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Kowalski Family #8
Taken with You
Hailey Genest has seen most of her friends marry and have babies, and she's happy for them, but it was a lot easier before she hit forty. She's spent her entire life in Whitford, Maine, and if she hasn't found her Prince Charming by now, she has to accept she's probably not going to. When a new friend suggests they go on an adventure and embrace being single, Hailey agrees.
Surviving in the woods is game warden Matt Barnett's idea of a relaxing vacation. But when he meets two women in need of help, he leads them back to safety - a task that proves more fun than expected, thanks to a certain hot blonde. He can't resist pushing her buttons, even though she's made it clear that the rugged, outdoorsy type just isn't for her.
Hailey is glad to see the back of her tempting-tour-guide-slash-pain-in-the-ass. When he shows up in her life again, she's determined to avoid him, no matter how good he looks in his uniform. But that's easier said than done in Whitford, especially when he's renting the house right next door...
Surviving in the woods is game warden Matt Barnett's idea of a relaxing vacation. But when he meets two women in need of help, he leads them back to safety - a task that proves more fun than expected, thanks to a certain hot blonde. He can't resist pushing her buttons, even though she's made it clear that the rugged, outdoorsy type just isn't for her.
Hailey is glad to see the back of her tempting-tour-guide-slash-pain-in-the-ass. When he shows up in her life again, she's determined to avoid him, no matter how good he looks in his uniform. But that's easier said than done in Whitford, especially when he's renting the house right next door...
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
147 people are currently reading
2329 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Stacey
145 books2,640 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shannon Stacey lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her favorite activities are writing romance and really random tweets when she’s not riding her ATV. She loves mud, books, football & watching way too much TV.
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April 21, 2014
This just made me sad.
While I knew going in that there was a chance of this because I very much have series fatigue where these books are concerned (which I will always be depressed about since I liked the series SO MUCH initially), I wasn't quite expecting it to be this bad. Hailey had long been a character I wanted to get her own book and at the end of this, I couldn't remember any of the reasons why. Even more upsetting to me was the fact that Hailey was the problem with her own book. (Which is not to say there weren't problems with Matt too, but compared to Hailey's inconsistencies, those were nothing.) Let's dive in.
To start, Hailey isn't an outdoors girl and wants to get married to a nice, reliable man who is home at the same time every night and wears suits and appreciates the finer things. Fine. Great. I am completely on board with a character knowing what they want in a prospective partner. But the problem is that outside of the not being an outdoors person (and I feel her on that), we don't see Hailey at all interested in any of the things that she claims to want in a partner on her own. She cleans. She reads. She works. And that's really it as far as outside interests go. For someone that wants to engage in culture (whether through museums or going to restaurants or the opera or whatever), she makes no attempt to do so outside of her wanting to go to a nice dinner with Matt. Which is again, fine. She compromises on his idea of a date, he definitely owes her reciprocity. That's all fine. But she doesn't listen to opera on her own time. She makes no reference to taking a long weekend and going to museums in Boston. And I GET that she's the only librarian and that it's hard for her to take time off. But I'm reasonably certain that there's vacation time written in to her contract and she doesn't owe Whitford 24/7 library access.
(And this is unrelated to the Hailey or Matt stuff, but the constant references to the preoccupation that Whitford residents had to the state of Liz's uterus made me REALLY uncomfortable, considering that was one of my hangups with her and Drew's book in the first place.)
As far as Matt goes, he's a much better drawn character than Hailey is. He likes nature and his job and he doesn't apologize for that. I'm cool with that. When he's an ass to Hailey because of his own hangups, he apologizes like a man and he gets points for that. I did not love watching him be an ass, but again, there was an apology so that's fine. I have low standards sometimes.
Leaving aside the character issues, I found the resolution of the romantic plot lacking. There's an incident involving a fellow warden that makes Hailey panic and think that it's Matt, she takes off to the hospital to make sure he's fine and then after that, after Matt's an ass one more time, everyone realizes that even though they're very different people, the things they want are the same and that's more important and even though I liked them together, I just couldn't believe that they'd make it. Or maybe it was that I just didn't care if they did.
Either way, it made me sad. And really, this time I mean it when I say that I'm done with this series. I expect someone to hold me to that. Because clearly I'm incapable of doing it myself.
While I knew going in that there was a chance of this because I very much have series fatigue where these books are concerned (which I will always be depressed about since I liked the series SO MUCH initially), I wasn't quite expecting it to be this bad. Hailey had long been a character I wanted to get her own book and at the end of this, I couldn't remember any of the reasons why. Even more upsetting to me was the fact that Hailey was the problem with her own book. (Which is not to say there weren't problems with Matt too, but compared to Hailey's inconsistencies, those were nothing.) Let's dive in.
To start, Hailey isn't an outdoors girl and wants to get married to a nice, reliable man who is home at the same time every night and wears suits and appreciates the finer things. Fine. Great. I am completely on board with a character knowing what they want in a prospective partner. But the problem is that outside of the not being an outdoors person (and I feel her on that), we don't see Hailey at all interested in any of the things that she claims to want in a partner on her own. She cleans. She reads. She works. And that's really it as far as outside interests go. For someone that wants to engage in culture (whether through museums or going to restaurants or the opera or whatever), she makes no attempt to do so outside of her wanting to go to a nice dinner with Matt. Which is again, fine. She compromises on his idea of a date, he definitely owes her reciprocity. That's all fine. But she doesn't listen to opera on her own time. She makes no reference to taking a long weekend and going to museums in Boston. And I GET that she's the only librarian and that it's hard for her to take time off. But I'm reasonably certain that there's vacation time written in to her contract and she doesn't owe Whitford 24/7 library access.
(And this is unrelated to the Hailey or Matt stuff, but the constant references to the preoccupation that Whitford residents had to the state of Liz's uterus made me REALLY uncomfortable, considering that was one of my hangups with her and Drew's book in the first place.)
As far as Matt goes, he's a much better drawn character than Hailey is. He likes nature and his job and he doesn't apologize for that. I'm cool with that. When he's an ass to Hailey because of his own hangups, he apologizes like a man and he gets points for that. I did not love watching him be an ass, but again, there was an apology so that's fine. I have low standards sometimes.
Leaving aside the character issues, I found the resolution of the romantic plot lacking. There's an incident involving a fellow warden that makes Hailey panic and think that it's Matt, she takes off to the hospital to make sure he's fine and then after that, after Matt's an ass one more time, everyone realizes that even though they're very different people, the things they want are the same and that's more important and even though I liked them together, I just couldn't believe that they'd make it. Or maybe it was that I just didn't care if they did.
Either way, it made me sad. And really, this time I mean it when I say that I'm done with this series. I expect someone to hold me to that. Because clearly I'm incapable of doing it myself.
November 24, 2019
Quick summary
Hailey Genest, the town librarian, is lamenting that all of her girlfriends are now married or in serious relationships. She agrees to shake things up by going on an adventure hike in the woods with new friend Tori Burns, which ends in disaster. They're assisted by vacationing Game Warden Matt Barnett who looks like a mountain man serial killer. Though he cleans up nicely, there are huge differences between these two in spite of their chemistry.
Story dynamics
Hailey's a girlie-girl with a "neat as a pin" home designed in white and pastels. Matt's got an outdoors, "roughing it" job, a dog named Bear and everything else that goes along with these images. She's got expectations of her "ideal" mate (it's not Matt) and he's not interested in being with someone who thinks less of his lifestyle. But, their attraction is really, really strong...too strong to not at least enjoy a physical relationship in the meantime.
What I liked about this story
Hailey and Matt were a great couple one-on-one and sexually and I liked how they enjoyed each other, even while they kept each other at arm's length emotionally. They were honest about their expectations and differences, even when it was hurtful. Theirs was a messy romance (pun very much intended) that helped them grow individually and create a new respect for one another. I liked how they had to work at seeing what was right in front of them and it wasn't a tedious experience for me as a reader.
The bottom line
Hailey's not the stereotypical librarian that we used to read about. She's a modern, pretty woman and Matt's a rugged guy who deserved her attention. He's got his baggage, too, keeping things interesting. Now that we've run out of Kowalskis to be center stage, it's a bit fun to explore the other characters close to them. There are a LOT of fun moments to balance the tough ones, which made this a really good story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
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March 3, 2019Awesome
Another awesome story in the Kowalski series!! I'm so happy Hailey finally gets her story and it's a great one! This is one I definitely recommend.
Another awesome story in the Kowalski series!! I'm so happy Hailey finally gets her story and it's a great one! This is one I definitely recommend.
October 8, 2014
I've been looking forward to reading Hailey's story and this was definitely worth the wait. Hailey is the town librarian, just turned forty, and is beginning to feel like life is passing her by. When her friend Tori suggests that they try an outdoor adventure, she agrees, even though the great outdoors is definitely not her thing. They end up getting separated from their group and rescued by game warden Matt Barnett, who had been on vacation nearby. Hailey isn't impressed by the hairy, smelly mountain man who seems to be laughing at her, but she doesn't expect to see him again.
She is surprised to find a cleaned up and extremely hot Matt has been assigned as the new game warden for Whitford. Not only that, he is also her new next door neighbor. But in spite of their chemistry, she figures there are just too many differences between them for a successful relationship. She is a girly-girl who has a nice neat house, is looking for a man with regular hours who has fairly refined tastes. Matt is a rugged, outdoorsy guy with a dog named Bear, whose idea of a good time is camping, fishing and hiking. He's not interested in a relationship with a woman who looks down on who he is. He'd been through one of those already and it affects everything he does with Hailey.
