I Want It That Way

Carolina Classics, Book 3

De: Karen Grey

Narrado por: Alastair Haynesbridge, Amy McFadden

Fake relationship? As if.

I don’t need a man to complete me, but to get my tubes tied before I turn thirty, I do need a husband.

When former child TV star turned producing director Lukas Keith comes to me desperate for a favor, the exchange of my services for his seems like a great idea.

I help him relearn how to drive a car, and he acts as my fiancé for a few doctor’s visits.

What could go wrong?

Bingeing 90’s TV shows like Seinfeld and Friends have you jonesing for a time when email and cell phones were strange new things, and an app was something you ate before the first course? Then this slow burn, fake relationship, entertainment biz romantic comedy is just what the doctor ordered. Perfect for fans of Meghan Quinn and Lucy Score seeking all the feels in a sweet and sexy romance.

©2023 Karen Grey (P)2025 Home Cooked Books

Beautiful slow-burn classic!

I connected with this book on so many levels it became very personal for me. I really enjoyed the story, the journey, and the fun steamy moments with the overall message that choosing to not have children is okay. This book tackles some tough subjects in a way that is engaging and drives a great story. The characters are endearing and believable and the story flows through time. Lukas and Dani complement each other and I love the slow burn as they reveal more over time and bring out the best. I am really enjoying the Carolina Classic series and look forward to more from this author.

Amy McFadden & Alastair Haynesbridge are excellent performers who really bring all of the characters to life. They both did a great job with all of the characters and experiences. I’m so glad that Karen chooses great narrators!

Fun, sweet and zigazig-ahmazing

After finishing this story, I want to load up the 5 CD changer and take a road trip to the beach. “I Want It That Way” is a fun, sweet and a zigazig-ahmazing 90’s retro story that brings all the feels in the best possible ways.

Dani is an independent contractor who works on the set of Lawson’s Creek doing a little of everything and that includes being a driver to former child star, Lukas Keith. Luke is in town working with the show as a producer and asks Dani for a favor. But in return, Dani has her own favor. Fake marry her so she can get her tubes tied.

I loved the connection and genuine friendship Dani and Luke had. It felt so real and I loved how their relationship grew. Dani is so great and my favorite things about her was her independence and determination. Dani one hundred percent knew she wanted her tubes tied and was determined to make it happen. But thanks to the backwards thinking that still around today, doctors wanted her to be married or thirty. Luke is so sweet and such a good guy that you can’t help falling for him along with Dani. These two are so relatable in the individual struggles they have and the struggles they have as a fake couple. I felt like I was reading about a real life couple who I could easily be friends with.

Alastair Haynesbridge and Amy McFadden were great as Luke and Dani. Both brought so much to their narration and I was captivated listening to them bring this 90s throwback story to life.

Carolina Classic #3 may be my favorite…

“How about we practice acceptance, empathy, and love instead?”

This third installment of Grey’s Carolina Classic series might just be my favorite so far. The handling of the tropes and themes pulled me in from the start and I continuously felt like shouting AMEN as the story played out. I love that Grey doesn’t treat women or womanhood as a monolith; we don’t all have the same needs, wants, desires, or experiences. To have that play out in conjunction with the theme of choice was just *chef’s kiss*.

As usual, Grey makes realistic struggles part of her characters’ lives, taking mental and bodily health seriously, while also still providing the moments of humor and romance that a well-written rom-com should. And the overarching core of the Carolina friend group is still here and never feels forced for the sake of maintaing a series thread, but serves Dani’s particular story.

The theme of choice is skillfully developed throughout - being able to choose for yourself, whether in matters of career (for our H) or in matters of body (for our h). What makes this book so refreshingly different is that both MCs are already sure of their choices, they know what they want and the conflict is not about them questioning or second-guessing themselves; rather, the friction is more that there are others around them pushing, thinking they know better what Dani and Luke need. I love that both characters know that those voices are bs; and keep to their guns despite the opposition. We don’t all have to make the same choices to live a fulfilling life, and the world would be a better place if more people practiced that kind of empathy.

Having a partner who respects your choices and accepts you as capable of knowing your own mind is the romance we all deserve. Someone who understands the true gift of not only being heard, but being heeded. In a conversation with his mother Luke asks, “Can you please try and hear me?” And I think both he and Dani have been looking for that and ultimately find it in each other. Following along on their journey makes for a great read.

My only complaints here are minimal. First, the book could have used another pass by the copy editor, as there are minor but frustrating grammar errors present throughout. And second, as with my feelings regarding Hold on to Me, the explanation of some of the on-the-job stuff for Luke was similarly clunky. Especially with first person p.o.v, it just seems really odd when a character explains their own job in their head. Still, these are minor quibbles and the execution of the themes (choice, autonomy) and tropes (marriage of convenience, sex bargain) with two enjoyable MCs taking the lead make this well worth reading. Can’t wait for the audio version!

