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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Babies and Bookshop Cats and Shakespeare, oh my!
Child of Mine is the fourth installment of Karen Grey’s Boston Classics series. I have read this book twice and I can’t wait until the audiobook comes out so I can experience it again! Child of Mine is an outrageously fun, touching, cheeky retro romcom. Karen Grey has outdone herself once again with more 80’s fun!! Bella is a member of the Shakespeare Boston theatre company and has been an ancillary character throughout the series. I am overjoyed this talented, sassy, brilliant single mom finally got her HEA!
“Since I couldn’t find you, I made myself forget about you, which worked just fine. Until you came back.”
In this second chance romance, Henry and Bella reunite unexpectedly after a brief one-night stand ended abruptly nearly seven years ago. Bella has a big secret but telling him could tear her carefully balanced world apart. Henry is awestruck when his new job in a new city leads him to the one that got away. As Bella struggles to create a new work/life balance, Hal adjusts to life in a new town while trying to woo his childhood crush.
“Honestly, I feel raw, like someone cracked open my chest with a crowbar and exposed inside.”
Child of Mine has the signature elements of the Boston Classic series, with unique twists apropos of Bella’s authentic character. I loved the Soap Opera Digest style chapter headings! They fit Bella’s history and Hal’s professional aspirations perfectly! I adore Karen Grey’s twist on the shoulder angel/devil device used as Bella’s inner voice(s). They hysterically communicate the inner conflict Bella struggles with throughout the book. Let’s just say, Quinn gives new meaning to the term “horny devil”. IYKYK. Though Henry’s journey may not seem as arduous as Bella’s, his character arc is heart-wrenching, thoughtful, and adorably fun. Lilah’s precocious and delightful personality is entirely endearing. Her sweet disposition and kindness will melt your heart. Child of Mine takes a bit of a stylistic departure from the rest of the Boston Classics series, and it absolutely paid off. The story flows beautifully with plenty to set it apart from the other books while fitting seamlessly into the Boston Classics world.
Child of Mine is a fantastic romcom teeming with Karen Grey’s signature humor, wit, fun eighties nods, and amatory exploits! There are wonderful character catch-ups from the Shakespeare Boston company throughout the book and even some nuggets of wisdom from the Bard sprinkled in. Run, don’t walk back in time to dive into this spectacular second-chance, secret baby retro romcom with a lot of heart and plenty of steam!!
Child of Mine is the fourth installment of Karen Grey’s Boston Classics series. I have read this book twice and I can’t wait until the audiobook comes out so I can experience it again! Child of Mine is an outrageously fun, touching, cheeky retro romcom. Karen Grey has outdone herself once again with more 80’s fun!! Bella is a member of the Shakespeare Boston theatre company and has been an ancillary character throughout the series. I am overjoyed this talented, sassy, brilliant single mom finally got her HEA!
“Since I couldn’t find you, I made myself forget about you, which worked just fine. Until you came back.”
In this second chance romance, Henry and Bella reunite unexpectedly after a brief one-night stand ended abruptly nearly seven years ago. Bella has a big secret but telling him could tear her carefully balanced world apart. Henry is awestruck when his new job in a new city leads him to the one that got away. As Bella struggles to create a new work/life balance, Hal adjusts to life in a new town while trying to woo his childhood crush.
“Honestly, I feel raw, like someone cracked open my chest with a crowbar and exposed inside.”
Child of Mine has the signature elements of the Boston Classic series, with unique twists apropos of Bella’s authentic character. I loved the Soap Opera Digest style chapter headings! They fit Bella’s history and Hal’s professional aspirations perfectly! I adore Karen Grey’s twist on the shoulder angel/devil device used as Bella’s inner voice(s). They hysterically communicate the inner conflict Bella struggles with throughout the book. Let’s just say, Quinn gives new meaning to the term “horny devil”. IYKYK. Though Henry’s journey may not seem as arduous as Bella’s, his character arc is heart-wrenching, thoughtful, and adorably fun. Lilah’s precocious and delightful personality is entirely endearing. Her sweet disposition and kindness will melt your heart. Child of Mine takes a bit of a stylistic departure from the rest of the Boston Classics series, and it absolutely paid off. The story flows beautifully with plenty to set it apart from the other books while fitting seamlessly into the Boston Classics world.
