Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours
Kowalski Family #1
Author: Shannon Stacey
Source: Personal Purchase
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books
 (December 20, 2011)
ISBN-13: 978-0373776788

SUMMARY:

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.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have never read a book by author Shannon Stacey before but when I saw these on the shelves at the store, something about them made me want to buy them and dive into the romance. The back blurb sounded like it would be a fun read that would leave me with a feel good feeling by the last page.  So I came home and dove into the Kowalski family with nothing but hopes of sweet romance.  What I didn't expect was so much fun, humor and overall enjoyment I would have when reading it!

I will say first off that I was not a huge fan of Keri.  I thought the reason she left in the first place was weak and she came across as a high maintenance snob.  She had to have her facials, spa treatments, and perfectly manicured nails to go along with shopping sprees to make her feel better.  At first I thought maybe her boss would be a great friend of hers, but that wasn't the case by the end of the book.

Joe was a great character and I not only loved him in this book, but all of the other characters as well.  He was patient and lovable to the point of perfection at times.  While I don't think the cover image does him justice, his personality is what stood out to me in the story.  He obviously is still caring around feelings for Keri and loves pushing her to the limit with the teasing, but he also doesn't want to get hurt again.  When Keri left him after high school graduation, he went down a rocky path and is now a recovering alcoholic. He has made his life as a famous author but keeping his feet planted firmly on the ground while being surrounded by a family he loves.

When Keri comes looking for an exclusive interview with Joe for the company she is working for, she hopes it will give her career the push it needs to promotion.  He agrees to give her an interview but only on his terms which include attending the Kowalski Family Camping Trip.

I fell in love with this family and just couldn't wait to read more about them.  I have already ran out and purchased the remaining books in the series that are out right now.  The side stories made it even more enjoyable and kept the reader hooked for following books.  Seriously, the only thing not giving this book a 5 star rating is the fact that Keri was not my favorite character. A sweet and fun romance that had me laughing -- and at times crying -- in every chapter.

MY FAVORITE QUOTES:

Keri snorted. " Dad only chased him to the end of the block.  Even a '78 Granada could outrun a middle-age fat guy with a five iron."
" I fail to see the humor in this."
"You didn't see my old man chasing taillights down the middle of the street in his bathrobe.  It wasn't very funny at the time, though."
---Keri and Tina, page 12

"Okay, it's like this..."
"Ha!  It may have been a long time, but I've heard that before.  Fairy tales start with once upon a time and Kowalski tales start with okay, it's like this."
---Joe and Keri, page 197

MY RATING:

Very Good! I would recommend this book!