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Blue Heron #5
Anything for You
Before you get down on bended knee…
…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O'Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she's got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it's the perfect time to get married.
When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who's now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she's positive married life isn't for her.
But this time, Connor says it's all or nothing. If she doesn't want to marry him, he'll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he's never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn't quite as sure as she thinks…
…you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O'Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she's got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it's the perfect time to get married.
When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who's now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she's positive married life isn't for her.
But this time, Connor says it's all or nothing. If she doesn't want to marry him, he'll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he's never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn't quite as sure as she thinks…
9 pages, Audio CD
First published December 29, 2015
678 people are currently reading
4892 people want to read
About the author
Kristan Higgins
63 books12.9k followersKristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. If you want to receive a free short story and be notified when Kristan releases a new book, sign up at kristanhiggins.com.
Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. The mother of two entertaining and wonderful humans, and the grandmother of one perfect child, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat.
Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. The mother of two entertaining and wonderful humans, and the grandmother of one perfect child, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 941 reviews
August 4, 2019
It's Connor's story and up until now, he's only been twin Colleen's affable brother who is in the kitchen of O'Rourke's making wonderful dishes for the restaurant. I didn't know what to anticipate but was completely unprepared for the richness of this story. He had a history with Jessica Dunn, who was known in high school as Jessica "Does" so I was a bit leery of their relationship.
This was an extraordinary story, tackling really tough issues related to alcoholism, promiscuity and the long-term effects of fetal alcohol syndrome. Jessica was nothing like I had imagined and I developed an entirely new level of respect for her, even understanding her stubbornness with Connor. I liked him before, fell hard for this guy here as he's pretty special. Their romance wasn't easy but it fit them and their circumstances perfectly.
I loved everything about this book and had every emotion in play throughout. Their lives were far from perfect, with challenging conflicts and family issues. This is probably my most favorite in the series to date.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
January 14, 2016
Why can't I copy and paste Kristan Higgins about a thousand times...just clone her and live to read her beautiful, wonderful, magical stories?!
This fifth installment in one of my all time favorite series is perhaps Higgins most melancholy of books. Connor O'Rourke and Jessica Dunn have had an on again, off again relationship for years. Jessica is the girl from the wrong side of town, and very few people understand the hand she's been dealt in life...but Connor does. Jess is the type of girl who shows very little emotion. She takes the punches that keep coming her way and just pushes on through. Now that she's no longer a scared kid or an overly responsible teen, she continues to do what she must to take care of her younger brother and to rise above her circumstances. She keeps Connor at a distance, same as always.
Only Connor is tired of the way things are. He's ready to make the next step in life. With Jess. But when she unequivocally says no, Connor is left in the wind, scrambling to decide what to do. Does he push Jess harder, or finally give in and give up on the woman he's come to love?
I admire Higgins for tackling a woman like Jessica Dunn, and doing it while keeping her trademark humor and wit. Jess is not for the fainthearted. She's struggled her entire life, and it shows. She's not a perky, bubbly heroine with a shiny outlook on life. She's a bit on the gloomy side, with a past that is fodder for gossip. Getting inside her head was a lesson in life. SO much goes on behind the scenes of everyday people, and you really don't know someone until you KNOW them. Connor was the most chivalrous, kind-hearted, patient of beta heroes. What a beautiful, unique story. Just when I think I can't love this author more, she gives me something wholly different and even more evocative than I've come to expect from her.
Advance copy provided by the publisher for review
This fifth installment in one of my all time favorite series is perhaps Higgins most melancholy of books. Connor O'Rourke and Jessica Dunn have had an on again, off again relationship for years. Jessica is the girl from the wrong side of town, and very few people understand the hand she's been dealt in life...but Connor does. Jess is the type of girl who shows very little emotion. She takes the punches that keep coming her way and just pushes on through. Now that she's no longer a scared kid or an overly responsible teen, she continues to do what she must to take care of her younger brother and to rise above her circumstances. She keeps Connor at a distance, same as always.
Only Connor is tired of the way things are. He's ready to make the next step in life. With Jess. But when she unequivocally says no, Connor is left in the wind, scrambling to decide what to do. Does he push Jess harder, or finally give in and give up on the woman he's come to love?
I admire Higgins for tackling a woman like Jessica Dunn, and doing it while keeping her trademark humor and wit. Jess is not for the fainthearted. She's struggled her entire life, and it shows. She's not a perky, bubbly heroine with a shiny outlook on life. She's a bit on the gloomy side, with a past that is fodder for gossip. Getting inside her head was a lesson in life. SO much goes on behind the scenes of everyday people, and you really don't know someone until you KNOW them. Connor was the most chivalrous, kind-hearted, patient of beta heroes. What a beautiful, unique story. Just when I think I can't love this author more, she gives me something wholly different and even more evocative than I've come to expect from her.
Advance copy provided by the publisher for review
February 3, 2016
Enjoyed this one. I usually enjoy all the Kristan Higgins books I read. The first is the series is still my favourite and it was great to catch up with Faith and Levi again.
JESSICA
Connor loves Jessica.
Jessica had a shitty upbringing. Trailer Trash. Her brother, who she looks after, has learning disabilities.
Loved the interaction between Connor and Colleen. The Twins!
Great food descriptions.
If you're looking for smoking hot sex scenes, don't look here. It is implied but that was fine with me.
CONNOR
This author is always an auto-buy for me and look forward to her next book.
Love how she is "with it" with all the IPA beers and independent breweries. With a Hubby and a Son who love their IPAs it was interesting. Actually don't mind the odd one myself but would not be a connoisseur. Himself is in Boston at the moment and sending us pictures of the great IPA beers he is having. The Son is not happy ...
JESSICA
Connor loves Jessica.
Jessica had a shitty upbringing. Trailer Trash. Her brother, who she looks after, has learning disabilities.
"Hail Mary."
Loved the interaction between Connor and Colleen. The Twins!
Great food descriptions.
There would be no Cinderella story here.
If you're looking for smoking hot sex scenes, don't look here. It is implied but that was fine with me.
CONNOR
This author is always an auto-buy for me and look forward to her next book.
Love how she is "with it" with all the IPA beers and independent breweries. With a Hubby and a Son who love their IPAs it was interesting. Actually don't mind the odd one myself but would not be a connoisseur. Himself is in Boston at the moment and sending us pictures of the great IPA beers he is having. The Son is not happy ...
February 5, 2018
★★★★½
Anything for You is the fifth installment in Kristan Higgins's adult contemporary romance series titled Blue Heron. This book shows that the strong can still be incredibly fragile inside and the most patient and understanding person will eventually draw a line in the sand. Themes include alcoholism, absentee parenting, special needs, doing what it takes, and putting yourself dead last. Higgins brings a contrast of humor and heartbreak to a very real story of a girl trying the best she knows how and a boy who will do absolutely anything for her. Check it out ❤
My favorite quote:
"To be a good chef, you had to understand food, let it speak to you, inhale its scents, watch it cook. You had to feel the pasta, assess its stick against the wooden spoon, taste it, to know when it was done. You couldn’t just look at a clock. You just had to know when it was right. Cooking was a way to stop time. To make a family take a half an hour and sit, relax, eat and taste. There was a Zen sense to it, a way of making a dozen separate ingredients into something transformative and new and special, something that would sustain and nourish and bring happiness to those who experienced it, at least for a little while."
