Child of Mine

Boston Classics

By: Karen Grey

Narrated by: Erin Mallon, Tom Taylorson

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

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 stand-alone rom-com - a sunshine/grumpy pair has to face the past before they can find a future together.

©2021 Karen Grey (P)2022 Jasper Productions LLC

Boston Classics series - can be stand alone

Book 4 in Grey's Boston Classics' series and another fantastic read / listen. So a couple of things that make me partial to this listen. First the male lead character is from my home state - so okay - love me some NC southern anything! Secondly - this takes place in the best era ever - the 80's and finally while Grey has delivered time and time again - the dual narration on this listen was perfect! I loved both the main characters Henry and Bella and I adore that while this is a sweet and steamy romance it touches on some tough, real life issues in a way that was true then and true now. I commend Grey on her ability to captivate the readers and reach into these topics in a way that reflects how serious they were and are still all while providing a heartwarming romance with a beautiful HEA. I am in love with this series and this book. Perfection!

I received a free copy of this book at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

Secret Baby Nostalgic Romance!!

Child of Mine by Karen Grey is the fourth book in her nostalgic Boston Classics Series. Karen Grey has a way with words that instantly sucks you in and keeps you eagerly turning the pages till the very last word. When Karen said she was writing Bella's story, and it involved a secret baby, I was of course intrigued. I've been anticipating Bella's story and was so excited to finally find out all about Henry and Lilah too, and well, Karen did again, making me fall head over heels in love with these characters.

This audiobook is narrated 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!

Head back to the 80’s for a second chance romance

📖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!

What a great story!

I loved this story! It starts in one place and goes full circle. The characters really led me on a merry chase. Watching Henry and Bella grow and become better versions of themselves was wonderful!

The description of Henry becoming a dad was phenomenal. I could understand his feelings, thoughts and his nervousness. It is so charming to feel his worry, concerns and shock over being a dad. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as he was running through these emotions. His first time alone with her was done nicely and I could feel how this situation affected each of the parents.

Overall I enjoyed this story. It is delightful. I did listen to this on audio. Both narrators do a wonderful job.

80s nostalgia plus a secret baby!!!

I was only made aware of the Boston Classic series when I received an ALC from the author for Child of Mine to review. I listed to the first book was really enjoyed how it was set in the 80s, the humor and just how much times have changed since then. I haven't been able to listen to the second and third books yet, but I absolutely plan to.

Child of Mine centers around one of my favorite tropes: secret baby. I'm such a sucker for the bonding moments between the father and child and this book had some really nice moments. I loved that Bella and Henry still had an instant connection and acted on it instead of drawing it out. Bella learned that she could trust Henry as he showed his commitment to their daughter and to her.

Overall, the characters were well written, the story was great and HEA for the second chance romance/secret baby was well deserved. I wish there were more references to the eighties, but that certainly doesn't make me enjoy the book any less. Read the book! Then go back and read the rest of the series like I'm going to do!

3/8 edit to add that the narration was great! I always enjoy Erin Mallon! Tom Taylorson was new to me, but I enjoyed his narration as well.

All the nostalgia in a great Rom-Com!

As an 80’s baby and a 90’s child, give me all the nostalgia stories by Karen Grey. Bella and Henry’s story pulled me in from the beginning.

Bella and Henry have an interesting and intertwined history together that involves a night together, a secret baby who’s now 5 and working together producing a new show. It’s apparent from the beginning that the one night they had wasn’t enough and the two have chemistry. But ghosts from Bella’s past creep back up putting doubts in her mind of any possible HEA for her.

I absolutely loved the timeline and how this story was written. Bella became an instant favorite for me. Her past wasn’t easy growing up on a soap opera in her teenage years to overcome addiction. Bella is an amazing mom who loves her daughter fiercely and wants the best for her. To make sure her past doesn’t affect her. And you can’t help but fall for Henry just like Bella did. His personality and want to be the best Dad he can be wins you over from the start. I loved how there he was for Bella from the beginning. He wanted to reconnect as much as her but also respected her and the friendship they were forming. This series is so much fun and I hope we get more installments.

Erin Mallon was absolutely amazing as Bella. She brought all of Bella’s emotions and humor to life. Tom Taylorson is a new to me narrator and he was the perfect choice for Henry. I will definitely be looking for more books narrated by him.

Nostalgic perfection!

