Member Reviews
This was such a good story! I REALLY REALLY liked Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey, that when I got the chance to read Undeniably Yours I was SUPER excited. I just love the way Shannon Stacey tells her stories. It is so easy to get lost inside her books and fall madly in love with the world she has created. I am so in love with Kevin and think he was just perfect in every way. He knew what he wanted and no matter how difficult Beth was, he never gave up. He wanted Beth and he made sure he got her in the end. To me Beth was a lost soul. She had no idea what she wanted in life or what to expect, but when she meets Kevin it slowly fell into place for her. Everything was so new to her and scared her to death. She tried her best to push Kevin away, even though he was everything she wanted. One thing that I love the most about Shannon Stacey's writing is that, she can write a book about two main characters and at the same time give you a sub plot of two other characters, without taking away from the main story. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Shannon. I hope there will be more on the Kowalski family. They remind me a lot of my family and reading her books brings back a lot of great memories. Another great read by Shannon!
Now here is a man who knows how to step up to the plate! - That is literally the very first thing that popped into my mind while reading this book! In this day and age, even if it's only in a book, it's good to know that there are still men out there who are humble and aren't afraid to stick around when things get tough!
Here you have Beth - who doesn't really have a permanent "home", due to moving around so much.
Then you have Kevin - owner of a bar - insanely big family man - and, apparently, he is the kind of hot that makes your mouth water :)
What better way to begin a story than with a bar fight? I know right! Who doesn't love a good bar fight? After kicking out - and breaking the nose of - the overly drunk bar guy who elbowed the hot brunette in the face - he realizes that he just cost Beth her job.
After finally finding another job as a caterer, Beth finds herself face to face with Kevin again. This time, it happens to be at a wedding for a member of his family. After a night of watching her, failing to get her boss to let her have one dance - they *somehow* end up in a hotel together. Beth, not being one for -one night stands- convinces herself that it's just more than that. To Kevin it is. - But with an early morning, sleep induced comment - he has Beth sneaking out with no intention of returning. - Until she finds out just how much that one night has now affected her entire life.
What does one do when their world is turned upside down? Do you go to the one person show more who has just as much part in this as you do, or do you try and do everything yourself? Sometimes swallowing your pride and doing the best thing you can, not only for you, but for everyone involved, is the best thing you could do. No matter how much your mind tells you differently.
Watching the story unfold between Kevin and Beth was amazing. The two of them go through something just about all of us have. For some, it ended the way it should have and for others, well - not so much. To watch them face this situation head on - battle insecurities, families, past issues and present issues alike - is heartwarming. Page after page, as this struggle unfolds, you can't help but find yourself rooting for them! Even at the times you wish you could just kick one of them!
Another thing that really got me about this book was the family dynamic! I LOVE when there is a big family that is just all kinds of in each others business! It makes for one interesting read! The back and forth and everything in between was simply amazingly written!
One other add - is there was a budding romance between Kevin's Best friend, Paulie and a certain person from her past! - I am pretty sure we will see them in another book! show less
Here you have Beth - who doesn't really have a permanent "home", due to moving around so much.
Then you have Kevin - owner of a bar - insanely big family man - and, apparently, he is the kind of hot that makes your mouth water :)
What better way to begin a story than with a bar fight? I know right! Who doesn't love a good bar fight? After kicking out - and breaking the nose of - the overly drunk bar guy who elbowed the hot brunette in the face - he realizes that he just cost Beth her job.
After finally finding another job as a caterer, Beth finds herself face to face with Kevin again. This time, it happens to be at a wedding for a member of his family. After a night of watching her, failing to get her boss to let her have one dance - they *somehow* end up in a hotel together. Beth, not being one for -one night stands- convinces herself that it's just more than that. To Kevin it is. - But with an early morning, sleep induced comment - he has Beth sneaking out with no intention of returning. - Until she finds out just how much that one night has now affected her entire life.
What does one do when their world is turned upside down? Do you go to the one person show more who has just as much part in this as you do, or do you try and do everything yourself? Sometimes swallowing your pride and doing the best thing you can, not only for you, but for everyone involved, is the best thing you could do. No matter how much your mind tells you differently.
Watching the story unfold between Kevin and Beth was amazing. The two of them go through something just about all of us have. For some, it ended the way it should have and for others, well - not so much. To watch them face this situation head on - battle insecurities, families, past issues and present issues alike - is heartwarming. Page after page, as this struggle unfolds, you can't help but find yourself rooting for them! Even at the times you wish you could just kick one of them!
