When I Come Around

I love the idea of a cool 90s reference novel. The 90s are back in full force and I love how it says the novel is reminiscent of many of the popular shows of the 90s that were so beloved like Friends ect. I also love the Hollywood aspect as well. I am so excited to share my thoughts and a full review on this book very soon. Karen Grey is a great author so I know I’m in for a treat!

When I Come Around by Karen Grey definitely made me nostalgic for the 90's

When a group of former high school friends gets together at one of their weddings, something happens and one fo their own ends up in the hospital.

Whitney and Ford have loved each other since they were teenagers, but the time and circumstances have never been right. Now Whitney is at rock bottom and the group of friends circles around her to help her out and lift her up. Will this be the time for Whit and Ford to reconnect?

I was about the age of these characters during that time period and it was incredibly easy to put myself in their positions. The modem screech and AOL "You've Got Mail" jingle? Will forever be ingrained in my mind and the emails to each other were perfect throwbacks to that time in my life.

Ms. Grey builds great group friendships and the slow and believable reunion of Ford and Whitney.

This was a great end to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Book 4 of Karen Grey's Carolina Classics series is a second chance romance, friends to lovers, grumpy cinnamon roll HEA. The FMC starts after friends with benefits relationship with an old friend after her marriage falls apart. Despite their meddling friends, they realize that they are bound to be more than just friends with benefits. Cameos from other characters in the series bring this series full circle.

I'm truly sad to have this series end. I have started this review over, so many times throughout the day I just can't quite seem to get it right.
So I went back to the 90's and Greenday to see if maybe they had some words of wisdom.

"So go do what you like, make sure you do it wise
You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing
Was ever there
You can't go forcing something if it's just not right"

*Songwriters: Billie Joe Armstrong / Frank Edwin Wright III / Mike Ryan Pritchard

This I think explains perfectly Ford and Whitney's non-relationship. The group itself had so much growing to do. None started out wisely that first night the night of the hurricane. But in the end they all had to face self-doubt and no one quite as much as Whitney and Ford. And just like Whitney's parents tried to force her into something, trying to force something to not happen won't work either. Ford and Whit are clearly meant to be, if they can commit to the work.

So much character growth in this book. We really get to see Whitney evolve into a self-sufficient person. Not that she needs to be but if she chose to be she could survive on her own.
Ford finally has to man up and face his feelings. Which I absolutely couldn't wait to read.
I also have to note I immensely enjoy and appreciate that it is frequently brought up that it is completely acceptable and normal for women not to want to have children or to give birth. The tragedy that caused this to be a topic was I felt handled well within the book as well.
I have voluntarily left this review.

This is the fourth and final book in the Carolina Classics series and it’s fantastic! I’ve been waiting for Whitney’s story…she hasn’t been the easiest character to like (based on her behavior in the previous books) but this story helps us understand why. Karen delivers an amazing story of second changes, forgiveness and finding ones self. Whitney has not had the most supportive upbringing, is very insecure and needs a fresh start. She knows who her friends and support system are so she heads back to them. Ford is a sweet, patient and caring man. He is also very career driven but will be at his friends side at the drop of a hat. As Whitney and Ford reunite after many years there are so many questions between the two, trust issues, but a love that has never been forgotten. This book has all the emotions…Karen writes a lovely story, with challenging/tough topics, and handles them beautifully. These characters are some of my favorite and prove that friendships can withstand many challenges, disagreements and misunderstandings. A perfect ending to the series.