The Blue Heron is a series of romances set in the community of Blue Heron. Each book showcases a different couple with cameos from past/future characters. The series includes the following installments as of February 2018:
#1-The Best Man
#2-The Perfect Match
#3-Waiting on You
#4-In Your Dreams
#5-Anything for You
Anything for You is the fifth installment in Kristan Higgins's adult contemporary romance series titled Blue Heron. This book shows that the strong can still be incredibly fragile inside and the most patient and understanding person will eventually draw a line in the sand. Themes include alcoholism, absentee parenting, special needs, doing what it takes, and putting yourself dead last. Higgins brings a contrast of humor and heartbreak to a very real story of a girl trying the best she knows how and a boy who will do absolutely anything for her. Check it out ❤
My favorite quote:
"To be a good chef, you had to understand food, let it speak to you, inhale its scents, watch it cook. You had to feel the pasta, assess its stick against the wooden spoon, taste it, to know when it was done. You couldn’t just look at a clock. You just had to know when it was right. Cooking was a way to stop time. To make a family take a half an hour and sit, relax, eat and taste. There was a Zen sense to it, a way of making a dozen separate ingredients into something transformative and new and special, something that would sustain and nourish and bring happiness to those who experienced it, at least for a little while."
The Blue Heron is a series of romances set in the community of Blue Heron. Each book showcases a different couple with cameos from past/future characters. The series includes the following installments as of February 2018:
#1-The Best Man
#2-The Perfect Match
#3-Waiting on You
#4-In Your Dreams
#5-Anything for You
May 28, 2017
I have loved Connor since book of the Blue Heron series. He always struck me as the silent, sometimes gruff guy, happy to be in the background via the kitchen in his pub and always able to hold his own when sparring with his hilarious twin, Colleen. In Anything For you, we got to see the inner dialogue happening in his head, which brought a lot of insight into who Connor was. He was constantly trying not to talk, afraid his words would be considered rambling or uncool. I laughed so many times at this self-talk versus what actually came out of his mouth.
It was hinted in previous books that Connor had something happening romantically, but he didn’t give anything away. Who would have thought that what he was hiding was a very long-term on-again, off-again relationship with none other than Jessica Dunn? And who better for him? Jessica had her “bitch armour” on solidly when around others. Though we knew she grew up poor and didn’t have a great childhood, we got to delve more into what made Jessica tick.
I really detest the plot line “I don’t want to get hurt so I’m going to push you away before I get hurt”. It drives me insane!!! But Jessica’s push-pull tug on Connor’s heart, though maddening, made sense to me. I got it. I didn’t like it or agree with it, but I got it. She had a LOT on her emotionally scarred plate.
I have to say that Connor was either the most understanding, fantastic guy EVER, or a schmuck for putting up with Jessica. Talk about a glutton for punishment. I thought he was perfect in every way. He somehow managed to make Jessica smile, even in the worst of situations.
I loved the story line between Jessica and her brother Davey, in particular with their father thrown into the mix. In true Kristan Higgins style, it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I loved this story and can’t help but wonder if this is the end of the Blue Heron series? I hope not, but if it is, I'm so glad we got read Connor's story!!!
It was hinted in previous books that Connor had something happening romantically, but he didn’t give anything away. Who would have thought that what he was hiding was a very long-term on-again, off-again relationship with none other than Jessica Dunn? And who better for him? Jessica had her “bitch armour” on solidly when around others. Though we knew she grew up poor and didn’t have a great childhood, we got to delve more into what made Jessica tick.
I really detest the plot line “I don’t want to get hurt so I’m going to push you away before I get hurt”. It drives me insane!!! But Jessica’s push-pull tug on Connor’s heart, though maddening, made sense to me. I got it. I didn’t like it or agree with it, but I got it. She had a LOT on her emotionally scarred plate.
I have to say that Connor was either the most understanding, fantastic guy EVER, or a schmuck for putting up with Jessica. Talk about a glutton for punishment. I thought he was perfect in every way. He somehow managed to make Jessica smile, even in the worst of situations.
“Shit.” She grabbed her jeans and flannel shirt. “What are you doing here?” she asked, pulling on her clothes. She dashed her arm across her eyes.
“I’m a scout for Dancing with the Stars. Sorry, we’ve had to rule you out.” He smiled.
Her eyes flickered, then she shrugged, her face neutral. “I needed some extra money.”
“Really? It’s not your dream to be a stripper?”
“Shut up.” She might’ve been thinking about smiling. He was almost sure of it.
“So, Jess,” Mrs. Adamson said, thundering down the hall. “You’re fired. Sorry, kid. Stripping’s not for everyone.”
“You were quite good, though, Mrs. Adamson,” Connor said. He handed her a twenty.”
I loved the story line between Jessica and her brother Davey, in particular with their father thrown into the mix. In true Kristan Higgins style, it was both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I loved this story and can’t help but wonder if this is the end of the Blue Heron series? I hope not, but if it is, I'm so glad we got read Connor's story!!!
January 1, 2016
10 +++ STARS!
What can I say about this amazing book? This incredible series I've loved from the start? I ADORED IT. LOVED IT.
Kristan higgins is my most favorite author. She's the top and between her and Lisa Kleypas, the world is a beautiful place, lol. The 5th installment in the gorgeous Blue Heron series was unbelievably good. Definitely my second favorite after The Best Man. As of now, anyways...they might swap back and forth. The whole series is beyond words. Here we finally got Connor's and Jessica's story! And I've been waiting for their story forever. And you know what? The wait was worthwhile.
The beauty about this series, specifically this book, is that when you're reading about all these characters you feel like you live right next door. This motley crew of individuals that make up the wonderful town of Manningsport are like a second family to me. I know KH writes her books so they work as standalones, but I urge you, desperately, to read this series in order. The nuances, small details and atmosphere of this world are too important to bypass.
I freakin loved Connor!!! Oh, what a fantastic and wonderful guy! A chef, tall, dark and handsome, funny, caring, thoughtful, sexy and patient. Gah! I just adored him. And then there's Jessica. We've learned a lot about her from past books in the series, but she was quite extraordinary. I never realized the depth of her beautiful soul until this book. Was she stubborn? Definitely. But with her circumstances and experiences in life I don't blame her at all. Nope.
And like with all of KH's books there was a ton of heart, wittiness, intelligence, sorrow, tenderness, hilarity and an amazing secondary cast with characters I love from past books. I cried, laughed, sighed and cried again. Don't even get me started on the food Connor made!
