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Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family #1)

by Shannon Stacey (Goodreads Author)

3.88 of 5 stars 3.88 · rating details · 7,772 ratings · 710 reviews

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 m...more

ebook, 322 pages

Published June 7th 2010 by Carina Press (first published May 26th 2010)

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Sep 20, 2011 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: format-ebook-for-netgalley, format-kindle-or-kindle-compatible, ebook-own-have-read, reviewed-by-me, reviewed-for-netgalley, 5-stars, genre-contemporary-romance, keepers, favorites, must-reread, series-kowalski-family, first-in-series, series-must-read, blogged-at-blithely-bookish

“It’s customary to offer a squeeze to determine if breasts are real or not, you know. Don’t you watch TV?”

She laughed and shoved the retrieved ballcap back on her head. “Nice try, Kowalski. You’ll have to take my word for it.”
Exclusively Yours is the first book in the Kowalski Family series, and wow! Just… WOW! It’s one of my absolute favorite Contemporary Romances that I’ve read, and I loved every single word, every heartbreaking, heartwarming, funny, sexy minute of it! I laughed, I cried and...more

32 likes · like · see review

Jul 12, 2010 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-contemporary, published-2010, read-2010, ebook, steam-warm

4.5 stars. In short, it’s a fun laugh-out-loud steamy contemporary romance set in the backwoods of New Hampshire (complete with mosquitoes, ATVs, bath houses, and marshmallow roasts.) This is an author to watch as her humor is sharp, the sexual tension tight, the romance believable, and the characters all well developed.

The premise: High school sweethearts Joe and Keri went separate ways when Keri chose to move out west to attend Berkeley and make a name for herself. It was the toughest decisio...more 4.5 stars. In short, it’s a fun laugh-out-loud steamy contemporary romance set in the backwoods of New Hampshire (complete with mosquitoes, ATVs, bath houses, and marshmallow roasts.) This is an author to watch as her humor is sharp, the sexual tension tight, the romance believable, and the characters all well developed.

The premise: High school sweethearts Joe and Keri went separate ways when Keri chose to move out west to attend Berkeley and make a name for herself. It was the toughest decision she has made in her life. 18 years later, Keri is now a top contributing author to a popular celebrity magazine out in Los Angeles, and Joe is a NYT bestselling author of scary twisted novels that are being turned into movies. Keri’s boss discovers that she had a past with Joe, and sets her up to get an exclusive scoop by sending her back to NH where Joe still calls home. Joe never forgot how badly Keri broke his heart, but the moment he sees her again he knows he doesn’t want to say goodbye again – at least not right away. So he cooks up a plan to have Keri go on a large family camping vacation with him for two weeks in exchange for one interview question per day.

What I enjoyed most about this book was how ‘real’ the story felt. The dialog, the pacing, the interaction between characters all felt so genuine. Plus the humor and whit was just a crack up!! Joe is a fantastic hero, and Keri was a great match.

While the main story between Joe and Keri kept me fully engaged and entertained, I’m knocking half a star off because I really didn’t enjoy the secondary storyline that much. It’s about Joe’s sister Terry resolving her marriage issues after 13 years of marriage. If I met Terry in real life I don’t think I’d want to be her friend, but I will give this author kudo’s for making her so three dimensional with flaws and all. Fortunately, that storyline is very small in this book and can be skimmed over easily.

My husband and I love to go camping every summer, so it was a great treat to see a romance set around fire pits and RV’s, instead of mansions and penthouses. The author has another book coming out in the fall, and I sure hope it stars Joe’s brother Kevin. I loved that guy and hopes he gets an HEA too. Definitely an author to watch.
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Jun 21, 2010 Ridley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 4-star, contemporary, read-2010, ebook

One of the debut releases from the brand new epublisher Carina Press, Exclusively Yours is a contemporary romance set in the exotic, mosquito-infested wilds of New Hampshire, where the ATVs roam free and the riders all work at giving love a second chance.

Keri Daniels ends up in this mess when her boss, the editor-in-chief of an LA-based celebrity magazine, gets a hold of a compromising photo from Keri’s past. In the photo, she’s cuddling with her high school sweetheart, Joe. Of course high schoo...more One of the debut releases from the brand new epublisher Carina Press, Exclusively Yours is a contemporary romance set in the exotic, mosquito-infested wilds of New Hampshire, where the ATVs roam free and the riders all work at giving love a second chance.