Child of Mine is a fantastic romcom teeming with Karen Grey’s signature humor, wit, fun eighties nods, and amatory exploits! There are wonderful character catch-ups from the Shakespeare Boston company throughout the book and even some nuggets of wisdom from the Bard sprinkled in. Run, don’t walk back in time to dive into this spectacular second-chance, secret baby retro romcom with a lot of heart and plenty of steam!!
This whole series has been a breath of fresh air.
I’m a go in blind kind of person and sometimes I get a trope that isn’t my favorite. But I try to keep an open mind now I wasn’t a fan of the characters in this book for about halfway through. But then something clicked and I got it.
Isabel is the way she is I think because of her fames are early on. And I didn’t really see the affects that, that kind of life held for her.
I didn’t see why she kept her daughter’s father in the dark for so long. I almost wonder if she would’ve ever told him. And I didn’t really understand it until later that she was protecting herself and her daughter.
Henry I loved from the beginning to the end he stole the book for me he is what made me keep listening. Also the fact that the narration was phenomenal no joke. I was so enthralled and couldn’t wait to see how he would react how he would interact. He just made the book for me.
I have read other peoples reviews and I can see why they loved it so much. I’m not saying I didn’t I’m just saying it was different and that’s OK because in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it. Took me a bit but that’s OK to.
I’m a go in blind kind of person and sometimes I get a trope that isn’t my favorite. But I try to keep an open mind now I wasn’t a fan of the characters in this book for about halfway through. But then something clicked and I got it.
Isabel is the way she is I think because of her fames are early on. And I didn’t really see the affects that, that kind of life held for her.
I didn’t see why she kept her daughter’s father in the dark for so long. I almost wonder if she would’ve ever told him. And I didn’t really understand it until later that she was protecting herself and her daughter.
Henry I loved from the beginning to the end he stole the book for me he is what made me keep listening. Also the fact that the narration was phenomenal no joke. I was so enthralled and couldn’t wait to see how he would react how he would interact. He just made the book for me.
I have read other peoples reviews and I can see why they loved it so much. I’m not saying I didn’t I’m just saying it was different and that’s OK because in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it. Took me a bit but that’s OK to.
Child of Mine is the second book by Karen Grey that I've read and it's one of the most delightful books I've read all year (in lockstep with the other Karen Grey book I read this year, You Spin Me). Centered on actress Isabella York, her adorable and precious daughter Lilah, and Henry, the father that Lilah knows nothing about. As secret baby books go, this is one of my favorites.
There are many great moments in the story, but the characters are truly some of the most endearing. Grey's writing is whip-smart with wonderful dialogue (especially the voices in Bella's head), interesting developments, and steamy sexy times. I highly recommend this book and am planning a read of all of Karen's books in the very near future. 5++ stars
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
There are many great moments in the story, but the characters are truly some of the most endearing. Grey's writing is whip-smart with wonderful dialogue (especially the voices in Bella's head), interesting developments, and steamy sexy times. I highly recommend this book and am planning a read of all of Karen's books in the very near future. 5++ stars
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I love listening to audiobooks. Karen Grey picked the perfect narrators to tell her story. They brought the characters to life with their perfect voices to bring the emotions of the characters to life. I looked forward to listening every chance I could.
The story itself was interesting. I liked that it flowed easily and moved along at a quick pace. I could relate to Isabella’s choices in life and enjoyed seeing her come back into her own as the story continued. Secret baby is a tough story to tell and it can be a touchy subject but Karen Grey did it perfectly. She took care and showed the love that Isabella has for her daughter.
I listened to the book and did not read it so the many hours I spent listening were very enjoyable and I would love to listen to more from her narrators.
The story itself was interesting. I liked that it flowed easily and moved along at a quick pace. I could relate to Isabella’s choices in life and enjoyed seeing her come back into her own as the story continued. Secret baby is a tough story to tell and it can be a touchy subject but Karen Grey did it perfectly. She took care and showed the love that Isabella has for her daughter.
I listened to the book and did not read it so the many hours I spent listening were very enjoyable and I would love to listen to more from her narrators.
