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Heartlanders #0.5
Things I Always Wanted: A Best Friends to Lovers Romantic Comedy
Brilliant, introverted, painfully logical med school student Sandra Hayes realizes she might finally be able to move on from her childhood crush with her hot new Anatomy T.A. The only problem is, she doesn't know how to flirt or even date. Who better to teach her than her outgoing, magnetic best friend Jonny - who happens to be the aforementioned crush?...Anyone. Almost anyone else would have been a better option.
My shock in this moment is illogical.
Years ago, I analyzed the data sets—our friendship, our emails, my emotional turmoil, Jonny’s lack thereof—and there was only one logical conclusion to be found. It arrived in my consciousness suddenly, during what I dramatically named my Summer of Anguish. (Dramatics are to be expected of a seventeen-year-old girl.) I sat up on the couch in my dorm room in a moment of scientific clarity.
I was irrationally in love with my best friend, Jonny Canton.
And that love was going to ruin my life.
Now, here I am, my legs itching from contact dermatitis due to the dust on the engineered wood floor. I should not be surprised. Yet I am. Because I never expected or imagined this.
My shock in this moment is illogical.
Years ago, I analyzed the data sets—our friendship, our emails, my emotional turmoil, Jonny’s lack thereof—and there was only one logical conclusion to be found. It arrived in my consciousness suddenly, during what I dramatically named my Summer of Anguish. (Dramatics are to be expected of a seventeen-year-old girl.) I sat up on the couch in my dorm room in a moment of scientific clarity.
I was irrationally in love with my best friend, Jonny Canton.
And that love was going to ruin my life.
Now, here I am, my legs itching from contact dermatitis due to the dust on the engineered wood floor. I should not be surprised. Yet I am. Because I never expected or imagined this.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2022
About the author
Kelsey Humphreys
11 books251 followers“If you don’t laugh out loud or get choked up, I’ve failed.” After tens of millions of video views, comedian Kelsey Humphreys has captured her hilarious, heart-warming characters in book form. Her steamy, closed-door stories dig into deep truths about love, identity, purpose and family. When she’s not writing romance or creating comedy videos, she is reading, running, wifeing and momming her six kids in Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 21, 2022
The main guy was a prick and didn’t even look at her until she got a makeover and a boyfriend. The h was annoying! Couldn’t make up her mind and literally just laid on the ground waiting for any crumbs from the H!
Super glad she ended up with H because the other guy (Wade) was too good for her and deserved better.
Super glad she ended up with H because the other guy (Wade) was too good for her and deserved better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
The writing itself wasn’t bad.
But the main leads were awful.
Like other reviewers said it’s good they ended up together because no one else deserves the punishment.
But the main leads were awful.
Like other reviewers said it’s good they ended up together because no one else deserves the punishment.
October 29, 2022
Another 5 🌟 Review: I do not know how Kelsey Humphreys does it. How she writes these books that have you crying and sad and happy… Emotions flowing through you with every page turn. I have tears in my eyes and a happy heart too. I’m obsessed with the Canton family. I think I’ll always remember this family and their stories. If you haven’t read Skye’s story in “Things I Should Have Said,” do yourself a favor and get right on it. You’ll get to see what the sisters lives are like now and more on Mommy and Daddy Canton. I won’t say more - just read the book. I love this series but I love the writing style the most. You can read a book and enjoy it but when you feel a book… well, that’s just something special.
August 13, 2025
Love the book, love the author, can’t stand Jon Canton. The end. That’s the review.
April 6, 2023
Fair warning: this is a love triangle for most of the book—and really goes off the rails in the last few chapters. I was going to give it 4 stars (at the very least it's well written) but the last few chapters are not enjoyable (just anxious) and it's one thing for the hero to be initially aloof in a friends to lovers stories—but for nearly the entire book??? No.
December 20, 2022
I randomly downloaded this and then promptly sat down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. It is currently 1am on a weekday where I need to be up early for work and I can't sleep because I loved this book so much.
