Review: Happy Hour by Shey Stahl

HOLY.
MOTHER.
OF.
AMAZINGNESS.

This book was everything I look for in a romance novel, and I’m proud to say that this one has officially made it to my “favorites” shelf! Not many books leave me with the craving for more, but I just couldn’t get enough of this story and the characters. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of racing- Not for any particular reason other than the fact that it’s never really struck my interest… Until now. I think it’s official: I want to marry a race car driver- Heck, I’d settle for just being a pit lizard… Whatever I can get, I’ll take. This story was race oriented in such a realistic way and so much more unique than anything I’ve read recently, which was really refreshing.

One thing that really took me by surprise in this book was the amount of humor involved- I can’t even count the number of times that I busted out laughing! The conversations and inner monologue between all of the characters kept the hugest smile on my face- Everything just seemed so real. Never once did any conversation or scene feel stilted; It really is a true gift when an author can make every character involved in a story seem like you actually really know and care about them on such a personal level.

Now don’t get me wrong… Although this book was filled with humor throughout every turn of the page, it definitely didn’t lack angst or emotion. Both the hero and heroine faced their own personal trials and demons, but despite it all they were always there for each other, no matter what. The relationship between Jameson and Sway held so much depth and commitment- The feelings they had for each other were extremely strong and had always bordered that thin line between friendship and something more. They’ve always been best friends, but it eventually developed into something bigger than they ever expected...


Jameson… My God. The man was absolute P.E.R.F.E.C.T.I.O.N.

I don’t know what it is about a man that calls a woman "honey"or throws temper tantrums (or things) when he doesn’t get his way but when Jameson said and did these two things, it was nothing short of a turn on. I swear, I turned into a puddle of my own drool just by seeing his name on the page… I… am… pathetic. Jameson cared for Sway- That was evident. 

"How far would I go to protect her? The answer: I would do anything." -Jameson 

...However, he was so focused on his career that he just didn’t know how to balance both that and a relationship. He was incapable of offering Sway what she wanted and deserved, but he was man enough to admit that he was too selfish to let her go. On top of dealing with all of these new emotions for his best friend he also had to deal with a rival out for blood and vengeance, a psycho-stalker fan, and a jealous ex-girlfriend… Heck, it was no surprise that the man had a temper.

I absolutely loved loved loved Sway’s character! She was so down to earth and definitely not afraid to be herself… Or punch you in the face if you tick her off. She had a do-or-die attitude that I appreciated and adored- That’s not usually a quality that I like in my heroines but it worked for her in every way. She’s always felt more than friendship when it came to Jameson, so when he finally started to hint that he wanted to take their relationship to the next level, she jumped on the chance. She didn’t care if it turned out to be nothing more than friends-with-benefits… Her logic was to just put all emotions aside and go with it because she knew that she would never have another chance to be with him in the way that she had always dreamed.

The author really gives you a true racing experience by all of her detailed descriptions- The secondary characters were all wonderful as well- They were extremely supportive of one another and there’s such a sense of family and togetherness between most all of the characters involved, and they all really helped to add so much depth to the story. 

This may be my first book by Shey Stahl, but it most certainly won’t be my last. The only complaint I have is the amount of grammatical errors... I’m far from grammar Nazi material, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that all of the errors were a bit of a distraction for me. With that aside though, I honestly can’t say enough good things about Happy Hour. It was such a promising start to a series that I know I’ll love more and more the further along I get… Now, on to book two!