KH manages to capture the small nuances of everyday life and relationships. She has this way of making an ordinary scene drip with emotion and angst. This book was quite focused on Connor and Jessica, more so than her previous books. You still got the tug-on-your-heartstrings backstory, but I found there was a big focus on the relationship between Jessica and Connor aside from every other secondary storyline. Of course I loved this!
The ending was just...just...GAH! Amazing?! The epilogue was sooo sweet, sigh. Everything about this book hit me right in the feels and I am almost brought to tears every time I think this is it. This is the end of the most wonderful series I've read. Is there more? I don't know. But at least I can re-read these books that have come to mean so much to me. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! <3
What can I say about this amazing book? This incredible series I've loved from the start? I ADORED IT. LOVED IT.
Kristan higgins is my most favorite author. She's the top and between her and Lisa Kleypas, the world is a beautiful place, lol. The 5th installment in the gorgeous Blue Heron series was unbelievably good. Definitely my second favorite after The Best Man. As of now, anyways...they might swap back and forth. The whole series is beyond words. Here we finally got Connor's and Jessica's story! And I've been waiting for their story forever. And you know what? The wait was worthwhile.
The beauty about this series, specifically this book, is that when you're reading about all these characters you feel like you live right next door. This motley crew of individuals that make up the wonderful town of Manningsport are like a second family to me. I know KH writes her books so they work as standalones, but I urge you, desperately, to read this series in order. The nuances, small details and atmosphere of this world are too important to bypass.
I freakin loved Connor!!! Oh, what a fantastic and wonderful guy! A chef, tall, dark and handsome, funny, caring, thoughtful, sexy and patient. Gah! I just adored him. And then there's Jessica. We've learned a lot about her from past books in the series, but she was quite extraordinary. I never realized the depth of her beautiful soul until this book. Was she stubborn? Definitely. But with her circumstances and experiences in life I don't blame her at all. Nope.
And like with all of KH's books there was a ton of heart, wittiness, intelligence, sorrow, tenderness, hilarity and an amazing secondary cast with characters I love from past books. I cried, laughed, sighed and cried again. Don't even get me started on the food Connor made!
KH manages to capture the small nuances of everyday life and relationships. She has this way of making an ordinary scene drip with emotion and angst. This book was quite focused on Connor and Jessica, more so than her previous books. You still got the tug-on-your-heartstrings backstory, but I found there was a big focus on the relationship between Jessica and Connor aside from every other secondary storyline. Of course I loved this!
The ending was just...just...GAH! Amazing?! The epilogue was sooo sweet, sigh. Everything about this book hit me right in the feels and I am almost brought to tears every time I think this is it. This is the end of the most wonderful series I've read. Is there more? I don't know. But at least I can re-read these books that have come to mean so much to me. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! <3
December 4, 2015
It is no secret that Kristan Higgins is my go to author when I want a sweet, funny, lovable read that will always leave a smile on my face and sometimes happy tears in my eyes. I jump at the chance to read her books and savor every single one of them. I have come to love her writing style and the humor and heart that she bleeds into every single page.
Her Blue Heron series is by far my most favorite series of her's and I love everything there is to love about it. The small town setting, the nosy neighbors, the lovable Holland family and of course, all the other characters that make this town so unique, fun, and enjoyable.
I couldn't wait to get Connor's story! In all the other books it has always hinted that his heart belonged to someone but until now, we never really truly knew who that someone was and oh boy, do these two have history and a story to tell!
I honestly didn't know half the time if I loved their history or if I hated it. I felt so much for these two. Their ups and downs. Torment, love/hate relationship, it was all too much and not enough.
One thing was cemented though, I adored Connor even more after this. He is one strong, determined, and loyal guy and I just loved him for all the blows that he took, kept on taking, and still stayed strong for. My heart really did go out to him even if I wanted to beg him at times to just let go and move on
Once again, hands down to Higgins for delivering a truly wonderful, emotional, and beautiful story that I adored.
*ARC copy of this provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Her Blue Heron series is by far my most favorite series of her's and I love everything there is to love about it. The small town setting, the nosy neighbors, the lovable Holland family and of course, all the other characters that make this town so unique, fun, and enjoyable.
I couldn't wait to get Connor's story! In all the other books it has always hinted that his heart belonged to someone but until now, we never really truly knew who that someone was and oh boy, do these two have history and a story to tell!
I honestly didn't know half the time if I loved their history or if I hated it. I felt so much for these two. Their ups and downs. Torment, love/hate relationship, it was all too much and not enough.
One thing was cemented though, I adored Connor even more after this. He is one strong, determined, and loyal guy and I just loved him for all the blows that he took, kept on taking, and still stayed strong for. My heart really did go out to him even if I wanted to beg him at times to just let go and move on
Once again, hands down to Higgins for delivering a truly wonderful, emotional, and beautiful story that I adored.
*ARC copy of this provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
December 29, 2015
Kristan Higgins has the recipe to whip up the perfect romance every time! With sparkling dialogue and heartfelt emotion, ANYTHING FOR YOU is a winner all around.
Higgins takes on Connor O'Rourke and Jess Dunn this time, and she is giving no mercy. On again-Off again is all Connor and Jess will ever be, well, if Jess has her way. Connor has never pushed the issue because pushing might mean losing her forever, and he isn't ready for that to happen. Until she says "No", and Connor realizes it might be time to push or move on.
As a fan of Higgins for a long time, and a huge fan of the Blue Heron series, it was so much fun getting into the heads to two of the series most beloved secondary characters, Connor and Jess. Jess, had a rough go, but has made the best of what she was given, worked hard and maybe, just maybe, thought she could have something special that was all her own (Connor). And Connor, my favorite O'Rourke brother, always great for some comedic relief (The Perfect Match) and to play the loving big brother (Waiting on You).
I think it was Connor that stole my heart from the first page of ANYTHING FOR YOU. Not that I didn't relate and feel for Jess, but Connor, yes he could be a dolt sometimes, but he just loved her so much, and I literally was crying at the end of this book. Higgins couldn't have written a better ending. ANYTHING FOR YOU has humor, so much heart and a fantastic couple that you find yourself cheering for out loud! I never want the Blue Heron series to end!
If you have never ever read a Kristan Higgins romance...where the heck have you been?...then don't just pick up ANYTHING FOR YOU, you need to pick up this one, and the first four in the Blue Heron series (cause I have seriously done a re-read like twice in the last two months), and then go back and purchase ALL the rest of her backlist (starting with JUST ONE OF THE GUYS....oh the tears), and then you can join the millions of Higgins-a-holics who wait in hope for the next release to arrive!
December 23, 2025
Story starts with MMC proposing to FMC who he’s had a FWB relationship for years with. He’s been in love with her forever and tired of her not wanting a relationship - even though they practically act as if they’re in one. FMC rejects him reiterating as she told him in the beginning she has her brother w/ intellectual disability to care for & he must come first (said brother HATES MMC). MMC gives her an ultimatum that if she doesn’t want a real relationship he’s done.