I normally hate books where the main characters date other people at some point in the book and I didn't even care here. It was very emotional in the best way. It was funny and cute and sweet and just such an adorable and heartwarming and even heartbreaking book.
I normally hate books where the main characters date other people at some point in the book and I didn't even care here. It was very emotional in the best way. It was funny and cute and sweet and just such an adorable and heartwarming and even heartbreaking book.
November 6, 2022
Think She’s All That meets The Notebook. Unrequited childhood love, a sexy makeover, a dash of unintentional make him jealous, and a smidge of groveling. It was a lot of fun reading Sandi and Jonny’s live story.
February 9, 2023
It was enjoyable to read but I think it could have been much better. The characters are underdeveloped, and one has no redeeming qualities, and yet we're supposed to love them?
April 13, 2023
Sandra (Sandy) Hayes was new, to Tulsa, Oklahoma, and had no clue, what was going on when the sirens started, to blare. Jonny Canton was ten and so tall, she remembers thinking back, to her seven years old self. Yet, he could always command a room. Not in an obnoxious way, but in a fun, jovial, manner. However, because he was more athletic than her or even his brother, people often underestimated him, insulted his intelligence, or just plain called him a dumb jock. Sandy was about his only cheerleader, to tell everyone when they would compare him, to his brother.
She would stutter terribly but say, yes, Rob is good with numbers, but not people. He sucks at bringing people together, which you need, to build a strong foundation for a business. Someone people can trust. No one can trust a turd. She never understood why Jonny didn't try for, the NFL statistically his numbers did measure up. He just banked on a sure thing with his dad's greeting card company. She loved him unconditionally, so she supported him. Yet, he never once saw her in, a romantic role. One summer kiss at camp, and all her hopes of one day being, Mrs. Jonny Canton were gone. Layla was on his tongue, and in his thoughts. Yeah, she was forever friend-zoned.
That summer before he had left for the camp, they had both established email accounts, to keep in touch. Once Layla was going, to his school Sandy slowed her communication down. Then, Layla cheated on him, and he forgave her. Sandy never could. Not to mention, she was always so openly condescending, to Sandy ever since they were kids, and Jonny just never saw it. The day after, Jonny told, Sandy that he and, Layla got back together. He told her, that she needed, to stop waiting for that special someone. She’s in high school now date, kiss, and have fun. She let a guy in orchestra kiss her, and feel up her nonexistent boobs, but it broke her.
She ran home crying and told her parents she was over high school, and she was a year ahead. In reality, she was done with Jonny. She found an internship four states away, and since he was at OU now she wouldn’t have to face, Jonny, to say goodbye. The thing is Jonny found more to say now that she was gone. He was disappointed, she left without saying goodbye. The good thing on, Sandy’s part she didn't answer daily now, only weekly. And, once she found out he had been dating a girl named, Carly and never told her, he then became, Jon not, Jonny.
This was such a touching metamorphosis of two people who never should have ever been friends in the so-called normal realm. But they are. They go through so many different difficult phases most would have just given up on the other. Not them. Quirks and all, they loved each other through each one of them. Until one day they fell in love, equally. Loved the characters who take over your heart as they tug on your heartstrings.
She would stutter terribly but say, yes, Rob is good with numbers, but not people. He sucks at bringing people together, which you need, to build a strong foundation for a business. Someone people can trust. No one can trust a turd. She never understood why Jonny didn't try for, the NFL statistically his numbers did measure up. He just banked on a sure thing with his dad's greeting card company. She loved him unconditionally, so she supported him. Yet, he never once saw her in, a romantic role. One summer kiss at camp, and all her hopes of one day being, Mrs. Jonny Canton were gone. Layla was on his tongue, and in his thoughts. Yeah, she was forever friend-zoned.