Keri Daniels ends up in this mess when her boss, the editor-in-chief of an LA-based celebrity magazine, gets a hold of a compromising photo from Keri’s past. In the photo, she’s cuddling with her high school sweetheart, Joe. Of course high school sweetheart Joe is now blockbuster reclusive author Joe Kowalski, someone her boss has been obssessed with interviewing for years, and she’s a bit put out that Keri’s not mentioned this connection before. So she lays down the law - go to New Hampshire and get an exclusive interview, or kiss your job good bye. Not at all keen to lose everything she’s worked for, everything she left New Hampshire for in the first place, she reluctantly heads home to try to talk to Joe.

High school may have been 18 years ago, but Joe never really got over Keri leaving him and going to California. He spent the four years after high school as a drunk, writing angry horror fiction where a Carrie Danielson meets a horrific end, before sobering up and trying to move on like a big boy. But his failed engagement with a socialite, and the sealed emotional distress lawsuit with said socialite, has just brought Keri back into his life. To weak to refuse her outright, he agrees to an interview - but only answering one question a day, and only if she accompanies him on the Kowalski family camping and ATV trip - figuring the polished city girl will turn him down.

Keri takes him up on the deal, naturally, and what ensues is a hilarious clash of personalities, wants and needs between the hero and heroine and the entire cast of characters. Stacey truly outdid herself on the characterization in this book. Each character had its own personality, quirks and motivations. The dialog was so pitch-perfect that I’d swear I actually knew some of these people. I was busting a gut laughing at how the brothers spoke to each other, as they were pretty much just like my own family.

After Lisa walked away, Joe grinned at his brother, “Piece of cake.”
“Never works for me.”
“That’s because you’re her husband. She likes me better because she doesn’t have to wash my underwear. Plus I’m better looking.”
Mike laughed. “You keep telling yourself that while I’m getting laid out in the woods, my friend.”
“You just like it out there because the mosquito bites make your dick look bigger.”

All of the family plays a role in the romance plot. No, they’re not an army of cutesy matchmakers. In fact, Joe’s twin sister Terry is desperately trying to keep Joe and Keri apart.

”Don’t the RVs have bathrooms?” she asked, feeling some pressure to fill the conversational pothole.
Both women laughed, but it was Lisa who said, “I’ll take your lifeguard duty at the pool for three days if you can have sex with a Kowalski man in that shower without knocking the camper right off its levellers.”
“I’ll hide your bug spray if you even try to have sex with my brother in the RV - or anywhere else for that matter,” Terry said, and the way Lisa gasped make Keri think it was a dire threat indeed. “Go ahead, Keri, laugh at me. But once the sun starts going down you’d duct tape your own thighs closed for a bottle of Deep Woods OFF!. Trust me.”

The family exists to further illustrate the second chances and conflicting wants and needs themes. Terry and her husband Evan are separated because he thinks they’re growing apart. Mike and Lisa are at odds over her wanting a baby, despite the fact they’d planned to celebrate the youngest of their four boys (good lord shoot me, four boys) reaching school age. And the main event, Keri and Joe, are fighting an obvious persistent attraction because of decisions they made at 18.

So, everyone is trying to reconcile what they want with what they need. Will Keri choose Joe or her career? Would Joe move away from his family to be with Keri? Did Keri make the right decision when she left so many years ago?

The characters all work out the kinks and settle their issues by the end of the book in organic, understandable ways. These were all familiar problems so their solutions were familiar as well. I could identify with everyone in this book, really. (To be fair, I’m a fellow New Englander to Ms. Stacey, so that might be a factor in the familiarity, or it may not. You tell me.)

My one issue with the book was with Keri’s character arc. Keri had what I thought was a powerful reason for dedicating herself to her career:

Keri’s mom. Ed’s wife. Mrs. Daniels. Her dad called her hon and Keri called her mom. She never heard anyone call her Janie...And maybe that’s why, as they were filling into the gymnasium to “Pomp and Circumstance,” she’d been horrified to overhear a woman whisper, “That’s the valedictorian’s girlfriend.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Her companion had responded. “I’d heard Ed’s daughter was Joe’s girl now.”
...Ed’s daughter. The Daniels girl. Doll (her father’s pet name for her) and Peach (her mother’s.) Joe’s girl. Babe.

