All He Ever Desired

By: Shannon Stacey

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

A second shot at first love...

After college, Ryan Kowalski decided to leave Whitford, Maine, rather than watch Lauren Carpenter marry another man. Now his siblings need his help to refurbish the family-owned Northern Star Lodge and he's forced to face the past sooner rather than later when he collars a vandal - and learns the boy is Lauren's son....

The last person Lauren needs back in her life is Ryan Kowalski. With a bitter ex-husband and a moody teenage son, she has enough man trouble already. But her son needs to learn a few lessons about right and wrong, even if Lauren has to escort him to Ryan's door every day to work off his crime.

With all this close contact, Ryan and Lauren can't deny the chemistry between them is as powerful as ever. But can a few searing kisses erase their past and pave the way for a second chance at true love?

©2012 Shannon Stacey (P)2012 Audible, Inc

What a difference a narrator makes

What made the experience of listening to All He Ever Desired the most enjoyable?

Shannon Stacey's outstanding writing of the Kowalski family saga continues in "All He Ever Desired." It felt like I had a first row seat to the love and struggles of Ryan and Lauren. it was exciting, suspenseful and very enjoyable.

What did you like best about this story?

Like all the Kowalski books, I like that love is found at home. It is sweet and romantic.

What three words best describe Lauren Fortgang’s voice?

Lauren should have listened to the voices of the characters in the previous book. Her voice was fine but you had to re-identify the voices you had already become comfortable with.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reaction but I enjoyed the twist.

Soooo cute!!!

The story was fun and the narration was great. I can't wait for more from both author and narrator!!

Stacey & Fortgang always entertains

As always the writing and narration team of Shannon Stacey and Lauren Fortgang is a winner!

I’m really enjoying the Kowalski family. This time around we get’s Ryan’s story. He’s been avoiding going into town when he’s home and his family thinks they know the reason… Lauren Carpenter.

Lauren married Ryan’s best friend right out of high school after they found out she was pregnant which made things for Ryan hard since he was in love with her. So he left town to go to college and start his business.

15 years later the two are now divorced from other people and the attraction is still there but they are pretty much strangers now since they’ve not spoken in all this time.

Lauren has it tough as a single mother raising at 16-year-old son. Said son gets into trouble over damaging property at Ryan’s family home the Northern Star Lodge that Ryan is home to help repair so that the family can either sale it or make bring out of the red.

After Ryan catches Lauren’s son, Nick they work out a deal where he has to work off the damages by helping Ryan and his construction crew with the repairs to the lodge. That means Ryan can’t avoid Lauren anymore and all his feelings for her come rushing back and Lauren’s “what if” thoughts about a younger Ryan flood her every waking thoughts.

All He Ever Desired is a great second chance love story. I love that we get updates on the couples from previous books and set ups for the future books. Next up is Josh and Katie book which should be interesting since she’s been crushing on him for years and he has no clue what’s right under his nose.

Hum drum... Predictable, and selfish heroine.

I was hoping to enjoy this book, but it just didn't suck me in. I know I should've started at the beginning of the series, but Shannon Stacey did an ok job filling in the gaps. The problem was the characters were not that enjoyable. Sure, the main guy is kind, compassionate, and hooks a girl, but the girl he hooks is pretty self centered, and by the time I got to the end of the book I was hoping she'd do something to redeem herself. Nope. Instead, she had to have everyone else convince her that the guy she claims to be in love with is good enough for her, and despite the "happily ever after" I don't see a realistic happy ending. A lot like real life, except a good guy like that would (hopefully) not settle for second rate conceit. BORING. And disappointing.

Reconnecting with lost love

3/5 rating: pretty good. The story was interesting. I liked the cast of characters. A couple of sexy times (pretty mild).

SPOILERS

As with other books in the series, I find the endings very abrupt and anti-climactic. After hours of buildup, the book ends one sentence after the marriage proposal?

The Kowalski Family Book 5 Sweet Series Feel Good

What did you like about this audiobook?

This is a nice set that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy. The scene between Lauren's ex husband and Ryan regarding Lauren and her son's future and the fall out from that.

A second shot at first love...

After college, Ryan Kowalski decided to leave Whitford, Maine, rather than watch Lauren Carpenter marry another man. Now his siblings need his help to refurbish the family-owned Northern Star Lodge and he's forced to face the past sooner rather than later when he collars a vandal - and learns the boy is Lauren's son....

The last person Lauren needs back in her life is Ryan Kowalski. With a bitter ex-husband and a moody teenage son, she has enough man trouble already. But her son needs to learn a few lessons about right and wrong, even if Lauren has to escort him to Ryan's door every day to work off his crime.

With all this close contact, Ryan and Lauren can't deny the chemistry between them is as powerful as ever. But can a few searing kisses erase their past and pave the way for a second chance at true love?

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The narrator is great-though if I have to listen to a book with Haley as a main character I MAY go into a listening stupor! Fortunately, she is only a minor character in several books.

Do you have any additional comments?

I'm not sure why these books are not included in the The Kowalski Family Series as they seem to be a continuation.

NOTE: Some descriptions of sex

Comforting Series

I’ve had this series (and author) recommended to me many times over the years. I don’t know why, but I’m just getting around to listening to it. I’ve enjoyed the entire series so far. I’ve been finding the books pleasant and comfortable with likable characters (It’s easy to visualize the characters and town).

Something I’ve been enjoying in this series is the easy transition of characters throughout the series. Main characters from previous books still have a role throughout the series. Shannon Stacey included a perfect combination of humor, steaminess and making me feel attached to the characters.

Light Listening

This is a typical cute and predictable romance story. I did enjoy the fact that one of the main characters was a divorced mother with a teenager. That gave the couple an interesting trail to work through. The plot also leads a forehead slapping moment when both the teen son and difficult ex-husband discover the couple in bed.

So So

Any additional comments?

Although there were some funny moments in this story I felt the romance was just so-so. I really liked Ms. Rose, she was definitely a hoot.

Love the Kowalski's

Would you listen to All He Ever Desired again? Why?

Definitely YES!!!

What did you like best about this story?

That someone finally saw the child needed love and understanding

Which scene was your favorite?

all of it

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

both

Any additional comments?

great! Can't wait for more!