You Get What You Give

Carolina Classics, Book 1

By: Karen Grey

Narrated by: Jack Calihan, Maxine Mitchell

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Fans of 1990s shows like Dawson's Creek and Friends will love this throwback rom-com from USA Today bestselling author Karen Grey.

From insta-lover to insta-enemy. All that, and a bag of chips.

In a sleepy Southern coastal town crowned the Hollywood of the East, worlds collide, and sparks fly when fate has two TV casting directors acting as accidental rivals.

It’s not just that the town isn’t quite big enough for the two of them. Violet Davenport brings deep roots, local allies, and old-fashioned Southern charm to the table. Nate Fowler’s got deep pockets, tech knowhow, and a family that’s been in the biz since the silent film days.

For their businesses—and their hearts—to survive, they'll have to overcome both a bitter hostility and a sweet insta-temptation.

In this enemies-to-lovers, new-in-town, one-night-stand unlikely love story, a girl boss and a Hollywood bad boy find that you only get as good as you give.

©2022 Karen Grey (P)2022 Home Cooked Books

Terrific Start to the Series

I loved Karen Grey's Boston Classics Series for the beautiful writing and the nostalgia they evoke. With the Carolina Classics series, we go back to the 1990s, when we meet Violet and Nate in the small coastal town of Wallington, North Carolina. Violet and Nate have instant chemistry, which leads to a one-night stand. However, they quickly become rivals when Violet discovers Nate's job competes with hers. I enjoyed Violet's fiery passion for her work as she went out of her way to help her clients. However, Nate had a lot to learn about catering to the clientele of this small town, esp. as it's referred to as the Hollywood of the East. As they work to compete against one another, they each learn a valuable lesson about themselves and their work.

Maxine Mitchell is a queen of audio. She delivered a beautiful and emotional performance. I'm relatively new to Jack Calihan's narration, but his narration was great as well.

perfect for fans of 90s nostalgia!!

Karen Grey fans are going to love this series! Its a bit different than her previous series Boston Classics in that it feels more like an epic tale written over several books instead of a standalone book. Hang on to your kindle and try not to throw it when you get to the ending, I promise its worth it!!

Violet's hot one night stand turns out to be her rival in this enemies-to-lovers romance!
Nate is looking to find his purpose in life and a place where he fits in. Loved how they fought everywhere but the bedroom. Bossy Nate is HOT!!!


What you'll get in this book:
More of these 5 friends from the prequel novella, Signed, Sealed & Delivered. Focus is mainly on Violet and her love interest, Nate. Set up of the next book, Hold on to Me. A cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more right now (well done, Karen! You got me hooked!!)
You'll get a HFN for Violet & Nate.

What I loved about this book:
The relationship between these friends and the family they've created. I really wanted to be the 6th friend in this group!
You'll get all the 90s lovin references throughout that had me wanting to listen to my greatest hits Playlist. Loved the setting of coastal North Carolina.

I know I'm not the only one is impatiently waiting on the next book to find out what happens next.



Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell nailed their roles as Nate and Violet! As much as I enjoyed this eyeball read, I absolutely loved how the narrators brought this book alive for me.

90's Rivals to Lovers

With the popularity of her coastal hometown as a filming location grows, Violet Davenport decides to sink her savings into starting her own casting agency. Although her business is growing, she finds she may not be able to compete when a Hollywood company decides to set up their own local office. As Nate Fowler begins taking all of Violet’s clients he quickly becomes her rival and her temptation.

You Get What You Give is the first book in Karen Grey’s Carolina Classics series. It is an “open-door” one night stand romance.

Violet and Nate are more rivals to lovers than enemies to lovers. Their chemistry is apparent from the very beginning, even when they think they won’t see each other again. I like the 90’s setting of the book. It adds a certain level of communication difficulties and drama that you would not necessarily have in a more contemporary book.

I would have liked a little more background information on Violet. I feel like we were given a lot of Nate’s background but only a minimum about her.

I have read some short stories/novellas from this author in the past but this is the first full-length novel I have read/listened to from her. It definitely will not be my last. I look forward to reading more of Karen Grey’s work in the future.

The narrators, Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan, were perfectly suited for Violet and Nate.

The book does end in a cliffhanger so I’ll be not so patiently waiting for the next book in the series.

I voluntarily listened to and reviewed an advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This one is definitely a classic!

You Get What You Give is the first book in Karen Grey’s Carolina Classics series.  I love that the basis for the books in this series is founded on five childhood friends.
 
