Helpful Score: 5
This is my favorite Kristan Higgins book yet! Such a cute story, and the characters are so likable. I REALLY enjoyed this, and did not want to put it down. As with her other books, it was quite humorous at times, and just an easy-to-follow story that was predictable, yet so good anyway! I highly recommend this author, and especially this book!
Helpful Score: 4
The problem with reading my first two Kristan Higgins novels back to back is that, the second time around, the formula becomes glaringly, embarrassingly obvious. In one breath, here are the characteristics that, after reading just two of her books, I suspect hold throughout all her novels: a theoretically smart female MC (often a middle child with an unusual interest or hobby) with a bad history in men and who turns into idiots around men, a quirky family, a cantankerous grandparent, an over-hyper and disobedient canine pet who gets talked to in frighteningly embarrassing babytalk, eCommitment and horrible blind online dates, a gay best friend I guess Ill stop here for now (although Ill just say: seriously, a requisite gay best friend? Isnt that so 1990s?).
Furthermore, the plot progresses at pretty much the same ratio: for example, the requisite lovers misunderstanding occurs at around 85% of the way through the novel. GAH. I dont know whether I should laugh at the unapologetic adherence to a formula, or cry a little.
Now, I understand that this is romance and that bestselling romance often follows a formula that everyone knows yet still loves. And yep, thats pretty much the case here. This is classic Higgins (if one who has only read two of her books is allowed to reach such a conclusion after having just dissected her formula in a disconcertingly easy way). Callie is likable (and has the requisite quirky hobby!), and her awkwardness/stupidity around men is still infuriating yet relatable. Zany humor abounds in conversations. The dog is still annoying.
But Ian. Oh, Ian. He totally makes this book. Think a blond, Slavic version of Mr. Darcy, with a reticence slightly reminiscent of Aspergers but with puppy-like loyalty that is hard to earn but oh so worth it. Shy guys! Stories these days are overflowing with guys who know theyre good-looking and know how to say just the right thing to get what they want. Ian, however, has NO CLUE what hes doing most of the time, as far as relationships go, which makes his rare right actions all the more genuine and truly endearing. We need more Ians in stories, thats for sure.
Its probably going to be hard for me to pick a favorite Higgins romance, because they all follow pretty much the same formula, and yet are all so much fun to read. Hopefully this review will push you in the right direction and encourage you to pick up a book by Kristin Higgins! And if you already have, well, lets just giggle and gaggle and gossip together over which Higgins man wed like to have for ourselves
Furthermore, the plot progresses at pretty much the same ratio: for example, the requisite lovers misunderstanding occurs at around 85% of the way through the novel. GAH. I dont know whether I should laugh at the unapologetic adherence to a formula, or cry a little.
Now, I understand that this is romance and that bestselling romance often follows a formula that everyone knows yet still loves. And yep, thats pretty much the case here. This is classic Higgins (if one who has only read two of her books is allowed to reach such a conclusion after having just dissected her formula in a disconcertingly easy way). Callie is likable (and has the requisite quirky hobby!), and her awkwardness/stupidity around men is still infuriating yet relatable. Zany humor abounds in conversations. The dog is still annoying.
But Ian. Oh, Ian. He totally makes this book. Think a blond, Slavic version of Mr. Darcy, with a reticence slightly reminiscent of Aspergers but with puppy-like loyalty that is hard to earn but oh so worth it. Shy guys! Stories these days are overflowing with guys who know theyre good-looking and know how to say just the right thing to get what they want. Ian, however, has NO CLUE what hes doing most of the time, as far as relationships go, which makes his rare right actions all the more genuine and truly endearing. We need more Ians in stories, thats for sure.
Its probably going to be hard for me to pick a favorite Higgins romance, because they all follow pretty much the same formula, and yet are all so much fun to read. Hopefully this review will push you in the right direction and encourage you to pick up a book by Kristin Higgins! And if you already have, well, lets just giggle and gaggle and gossip together over which Higgins man wed like to have for ourselves
Helpful Score: 2
Calliope "Callie" Grey has been in love with Mark since she was a young girl. He even gave her her first kiss in a dark closet when they were young. She's always loved him, but he was her friend. Years later, Mark hires Callie at his advertising agency. When they have to go to a conference, Callie goes with Mark, and the two start a whirlwind affair. Callie is sure Mark is going to be her happy ever after, so she is confused when Mark tells her it isn't the right time in his life for her. She can wait, but then Mark tells her he is serious about Muriel, the daughter of their biggest client -- someone he has been seeing for months.
Callie is heartbroken, but she figures the quickest way to get Mark back is to make him jealous, to see another man. There's a new vet in town, Ian McFarland. He's easy on the eyes, but his attitude leaves a different impression. Ian is very formal and stodgy, but so good with the animals, including Callie's dog, Bowie. But Callie soon learns Ian is a good man, and with him, she could get her happily ever after if she can put Mark in her past.
All I Ever Wanted is the first book I have read by Kristin Higgins. I was pleasantly delighted! The writing is superb with some laugh out loud situations. I really enjoyed the secondary characters - Callie's family and co-workers. Their antics and advice really added to the story. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that connection with the main character, Callie. I wanted to like her, but I thought she needed more backbone. The romance between her and Ian though was sweet. Romance fans will devour this one!
Callie is heartbroken, but she figures the quickest way to get Mark back is to make him jealous, to see another man. There's a new vet in town, Ian McFarland. He's easy on the eyes, but his attitude leaves a different impression. Ian is very formal and stodgy, but so good with the animals, including Callie's dog, Bowie. But Callie soon learns Ian is a good man, and with him, she could get her happily ever after if she can put Mark in her past.
All I Ever Wanted is the first book I have read by Kristin Higgins. I was pleasantly delighted! The writing is superb with some laugh out loud situations. I really enjoyed the secondary characters - Callie's family and co-workers. Their antics and advice really added to the story. Unfortunately, I couldn't find that connection with the main character, Callie. I wanted to like her, but I thought she needed more backbone. The romance between her and Ian though was sweet. Romance fans will devour this one!
Helpful Score: 2
absolutely loved this book. great characters, emotionally touching moments and a quirky hero and heroine. The rocking chair was almost a character unto itself! highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 1
Great book! Nice easy read with likeable characters. Laugh-out-loud funny in spots too. Very enjoyable!
