Book Description

★★★★★ “A well-crafted story, a story full of heart and soul as two people show themselves to be perfectly imperfect.” Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess Some scars go further than skin deep… 1988 doesn’t end well for Jessica Abraham. In just one week she turns thirty, loses her day job, and loses the role of Ophelia to a younger actress. Rallying, she goes after a part at a theater outside of the city, but the director’s plan to hide her beauty behind hair, makeup and wardrobe from Cosmo’s “Don't'' column shakes her confidence to the core. For the first time in her acting career, she won’t be able to rely on her carefully managed physical charms. Only her craft will count. On a snowy night early in January 1989, a woman calls into DJ Callihan Alonso’s alt-rock radio show at the end of her commute. He asks her to call back the next night, and the next, just so he'll know she’s home safe. There's something about her voice that has him wanting more, but the longer they talk, the closer she gets. Compromising each and every wall he's built around his heart. If two lonely people fall in love over late-night phone calls, will meeting face-to-face make them, or break them? In this heartfelt, slow burn retro romcom, it may be the end of a decade, but it’s the beginning of a love story. This book may contain descriptions of events that might be upsetting or triggering for some readers. For more information, please see the Content Guidance page on my website: bit.ly/ContentGuidanceKarenGrey ★★★★★ “I'm always happy to read Karen's books that transport me back to the 80s and 90s. I love her snippets of music, TV, current events of that time period sprinkled throughout the book for that hit of nostalgia.” Pixiedustreads ★★★★★ “Jess and Cal's story is an indelible ink that seeped into my subconsciousness. I felt every cheer in their triumphs and shed every tear in their disappointments.” Currant 7 Recommends ★★★★★ “This author is truly a master at creating likeable, three-dimensional characters.” Laurie Reads Romance ★★★★★ “Grey's characters, Jess and Cal, enamored themselves to me and made this one of my favorite books this year.” Once Upon a Page ★★★★★ “Like the first two books in the Boston Classics series, this book takes you on a journey. There’s great music (that I’m now listening to), a host of interesting characters, a world that some of us lived in and storytelling that is absolutely wonderful.” Anna Reads Here ★★★★★ “A story like a kaleidoscope of fireworks accompanied by a background of music, reflecting the characters’ feelings throughout their journey.” Ally & the Books ★★★★★ “I just sat and felt this one long after I finished. Not many books move me that way.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I am loving this series, each book is entertaining and contains plenty of laugh out loud moments and heartfelt ones.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Karen Grey has a lovely, deft touch with her characters, the plot, and with the world she's created.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “Add this to your must read list.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “No one has to be perfect. Being enough for each other comes pretty close, though.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I was hooked from page one.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Fresh, bright, original, laugh-out-loud funny yet serious and thought-provoking.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “This book doesn’t gloss over difficult subjects, but there’s also a lot of humor, and the love story itself is great. It’s a slow burn, sure, but there’s a real and deep connection between Jess and Cal right at the beginning. Absolutely beautiful.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I love when a story takes me by surprise, and this one definitely did—relatable characters with real issues. Their imperfections and ability to see one another's true hearts was beautiful to watch unfold- overall feel-good.” Bookbub review ★★★★★ “The 80s nostalgia is everywhere in this story. From the records Cal spins as a DJ, to the mention of Tower records, and the struggles of talking on the phone with a stretched phone cord, this book transports you back to that era.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “What an amazing and refreshing story! Cal and Jess are wonderful characters. Their slow burn romance is beautifully written, sweet, emotional, and funny.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “This retro slow-burn romcom captured my heart and never let go.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I loved how everything played out in this book, the story is beautifully plotted with the perfect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotions and romance, a wonderful, slow burn romance.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “The 1988 setting is a gem to the people who lived through those years and to the younger generation to get a taste of what they were like. Every chapter starts with little soundbites that introduce the shows or the ads in radio stations and its spot on!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “a beautiful, emotional story about two damaged souls making a connection over late night phone calls.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “If you're looking for a fun, 80's story with both Sleeping Beauty and Beauty & the Beast vibes, this is the book for you!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “I love when a story takes me by surprise, and this one definitely did—relatable characters with real issues. Their imperfections and ability to see one another's true hearts was beautiful to watch unfold.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “A captivating story that has a realness to it that is both breathtaking and devastating. You could feel both characters’ emotional pain and their struggle to find happiness with their outward appearances. The character development throughout this series has been phenomenal and the stories are so much deeper than expected.” Bookbub review