Violet Davenport has a lot on her plate.  Thanks to a new TV show about to start filming in her hometown, she has enough work to start her own full-time casting company.  She also teaches drama, looks after the grandparents who raised her and helps them with their busy bed & breakfast.  When she finds out the hot new guy in town that she had a one-night stand with is now her competition, things get even more complicated.
 
Nate Fowler wants to show his father that his inability to settle down does not mean he’s a screw up.  He’s merely searching for a reason to stay somewhere; a purpose that fulfills him.  He had no idea it would mean jeopardizing the business and livelihood of the woman he hasn’t been able to get out of his system.
 
Violet and Nate have lots of family baggage that colors their perceptions of relationships and whether they can count on people, but the attraction they felt that first night isn’t going away.  Can they learn to trust each other and compromise, maybe even work together?
 
I really enjoyed listening to Violet and Nate’s relationship unfold.  Karen wrote such a beautiful, steamy story for these characters and she’s so good with the nostalgia elements! 
 
Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan were brilliant in the roles of Violet and Nate!

I loved this!

Wow, this took me back to some old school life! Loved the chemistry between Nate and Violet. Small town romance, enemies to lovers...this story has it all. Narration of Jack Calihan and Queen Maxine was just perfection. Definitely a must listen!

Grab this for your last summer listen!

This has to be one of the most fun summer listens I have had so far! Romantic from the start, Violet and Nate have an instant attraction and a hot one night stand. But the ambition=us and business building, Violet has no idea that her she about to meet the fiercest of competitors. Nate has come to town to start a casting company for his father. Hoping to prove his worth, he starts out strong only to find out the woman of his dreams is his competition! He had no idea his father had a plan in place and it could destroy the one place he has finally felt at home. Will Nate and Violet find a way to be together? Will Violet keep her company afloat or will she go back to teaching? Will Nate make his father proud? I love these characters! Violet is a strong willed woman, following her dream and enjoying the ride. Nate is aware of his shortcomings but finds himself in this coastal Carolina town. Plus we have an array of wonderful friends, like Ford, Dani, Whitney and Sully, each battling their own wars, and I cannot wait to see where Karen Grey takes us with them. With a cliffhanger that literally left my mouth hanging open, I know I am in for an amazing second installment to this series!

Maxine Mitchell and Jack Callihan are our story tellers and what a fabulous team these two are! Mitchell is Violet, with a passionate voice for her job, we can hear the frustration an fear Vi feels as she wonders how things will go. She also adds humor and love to her too as relationships change. Callihan has the most seductive voice and as Nate, it's easy to see how Vi fell for him. But he also brings in the anger and resentment he has, and a glow when he is happy. I loved how this team made the characters realistic and funny, and all around fun! It is a fantastic listen.

I love everything about this book!!!

Nate and Violet had such great chemistry. I loved the dedication Violet has to the town and people in it and that Nate finally finds a place for himself. All of these characters are fantastic, relatable, and fun. Karen Grey does such a wonderful job setting a 90s vibe. I adore the fun throwback feel of her books and the characters she creates. You Get What You Give has all of the cute, steamy, funny and dramatic charm that make a irresistible Rom-Com


I loved this book when I read it, well listening is even better!! I adored the snippets of the Lawsons Reach script at the beginning of every chapter with the sort of theme music it was just another element of that 90s throwback vibe that I enjoy so much. Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan really shined in their performances. I give all credit to voice actors,  to play these characters that have such unique personalities, that go through so many emotions from laughter to  heartbreak,  and everything in between, and have that really translate without the visual of body language or facial expressions is just plain talent and these two wonderful narrators have that talent in spades.

This was such a fun, delightful listen and I cannot express enough how much I enjoyed this book and if you have the opportunity I'd highly suggest the audio version

Another brilliant Karen Grey, and great narrators

Book 1 in the Carolina Classics series, is incredible! I have loved absolutely every book Karen has written, and this is definitely one of her best (I still adore the Boston Classics, but this is so good)!

