Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey

Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey
Published: December 6, 2010 by Carina Press
Source: Purchased from B&N

House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.

Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there's an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.

Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes' wiring for almost as long as he's wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn't notice Scott back in high school, but she's noticing him now, and soon they're indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year's.

But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other's company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing? [goodreads]

I have to make a confession... There's something about these adult holiday romances that I just love so much!  Especially ones written by Shannon Stacey.  She knows how to craft the story in just a limited number of pages, but still bring forth all the drama and romance needed to satisfy the reader.  Holiday Sparks did just that and then some.  I must make another confession by saying I think this particular story has been my favorite to read this season so far.

Chloe has left the big city, visiting her childhood home for Christmas, while house sitting for her parents since they are away on vacation.  She's got three weeks before they arrive home Christmas Eve and discovers that her parent's old house is one short fuze away from burning to the ground.  As a Christmas gift to them, she decides to enlist the help of sexy electrician Scott, to rewire the house.  But the surprise is on her when she opens the door and realizes Scott is someone from her past who is very much grown up, and very much earth shatteringly handsome.

As these two reminisce over high school days and catch one another up on their lives now, their sexual attraction ignites and Scott quickly realizes there's more than just the wires in this old house that he would like to get his hands on.  Both of them know that once Christmas passes Chloe will return to her life in the city of Boston and Scott will go back to his small town life as the electrician.  So why not delve into a holiday romance for the time being?  With the motto of living in the moment, these two give in to their desires and spend the next few weeks in the company of each other's bed.

I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel.  It never felt like it was on fast forward, missing any key points, attempting to find the finish line.  The story lingered in just the right moments, giving the reader enough satisfaction to be engrossed with the story and these two loveable characters.  Chloe and Scott possessed a quality that had you rooting for them.  Even though their relationship was meant to be temporary, you knew this was the beginning of something so much more.

Yet again Shannon Stacey has wowed me with another holiday romance.  I just can't get enough of these and this story in particular really grabbed my full attention.  I highly recommend picking this one up because I know for me, it will be a favorite I'll come back to each holiday season.

Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey

Snowbound with the CEO by Shannon Stacey
Published: November 4, 2013 by Carina Press
Source: Purchased from B&N

Adrian Blackstone built a million-dollar business with hard work and determination—and by remaining professional at all times. Denying his longtime attraction to his beautiful executive assistant hasn't been easy but it's necessary. She's indispensable, and he can't stand the thought of losing her if things didn't work out.

For more than a year, Rachel Carter has been quietly dreaming of all the ways she'll never seduce her sexy, buttoned-up boss. She's worked too hard to get where she is to cross that line, no matter how badly she'd like to act on her fantasies. But then a wicked snowstorm leaves them stranded in a romantic winter wonderland…

What begins as a single kiss and a few bad Santa jokes turns into a weekend full of breathless passion and hopes for something more. But with Monday comes a return to their complicated reality—and Adrian must prove that promises made are promises kept, especially at Christmastime. [goodreads]

Looking for a quick, delightful holiday read? Then I recommend this festive romance from Shannon Stacey.  I've really enjoyed her previous adult novels, even a summer novella that proved she could write an engaging story no matter its length.  I sat down with a hot cup of cocoa on a cold, wintery night and devoured this novel -- it was the perfect read for such a moment.

Adrian Blackstone is on a business trip with his assistant Rachel Carter at one of his cozy, delectable resorts in the snowy mountains of Vermont.  The trip is meant to be short and sweet, landing a deal with a potential client's hotel renovations.  But mother nature has different plans and decides to throw these two a twist that will leave them snowed in for the weekend with nothing more to do than give in to their over due sexual attraction.

Without the office colleagues around to judge, both Adrian and Rachel give in to a passionate weekend, where no one will ever know.  But what happens when the roads open back up and they must return to reality in the big city, surrounded by their work?  The passion between Adrian and Rachel was HOT!  Shannon Stacey did an excellent job of building it up in just the right amount of pages to make it believable.  Then to follow it up with consequences that brought just enough drama to deepen the plot.

I've come to expect happy endings with her novels and this one did not disappoint.  It's a fast, festive read that held my interest and left me yearning for more holiday romances.  I recommend grabbing this one to cozy up to and keep you warm.

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!

All He Ever Dreamed by Shannon Stacey

All He Ever Dreamed (Kowalski Family, #6)
by Shannon Stacey
Published: January 21, 2013 by Carina Press
Received: Purchased ebook from B&N

Josh Kowalski is tired of holding down the fort—better known as the Northern Star Lodge—while his siblings are off living their dreams. Now that his oldest brother has returned to Whitford, Maine for good, Josh is free to chase some dreams of his own.

As the daughter of the lodge's longtime housekeeper, Katie Davis grew up alongside the Kowalski kids. Though she's always been "one of the guys", her feelings for Josh are anything but sisterly. And after a hot late-night encounter in the kitchen, it's clear Josh finally sees her as the woman she is.

Katie's been waiting years for Josh to notice her, but now that he has, she's afraid it's too late. Giving her heart to a man who can't wait to leave town is one sure way to have it broken. But Josh keeps coming up with excuses not to leave—could it be that everything he's ever wanted is closer than he could have imagined? [goodreads]

One of the many great things I love about this series is that you can pick up any book, even if it's out of order, and not feel like you're missing a huge chunk of the story.  Yes, there are reoccurring characters, but each individual book is centered around a face that's to be discovered.  This face happens to be the one of Josh Kowalski, the youngest of the Northern Star lodge clan.

Josh has been responsible for the Northern Star lodge while his siblings have gone off to live their own lives.  He's always felt a bit of resentment for it since the lodge has been in his family for years and he's felt responsible to keep it there, yet he's also had a strong desire to leave and live his own life, too.  Once his siblings realized the position Josh put himself in, they decided it was time to either sell the place, or find management for it - so that it would free up Josh to go do the things he's always wanted to.