May 2023: I received an advance reader copy via the author. All opinions are my own.

Audiobook Addendum

This was another well-cast audiobook on Grey’s part, with solid performances from Amy McFadden and Alastair Haynesbridge. McFadden is a narrator who can be hit or miss for m, however her work here was enjoyable - effective character differentiations and she added to my admiration for Dani as a character. I enjoyed Haynesbridge’s performance slightly more than McFadden’s. It’s been a while since I’ve encountered one of his performances (I think my last was ‘Fake Fiancé by Ilsa Madden-Mills), but his skill has remained consistent, and that skill adds to the pile of positives that makes this audio a great listen. (As does the bonus epilogue from Luke’s pov - pure joy!)

Overall, I definitely recommend this one. Grey continues to audio production A-game to the Carolina Classics series.

August 2023: I received an ALC copy of the audiobook via Home Cooked Books. All opinions are my own.

Retro 90s let’s make a deal arranged marriage!

Thanks to Home Cooked Books for the ALC & chance to give my candid review.

Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.75/5
Audiobook Rating: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall Rating: 4.875/5 😜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)

What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Retro 90s, small Carolina beach town setting.
🤩 Entertainment business/sitcom production world.
🤩 Great prologue—I love both MCs already, especially Luke because my love language is gifts/giving.
🤩 I love a let’s make a deal—you do this for me, I’ll do this for you.
🤩 Fake engagement/arranged marriage—two of my favorites.
🤩 One bed & forced proximity—thank you for these fantastic tropes. The Two Truths & A Lie is my absolute favorite part of the whole book. ❤️‍🔥
🤩 The way they so lovingly help each other.
🤩 Reproductive rights and women’s health care issues. Lukas Keith is total book boyfriend material for supporting Dani in this area!! And he’s a hottie!
🤩 The two narrators are so entertaining. They express feelings really well: excited, worried, teasing. . .
🤩 Slow burn that I could not stop listening to once I started.
🤩 The first (and second) kiss yumminess. 🥵
🤩 When Dani drinks too much wine without eating all day. 🤣
🤩 And then George & Tina show up. 😂 You can meet them in the series novella What Happens in Carolina and I highly recommend it.
🤩 These two MCs are so absolutely supportive and encouraging of each other—that is true love.
🤩 Secret pining and attraction at its BEST!
🤩 Laugh-out-loud funny.
🤩 Beautiful family/side character LGBTQ+ representation.

What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 Please tell me there’s a fourth book in the series. I’m crossing my fingers for Whitney & Ford.
💫 I believe in the HEA, but I just really love some physical connection (steam) after the drama/time apart. But, I still want to listen again, so I guess I’m just being a brat. 🌟

This series does it for me!

There is something about Karen Grey's writing when it comes to the Carolina Classics. I raised my kids in the 90's and it's a nostalgic feel as I go back in time with these books! This fake relationship, childhood star crush had me from the very start. As a childhood star, Luke was on the cover of all the teenage magazines. Between his curly locks and catch phrase he was the one to love. But now, he has come to Wallington to produce the television series, Lawson's Reach. It is in need of a fresh view and he is hoping to bring it. Dani was his driver, and he has a fondness when it comes to her. When she is in need of actor to help her with a problem, he is right there willing to do it! But things never go as planned, and the two end up deeper into the problem than either anticipated. But feelings come into play. Will the two find their way together? Will Dani keep her independent streak and let her childhood crush go? Will Luke give up on his feelings? This is a fun, slow burn story packed with emotions and relevant issues. I fell for these two as they navigate through life. It's messy and scary and wonderful, and Grey pulls it all out with a plethora of emotions. I loved it and as always look forward to hearing more from her.

Grey's pick of Amy McFadden and Alastair Haynesbridge could not have been more spot on! I think she heard their voices as she was writing this one. McFadden is that independent, stubborn yet vulnerable under it all woman. Each breath has the right feel and I could totally relate to Dani as she created her. Haynesbridge has a smooth sound, a bit insecure as Luke navigates his new profession. I love how he works through his problems and gives Luke the confidence he gains as time goes on. This team is perfectly cast and a pleasure to listen to.

Great story and narration

Amy McFadden and Alastair Haynesbridge gave a wonderful performance! They gave the t emotion, voice and personality to these characters. I love how narrators give the reader/listener a whole new experience with a book through audio. This is my new favorite Karen Grey book! Dany and Lukas are an amazing pair that take us on an adventure of big life decision, taking chances and ultimately an amazing love story. Dany is a strong, independent woman who knows what she wants. She’s on a journey to find a doctor to help her get what she needs. Lukas is embarking on a new adventure but some baggage is holding him back from being all that he wants to be. Dany and Lukas have known each other casually over the years but begin a deeper friendship, learn to trust one another with their life stories and realize how much they can help one another. What starts out as a casual agreement turns into an amazing love story filled with laughs, fears and a lot of patience.