Keri is determined to make the name “Keri Daniels” mean something to people, and I found her final decisions completely counter to that part of her, and needlessly so. Such a deflating resolution kept this from being a five-star read. Otherwise, this is the best straight contemporary romance I've read in eons. I truly cannot remember laughing so hard at a book while enjoying it as much as I did with Exclusively Yours.
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Sep 21, 2010 BarkLessWagMore rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, netgalley-review, romance

Joseph Kowalski and Keri Daniels were high school sweethearts but Keri left Joe broken hearted in order to chase her dreams. Now 18 years later, he’s a reclusive best-selling author and she’s a reporter for an entertainment magazine whose editor has just discovered her past relationship with Joe and demands she get the scoop on the guy. If she refuses she’ll risk losing her job and any chance of moving up a rung or two on the ladder. Keri’s worked hard to get to where she is and leaves behind su...more Joseph Kowalski and Keri Daniels were high school sweethearts but Keri left Joe broken hearted in order to chase her dreams. Now 18 years later, he’s a reclusive best-selling author and she’s a reporter for an entertainment magazine whose editor has just discovered her past relationship with Joe and demands she get the scoop on the guy. If she refuses she’ll risk losing her job and any chance of moving up a rung or two on the ladder. Keri’s worked hard to get to where she is and leaves behind sunny California to travel to the small New Hampshire town where she lost her virginity to a boy named Joe in the back of a 78 Ford Granada to the sounds of Whitesnake.

Said boy, now all grown and super sexy, talks her into joining him and his large extended family (he is single, without kids) on a two week vacation camping in the deep woods of New Hampshire without cell phones (no texting for help!), computers, or luxury bathrooms. Keri is appalled, especially when she learns she’ll be sharing a cabin with still hot Joe, but agrees for the sake of her career. The premise is too, too cute. Living in New Hampshire and coming of age in the 80’s (to the dulcet sounds of Whitesnake, Poison and Ratt -- remember them?) this book really resonated with me on a nostalgic level. The author got the feel of NH camping down pat and reminded me of all the reasons why I haven’t done it in a decade or so. Joe is a fabulously warm and lovable hero with a realistically messed up family who you’ll probably love and despise in equal measure. This book is as much a reunion romance as it is a tear-inducing family drama-edy. Keri and her unending quest to be someone other than a “mom”, “girlfriend” or a “wife” is where things fell flat for me. Personally, I can’t connect with a woman so hung up on her career that she’d leave her true love in the dust. But that’s just me, I married my high school sweetheart and we’ve been together since ’87 so I’m lucky and probably pretty biased.

Despite Keri, and her obsession with being “Keri, an important someone” I enjoyed this book a lot. When Joe and Keri reunite the sparks fly and they’re both forced to face their past mistakes and figure out a way to get along without losing their hearts all over again. Joe was devastated and made some poor choices when Keri left him the first time and all that heartache, angst and pain must be dealt with before they can move on. It’ll all bring a tear to your eyes, I swear it. The plot isn’t anything terribly exciting but it felt very real and honest and I will definitely check out what this author is up to next.
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Oct 04, 2010 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, 2010-reads, contemporary-romance, favorites, married-seperated-divorced, reunited, series, steamy

I really enjoyed this story! It's been a long while since a book has grabbed my attention and I didn't want to put it down.

Keri and Joe were high-school sweethearts. Keri needing something bigger in life left her home town and Joe for California to become a writer for a magazine.

Fast forward 18 years, Keri's boss demand she gets the inside scoop on Joe or lose her job.

I really fell for Joe, he was sweet and lovable.

The secondary characters were a nice addition. I'm looking forward to Kevin's...more

10 likes · like · see review

Nov 02, 2010 Shawna rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of funny, light contemporary romance

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-book, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, reunions-are-sweeter-second-chances, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, kindle, 2010-reads, hero-beta, i-read-kindle, hero-im-gaga-over, shannon-stacey, 4-stars

4 stars – Contemporary Romance

The Kowalski family is a kooky, fun bunch who take camping and ATVing to the extreme while also dealing with realistic marital struggles, kid stress, and a blast from the past. This is a fun, light contemporary romance that had me seriously cracking up at times. I just wish there had been a bit more romance between Joe and Keri and that the heat level had been turned up a few degrees.

12 likes · like · see review

May 07, 2012 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: no one - seriously!