Only problem is, he hasn't got a clue what those things could be.  Meanwhile, his long time best friend Katie has been secretly adoring him for years and years.  Though she's always come across as just one of the guys, she's secretly been hoping Josh would see her as more than just a friend - perhaps a girl he could fall in love with, too.  As the story unfolds, so does Josh's chances of finally getting out from under the family lodge.  But the decision to leave becomes difficult when he finally sees Katie as the beautiful, irresistible woman that she is, and his feelings of friendship begin to shift into something more romantic and meaningful.

I really liked Josh's personality in this story.  He had me laughing a few times, but just as quickly I'd be swooning for him, too.  The friendship between him and Katie felt very believable and the connection they sparked as more than just friends had a fiery passion with a lot of substance behind it.  The Kowalski family dynamic is another reason why I love to read this series so much.  There are glimpses of past characters I've read about, and others I have yet to read, only leaving me intrigued to find out more.  Shannon Stacey has left a mark as a favorite adult contemporary romance writer.  I highly recommend her novels to those who are looking for a story to entertain your thoughts and leave you feeling very satisfied.

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours (Kowalski Family, #1) by Shannon Stacey
Published: December 20, 2011 by HQN Books
Received: purchased ebook from B&N

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. [goodreads]

I was in the mood for a fun, romantic adult book that would capture my attention and read like I was watching a movie.  Shannon Stacey gave me just that + so much more in her first book, Exclusively Yours, among the Kowalski Family series.  I jumped the gun and read the third book in this series late last year, but was told I could read these stories out of order and wouldn't feel lost.  It's completely true, but it was still nice to see how it all started with the first book.

The Kowalski family is introduced in this novel as a large, overbearing group that means well and just wants to see each family member be happy and succeed in life.  I loved the individual stories this book held, giving a sneak peek at some of the relationships that would be explored further in upcoming books.  The main focus of this story is about Keri and Joe, high school sweethearts that have a smoking hot past!  Though it's been several years since they've seen each other, one would think a broken heart should be minded by now -- considering Keri left Joe just after graduation to chase her own career dreams in California.  But as soon as they're forced back together once again, it's obvious those broken pieces have never truly healed.

The setting for this story takes place at the Kowalski family campground that the family attends every year.  Keri finds herself on this wilderness vacation with the family just after Joe cons her into going along in order to get a story out of him for her job that's on the line.  After all, he's now become a recluse famous author, and if anyone can get a story out of him, it would be Keri!  The tension is seeping from the pages after just one night spent in the cabin, alone together.  I could not flip the pages fast enough to find out if they'd end up in the same bed before the vacation was over!  I loved how Stacey took two characters who knew each other so well, yet reintroduced them as strangers discovering the other for the first time.

If you're a fan of contemporary adult fiction that focuses heavily on romance and all the feel good things that go along with it, then I highly recommend picking up this series by Shannon Stacey.  She's definitely becoming a favorite of mine to read in this genre and I can not wait to read more about these lively, interesting characters among the Kowalski family.

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey

Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey
Published: February 1, 2012 by HQN Books
Received: Purchased via AbeBooks

Emma Shaw needs a husband, and fast! Not because she's interested in romance—after all, she's too busy with her landscaping company—but because Grandma Shaw is coming to town, and she will have nonstop questions about Emma's (stagnant) love life.

Sean Kowalski no sooner leaves the army than he's recruited by Emma to be her fake fiance. Sean doesn't like the deception, but he can't help his attraction to the feisty brunette. A little pretend kissing won't hurt anyone—especially when there's no chance he'll fall for a woman with deep roots in a town he's not planning to call home. But when fake, innocent kisses lead to very real, explosive sparks, Emma and Sean discover that their big ruse might just lead to happily-ever-after… [goodreads]

Oh how I adored this story!  I practically read it in one sitting (over the course of one day, to be exact) because it was just that good.  This was my first Shannon Stacey novel to read, and after devouring this delicious story, I will definitely be reading more by her!

Sean just got back from serving 12 years in the Army.  He's got an empty slate in front of him and no idea how he wants to proceed next.  Just as he's about to relish in the thought of taking an afternoon nap, simply because he can, a knock comes at his door.  The woman behind the door happens to be Emma, a friend of Sean's (very large) family who needs a favor.  And it's not just any favor, it's quite possibly the craziest thing Sean has ever heard.  She wants him, a complete stranger, to play the part of her fiance for a month while her grandmother is in town.  At first, Sean is skeptical, but something about Emma causes him to say yes.  He sees that she needs help in keeping the farm house she loves, and if pretending to be Emma's fiance for the sake of her grandmother's sanity, then that's what he'll do.

Pretending to be a couple put a spin on the novel that added to its likeability.  As the reader you knew these two characters were nothing but strangers to one another, but as the story unfolded, so did the sheets that these two had to sleep in - to play the part for Grandma.  Their chemistry sparked from the beginning and you just knew something real would soon come of this crazy situation.  I loved how Sean's family was in on the secret, and played along for their sake.  Of course they had fun making their own jokes about it and giving these two a hard time.

Because of Emma's crazy story, these two were forced into a relationship that may have been built on lies, but it soon evolved into something with substance.  Sean found himself wanting to snuggle with Emma on the couch in the evenings, and not only because her Grandma was sitting just across the room, but because it just felt right.  What started out as a favor, soon became something more.  Though neither were looking for love, it definitely found them.  The lighthearted fun aspect of the story was perfectly balanced by the deep, passionate side that was slowly burning between Sean and Emma.  For fans of adult contemporary romance, this book will surely win you over!