All I Ever Wanted (Harlequin Hqn Romance)

I'm reading Kristan Higgins again, because there is no one better. Callie is probably the most adorable and likable Heroines KH has written. I loved that some people (including the hero, sometimes) thought that her sunny, people-pleasing personality was something she needed to fix. She is self aware enough that she knows she is the way she is due to her parents divorce when she was 8. But she likes the way she is, so screw it! I loved Ian, who is shy (almost asbergerish) and opposite in every way from Callie. Kristan really knows how to write interesting, non cardboard cut-out characters with real depth. She definitely has a stable of types and tropes that appear in all of her novels, but they are delightful every time, on the whole. Yes, yes, her signature "swear" words and interjections are too cutsie wootsie, but no one's perfect. As always, a few tears, laugh out-loud scenes and descriptions, and stand up and cheer moments are present and accounted for. **5 out of 5 stars**2015

When I pick up a book by Kristan Higgins, I expect to feel all warm and fuzzy about humanity when I finish it. This one delivers! The heroine is totally lovable as well as capable. She is the first to volunteer whenever anyone needs help and always makes the best of ANY situation. But her major flaw is that she is completely clueless when it comes to the man she loves. Irritatingly so, but don't worry she'll figure it out! She is surrounded by quirky (ok, odd) characters who manage to be lovable too. Everyone has their own story and Ms. Higgins delivers a funny and interesting journey as they all struggle toward their HEA. READ IT! You'll be happy you did.

The genius of Higgins’ heroine in this book is that she’s like so many of us girls who grew up children of divorce. We all experienced it differently but most of us suffered in our relationships with men as a result. Watching Callie try to be perfect was exhausting at first, and I wanted to smack her for not seeing the truth... but then I thought back and realized that I had the benefit of age on my side. This book touches on so many adult growing pains, and does it seamlessly. This was my first book by Ms. Higgins, and I read it because so many have recommended her to me. Now I see why and plan to buy more!

I’m going 4.5 stars because I was disappointed in the end. Not going to spoil it, and speaking as someone who does not collect trivia of any kind, some pieces of nostalgia belong in our lives. Loved it all the way through, right up until that final sacrifice. So 5 stars through 95% of the book! As always, I love reading Kristan Higgins.

Kristan Higgins is one of my most fav authors. Somehow i missed this book as it came out awhile ago. It had some laugh out loud parts! Her books always make me laugh. I loved the characters and the dogs!! She’s just my fav author.

This was a romantic, funny and at times sad story with Callie and Ian finding their happily ever after. Ian the new vet in town was just getting over a terrible divorce and was starting over. Callie was an emotional mess when they met at the DMV office where she went to renew her license. He handed her a handkerchief to wipe her tears. She went to the new vets office because someone had told her he was hot so she wanted to met him. Little did she know that the new vet was the same man that gave her a handkerchief at the DMV office. Things picks up and get complicated with a lot of snarky humour thrown in to make for an enjoyable story to read how Ian and Callie found love.

The main character, Callie, really spoke to me. I see so much of what I want my own happily ever after to be in her story. This book has seen me through so many things and will always have a special place in my heart.

Sorry fans of this author (myself included), but this book was a 2-1/2 star rating.Kristan Higgins is usually a guaranteed good choice when it comes to the cute and quirky romance novel choice for me. There is a talent she has that can write well placed banter and some laugh out loud situations, but....Maybe it is just me, but I felt this story missed the mark. The writing style is decent, the humor is there, but the focus was off. It almost seemed more like this story was written in the focus of someone that had a severe case of Attention Deficit Disorder. When you thought it was going somewhere... the direction changed rather quickly and without reason.This story was supposed to be about Callie and her "happily ever after". It started off alright with Callie's situation about being so in love with Mark, her boss, and how she was blindsided when she learns he did not feel the same towards her. It was painfully obvious that Mark was a smarmy tool that used Callie, but it took just about the full book for Callie to get a clue and really move forward. When it came to Callie's relationship with Ian, it severely lacked details for the reader to embrace the relationship as well as acknowledge it was going somewhere.The character development of Ian was choppy, at best, and severely lacking when it came to his feelings for Callie. We never saw much of his point of view about how he grew to even like Callie, let alone how he grew as a character. Their relationship was so breezed over, I felt that this was impossible for her finding of "the one" that she so desperately needed we were reading about. In fact, Ian's realization that he loved Callie lacked so much... I had to reread his proclamation of love for her a few times and scratched my head in wonder if it was an insult or something remotely bittersweet.I did feel that this story was more focused in "a day in the life of Callie", than a romantic journey to a happily ever after. There were far too many characters to contend with and their stories that really held no support to Callie and Ian's connection. Character development was lacking and the flow of the story lacked focus on one thing. Maybe Ms. Higgins wanted to write something less of a romantic tale and more of an introduction to a series of stories for the future. Doubtful, since none of the many characters really held much promise of another story building off this one. In fact, this one lacked so much that I am a bit disappointed I actually paid to read this.If this is your first thought to read from this author, I would strongly suggest something else because this is not her best work. My favorite is JUST ONE OF THE GUYS, in my opinion, but I have enjoyed some of her other stories, too. Just not this one.

Another fantastic book by Kristan Higgins. They just keep getting better. I love the author's capability to make these characters come alive. I absolutely loved grumpy Noah and his relationship with Callie, I enjoyed the banter between the whole family. They were funny and real. I mean, who has a normal family? I could relate to these characters on so many levels. It was a beautiful story and loved Ian. I laughed, I cringed and I cried - yes cried!! Poor Grampy!! I would recommend this book. It is a MUST read. I am off to purchase more by this wonderful author. Keep them coming Kristan!!

When I started reading this, I was worried it would be just another story of a girl in love with a man who doesn't love her back. There were moments where it was just that but alongside that is a love story that blossoms. Has it's ups and downs. Is a nice light read but not a book you'll want to read over and over again.

This is a great light hearted read! Good characters, lovely setting and nice love story. Very funny in places and sad in others - I laughed and cried a lot. I look forward to reading more from Kristan Higgins!

Developing into a most enjoyable read. Love the characters and how they are developing as the story progresses.The storyline has lots of twists and turns which is keeping me hooked

I hated this book. I like the occasional chick lit book but this was just awful. No more Mills & Boon stuff for me if this is what I can expect. Back to Helen Fielding!