We then delve into the past a bit:
MCs have known each other since childhood. MMC had crush on her but they got off on wrong foot & she didn’t see him that way. Years later, they run into each other and hookup. MMC stays hung up on her. Eventually they start a strictly FWB relationship. MMC wants more but FMC cares for her brother who has intellectual disability & hates MMC. She puts her brother above her own relationships. Somewhere along the way, MCs continue this secret FWB relationship for years and MMC continues to fall madly in love.
—THOUGHTS—
-At the time of reading, I couldn’t look away bc I wanted to see MCs end up together but by the time I finished reading I realized I finished out of anxiety of sorts. Like it wasn’t enjoyable to read their love story. I was stressed & always feeling sad for one of the MCs… but not in that delicious angst way. More of a “I can’t take this let’s skip to the good part”
MCs WEREN’T together most of the book. Like majority of the book was mutual jealousy n shit.
Idk .. it was still somehow kinda sweet & I really felt MMCs pain after proposing 💔
Overall after reading…I’m glad it’s over. I wouldn’t want to reread this.
—DISLIKES—
—— MMCs mf sister! stfu & stop pushing him to do shit. like she wouldn’t SHUT UP. forcing him to go on dates when he clearly said no & had just been rejected by FMC. She was so fucking annoying. I’m pretty sure she gets her own book and I won’t be reading that shit. Idc she caused unnecessary drama!!!! (and it was well-intended too! she’s friends with FMC and wasn’t doing it for “bad reasons” but wtf he literally said no stop forcing shit)
[this caused MMC to go on dates with OW who is FMCs coworker & mean to FMC. FMC was jealous. she made him agree to date IN FRONT OF FMC… pmo so bad]
•nothing happened w/ OW but it wasn’t necessary and raised my blood pressure 😤
—— That dog scene messed me tf up. WHY was it necessary???? Couldn’t you have chosen something else. Made me feel ill.
—TROPES & SAFETY—
•second chance
•known since childhood
•he’s loved her for yrs
•FWB but he wants more
•No cheating or virgins
•Mild OWD - (H pushed into going on date by his sister; nothing happens, he wants h)
•TW/CW: dog attack, dog put down (not on page)
if you want a summary of dog scene:
MMC starts getting attacked by dog. FMC throws rocks at dog. Turns out the dog is FMCs families. The dog is like an emotional support dog for her disabled brother (and has been nothing but sweet to brother). MMCs dad has dog torn away from FMCs brother and put down. THIS is why FMCs brother hates MMC.
^MMC felt bad & didn’t want his dad to do that
•HEA
Original Review: debating between 3 or 4 ⭐️’s
RTC (aka waiting til the pettiness in me settles before writing)
We then delve into the past a bit:
MCs have known each other since childhood. MMC had crush on her but they got off on wrong foot & she didn’t see him that way. Years later, they run into each other and hookup. MMC stays hung up on her. Eventually they start a strictly FWB relationship. MMC wants more but FMC cares for her brother who has intellectual disability & hates MMC. She puts her brother above her own relationships. Somewhere along the way, MCs continue this secret FWB relationship for years and MMC continues to fall madly in love.
—THOUGHTS—
-At the time of reading, I couldn’t look away bc I wanted to see MCs end up together but by the time I finished reading I realized I finished out of anxiety of sorts. Like it wasn’t enjoyable to read their love story. I was stressed & always feeling sad for one of the MCs… but not in that delicious angst way. More of a “I can’t take this let’s skip to the good part”
MCs WEREN’T together most of the book. Like majority of the book was mutual jealousy n shit.
Idk .. it was still somehow kinda sweet & I really felt MMCs pain after proposing 💔
Overall after reading…I’m glad it’s over. I wouldn’t want to reread this.
—DISLIKES—
—— MMCs mf sister! stfu & stop pushing him to do shit. like she wouldn’t SHUT UP. forcing him to go on dates when he clearly said no & had just been rejected by FMC. She was so fucking annoying. I’m pretty sure she gets her own book and I won’t be reading that shit. Idc she caused unnecessary drama!!!! (and it was well-intended too! she’s friends with FMC and wasn’t doing it for “bad reasons” but wtf he literally said no stop forcing shit)
[this caused MMC to go on dates with OW who is FMCs coworker & mean to FMC. FMC was jealous. she made him agree to date IN FRONT OF FMC… pmo so bad]
•nothing happened w/ OW but it wasn’t necessary and raised my blood pressure 😤
—— That dog scene messed me tf up. WHY was it necessary???? Couldn’t you have chosen something else. Made me feel ill.
—TROPES & SAFETY—
•second chance
•known since childhood
•he’s loved her for yrs
•FWB but he wants more
•No cheating or virgins
•Mild OWD - (H pushed into going on date by his sister; nothing happens, he wants h)
•TW/CW: dog attack, dog put down (not on page)
if you want a summary of dog scene:
MMC starts getting attacked by dog. FMC throws rocks at dog. Turns out the dog is FMCs families. The dog is like an emotional support dog for her disabled brother (and has been nothing but sweet to brother). MMCs dad has dog torn away from FMCs brother and put down. THIS is why FMCs brother hates MMC.
^MMC felt bad & didn’t want his dad to do that
•HEA
Original Review: debating between 3 or 4 ⭐️’s
RTC (aka waiting til the pettiness in me settles before writing)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2021
Sono tornata in una delle cittadine più spassose del mondo e mi sono sentita come su un’altalena.
Avrei voluto dare una scrollata a Connor, poi uno scappellotto a Jess e via e via così, fino a quando proprio Jess ha messo il suo cuore su un vassoio e ha confessato ciò che l’ha portata a tenere tutti “a un metro di distanza”.
A quel punto mi sono trovata inaspettatamente con le lacrime agli occhi e avrei voluto abbracciarla ❤️
Avrei voluto dare una scrollata a Connor, poi uno scappellotto a Jess e via e via così, fino a quando proprio Jess ha messo il suo cuore su un vassoio e ha confessato ciò che l’ha portata a tenere tutti “a un metro di distanza”.
A quel punto mi sono trovata inaspettatamente con le lacrime agli occhi e avrei voluto abbracciarla ❤️
December 7, 2015
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
Anything for you is the fifth volume (and probably last, see her interview in our December 2014 issue http://www.lesromantiques.com/Webzine... ) in the Blue Heron series of which the first volume, The Best Man, is available in French.
To my (big) shame, it’s my first Kristan Higgins, when a lot of people around me keep on to sing her praise. To my defense, I have a huge TBR… So when the occasion arose to ask this title as an ARC, I didn’t hesitate, especially as the synopsis is very tempting.
I was very disconcerted by the way the author chose to tell the story. The first chapter takes place at the present time, when the hero asks the heroine in marriage and she refuses. I was waiting for the rest of the story to show how Connor and Jessica will overcome this failure. But no. The author decides on a big number of chapters to tell us how our heroes came to be lovers.
