Review: Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

Review: Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more info about this book visit Shannon Stacey's website here.

Sometimes the most unexpected thing turns into something wonderful…

While I’m a fan of the Kolwaski clan and Stacey’s contemporary romance series, Undeniably Yours is not the best of the bunch. The second story in this series is focused on Kevin Kolwaski, divorced bar owner, and Beth Hansen, a one-night stand that quickly becomes something more.

Kevin is wonderful as an established businessman with a good heart. Beth comes to him with the news she’s carrying his child, and he immediately wants to do right by her. Unfortunately, a sheltered childhood has left Beth with a severe independent streak. She doesn’t want any help or need any help. An unplanned pregnancy is the last thing Beth wants to deal with, but her options become limited once the Kolwaski clan finds out about her impending birth.

Stacey brings back the Kolwaski clan in book 2 with more fervor and determination. Baby carrying Beth doesn’t know what to make of this family determined to welcome her into the fold. Kevin, settled with the idea of becoming a dad, is more than happy to assist Beth and downright welcomes the chance to pursue their relationship. Beth is having none of it though, as she insists on limited help and only a friendship.

What made this book downright annoying is Beth. Her character is a little overboard with the independence, and the belief that everyone is trying to control her. Halfway through the book these musings get a little old and multiple times I wanted to strangle Beth’s stubborn streak into submission. It definitely took a little too long for this character to grow. Kevin on the other hand is a hero to snag and never let go. He’s the caring and sentimental type. While determined to try his best to win Beth over, he respects her wishes and is honest in his expectations and desires.

There is also a second plot involving Kevin’s bar manager Pauly. This secondary plot was interesting, but I desired a little more meat in the main plot. I wanted there to be more Kevin and Beth rather than just an unplanned pregnancy, and Beth’s ‘I don’t need help’ stance whenever Kevin tries to get close. Regardless of my personal feelings, the dialogue and emotions were realistic, and the plot well-paced.
Overall, the story is good if you can overcome Beth’s continuous issues. Some readers may appreciate Beth’s attitudes and thoughts as good conflict; though you may find more interest in the secondary storyline and the re-appearance of many Kolwaski family favorites.

Review: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Review: Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For back cover blurb and more information about this book visit Shannon Stacey’s website.

-Overbearing boss, check.

-Abandoned high school sweetheart, now a rich and reclusive novelist, check.

-Impossible task of getting ex-boyfriend to agree to an exclusive interview, check.

Those three things have put Keri Daniels in one of the most awkward situations since she broke up with Joseph Kowalski over 18 years ago. Even more disappointing is that Joe has agreed to the interview, but only if Keri goes on the annual Kowalski family camping trip—for 2 weeks. Add in a twin sister that used to be Keri’s best friend and a mountain of sexual tension, and you’ve got a story that will have you laughing and crying into the late night hours.

Exclusively Yours is one of those contemporaries that has a little bit of everything: awesome story, easy flowing dialogue, and characters that attach to your heart. Keri and Joe are the couple that got torn apart by dreams and misunderstandings. It doesn’t take long to realize that there is a lot of baggage and unspoken words between these two.

As the story unfolds I came to be truly invested in the outcome of this reunion. Keri is dedicated to her career, but in order to keep it she is being forced to betray Joe and his family. Ultimately, I wondered if her character was cold-hearted enough to do it. Joe is still swept away by his first love. Seeing her again, as a hardened city-type, makes him wonder if there’s any way to get back the Keri he used to know. I loved how Joe is willing to sacrifice his personal independence for a second shot at being with Keri. The challenge and excitement in the story comes from the obvious road-blocks put into place by their past and the Kolwaski family.

The setting and secondary characters really amped up the novel in my opinion. I loved the jokes, the 4-wheeling adventures that turned messy, and Keri’s testy relationship with Joe’s twin, Terry. The only thing that took me off guard was that the ending was not as climatic as I was hoping.

Overall a great start to a series with a family I desperately wish I could hang out with. Stacey easily provides a great escape. For those who like a good contemporary with some natural comedy Exclusively Yours should be on your purchase list.