It picks up about 7-8 years after the prequel novella (I’ll Stand By You, about the friendship of the five), and is about Violet living her dream of being a casting director in the Carolina town of Wallington. The current big project she’s casting for is Lawson’s Reach (a take on Dawson’s Creek), but suddenly, that cute guy she met at the bar last night moves into the office next door and happens to be a rival casting director for a competing company…

Now, cute guy Nate goes from being a one night stand with potential for more, to being the new work enemy, for a company looking to drive Vi completely out of business. His father and uncle’s rivalry is actually at fault, and hopefully something can be done to fix things before it’s too late for everything…

As always, Karen’s writing is at the top of her game, and this is an absolute must-read. I definitely recommend picking up the prequel novella first (I’ll Stand By You), so you get a bit of the group of friend’s background and what the boys are fighting about and why the five each went their own way so many years ago, but this is a complete stand-alone if you opt not to read it. You’ll be hooked and like me, chomping at the bit for the next book in the series! There’s also a novella in the Smartasses anthology that features 2 of the show writers, and runs concurrently with the timeline (What Happens in Carolina), as both stories are more fun if you have the background of each, together!

A top fave narrator brings another brilliant performance to Vi (Maxine Mitchell, a very long-time fave!), and a new-to-me male narrator who brought Nate to life in a fantastic fashion (Jack Calihan) - I’m definitely looking forward to hearing a lot more from him!

A brilliant story and even better when re-listened to with the audio!! This is a definite must-listen book for everyone. I received an advance copy from Karen Grey and Home Cooked Books, and this is my honest feedback - thank you so much Karen! It was even better the second time around!

Loved Nate and Violet!

I don’t want to wait…..to gush about this book! You Get What You Give by Karen Grey was a nostalgic romantic throwback to my teenage years that did crazy good things to my heart. Set in the fictional small coastal N.C. town of Wallington in the late 1990s, we are introduced to Hollywood hottie, Nate, and fierce Carolina girl, Violet. Wallington is considered to be the Hollywood of the East and is the location filming the up-and-coming T.V. series, Lawson’s Reach. (sound familiar?)

Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan narrate the audiobook. Jack Calihan, a new to me narrator, was the perfect fit for our Hollywood native hero, Nate. Jack was fantastic showcasing Nate’s charismatic and dedicated persona in a raspy swoony tone! Maxine Mitchell was absolute perfection as brave, determined Violet. Not to mention her male voice for Nate, was oh so dreamy! Plus, I loved that Karen carried on her tradition of adding some special sound effects, that create just the right vibe for the mood and setting of the book!

Overall, I loved this book! If you are a fan of a retro romance with a Hollywood casting hunk who loves to surf, a fierce boss lady on a mission, a one night stand that turns into so much more, enemies to lovers vibes, small coastal towns, childhood friendships that are tested, trips to the beach, misunderstandings, Dawson’s Creek allusions, dangerous hurricanes, supportive grandparents, delicious steamy times, and a HEA that will a leave a happy smile on your face, then you will love Nate and Violet’s romance. However, that ending?! I can’t wait for more from Karen Grey!

Great romance set in the 1990s

I adored this enemies to lovers, workplace rivals romance set in the 1990s Carolina coast! When Nate Fowler moves to town to open up an East Coast branch of his family’s casting agency, he didn’t know that another casting agency was already in town - and never expected the agent running it to be Violet, with whom he shared a hot night with after he first arrived.

Though they fight it all along the way, Nate and Violet are drawn together and meant to be. Their ability to overcome obstacles to find love was so satisfying and sweet to read. The book also sets up nicely for future books in the series. (And for someone who was in high school when Dawson’s Creek originally aired, there’s so much nostalgia in reading this book! The chapter intros feature snippets from a similar show filming in the area. Casting for the show is one of the issues Nate and Violet have to face together.)

I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were superb. Thank you to Karen Grey for the advanced listening copy of You Get What You Give, receipt of which did not impact my review. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series!

loved

Brilliant dual narration by Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell
When Violet and Nate, who are living in the small coastal town , meet they have instant chemistry, which leads to a one-night stand. It is not plain sailing when they both release, when Violet discovers Nate both their jobs competes with each other . Loved the passion and brilliant characters.

You Get What You Give (Nate & Violet)

I enjoyed Nate and Violet’s story. What starts out as a one-night stand story turns into work enemies and finally to lovers. I love the chemistry between them and how their story develops over the course of the book. Both have things in their backgrounds that play a huge part of their current lives and the decisions that they make. Violet tends to push herself and give her all to everything while rarely taking a break for herself. Nate is all about work-life balance and enjoying life outside of work. The drama surrounding the businesses as well as Violet’s friends makes it a great read. I can’t wait to read the other books in the series to see how the rest of their lives unfold. Nate and Violet do get their happily ever after after learning to trust each other and be honest about their wants for each other, themselves, and their relationship.