That was my first problem. That our heroes already had love affair before meeting their soul mate doesn’t disturb me. However I don’t really want to know the details of these past affairs, even if they are slim.
My second problem ensues mainly from the first: when you have a certain reputation, in my opinion, it’s absolutely impossible to overcome it in a small town in which there are still people who can confirm this reputation, and whose comments can still hurt. So I have trouble believing in a happy future for the person if she stays in this small town for the rest of her life.
I know, you’ll wonder if I speak about the hero or the heroine. Well, no, I’ll shut up and let you discover it.
My third problem is about the heroine, Jessica, of whom I don’t find the evolution very successful, not during the years mentioned in the novel, and even less when we come back to the present. Till the end, she stays confined in her ideas, in her prejudices, and in the love she feels for her mentally handicapped brother. At first, it’s very noble. Then we understand. But in the end, we just want to shake her. As for Connor, our hero, he’s such a doll. Too bad he ends up with her!
Connor and Jessica’s couple made me think about the unhappy couple in Love Actually: Sarah and Karl. They love each other but aren’t together for the same reasons. In Anything for You, we have our HEA, but an alternative end makes us understand that it could have finished badly for them. For me, when I doubt the HEA, it’s not a romance I recommend
Even if the story stays pleasant, in spite of the moments when I hadn’t wanted to shake the heroine, in spite of Connor who’s decidedly too good for her.
The story tells us principally about how our heroes will overcome the main difficulty, while mentioning our different previous couples and their interaction with Connor and Jessica. The fans will certainly be happy in this regard.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
Anything for you is the fifth volume (and probably last, see her interview in our December 2014 issue http://www.lesromantiques.com/Webzine... ) in the Blue Heron series of which the first volume, The Best Man, is available in French.
To my (big) shame, it’s my first Kristan Higgins, when a lot of people around me keep on to sing her praise. To my defense, I have a huge TBR… So when the occasion arose to ask this title as an ARC, I didn’t hesitate, especially as the synopsis is very tempting.
I was very disconcerted by the way the author chose to tell the story. The first chapter takes place at the present time, when the hero asks the heroine in marriage and she refuses. I was waiting for the rest of the story to show how Connor and Jessica will overcome this failure. But no. The author decides on a big number of chapters to tell us how our heroes came to be lovers.
That was my first problem. That our heroes already had love affair before meeting their soul mate doesn’t disturb me. However I don’t really want to know the details of these past affairs, even if they are slim.
My second problem ensues mainly from the first: when you have a certain reputation, in my opinion, it’s absolutely impossible to overcome it in a small town in which there are still people who can confirm this reputation, and whose comments can still hurt. So I have trouble believing in a happy future for the person if she stays in this small town for the rest of her life.
I know, you’ll wonder if I speak about the hero or the heroine. Well, no, I’ll shut up and let you discover it.
My third problem is about the heroine, Jessica, of whom I don’t find the evolution very successful, not during the years mentioned in the novel, and even less when we come back to the present. Till the end, she stays confined in her ideas, in her prejudices, and in the love she feels for her mentally handicapped brother. At first, it’s very noble. Then we understand. But in the end, we just want to shake her. As for Connor, our hero, he’s such a doll. Too bad he ends up with her!
Connor and Jessica’s couple made me think about the unhappy couple in Love Actually: Sarah and Karl. They love each other but aren’t together for the same reasons. In Anything for You, we have our HEA, but an alternative end makes us understand that it could have finished badly for them. For me, when I doubt the HEA, it’s not a romance I recommend
Even if the story stays pleasant, in spite of the moments when I hadn’t wanted to shake the heroine, in spite of Connor who’s decidedly too good for her.
The story tells us principally about how our heroes will overcome the main difficulty, while mentioning our different previous couples and their interaction with Connor and Jessica. The fans will certainly be happy in this regard.
October 30, 2016
5 ++ INCREDIBLE LOVE STARS!!!
“Every time I think you can’t break my heart again,” he said, “you find a way.” The words were like a hot knife into her heart. “I don’t mean to,” she whispered. “Which makes it even worse.”
What's it about: Jess has had an incredibly difficult past. She is known as the town slut, she's trailer trash, and she has never had less than two jobs since she was fifteen. She is an ice princess. She guards her heart and has no time for emotional attachments.
Connor has been in love with Jess since he was twelve years old. There is no one else for him.
This is the story of family, survival, forgiveness, trust, and true love. And it will blow you away!
The best bits: I loved every page of this awesome book... and so I warn you, this review will in no way do it any justice because... well, because I'm still a gushing, smiling, giddy mess.
First of all... the writing is flawless. Higgins seemlessly weaves wit and humour, pain and heartache and makes you fall in love with a whole village of characters. Her stories are character driven and immaculately researched. Her words capture your imagination and glide smoothly across the pages, transporting you into the lives of beautiful wine country. I absolutely love her writing! She is a master storyteller. There are no explicit sex scenes, but it doesn't matter in the slightest. If anything, you can share her romances with your daughters, mothers, grandmothers and neighbours. The focus is almost entirely on the feelings igniting between the characters.
And then there's Connor. Oh Connor! He was sexy and quiet and loyal. And he totally belonged to Jess from the very beginning.
Jess is an outstanding character. (Higgins took an amazing chance with her.) She is tragic and broken and cold. She is not the typical quirky/virginal/thwarted in love heroine so common in contemporary romances. She is layered and complex and leaves most other women in the dust. She is also incredibly strong, resilient, and selfless. She is relentlessly fights with passion for the one thing she loves, and holds her head up high where most would crumble. She is one of the very best heroines I've one across this year.
The worst bits: It got a bit slow for about 2 pages around a third of the way in.
Recommended for: Anyone who loves strong heroines, sexy heroes, funny dogs; and mouth watering cuisine. An intoxicating romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you cheering. I LOVED IT!!!!
“Every time I think you can’t break my heart again,” he said, “you find a way.” The words were like a hot knife into her heart. “I don’t mean to,” she whispered. “Which makes it even worse.”
What's it about: Jess has had an incredibly difficult past. She is known as the town slut, she's trailer trash, and she has never had less than two jobs since she was fifteen. She is an ice princess. She guards her heart and has no time for emotional attachments.
Connor has been in love with Jess since he was twelve years old. There is no one else for him.
This is the story of family, survival, forgiveness, trust, and true love. And it will blow you away!
The best bits: I loved every page of this awesome book... and so I warn you, this review will in no way do it any justice because... well, because I'm still a gushing, smiling, giddy mess.
First of all... the writing is flawless. Higgins seemlessly weaves wit and humour, pain and heartache and makes you fall in love with a whole village of characters. Her stories are character driven and immaculately researched. Her words capture your imagination and glide smoothly across the pages, transporting you into the lives of beautiful wine country. I absolutely love her writing! She is a master storyteller. There are no explicit sex scenes, but it doesn't matter in the slightest. If anything, you can share her romances with your daughters, mothers, grandmothers and neighbours. The focus is almost entirely on the feelings igniting between the characters.