Shelves: me-no-like-at-all, buddy-or-group-read, is-it-just-me-goddammit, whiny-bitches, kill-it-with-fire, reviewed-2011, wtf-am-i-doing, authors-i-want-to-stab, masters-of-snoozeville, cheesetacular, lit-for-the-chicks, romance-contemp, facepalm

I started reading this as an accident of fate. Yes you read it well! Me and my friend Aly decided we should do a “group” (or whatever you wanna call it) read. We picked a couple of books, numbered ‘em and then used an online random number chooser thing to pick what to read. This was the result. It was actually a nice experiment. Worked for my friend, didn’t work for me.

This review will be a bad one. I hated the book; I won’t be nice so in case you’re into this type of books you should probably s...more

9 likes · like · see review

Oct 28, 2011 Jodie Riverina Romantics rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-blog

Exclusively Yours is a masterpiece of contemporary perfection.

Yep, I’m still giddy with excitement over reading my first Shannon Stacey book and I literally have heart palpitations thinking about reading the second book in the series – Yes, it was that good.

Was there suspense? No. Was the story action packed? No. Was there paranormal shifters or sexy vampires?? Well, its contemporary – so obviously not. But what it did have was witty dialogue, a HUGE dose of sweetly simmering sexual tension tha...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2011 Ruth rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: steamy-dirty-smut, series, contemporary-romance

This one was OK, but, for me, it wasn't up to the same standard as the other books by this author. I guess most of my reasons for not liking it much are down to me really, but I had a number of issues with it.

- The hero and heroine dated in high school (OK, they spent most of their time in each others' pants). It was the best sex of the heroine's life. So far, so good. Then we're told she's always carried a torch for him, and he's the same about her. Hmm. Why? I ask. Why would two nearly 40-some...more This one was OK, but, for me, it wasn't up to the same standard as the other books by this author. I guess most of my reasons for not liking it much are down to me really, but I had a number of issues with it.

- The hero and heroine dated in high school (OK, they spent most of their time in each others' pants). It was the best sex of the heroine's life. So far, so good. Then we're told she's always carried a torch for him, and he's the same about her. Hmm. Why? I ask. Why would two nearly 40-somethings still be obsessed about something that happened 20 years ago? I can hardly remember the names of my boyfriends in high school, and I honestly don't think I'm heartless or abnormal. Can anyone actually remember much more than the names, and one or two embarrassing memories, 20 years down the road? From the way they lust over each other, and the way he still has angry feelings about her leaving, you'd think it had been only 2 not 20 years ago. I would have preferred for them to come together having actually lived a bit of life first, rather than getting the impression that neither of them ever got over the best sex of their lives, which just seems a tad depressing to me, and an awful waste of 20 years.

- The super-bitchy sister - I couldn't really understand what the purpose of Terry in the story was, other than to throw a wet blanket over everything. Including her in the story just made the whole thing much less enjoyable a read than it should have been, and I couldn't muster on iota of sympathy for her or the way her marriage had fallen apart. And again, what was with the sister not forgiving and forgetting something that happened so long ago?

- I honestly thought the hero pulling the camping-trip-from-hell routine on the heroine as emotional blackmail was pretty much as cheap as it could get. He practically implied that she'd have to sleep with him, and put up with his family, and do loads of outdoorsy shit she'd probably hate, to stand a chance at keeping her job. I also struggled with his descent into drink after the heroine dumped him in high school. It's really sad, and it does happen, but, honestly, it's not romance hero material to me, and no matter how sexy he was, or how wealthy, he struck me as just as emotionally immature at 40 than at 20, and carrying a whole load of personal and personality issues with it. I just couldn't like him.

(view spoiler)

- OK, now the number 1 reason I really couldn't get into this story was, and don't laugh, that I have a real aversion to communal organized activities. I hate the idea of not being allowed to make up my own mind and make my own choices, so the idea of everyone HAVING to do all the activities on vacation as a group makes me shiver. It probably didn't help that I was actually spent spring break this year at an apartment building where 20 families were doing just this - kids spent the day trying to drown my 5-yr-old, and the parents spent the day, and evening, getting completely shitfaced on the beach. But look at this another way.. Take exercise classes, for example. The last time I actually went to an exercise class was about 10 years ago, and I lasted all of 15 mins of "move faster!", "follow me!", and, my favorite, "now let's really go for it!" before I walked out. I don't like being told what to do, or shouted at, or given no choice, like I'm an idiot and can't make up my own mind. So, just thinking about a camping trip (and, BTW, I LOVE camping, so it's not an anti-camping thing going on) with the family of any of my exes (or even my own beloved family, or my husband's slightly less beloved one) just makes me grind my teeth. And I just couldn't wipe out that tense-shoulder, out-of-control hopeless feeling I got when I considered the heroine's situation. I know I'm bonkers, but there you go.

