Review: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours
by Shannon Stacey
Series: Kowalski Family #1
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: June 7, 2010
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository

When Keri Daniels' editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job. Joe's never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he's intrigued to hear Keri's back in town--and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he'll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school. He proposes an outrageous plan--for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she's worked too hard to walk away from her career. But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe's sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn't ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

As you know I am not a huge fan of contemporary romance, but there are a few exceptions; small town romance series, cowboys (I am a sucker for a man in cowboy boots) and families. Over the summer I read Slow Summer Kisses and picked up this series. Exclusively Yours is the first novel in the Kowalski Family series. It had all the elements I love in a contemporary romance and I quickly consumed this. If you are looking for a feel good, clean romance surrounding a fun, quirky, tight-knit family Shannon Stacey has just the series for you.

Keri Daniels and Joe Kowalski were highschool sweethearts and Joe thought they would be together forever. After graduations they parted ways as Keri went off to Los Angeles to pursue a career in journalism. When Keri’s boss discovers she dated the reclusive author she gives Keri an ultimatum. Get an exclusive interview or find another job. It took Joe a long time to get over Keri. When he discovers she is home and looking for him he’s determined to send her packing. When they meet he discovers the chemistry between them is still there. So he blackmails her instead. She has to go on the annual Kowalski camping trip, participate in all activities and in exchange she will get to ask one question a day. The tale that unfolds was positively delightful as we watch their romance develop and other relationships in the Kowalski family.

I adore the complex, fleshed out characters Stacey brings to us. The camping trip was the perfect venue for introducing the Kowalski’s and their significant others. Keri is strong, competent, and she thinks she has it all; that is until she sees exactly what has been missing. Joe is adorable, takes care of his family and still head over heels for Keri. The chemistry between them was delightful, full of sexual tension. Terry, Joe’s twin was a hoot, a bitch and I ended up liking her. She and Keri use to be best friends and it was interesting and funny watching them interact. Her marriage of thirteen years to Evan is on the rocks, and this was an enjoyable side story. Kevin is the only single brother in the mix, he is recently divorced and has changed careers. I cannot wait to learn more about him. Mike Kowalski and wife Lisa are struggling as their youngest son approaches the first grade. All of the romances were bittersweet, believable and heartwarming. I love how Stacey blended humor. Joe's' mom had her spoon in everything!

The family and history Stacey created in the Kowalski’s was wonderful. The characters were believable and I connected with them. Their interactions, humor and problems were portrayed in a realistic way, complete with sibling bickering. The author weaves a light, humorous, heartwarming tale around this family and I cannot wait to read more about them. While there is sexual tension and some hanky-panky, it was clean and mostly implied. I could easily talk to my daughters about this one without turning fifty shades of red. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this family series.

I recommend Exclusively Yours to fan of small town, family romance series. This is a funny, romantic, contemporary that will leave you feeling good.  Undeniably Yours the next book brings us Kevin’s story and I cannot wait to read it.

I gave this novel 4 hazelnut cups of coffee out of 5

See my review of Slow Summer Kisses

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am thankful for my family and for all of you

who share my passion for reading. Thanks for following my blog and for your 

friendship. May you be blessed! 

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Slow Summer Kisses
by Shannon Stacey
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: June 4, 2012
Genre: Adult Romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon

*Novella/ eBook *sexual content

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go, Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour.(synopsis from Goodreads)

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey was a heart-warming romance. While this is a novella, the story felt complete and I enjoyed every minute of it. I quickly became wrapped up in this tale and consumed it in one sitting.

The tale begins when we meet Anna Frazier. Up until now she has been a go-getter in the financial industry. One could say she is high-strung and moving in the fast lane. She has recently lost her job, and rather than tap into her savings, she moves into her grandparents, New Hampshire camp home. She discovers her next door neighbor, is her childhood summer friend Cameron Mayfield, and boy has he grown into a fine specimen of a man. The tale that unfolds is sweet, as Cameron tried to avoid the high-maintenance, talkative but oh so beautiful Anna.

The characters in this novel are sweet, damaged and captured my heart. I laughed at their antics and became invested in their outcome. Stacey gives us plenty of humorous scenes which I thoroughly enjoyed. While the story line was predictable it delivered exactly what I was looking for. Watching the two of them fall in love was fun.

While this wasn’t a full length novel the story-line was fully developed. It does contain sexual content but it was mostly implied. I connected with both characters and Stacey did a good job of making me feel like I knew and understood where they were coming from.

Slow Summer Kisses is the perfect summer read. It is light, sweet and perfect for an afternoon escape. I plan to read more from this author. This is currently available as an eBook.

FYI..this story and others are available in a collection called Carina Press Presents: Editor's Choice Volume I: Kilts &Kraken\Negotiating Point\Slow Summer Kisses. Had I known..i would have purchased this.

I gave this novella 4 coffee cups out of 5. 

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme

 hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine

It's a chance to spotlight books we are eagerly anticipating.

For your e-reader;

Slow Summer Kisses
by Shannon Stacey
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication date: June 4, 2012
Genre: Adult/ Contemporary romance
Purchase: Barnes and Noble/ Amazon 

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to go, go, go, Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea—until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old—and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour. (synopsis from Goodreads)

With the lazy days of summer ahead..I am in the mood for some light and romantic poolside reads. I have read some of Stacey's previous novels and they are always heart-warming with characters you cannot help but love. The setting is in New Hampshire and I have fond memories of vacationing there with the hubbster. 

Every Day

by David Levitan

Publisher: Random House

Publication date: August 28, 2012

Genre:YA paranormal/fantasy

Purchase: Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository 

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl. Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

With his new novel, David Levithan has pushed himself to new creative heights. He has written a captivating story that will fascinate readers as they begin to comprehend the complexities of life and love in A’s world, as A and Rhiannon seek to discover if you can truly love someone who is destined to change every day.(synopsis from Goodreads)

The synopsis of this novel seems so intriguing..I just have to read it!  I want to be a part of A's world and I am anxious to see how Levithan tells this story. Could I love my husband the same if he woke up in a different body each day? Hmm.....one day Brad Pitt, the next Ian Somerhalder and then Jensen Ackles.
He'd be eye-candy..but still my guy on the inside??  Yep..no problems here...LOL I am ornery ..must be the weather. 

What book are you waiting on ?