The Kowalski books are what I like to call “gimme books”. I’m greedy and will push, shove and slap-fight to get at one. However, I got a frowny face when I realized we were breaking into a new branch of Kowalski men. Oh I know, if I want more Kowalski stories, they’ve got to come from somewhere. Luckily Mitch wasted no time in charming his way into my heart. Sounds a little sappy but seriously, he might be my favorite Kowalski.
Mitch has come back to his hometown to help his youngest brother with the family lodge that is run down and ailing financially. Mitch plans to stay and help out for six weeks and then he’s going to hit the road again, as is par for the course in running his demolition company. Although Mitch grew up in a small town, he’s no fan of small town life and six weeks is about all he can take since the stories of his boyhood shenanigans come back to haunt him every time he visits. When it comes to relationships he’s always been a no strings attached guy and very up front about it, making sure anyone he gets involved with knows this.
Paige Sullivan stumbled into town a couple of years ago when her car broke down, and never left. After a childhood of moving around and no stability, Paige loves living in a small town loves the life she’s carved out there. She’s dedicated to running her diner and believes that men are a luxury, not a necessity and she prefers to keep her life as simple as possible.
Paige and Mitch are opposites. About the only thing they have in common is neither one is looking for a relationship. However they go about that in different ways. Paige avoids getting involved by refusing to date anyone, even casually. Mitch likes to have short flings with no strings attached. But their chemistry get the best of them and they begin a fling with an “end date”.
It sounds cold but it’s what they both want and they have a little scene just before they get busy. Mitch makes his intentions clear and Paige checks him.
Mitch:
“This is all there is. We’ll have a good time and enjoy each other’s company and then, when it’s time for me to go, I’ll just say goodbye and be gone. I won’t call. I won’t text. I won’t write.”
Paige:
“Just so you know,” she said, “once you’re gone, I won’t mope. I won’t text. I won’t sit around restaurants in twenty years reminiscing about the night we spent together.”
The reason I love this series is Shannon Stacey delivers sharp witty dialogue that makes me love her characters. They’re not always perfect, but they always make me laugh. Mitch and Paige had some great banter and I loved how they really liked each other beyond their sexual attraction. It made their steamy scenes even better knowing they had more than just a mutual physical attraction.
My one complaint about this story and I find it’s a complaint I have with many of the romances I read is Paige has mommy issues. The reason Paige does not want to get involved in relationships is because her mother is a flake and lives her life searching for the perfect man. Because of this Paige has had a string of temporary men in her life and has watched her mother lose herself to men. Paige goes to extremes not to become her mother. *sigh* I wish that romance heroes or heroines didn’t have to have crappy parents to give them something to overcome or not become or hate or whatever.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book that really made feel all silly and melty. Mitch’s declaration of love in this story made me smile out loud and by that I mean I didn’t care if I sat on my couch grinning like a fool while my hubby and kids teased me for getting silly over my book. I wish I could quote the scene but I don’t want to ruin it for anyone. It’s good, trust me.
We get a good introduction Mitch’s brothers and of course I’m dying to read their stories. The towns folk are interesting and as it turns out, small town life can be entertaining, fun and sexy. All He Ever Needed is another great Kowalski love story.
Favorite Quote:
Mitch caught her before she stepped off the rock, taking her arm and spinning her back to face him. “I want to kiss you because it’s the only damn thing I can think about. Every time I see you, I think about kissing you. Every time somebody says your name, I think about kissing you. Every single night when my head hits the pillow and I close my eyes, I think about kissing you.” She kissed him.
Rating: B+
All He Ever Needed by Shannon Stacey
September 10th 2012 by Carina Press
GoodReads
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About FV Sophia
This sounds like another great contemporary series I need to start reading! Sounds like the heroine really holds her own to the hero’s bluntness! The text quotes made me lol.
Amy, there’s a low entry price into the series right now, since book one, Exclusively Yours, is on sale for $1.99 this month! I hope Sophia doesn’t mind if I leave a few links in the comments to help you find it
Amazon: http://ow.ly/dBCXK
B&N: http://ow.ly/dBD2Q
Carina: http://ow.ly/dBD6W
Sophia, thank you for the great review. I love working on these books. Some books are pure fun to edit, and this series is one of them!
Thanks Angela. I’ve actually bought the first three books. I just need to get to reading them!
Oh Amy, you need to read the series. It’s one of my favorites.
I read the first book in the series and really liked it. I need to get back to the rest of them.
It is just me that is in total fan-girl love with this series? How can you read just one? I don’t get it. LOL
Oh, I really liked it! There are just so many books and so little time. I have to plan accordingly!
I know! That is always my problem. So many great books to read. It’s a hard life man! lol
On GR today Tori said something to the effect that she wished authors would stop writing for a couple of months so she could catch up. I agree!
I always feel hopelessly behind and since I blog with five super readers who are always giving me amazing recs, I will NEVER catch up. *ahem*
Going forward I will only review sucky books! I will do my part!
LOL
I’m starting this one tonight! I love my Kowalskis.
Let me know what you think Angela.
Thanks for the review – can’t wait to get my copy!
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Ooh, this one sounds good. I like that the hero and heroine are both on the same playing field regarding the desire for commitment. I don’t remember Mitch from the earlier books. Was he mentioned and I’ve forgotten?
It’s weird though because the whole relationship takes place on the heroines turf so to speak. He sleeps over at her house (trailer), eats at her diner etc. But one day when she shows up on his territory he gets twitchy. Bad Mitch!! lol
Mitch was mentioned in the last book I think? Not sure. The second wave of Kowalskis are cousins to the first wave.
I can deal with some cousins.
I was a little resistant at first. Weird I know. But Mitch is great and I like his brothers. There is a sister too. I love the small town and of course the side stories that are brewing.
I hope I enjoy it too.
I still have not tried this author! And i have to
Get on it blodeuedd!! It’s time!
I keep stumbling over reviews for this book, and I want it! I have only read one Kowalski so far, but I do want to read them all.