series Boston Classics in that it feels more like an epic tale written over several books instead of a standalone book. Hang on to your kindle and try not to throw it when you get to the ending, I promise its worth it!! Violet's hot one night stand turns out to be her rival in this enemies-to-lovers romance! Nate is looking to find his purpose in life and a place where he fits in. Loved how they fought everywhere but the bedroom. Bossy Nate is HOT!!! What you'll get in this book: More of these 5 friends from the prequel novella, Signed, Sealed & Delivered. Focus is mainly on Violet and her love interest, Nate. Set up of the next book, Hold on to Me. A cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more right now (well done, Karen! You got me hooked!!) You'll get a HFN for Violet & Nate. What I loved about this book: The relationship between these friends and the family they've created. I really wanted to be the 6th friend in this group! You'll get all the 90s lovin references throughout that had me wanting to listen to my greatest hits Playlist. Loved the setting of coastal North Carolina. I know I'm not the only one is impatiently waiting on the next book to find out what happens next. **Audio Update ** Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell nailed their roles as Nate and Violet! As much as I enjoyed this eyeball read, I absolutely loved how the narrators brought this book alive for me.

One night stand FAIL. You know the day after a one night stand, when you realize that you not only have to work in the office next to last nights conquest, but he is actually your biggest competitor. A competitor that you didn’t even know you had. Makes for some infuriating and also awkward moments. Nate & Vi have this chemistry that can’t be touched…even by the moral enemy status. They’re both casting directors, but they both have very different methods to their profession. When a feud between other characters forces these two to work more and more together, they realize what their true potential is together. As for the narration, Maxine Mitchell & Jack Calihan are both always a pleasure to listen to. Maxine has a great ability to have so many different voices. Jack has this ability to capture your attention & feel along with his character. I was sent a free audiobook by Home Cooked Books and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Wonderful Story & Narration🎧 A Captivating Delight!. I am a huge fan of Karen Grey’s “Boston Classic” series, no one does nostalgic romantic comedies like she does, she captures the essences of the times she is taking her readers back to in the most entertaining of ways, including her choice of titles, songs from that time period. This first book of her new series brings you to the 1990s and to the Carolina coastline with new characters who are just as wonderful as her other series. She is also sticking with the entertainment industry, this one being movies which brings us to the two lead characters, Violet Davenport, native to the location and newcomer, Nate Fowler, the son of a Hollywood big wig. Because the area has become popular for filming movies, Violet had left her teaching job to start her own business as a casting director. While hanging out with her friends she learns her boyfriend upped and left her, so what is the best way to get over someone, yep, you know it, she had a one-night fling with whom she thought was a tourist and she figured she’d never see again. Wrong on both, he was not a tourist and she would be definitely be seeing him again. Nate always felt he was more of an outsider with his father than anything, his sister was more of a natural than him with the family business, she could do no wrong and he could do no right. He feels his new off-site job is a test his father expects him to fail, a casting director in the Carolinas, a job he plans to excel at to prove his father wrong. But there is more behind the reason for the opening of a casting office in that location and he learns he is in direct competition with another business, the one owned by the woman who captured his attention and possibly his heart the night before. I loved all the layers to the story, the complexity of it and how it all plays out. This wonderfully plotted one-night-stand to enemies-to-lovers romance novel has the perfect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotion and steamy romance. Karen Grey, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I also love these characters and their group of friends and am looking forward to hearing more about them and see what comes next in the series. 🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, I had the pleasure to listen to an ALC of the audiobook which will be available soon. Karen Grey cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell are entertaining storytellers and versatile voice artists. They have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, give each a voice that fits that character’s persona, sounding believable in every role they played. They set the perfect tone for the story, handle the witty dialogue with ease and land the humor effortlessly. You could hear how much heart and feelings they put into their work as they capture the character’s emotions and project them into their performance and have you feeling every single one. These narrators are naturals at what they do and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for the fabulous listen!

All the nostalgia!!. You Get What You Give by Karen Grey was a great fun start to a new series. I was hooked from the start. This book took me back to all of those teenage feelings I forgot about. I usually don’t connect with era books but this one hit home so hard. Violet and Nate go from a fun one-night stand to work enemies. The work enemies trope is so near and dear to my heart as it’s essentially my own HEA. I love seeing how others portray these relationships. Both Nate and Violet have lovable personalities. Nate is so much fun and easy going while Violet is strong, determined, and a workaholic. (Imagine the angst!) You Get What You Give definitely gives you all the sexual tension, strong easy-to-connect with MCs, and witty banter. Overall, I surprisingly enjoyed this book. It brought me back to the days of horrible teenage dramas on The WB, pagers, dial-up, and using paint to make screensavers of your crush's name.