The chemistry between them is really strong and pretty soon they decide to just go with enjoying each others company, knowing that neither has expectations of forever. They were honest with each other about their expectations, which gave them the freedom to just be together. I loved seeing them get to know each other, and how even though they are different those differences complement each other. I loved seeing Matt get Hailey to do things outdoors with him, and how she actually enjoyed some of it. It made it that much more frustrating when he was such a complete jerk when she tried to get him to do something she wanted to do. I thought that Hailey did a much better job at being openminded about what life with Matt would be like. When Matt was such an idiot my heart just broke for Hailey because she had been doing everything right. I loved the scene up at the cabin when Matt's dad was pointing out the error of his ways: "You know I love you, right? But you're an idiot." Matt really did come through in the best way at the end, redeeming himself in a spectacular way.
One of the things I loved about Hailey was her love for her job as a librarian. I could see her joy in her work with every scene that took place there. I also loved seeing how her love of reading blended in with her time with Matt. I also really enjoyed seeing how hard she worked to keep her relationship with Matt out of the gossip crosshairs, but how the people of Whitford saw the truth anyway.
She is surprised to find a cleaned up and extremely hot Matt has been assigned as the new game warden for Whitford. Not only that, he is also her new next door neighbor. But in spite of their chemistry, she figures there are just too many differences between them for a successful relationship. She is a girly-girl who has a nice neat house, is looking for a man with regular hours who has fairly refined tastes. Matt is a rugged, outdoorsy guy with a dog named Bear, whose idea of a good time is camping, fishing and hiking. He's not interested in a relationship with a woman who looks down on who he is. He'd been through one of those already and it affects everything he does with Hailey.
The chemistry between them is really strong and pretty soon they decide to just go with enjoying each others company, knowing that neither has expectations of forever. They were honest with each other about their expectations, which gave them the freedom to just be together. I loved seeing them get to know each other, and how even though they are different those differences complement each other. I loved seeing Matt get Hailey to do things outdoors with him, and how she actually enjoyed some of it. It made it that much more frustrating when he was such a complete jerk when she tried to get him to do something she wanted to do. I thought that Hailey did a much better job at being openminded about what life with Matt would be like. When Matt was such an idiot my heart just broke for Hailey because she had been doing everything right. I loved the scene up at the cabin when Matt's dad was pointing out the error of his ways: "You know I love you, right? But you're an idiot." Matt really did come through in the best way at the end, redeeming himself in a spectacular way.
One of the things I loved about Hailey was her love for her job as a librarian. I could see her joy in her work with every scene that took place there. I also loved seeing how her love of reading blended in with her time with Matt. I also really enjoyed seeing how hard she worked to keep her relationship with Matt out of the gossip crosshairs, but how the people of Whitford saw the truth anyway.
February 7, 2017
I really love Shannon Stacey. She gives us alternating points of view, which I really appreciate!
5 Big Stars for true love!
5 Big Stars for true love!
November 5, 2019
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: https://romancingthereaders.blogspot....
I've loved this series and each book I read reminds me why. Even though we've moved on from the core family and into friends it is still a great series.
The first meeting between Hailey and Matt is so cute and funny. They are two different people. She's the type to wear high heels to walk in the park and he's the type to wait all day to take a shower after an animal carcass blows upon him.
So you'd think these two would find no common ground. Well, you'd be wrong. What do they say about opposites attracting? These two are as opposite as you can get. But they make it work. How I have no clue. Okay, that's not true, I know how they manage to make it work. Of course for you to know you'll have to read the book.
Mean, I know!
This is a wonderful story of fining within the person that makes them special to you. You'll love their story and all the funny parts of it. I can't tell you how many times I chuckled. I really liked them together. You'd think it was Matt that pulled off the story but it wasn't, Hailey worked really have to bend her ideas to give Matt a chance. At times he was the one that was closed-minded.
But finally, they both saw the light at the end of the tunnel and realized the love of a special person is more important than the little things.
This is a wonderful story and in my eyes should be read-only after you read the other books in the series. I'm sure others will tell you it can be read on its own and it can be, it's just better the other way. Plus, you get to enjoy all the other books in the series. So good!
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I've loved this series and each book I read reminds me why. Even though we've moved on from the core family and into friends it is still a great series.
The first meeting between Hailey and Matt is so cute and funny. They are two different people. She's the type to wear high heels to walk in the park and he's the type to wait all day to take a shower after an animal carcass blows upon him.
So you'd think these two would find no common ground. Well, you'd be wrong. What do they say about opposites attracting? These two are as opposite as you can get. But they make it work. How I have no clue. Okay, that's not true, I know how they manage to make it work. Of course for you to know you'll have to read the book.
Mean, I know!
This is a wonderful story of fining within the person that makes them special to you. You'll love their story and all the funny parts of it. I can't tell you how many times I chuckled. I really liked them together. You'd think it was Matt that pulled off the story but it wasn't, Hailey worked really have to bend her ideas to give Matt a chance. At times he was the one that was closed-minded.
But finally, they both saw the light at the end of the tunnel and realized the love of a special person is more important than the little things.
This is a wonderful story and in my eyes should be read-only after you read the other books in the series. I'm sure others will tell you it can be read on its own and it can be, it's just better the other way. Plus, you get to enjoy all the other books in the series. So good!
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
March 15, 2014
In Taken with You (Kowalski Family #8) by Shannon Stacey has successfully discovered away to extend the Kowalski Family series while keeping it fresh and brand new. Whether you are a seasoned DOOMer or brand new to the series – I recommend this contemporary romance. It struck me as odd that it does not TWY3have a Kowalski as a main protagonist but do not worry there are glimpses of those sexy fellows.
When girlie-girl, librarian, Hailey Genest and her friend Tori Burn get separated from their wilderness adventure group while hiking through the woods things seem DOOMed. That is until they are rescued by a ruggedly sexy outdoorsman who just happens to be in the area. Hailey’s character is magnificent; I would believe she was born and raised in Whitford. Shannon nailed the small-town, girl-next-door when she created Hailey.
Game warden, Matt Barnett, is completely at home in the woods. While vacationing at his family cabin in the woods, he stumps across two women lost in the woods, and helps them find their way back to their car. Matt reluctantly discovers that he is attracted to his next-door neighbor. He knows from experience that she is not his type (or that he is not her type).
A true love match between Hailey and Matt seems unlikely. However, the author has once again managed to twist together an incredible opposite attracts love story.
This review also appears on Harlequin Junkie.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
When girlie-girl, librarian, Hailey Genest and her friend Tori Burn get separated from their wilderness adventure group while hiking through the woods things seem DOOMed. That is until they are rescued by a ruggedly sexy outdoorsman who just happens to be in the area. Hailey’s character is magnificent; I would believe she was born and raised in Whitford. Shannon nailed the small-town, girl-next-door when she created Hailey.
Game warden, Matt Barnett, is completely at home in the woods. While vacationing at his family cabin in the woods, he stumps across two women lost in the woods, and helps them find their way back to their car. Matt reluctantly discovers that he is attracted to his next-door neighbor. He knows from experience that she is not his type (or that he is not her type).
A true love match between Hailey and Matt seems unlikely. However, the author has once again managed to twist together an incredible opposite attracts love story.
This review also appears on Harlequin Junkie.
Disclosure: This book was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
May 2, 2014
Enjoyed this one better, even though it's not directly about any Kowalski sibling.
The heroine was my kinda girl, all sassy and not taking any BS from anyone.
The heroine was my kinda girl, all sassy and not taking any BS from anyone.
May 2, 2022
4.5 Kowalski Fun stars!
Sooo good to revisit the Kowalskis
Sooo good to revisit the Kowalskis
September 10, 2016
“Take with You” is the 8th book in The Kowalskis series set Maine and New Hampshire. Hailey has been a recurring character in the series, the town librarian and best friend to Paige Kowalski. Nearly all her friends have married and started families or Hailey good-naturedly puts it:
“Those damn Kowalski men stole all my women”.
However instead of sincerely whining, complaining or making desperate compromises she and fellow singleton Tori have decided to make the best of it and celebrate their singleness. Their first celebratory woodland trek goes awry, as they fall behind and are left behind by their tour guides. Matt Barnett, a game warden, steps out of the woods on the tail-end of a two-week vacation in the woods looking less like a rescuer and more like furry woodland hermit. Faced with no better offers, Hailey and Tori trust him to lead them back to their car.
Hailey and Matt on the trail they both irritate each other, disapproving of each others grooming, and clothing choices, but at the trail head they part ways, comforting themselves that it is unlikely they will ever see each other again. But life in romanceland isn’t that way, because Matt is the new game warden in town, brought in to help police the expanded ATV and Snowmobiling trails developed by the Kowalski family in the previous books. Matt isn’t just a new single fixture in town, he is also Hailey’s new next-door neighbor and they can’t keep their eyes off each other and they see-saw on whether they should indulge the attraction or ignore it.
“You are the master of mixed signals,” she said deciding if she couldn’t hide her reaction she might as well face it head on.”
I am always a bit nervous when I hear a heroine is a librarian. I end up holding my breath, because it is my profession. I thought Stacey did a great job, depicting the ups and downs of small town librarianship. Hailey sees her library as cultural community center rather than a repository for books, young and old are welcome, she is over-worked and under-supported but she still loves what she does even if she does have to deal with cat-pissed books in the bookdrop.
This is a novel of new beginnings, old relationship baggage, re-evaluating prejudices and expectations. I really liked the arc of their relationship I liked how Hailey and Matt move from needling and judging each other, to genuinely liking each other, but liking each other and fully understanding what they truly want are different things.