That summer before he had left for the camp, they had both established email accounts, to keep in touch. Once Layla was going, to his school Sandy slowed her communication down. Then, Layla cheated on him, and he forgave her. Sandy never could. Not to mention, she was always so openly condescending, to Sandy ever since they were kids, and Jonny just never saw it. The day after, Jonny told, Sandy that he and, Layla got back together. He told her, that she needed, to stop waiting for that special someone. She’s in high school now date, kiss, and have fun. She let a guy in orchestra kiss her, and feel up her nonexistent boobs, but it broke her.
She ran home crying and told her parents she was over high school, and she was a year ahead. In reality, she was done with Jonny. She found an internship four states away, and since he was at OU now she wouldn’t have to face, Jonny, to say goodbye. The thing is Jonny found more to say now that she was gone. He was disappointed, she left without saying goodbye. The good thing on, Sandy’s part she didn't answer daily now, only weekly. And, once she found out he had been dating a girl named, Carly and never told her, he then became, Jon not, Jonny.
This was such a touching metamorphosis of two people who never should have ever been friends in the so-called normal realm. But they are. They go through so many different difficult phases most would have just given up on the other. Not them. Quirks and all, they loved each other through each one of them. Until one day they fell in love, equally. Loved the characters who take over your heart as they tug on your heartstrings.
May 28, 2024
3½⭐
Overall a good emotional read with good characters. I could feel the feelings on the page 🥰😄🥺. At first though I was unsure about this book, for me, the first 17% seemed to be disjointed with random thoughts tossed in, basically no flow. Then after 17% it started to flow and I'm so glad I didn't DNF like I was going to. I must say I'm slightly disappointed in the ending though because it felt rushed. Rushed in them finally getting together, skipping over to the final daughter & then it just ends 😕.
***SPOILER***
In the beginning we learned that Sandra has passed away. I think that's how this should've ended because that's what inspired Sadie to write her parents love story to begin with.
Hopefully the daughters books are just as good as this one once it started to flow with better endings.
Overall a good emotional read with good characters. I could feel the feelings on the page 🥰😄🥺. At first though I was unsure about this book, for me, the first 17% seemed to be disjointed with random thoughts tossed in, basically no flow. Then after 17% it started to flow and I'm so glad I didn't DNF like I was going to. I must say I'm slightly disappointed in the ending though because it felt rushed. Rushed in them finally getting together, skipping over to the final daughter & then it just ends 😕.
***SPOILER***
In the beginning we learned that Sandra has passed away. I think that's how this should've ended because that's what inspired Sadie to write her parents love story to begin with.
Hopefully the daughters books are just as good as this one once it started to flow with better endings.
April 18, 2023
Things I Always Wanted ~ Heartlander Series #0.5 by Kelsey Humphreys.
I loved this story, I was willing for to Sandra aka Sandy and Jonny to get their act together, as adults.
Sandra and Jonny are the parents of the 5 Canton sisters, and this is where it all began.
Things I Always Wanted, is a fantastic start for a new series, this book has been written perfectly with strong characters. That also applies to the secondary characters. I hope Kelsey can come up with their stories at a later date. I would love to read about, Lee, Avery, Jen, and of course Wade.
I highly recommend this book to all.
I loved this story, I was willing for to Sandra aka Sandy and Jonny to get their act together, as adults.
Sandra and Jonny are the parents of the 5 Canton sisters, and this is where it all began.
Things I Always Wanted, is a fantastic start for a new series, this book has been written perfectly with strong characters. That also applies to the secondary characters. I hope Kelsey can come up with their stories at a later date. I would love to read about, Lee, Avery, Jen, and of course Wade.
I highly recommend this book to all.
February 12, 2026
Awwww...cute story that tells how the Canton parents got together. Overall, pretty adorable.
It reads like an old Harlequin Romance with the unsaid truths, the manly man, the smart but naive woman. But it is redeemed by his ability to understand her needs and his desire to be the hero she needs. She learns to ask for the things she needs, finally. But having read their daughters' love stories you overlook the drawbacks because you know they stay in love but you get equally irritated by the wasted time in their story.
If nothing else, their get together scene is fabulous.