Great listen!. This book was a lot of fun! I absolutely love that Karen Grey sets her books in the 80s/90s. It’s clever and fun! I love Violet’s drive for independence and her business. I wasn’t sure about Nate at first. He was a lost soul just trying to please his dad, but he won me over in the end. This book had solid character development and good conflict to keep me listening. Both the narrators had great sounding voices. They did a good job telling the story. Huge thank you to the author for allowing me to listen to the audiobook and review!

Fun & Flirty Retro Romance. You Get What You Give is a marvelous kick-off for Karen Grey’s new Carolina Classics series. I adore the world she has created in Wallington, North Carolina. This enemies-to-lovers, small-town retro romance is bursting with nineties pop-culture fun, deep-seated friendship, and lots of spice! Just when Violet Davenport hits her professional stride and makes her dreams come true, her business is rocked by an unforeseen rival. Nate Fowler is searching for his place in the world when he meets a beguiling, funny, tenacious redhead. The insta-lust connection between Violet and Nate is palpable. Their flirty back and forth is charming and so fun to read! This book drew me in at the first chapter heading, and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the pop-in character cameos from previous books. You Get What You Give will take you on a nostalgic nineties adventure full of Dawson’s Creek, Point Break, and ‘90’s Brat Pack vibes. “The man hasn’t even kissed me, and I’m all aquiver with lust.” Violet could be Nate’s port of solace in the tumultuous storm of his life. Violet has met the adventurous match to balance her workaholic personality. Karen writes unique, well-rounded, relatable characters with passion in their hearts. You Get What You Give is a low-angst, thought-provoking, refreshing rom-com that will warm your heart. I snort-laughed at nineties easter eggs, took a few trips down memory lane, and shed some tears for the endearing, heart-stealing characters. Violet is a hard-working, loyal, slightly high-strung entrepreneur, and theater director. Nate is a charismatic, laid-back cinnamon roll who may need some help in business, but doesn’t need direction in the bedroom. Violet’s group of friends Sully, Whitney, Dani, and Ford are wonderful. Violet’s found family may have rocky moments, but they are fiercely loyal and always there for one another. I loved getting deeper into their characters and look forward to reading each of their stories. Each ancillary character adds layers to the story without overloading it with superfluous voices. Karen’s imagery is so vivid, that I felt as though I had been transported to a picturesque coastal town. Karen’s poignant storytelling, mature, compassionate, scorching hot characters, and amusing nostalgic references make You Get What You Give an outstanding series launch. I love Karen’s heartwarming, cheeky, adventurous, witty stories, and You Get What You Give is absolutely a must-read!

Fun romance with great characters. You Get What You Give is the start of a new series that's set in 1999, 10 years after the author's previous Boston Classics series. The new series is set in coastal NC in a beach community that is fast becoming a favored location for movie and TV shoots that need East Coast local color. Violet, who previously taught drama at the high school, helped direct local theater productions, and has deep roots and contacts in the local theater arts community, decides to quit her job at the school, and open a casting agency specializing in securing local talent for the various film shoots. Although her professional gambit is going well, her personal life could use some help, so when she meets Nate, an apparent out-of-town visitor at a local bar one Sunday night, she decides that a one night, no-strings hookup might be just what she needs. Much to her surprise, the next day, as she's opening up her office at the local film studio, who does she run into, but Nate, who turns out to be the representative of a rival West Coast casting agency. Sparks fly professionally and personally as Violet and Nate initially start out as lovers, then bitter rivals, then slowly get to know each other and realize that their initial attraction was no fluke. On the surface, they seem to be total opposites. Violet is a woman who is deeply rooted in and devoted to her community. She has close forged friendships and personal/professional relationships with just about everyone she has met. Nate skims the surface, never committing to anyone or anything, searching for connections and a place to call his own, but not sure how to bring them about. Yet somehow, they are a great couple, each bringing their own strengths to their blooming relationship. I loved that although the initial set up of the book was giving off an enemies to lovers vibe, in fact, Nate very quickly realized that he didn't want to hurt Violet and instead tried hard to figure out a way to keep his family happy, accomplish his business goals, and not completely destroy Violet while he was doing so. Violet was pretty angry with him initially, but she also faced the situation with maturity and a determination to accomplish her own goals. There was also a good introduction to Violet's core friendship group, who will form the basis of the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to reading their stories also. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wonderful characters and wonderful setting. Can’t wait for more. This review was originally posted on Books of My HeartReview copy was received from Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Now we have Violet's book, You Get What You Give.   I really liked Violet in the prequel and even more in her own book.  Violet is hard-working, capable and kind.  She is a lot more straightforward about her thoughts and feelings than most people, and it makes her relationships easier in that people don't have to guess.  She handled all her curve balls with poise and generosity, no matter how they might hurt her.  This allowed her to move along with her relationships and make the best of every situation. I didn't think quite as highly of Nate, although he is a couple years younger.  He really hasn't had to work as hard because of family money and businesses.  Some things may have been harder for him though because he hasn't really had the family support and interest so some things were tedious for him.  From the beginning, he did do his best to care about Violet and her feelings. I really enjoyed this and the development of both their careers and their personal lives.  Their situation in careers is tricky. I think they handled things really well and honorably.  It's the only way they would survive in a smaller community.  They were great as a couple and also their work strengths and interests complemented each other so well.  I would say they are happy for now but there is more to develop with their families and business, which I hope we get to see as a sideline in future books.