It is not a full-blown opposites-attract story, or enemies to lovers story, because both Hailey and Matt share more things in common than they superficially think they do. I liked Matt’s flirtatiousness and teasing, and I loved Hailey’s honesty.
“That wasn’t meant to be a dig. I swear there’s something about you that makes me say stupid things.”
She is the one to apologize for getting off on the wrong foot, and warns Matt about the fish bowl element to dating in a small town. She is also mature enough to realize when it is time the right time to have a fight, and when it isn’t.
“Hailey wasn’t sure what to do with a man who was bone-tired, emotionally tapped and not in the mood to talk about it, so she made cocoa.”
I really respected that. My husband had a emotionally taxing job, and there have been times in my life when I had to just set something aside, for a while, till we were both ready to deal with a issue. She just had a good head on her shoulders and I enjoyed reading her. Matt is a good-looking hardworking guy who has a chip on his shoulder about his profession. He has gone through several relationships that have failed because in the end the women didn’t want to put up with his law-enforcement hours, the dirt and stink that comes from working outdoors and who have wanted to turn him into something spiffier. He is done with being thought of as diamond in the rough.
“And so it began. Dinner. Dancing. Before he knew it, she’d be dragging him to fancy functions and making apologies for him embarrassed whispers.”
Despite his father and mother calling him on it, and intellectually knowing it wasn’t fair, he is still insecure and frankly immature about it and really hurts Hailey because of it. And when Hailey is there for him despite of it he almost screws up some more out of fear of rejection.
“Two days. Two days, Matt Barnett had been gone and Hailey wanted to strangle him. Or hug him. Maybe she’d just hug him, really, really tightly and fulfill both urges at the same time.”
Their scene reconciliation really worked well for me, which genuine remorse, understanding and resolution and I could have closed the book there, because their “Three Months” later was a bit too perfect/sweet/much for me.
Kowalski series note:
Most of the Maine Kowalskis and other recurring town residents resurface for this book but do so without pulling attention from main story and characters. Nobody was shoehorned in, and I particularly liked how Paige's friendship with Hailey was depicted. The Kowalski series as whole has just worked for me. While other small town series sometimes start feeling repetitive, Stacey has managed to create a familiar setting without reducing the recurring characters to cliches.
4 out 5 stars for Taken with You.
A review copy of Taken with You was provided by Carina Press via NetGalley for review purposes
“Those damn Kowalski men stole all my women”.
However instead of sincerely whining, complaining or making desperate compromises she and fellow singleton Tori have decided to make the best of it and celebrate their singleness. Their first celebratory woodland trek goes awry, as they fall behind and are left behind by their tour guides. Matt Barnett, a game warden, steps out of the woods on the tail-end of a two-week vacation in the woods looking less like a rescuer and more like furry woodland hermit. Faced with no better offers, Hailey and Tori trust him to lead them back to their car.
Hailey and Matt on the trail they both irritate each other, disapproving of each others grooming, and clothing choices, but at the trail head they part ways, comforting themselves that it is unlikely they will ever see each other again. But life in romanceland isn’t that way, because Matt is the new game warden in town, brought in to help police the expanded ATV and Snowmobiling trails developed by the Kowalski family in the previous books. Matt isn’t just a new single fixture in town, he is also Hailey’s new next-door neighbor and they can’t keep their eyes off each other and they see-saw on whether they should indulge the attraction or ignore it.
“You are the master of mixed signals,” she said deciding if she couldn’t hide her reaction she might as well face it head on.”
I am always a bit nervous when I hear a heroine is a librarian. I end up holding my breath, because it is my profession. I thought Stacey did a great job, depicting the ups and downs of small town librarianship. Hailey sees her library as cultural community center rather than a repository for books, young and old are welcome, she is over-worked and under-supported but she still loves what she does even if she does have to deal with cat-pissed books in the bookdrop.
This is a novel of new beginnings, old relationship baggage, re-evaluating prejudices and expectations. I really liked the arc of their relationship I liked how Hailey and Matt move from needling and judging each other, to genuinely liking each other, but liking each other and fully understanding what they truly want are different things.
It is not a full-blown opposites-attract story, or enemies to lovers story, because both Hailey and Matt share more things in common than they superficially think they do. I liked Matt’s flirtatiousness and teasing, and I loved Hailey’s honesty.
“That wasn’t meant to be a dig. I swear there’s something about you that makes me say stupid things.”
She is the one to apologize for getting off on the wrong foot, and warns Matt about the fish bowl element to dating in a small town. She is also mature enough to realize when it is time the right time to have a fight, and when it isn’t.
“Hailey wasn’t sure what to do with a man who was bone-tired, emotionally tapped and not in the mood to talk about it, so she made cocoa.”
I really respected that. My husband had a emotionally taxing job, and there have been times in my life when I had to just set something aside, for a while, till we were both ready to deal with a issue. She just had a good head on her shoulders and I enjoyed reading her. Matt is a good-looking hardworking guy who has a chip on his shoulder about his profession. He has gone through several relationships that have failed because in the end the women didn’t want to put up with his law-enforcement hours, the dirt and stink that comes from working outdoors and who have wanted to turn him into something spiffier. He is done with being thought of as diamond in the rough.
“And so it began. Dinner. Dancing. Before he knew it, she’d be dragging him to fancy functions and making apologies for him embarrassed whispers.”
Despite his father and mother calling him on it, and intellectually knowing it wasn’t fair, he is still insecure and frankly immature about it and really hurts Hailey because of it. And when Hailey is there for him despite of it he almost screws up some more out of fear of rejection.
“Two days. Two days, Matt Barnett had been gone and Hailey wanted to strangle him. Or hug him. Maybe she’d just hug him, really, really tightly and fulfill both urges at the same time.”
Their scene reconciliation really worked well for me, which genuine remorse, understanding and resolution and I could have closed the book there, because their “Three Months” later was a bit too perfect/sweet/much for me.
Kowalski series note:
Most of the Maine Kowalskis and other recurring town residents resurface for this book but do so without pulling attention from main story and characters. Nobody was shoehorned in, and I particularly liked how Paige's friendship with Hailey was depicted. The Kowalski series as whole has just worked for me. While other small town series sometimes start feeling repetitive, Stacey has managed to create a familiar setting without reducing the recurring characters to cliches.
4 out 5 stars for Taken with You.
A review copy of Taken with You was provided by Carina Press via NetGalley for review purposes
April 1, 2014
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B
Hailey is a city girl living in a small town. Now, she’s not all glitz and glam, but she’s definitely not a fan of the outdoors and when she imagines her perfect man, he’s in a suit, he’s home from work at the same time each day and they go on romantic, fancy dinners. Never in her dream man fantasy would Matt Barnett fit in. But, he’s the man in her life and she (and he) need to figure out if their differences are something they can compromise about or if they’ll ultimately drive them apart.
Matt is the local game warden and would much rather be outside then stuck inside. He loves his job but it’s unpredictable and demanding of his time during all hours of the day and night. He was burned in a past relationship with a woman he thought he loved who only wanted to change him and talked down about him and his “smelly” “disgusting” job to others. The same job he loves completely. He vowed to never be caught off guard by another woman again and wants to be loved for who he is and not who some woman wants him to be. When he meets Hailey, lost in the woods, in full on makeup and brand new hiking boots, he knows this is certainly not the woman for him. But when he runs into the librarian in the new town he recently moved to and then finds out that she’s also his new neighbor, he can’t get her out of his head.
Hailey and Matt start having sex both knowing that neither person is really right for them for the long term, but they have tons of chemistry and decide that having some no strings fun is better than no fun at all. I enjoyed seeing how both of them fell into each other’s lives pretty easily, even though they both swore going in that other person was wrong for them, period. It takes some angst, but they both start to compromise and the relationship that was supposed to be not so serious, turns very serious for them both.
I think I was more taken with Matt in this one. I liked seeing his perspective of the small town of Whitford, being the new guy and subject to all the town gossip. I also liked seeing him make friends around town as he gets to know the regulars who I’ve come to love throughout the series and make a place for himself in this small town for him and his dog, Bear. I also found myself feeling a little more for him, since he already went through a bad relationship that made him feel embarrassed about his job and his non-interest in anything city related. So when Hailey starts pushing for them to have a nice dinner out, I kind of wanted her to just stop and leave him alone about it. Sure, ultimately they both needed to give a little to make their relationship work. But I just felt like it was more of a personal hit to Matt, having already gone through this once with someone else, whereas with Hailey, it’s just the “picture” she’s always had in her head of getting dressed up and going out for fancy dinners and the like. I certainly didn’t dislike Hailey, but I found myself drawn more toward Matt and his side of things as the book went along.
As always, the small town and all the residents, especially the Kowalski’s make their presence known. I love catching up with everyone, learning what’s new and what’s changed. It’s like getting updates on old friends. Even though this story has shifted away from the Kowalski’s somewhat, it still has that charm and sweetness that I’ve come to love about the series in general.
Taken With You is another enjoyable installment in the Kowalski series by Shannon Stacey. I loved getting to know Matt and Hailey and seeing them be willing to compromise to make their relationship work. But I was most hooked in by Matt and his story. He’s a hero that’s impossible not to like and want good things for.
Blog rating: B
Hailey is a city girl living in a small town. Now, she’s not all glitz and glam, but she’s definitely not a fan of the outdoors and when she imagines her perfect man, he’s in a suit, he’s home from work at the same time each day and they go on romantic, fancy dinners. Never in her dream man fantasy would Matt Barnett fit in. But, he’s the man in her life and she (and he) need to figure out if their differences are something they can compromise about or if they’ll ultimately drive them apart.
