Child of Mine: a nostalgic romantic comedy

Written by Karen Grey

Narrated by Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson

“A romcom set in BOSTON in the 80s?? Yes please!” NYT bestselling author Erin Nicholas

The bigger the secret, the harder it is to hide.

Single mom Isabella York was a celebrity before she had her first kiss, her first date, or her first sip of alcohol. Playing the bad girl—both on and off the set—allowed her to make up for lost time. Back home in Boston, with her “checkered past” behind her, all she wants is to raise her little girl far away from the spotlight, because revealing her secrets could mean losing everything, or gaining more than she ever hoped.

For her, and her daughter.

It’s not that Henry Smith hates kids—they don’t like him. Meanwhile, he’s stuck producing children’s TV, so he’ll try to tone down the grumpiness that’s dogged him since his life imploded seven years ago. After all, not everyone gets a second chance to chase his dream. If he plays his cards right at this new gig, he can move on to making television that will change the world, not just entertain a bunch of brats.

Maybe he can charm the woman he never thought he’d see again into a do-over while he’s at it.

In this sexy, heartwarming, not-quite-historical romance—the latest Boston Classics standalone romcom from USA Today bestselling author Karen Grey—a sunshine/grumpy pair has to face the past before they can find a future… together.

★★★★★ “An adorable kid, a dog, a bookstore, a couple of cats, and some family drama and I was a happy camper.” Carole’s Random Life in Books

★★★★★ “The emotions--the feelings her characters are going through--rock your world.” Bookbub review

★★★★★ “Heartwarming, fun, humorous, and with witty banter, emotions, secrets, and is a heartfelt and steamy riveting page turner.” Bookbub review

• Language: English
• Publisher: Home Cooked Books
• Release date: Mar 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781737038344

Karen Grey

KAREN GREY is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of vintage romantic comedies with smart heroines and hunky heroes. Drawing on a long career as a performer, her retro 80's and 90's romances are populated with characters working both on- and off-stage in theater, TV and film. She's a lifelong omnivorous reader (including 20 years as an audiobook narrator). When not reading or writing, she's lounging at the beach or hiking in the mountains. Or dreaming about both with an IPA in hand and a dog or a cat nearby. To get the latest news, join her VIP club at followkarengrey.com.

Reviews for Child of Mine

[Patricia Mundy Reichardt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This series pushes all the right buttons for me. Yes, an 80's kid, I can relate to it all! This one takes us on the soap opera journey, with interjections of upcoming plots. I remember grabbing Soap Opera Digest just for those nuggets and these made the story very nostalgic! Bella is a child star with a checkered past. She had maintained her career as a soap opera star, but now lives at home over her mother's bookstore with her daughter. She never thought she would bump into Henry ever again. But the stars align, and now she is faced with telling him her secret. Will he ever be able to understand her decisions? What will he think when he learns of her past? And will their budding relationship withstand the outside pressures? Karen Grey takes us on a look of Hollywood and it's darkness. Creating realistic characters and a story that is compelling and heartwarming, it's easy to become completely enchanted with their journey. Bella is a testament to motherhood, knowing what she wants for her daughter, and keeping her own life on track to give it to her. Henry is the most understanding and loving man. And Lilah is the light of the story. Spunky and smart, she is a sweet and beautiful child. It's a fun listen and a great addition to this series.

Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson are our story tellers, and with these two, you know we are in for a treat. Mallon voices Bella with a strong and independent sound. She does add a hint of self doubt and vulnerability, making Bella feel real. Taylorson has a warmth to his voice that is unmistakably sweet. I fell for this voice, found his interpretation of Henry spot on and enjoyed every minute. This is a wonderful collaborative narration and hope to hear these two together again.

[Bette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful Story & Narration? Gripping & Heartfelt!

It is great to revisit Karen Grey’s “Boston Classics” world again and take a nostalgic trip back in time. I am loving this series, each book stands on its own but I highly recommend every single one, the originality is brilliant, the stories are entertaining and pull you in like no other, grabbing your attention and captivating it the entire book. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are likable and easy to care about too. This book is Isabella York and Henry Smith’s story, Isabella, a former child actor, went from being Izzy in a fun kids show called “Boom” to being a villain in a soap opera, named Quinn. She got herself caught up in some bad things while hanging out with the grownups, including drugs. After cleaning up her act she is ready for the next phase in her life. She goes to the studio’s holiday party to say goodbye to everyone and goes to clear out her old dressing room. She stops at one of her favorite places, a sanctuary hideout, only to find someone is already there and is doing a happy dance, or what appears to be that. Henry Smith left his hometown, Raleigh, to catch his big break in the film industry and he received news that he got the assistant producer spot. He slipped out onto a balcony to shout out his joy and do a happy dance. It surprised him when he got caught and not just by anyone but by the girl he had a crush on, Izzy from Boom. Isabella was going to leave but wound up staying and the two hit is off. His celebration turned out to be so much more for him, a one-night stand to remember. It was a life-changing night for both of them. After their encounter, he gets a call that he needed to return home to North Carolina and Isabella went home to make mends with her Mom and wound up staying there, never making it to Hollywood as she originally planned. Isabella, now goes by Bella, she is a single Mom who lives in Boston, helping her Mother with her bookstore and acting on stage for Shakespeare Boston theatre company. She gets a surprise offer to work behind the scenes in the reboot of “Boom”. She considers taking the job, but when she sees who she will work with, she is not sure it is a good idea. Henry has been working for a station down in Raleigh, but was looking to further his career and jumped on the opportunity to work on the remake of “Boom”. He was not expecting to see Izzy again but was ecstatic when he did, thinking it would be great if they could get together again. But it did not look like she felt the same and she has her reason, her name is Lilah, his daughter, a daughter he does not know exists. She couldn’t take that job, but life has a way of forcing you to face your past and it turns out she needs that job and winds up having to work closely with Henry. I loved how everything played out in this book, it is a beautifully written story that is cleverly plotted with a perfect balance of drama, comedy, both heartfelt and heartwarming emotions and romance. There are so many wonderful moments and scenes in this book, some will make you laugh, some may bring a tear to your eyes, but all are amazing. Bella’s inner battles with her two sides, the villainous Quinn and the good girl Izzy, were hysterical. Her daughter was a darling and that scene in the bookstore tugged on my heartstrings. Karen Grey, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

