Great character development! Fun story…. More please!

Not the easiest book I’ve ever read but not awful. I’m very confused about the timeline, just didn’t seem necessary to be set in the 80s? Could be missing the bigger picture though.

This book was a blast from the past. I graduated college in 1984 and in the late 1980's was busy wearing business suits, floppy bow ties, and very slowly working my way up the corporate ladder in a traditionally male dominated field. Kate's struggles felt very real to me (probably too much so, as there were a couple of times I had to put the book down as it hit a bit too close to home compared to my own career). However, I loved being reminded of the days before ubiquitous cell phones and texting. I got ALL of the cultural references, the music, the movies, the fashion. The behind the scenes looks at acting also seemed to be particularly detailed and were fascinating. Kate and Will were such opposites. I loved that Kate was the nerdy corporate finance specialist already making decent money and anticipating a much higher salary, while Will was more free-spirited, socially conscious, just on the edge of broke. Yet it was clear that they were both brought out the best in each other, even though they seemed to be such opposites. The "discussions/arguments" about salary and about Will being a house husband and feeling emasculated because Kate made more than him were also spot on for the times. Really the author absolutely nailed the atmosphere and attitudes of the late 1980's and now I'm really looking forward to reading more. I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

This is my first book by Karen Grey and I’m 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. I found myself equally in love with the charming and fascinating secondary characters. While none stand out as the obvious choice for the next book in the series, I’m voting for the enigma that is “Hot Steve”.

First time reading this author. A lot of angst, but still very enjoyable. A lot of sex, but not too graphic. I would read this author again.