Matt is the local game warden and would much rather be outside then stuck inside. He loves his job but it’s unpredictable and demanding of his time during all hours of the day and night. He was burned in a past relationship with a woman he thought he loved who only wanted to change him and talked down about him and his “smelly” “disgusting” job to others. The same job he loves completely. He vowed to never be caught off guard by another woman again and wants to be loved for who he is and not who some woman wants him to be. When he meets Hailey, lost in the woods, in full on makeup and brand new hiking boots, he knows this is certainly not the woman for him. But when he runs into the librarian in the new town he recently moved to and then finds out that she’s also his new neighbor, he can’t get her out of his head.
Hailey and Matt start having sex both knowing that neither person is really right for them for the long term, but they have tons of chemistry and decide that having some no strings fun is better than no fun at all. I enjoyed seeing how both of them fell into each other’s lives pretty easily, even though they both swore going in that other person was wrong for them, period. It takes some angst, but they both start to compromise and the relationship that was supposed to be not so serious, turns very serious for them both.
I think I was more taken with Matt in this one. I liked seeing his perspective of the small town of Whitford, being the new guy and subject to all the town gossip. I also liked seeing him make friends around town as he gets to know the regulars who I’ve come to love throughout the series and make a place for himself in this small town for him and his dog, Bear. I also found myself feeling a little more for him, since he already went through a bad relationship that made him feel embarrassed about his job and his non-interest in anything city related. So when Hailey starts pushing for them to have a nice dinner out, I kind of wanted her to just stop and leave him alone about it. Sure, ultimately they both needed to give a little to make their relationship work. But I just felt like it was more of a personal hit to Matt, having already gone through this once with someone else, whereas with Hailey, it’s just the “picture” she’s always had in her head of getting dressed up and going out for fancy dinners and the like. I certainly didn’t dislike Hailey, but I found myself drawn more toward Matt and his side of things as the book went along.
As always, the small town and all the residents, especially the Kowalski’s make their presence known. I love catching up with everyone, learning what’s new and what’s changed. It’s like getting updates on old friends. Even though this story has shifted away from the Kowalski’s somewhat, it still has that charm and sweetness that I’ve come to love about the series in general.
Taken With You is another enjoyable installment in the Kowalski series by Shannon Stacey. I loved getting to know Matt and Hailey and seeing them be willing to compromise to make their relationship work. But I was most hooked in by Matt and his story. He’s a hero that’s impossible not to like and want good things for.
June 22, 2015
Although I wasn’t won over by the opening scenes, Taken with You is definitely one of the best in the Kowalski Family series. While still set in Whitford, Maine, the series shifts to a non-Kowalski pairing between town librarian Hailey Genest and new-comer Matt Barnett, the “hot game warden” assigned to Whitford. The story hits all the right notes for me, and I adore how Hailey and Matt learn to love despite their differences.
Hailey has watched all of her friends fall in love while she remains single and alone. Feeling like she really doesn’t have time to fool around, Hailey is determined to find the “9-to-5” man who will sweep her off her feet and be the father of her children. And although she’s got chemistry with her new neighbor, with his love of the outdoors and unpredictable job, Hailey feels Matt is all wrong for her. Meanwhile, Matt has been burned in a previous relationship by a woman who didn't appreciate his outdoorsy nature and wanted to change him into something he's not. He carries that baggage with him into every new potential relationship, setting himself up for failure before there is any chance of being hurt.
I completely adored Matt and Hailey’s romance as they try to convince themselves that they are only friends with benefits. The pair have amazing chemistry, even when they are pushing each other into potentially disastrous situations (like a 4:30 AM outdoor date or a dinner at a fancy bistro). What I love most is the genuine feel of the romance, which doesn’t tarnish the happy ending. Their love comes from sexual chemistry and true friendship, but they do have to compromise, and their path isn’t easy. I laughed and cried during the book, which I found emotionally fulfilling and ultimately rewarding.
Narration by Lauren Fortgang is once again superb. However, I noticed that (to me) Hailey's voice had changed from earlier books. It’s not a huge thing, but it sort of bugged me, especially in the beginning scene involving Tori and Hailey. Eventually as the story moved forward, I forgot about it.
Overall, Taken with You is a sweet, fun, sincere romance that swept me off my feet. A must read!
Rating: A
Narration: A-
Hailey has watched all of her friends fall in love while she remains single and alone. Feeling like she really doesn’t have time to fool around, Hailey is determined to find the “9-to-5” man who will sweep her off her feet and be the father of her children. And although she’s got chemistry with her new neighbor, with his love of the outdoors and unpredictable job, Hailey feels Matt is all wrong for her. Meanwhile, Matt has been burned in a previous relationship by a woman who didn't appreciate his outdoorsy nature and wanted to change him into something he's not. He carries that baggage with him into every new potential relationship, setting himself up for failure before there is any chance of being hurt.
I completely adored Matt and Hailey’s romance as they try to convince themselves that they are only friends with benefits. The pair have amazing chemistry, even when they are pushing each other into potentially disastrous situations (like a 4:30 AM outdoor date or a dinner at a fancy bistro). What I love most is the genuine feel of the romance, which doesn’t tarnish the happy ending. Their love comes from sexual chemistry and true friendship, but they do have to compromise, and their path isn’t easy. I laughed and cried during the book, which I found emotionally fulfilling and ultimately rewarding.
Narration by Lauren Fortgang is once again superb. However, I noticed that (to me) Hailey's voice had changed from earlier books. It’s not a huge thing, but it sort of bugged me, especially in the beginning scene involving Tori and Hailey. Eventually as the story moved forward, I forgot about it.
Overall, Taken with You is a sweet, fun, sincere romance that swept me off my feet. A must read!
Rating: A
Narration: A-
January 22, 2015
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Read It, Track It is a way for me to track books for my reading challenges and they will be super short.
You don't have to be a Kowalski to get your HEA. TAKEN WITH YOU is a fun romance when opposites attract.
Ok I cheated a bit on this TBR Jar read. I waited and waited for the TAKEN WITH YOU to be released on audiobook because I love Lauren Fortgang's narration of the series. But after waiting for so long I bought the ebook for my Nook. Then I was contacted by Fortgang to review the audio. I jumped at listening!
Lauren brings Hailey and Matt story to life with her narration. Her pacing and tones are spot on for Shannon Stacey's characters and stories. I highly recommend the Kowalski Family series on audio!
Sexual Content: Sex with mild details
Read It, Track It is a way for me to track books for my reading challenges and they will be super short.
You don't have to be a Kowalski to get your HEA. TAKEN WITH YOU is a fun romance when opposites attract.
Ok I cheated a bit on this TBR Jar read. I waited and waited for the TAKEN WITH YOU to be released on audiobook because I love Lauren Fortgang's narration of the series. But after waiting for so long I bought the ebook for my Nook. Then I was contacted by Fortgang to review the audio. I jumped at listening!
Lauren brings Hailey and Matt story to life with her narration. Her pacing and tones are spot on for Shannon Stacey's characters and stories. I highly recommend the Kowalski Family series on audio!
Sexual Content: Sex with mild details
You can read Jonetta's more in-depth review HERE.
December 28, 2015
Review copy provided via NetGalley
Why I Read this Book: I love this series and Hailey finally gets her man!
What I Liked: Taken With You is the 8th book in the Kowalski Family series but the first that doesn’t feature a Kowalski as the hero or heroine. But we still get to see the Kowalskis in passing as secondary characters.
Hailey, the town librarian, and Matt, the new game warden, are polar opposites. Poor Matt doesn’t do well with relationships because as the game warden, he has long and unpredictable hours and often comes home all sweaty and stinky. Hailey is a girlie-girl and is not too fond of the outdoors. Even though they both think they’re wrong for each other, the chemistry and attraction is undeniable.
I love the author’s attention to detail when it comes to this fictional small town. Like how the new ATV trails will boost the town’s economy and how it will effect the locals who live right off the trails. It’s things like this that bring the fictional town to life and give it an authentic feel.
Memorable Moment:
Overall Impression: With the humorous dialogue and small town charm, this series is a comfort read for me and I’m ready for the next book. As long as the author keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them.
Why I Read this Book: I love this series and Hailey finally gets her man!
What I Liked: Taken With You is the 8th book in the Kowalski Family series but the first that doesn’t feature a Kowalski as the hero or heroine. But we still get to see the Kowalskis in passing as secondary characters.
Hailey, the town librarian, and Matt, the new game warden, are polar opposites. Poor Matt doesn’t do well with relationships because as the game warden, he has long and unpredictable hours and often comes home all sweaty and stinky. Hailey is a girlie-girl and is not too fond of the outdoors. Even though they both think they’re wrong for each other, the chemistry and attraction is undeniable.
I love the author’s attention to detail when it comes to this fictional small town. Like how the new ATV trails will boost the town’s economy and how it will effect the locals who live right off the trails. It’s things like this that bring the fictional town to life and give it an authentic feel.
Memorable Moment:
“You know the rules. No kissing while you’re wearing that hat.”
“But it’s my lucky hat.”
“Maybe, but it ain’t your get lucky hat.”
Overall Impression: With the humorous dialogue and small town charm, this series is a comfort read for me and I’m ready for the next book. As long as the author keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them.