I loved this sweet & sexy, second chance romance! It brings back all the fun, emotional and sizzling nostalgia of the 80's soap operas. It starts out with a chance meeting, and passionate encounter between Isabella York and Henry Smith. They had a fiery connection, but Henry received a tragic call and fled without exchanging information. Isabella was a tv star at a young age that put her in too many problematic situations. She had to flee her life in NY to find it. But she was left with a gift from the man who she could have seen a future with. Now she is back home in Boston, raising an adorable little girl on her own. When she gets an offer to help on a remake of her most popular show as a child, she is excited, until she meets the producer and the man she never forgot. Now she is afraid he will use her past to destroy her future. Henry lost his father suddenly and rushed home to help with the family business. He has always wanted to get back in the tv business and has taken a job in Boston. He never expected to see the woman of his dreams again. He is excited to work with Bella and is curious about her life and her daughter. The more time they spend together, the stronger their connection grows again, and they have a hard time denying their attraction. When Bella has some family issues, Henry wants to be the one who stands by her and support her. But when her secrets are revealed, will he be supportive, or will he do what Bella fears most? This was such a sweet, funny, tender, and steamy story. I loved how strong and resilient Bella is and Henry made me swoon with how attentive and loving he was.
Narrators Erin Mallon, and Tom Taylorson were amazing as they brought this wonderful story to life. They nailed all the characters perfectly, making me feel all the complex emotions they went through, and made me laugh out loud, cry, and totally swoon. This was a fun, emotional and steamy romance that captured my heart.
Narrators Erin Mallon, and Tom Taylorson were amazing as they brought this wonderful story to life. They nailed all the characters perfectly, making me feel all the complex emotions they went through, and made me laugh out loud, cry, and totally swoon. This was a fun, emotional and steamy romance that captured my heart.
I loved this book! It has so many layers, such perfectly imperfect characters, complex and simple at the same time. It’s a second chance, surprise baby, some angst, some fun, and a lot of a great story. I loved that it’s set in the 80’s, so not a historical romance, but not a modern one that has a lot of cellphone and texting. These characters were my age at that time, so I could totally relate!
Isabelle York was a child actor, since she was fourteen. Ambitious and stubborn, she went to New York to start her career in TV, away from her mother and with a father who was pursuing his own demons. Unsupervised, she fell into all the wrong habits until she got away from it all.
Harry Smith veered away from his family landscaping business in North Caroline, went into TV producing to New York and worked his way up. One the night he was celebrating finally getting his dream job, he met Isabelle who was saying goodbye to it all. After a glorious one night stand, he suddenly leaves, leaving her pregnant and with no way to find him.
Six years forward, Isabelle has started a new life, living with her mom in Boston and raising her beautiful little girl. Her life is dedicated to Lilah and working in Shakespeare theatre, helping her mother with her book store.
Harry’s life imploded on that fateful night and he stayed with his family, helping them, until he got a chance to further his dreams with children’s TV. He moves to Boston and surprisingly, finds Isabelle there. It feels like a second chance with a woman he never forgot, but it’s much more complicated than that!
This felt like a long story! And it was a page turner! There were different plot lines, the characters had several issues going in, plus the future of a little girl that everyone fell in love with. Secondary characters are mentioned and it’s obvious they have stories that have been worked before in previous books. Isabelle is still working on her issues and has two voices that ring in her head all the time: Izzy, her young and hopeful self, and Quinn, her jaded and cynic self. It’s an internal war until it’s sorted. Henry is a grump who incredibly, finds a job with children’s TV so he needs to dial his grumpiness in. It’s complicated until it wasn’t and we get to jog along with them during their journey.
It was an entertaining read, I loved that it was a slow pace because with so many plot lines, it needed to be slow and detailed. Sometimes the author fell into more detail than was necessary, as in the TV production job, and it made the plot too slow. I loved Izzy and Quinn’s voices but wondered how Isabelle could stay sane with that racket inside her head. I loved Harry’s devotion to his little girl and how he worked with his patience so he could be worthy of her. Both had guilts from their past and together they needed to work them out. It was a great deal that absolutely all the plot lines were resolved with no wondering what-if’s after the book ended. Excellent work!
Isabelle York was a child actor, since she was fourteen. Ambitious and stubborn, she went to New York to start her career in TV, away from her mother and with a father who was pursuing his own demons. Unsupervised, she fell into all the wrong habits until she got away from it all.
Harry Smith veered away from his family landscaping business in North Caroline, went into TV producing to New York and worked his way up. One the night he was celebrating finally getting his dream job, he met Isabelle who was saying goodbye to it all. After a glorious one night stand, he suddenly leaves, leaving her pregnant and with no way to find him.
Six years forward, Isabelle has started a new life, living with her mom in Boston and raising her beautiful little girl. Her life is dedicated to Lilah and working in Shakespeare theatre, helping her mother with her book store.
