Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey

Slow Summer Kisses by Shannon Stacey
Published: June 4, 2012 by Carina Press
Source: purchased ebook from B&N

Anna Frazier is used to living life at 100 mph, but being downsized out of a job in the financial industry has her permanently stalled. With nowhere to "go, go, go, " Anna hails a cab to her grandparents' neglected New Hampshire camp to plan her next move. It seems like a good idea--until she realizes there's no takeout to be had and the boy next door has grown into a sexy but surly recluse.

Cameron Mayfield knows he can kiss his peace and quiet goodbye when Hurricane Anna blows in. She was loud and bossy as a ten-year-old--and besides developing some attractive curves, she hasn't changed. Cam's not looking for a relationship, especially not with a woman like Anna. He nearly broke down on that road once before. So why can't he stop thinking about her?

It's not long before their sizzling attraction leads to smoking-hot kisses. But as the days get shorter, Anna must decide if she's found a new road to happiness, or just taken a detour. [goodreads]

Short, sexy, and oh so sweet.  Shannon Stacey is among my favorite adult contemporary writers.  I always know to expect a formality with her writing... lots of swoon, plenty of laughs, and a feel good message to round out the story.  This novella was the perfect escape for a quick summer read.

Anna just got cut from her high-power job in the city, losing her apartment along with it.  So she's fled to her grandparent's lakeside cottage to lick her wounds, and recuperate before she gets back out there in the real world.  She finds her childhood friend, Cam, living next door; where he took the same sort of sabbatical from the rat race, but just never returned.  There's an instant connection between these two characters and I knew right away Shannon Stacey was sure to deliver a hot and steamy romance!

What was meant to be just a week or two stay for Anna, turns into a month long visit -- but not just in her own bed, but in Cam's bed, too.  He showed her how to slow life down a bit, and literally watch the world go by.  She needed a bit of relaxation and he definitely delivered in that department as well.  But then Anna discovers a job prospect that would bring her back to the city.  It should be an easy answer, but she's laid down roots at the lake, and her heart isn't quite ready to jump back into mainstream life, and away from Cam.

I really enjoyed this quick, easy story.  The character development was just enough to feel believable, considering the number of pages given.  I feel like I could understand Anna's struggles on whether to stay or go, as well as Cam's disappointment in the possibility of losing a woman he learned to care about.  If you haven't read anything by Shannon Stacey, this is a great starting point.  It's a nice introduction to her engaging writing.  Next you'll be wanting to pick up at her Kowalski Family series, full of even more sass and swoon!