Another favorite in this series!

I Want It That Way is book #3 in the Carolina Classics series. I'm completely in love with all of the author's retro stories and this one doesn't disappoint. Dani is a driver (among other jobs) for her childhood celebrity crush (Luke). When the two need each other to get their end goals, a fake relationship seems the best way to go. But things start getting too cozy and lines get blurry. I loved this story. The author is always able to address social issues so smoothly into her stories keeping her women independent while still reaching that HEA!

The narration was just phenomenal! Alistair Haynesbridge was brilliant and gave us a vulnerable, yet sexy Luke. Amy McFadden did an amazing job as Dani! 5 shining stars for this duo!

One of my favorites in this series!

Loving this one! One of my favorites from this author! She does a great job of making this fun, cute and builds wonderful characters. The flow is good and it easily kept me engaged with the different personalities. I loved the female MC’s job and attitude. She has a tough task that she is trying to accomplish. Makes me wonder if it was that tough to acquire back then. The connection between these two was felt coming off the pages. I loved all the different ideas that Mr Keith came up with to assist her.

I listened to this on audio. Amy McFadden and Alistair Haynesbridge are the two narrators. They both did a wonderful job portraying these characters. I enjoyed listening to them and look forward to more from them and in this series

Slow- Burn

I enjoyed this slow-burn contemporary romance between Dani and Lukas. He was an actor, but now is a director and producer. She was his driver. They make a deal to help each other. Dani teaches Lukas to drive, and he is her fake husband. This book was wonderfully narrated by Alastair Hansbridge and Amy McFadden.

A fake engagement, 90’s retro, great narrators!

A fake engagement, 90’s retro, important take on women’s rights!

I adore Karen Grey - as a person and as an author. She's super sweet, and she's so firm on the issues that really matter to her. Right now, women's rights and most especially, women's reproductive rights are at the very forefront of what she's most vocal about. This book is all about that topic! It's sort of an anti-accidental pregnancy, if you will.

Even in the 90's (I guess it's coming full circle again these days), women weren't allowed to have any say in what happened in their reproductive lives. This book takes place around the same time I was Dani's age - she's a touch older than I was when it occurred in the late 90's. She had a firm stance about her decision to not have kids. Doctors would not listen and told her that even though she is 29 and doesn't want to have children and is firm and knows her mind about the choice, she cannot have her tubes tied until she's 30, or unless her non-existent husband signs off he agrees with the surgery because it is irreversible - I'm still in disbelief about this (although when I was 16 and asked my Candian Dr if I could have that whole system removed, he disagreed because I might change my mind - and nearly 30 years later, I have not because I knew then and unwavering in that decision). She's told countless times she will change her mind. As women, we know ourselves, and we don't need doctors, or other random people, to tell us we will change our minds.

The doctors in this book frustrated me to no end - because it's not just in the USA, and it wasn't just 25 years ago. It's still today, and for Dani to have to find herself a fake fiancé and to strike a deal in order to get the doctors to listen to her, and give her the tubal ligation surgery she wanted because she does not want to have children - it's hard to believe but in this day and age, this is still a problem. And not only that, it's even worse now with so many reversals and removals of a lot of options.

So anyway - Dani has one part time job of driving film crew and actors around her town of Wallington, SC, where a lot of filming happens, including a former actor a couple of years ago that she didn't even think knew her name by the time his film wrapped. He's returned for the new Lawson's Reach series as a producer (yes, a spin on Dawson's Creek), and not only did he remember her, but they form quite a friendship, and if he comes to the doctor with her as a fake fiancé so she can get the surgery, she agrees to help him get behind the wheel of a car again (because the show will only pay her for the first two weeks he's back in town, and he'll have to drive himself after that). Something happened a few years ago and he has a problem - he can't get behind the wheel and even has difficulties as a passenger on a highway...

Their bargain of the fake fiancé leads to a lot of doctors appointments, and a requirement of something even more for the pair, and the intense driving lessons leads to deep conversions. The blossoming friendship and slow burn romance between them is beautiful. Karen always has such a great way of writing, and I'm just such a fan of everything she does! I highly recommend this one to everybody. You can definitely get away reading this as a standalone (the former book characters backstories aren't necessary for this one), but it's always good to know their stories instead of going back later and knowing a few things!

The audio, released in August, was narrated by a favorite, Amy McFadden, a perfect pick for Dani, and new-to-me Alastair Haynesbridge. He was a fresh voice I really enjoyed and he was fantastic as Lukas.

I received an advance review and listen copy from the author and Home Cooked Books PR, and this is my honest feedback.