The thought of a family vacation with extended family members would put fear into the hearts of many people I know, even those blessed with loving families. Don't get me wrong - these vacations can be a lot of fun. But consider the outsider invited into this chaos: 4 unruly boys nicknamed "Mass Weapons of Destruction," a despondent teenage girl, adult siblings - married, separated, and divorced, and the grandparents. Add in one reclusive and a bestseller list author, and the results are very entertaining.Keri Daniels is the unsuspecting guest at this family camping retreat. Keri is a reporter at the gossip magazine Spotlight and her editor has charged her with coming up with some dirt on the very private Joe Kowalski. When her editor learns that Keri and Joe were once lovers, she pushes Keri to get that interview. Keri reluctantly agrees because she wants that promotion.Getting Joe to agree to an interview is not easy. Joe is curious about "the one that got away" and agrees to meet Keri. He then decides to go ahead with an interview provided that she follows his instructions and comes along on his family vacation. Keri is not allowed any electronics - no cell phone, cameras, recording equipment. She is also allowed one question a day, provided that she participate in the family activities. I think that what I loved most about this book was that right away I felt like part of this family. I loved the interactions between the family members: the bargaining for time alone for haggard parents Lisa and Joe, Kevin's playfulness, Theresa's sadness and pain about her marriage, and Joe's generosity. Mike and Lisa's rambunctious boys also provided some sticky moments and comic relief. I loved Joe's parents, too. This is a loving family that plays, laughs, cries, and gets muddy together. They aren't perfect - they seem real.Keri and Joe were wonderful together. It amazed me that an 18 year separation did not affect their feelings for each other. Their relationship built up slowly through the novel and I loved watching them get to know each other again. I may never look at an ATV the same way again. These two are hot!This was my first Shannon Stacey novel and it definitely won't be my last. I can't wait to read the next book in the series - it's Kevin's story.Kindle free download 1/19/13. Also free on Carina Press 1/21/13. *No longer free.