June 11, 2015
Not a fan of the outdoors, Hailey Genest and her friend, Tori, end up lost in the Maine woods. A mountain man stumbles across them and leads them back to civilization. Matt Barnett is a Game Warden on vacation at his family's cabin. He finds the situation amusing, but Hailey doesn't share his humor. When Hailey next sees Matt, he is clean shaven and in a uniform. He certainly cleans up well, but Hailey decides to keep her distance since they have nothing in common. That plan only works until Matt moves into the house beside hers.
This book is part of the Kowalski series. Even though she's not a Kowalski, Hailey has shown up in several of the previous books in the series. She's a good friend, always cheering her best friends to the altar. Now it is her turn for a trip down the aisle. I liked both Hailey and Matt, but this book lacked something I just can't put my finger on. There were a couple of funny situations, and the usual small town gossip about the couple. Matt had issues about an old girlfriend who didn't like that Matt's job kept him away at odd hours, and that he sometimes came home a muddy mess. Since the girlfriend hated some of the same things that Hailey disliked, he decided that Hailey would act the same way. I wanted to slap him at one point in the story, but happily he turned his attitude around at the end of the book. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This book is part of the Kowalski series. Even though she's not a Kowalski, Hailey has shown up in several of the previous books in the series. She's a good friend, always cheering her best friends to the altar. Now it is her turn for a trip down the aisle. I liked both Hailey and Matt, but this book lacked something I just can't put my finger on. There were a couple of funny situations, and the usual small town gossip about the couple. Matt had issues about an old girlfriend who didn't like that Matt's job kept him away at odd hours, and that he sometimes came home a muddy mess. Since the girlfriend hated some of the same things that Hailey disliked, he decided that Hailey would act the same way. I wanted to slap him at one point in the story, but happily he turned his attitude around at the end of the book. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
March 10, 2014
LOve this Kowalski series. In this case, the librarian introduced previously is now front and center, as is the new game warden, Matt Barnett. He's outdoorsy, she isn't. He's flannel and four-wheelers, she's into candles on the table and little black dresses. But the chemistry between them is palpable. How convenient that he rents a house next door to where she lives and his friendly black lab insists on making friends with her.
How these two begin to break down the barriers that say they're not right for each other is charming, providing hope they will get together. But it's an accident and the heart attack of one of Matt's colleagues that becomes the telling event even as it follows a disastrous dinner at an expensive restaurant.
He's clearly taken with her and she with him, but can they really get together? Read and find out.
How these two begin to break down the barriers that say they're not right for each other is charming, providing hope they will get together. But it's an accident and the heart attack of one of Matt's colleagues that becomes the telling event even as it follows a disastrous dinner at an expensive restaurant.
He's clearly taken with her and she with him, but can they really get together? Read and find out.
August 22, 2015
There were parts that made me laugh out loud, and the resolution to the main conflict - the hero's resistance to any signs of elegancies in his life - seemed pretty realistic as far as these things go. Heroine is older than the hero, by 5 years (not that this was an issue, but it added an interesting wrinkle).
December 4, 2017
Man! Do you ever read a book where it's so dull in the beginning and middle of the story and you're groaning to yourself, "This story is so damn slow, but I want to know how one of these ding dongs screw it up so I can laugh about it?"
I'll be the first one to admit I'm not into tragic love stories like John Green or a horror story where the woman can't protect herself without a man despite how well-written the book is so I stick with sappy romance books. There are mysteries and classics I'll get into so I don't let my brain rot. However, if I'm going to stick with a specific genre, I should at least owe myself to finish it unless it risks killing more brain cells faster.
This took a while to finish since I was in Chicago at the time and the story was so anti-climatic almost in every possible way that I was hearing elevator music in the background while I felt some old biddy telling me about her daily activities. It's good to inform readers what the characters are doing when it comes to typical stuff to show their human nature, but that only serves as a buildup, plausible excuse, or side explanation for the plot. The romance plot itself was dull where both characters claimed that they were too different for each other, but that completely fell through the cracks as they continued to pursue each other.
Hailey is the librarian for a small town in Maine and enjoys the finer things while Matt, the game warden, enjoys the outdoors and doesn't care much for fancy stuff. It doesn't stop him from developing a relationship with her when he moves next door to her with his lovable dog and asks to go on dates with him in the woods. Aside from eating at each other's house and going to social gatherings, they enjoy having randy sex with one another. Despite Hailey's dislike for the outdoors and smells, she isn't bothered by it when she's with Matt. That's fine, but I feel like Hailey doesn't have much of a personality and she's just a comfort creature who just kind of goes with the flow.
Matt definitely showed resistance to what Hailey claimed to enjoy. The ONE TIME she asks Matt to go to a fancy restaurant with her, he completely blows it by being a complete asshole. I get that there are snobs in that environment at times, but he was rude to Hailey and thought no girl was good enough for him unless she was rolled around in something gross and showed cynicism towards city folks. He got burned by the last girl named Ciara who completely ripped on him by basically thinking he was a smelly hick and making fun of him in front of her glossy friends. So, stupidly, he assumes that every pretty girl in the whole wide world is a stuck up bitch and rips on outdoorsy people.
Now, I'm not a scout and definitely crave comfort despite having some experience outdoors. I've been in several environments and understand that everyone has their differences despite growing up in same backgrounds. As much as you want to jump to conclusions, you have to give everyone a chance to express themselves soundly before judging them. In a lot of cases, you don't have to wait long with some observance. I enjoy the city and I'll tell you that a girl like Ciara is the type that would run just about everyone down. Not just Matt's type. Even with her snobby prejudice towards rural or nature people, I can tell right off the bat she would never hold back when it comes to insulting someone else and holding high expectations when it comes to boyfriends. She could date someone royalty and find something wrong to bitch about out loud. No one who is looking for love or comfortable companionship is going to keep her around. She is an easily forgettable person that would be tossed away by someone ranking her higher in the elite society. I wouldn't be mad at her; I pity her type.
So, I thought Matt was a dummy for thinking that Hailey was just like Ciara despite their pleasure for nicer things. You could find someone with the same amount of bitchiness from someone the woodsy area. And Matt would be a nature snob bitchy version and think no one is good enough to survive out in the wild. Everyone else around him including his family have to point out that Hailey is a great person and realizes that when she goes out of her way to drive hours to the hospital when she found out about an ATV accident. It turned out to be another game warden, but offered to take him home and comfort him, smelly and all.
But yeah, I found the book overall boring even when it reached towards the end.
I'll be the first one to admit I'm not into tragic love stories like John Green or a horror story where the woman can't protect herself without a man despite how well-written the book is so I stick with sappy romance books. There are mysteries and classics I'll get into so I don't let my brain rot. However, if I'm going to stick with a specific genre, I should at least owe myself to finish it unless it risks killing more brain cells faster.
This took a while to finish since I was in Chicago at the time and the story was so anti-climatic almost in every possible way that I was hearing elevator music in the background while I felt some old biddy telling me about her daily activities. It's good to inform readers what the characters are doing when it comes to typical stuff to show their human nature, but that only serves as a buildup, plausible excuse, or side explanation for the plot. The romance plot itself was dull where both characters claimed that they were too different for each other, but that completely fell through the cracks as they continued to pursue each other.
Hailey is the librarian for a small town in Maine and enjoys the finer things while Matt, the game warden, enjoys the outdoors and doesn't care much for fancy stuff. It doesn't stop him from developing a relationship with her when he moves next door to her with his lovable dog and asks to go on dates with him in the woods. Aside from eating at each other's house and going to social gatherings, they enjoy having randy sex with one another. Despite Hailey's dislike for the outdoors and smells, she isn't bothered by it when she's with Matt. That's fine, but I feel like Hailey doesn't have much of a personality and she's just a comfort creature who just kind of goes with the flow.
Matt definitely showed resistance to what Hailey claimed to enjoy. The ONE TIME she asks Matt to go to a fancy restaurant with her, he completely blows it by being a complete asshole. I get that there are snobs in that environment at times, but he was rude to Hailey and thought no girl was good enough for him unless she was rolled around in something gross and showed cynicism towards city folks. He got burned by the last girl named Ciara who completely ripped on him by basically thinking he was a smelly hick and making fun of him in front of her glossy friends. So, stupidly, he assumes that every pretty girl in the whole wide world is a stuck up bitch and rips on outdoorsy people.
Now, I'm not a scout and definitely crave comfort despite having some experience outdoors. I've been in several environments and understand that everyone has their differences despite growing up in same backgrounds. As much as you want to jump to conclusions, you have to give everyone a chance to express themselves soundly before judging them. In a lot of cases, you don't have to wait long with some observance. I enjoy the city and I'll tell you that a girl like Ciara is the type that would run just about everyone down. Not just Matt's type. Even with her snobby prejudice towards rural or nature people, I can tell right off the bat she would never hold back when it comes to insulting someone else and holding high expectations when it comes to boyfriends. She could date someone royalty and find something wrong to bitch about out loud. No one who is looking for love or comfortable companionship is going to keep her around. She is an easily forgettable person that would be tossed away by someone ranking her higher in the elite society. I wouldn't be mad at her; I pity her type.
So, I thought Matt was a dummy for thinking that Hailey was just like Ciara despite their pleasure for nicer things. You could find someone with the same amount of bitchiness from someone the woodsy area. And Matt would be a nature snob bitchy version and think no one is good enough to survive out in the wild. Everyone else around him including his family have to point out that Hailey is a great person and realizes that when she goes out of her way to drive hours to the hospital when she found out about an ATV accident. It turned out to be another game warden, but offered to take him home and comfort him, smelly and all.