And then there's Connor. Oh Connor! He was sexy and quiet and loyal. And he totally belonged to Jess from the very beginning.
Jess is an outstanding character. (Higgins took an amazing chance with her.) She is tragic and broken and cold. She is not the typical quirky/virginal/thwarted in love heroine so common in contemporary romances. She is layered and complex and leaves most other women in the dust. She is also incredibly strong, resilient, and selfless. She is relentlessly fights with passion for the one thing she loves, and holds her head up high where most would crumble. She is one of the very best heroines I've one across this year.
The worst bits: It got a bit slow for about 2 pages around a third of the way in.
Recommended for: Anyone who loves strong heroines, sexy heroes, funny dogs; and mouth watering cuisine. An intoxicating romance that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you cheering. I LOVED IT!!!!
August 5, 2016
Muy bonita historia, muy distinta a las de los otros libros de la saga.
Me ha encantado.
Me ha encantado.
February 16, 2023
**finished rereading on audible 02/13/2023**
I really have nothing to add to my original review. A great book make greater by Amy Rubinate's narration. Some serious themes make this sort of a transition from her romantic comedies to women's fiction, in my mind.
**original review**
Anything For You starts out with our hero’s (Connor) proposal to our heroine (Jessica) being turned down. The rest of the book traces their history together from their childhood to several months into the future. It runs roughly parallel to his twin sister Colleen’s romance told in the previous book, Waiting on You. Many friends and lovers from the series make important appearances, advancing the story, and allowing glimpses into how their lives and marriages are continuing. Thus it makes a very appropriate wrap-up to her Blue Heron series. Anything For You also continues Higgins’ trend of incorporating more serious themes into her generally lighthearted and funny romances. In this one, we learn that the mysterious Jessica, very much a background figure in a few of her books and known as the high school slut, is the loving caretaker and sister of Davey, rendered “intellectually disabled” by fetal alcohol syndrome. Dark indeed. But, as usual, Kristan handles this potentially depressing sub-plot in a manner that makes it anything but.
We are treated to some priceless scenes and funny comments throughout, Kristan’s hallmark.
In one, Jessica is forced to try stripping to afford Davey’s expensive meds. Connor shows up coincidentally and is set to pay up and go (“Time to head off before his old catechism teacher showed up.”) when Jessica makes her cringe-worthy and hilariously inept debut. After she is booed off the stage, he accosts her in her dressing room. “So rhythm isn’t really your thing,” Connor said…and she jumped out of her chair like he’d tazed her. “Shit”…”What are you doing here?”…I’m a scout for Dancing with the Stars. Sorry we’ve had to rule you out.”…”I needed some extra money”. ..”Really? It’s not your dream to be a stripper?” “Shut up”…”So Jess,” Mrs. Adamson said, thundering down the hall. “You’re fired. Sorry, kid. Stripping’s not for everyone.” “You were quite good, though, Mrs. Adamson,” Connor said. He handed her a twenty. “Oh Connor O’Rourke! Look at you, all grown up!” Thanks sweetheart.” She pinched his cheek and took the cash.
There are scenes that make you want to cheer.
“Okay, you’re angry, I accept that.” …He sighed. “But I have to say, I think you’re exaggerating how bad things were,” he said, and that’s when Jessica completely surprised herself and threw her beer in his face.
Connor is on a date in the same restaurant (Ah ha! Ah ha! Ah ha ha ha. That was her laugh. The first time she’d let it rip Connor thought she was coughing up a hairball.) And sees Tom Barlow come through the bar, half dragging by his collar, and escorting him none too gently out the door.
We read about a guy so hot he is called “Smokin’McDamn”. How one character finds out he is not the “Special Snowflake” he thought he was. We read about “the Lying Liar of Lieville.”
There is a hilarious account of a visit to a New Age Drum Circle (“Let’s think back to the heartbeat of the brave little frog who decided to be the first to venture out of the slime of the past and bravely leap onto the shores of today.” Her father snorted.)
Usually, it is Kristan’s heroines who go on a series of hilariously disastrous dates. This time, it’s Connor (“So. Would you rather burn to death, or be buried alive?”).
He decides to take Jessica and Davey to a 4-H fair.”How about some food?” she suggested. “Seems kind of insensitive, Connor murmured…’the barns, the barbecue pit. The cows must be doing head counts every fifteen minutes’.”
Of course, the inimitable Colleen tries to resolve the conflict and roadblocks between Connor and Jessica.( “...so if you’re just gonna sit there and let him find someone else, well, I seriously misjudged you.” She popped the baby off her breast and switched sides. “Sorry about this, by the way. Now you’ve seen my boobs. Congratulations. So. Back to Connor. Go get him, Jess! I mean, what the hell?”)
Although she did have me wondering throughout most of the book how she was going to possibly achieve it, it won’t be a spoiler to say that everything turns out great in the end and an epilogue insures a happily ever after for everyone involved and even some who aren’t.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
I really have nothing to add to my original review. A great book make greater by Amy Rubinate's narration. Some serious themes make this sort of a transition from her romantic comedies to women's fiction, in my mind.
**original review**
Anything For You starts out with our hero’s (Connor) proposal to our heroine (Jessica) being turned down. The rest of the book traces their history together from their childhood to several months into the future. It runs roughly parallel to his twin sister Colleen’s romance told in the previous book, Waiting on You. Many friends and lovers from the series make important appearances, advancing the story, and allowing glimpses into how their lives and marriages are continuing. Thus it makes a very appropriate wrap-up to her Blue Heron series. Anything For You also continues Higgins’ trend of incorporating more serious themes into her generally lighthearted and funny romances. In this one, we learn that the mysterious Jessica, very much a background figure in a few of her books and known as the high school slut, is the loving caretaker and sister of Davey, rendered “intellectually disabled” by fetal alcohol syndrome. Dark indeed. But, as usual, Kristan handles this potentially depressing sub-plot in a manner that makes it anything but.
We are treated to some priceless scenes and funny comments throughout, Kristan’s hallmark.
In one, Jessica is forced to try stripping to afford Davey’s expensive meds. Connor shows up coincidentally and is set to pay up and go (“Time to head off before his old catechism teacher showed up.”) when Jessica makes her cringe-worthy and hilariously inept debut. After she is booed off the stage, he accosts her in her dressing room. “So rhythm isn’t really your thing,” Connor said…and she jumped out of her chair like he’d tazed her. “Shit”…”What are you doing here?”…I’m a scout for Dancing with the Stars. Sorry we’ve had to rule you out.”…”I needed some extra money”. ..”Really? It’s not your dream to be a stripper?” “Shut up”…”So Jess,” Mrs. Adamson said, thundering down the hall. “You’re fired. Sorry, kid. Stripping’s not for everyone.” “You were quite good, though, Mrs. Adamson,” Connor said. He handed her a twenty. “Oh Connor O’Rourke! Look at you, all grown up!” Thanks sweetheart.” She pinched his cheek and took the cash.