Now, having said that, I do really like the way this author writes. It's light, flowing, and she writes some fabulously funny lines, and I also really want to know what happens to the other brothers, so I'll read on and hope I don't have any hang-ups like this one.

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Jun 08, 2010 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

More like a 3.5 stars. Exclusively Yours is a funny, light and contemporary read that will leave readers wanting a little bit more.

Lately I’ve been reading new books by new authors (or at least they are new to me) and while I’m always a bit reluctant and leery, I have to say that I’ve been finding some really good books. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey was another good read. High School sweethearts Joe Kowalski and Keri Daniels were wildly in teenage love, planning a future until Keri bolted...more More like a 3.5 stars. Exclusively Yours is a funny, light and contemporary read that will leave readers wanting a little bit more.

Lately I’ve been reading new books by new authors (or at least they are new to me) and while I’m always a bit reluctant and leery, I have to say that I’ve been finding some really good books. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey was another good read. High School sweethearts Joe Kowalski and Keri Daniels were wildly in teenage love, planning a future until Keri bolted without any warning from their town to establish a career and new life as a journalist. Her boss uncovers that Keri has had a relationship with Joe, a reclusive and bestselling author, and she wants an interview. Receiving an ultimatum of reporting about Joe and his recent love scandal or losing her job, Keri is forced back into the life of the one man she had loved and hurt the most.

Once Joe discovers that Keri is back in his hometown trying to get a story about his life, he plots to get reacquainted with his former love by bribing her into spending a two week vacation with his family. In return, they both get to ask each other a question each day. Normally, I don’t fall for the Beta heroes but Joe was amusing, sweet and it was so obvious from the start that he was still in love with Keri. The author made several references to his pain from Keri’s initial leave throughout the story and how he ended up as a famous author.

There was a cast of secondary characters. The whole Kowalskis were in full attendance at the campsite and I loved every minute of their banter and all of the siblings had their own issues. Though I am not into bitchy female characters at all, I had to say that I liked Terry (Joe’s sister) a lot. She was the type to say it like it is and she had a whole lot of drama. Not only did Keri bail out on Joe, but Terry and Keri were once BFFs and Terry carried the pain of her best friend leaving her. There was some laugh out loud moments with the fights between Keri and Terry. I felt the emotions from Terry. She was like a child who didn’t want to lose her friend or have problems with her husband. Though she was catty at times, I understood where her place of anger stemmed from.

My only quarrel with this story was the abrupt way that the storylines ended. Granted, the book was relatively short but the issues could have been tied up better. Terry and Keri’s relationship was never settled in my opinion. They eventually began to talk at the campsite but they only discussed Terry’s marital issues. There was no discussion of their fall out or an apology. I find it hard to believe after holding so much anger inside, that Terry would just let go of her anger towards Keri. I’m sorry but if my best friend ditched me, I would want to say, “You had hurt me a lot when you stopped being my friend.” A conversation about the past should have occurred. The storyline with Joe and Keri’s past seemed to not be that prevalent in the conversations between Joe and Keri. For Joe to have the freedom to ask Keri any question he wanted, he sure did waste them. I do understand that he was trying to convince her to stay more than rehash the past but I need more of a resolution when reading a reconnecting love story.

Overall, I still enjoyed the story and I would definitely read another book by this author. I am kind of hoping that the younger brother gets a shot at love as well.
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Jul 01, 2010 Jaci Burton rated it 5 of 5 stars

With full disclosure, Shannon is a good friend of mine. That being said, this book was wonderfully written. A great contemporary romance that held me spellbound. I couldn't put it down. It was fun, with tons of humor, incredible secondary characters I grew to love, and a fantastic romance between the hero and heroine. Shannon writes characters you root for, characters who aren't perfect, a compelling story, and her voice simply captures you. It wouldn't matter if we were friends or not, I'd stil...more

9 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Lisa Kay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance-contemporary, 2nd-chance-at-♥, setting-usa-new-hampshire, sweet♡with-a-little-spice, character-child-children-featured, fast-read, reviewed-by-me, authors-s

★★★★½ Short, sweet, with a touch of spice, and just the right fit for my brooding-moody self after another disappointing read. I'm not a big fan of "second chance at love" - with the same person. I figure, when it is over, it's over. In fact, I chose this one to fullfill a "National Pet Peeve Week" requirement in an October Challenge. But, this was well done and the Kowlaski family is down-to-earth fun.