But yeah, I found the book overall boring even when it reached towards the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2020
3.5 stars
Don't let the fact that this is book 8 in this series deter you from reading (or listening) to it. I jumped in right here and was just fine ;) Would I have known some of the side characters? Sure, but they weren't the main focus here. Matt and Hailey were. I loved that they were a middle aged couple (he's 35 and she's around 40). For me, Hailey took some warming up to because she came across as a bit shallow and snobby. I did like how she changed during the story. The ending was FABULOUS!
A word on the audio...that was great! Lauren Fortgang did an impressive job with the different voices.
Don't let the fact that this is book 8 in this series deter you from reading (or listening) to it. I jumped in right here and was just fine ;) Would I have known some of the side characters? Sure, but they weren't the main focus here. Matt and Hailey were. I loved that they were a middle aged couple (he's 35 and she's around 40). For me, Hailey took some warming up to because she came across as a bit shallow and snobby. I did like how she changed during the story. The ending was FABULOUS!
A word on the audio...that was great! Lauren Fortgang did an impressive job with the different voices.
March 29, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/03/28/...
I absolutely adore the Kowalski series, so everytime Stacey has a new release, I’m so anxious to get my hands on the newest book.
Hailey loves the little life she’s cut out for herself in Whitford, but she is lonely. With all her friends settling down, she is anxious to find that special someone to come home to everyday, someone to start a family with. She even has an ideal man in mind, but it’s too bad he doesn’t exist, and probably wouldn’t even live in Whitford if he did. Having Matt move in next door is easy on the eyes, but he is the polar opposite of everything Hailey thought she wanted.
The first time Matt met Hailey he was grungy and dirty and she was a total primadonna. It wasn’t the best start to their friendship. But the more time they spend together, the stronger their sexual chemistry becomes. But Matt is of the same mind set as Hailey, they aren’t good together as a couple, they both have an idea of who would be their ideal spouse, and neither one lives up to the expectation. Too bad fate has other plans.
I think that the romance in this book is probably the best that Stacey has ever written! I loved the enemies to friends to lovers and more storyline. It was so fun and perfect for Matt and Hailey. I’ve always enjoyed books where couples go from being very antagonistic with each other to finding some kind of common ground and building their romance from that. I loved the way Matt and Hailey kept telling each other they were wrong as a couple, and yet we as the reader could see just how right they were.
There were a few times I thought that Hailey came across as a bit desperate, but it really did add to the depth of her character. I was sad to see that at times Hailey seemed to feel as if she wasn’t whole without a man, and while that bugs me, I was glad to see that she didn’t come across as completely incapable or pathetic despite her desire to be matched up.
I thought Matt was a wonderful hero. He was so caring and sweet, and although he thought Hailey was all wrong for him, I loved the way he was so drawn to her he couldn’t help himself. One aspect of Matt’s history I wish would have been explored a bit more was his past relationships and why they had such a big impact on him. While it was explained a few times, I would have liked to see how it affected Matt in his everyday life.
I love getting to see all the Kowalski family members happy and living their ever afters. Stacey is one of the best when it comes to creating secondary characters that steal the show and beg for their own books, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for readers next!
All in all, I thought the 8th book in the Kowalski series was so well done. I loved the romance and think that the relationship between Matt and Hailey is the best I’ve seen in the series to date. I can only hope that Matt and Hailey will pop up again in future Kowalski books, because I absolutely adore them together.
I give Taken With You a B+
I absolutely adore the Kowalski series, so everytime Stacey has a new release, I’m so anxious to get my hands on the newest book.
Hailey loves the little life she’s cut out for herself in Whitford, but she is lonely. With all her friends settling down, she is anxious to find that special someone to come home to everyday, someone to start a family with. She even has an ideal man in mind, but it’s too bad he doesn’t exist, and probably wouldn’t even live in Whitford if he did. Having Matt move in next door is easy on the eyes, but he is the polar opposite of everything Hailey thought she wanted.
The first time Matt met Hailey he was grungy and dirty and she was a total primadonna. It wasn’t the best start to their friendship. But the more time they spend together, the stronger their sexual chemistry becomes. But Matt is of the same mind set as Hailey, they aren’t good together as a couple, they both have an idea of who would be their ideal spouse, and neither one lives up to the expectation. Too bad fate has other plans.
I think that the romance in this book is probably the best that Stacey has ever written! I loved the enemies to friends to lovers and more storyline. It was so fun and perfect for Matt and Hailey. I’ve always enjoyed books where couples go from being very antagonistic with each other to finding some kind of common ground and building their romance from that. I loved the way Matt and Hailey kept telling each other they were wrong as a couple, and yet we as the reader could see just how right they were.
There were a few times I thought that Hailey came across as a bit desperate, but it really did add to the depth of her character. I was sad to see that at times Hailey seemed to feel as if she wasn’t whole without a man, and while that bugs me, I was glad to see that she didn’t come across as completely incapable or pathetic despite her desire to be matched up.
I thought Matt was a wonderful hero. He was so caring and sweet, and although he thought Hailey was all wrong for him, I loved the way he was so drawn to her he couldn’t help himself. One aspect of Matt’s history I wish would have been explored a bit more was his past relationships and why they had such a big impact on him. While it was explained a few times, I would have liked to see how it affected Matt in his everyday life.
I love getting to see all the Kowalski family members happy and living their ever afters. Stacey is one of the best when it comes to creating secondary characters that steal the show and beg for their own books, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for readers next!
All in all, I thought the 8th book in the Kowalski series was so well done. I loved the romance and think that the relationship between Matt and Hailey is the best I’ve seen in the series to date. I can only hope that Matt and Hailey will pop up again in future Kowalski books, because I absolutely adore them together.
I give Taken With You a B+
April 7, 2014
This book was a miss for me. I like Stacey’s Kowalskis books – for the most part, the last two books were pretty blah in my opinion. I’m a fan of the big, crazy family series and the Kowalskis are definitely a big, crazy family of doom. With this book, which inhabits the Kowalskis universe but has non-Kowalskis main characters, Whitford, Maine has officially become a town where authors go to die.
This book features Hailey Genest, the town librarian seen in several other books in this series and Matt Barnett the new resident game warden. The story is a classic opposites attract story. He likes the outdoors, she prefers fancy French bistros. He’s hiking boots, she’s stilettos. I could go on, but I think you get the point.
The opposites attract thing is a big part of why this book did not work for me. Without giving away the plot, I’ll just say that the differences between the two characters are pretty glaring and they are never really resolved. Matt is a total ass and rather than have any sort of meaningful resolution to the couple’s problems, we instead get a cheap near death experience that makes everyone realize their true feelings. I’m sorry, but I just do not believe that these characters live HEA.
The other part of what I did not like about this story is Hailey’s character. I don’t get her. Hailey is supposedly 40, that in and of itself was jarring because I read her as being closer in age to the Kowalskis brides. Anyway, she’s 40 and has been sitting in this small town bemoaning the fact that she wants to get married and have kids just waiting for Prince Charming to show up.
Now maybe it’s just me, but 40 is a bit old to just be sitting around waiting for the father of your unborn children to show up. Biologically speaking, 40 is pushing it to start having children and I would think that if children were really a priority for you, you would be doing something about it, whether it’s being more proactive in your Prince search, considering a donor, or even just freezing your eggs. Sorry, but y’all know I get hung up on weird things and Hailey just makes no sense to me. If she was early/mid-thirties I could have bought her character, but not forty. And did I mention Matt’s an ass?
Bottom Line: If you’re a Shannon Stacey über-fan you’re probably going to read this book anyway, and that’s fine it’s well written with trademark Stacey humor. For everyone else, I’d skip this one in favor of re-reading an earlier book in this series or for an old school Polish-American family read, try Nora Roberts' Stanislaski books.
Read the rest of my reviews at: http://www.sexybooktimes.com
This book features Hailey Genest, the town librarian seen in several other books in this series and Matt Barnett the new resident game warden. The story is a classic opposites attract story. He likes the outdoors, she prefers fancy French bistros. He’s hiking boots, she’s stilettos. I could go on, but I think you get the point.
The opposites attract thing is a big part of why this book did not work for me. Without giving away the plot, I’ll just say that the differences between the two characters are pretty glaring and they are never really resolved. Matt is a total ass and rather than have any sort of meaningful resolution to the couple’s problems, we instead get a cheap near death experience that makes everyone realize their true feelings. I’m sorry, but I just do not believe that these characters live HEA.
The other part of what I did not like about this story is Hailey’s character. I don’t get her. Hailey is supposedly 40, that in and of itself was jarring because I read her as being closer in age to the Kowalskis brides. Anyway, she’s 40 and has been sitting in this small town bemoaning the fact that she wants to get married and have kids just waiting for Prince Charming to show up.
Now maybe it’s just me, but 40 is a bit old to just be sitting around waiting for the father of your unborn children to show up. Biologically speaking, 40 is pushing it to start having children and I would think that if children were really a priority for you, you would be doing something about it, whether it’s being more proactive in your Prince search, considering a donor, or even just freezing your eggs. Sorry, but y’all know I get hung up on weird things and Hailey just makes no sense to me. If she was early/mid-thirties I could have bought her character, but not forty. And did I mention Matt’s an ass?
Bottom Line: If you’re a Shannon Stacey über-fan you’re probably going to read this book anyway, and that’s fine it’s well written with trademark Stacey humor. For everyone else, I’d skip this one in favor of re-reading an earlier book in this series or for an old school Polish-American family read, try Nora Roberts' Stanislaski books.