Another thing that really got me about this book was the family dynamic! I LOVE when there is a big family that is just all kinds of in each others business! It makes for one interesting read! The back and forth and everything in between was simply amazingly written!
One other add - is there was a budding romance between Kevin's Best friend, Paulie and a certain person from her past! - I am pretty sure we will see them in another book! show less
A solid four stars. I definitely liked this one more than the first in the series, mainly because of the protagonist - Kevin has it all over his older brother Joe as a hero. Although I really did like Joe's character, he definitely regressed back to high school quite a bit in Exclusively Yours. Kevin, on the other hand, never lost sight of the fact that he needed to act like a mature adult. He learned from his mistakes and owned up to his responsibilities - all while being an all-around amazing guy. I do agree that Beth got to be extremely frustrating as a heroine - it's honestly a miracle that Kevin held on as long as he did - but I still felt that she remained true to who she was throughout. It bothered me that Keri basically ended up giving in at the end of her book leaving everything she had wanted and worked toward to be "Mrs. Joe".
The highlight of this series is definitely the family, and they really shone in this book - I especially loved how the (formerly) youngest Kowalski grandchild would shout jokes into Beth's stomach for the enjoyment of his baby cousin...too cute! The conversation that Kevin and Beth had over baby names was really funny - a definite must-read for anyone who is involved with a guy who loves sports. All in all, this was a good continuation to the series, and I have book three, Yours to Keep, cued up and ready to go on my "to read" list.
The highlight of this series is definitely the family, and they really shone in this book - I especially loved how the (formerly) youngest Kowalski grandchild would shout jokes into Beth's stomach for the enjoyment of his baby cousin...too cute! The conversation that Kevin and Beth had over baby names was really funny - a definite must-read for anyone who is involved with a guy who loves sports. All in all, this was a good continuation to the series, and I have book three, Yours to Keep, cued up and ready to go on my "to read" list.
After reading Joe and Keri’s love story, I didn’t think that Shannon Stacey could write a love story to match. I was wrong. Once again, she succeeded in amazing me with yet another hilarious account of another Kowalski man’s struggle with love. This time in the form of Joe’s younger brother Kevin, the only brother left after Exclusively Yours to find true love.
The drop-dead owner of a sports bar, Kevin is a playboy seeking to settle down when he meets Beth Hansen. Unfortunately for him, Beth doesn’t feel the same despite their chemical attraction to each other… and getting pregnant with their child. Usually, I don’t cheer on the playboy, but Kevin’s actions are true to his thoughts and his heart. He is a good man who doesn’t fool around. As for Beth, you have to love her stubborn nature and hesitance to open her heart. She works well with Kevin, as she knows how to keep him in his place. Throughout the book, I kept on screaming for her to just get together with Kevin, but at the same time I understood why she didn’t want to give in to her desires. When there’s a baby involved, you have to know you won’t get divorced later on because you got married to soon.
Undeniably Yours is about taking a step back and learning to trust your partner. It is about falling in love and embracing both the good and the bad. Shannon Stacey has written an amazing companion novel to Exclusively Yours. Be prepared to fall more in love with the men of the Kowalski family show more and the women in their lives.
Undeniably Yours is currently available as an e-book, or you can wait until January 2012 to buy it in paperback. show less
The drop-dead owner of a sports bar, Kevin is a playboy seeking to settle down when he meets Beth Hansen. Unfortunately for him, Beth doesn’t feel the same despite their chemical attraction to each other… and getting pregnant with their child. Usually, I don’t cheer on the playboy, but Kevin’s actions are true to his thoughts and his heart. He is a good man who doesn’t fool around. As for Beth, you have to love her stubborn nature and hesitance to open her heart. She works well with Kevin, as she knows how to keep him in his place. Throughout the book, I kept on screaming for her to just get together with Kevin, but at the same time I understood why she didn’t want to give in to her desires. When there’s a baby involved, you have to know you won’t get divorced later on because you got married to soon.
Undeniably Yours is about taking a step back and learning to trust your partner. It is about falling in love and embracing both the good and the bad. Shannon Stacey has written an amazing companion novel to Exclusively Yours. Be prepared to fall more in love with the men of the Kowalski family show more and the women in their lives.
Undeniably Yours is currently available as an e-book, or you can wait until January 2012 to buy it in paperback. show less
This is my June Series Read so the reviews are done in Quick Format!
Bought for Myself
Overall Series Rating 4.0
Character Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 3.75
Note: This series was recommended by a friend of mine, Christi, and I am so glad I read it. These are quick, fun, summer contemporary romance reads that had me laughing---ALOT! They are going into my Snort Club and for the record, you can never get to many Kowalskis)!
