Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family #1) by Shannon Stacey

TITLE: Exclusively Yours

AUTHOR: Shannon Stacey

RATING: 3 STARS (2.5 STARS)

PUBLISHED: May 2010 - Carina Press

SERIES:Yes; Series Still in Progress

• Exclusively Yours (May 2010)
• Undeniably Yours (November 2010)
• Yours To Keep (June 2011) 
• Mitch Kowalski (September 2012)
• Ryan Kowalski (October 2012) 
• Josh Kowalski (November 2012)

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"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 REVIEW:
**I received Exclusively Yours through NetGalley for an honest review**

Exclusively Yours, a contemporary romance novel by Shannon Stacey, was an interesting read with a unique premise.

Keri Daniels and Joe Kowalski are high school sweethearts. Flash forward twenty years. Keri is a successful journalist in LA, and Joe is a bestselling author living in his hometown, New Hampshire. Keri’s boss, Tina, has wanted an exclusive on Joe Kowalski for years, and when she discoveries Keri and Joe’s romantic history, she gives Keri an ultimatum: Get the interview with Joe or get another job.

Twenty years ago, Keri broke Joe’s heart, and she hasn’t seen him since. So when she shows up looking for an interview, he doesn’t make things easy for her. He gives her an ultimatum. He will answer one question for every day she spends with him on his family’s annual camping trip.

Imagine this: You used to date this guy, and you were also BFF with his twin sister. You broke the guys heart, and you hurt your BFF. Now it’s your lucky day (note, my voice is dripping with sarcasm) because you get to go camping with them, plus their siblings, spouses, children and parents. FUN FUN (sarcasm again)!! Let me just say, I wouldn’t want to be in Keri’s shoes.

I enjoyed the first book in the Kowalski family series, but it was lacking in a few areas. I would have liked more romance and more character development, especially with Keri. She wasn’t a very likeable character. She also didn’t entirely redeem herself in the end. I would have liked more personality, remorse and growth from her character. Before I picked up Exclusively Yours, I was on a YA kick, so I was really looking forward to the romance and passion that comes with a contemporary adult romance.  The characters were hot for one another, but the actual passion and action between them was minimal. That left me disappointed.

The Kowalski’s are an interesting family, and I am curious to learn more about them. I’m curious enough to pick up the next book in the series. This novel had some funny moments, some romantic moments, and some dramatic moments. It had just a touch of everything I look for in a novel, but it still left me wanting more.

I gave Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey 3 STARS (2.5 STARS). I think Exclusively Yours is the perfect book to pick up when you are looking for a light read with some romance and humor.