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 01, 2011 Miss Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, 2011, e-book

The Kowalski family is so lovable! I can't wait to read more of them in the series. Keri was a tad on the annoying side, but I did love joe. The camping and the four wheelers, and the authors humor were a great read! Recommend to anyone looking for a light contemporary.

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Erika Badass rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, june-2011, kindle, own-but-not-read-yet, romance-feel-good

I'm waffling on a rating for Keri and Joe. On the one hand, I liked the premise of Exclusively Yours, on the other hand, I thought that Keri was a superficial flake.

I was entertained enough by the antics of all the characters to read this entire book fairly quickly. I giggled a few times. I teared up a bit with some of the marital woes going on in the other Siblings lives, but Joe and Keri's relationship felt one sided.

It's been 18 years since Keri broke Joe's heart and left high school for the...more I'm waffling on a rating for Keri and Joe. On the one hand, I liked the premise of Exclusively Yours, on the other hand, I thought that Keri was a superficial flake.

I was entertained enough by the antics of all the characters to read this entire book fairly quickly. I giggled a few times. I teared up a bit with some of the marital woes going on in the other Siblings lives, but Joe and Keri's relationship felt one sided.

It's been 18 years since Keri broke Joe's heart and left high school for the big name and lights of the big city. And no, I'm not talking about New York, but Los Angeles. Joe was, and has always remained--a family man and homebody. Comfortable with where is life was heading, and being around his family, even when he was 18. His dreams were to write a novel, get married to Keri, have lots of babies and be happy.

Keri, on the other hand wanted more. She didn't just want to be Mrs. Kowalksi. Joe's wife, XXXX's Mother. She wanted to see her name in the magazines and make headlines. She panics on graduation day, and takes off right after for city life. Leaving a broken-hearted Joe to wonder why and try and pick up the pieces of the life he no longer had.

It drove him batty and he became an alcoholic for a few years. Writing, drinking and screwing where pretty much all he did. He picked himself up eventually, turned his life around and is a millionaire best selling author. Albeit a bit reclusive.

Keri rose through the ranks at Spotlight Magazine. Where her boss finds out about her past relationship with #1 recluse and mystery man Joe, and sends her on a mission. Get an exclusive interview--complete with dirty deets...or else.

So the craziness begins.

I'm not sure how I felt about the ending. I wanted Keri to make the decision.

**************************

Like I said, I mostly enjoyed Exclusively Yours, If you are a fan of Contemporary Romance with a side of Family Craziness, you will most likely enjoy this novel too. It's not without issues, but what relationship isn

Grade: B-(less)

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Jul 29, 2011 Penny Watson rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am fervently attempting to avoid all contemporary romance novels. Even ones that come highly recommended are pissing me off no end. However, one has been nagging at me for a while, and for one simple reason.

Kowalski.

As soon as I saw that Shannon Stacey's series had a family with the last name Kowalski, I knew I was going to read it. That is ballsy, funny, and so uncool it's totally cool.

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey (Kowalski Family series #1) is just the way I like contemporary romance:...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Dee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, not-sure-about-author

I had seen more than a few raving reviews from friends on GR about this story and had high hopes and was really looking forward to reading it. Although I enjoyed the story I can't quite see what all the fuss was about!

Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the story but I just didn't feel the connection between Joe & Keri. I don't believe they actually loved each other - ok maybe I believed Joe a bit more than Keri. I am always saying that I like quite a bit of steam with my romances and I certainly d...more

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Jul 04, 2010 Damaris (GoodChoiceReading) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Damaris (GoodChoiceReading) by: goodchoicereadin@aol.com

I really, really, really enjoyed reading this book. I loved everything about it.

This book in some sort of way reminded me a little of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Joe and Keri were high school sweathearts and loved each other very dearly, until one day Keri decides that she wants to move to California to pursue a career in Journalism. Keri leaves Joe back in New Hampshire heart broken and confused.

Joe is so hurt by Keri leaving him that he turns to alcohol and slowly becomes an alcoholic....more I really, really, really enjoyed reading this book. I loved everything about it.