Undeniably Yours: This was my favorite in the series and yes it was because of Kevin. Can you say totally, all-around, stand up guy who didn't even think twice about doing the right thing? In fact, it was his reactions to every situation that had my heart melt. It is always interesting when the woman is the one that is gun-shy about relationships, settling down, and the idea that she would be giving up Independence. However, I think Beth was written perfectly and I loved watching her come to her senses! The ending scene will make you swoon!
Bought for Myself
Overall Series Rating 4.0
Character Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 3.75
Note: This series was recommended by a friend of mine, Christi, and I am so glad I read it. These are quick, fun, summer contemporary romance reads that had me laughing---ALOT! They are going into my Snort Club and for the record, you can never get to many Kowalskis)!
Undeniably Yours: This was my favorite in the series and yes it was because of Kevin. Can you say totally, all-around, stand up guy who didn't even think twice about doing the right thing? In fact, it was his reactions to every situation that had my heart melt. It is always interesting when the woman is the one that is gun-shy about relationships, settling down, and the idea that she would be giving up Independence. However, I think Beth was written perfectly and I loved watching her come to her senses! The ending scene will make you swoon!
3.5 starsI got this from NetGalley (I bought it later also because I forgot I had it - but I don't regret it which may tell you something). Anywho, it didn't really matter that I started in the middle. The books are all stand alone and even though they feature some recurring characters, I don't think I missed anything by reading book 2 first. Anywho, this is Kevin's book. Burned by a cheating spouse, he's nevertheless ready to settle down. He meets Beth, who gets the idea he's a player, but in spite of that, they have a one night stand anyway - too much chemistry. Kevin would happily have explored a relationship but Beth rabbits. Then, she finds out that she's pregnant - condoms aren't 100% effective and they hit the jackpot. Refreshingly, she goes and tells Kevin straight away and they then set about working out what relationship they will have as the pregnancy progresses. The conflict in this one is believable enough - does Kevin want to be with Beth because she's pregnant with his child or because she's Beth? I liked this one quite a but but I found myself getting a little frustrated with Beth being a bit slow on the uptake and so the ending dragged a little for me. I really think I could have used one more love scene too. The secondary romance between Paulie and her ex felt a little underdone to me. Also, I kept seeing the King of Queens guy everytime I read Kevin, which kept me from relating to his actual level of hotness!! :)
Undeniably Yours is book #2 in the Kowalski Family books. I really enjoyed Exclusively Yours, but for me, book #2 didn't hold the same appeal. The story centers on Kevin, one of the brothers I really wanted to have a good story from book #1, because the things he'd gone through in a previous marriage were so sad for such a great guy. In this book, the poor guy is put through the wringer yet again, and I just wanted him to be cut some slack. As with most romance novels, there is a happy ending, but boy did Kevin have to work for it.
The female main character Beth has glimpses of being a likable character, but by the end of the book, I wasn't that invested in her outcome. She played hard to get for all the wrong reason for far too long in my opinion, which made the story feel like it was being dragged out. Honestly, I wouldn't have been upset if the author had not let these two be together in the end. If there wasn't a baby involved that made the whole picture sweet, I'd have been fine with a different ending. I had little patience with Beth myself by the end of the book. This may serve to empathize with Kevin in the end, but he held out longer than I did. There is also a side love story between Paulie, Kevin's friend and employee, and her ex-fiancé. I'm not really sure exactly how this fits into the story unless the author is setting the stage for another book? I don't really see the relevance as it is for Kevin and Beth's story. But, there may be other reasons why it is show more included that isn't apparent right now.
Overall, this was an OK read for me, but I'm not turning my back on the series or the author. This particular book and how it played out just wasn't for me. Others may smile in contentment after they read it. I do like the author's style in storytelling. I never feel bogged down in the actual reading. My critiques are based on personal preferences of what I like to see in characters, not of the writing itself. I want to be very clear about that. If you like contemporary romance and have read Stacey's other work, I'd still give it a shot. I don't regret that I did and I'm still looking forward to more of this family. I just didn't enjoy Kevin's particular road to find happiness. show less
The female main character Beth has glimpses of being a likable character, but by the end of the book, I wasn't that invested in her outcome. She played hard to get for all the wrong reason for far too long in my opinion, which made the story feel like it was being dragged out. Honestly, I wouldn't have been upset if the author had not let these two be together in the end. If there wasn't a baby involved that made the whole picture sweet, I'd have been fine with a different ending. I had little patience with Beth myself by the end of the book. This may serve to empathize with Kevin in the end, but he held out longer than I did. There is also a side love story between Paulie, Kevin's friend and employee, and her ex-fiancé. I'm not really sure exactly how this fits into the story unless the author is setting the stage for another book? I don't really see the relevance as it is for Kevin and Beth's story. But, there may be other reasons why it is show more included that isn't apparent right now.
