WHAT I’M LOOKING FOR

Book excerpt: The course of true love never did run smooth. Like, for real, dude. When a socially awkward finance-hotshot—aka me—grudgingly walks into Boston's famous Cheers bar to do happy hour with the insufferably misogynistic guys from work, I don't expect the cute bartender to salvage the rest of my never-ending workday with a cleverly disguised mocktail. I especially don't expect him to talk Shakespeare to me. Fate keeps bringing us together, just like the star-crossed couples in the plays Will loves to quote. But while the chemistry between us may be stronger than a stiff Cape Codder, it's clear that on paper, the math doesn't add up. I can't help wondering if we're capable of an ending happier than Romeo and Juliet's. He's living in a dream world while my feet are planted firmly on the ground, and I can't risk my heart again on a guy who'll bail when the going gets rough. Even if he does rescue me from a murderous juggling clown. Fans of Lucy Score and Meghan Quinn will love this smart, feel-good, sweet-and-sexy romcom set in the late 1980’s—an era of big hair and bigger egos. ★★★★★ “This is a fabulous read that’ll take you back in time, make you swoon, and serve you with a heavy dose of nostalgia.” —The Rogue Reviews ★★★★★ “Such a lovely debut from one of my favorite audiobook narrators! I loved the 80s nostalgia, the answering machine message lead-ins to each chapter, and be still my Shakespeare loving heart--a theatre actor hero (named Will) who quotes from the bard!” USA Today best-selling author A.J. Pine ★★★★★ “Opposites attract! 80s music! Boston! Shakespeare! So many good things in one book!” Julia Whelan, author of My Oxford Year ★★★★★ “Shakespearean actor Will and financial analyst Kate aren’t exactly star-crossed lovers, but, despite intense attraction, they can’t ever seem to stay together very long. Set within the Boston theater community and the (equally dramatic) world of high-stakes consulting, Grey’s wry, charming, and compulsively readable first novel demonstrates that, when it comes to romance, falling in love is only the beginning.” Dana Sachs, author of The Secret of the Nightingale Palace ★★★★★ "This is my first book by Karen Grey and I’m hooked." Rellim Reads ★★★★★ “This is a fabulous read that’ll take you back in time, make you swoon, and serve you with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Smart escapism at its finest! Five bitchin' stars for What I’m Looking For!” The Rogue Reviews ★★★★★ “An excellent read that gave me all the feels and put a smile on my face at the end. I highly recommend it for all fans of contemporary(-ish) romance and romantic comedy.” Laurie Reads Romance ★★★★★ "Kate and Will share a sizzling attraction and complex connection, giving me all the feels in this timeless romance." That's What I'm Talking About ★★★★★ "Set in the 1980s, this funny yet warmhearted character-driven tale checks all the boxes for classy contemporary romance while providing the longed-for “something different” readers seek out. It’s smart. It’s sexy. It’s sophisticated romance at its best." —Lea Hensley, Audiogals ★★★★★ “I grew up in the 80’s and so I am glad that Karen Grey decided to make a romance series based in the 80’s as it was rather nostalgic. Just look at that cover, phones with cords!! 😉” Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh My ★★★★★ “A very character-driven book that took me back to when I was just starting out in the workforce in the mid 1980’s (one of the best decades!). Take a trip back in time when people actually left messages on answering machines (before texting was a thing) and enjoy!” Comfy Chair Books ★★★★★ “I would recommend this book to fans of romance. I thought that Will and Kate were both fantastic characters and I had a great time with their story. I wouldn't hesitate to read more of Karen Grey's work in the future.” Carol’s Random Life in Books ★★★★★ “A well crafted romance set in the 1980s between two characters who seem to exist in separate worlds yet can't deny their attraction to each other.” Christie, Bookbub ★★★★★ “When a Shakespeare actor meets a financial analyst in the eighties and answering machine messages caption chapters, it’s a recipe for romcom genius! What I’m Looking For is a unique, witty, nostalgia-filled romcom that made me laugh all day!” Liz, Bookbub ★★★★★ “A must-read, fascinating Rom-Com with a wonderful storyline.” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “Eighties nostalgic romantic comedy and answerphone messages that open every chapter...what's not to love about this book!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “A unique, witty, nostalgia-filled romcom that made me laugh all day!” Goodreads review ★★★★★ “This was a really cute blast from the past. I loved to read a book placed in a world where there were no cell phones available, people used pagers, and answering machines were a regular thing.” Alex, Goodreads