Harry’s life imploded on that fateful night and he stayed with his family, helping them, until he got a chance to further his dreams with children’s TV. He moves to Boston and surprisingly, finds Isabelle there. It feels like a second chance with a woman he never forgot, but it’s much more complicated than that!
This felt like a long story! And it was a page turner! There were different plot lines, the characters had several issues going in, plus the future of a little girl that everyone fell in love with. Secondary characters are mentioned and it’s obvious they have stories that have been worked before in previous books. Isabelle is still working on her issues and has two voices that ring in her head all the time: Izzy, her young and hopeful self, and Quinn, her jaded and cynic self. It’s an internal war until it’s sorted. Henry is a grump who incredibly, finds a job with children’s TV so he needs to dial his grumpiness in. It’s complicated until it wasn’t and we get to jog along with them during their journey.
It was an entertaining read, I loved that it was a slow pace because with so many plot lines, it needed to be slow and detailed. Sometimes the author fell into more detail than was necessary, as in the TV production job, and it made the plot too slow. I loved Izzy and Quinn’s voices but wondered how Isabelle could stay sane with that racket inside her head. I loved Harry’s devotion to his little girl and how he worked with his patience so he could be worthy of her. Both had guilts from their past and together they needed to work them out. It was a great deal that absolutely all the plot lines were resolved with no wondering what-if’s after the book ended. Excellent work!
This book was so much fun and thoroughly enjoyable! This secret baby, single parent, second chance romance was entertaining, emotional, sexy and swoony.
I loved these characters so much and the overall plot seemed very realistic too. There was very little angst or drama and a lot of details as part of the story.
Isabelle and Henry have very emotional, heavy pasts, but seeing them come together as a family with their daughter was heartwarming.
Erin Mallon is one of my favorite female narrators and her narration was one point. I haven’t listened to Tom Taylorson’s work before and I enjoyed his narration too.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved these characters so much and the overall plot seemed very realistic too. There was very little angst or drama and a lot of details as part of the story.
Isabelle and Henry have very emotional, heavy pasts, but seeing them come together as a family with their daughter was heartwarming.
Erin Mallon is one of my favorite female narrators and her narration was one point. I haven’t listened to Tom Taylorson’s work before and I enjoyed his narration too.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I thought that this book was good
⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you like 80s nostalgia you'll love this rom-com! A single-mom, grumpy/sunshine romance set in Boston is a great read. It's a workplace romance with a single mom who is a prior actress, a new in town grumpy producer (who the kids are scared of), and second chances.
Henry and Bella have a complicated history and when Bella runs into him on the set of a TV reboot, she freaks out. She's been keeping a few secrets...including an almost 6 year old little girl. Henry just wants his life back on track after living back at home for 7 years, so he takes an AP job in Boston, where he runs into his childhood crush...again.
This story was well written and I loved the 80s nostalgia. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue in the office as it made me connect more to the characters by learning their strengths both in the office, and outside of it.
There are some overlaps of previous characters in the series and I do think you'd want to read them all in order to have the best reading experience, but this can be read as a standalone as well.
Note to those who follow my smutty readers who follow my reviews: there is fade to black and no real spice here. But the story is great!
If you like 80s nostalgia you'll love this rom-com! A single-mom, grumpy/sunshine romance set in Boston is a great read. It's a workplace romance with a single mom who is a prior actress, a new in town grumpy producer (who the kids are scared of), and second chances.
Henry and Bella have a complicated history and when Bella runs into him on the set of a TV reboot, she freaks out. She's been keeping a few secrets...including an almost 6 year old little girl. Henry just wants his life back on track after living back at home for 7 years, so he takes an AP job in Boston, where he runs into his childhood crush...again.
This story was well written and I loved the 80s nostalgia. I also thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue in the office as it made me connect more to the characters by learning their strengths both in the office, and outside of it.
There are some overlaps of previous characters in the series and I do think you'd want to read them all in order to have the best reading experience, but this can be read as a standalone as well.
Note to those who follow my smutty readers who follow my reviews: there is fade to black and no real spice here. But the story is great!
3/6/2022 - updated review for audio
3/4/2022 - Erin Mallon & Tom Taylorson!
2/28/2022 - Currently listening to ALC of the audiobook. Love these narrators (it’s a secret til Friday).
3/4/2022 - Erin Mallon & Tom Taylorson!
2/28/2022 - Currently listening to ALC of the audiobook. Love these narrators (it’s a secret til Friday).