This book in some sort of way reminded me a little of The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Joe and Keri were high school sweathearts and loved each other very dearly, until one day Keri decides that she wants to move to California to pursue a career in Journalism. Keri leaves Joe back in New Hampshire heart broken and confused.

Joe is so hurt by Keri leaving him that he turns to alcohol and slowly becomes an alcoholic. He pretty much drinks from the minute he opens his eyes to the minute he closes them. He begins to write novels and eventually becomes a famous writer. Only Joe never makes appearances or gives interviews to anyone. He just likes to write his books and move on. Joe quits drinking some where down the line and gets his life back on track and continues to write his novels and spend more time with his family.

It's been 20 years since Keri started her life in California and is a journalist working for a really good company. Until one day her boss gets a tip that Keri and Joe used to date and that they were once in love. She tells Keri that she either gets an interview with Joe or she is fired.

Keri heads back home and is not looking forward to it at all. Joe get's word that Keri is in town and immediately knows exactly why, but that does not change the fact the he wants to see her. But Joe does not make things easy for Keri at all. He tells Keri that if she wants her interview she has to agree to a two week get away with him and his family with no phone, computer, or any type of device. He thought Keri would say no only to be shocked when she agrees. Keri's job is very important to her and she was willing to do anything to get that interview. Of course when she gets there Joe's sister is not very happy. She hates Keri for leaving her brother and is afraid that when she leaves again it will ruin Joe all over.

That is where everything really kicked off. I could not put this book down and could not stop thinking about it. I really enjoyed it. It was super funny and I could not help but fall in love with Keri and Joe. A good read and I am looking forward to reading more books by Shannon Stacey. I really like the way she writes and I recommend this book. (less)

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Jun 19, 2011 Jae rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, 2011

I so cannot dig this story.

I didn't like Keri for being a career-orientated woman through and through, first when she was 18 and even now 18 years later.
And I didn't like Joe any better either for not learning any lesson at all regarding Keri. You'd have thought he'd be a bit guarded this time around too.

I had a very hard time finishing this off.

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 24, 2011 Kris (KindleRomance) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

Enjoyable story - very light steam - but very romantic. I loved Joe and thought he was such a sweetheart, but for some reason I wasn't a huge fan of Keri. It wasn't the constant whining about the outdoors (which I could relate to), but I didn't really understand why she left and never kept in touch.

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 22, 2012 Kimba (Caffeinated Book Reviewer) rated it 4 of 5 stars

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....more 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.
Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer (less)

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Jun 05, 2011 Brenda Chan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, romance, reunited-lovers

I liked the premise (Keri's need for identity) but in the end I didn't feel the book delivered on it. The sub-plots involving Joe's siblings' marital troubles were much more emotionally compelling than the main couple's. I never got an idea of who Keri was beyond her high-living LA lifestyle, so the conflict that'd been set up almost twenty years prior between her love for Joe and her need for identity felt painted on, especially since it's not even mentioned until at least halfway into the book...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Ana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: z-read-in-2011, contemporary-romance

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

...more

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.

Keri's not entirely sure what she's doing. True, she needs to get the interview, but the entire Kowalski family for two weeks - she must be loosing her mind. And like the madness isn't enough, there's all the feeling she still has for Joe. You know what they see - you never forget your first love.

Joe didn't intend to blackmail Keri, after all the last time she left it took him years to piece himself together again. But he's confident it'll be different this time. He simply won't let himself fall for her. Famous last words. :-)

I like both Keri and Joe. Keri was honest from the beginning, about her job and her plan to go back to LA when the 2 weeks were over. And Joe is such a sweetheart, I simply adore him.

And the secondary plots with Joe's siblings were interesting as well. Both Lisa&Mike and Terri&Evan were interesting and their problems down to earth and way too common in the RL.

And the book was funny as well, I was smiling through most of it. Some of my favorite quotes are included below the review.

The only thing I didn't like is the reunion plot. I simply don't care for them much. There's always a lot of anger and angst and recriminations. And lets not forget all the what ifs. But even with the less-than-favorite plot I still loved the book.

The best thing about the book is the Kowalski clan. I love all of them. The family dynamics are incredible and I can't wait to read more books about them. On to Undeniably Yours.

