Monday, March 31, 2014

[Review]: "Taken with You"

Taken With You Shannon Stacey
Publisher: Carina Press (March 25, 2014) 
Series: Kowalski Family, 8
Genre: Contemporary Romance




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...


Where to Buy*:
More Info:


My Review:




Although part of a series, Taken With You can easily be read as a standalone. Good thing, too, as I've only read the first book in the Kowalski series, and now I've jumped right into number 8!


Shannon Stacey has created a fun, charming small-town, and I can assure you I will be back to explore it, as well as the family in general.


I did love Matt and Hailey working through their relationship. They do not have a ton of things in common, but they try their best to work that out and compromise. It felt real.


This may sound odd, but I liked Matt's dog, Bear, too, and I was happy that Stacey made him a part of this story. Matt cared for him dearly, and Bear fit in to the book. He wasn't simply a dog that popped up when it was convenient; Matt takes care of him, as does Hailey when she sees that Matt isn't home. I've read many romances were the dog is used as a prop or for "aw, cute!" moments. Not so with this one!




Hailey rolled her eyes. "I don't want him."

"Bullshit. Who wouldn't want him? Get that Property of Whitford Public Library stamp and stamp it right on his forehead. Then cross out the library's name and write yours."

"Go away."

"If you don't want to keep him, then pretend he's a book. Enjoy him for two weeks, then return him."





I smiled at more than a few quotes in this book. Light and fun, Taken with You was just what I needed to relax and forget some of the stress in my life.




"I didn't say to marry him. A horny monkey can climb a tree, then climb back down and choose another."




Matt and Hailey have great chemistry, and when they do finally hit the bedroom, it's very sexy and satisfying! Stace also adds enough sweet to the story to make this a very enjoyable read, and one I will be recommending to many. When opposites attract in a small-town, it's always a blast watching the story unfold!



4 STARS! 


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I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion.

*Note: The quotes used belong to Shannon Stacey; TBQ's Book Palace does not claim them.

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Have you read Shannon Stacey? Do you have a favorite book of hers?

This is my second time reading one of her books, and I know I'll continue to come back for more!





Enjoy!


Until Next Time,


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  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

6 comments :

Oana said...

I read the entire series and currently reading "Taken with you". I like how Shannon writes, I get lost in her books and love the world she created. :)

The_Book_Queen said...

Oh, I have to agree -- it is very easy to get lost in her books, between the small towns and close-knit family, it's very comforting to visit! :)

ConfessionsFR said...

Sounds something right up my alley and the bonus is that I don't have to read any of the previous books. I haven't read anything of Shannon's yet but I need a light and fun read right right now. Off to amazon I go lol.

The_Book_Queen said...

Taken With You is just what you need then! :) And I'm sure after you read it, you'll be anxious to read the rest of the series, too!

Anna@herding cats&burning soup said...

I might need to give these another go. The first 3 books are some of my favorite reads then The next trio so weren't for me. But this one's looking really really tempting.

Heather MacKenzie said...

I have actually been reading this series. I have enjoyed Hailey in the books I have read so far. Thanks for the review, I will keep chugging along. I am not loving the one I am currently reading but this gives me hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. :)