I listened to the audiobook version of the story. The dual narration was done very well, and it was easy to distinguish between the two characters. The southern drawl Maxine Mitchell does for Violet made me laugh and reminded me of home (I’m a South Carolina girl). One thing that was distracting was the opening music at the beginning of each chapter. I get it’s a play on Dawson’s Creek, but it’s not necessary. Just the description of the “episode” (chapter in this case) is going to be about. Other than that, I think this was a good read and listen. I was entertained from beginning to end and would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy enemies to lovers tropes or just a good summer romance with southern charm.

This series starts with a bang

What a great start to a new series! It was a pleasure from beginning to end. The story was well paced, with little events that moved the romance forward in a seamlessly manner.

The author has a way with male characters in touch with their feelings. Nate, like most of her previous heroes, isn’t an alpha male, but isn’t a pushover either. He’s just a man who values his feelings and isn’t afraid of expressing them. It influences his romantic relationship with Vi, of course, but also the way he interacts with other people. A lovely man indeed.

On the opposite side, Violet is a bit older than Nate, and is bossy and strong. Mostly because she’s fueled with passion and empathy, and some residual abandonment issues. She freely gives the best of herself to people, often forgetting herself in the process. She was an interesting character.

Their romance was just steamy enough to see the attraction between them, while they slowly forge stronger connections. They completed each other in the most perfect way, two puzzle pieces that fit. I loved it.

The whole casting/movie industry background was fascinating. As Violet’s and Nate’s job, they did it quite differently, while Nate’s father provided yet another way. The people working in and around a show/movie, the interactions between the various players in a crew, the writing and planning… You get a feel of what it’s like to work in the movie industry.

And the 90’s feeling? Amazing. I’m the right age to remember all the references to that era, and it was delightful. As were the short transitions at the beginning of each chapter.

Well written, with great characters and a good story, this series starts with a bang.

The audiobook was nothing like what I was expecting. Both narrators were good, but I'd have never thought of them for a romcom. I felt they darkened the mood, bringing more into the little dramas than into the lighter atmosphere. Feelings were there though, and they certainely did the job.

Throw back beach listen

I am a fan of Karen Grey's Boston Classics series, so I was excited to read the new Carolina Classics set in North Carolina in the late 1990s. There are extra layers of fun for readers who are familiar with Dawson's Creek, but it's also written in a way that you don't have to know it to understand the references.

You Get What You Give stands alone in the sense that this is Nate and Violet's HFN, though I was glad I read I'll Stand By You to have some additional background on the characters, and there is definitely more to a bigger storyline that continues into the next book.

The audiobook performances by Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan were fabulous. The audio enhances the story, both with the narrators conveying emotions and with some throwback sound effects.

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

Great series starter!

I will forever have a love for Karen Grey's retro-inspired romances. You Get What You Give has me living the late 1990's all over again, and loving the romance that comes with it.

This is the first book in Grey's new Carolina Classics series, set in a small NC town that is quickly becoming a favorite for tv and film crews. Violet, our local drama teacher, local theater director and casting agent, is put in the middle of a family squabble that has Nate, her hot one-night-stand, competing against her, and it's the last thing he wants to do. They had such an instant connection, and the sparks are flying from start to finish in this book. They may not make a ton of sense on the surface, but they really are the peanut butter to each other's jelly - the perfect compliment.

I love how Nate very quickly adjusted to the rivalry that his family business set up, and he has such pure motives in trying to keep Violet happy as well. He was definitely caught between a rock and hard place, but he rose to the challenge.

The narration, but Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan, was the perfect pairing for the store. I always adore Maxine. She is easily one of the best narrators in the business. She was a great Violet, with loads of spirit. Jack played up Nate's exasperation, his uncertainty, his desire to do and be better.

Fun, flirty, fantastic. Can't wait for more in this series.

4.5 Stars!

Following a one-night stand, Violet and Nate’s amazing first meeting quickly turn sour when they are thrust right into a family feud that pits them against each other in their competing casting companies.

It was such a pleasure to be in this world with these characters. Violet and Nate managed to charm me from the very beginning, and I enjoyed seeing their development as characters. Plus, we got to experience some late 90s vibes in this nostalgic insta attraction-to-enemies-to-lovers story.

Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell did amazingly with the narration. I especially loved Maxine’s use of a southern accent in this; it added to the characterisation of Violet as she is from a southern coastal town in Carolina. Both narrators brought the characters to life. This was truly a pleasure to listen to!