Rating:

4.5 stars(less)

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Aug 17, 2010 Carrie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: audio, contemporary, read-2010, manipulative-friends-family, beta-hero

I listened to this book in the car on a trip. The characters made me so angry I was yelling at the iPod adapter! Thank goodness I was alone. ;-) In short, except for Joe, I thought most of the characters were shallow, immature, vindictive, pushy, and stuck in middle school. Keri sort of redeemed herself in the end, but then again, the fact that she was so adamant about not being "somebody's" girl/wife/mother that her turn around didn't ring true to me. I just wanted to know why Joe fell for her,...more

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Jul 02, 2010 Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars

Just an okey read for me and a story that definitely had some potential. I was a bit disappointed though. A few things didn't work for me :
- the sexy banter between two people who haven't seen eachother in 18 years and parted with a TERRIBLE heartbreak... I'd have imagined more uneasiness, even a little, and couldn't see any.
- it took 166 pages (out of 208) to the heroine to start thinking that, MAYBE, she made a mistake in harshly dumping her BF.
- I would have prefered a more contreit heroine...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 23, 2012 Tammie (certified bed reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance

Exclusively Yours reminds me of the family reunion I once went to. There were enough embarrassing moments and family drama to last me a lifetime! The difference in this book is that there were equally as many laughs and fun. The Kowalskis are a tight-knit group, but maybe a bit stifling (I'm talking about you, Terry!) at times. I think Keri's reasons for leaving Joe after high school were a bit weak. However, at 18, we all make mistakes.

Looking forward to reading Kevin's story, Undeniably Yours ...more

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Nov 19, 2011 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was one of those contemporary romance books I started one evening and finished in the wee hours of the morning. The writing is smooth, the characters are well developed, the plot is sweet, and lots of redemption for thirty somethings. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and it was just what I needed when picking up a romance without sex on every page. There are steamy scenes mind you, but the world in which the Kowalski's live could have been anyone's family that likes camping, close knit, and h...more

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Oct 21, 2012 Lorelle rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Contemporary Romance readers

Shelves: contemporary-romance, past-loves-reunite

I liked both the H and h in this one, but most especially the H. Joe Kowalski is different than most of the men in romance novels, because other than just loving his his family and quietly writing in NH, he is just a regular guy. He is a sensitive and sweet type, but that doesn't diminish his masculinity. It is probably the first romance where the H cries heartbroken, while hugging his Mom, not once, but twice. Keri left him after HS to pursue her career goals, which then lead her back to him. S...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 30, 2011 Petya rated it 4 of 5 stars

I like it - nice and sweet. I didn't understand the second chance idea. Also if Joe was so in love with her in high school how could he let her go without even looking for her for so many years ... Not very belivable for me but ... but even so I like the story just fine. So yes .. if you haven't read it yet - give it a try.

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 03, 2012 ❀angela rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

What's so wrong about leaving your hometown to pursue your dream?! If Keri gave up her ambitions to stay with her high school sweetheart, she would've spent her life asking herself "what if?" and blaming Joe for her regrets. Also, how can you still be in love with your high school sweetheart twenty years later??

3 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2011 Tori rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites-of-2011, my-favorite-books

What a great book! It has all of my favorite book requirements. Second chance romance? Check! Witty Banter? Check! Awesome supporting cast? Check! The great guy who is head over heels for the girl. Check, check, CHECK! Loved it!

2 likes · like · see review

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About Shannon Stacey

Shannon Stacey married her Prince Charming in 1993 and is the proud mother of two incredible sons. She lives in New England, where her two favorite activities are trying to stay warm and writing stories of happily ever after. Her two cats refuse to curl up on her lap and keep it warm while she writes, but her Shih Tzu is never far away.

When she’s not writing, she’s indulging in her other passion—f...more

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Books by Shannon Stacey

All He Ever Needed (Kowalski Family, #4)

All He Ever Desired (Kowalski Family, #5)

All He Ever Dreamed (Kowalski Family, #6)

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Quotes from Exclusively Yours

“She said you were probably plastic and Uncle Kevin said he’d give you a feel and let her know and then Uncle Joe punched him in the shoulder and said the only thing he’d feel is his A-S-S getting kicked if he tried.” — 20 people liked it

“Kevin slapped a box of hot dogs down on the rock. “What the hell was that?”
“A kiss. It’s something guys like me do with girls we like. But don’t worry, someday you’ll find one drunk enough to let you try it.” — 20 people liked it

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Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family #1)

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