Great start to a new series. While the Carolina Classics series is a loose “spin-off” from Grey’s Boston Classics series (both sets of MCs meet in the prequel, I’ll Stand By You) – you could start here and be fine. New location, new folks, new connections. Grey mixes it up a bit and this series isn’t interconnected standalones. Each book focuses on a different couple, but you’ll meet all the MCs and there’s definitely some story lines (drama!) that will weave throughout the whole series. I love these kinds of series where you can settle in and really get to know all the characters. 🥰 That doesn’t mean that Violet & Nate are cheated out of their chance to shine. Such a fun couple to get to know as individuals and together in a relationship. After an amazing one-night-stand, a family feud immediately pits these two against each other. Working for competing casting companies suddenly turns lovers to enemies. I really enjoyed the way Grey brought them back together, helped Nate find his real passion, and Vi become a standout in her own right. Most of the drama comes from Nate’s family, Vi’s friends, and a hurricane. Coastal folks know the chaos created when a tropical storm upgrades at the last moment. Violet’s lifelong friends: Dani, Whitney, Ford, & Sully are also weathering their own storms. While Nate & Vi get a wonderful HFN, a big announcement ends the story on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see who gets the next book.

Violet and Nate. Their one night stand doesn’t end like they thought. Violet just opened a casting agency and is barely making it. Nate comes from money and is in the same business. Will they put their differences aside and work together for the greater good.

I’m Moving to North Carolina!!. Okay, this is your new favorite series! Nope, don’t argue. This is it. I was worried for about two seconds that I was going to miss the Boston Classics too much, nothing could measure up, I’d never find anything I enjoyed as much, but I was wrong. You Get What You Give, the first in fantastic, terrific, marvelous, extremely talented author Karen’s Grey new Carolina Classics series picks up, takes off, and totally satisfies. If you like romance, humor, engaging characters, locations described in such detail that YOU ARE THERE, and a bit of heat and naughtiness all delivered through excellent dialogue and wordplay and a plot that moves right along, pulling you in by adding details, dilemmas and delicious situations, get a copy of YGWYG, settle in and enjoy! We are first introduced to the cast of characters in the prequel I’ll Stand by You, in the Summer of 1991 when they have just finished college and are about to embark on real life. Some will go and some will stay in their North Carolina beach town, but they’ve been friends since kindergarten and they all swear nothing will tear them apart. Guess we’ll see what real life has to say about that, won’t we? Fast forward 7 years. Ripe old age of 28. Varying degrees of success, some coming, some going, some thinking about returning, mostly keeping in touch and getting along as well as ever. Mostly. Violet has stayed in Wallington. She was a teacher who loved acting but realized she preferred behind the scenes to in front of the camera. North Carolina has become a prime location for movie making, and Wallington is becoming known as the Hollywood of the East, and the locals are certain it’s better than that other Hollywood. The soap opera Lawson’s Reach will be shooting in Wallington for nine months, and through hard work, networking and sheer determination Violet has opened a casting office to support the show. Enter Nate, who looks like Dylan McDermott, or Dermot Mulroney, or one of those guys. Handsome, anyway. When he and Violet meet in a hotel bar, Instant attraction is putting it mildly. It’s a wonderful night. Not so wonderful the next day when she discovers his family – from that other Hollywood place – has opened a competing casting office right next door to hers. What a great set up for what follows. Nate is trying to prove something to his father without turning into such an aggressive, cutthroat, uncaring businessman. Violet is like a momma duck with the auditioning actors, cares for them, nurtures them, nudges them along. It’s like a calling. Their strengths and weaknesses are complementary and could balance out, but could it be that simple? Or would someone have to compromise too much? And an attraction this strong can be a scary thing. They’re young, with hopes, dreams, obligations. Can the head trust what the heart feels? YGWYG takes us along on Nate and Violet’s journey – cycling through silly, sad, sexy, strident as they try to find out. Along the way we get delightful glimpses of what’s up with everyone else, making us wonder if Danielle is going to be satisfied hanging around bartending forever, if Whitney is ever going to make up her own mind and stop being controlled by her parents, if Ford is destined to be a star and will stay in California, and if Sully is not and will not, but will instead return (escape?) to his boat. There are intriguing undercurrents at play about relationships within the group; something to look forward to in the next book, and the next, and . . . . Karen Grey is a favorite author of mine. Has been since the first book of hers I read. To say she has a way with words is putting it mildly. YGWYG deals with serious topics and serious emotions, but right alongside is such humor you’ll be laughing out loud and wanting to underline that perfect phrase, and the spicy bits – woo hoo wow! I was given an advance copy of YGWYG by the author for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. Pleasure? You bet! Another excellent offering by an excellent, talented author. I can’t wait to see who’s up next and what will happen to the gang. I highly recommend you get a copy of You Get What You Give and read it right now, and while you’re at it read the prequel I’ll Stand by You to first meet this cool group, and then read the Boston Classics, set in the groovy 1980’s. You’ll be glad you did. All opinions are my own. Bonus: the Boston Classics characters pop in and out. What could be better?