Read the rest of my reviews at: http://www.sexybooktimes.com
April 30, 2015
I didn't realize this was a series book, but in my defense, I had nothing to read so I picked it up at Walgreens when I had a very slow and boring day at work and desperately needed something to read.
I don't think I missed much though. Being a series book, (and #8 in the series as well) it seems like it's one you can pick up and not miss anything important. Seems like some supporting characters probably had their stories told in previous books, but nothing that would make me scratch my head wondering what happened before that I should know.
So, Hailey has been in Whitford, Maine her entire life. Problem is, there are no eligible men in this place! As she is the small town's only librarian, and everyone knows everyone as well as everyone's business as well. As small as it is, there is a lot of town gossip that gets to everyone, whether you like it or not!
As Hailey is on a girl's weekend with her friend Tori, they find themselves lost in the woods, away from the group that they were hiking with. And Hailey is wearing new hiking boots that are giving her monster blisters, so she and Tori are wondering what to do since cell phones aren't working in the woods. A heavily bearded, flannel shirted man comes across their path and hears them talking of being lost. Matt Barnett is on his 2 week vacation at his families cabin nearby and he is going to be the new game warden for Whitford, as well as helping out with the new ATV courses the lodge is now offering. He helps the girls to find their cars and alerts the group that they were with that they are no longer lost. Hailey finds herself looking more at Matt's backside than his face. While Tori is encouraging her to find out more about him, as he was checking her out as well, Hailey shrugs her off saying she'd never meet a guy who is so comfortable in the wilderness, as it isn't her cup of tea.
Then once back into civilization, she finds him to be clean shaven and in uniform, there at the library to hold the ATV class that day. She is taken aback at how good looking he is once cleaned up and shaved. She is also taken aback when she realizes the next day that he has rented the house next door to hers and that he is her new neighbor, along with his black lab, Bear.
While the two keep telling themselves and their friends that they are all wrong for each other, they keep finding themselves together more than not. Will this neighborly flirting turn into something more, or are they too different to even give a relationship a chance?
Read it to find out, it was a quick, satisfying story. I may have to look up more books from this author, as it made the time go by and it was enjoyable to read.
I don't think I missed much though. Being a series book, (and #8 in the series as well) it seems like it's one you can pick up and not miss anything important. Seems like some supporting characters probably had their stories told in previous books, but nothing that would make me scratch my head wondering what happened before that I should know.
So, Hailey has been in Whitford, Maine her entire life. Problem is, there are no eligible men in this place! As she is the small town's only librarian, and everyone knows everyone as well as everyone's business as well. As small as it is, there is a lot of town gossip that gets to everyone, whether you like it or not!
As Hailey is on a girl's weekend with her friend Tori, they find themselves lost in the woods, away from the group that they were hiking with. And Hailey is wearing new hiking boots that are giving her monster blisters, so she and Tori are wondering what to do since cell phones aren't working in the woods. A heavily bearded, flannel shirted man comes across their path and hears them talking of being lost. Matt Barnett is on his 2 week vacation at his families cabin nearby and he is going to be the new game warden for Whitford, as well as helping out with the new ATV courses the lodge is now offering. He helps the girls to find their cars and alerts the group that they were with that they are no longer lost. Hailey finds herself looking more at Matt's backside than his face. While Tori is encouraging her to find out more about him, as he was checking her out as well, Hailey shrugs her off saying she'd never meet a guy who is so comfortable in the wilderness, as it isn't her cup of tea.
Then once back into civilization, she finds him to be clean shaven and in uniform, there at the library to hold the ATV class that day. She is taken aback at how good looking he is once cleaned up and shaved. She is also taken aback when she realizes the next day that he has rented the house next door to hers and that he is her new neighbor, along with his black lab, Bear.
While the two keep telling themselves and their friends that they are all wrong for each other, they keep finding themselves together more than not. Will this neighborly flirting turn into something more, or are they too different to even give a relationship a chance?
Read it to find out, it was a quick, satisfying story. I may have to look up more books from this author, as it made the time go by and it was enjoyable to read.
March 30, 2014
Piper‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I have enjoyed anything that I have read by Shannon Stacey since Amazon recommended her books to me. I loved the Kowalski Family series since book 1. We have now gotten all the Kowalski’s happy endings, and we are on to the still single ladies in Whitford. I was not sure if I would love this book as much as I do the others since this book does not have a Kowalski as the main character. I am glad to say that I did love it as much as the others, and this is a wonderful addition to a great series.
Hailey Genest is living her dream. Well almost her dream. She has her dream job of being the Liberian of the Whitford Library, but she is still missing her Prince Charming and the kids. She is forty, not getting any younger and wants to know where the hell her Prince is. All her friends are now married and starting families and Hailey is ready for her Prince Charming to show up already. Hailey’s dream man is a suit and tie kind of guy who enjoys the finer things in life. Or so she thought.
Matt Barnett is the new Game Warden in Whitford. Since the Kowalski family has branched out into ATV trails for their Northern Star Lodge during the summer months, he has been brought in to help the local police. Matt is your true outdoorsmen. He has been unlucky in love so far. Matt can’t seem to find a women who loves and accepts him for who he is. I mean come on, the man just wants a women to understand that when he comes home covered in mud and smelling of shi$t, that is all in a day’s work.
Hailey and Matt’s story is a wonderfully written story about how opposites can be perfect for one another. This story is filled with humor and love. We get to catch up with our favorite Whitford Kowalski’s as well as our favorite town folks. I love Fran and Rosie! Hailey and Matt have a lot to overcome. One thing I loved about this story is that yes, they are complete opposites, but how they compromise and realize they are perfect for one another is completely believable.
I also enjoy reading about the relationships between the women. It makes me glad I have the group of women I have in my life. Through the good, bad and the ups and downs, they are there for each other. I am looking forward to getting Tori’s story next. I am super excited to learn more about Whitford’s resident possible serial killer Max.
Another awesome read by Shannon Stacey.
Happy Reading!!!!
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
I have enjoyed anything that I have read by Shannon Stacey since Amazon recommended her books to me. I loved the Kowalski Family series since book 1. We have now gotten all the Kowalski’s happy endings, and we are on to the still single ladies in Whitford. I was not sure if I would love this book as much as I do the others since this book does not have a Kowalski as the main character. I am glad to say that I did love it as much as the others, and this is a wonderful addition to a great series.
Hailey Genest is living her dream. Well almost her dream. She has her dream job of being the Liberian of the Whitford Library, but she is still missing her Prince Charming and the kids. She is forty, not getting any younger and wants to know where the hell her Prince is. All her friends are now married and starting families and Hailey is ready for her Prince Charming to show up already. Hailey’s dream man is a suit and tie kind of guy who enjoys the finer things in life. Or so she thought.
Matt Barnett is the new Game Warden in Whitford. Since the Kowalski family has branched out into ATV trails for their Northern Star Lodge during the summer months, he has been brought in to help the local police. Matt is your true outdoorsmen. He has been unlucky in love so far. Matt can’t seem to find a women who loves and accepts him for who he is. I mean come on, the man just wants a women to understand that when he comes home covered in mud and smelling of shi$t, that is all in a day’s work.
Hailey and Matt’s story is a wonderfully written story about how opposites can be perfect for one another. This story is filled with humor and love. We get to catch up with our favorite Whitford Kowalski’s as well as our favorite town folks. I love Fran and Rosie! Hailey and Matt have a lot to overcome. One thing I loved about this story is that yes, they are complete opposites, but how they compromise and realize they are perfect for one another is completely believable.
I also enjoy reading about the relationships between the women. It makes me glad I have the group of women I have in my life. Through the good, bad and the ups and downs, they are there for each other. I am looking forward to getting Tori’s story next. I am super excited to learn more about Whitford’s resident possible serial killer Max.
Another awesome read by Shannon Stacey.
Happy Reading!!!!
September 27, 2014
Taken With You, the 8th book in the Kowalski series by Shannon Stacey offers a humorous, slow moving romance that fans of the series would undoubtedly adore. Hailey Genest, the town librarian is looking for a man to settle down with, a man with a regular hours keeping job, with whom she has shared common interests with.
Going camping with her friend Tori Burns was a way for them to “celebrate” being single, a bad move for someone like Hailey who is not that outdoorsy to begin with. When Hailey and Tori gets lost, it is Matt Barnett who comes to their rescue, looking like a hermit who had just crawled out of his cave. Hailey can’t help but be a little bit repulsed by the unkempt look and Matt though finds Hailey altogether too beautiful for his peace of mind, reminds himself that women like Hailey aren’t for men like him.
Thus begins the tale of opposites attract between the town librarian and its new game warden, an attraction that both try and fight to no avail. Hailey shows a side of herself that Matt finds himself inexplicably drawn towards and Hailey can’t help but moon over her neighbor even though she knows that she shouldn’t crave for someone who is the total opposite of what she is looking for.
Shannon Stacey is one of those few authors who writes contemporary romances like they should be written. Though Taken with You was a tad slow moving for my tastes, it nevertheless delivered a story that was heartwarming. The best bit about the story was the angst that Shannon delivered towards the end, angst of the type that is hard to come by in romances these days with the hero and heroine solving every little problem between them halfway through the book.
Angst is an important factor in any sort of romance; it is one of the reasons why I put myself through reading romances, because nothing can compare with the emotions that a good bout of angst can conjure up.
Recommended for fans of the series and fans of contemporary romances. This can definitely be read as a standalone!