Yes.
It reads like an old Harlequin Romance with the unsaid truths, the manly man, the smart but naive woman. But it is redeemed by his ability to understand her needs and his desire to be the hero she needs. She learns to ask for the things she needs, finally. But having read their daughters' love stories you overlook the drawbacks because you know they stay in love but you get equally irritated by the wasted time in their story.
If nothing else, their get together scene is fabulous.
Yes.
April 24, 2026
Empezó muy bien, me esta gustando mucho, y ame a Wade, me encantaba que se estuviera descubriendo acompañada de el, era muy respetuoso con ella, y estaba descubriendo lo que era la vida universitaria. El personaje de Jon no me molestaba, el típico amigo, enamoramiento de chica bla bla. Pero me empezó a caer mal cuando empezó a salir con Wade, y la empezó a tratar distinto, muy no sabes lo que tenes hasta que lo perdes, le empezó a prestar mas atención cuando se puso mas linda y empezo a salir con otro. Cuando tuvo un pequeño romance con Jon Definitivamente no me gusto y me incomodo mucho pero sabia que no se iban quedar, así que cuando la cago, OTRA VEZ, y volví con Wade fui muuuuyyy feliz. Y cuando se iban a casare estaba muy entusiasmada, para cagar todas mis esperanzas haciendo que el pelotudo volviera a decirle que siempre la amo, y que nunca supo sobre sus sentimientos bla bla bla, y que la otra tarada lo dejara al único que la trato bien, para volver con el imbécil, DECEPCION del final.
December 18, 2022
This is just a toxic relationship. I am sorry but Jonny is literally the definition of what toxic means. If it turns out the he is a flirt and a cheater after the story ends. I wouldn't be so surprised. The writing in this book is so good. My issues is with the toxic main characters. Sandra is her own brand of selfish. She built her life around one boy. She used people and threw them out. That was horrible. You know what. They deserve each other. They are very well suited. Good for them.
Am I projecting while reading this book?
Yes.. I most probably am.
Am I projecting while reading this book?
Yes.. I most probably am.
April 14, 2026
Things I Always Wanted is a friends-to-lovers story that earns its emotional punches through character rather than contrivance. Sandra Hayes is a genuinely fresh protagonist, her logical inner voice both funny and achingly relatable as she navigates feelings she has spent years trying to spreadsheet her way out of. Humphreys writes banter that crackles without tipping into performance, and the slow unraveling of Sandra's carefully constructed emotional armor is a genuine pleasure to watch. A warm, witty series opener that leaves you wanting more from Heartlanders.
November 1, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are real and relatable. I love that they all have realistic human faults and struggles that I could laugh and cry along with. To paraphrase another reviewer, it's really special when you feel a book instead of just reading it. I have a feeling that this series will join the short list of books I am compelled to reread every year.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
December 10, 2022
2,75 ⭐️
decir que no he disfrutado el libro sería mentir porque el trope childhood friends to lovers me gusta, pero la forma en la que se ha dado no me ha terminado de convencer, ni eso ni los personajes. está guay porque es la historia anterior a las hermanas canton y al final si no llega a pasar ellas "no existirían" pero no me ha aportado nada nuevo, solo las ganas de leer el libro con la historia de sadie para saber más de ella
decir que no he disfrutado el libro sería mentir porque el trope childhood friends to lovers me gusta, pero la forma en la que se ha dado no me ha terminado de convencer, ni eso ni los personajes. está guay porque es la historia anterior a las hermanas canton y al final si no llega a pasar ellas "no existirían" pero no me ha aportado nada nuevo, solo las ganas de leer el libro con la historia de sadie para saber más de ella
March 2, 2023
I can’t. Not the ending I wanted. I was rooting for the other guy.
It’s like The Notebook, but instead, the MMC is a jerk and it takes him seeing her with another guy (and a makeover) to realize maybe he likes her?