WOW! First of all, the narrators are awesome! I love this book. I am someone who was young in the 80's but totally appreciate the mention of all the things that were from that time. Quarters for phone calls... I got totally swept up in Bella and Henry's story. Totally relatable. Lila is an awesome child. Pulls you in from the start. All the drama and heartfelt dialogue keeps you interested. They touch on some very sensitive subjects. Definitely a must listen.

Fun, Nostalgic, and Emotional Story

“Every new thing I learn about you makes me want to know more.”

Child of Mine is book four in the Boston Classics Series and is once again a nostalgic story set in the 80’s. Bella is a former child star and soap opera actress who has left the spotlight behind to raise her daughter, Lilah. Henry had a childhood crush on Bella and when they meet, they had a one night stand which resulted in Lilah, but circumstances tore them apart and Henry never knew he had a daughter. When they unexpectedly reunite years later, they have to navigate their pasts and their present to determine their future.

“You’ve had a piece of me since—well, probably since I watched you do that back walkover on TV. Every other moment I spend with you, you steal a little bit more.”

Both Lilah and Henry are a bit broken and need to face demons from their past. Filled with humor and sexiness and dash of angst, this story tackles the serious issue of addiction while the characters deal with mistakes and regrets from their past. I loved watching them learn to trust one another and to realize that the support of another can make you stronger. As always, Karen Grey presents a couple who is truly stronger together than apart and who work through their issues to become healthier and happier individuals.

The audio of Child of Mine is performed by Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson. Both do a superb job of bringing Lilah and Henry to life. The emotion of the story was clearly heard in both their performances and the little soap snippets at the beginning of each chapter brought back fond memories of when I was soap obsessed!

As a child of the 80’s, I love all of the references to that time and it is what makes this series so fun. Add in the superb character development and Child of Mine is a great addition to this series.

Sweet & Fun Retro 2nd Chance Romance

5/5⭐️ 5/5🎧

I have said it before and I’ll say it many more times, Child of Mine by Karen Grey is a wonderful book! I have read it a few times now and I honestly didn’t think I could love it more. Until I listened to the audiobook…The narrators and sound effects add even more depth and charm to this wonderful retro romcom! The sound effects work perfectly with the story and chapter headings!

Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson did incredibly lovely work bringing this book to life. Tom is a new-to-me narrator, and his narration of Henry was flawless. He masterfully gave voice to the charming, ambitious, grumpy tv producer. Tom’s southern accent is smooth and his voice has a smoky timbre. Erin, the queen of romcom, is fabulous as Bella. Erin’s character voices are pure magic in bringing the robust group of ancillary characters to life.

Drawn to Boston by a professional opportunity, Henry is searching for something, though he can’t pinpoint what. He is haunted by his past and the girl who got away. Bella is a former soap star and single mom to a precocious (almost) 6 year old. As a staple in the Shakespeare Boston cast, Bella has developed lovely friendships throughout the Boston Classics series. Child of Mine is full of character catch-ups, cameos and introduces Henry’s lovable family. All voiced to perfection. The Child of Mine audio made me laugh, cry, and swoon. I love this book so much, I was borderline teary-eyed experiencing this audiobook.

Sweet and Emotional Romance!

I loved this sweet & sexy, second chance romance! It brings back all the fun, emotional and sizzling nostalgia of the 80's soap operas. It starts out with a chance meeting, and passionate encounter between Isabella York and Henry Smith. They had a fiery connection, but Henry received a tragic call and fled without exchanging information. Isabella was a tv star at a young age that put her in too many problematic situations. She had to flee her life in NY to find it. But she was left with a gift from the man who she could have seen a future with. Now she is back home in Boston, raising an adorable little girl on her own. When she gets an offer to help on a remake of her most popular show as a child, she is excited, until she meets the producer and the man she never forgot. Now she is afraid he will use her past to destroy her future. Henry lost his father suddenly and rushed home to help with the family business. He has always wanted to get back in the tv business and has taken a job in Boston. He never expected to see the woman of his dreams again. He is excited to work with Bella and is curious about her life and her daughter. The more time they spend together, the stronger their connection grows again, and they have a hard time denying their attraction. When Bella has some family issues, Henry wants to be the one who stands by her and support her. But when her secrets are revealed, will he be supportive, or will he do what Bella fears most? This was such a sweet, funny, tender, and steamy story. I loved how strong and resilient Bella is and Henry made me swoon with how attentive and loving he was.
Narrators Erin Mallon, and Tom Taylorson were amazing as they brought this wonderful story to life. They nailed all the characters perfectly, making me feel all the complex emotions they went through, and made me laugh out loud, cry, and totally swoon. This was a fun, emotional and steamy romance that captured my heart.