Rating = 3.75/5
Going camping with her friend Tori Burns was a way for them to “celebrate” being single, a bad move for someone like Hailey who is not that outdoorsy to begin with. When Hailey and Tori gets lost, it is Matt Barnett who comes to their rescue, looking like a hermit who had just crawled out of his cave. Hailey can’t help but be a little bit repulsed by the unkempt look and Matt though finds Hailey altogether too beautiful for his peace of mind, reminds himself that women like Hailey aren’t for men like him.
Thus begins the tale of opposites attract between the town librarian and its new game warden, an attraction that both try and fight to no avail. Hailey shows a side of herself that Matt finds himself inexplicably drawn towards and Hailey can’t help but moon over her neighbor even though she knows that she shouldn’t crave for someone who is the total opposite of what she is looking for.
Shannon Stacey is one of those few authors who writes contemporary romances like they should be written. Though Taken with You was a tad slow moving for my tastes, it nevertheless delivered a story that was heartwarming. The best bit about the story was the angst that Shannon delivered towards the end, angst of the type that is hard to come by in romances these days with the hero and heroine solving every little problem between them halfway through the book.
Angst is an important factor in any sort of romance; it is one of the reasons why I put myself through reading romances, because nothing can compare with the emotions that a good bout of angst can conjure up.
Recommended for fans of the series and fans of contemporary romances. This can definitely be read as a standalone!
Rating = 3.75/5
October 17, 2014
4.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Definitely one of my favorites! Taken With You is the 8th book in the Kowalski Family series by Shannon Stacey. If you haven't had the good fortune to read this series you need to start now. This book can be read alone, any of the books can be read alone in this series. But, I definitely recommend reading all of them if for no other reason than they are all so good and you won't be sorry.
Hailey Genest is the small town librarian in Whitford, Maine. She may be small town, but she has lofty standards or at least by Whitford's standards she does. She wants a guy that likes to dress up and will take her to the city for fancy meals, dancing, plays, anything other than the local diner or worse an outdoor activity. The selection in her small town doesn't offer many choices of that variety, yet she refuses to leave her library and move to the city. She'll just satisfy herself with her girls night out with her one other single friend. Even if their last adventure did land them lost in the woods and escorted out by a hairy, smelly mountain man.
Matt Barnett loves his job as a game warden. He really thinks he's going to like his new position in the picturesque little town of Whitford. Now, if only he could find a woman that accepts his strange hours and loves the outdoors as much as he does. His new neighbor shows a lot of potential, but she's made it clear to him that she is not interested. Sad because she has really caught his attention.
I loved Matt and felt so bad for him. All he wants is to be loved for himself. He has a lot of love to give in return. Hailey just needed to let go of her preconceived standard and get to know the person within. Once she did that the sparks flew. I love this couple! They are one of my favorites.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Definitely one of my favorites! Taken With You is the 8th book in the Kowalski Family series by Shannon Stacey. If you haven't had the good fortune to read this series you need to start now. This book can be read alone, any of the books can be read alone in this series. But, I definitely recommend reading all of them if for no other reason than they are all so good and you won't be sorry.
Hailey Genest is the small town librarian in Whitford, Maine. She may be small town, but she has lofty standards or at least by Whitford's standards she does. She wants a guy that likes to dress up and will take her to the city for fancy meals, dancing, plays, anything other than the local diner or worse an outdoor activity. The selection in her small town doesn't offer many choices of that variety, yet she refuses to leave her library and move to the city. She'll just satisfy herself with her girls night out with her one other single friend. Even if their last adventure did land them lost in the woods and escorted out by a hairy, smelly mountain man.
Matt Barnett loves his job as a game warden. He really thinks he's going to like his new position in the picturesque little town of Whitford. Now, if only he could find a woman that accepts his strange hours and loves the outdoors as much as he does. His new neighbor shows a lot of potential, but she's made it clear to him that she is not interested. Sad because she has really caught his attention.
I loved Matt and felt so bad for him. All he wants is to be loved for himself. He has a lot of love to give in return. Hailey just needed to let go of her preconceived standard and get to know the person within. Once she did that the sparks flew. I love this couple! They are one of my favorites.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
September 22, 2014
In an attempt to embrace the awesomeness of single life, Hailey, a small-town librarian went on a hike in the wilderness. Things didn't turn out as planned and she ended up being rescued by a hairy, smelly, psycho-killer look-alike.
Game Warden Matt Barnett, took one look at Hailey fancy hiking outfit and make up and knew she wasn't for him. They were so sure they wouldn't see each other again.
But fate had a twisted sense of humor and made him her new next-door neighbor. Amusing affairs ensued.
I liked that both of them were quite adult about it. The beginning was so funny I chuckled many many times. Things settled down to a slow but nice pace. I was in no mood for drama so I enjoyed it immensely.
However, there were a few problems I couldn't shake off after finishing the book. We've seen Hailey in the series for 4 books, yet I felt I understood Matt better than I did her. Hailey's "tastes" and "wants" were all telling, not showing. She always said she liked this and that but there was nothing in the story that indicated so besides some little tidbits knowledge about classical music. If the concept of this novel is compromise, the degree of adjustments on Hailey's part was very slight.
The ending was a tad too perfect and toothache sweet it made me roll my eyes a little. But overall it was a satisfying read. And the dialogues were up to Shannon Stacey's standards.
Rounded up to 4.
Game Warden Matt Barnett, took one look at Hailey fancy hiking outfit and make up and knew she wasn't for him. They were so sure they wouldn't see each other again.
But fate had a twisted sense of humor and made him her new next-door neighbor. Amusing affairs ensued.
I liked that both of them were quite adult about it. The beginning was so funny I chuckled many many times. Things settled down to a slow but nice pace. I was in no mood for drama so I enjoyed it immensely.
However, there were a few problems I couldn't shake off after finishing the book. We've seen Hailey in the series for 4 books, yet I felt I understood Matt better than I did her. Hailey's "tastes" and "wants" were all telling, not showing. She always said she liked this and that but there was nothing in the story that indicated so besides some little tidbits knowledge about classical music. If the concept of this novel is compromise, the degree of adjustments on Hailey's part was very slight.
The ending was a tad too perfect and toothache sweet it made me roll my eyes a little. But overall it was a satisfying read. And the dialogues were up to Shannon Stacey's standards.
Rounded up to 4.
May 1, 2016
Ahh. First impressions. Sometimes they can be spot on and sometimes they're completely off.
And sometimes they're exactly right, but they're still worth fighting for and figuring out how to make things work despite the differences.
Hailey and Matt don't have the best first meeting. Their first impressions of each other aren't necessarily wrong, but they don't convey the entire picture either. Hailey's looking to settle down and start a family, Matt's still nursing a wounded heart. Kinda. The point is they both feel the attraction, but they can't see things going anywhere between the two of them. Just to be clear, there are other differences between them, too. He's outdoorsy, she's...not. He likes sports, she doesn't. Basically, there were a lot of little obstacles that made them look all wrong for each other at first glance.
So...they do the neighbors with benefits thing. Which works for a while. Until things blow up. Which is kinda sorta what they both expected. Watching them work their way through their hurt is what makes these characters shine.
Bottom line, this book made me feel good. I liked both Matt and Hailey. I liked that they loved and fought and loved some more. I just... liked it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
And sometimes they're exactly right, but they're still worth fighting for and figuring out how to make things work despite the differences.
Hailey and Matt don't have the best first meeting. Their first impressions of each other aren't necessarily wrong, but they don't convey the entire picture either. Hailey's looking to settle down and start a family, Matt's still nursing a wounded heart. Kinda. The point is they both feel the attraction, but they can't see things going anywhere between the two of them. Just to be clear, there are other differences between them, too. He's outdoorsy, she's...not. He likes sports, she doesn't. Basically, there were a lot of little obstacles that made them look all wrong for each other at first glance.
So...they do the neighbors with benefits thing. Which works for a while. Until things blow up. Which is kinda sorta what they both expected. Watching them work their way through their hurt is what makes these characters shine.
Bottom line, this book made me feel good. I liked both Matt and Hailey. I liked that they loved and fought and loved some more. I just... liked it.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
March 30, 2014
It's okay Hailey I'd be sneaking a peak if I were in your shoes, "Hailey could tell he was walking away from her, so she opened her eyes to watch him go. Even if she tried to put aside being under the influence of his touch on her neck, she had to admit he had a nice a**. Exceptional, even." Matt he's such a nice guy and I loved the boy, "don't feel bad for caring about my dog. And he'll be outside at least twenty minutes. I'm up, so have a coffee with me." Hailey the girl knows how to keep her man interested, play at his wildest fantasies, "just as he got to her, Hailey turned and went up the stairs. With each step, he was gifted with a teasing flash of skin and, by the time they got to the top, he had his shirt and T-shirt off." I mean just like Hailey like's his a** he's in love with hers, "smart-a**." He slapped her a**, making her jump. "Remind me to tell you about my fantasies more often." This was a fun and entertaining story to read.
December 29, 2014
3 stars - I liked it but with nits. First of all, I've skipped around this series and recently finished book one, so I was sort of surprised that neither lead was a Kowalski. That said, this book was really slow to get going and I actually set it aside and really hadn't planned on picking it back up, but I was doing some end of the year house cleaning on my Kindle and TBR pile and so this got a second shot. Once the leads - librarian in search of a prince charming,Hailey, and Park Ranger burned by a woman who couldn't accept his outdoorsyness, Matt- become neighbors with benefits I actually ended up enjoying their story.
March 26, 2014
Very cute contemporary romance! I'm a fan of librarian heroines, and Hailey is adorable. Definitely recommend this one, although I should point out that it's a little short - only about 75,000 words - but is very cute.
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