There are scenes that make you want to cheer.
“Okay, you’re angry, I accept that.” …He sighed. “But I have to say, I think you’re exaggerating how bad things were,” he said, and that’s when Jessica completely surprised herself and threw her beer in his face.
Connor is on a date in the same restaurant (Ah ha! Ah ha! Ah ha ha ha. That was her laugh. The first time she’d let it rip Connor thought she was coughing up a hairball.) And sees Tom Barlow come through the bar, half dragging by his collar, and escorting him none too gently out the door.
We read about a guy so hot he is called “Smokin’McDamn”. How one character finds out he is not the “Special Snowflake” he thought he was. We read about “the Lying Liar of Lieville.”
There is a hilarious account of a visit to a New Age Drum Circle (“Let’s think back to the heartbeat of the brave little frog who decided to be the first to venture out of the slime of the past and bravely leap onto the shores of today.” Her father snorted.)
Usually, it is Kristan’s heroines who go on a series of hilariously disastrous dates. This time, it’s Connor (“So. Would you rather burn to death, or be buried alive?”).
He decides to take Jessica and Davey to a 4-H fair.”How about some food?” she suggested. “Seems kind of insensitive, Connor murmured…’the barns, the barbecue pit. The cows must be doing head counts every fifteen minutes’.”
Of course, the inimitable Colleen tries to resolve the conflict and roadblocks between Connor and Jessica.( “...so if you’re just gonna sit there and let him find someone else, well, I seriously misjudged you.” She popped the baby off her breast and switched sides. “Sorry about this, by the way. Now you’ve seen my boobs. Congratulations. So. Back to Connor. Go get him, Jess! I mean, what the hell?”)
Although she did have me wondering throughout most of the book how she was going to possibly achieve it, it won’t be a spoiler to say that everything turns out great in the end and an epilogue insures a happily ever after for everyone involved and even some who aren’t.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
September 1, 2016
This was the perfect book to pick up as I started my end of the summer vacation! Perfect reading while sitting on the beach.
Another fantastic edition to this series! Kristan Higgins writing is wonderful. Connor and Jessica's story was sweet and sexy in a way only KH could deliver.
If you have set this series aside, do yourself a favor and get back to it and if you haven't started it then you must!
Another fantastic edition to this series! Kristan Higgins writing is wonderful. Connor and Jessica's story was sweet and sexy in a way only KH could deliver.
If you have set this series aside, do yourself a favor and get back to it and if you haven't started it then you must!
February 5, 2020
Oh my! This poor hero. This poor, poor, POOR hero! Let’s nominate him for sainthood.
Long, long time crush/love for the heroine; he gets kicked in the teeth time and time again, and can’t settle on anyone else. This yearning goes on for years as in over ten years. Plus he’s a chef and Kristan Higgins lets us know by detailing some seriously yummy food porn. I’m trading my husband in.
I had some issues with the heroine based on past bad girl behavior and some past book snooty behavior, but the sweet hero is happy so okay.
Long, long time crush/love for the heroine; he gets kicked in the teeth time and time again, and can’t settle on anyone else. This yearning goes on for years as in over ten years. Plus he’s a chef and Kristan Higgins lets us know by detailing some seriously yummy food porn. I’m trading my husband in.
I had some issues with the heroine based on past bad girl behavior and some past book snooty behavior, but the sweet hero is happy so okay.
November 28, 2023
Absolutely Amazing!
We say goodbye to Manningsport and its beautiful, adorable, quirky characters as Anything for You is the final book in the Blue Heron series. Awwww.
The Blue Heron books are without a doubt one of my favourite series of all time. The incredible writing, well-drawn, top notch cast of characters and dialogue is what makes this series so special. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a series where the male and female main characters are near perfect and sweet as pie 100% of the time. I’m so fine with that, in fact I love it.
So much ❤️ for this story.
I was not expecting Jessica to be paired with Connor. I really loved Connor so, so much. He’s this extremely sweet, kind and caring person and Jessica is complicated, unhappy and kind of prickly. I wanted to smack her a few times due to her pig-headedness and the misery she put Connor through, though once we learned of her situation and her background it became clear why she was distant and unlikeable. Connor and Jessica certainly were entertaining to read about.
This book had so much heart and soul.
I will miss the Holland and O’Rourke family!
Read as an eBook on BorrowBox
Published by MIRA
416 pages
We say goodbye to Manningsport and its beautiful, adorable, quirky characters as Anything for You is the final book in the Blue Heron series. Awwww.
The Blue Heron books are without a doubt one of my favourite series of all time. The incredible writing, well-drawn, top notch cast of characters and dialogue is what makes this series so special. I don’t think I’ve ever come across a series where the male and female main characters are near perfect and sweet as pie 100% of the time. I’m so fine with that, in fact I love it.
So much ❤️ for this story.
I was not expecting Jessica to be paired with Connor. I really loved Connor so, so much. He’s this extremely sweet, kind and caring person and Jessica is complicated, unhappy and kind of prickly. I wanted to smack her a few times due to her pig-headedness and the misery she put Connor through, though once we learned of her situation and her background it became clear why she was distant and unlikeable. Connor and Jessica certainly were entertaining to read about.
This book had so much heart and soul.
I will miss the Holland and O’Rourke family!
Read as an eBook on BorrowBox
Published by MIRA
416 pages
December 28, 2015
Connor O’Rourke is ready to take that next step in life so he has the ring, he has the special night all planned out. But when he pops the question to his long-time girlfriend, Jessica Dunn. She flat outs says no.
Talk about awkward.
But it’s clear that this isn’t the first time that they have gone over this. In fact, their on-again, off-again relationship has been something that these two have been dealing with for some time. I had to give Kristan Higgins some credit. You don’t often see these kind of relationships often so I love the fact that she decided to write about it. However, I do understand why they aren’t so popular with readers. The conflict is quite weak and a lot of it stems from the fact that there’s a lack of communication, the one thing that absolutely irritates me about conflict in Contemporaries.
I liked Connor right off the bat but Jessica was a little more harder to handle. She has her own set of responsibilities that she must deal with, but it’s at the cost of her own happiness. I actually don’t think she minds caring for her brother, but she uses it as an excuse with Connor and I wasn’t a fan of that.
A lot of the book is set in the past. It goes over the tumultuous ride of Connor and Jessica’s relationship and as you can expect, the failed proposal is the not first time Connor has wished they could take that next step into life together. When Jessica breaks things off, Connor tries to move on, going on several dates that absolutely killed me. While Higgins’ trademark humor is still very much present, there’s also an emotional punch in this book as well so you can expect some laughter and some tears.
While not my favorite in the series, or my favorite of Higgins’ books, I do think that she writes the stories that no other author would ever dare. And that’s what makes Higgins stand out and make her books worth the read.