Overall, this was an OK read for me, but I'm not turning my back on the series or the author. This particular book and how it played out just wasn't for me. Others may smile in contentment after they read it. I do like the author's style in storytelling. I never feel bogged down in the actual reading. My critiques are based on personal preferences of what I like to see in characters, not of the writing itself. I want to be very clear about that. If you like contemporary romance and have read Stacey's other work, I'd still give it a shot. I don't regret that I did and I'm still looking forward to more of this family. I just didn't enjoy Kevin's particular road to find happiness. show less
Attending a wedding, Kevin meets the lovely bar tending Beth. She is just his type; but Kevin is use to women giving him notes on napkins to get his attention, whereas Beth seems to ignore him. But… she does fall to his charms and finds herself leaving his room before breakfast, and does not leave a goodbye note.
Weeks later, despite the precautions they took, Beth finds out she is pregnant to Kevin. This throws her world into turmoil, she is not ready for any kind of relationship with Kevin, and she can not get past the ‘player’ type that she thinks he is.
But Kevin warms to the idea of being a dad and wants to have Beth in his life one way or another, even if it is just as parents of the baby. But he finally gets her under his spell, just long enough to show her that is not who she thought he was.
It took me a little while to get into the book, and I thought it was going to be another one of those flakey chic-lit novels; but to my surprise, I found really enjoyed reading it. The plot was simple, but with topical themes and a breezy writing style; while the pace was relaxed and measured. The main characters were lovable and convincing, giving the story a warm homely feel.
Give it a go and you will find it a great summer read.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
Weeks later, despite the precautions they took, Beth finds out she is pregnant to Kevin. This throws her world into turmoil, she is not ready for any kind of relationship with Kevin, and she can not get past the ‘player’ type that she thinks he is.
But Kevin warms to the idea of being a dad and wants to have Beth in his life one way or another, even if it is just as parents of the baby. But he finally gets her under his spell, just long enough to show her that is not who she thought he was.
It took me a little while to get into the book, and I thought it was going to be another one of those flakey chic-lit novels; but to my surprise, I found really enjoyed reading it. The plot was simple, but with topical themes and a breezy writing style; while the pace was relaxed and measured. The main characters were lovable and convincing, giving the story a warm homely feel.
Give it a go and you will find it a great summer read.
Reviewed via my Kobo, read from a pdf from Net Galley
Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey
The bar owner, Kevin had tossed out a guy when he protested for being cut off from another drink.
Beth, the woman he was with was very angry as she had lost her job as the guys secretary. She looked for more work and got a temp bar keeper job. Kevin's brother just happened to be getting married and she was the bar tender. After the wedding reception he waited for her and talked her into a dance although there was no music. She went up to his room and in the morning she was going to go get breakfast for him and was looking for the room key card when he said 'make sure you lock the door after you leave."
She had nothing else to do but leave and swear to never see him again.
She did meet with him, and informed him she was carrying his baby.
His parents and he moved her into one of the other empty apartments over the bar and he took care of her banking.
His assistant was having her own problems, Her secret that she is from money has almost come out when her almost to be husband from a few years ago shows up. She's got a trust fund but really enjoys the simple bar life.
wow wicked-traditional New England slang, love it! and the all day eat a thon for thanksgiving and other holidays with the WHOLE family. what a treat!
I am thinking what a great series this family would make, each having their own book with the whole family thing going on. Surprise on me, this is just one of the books in a series, wahooo
As time gets nearer she doesn't want to have to show more rely on him for anything but she's learning to let him do things for her and the baby. Baby shower wow this is what I would've expected mine to be like if I had had one.
What a tragedy when the bus hits the cab that Beth is in. Don't want to spoil it for others but this is a really good read! show less
The bar owner, Kevin had tossed out a guy when he protested for being cut off from another drink.
Beth, the woman he was with was very angry as she had lost her job as the guys secretary. She looked for more work and got a temp bar keeper job. Kevin's brother just happened to be getting married and she was the bar tender. After the wedding reception he waited for her and talked her into a dance although there was no music. She went up to his room and in the morning she was going to go get breakfast for him and was looking for the room key card when he said 'make sure you lock the door after you leave."
She had nothing else to do but leave and swear to never see him again.