Absolutely Fantastic

When I heard Karen Grey talking about this book on a recent live with Erin Mallon (check Erin’s IG for the playback) I knew I had to listen. Set in the late 90s with connections to my teenage heart’s favourite show, Dawson’s Creek? Sold!

It did not disappoint. Violet and Nate sign up for a one-night-stand. But get so much more than they bargained for. It turns out they are both casting directors vying for the same show. That instant attraction turns into a story of rivals to lovers that will have you glued to your device wanting to know how they are going to overcome their differences. I loved that this focused on the behind the scenes staff as I often feel like they are unsung heroes in the world of movies and TV. You get a good mixture of romance, backstory, friendships and family dynamics. It is a heartwarming and sweet story with some ‘moments’ that will have you thinking otherwise.

I loved this friend group. I need all of their stories and now! You can read more about them in the prequel ‘I’ll Stand By You.’ I am so ready to read more about them. Especially after that ending. Karen Grey knew what she was doing!

Fans of Dawson’s Creek will smile every time they notice a connection…and there are a lot. Nothing overpowering, but more little things that make you remember certain episodes and scenes. Since finishing this book my Spotify has been filled with 90s music, and I regret nothing.

Maxine Mitchell and Jack Calihan perform this book in dual narration. They gave each character a unique sound and switched from male to female characters with ease and the change was obvious. Maxine’s male voice is all the things. This is the first time I’ve listened to Jack, and I thought he was great.

I was sent an advance copy of this book, and I’m voluntarily leaving this honest review

Perfect Beach Read

When I first heard that the next Karen Grey book was set in the fictional Wallington NC, which is based on a real town I know and love, I could not have been more excited. This book absolutely delivered.
Violet and Nate are both likable people put in a tough situation. Violet is a hard working woman who worked her way into running her own business. Nate is wanting to make his father proud of him. I really liked the way the friend group interacts and how accepting they are of a newcomer.
It was a treat for me to experience the references to that area of coastal North Carolina. Between the beaches, the TV/movie industry, the river and a hurricane, I felt like I was there again.
The author did a great job of providing resolution for this Nate and Violet while setting up the next story in the series. I look forward to reading/listening to that one as soon as it comes out.

Narration by Maxine Mitchell was excellent as always. This is the first time I heard Jack Calihan and I really look forward to listening to his work in the future.

Wonderful Story & Narration🎧 A Captivating Delight

I am a huge fan of Karen Grey’s “Boston Classic” series, no one does nostalgic romantic comedies like she does, she captures the essences of the times she is taking her readers back to in the most entertaining of ways, including her choice of titles, songs from that time period. This first book of her new series brings you to the 1990s and to the Carolina coastline with new characters who are just as wonderful as her other series. She is also sticking with the entertainment industry, this one being movies which brings us to the two lead characters, Violet Davenport, native to the location and newcomer, Nate Fowler, the son of a Hollywood big wig. Because the area has become popular for filming movies, Violet had left her teaching job to start her own business as a casting director. While hanging out with her friends she learns her boyfriend upped and left her, so what is the best way to get over someone, yep, you know it, she had a one-night fling with whom she thought was a tourist and she figured she’d never see again. Wrong on both, he was not a tourist and she would be definitely be seeing him again. Nate always felt he was more of an outsider with his father than anything, his sister was more of a natural than him with the family business, she could do no wrong and he could do no right. He feels his new off-site job is a test his father expects him to fail, a casting director in the Carolinas, a job he plans to excel at to prove his father wrong. But there is more behind the reason for the opening of a casting office in that location and he learns he is in direct competition with another business, the one owned by the woman who captured his attention and possibly his heart the night before. I loved all the layers to the story, the complexity of it and how it all plays out. This wonderfully plotted one-night-stand to enemies-to-lovers romance novel has the perfect balance of drama, humor, heartfelt emotion and steamy romance. Karen Grey, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride. I also love these characters and their group of friends and am looking forward to hearing more about them and see what comes next in the series.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Karen Grey cast the perfect narrators to bring her characters and story to life. Jack Calihan and Maxine Mitchell are entertaining storytellers and versatile voice artists. They have a complete understanding of the characters they are portraying, give each a voice that fits that character’s persona, sounding believable in every role they played. They set the perfect tone for the story, handle the witty dialogue with ease and land the humor effortlessly. You could hear how much heart and feelings they put into their work as they capture the character’s emotions and project them into their performance and have you feeling every single one. These narrators are naturals at what they do and their narration enhances an already amazing story to another level. Thank you for the fabulous listen!