WHAT HAPPENS IN CAROLINA audiobook

If you’re looking for a great, quick read from a brilliant author, then look no further! I’ve actually read this one several times (beta, arc in Smartasses, and now arc before solo/independent release). I love it even more each time! This is an excellent addition to the Carolina Classics series, but not necessary to read it with the other books - works as a standalone. Karen Grey is awesome and everyone should pick up this novella, and pick up all of her works!

Two script writers for the new Lawson’s Reach series (takes place in ‘98, a “take” on Dawson’s Creek), from LA taking a trip to the Carolina’s where it’s shooting. A hurricane (and tornado) cause everyone having to evacuate, cause Tina and George to be forced into actually speaking, working together during the storm, getting to fully know each other, and realizing they actually like each other... George hides a personal quirk from Tina that people generally send him to therapy for, but she takes it in stride. Tina withdrew when George basically ignored her from the first minute, so it’s a big deal that they finally clear the air.

This novella takes place concurrently with book 1 in Grey’s Carolina Classics series, “You Get What You Give” (if you read the book you will understand the overlap, but in no way does either need to be read to understand the other).

Love it just as much with a second and third full read through! My second re-read was with a re-read of You Get What You Give. Third was on its own. And then a forth when it came out on audio in February (ALC), which was the best re-through of all! Amazing narrators - one of my very favourite gals around, Carly Robbins, was absolutely brilliant as Tina, and new-to-me Bradley Ford did an awesome job as George. Fantastic! This novella is great, but best on audio!

I received an advance review and listen copy of this book from Karen Grey, and Home Cooked Books Promotions, and this is my honest feedback.

I had previously read the What Happens in Carolina novella, but it was so much more fun as an audiobook which is why I rated the audiobook 5 stars. Carly Robins and new-to-me Bradley Ford did an awesome job with the narration and made this a fun, quick listen. In written form, I prefer full length stories to novellas, but in audio, the novella length was okay. I would recommend listening to the audiobook.

The characters are fun, and many of the characters get full-length stand alone stories in the other books in the Carolina Classic series. I liked all the late 90s pop culture references and the guy/girl next door characters (no billionaires, sports stars, etc.).

I own the ebook, but I received a copy of the audiobook at my request, and the opinions here are my own.

[ALC Audiobook Review]

Story: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5

This is the story of Tina and George - new script writers for a 90's prime time television show called Lawson's Reach. They both get stuck working together in a broom sized office on the first day of the job. George is definitely the quiet type, while Tina is quite the opposite. The personalities of these two main characters is presented so perfectly by Grey that I was able to picture both so vividly; all the way down to George's quirky adorkable Clark Kent type with bulging googly eyes and desk figurines.

Both writers end up across the country visiting some of Lawson's Reach sites when a hurricane makes landfall. One problem after another ensues which cleverly creates the ideal love story, and one of my favorite tropes- forced proximity. Without giving away too much I will say that What Happens in Carolina is a cute, funny romantic comedy that has left me eager to hear more.

Carly Robbins is one of my favorite female narrators. Bradley Ford read as George and was a new to me narrator who did an amazing job portraying George and his sexy, yet self conscious personality. Karen Grey is a new to me author. For me this novella was such a great introduction to her Carolina Classics series, and I can't wait to listen to more.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Steam: 🔥🔥 (0-5) closed door

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Series novella & totally worked for me as a standalone.
🤩 Workplace romance—both MCs are screen-writers. They are working on a small-town, beach show.
🤩 Opposites attract.
🤩 Perfectly cast narrators—the absolute cutest voices to fit the MCs personalities!!
🤩 LA to small-town North Carolina for work.
🤩 Close proximity in more ways than one!! Seriously—read the book blurb!!! 🔥🥵🌶️
🤩 George: quiet, nerdy, doodling Clark Kent type.
🤩 Tina: chatty (especially fast around George), dry erase board loving, & scared to fly.
🤩 The story perfectly jumps right into her first day in her new (very tiny and shared) office.
🤩 Delicious descriptions of their attraction to each other.
🤩 Beautiful beachy descriptions.
🤩 Also, hurricane adventures.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 Absolutely nothing—I am really looking forward to listening to the rest of the Carolina Classics series.

I really enjoyed this! I laughed so many times because of things that were said in this book. Because I remember saying them and sometimes I still say some of those words.

You have Tina and George who are both new television writers. They are two totally different people. But, even though they are different they realize they work well together. They end up having to go to the set on the East Coast. While there Tine and George get a lot closer than they thought they ever would. They experience a lot for only being there a short time!

The narrators did an amazing job! This was my fist experience listening to Bradley Ford and Carly Robins. Their voices were spot on with emotion or the characters quirkiness. I would definitely listen to another audiobook with either of these two narrating it.