Wonderful

It’s a wonderful story with a single mum getting a second chance at love. I’m thoroughly enjoying the story and even though this is the fourth in a series and I haven’t heard the previous ones it can be heard as a stand-alone. I love the narrators.

3.75 Stars. Fun 80s nostalgic rom-com!

Child of Mine is the 4th book in the Boston Classics Series by Karen Grey. Although, each book can be read as a standalone. This series is set in the 80s and this particular book follows Bella York and Henry ‘Hal’ Smith’s love story.

Although the secret baby trope isn’t my fav, I was interested in this book as I have loved all the previous books in this series. This book did not disappoint. I loved Bella and Hal’s chemistry, and their daughter Lilah was cute; I enjoyed all their interactions.

This book was slow at times especially at the beginning, but it picked up in the middle and by the end, I was completely invested. Overall, I had a lovely experience reading it.

Narrated by Erin Mallon and Tom Taylorson. I especially recommend the audio version of this book as both narrators did an excellent job. I could definitely feel the characters in their voices.

Sweet, funny and perfect

I've been following along these Boston Classics series and I've liked each book amd this wasn't an exception. I really liked it. It was funny, cute and a bit nostalgic. The characters are good and I love when characters from the previous books make appearances.

The narration was fantastic. Erin Mallon is incredible, it's my first time listening to Tom Taylorson and I must say I really enjoyed his performance, he has a great voice which was perfect for Henry.

Overall it was a good book that I enjoyed both the story and narration alike.

A great audiobook for a great story

Each time I think I’ve read the best book in the series, and each time the author proves me wrong. This time, she tackles various subjects like child celebrities, addictions, single parenthood, and family conflicts, with her swooniest hero so far and a strong independent heroine. It was fun, sweet, sexy.

After a passionate encounter with a stranger, Isabelle ends up with a child and she runs away from her acting career to protect her daughter. Years later, she finds out that she’ll be working with the father of her kid, and that they’re still attracted to each other. She’s going to try and protect herself, her daughter, her family, her past, her job… her heart. Meanwhile, Henry is trying to show her that she can rely on him, that she isn’t alone.

One of my favorite aspects was the way Henry learns to be a father–going from grouchy adult to protective dad. He messes up, and Isabelle, who’s been a mother for several years already, reassures him. It was adorable, and so relatable. I also loved how he gives himself completely to Isabelle. First his body, because she’s totally in control of how and when they see each other, then his heart.

Though there were a lot of details regarding the creation of a kid show, all of them actually served the romance, showing both main characters in their professional setting, developping their working relationship, but also showing their abilities with children, highlighting Isabelle’s past on set, and Henry’s ambitions. It was clever, as well as interesting.

Secrets, and how they impact someone’s life, were the main theme of the story. While Isabelle is hiding a good chunk of her life, Henry is searching for the secret to be a good father and a good partner. The former was the reason for most of the plot, the latter created a balance between the bit of angst and some cute moments.

As usual, the heavier parts of the story are treated with a lot of respect. No judgement here, but no coldness either. They still induce a deep emotional response. I, at least, wanted to hug all the characters.

Another hit for this series!

When I read the book, I imagined Henry with a ‘sunny’ voice, though not exactly high pitched. I didn’t expect the deep low voice of the male narrator, but now I can’t hear it differently. It gives Henry more depth and it’s perfect. And his accent… swoony. As for the female narrator, she was her usual amazing self. The typewriter sound as a gimmick at the beginning of each chapter? Genius. A great audiobook for a great story.

Beautiful Tribute!

Child of Mine (Boston Classics #4) by Karen Grey pulled me in from the very beginning. I so loved the relatable characters and trip down memory lane. The nostalgia of the 80's was refreshing. The author wrote a beautiful child, family conflict, great banter, realistic characters. Bella, the single mom was incredible! Erin Mallon did such a wonderful job bringing her to life. Henry was portrayed by Tom Taylorson, and he equally was great. This secret baby romance was so well done. The humor was an added plus. I highly recommend this fun listen.

Soap operas and romance!! Love this!!!

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.