July 6, 2024
Two-haiku review:
They're secret lovers
She has special needs brother
Refuses marriage
Great plot, characters
Has typical Higgins depth
I love all her books
They're secret lovers
She has special needs brother
Refuses marriage
Great plot, characters
Has typical Higgins depth
I love all her books
February 16, 2016
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
Will post my thoughts later.
Will post my thoughts later.
February 5, 2020
I expected better for Connor's story.
June 10, 2018
3 and a half stars
Here’s the thing. This is #5 in Higgins Blue Heron series. It’s not a consecutive story, just stories of individuals within a town I’m longing live in for a bit. I haven’t read these In order, and it doesn’t really matter if you do. Everything about these books are COZY. You just want to curl up on the couch with a blanket, some cookies & milk and get lost in wine country.
Here’s the thing. This is #5 in Higgins Blue Heron series. It’s not a consecutive story, just stories of individuals within a town I’m longing live in for a bit. I haven’t read these In order, and it doesn’t really matter if you do. Everything about these books are COZY. You just want to curl up on the couch with a blanket, some cookies & milk and get lost in wine country.
January 1, 2016
3.5 Stars. First book of 2016!! Going to be frank with you, as much as I adore KH and her writing skills. Jessica's treatment of Connor had me wanting to at times to throw my book against the wall....more than once. I know that Jessica got it in the end, but I felt the ending was a bit to pat and Connor a bit too forgiving too fast. She put him the constant heartache with her on again off again BS. I get her situation with Davey, I really did, but to constantly deny yourself a chance with happiness with such a rock solid guy..it was frustrating. I know we needed it for the story, but I wish we could have seen less of the on again off again stuff and had a longer ending, where Jessica paid a bit more for her sins and Connor got to ...well I don't want to spoil it for you. Still a great read overall and these issues are my issues, not issues with KH's writing.
November 23, 2015
This is only the second book book I've read by Kristan. I wasn't super impressed with the other one, but I liked the premise of this and decided to try it.
Jessica and Connor are likable characters. I did get tired of Jessica's past drama, but it does make sense for her character and for some reason, I enjoyed how consistent she was with it. She's also really loyal and I loved how she handled her brother. Connor is charming and all of his interactions with his twin sister were the best.
The push and pull was repetitive, but I enjoyed the story and it was all pivotal to some character growth. The grand gesture was adorable and I absolutely loved the epilogue. From this book, I'll definitely be trying another one of Kristan's books.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Jessica and Connor are likable characters. I did get tired of Jessica's past drama, but it does make sense for her character and for some reason, I enjoyed how consistent she was with it. She's also really loyal and I loved how she handled her brother. Connor is charming and all of his interactions with his twin sister were the best.
The push and pull was repetitive, but I enjoyed the story and it was all pivotal to some character growth. The grand gesture was adorable and I absolutely loved the epilogue. From this book, I'll definitely be trying another one of Kristan's books.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books and Edelweiss for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
January 24, 2016
Well this is my first dnf for this author...
I just cant finish a book like this when I'm vouching for the main characters to NOT end up together.. And for someone who claims to know their partner so well should know when he is not joking and should be taken seriously i.e. Connor proposing to Jessica. The way she rejected him made me not care about their past, which is what the next few chapters are about. And as if that wasn't enough the author had to add / write an annoying character persona that is Marcy. Why cant the author write someone who would be way better than Jessica for Connor because that would sure twist Jessica's heart with jealousy. But hell I dont know, I didn't even finish the book to know what really happened.
I just cant finish a book like this when I'm vouching for the main characters to NOT end up together.. And for someone who claims to know their partner so well should know when he is not joking and should be taken seriously i.e. Connor proposing to Jessica. The way she rejected him made me not care about their past, which is what the next few chapters are about. And as if that wasn't enough the author had to add / write an annoying character persona that is Marcy. Why cant the author write someone who would be way better than Jessica for Connor because that would sure twist Jessica's heart with jealousy. But hell I dont know, I didn't even finish the book to know what really happened.
Want to read
July 19, 2016I haven't read a book from this author but for some reason I feel excited that I got an ARC and can't wait to read it :D
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
*An advance reading copy was generously provided to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
April 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this last book in the Blue Heron series. Kristan Higgins is a breath of fresh air and I will definitely read more of her books in the future.
March 23, 2017
I didn't really know what to expect from this book, being really wary of Jessica Dunn the moment she was introduced in the series and unfortunately, that instinct proved me right this time. We're told rather superficially of her standoffish yet slutty ways and in this book, the decades unfold in the pages - in a rather draggy manner - to come, telling of the on-and-off again hookups that she and Connor O'Rourke have over the years. All of them end the same way however: with Jessica walking away and Connor crawling back to her.
The reason for Jessica Does's behaviour is sort of given some justification, and as misguided and flawed as Kristan Higgins wants it to be, I unfortunately, only saw stupidity. Her intellectually disabled brother had for too long, become a crutch and I didn't appreciate the way she threw her past promiscuous acts in Connor's face when she felt Davey was threatened. On the other hand, I wished Connor grew a spine and truly walked away because it felt as though Jessica never really got over her own prejudices or her unwillingness to truly trust him. Not that I expected her or Connor to be perfect, but I had hoped for some steadiness and more self-respect on both sides at least.
But clearly the ratings and the reviews give a contrary opinion to mine, so this is probably just me. I've got some mixed-feelings about the Blue Heron series and unfortunately, this one was quite a dud.
The reason for Jessica Does's behaviour is sort of given some justification, and as misguided and flawed as Kristan Higgins wants it to be, I unfortunately, only saw stupidity. Her intellectually disabled brother had for too long, become a crutch and I didn't appreciate the way she threw her past promiscuous acts in Connor's face when she felt Davey was threatened. On the other hand, I wished Connor grew a spine and truly walked away because it felt as though Jessica never really got over her own prejudices or her unwillingness to truly trust him. Not that I expected her or Connor to be perfect, but I had hoped for some steadiness and more self-respect on both sides at least.
But clearly the ratings and the reviews give a contrary opinion to mine, so this is probably just me. I've got some mixed-feelings about the Blue Heron series and unfortunately, this one was quite a dud.
March 6, 2016
Really good book!!! Probably my favorite in the series. I think there was just a little more depth and substance to this book, that just gave it that little extra something something. I really liked the backstory to Jessica and Connor. Jessica had it rough, and she kept it together and made something of herself and took fantastic care of her little brother. I like how Connor took the initiative to improve the relationship between himself and her little brother, knowing that was a make it or break it thing. I really also like how all the characters on the previous books really were a big part of this book. Who is next??? I'm sure hoping this is not the last book in the series.
February 6, 2017
This was wonderful - all the best qualities of Kristan Higgins writing. The dialogue, the "scenes," the characters. I was completely immersed in the story and if I'd been able to, I'd have read it in one sitting. Give me more!
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