She did meet with him, and informed him she was carrying his baby.
His parents and he moved her into one of the other empty apartments over the bar and he took care of her banking.
His assistant was having her own problems, Her secret that she is from money has almost come out when her almost to be husband from a few years ago shows up. She's got a trust fund but really enjoys the simple bar life.
wow wicked-traditional New England slang, love it! and the all day eat a thon for thanksgiving and other holidays with the WHOLE family. what a treat!
I am thinking what a great series this family would make, each having their own book with the whole family thing going on. Surprise on me, this is just one of the books in a series, wahooo
As time gets nearer she doesn't want to have to show more rely on him for anything but she's learning to let him do things for her and the baby. Baby shower wow this is what I would've expected mine to be like if I had had one.
What a tragedy when the bus hits the cab that Beth is in. Don't want to spoil it for others but this is a really good read! show less
I really like the hero's family in this series but the heroine in this story was way too stubborn. I could understand her issue but she didn't work to resolve it and the hero was so endearing. Waitress Beth and bar-owner Kevin have a one-night stand that leads to a pregnancy.
This is the second book under the Kowalski Series and it tells the story of Kevin and Beth. First and foremost, i really like the way the author link the story of the 1st book to the 2nd book. Kevin met Beth at his bar and later again during the wedding between Joe and Keri where Beth is waitressing. They spent a night together and as a result, Beth is pregnant with his baby. Knowing her financial constraint and Kevin's rights to know about the Baby, Beth decided to tell him about the Baby. For the baby's sake. Beth agreed to move to the apartment across Kevin's and both of them committed a friendship relationship without physical and emotional attachment. After hearing about Lisa's dilemma when she married Mike when she was pregnant, Beth refuses to consider marriage to Kevin and it has driven Kevin to the wall.
Honestly, I like Beth alot. She is independent and down to earth. I like to see the way Beth and Kevin's relationship developed. Reading their story give me the warmth feeling which i like very much.
Honestly, I like Beth alot. She is independent and down to earth. I like to see the way Beth and Kevin's relationship developed. Reading their story give me the warmth feeling which i like very much.
Review:Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey
4 STARS
Kevin Kowalski and is family is back in his own story. Kevin used to be a cop but quit when he found his wife in bed with his captain. Kevin moved back to his home town and bought a bar.
Kevin was always given phone numbers in lipstick on napkins all the time. One night at his bar someone was drunk and pawing his date who did not want his hands on her. Kevin would not serve him anymore, but offered coffee free. The drunk was going to hit Kevin but hit girl friend instead. As cops were taking him away he fired his date Beth.
At his brother Joe wedding Beth was the bartender. Kevin tried to ask her out and after Kevin was outside and Beth was their. They went up to Kevin hotel room and beth left in the night. Kevin did not know her last name or phone number.
Beth was always moving at least 2 times a year. She did not want to feel smothered and held down. Beth ended up pregant and told Kevin. Kevin was willing to share in the baby and expenses. Beth ended up living in the apartmennt across from Kevin above the bar.
It is nice to see how they grew closer and getting ready for the baby. How Kevin was trying to do more for her and thinking about her and the baby. How his whole family was welcoming Beth and her unborn child. Even one nephew who was always telling jokes to Beth's stomach so he would be best friends.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/31/2012 PUB Harlequin HQNBooks
4 STARS
Kevin Kowalski and is family is back in his own story. Kevin used to be a cop but quit when he found his wife in bed with his captain. Kevin moved back to his home town and bought a bar.
Kevin was always given phone numbers in lipstick on napkins all the time. One night at his bar someone was drunk and pawing his date who did not want his hands on her. Kevin would not serve him anymore, but offered coffee free. The drunk was going to hit Kevin but hit girl friend instead. As cops were taking him away he fired his date Beth.
At his brother Joe wedding Beth was the bartender. Kevin tried to ask her out and after Kevin was outside and Beth was their. They went up to Kevin hotel room and beth left in the night. Kevin did not know her last name or phone number.
Beth was always moving at least 2 times a year. She did not want to feel smothered and held down. Beth ended up pregant and told Kevin. Kevin was willing to share in the baby and expenses. Beth ended up living in the apartmennt across from Kevin above the bar.
It is nice to see how they grew closer and getting ready for the baby. How Kevin was trying to do more for her and thinking about her and the baby. How his whole family was welcoming Beth and her unborn child. Even one nephew who was always telling jokes to Beth's stomach so he would be best friends.
I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
01/31/2012 PUB Harlequin HQNBooks
Ratings