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Awesome Retro Romance. When I heard Karen Grey talking about this book on a recent live with Erin Mallon (check Erin’s IG for the playback) I knew I had to listen. Set in the late 90s with connections to my teenage heart’s favourite show, Dawson’s Creek? Sold! It did not disappoint. Violet and Nate sign up for a one-night-stand. But get so much more than they bargained for. It turns out they are both casting directors vying for the same show. That instant attraction turns into a story of rivals to lovers that will have you glued to your device wanting to know how they are going to overcome their differences. I loved that this focused on the behind the scenes staff as I often feel like they are unsung heroes in the world of movies and TV. You get a good mixture of romance, backstory, friendships and family dynamics. It is a heartwarming and sweet story with some ‘moments’ that will have you thinking otherwise. I loved this friend group. I need all of their stories and now! You can read more about them in the prequel ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ I am so ready to read more about them. Especially after that ending. Karen Grey knew what she was doing! Fans of Dawson’s Creek will smile every time they notice a connection…and there are a lot. Nothing overpowering, but more little things that make you remember certain episodes and scenes. Since finishing this book my Spotify has been filled with 90s music, and I regret nothing. Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan perform this book in dual narration. They gave each character a unique sound and switched from male to female characters with ease and the change was obvious. Maxine’s male voice is all the things. This is the first time I’ve listened to Jack, and I thought he was great. I was sent an advance copy of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving this honest review

Back to the 90s…. Full disclosure: this is most definitely my era. I was in my early 20s in the late 1990s so the references resonated a lot. Right from the start I was drawn in by the chapter headings (“Lawson’s Reach”? Cue loud snort of laughter) and then became engrossed in a story that was both a romance and a tale of friendship. The latter is, I suspect, going to be the major underlying theme of the series. The main characters are great: Violet who values order and stability, unexpectedly attracted to Nate who has yet to settle at anything. In the cut-throat world of casting (not the fishing kind) the small town ain’t big enough for the both of them… or is it? Their chemistry is palpable and their character development both realistic and sympathetic. Then there’s family feuding, hurricane season, and a friendship group that’s doing its best to implode… this book may conclude Nate and Violet’s story, but the setup for whatever comes next in this Nineties nostalgia-fest is intriguing. A strongly recommended 4-4.5 stars.

4.5 Stars!. (Audio Review) Following a one-night stand, Violet and Nate’s amazing first meeting quickly turn sour when they are thrust right into a family feud that pits them against each other in their competing casting companies. It was such a pleasure to be in this world with these characters. Violet and Nate managed to charm me from the very beginning, and I enjoyed seeing their development as characters. Plus, we got to experience some late 90s vibes in this nostalgic insta attraction-to-enemies-to-lovers story. Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell did amazingly with the narration. I especially loved Maxine’s use of a southern accent in this; it added to the characterisation of Violet as she is from a southern coastal town in Carolina. Both narrators brought the characters to life. This was truly a pleasure to listen to! I was provided an advanced reading/listening copy of this book. However, all opinions shared are my honest thoughts about this book.

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