Exclusively Yours

By: Shannon Stacey

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive best-selling 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 10. 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.

©2010 Shannon Stacey (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Stacey’s writing is sharp and sexy and this second-chance story is perfectly hilarious... I enjoyed this book so much - if it were printed on paper I’d hit people with it until they read it." (Sarah Wendell, Salon.com)

Just OK

This first in the series focuses on Joe, the rich writer son who supports the entire Kowleski family with his over the top successful horror writing career. In comes Karrie, his high school heart throb after being gone for 18 or 20 years -- depending upon the chapter (Stacey is not the best with facts).

Joe blackmails her into coming to a family outing for tow weeks and the novel is off to the races. There are two subplots in the novel, not done well in my opinion. Also, the book moves too slow and is very predictable. As far as the romance goes, it is pretty much PG-13. There are a few places where there are turns of phrase or flashes of exceptional narrative. It is unfortunate that they are far and few between.

Based up on this novel, I would probably pass on the series. It isn't strong enough for a multi-book series foundation.

30 of 32 people found this review helpful

OK

Not a bad story but very predictable and at times just plain silly with the romance games played between the two main characters. Not nearly the best romance I have listened to. I'm glad I got it on sale for just a few dollars it would have been waste of a credit.

17 of 19 people found this review helpful

Okay story. Poor narrator.

Interesting enough to keep me wanting to continue with the series, but not great. Gets better into the series. The narrator is terrible with men's voices. They sound like whiny children. Joe is a thirty something man who keeps repeating "Babe" like he's still in his teens. Keri is ruled by a demanding boss. Joe's twin, Terry, is still holding a grudge from high school against Keri. Good to see each eventually put the past behind and move on to a new commitment.

10 of 11 people found this review helpful

Interesting Introduction to Series

I enjoyed other books in this series more, but this was a nice introduction. There were sibling characters I would like to have learned more about but later books jumped to another branch of the family so the interesting characters in this book didn't develop.

The author skillfully let you get to know the characters gradually. At times the plot seemed a little forced. But overall it was an easy read.

The narrator did a good job. She is well suited to the series.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Just OK

Not the best story, very weak characters and seemed rushed. There was one main story and 2 sub stories all wrapped up too quickly, neatly and just didn't flow smoothly. Still a cute (very light) romance. The narrator was good so I gave it 3 stars.

16 of 22 people found this review helpful

Easy Read

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Pretty typical. No surprised. Nice easy read.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Typical

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lauren Fortgang?

Yes

Do you think Exclusively Yours needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. It already felt a bit drawn out at times.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Sugar and spice and everything nice...

This is book 1 of the Kowalski Family series. Keri and Joe are high school sweethearts. Then Keri goes away for college and to find professional success as a writer for a magazine. Joe ends up being a very successful horror novel writter. Fast forward 20 years and Keri's boss finds out she has history with Joe and forces her to interview him or lose her job.

I liked many things about this book. Keri was a realistic heroine. She had her flaws, her attitude and a good sense of humor. Joe, was a real man and I loved his determination to get a second chance at love with Keri. The story was interesting, the passion hot and the situations that happened were very relatable. I really liked the POV that the author uses for this book. She lets you know what both Joe and Keri are thinking and feeling. Best of all, the next two books are even better that this one. This is a sweet, funny and sexy contemporary romance and I loved it.

Narration: Lauren Fortgang does a very good job! Every character had a distinct voice and she definitely added life and emotions to the story. Will look for more books narrated by Ms. Fortgang.

13 of 18 people found this review helpful

Cute

While I'm finding myself enjoying Shannon Stacey books and loving the Kolwaski family the plots are ok. But it's the characters that you fall in love with. How Ms. Stacey covers every aspect of an "Utterly Ideal Family". And I thinks it's beautiful how they sick together. And to see how the outsider, here it's Kerri, is slowly but surely turned in to a Kolwaski. And they all love every minute of it. Fun and enjoyable.

8 of 11 people found this review helpful

Fun!

This was not only a good story but was just flat-out fun to listen to. Very pleasantly surprised! I look forward to more from this author.

Narration could have been better.

13 of 19 people found this review helpful

Fair

in theory I like the series. I like the writing. I find the characters in this particular story a little whiny, however, it is worth listening to this story in order to follow the whole series..

8 of 12 people found this review helpful