??? And for the amazing narration, Karen Grey could not have chosen a better cast to bring her characters and story to life. Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson are superbly talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, gave each a voice that was a perfect fit to that character’s persona, sounding believable in every role they played and just as I pictured the characters to sound. Erin Mallon nailed it as Bella, grasped her every emotion and had you feeling them, she, as always, handles the witty dialogue and inner battles with ease and lands the humor effortlessly. Tom Taylorson was just as amazing and his Henry was spot on, he also captured his every emotion and played the role with perfection. Both were great performing all the secondary roles too. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this wonderful listen.

[TaSigmund · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bella and Henry had a one night stand and haven't seen each other for 7 years. I love this book, I like almost anything that is 80s or 90s. The main characters are the best, I had no problem getting hooked on they're story. Scandal always has that effect. This series is about 80s and 90s love stories and they are stand alones, each story is so easy to get caught up in. I like this author and her writing, I can only hope she continues to write more stories like these.

[Jodi Martin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is performed by Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson. Erin Mallon is one of my absolute favorite narrators, so I was thrilled to hear her bring Bella to life! Erin captured Bella's vulnerable and determined spirit perfectly. Plus, in Erin’s performance she conveyed all the emotions of what it took for Bella to be a strong mother working in a career she loved! Tom Taylorson is a new to me narrator and was fantastic as Henry. Tom impressed me with his southern NC drawl! Plus, he brought so much charm and swoon to Henry's character which made it impossible for both Bella and Lilah not to love!

Overall, I LOVED this book! Each couple in this series just keeps getting better and better. I’ve adored this series, especially in audio, and I always look forward to more from Karen Grey!

[Jen Favey · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a great second-chance romance in the 1980s with a grumpy TV producer and a former child star with secrets who just wants to remain behind the scenes. Both of them have their walls up, so when they meet again the odds are not in their favor. This is well written and touches on some tough subjects in a very tasteful and positive way. Great performances by Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson. Erin is a queen of audio and already on my 1-click list. Tom is new to me, but has a great voice and delivers an excellent performance. I am adding him to my list of favorites to watch for in the future.

[Kristie Galindo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Updated review 3/10/22 to include audiobook review. ?I loved the 80’s and can relate to so many things in this story. Very fun and entertaining book! Child of Mine is book 4 is the Boston Classic series. Isabella (Bella) is a single mom to Lilah; she is doing her best and getting a fresh start to move on from her past. She is a very giving, caring, protective and fantastic mom. Henry arrives in town looking for a fresh start as a hot shot director. He is single, doesn’t like kids but is a director for a kids tv show. As the relationship blooms they share their past mistakes, regrets, feelings of failure and lost time. This is a lovely story filled with second chances, forgiveness, angst, understanding and some heat. ? The narrators are totally Rad! Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson are perfect for this book. I’ve listened to several books by Erin and she is amazing in each one. She is so incredibly talented with her voice variations. This my first audiobook by Tom and I really enjoyed his narration. His voice is warm and cozy. They both bring these characters life in the most fantastic way. They bring the book to life with their wonderful narration. Congratulations Karen, Erin and Tom!

[JoAnn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Child of Mine by
5/5 ⭐
From perms to shoulder pads, bright colors and windbreakers, look out 80s here we come.
Child of Mine is a nostalgic romantic comedy apart of the Boston Classics series. A secret baby/second chance romance that is entertaining, sweet, funny, Heartwarming and Hot all in one delightful package.
Karen Grey knows how to write characters that are unique, charming and fun but also strong, strong willed and depth that rounds out the many layers. Bella was a character with those layers brought to life so incredibly by one of my favorite narrators Erin Mallon. Isabella York lived a lot of life in her 29 years reaching fame at a young age and some pitfalls along her path she is now a single mother with inner voices she can’t seen to shut up. Hoping to keep the obstacles behind her she ventures on a new career path that will have her staring a part of that past right in his face. Henry Smith who put his dreams in hold to return home and help his family after a sudden loss has finally found an opportunity to once again pursue those dreams. So he packs up and moves to Boston to start a new job that will hopefully open Many new challenges and doors for him. Little does he know he is about to find out some of the best things in life are not something he ever dreamed of. Tom Taylorson is a new to me Narrator but from the first line he spoke he had a fan in me. The southern drawl, the deep slightly raspy tone of his voice…be still my heart he had me all dreamy listening to Henry. Both narrators were outstanding their performances brought all of the feels in this book to life.
Trust me you will have zero regrets picking up a copy of this one! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐for real for real.