Not my favorite Kelsey Humphreys story. They live HEA (and I hope the other guy does too, because really, he was the real winner in my eyes) …
It wasn’t BAD, it just wasn’t the ending I wanted.
It’s like The Notebook, but instead, the MMC is a jerk and it takes him seeing her with another guy (and a makeover) to realize maybe he likes her?
Not my favorite Kelsey Humphreys story. They live HEA (and I hope the other guy does too, because really, he was the real winner in my eyes) …
It wasn’t BAD, it just wasn’t the ending I wanted.
November 6, 2022
This book got me so good! It had me laughing, and crying, and everything in between.
I could not put it down, stayed up well into the night because I just had to know how it ended. And when I did finish it, I went back to reread my favourite parts. It was just too stinking sweet!
Kelsey’s characters are so relatable, and lovable. I cannot wait to read everyone of the Canton girls stories.
I could not put it down, stayed up well into the night because I just had to know how it ended. And when I did finish it, I went back to reread my favourite parts. It was just too stinking sweet!
Kelsey’s characters are so relatable, and lovable. I cannot wait to read everyone of the Canton girls stories.
Read
October 28, 2022I loved the book! It is a five star novel to me.
It is a wonderful romance book for readers who
read for pleasure and profit.
Congratulations, Wonderful Kelsey!!!
I am eager to read the next one!
Jean Baptiste Rufatabahizi, a five star romance novelist @JrufataJean
It is a wonderful romance book for readers who
read for pleasure and profit.
Congratulations, Wonderful Kelsey!!!
I am eager to read the next one!
Jean Baptiste Rufatabahizi, a five star romance novelist @JrufataJean
April 5, 2023
Had a hard time getting into the story (unlike the others in the series that enrapture you from page 1), but in true Heartlanders fashion, once it hooks, you are all in and can’t read fast enough!! When do the other books come out?! I’m not ready to be done!!!
November 7, 2022
I love this book! It was a quick read, witty, relatable, heartfelt, and a little steamy! Just how I like my fiction.
December 9, 2022
Those 5 stars are all for Sandra (h) and her besties, because I didn't care for Jhonny (H). I didn't like Wade either.
June 3, 2023
Great read
I really enjoyed the lead male, especially when he got his act together in the end. Great friends to lovers read. Opposites do attract.
I really enjoyed the lead male, especially when he got his act together in the end. Great friends to lovers read. Opposites do attract.
July 8, 2025
Things I Always Wanted is a GREAT book! I loved Jonny and Sandy's story. At times I cried with Sandy and wanted to give Jonny a swift kick to open his eyes and see what he has always had. The rest of the series is the stories about their five daughters.
December 23, 2025
Great rom com!! Well written and really got invested with the characters!!
Read
January 7, 2026Can I dnf a novel because I didn't like who the female lead ended up with?
November 14, 2025
In all honesty, I like the way Kelsey writes. It's fast, fun and emotional. More than once I laughed out loud and I truly felt for the main fmc. I'm also a huge fan of Kelseys Youtube channel and I want to read more of her work thanks to this one and to support her and everything she does.. That being said.
The plot hit a major sore spot and I felt it going in that direction from the moment she met the PA. I believe in second chances and fated partners but I hate when good guys get left out and that's what happened here. She utterly broke his heart and I found no closure on his behalf, not to his love, nor his tics (the one, two, three). Ofcourse I still wanted the best for the main fmc but I didn't care much for the mmc. It's hard when they (he) is the antagonists in my/the PA's story. would I still recommend it, definetly!
The plot hit a major sore spot and I felt it going in that direction from the moment she met the PA. I believe in second chances and fated partners but I hate when good guys get left out and that's what happened here. She utterly broke his heart and I found no closure on his behalf, not to his love, nor his tics (the one, two, three). Ofcourse I still wanted the best for the main fmc but I didn't care much for the mmc. It's hard when they (he) is the antagonists in my/the PA's story. would I still recommend it, definetly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
I LOVED this book. The characters are so endearing. Can’t wait to read more from the series 🥰
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews