What do you think?
Rate this book
All I Ever Wanted
One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair…
and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals…. So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor….
and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.
Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals…. So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor….
409 pages, Paperback
First published July 27, 2010
687 people are currently reading
6858 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,177 reviews
November 2, 2018
I never would have guessed, one happy twist of fate, four short week ago, disguised as an Audible nudge, would have sparked a new obsession in me—devouring everything and anything written by Kristan Higgins. There are very few times I can say I’ve read the same author’s books in succession. Back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back . . . forget it. No way. Scratch that. Yes way. It’s happening now. This finicky reader who’s prone to boredom, driven by mood and the very real need to mix things up, specifically genres whenever possible, is going full-force. I can’t stop. Ms. Higgins’ books are unputdownable or unstoppable, if you will. Grueling Atlanta commute, cleaning the kitchen, scrubbing the bathroom, folding laundry—just about anything is tolerable when I have an Kristan Higgins audio to binge.
Armed with a “happily ever after chair” and a huge heart, Callie is by far one of my favorite heroines written by this author—she’s smart, driven and knows exactlywhat who she wants. Callie has known Mark her entire life; he’s the first boy she ever kissed, the man that owns her heart and the boss that signs her paychecks. Four years working at his advertising agency and she hasn’t made much progress, as far as their romantic relationship goes. Sure, they spent a few hot and heavy weeks together before he dumped her, citing the all too convenient excuse of bad timing, but she wants it all. Times a tickin' though; she just joined the 30's club and apparently Mark has started dating someone new, too . . . someone he’s serious about. With a nudge from her friends, Callie decides the best course of action is to find herself a new beau, someone to get Mark to snap back to reality and see what he's missing.
Described as having the cold look of a hitman, ready to take someone out, Ian isn’t exactly the man she was anticipating when she made an appointment with the new veterinarian in town, hoping to score a date. A man of very few words and lots of attitude, he doesn’t fall victim to Callie’s charm, or at least, he doesn’t let on that she’s made an impression, which isn’t typical for her—everyone loves her. Ian definitely doesn’t make things easy for Callie, but what’s that saying . . . anything worth having takes hard work? or sometimes what we want isn't necessarily what we need?
Thanks to Ms. Higgins’ hilarious storyline and Xe Sands’ performance (she is one heck of a narrator, by the way), Callie and Ian’s story unfolded in my mind like a delectable rom-com. Let’s be honest, none of her books have had to work very hard to drag the laughs out of me, but this one barely had to put in any effort. This might be one of her funniest books to-date, for me. At the top of the list, a comedian in his own right, Callie’s roommate/grumpy grandfather, Noah; I absolutely adored him. Much of what came out of his mouth resulted in a hearty mix of “did he really just say that” or uncontrollable laughter. And her mother’s assistant at the funeral home/the mortician, talk about creepy, but in such a comical way. I could easily picture his clamminess and the awkward feeling that slipped in every time he entered a room, but surprisingly enough, my heart swelled with his storyline (doing it in a casket . . . really?!).
Best of all though, Callie and her self-deprecation. You gotta love a girl that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, even if it means completely embarrassing herself (tight bike shorts and purge & cleanse . . . say what?!).
Through this lovable cast of characters, Kristin Higgins delivers yet another stellar, snarky and all-around fun read/listen. I can't recommend her books enough; especially for all you schmoopy (I had to borrow this hilarious descriptor from my friend Susanne) girls like me, the ones that share my giddiness over the perfect mix of romance and women's fiction.
Armed with a “happily ever after chair” and a huge heart, Callie is by far one of my favorite heroines written by this author—she’s smart, driven and knows exactly
Described as having the cold look of a hitman, ready to take someone out, Ian isn’t exactly the man she was anticipating when she made an appointment with the new veterinarian in town, hoping to score a date. A man of very few words and lots of attitude, he doesn’t fall victim to Callie’s charm, or at least, he doesn’t let on that she’s made an impression, which isn’t typical for her—everyone loves her. Ian definitely doesn’t make things easy for Callie, but what’s that saying . . . anything worth having takes hard work? or sometimes what we want isn't necessarily what we need?
Thanks to Ms. Higgins’ hilarious storyline and Xe Sands’ performance (she is one heck of a narrator, by the way), Callie and Ian’s story unfolded in my mind like a delectable rom-com. Let’s be honest, none of her books have had to work very hard to drag the laughs out of me, but this one barely had to put in any effort. This might be one of her funniest books to-date, for me. At the top of the list, a comedian in his own right, Callie’s roommate/grumpy grandfather, Noah; I absolutely adored him. Much of what came out of his mouth resulted in a hearty mix of “did he really just say that” or uncontrollable laughter. And her mother’s assistant at the funeral home/the mortician, talk about creepy, but in such a comical way. I could easily picture his clamminess and the awkward feeling that slipped in every time he entered a room, but surprisingly enough, my heart swelled with his storyline (doing it in a casket . . . really?!).
Best of all though, Callie and her self-deprecation. You gotta love a girl that isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, even if it means completely embarrassing herself (tight bike shorts and purge & cleanse . . . say what?!).
Through this lovable cast of characters, Kristin Higgins delivers yet another stellar, snarky and all-around fun read/listen. I can't recommend her books enough; especially for all you schmoopy (I had to borrow this hilarious descriptor from my friend Susanne) girls like me, the ones that share my giddiness over the perfect mix of romance and women's fiction.
July 22, 2010
This book was everything I love about great contemporary romance stories. No 'killers looking to strike', no 'ex Navy seals turned mercenary for hire', no vampires lurking in corners or 18th century Dukes awaiting to deflower virgins. Nope. Just a 'plain' contemporary boy meets girl romance.
(insert my dreamy happy sigh here)
The first time I discovered a story with romantic elements I was captivated. (also about 11 years old) I could read BOOKS that had love and romance and all that mushy happily ever after stuff? This book reminded me why that young lady I once was fell in love with the genre in the first place. The full emotional gamut was here - and I was helplessly hooked into each and every page. I laughed and cried more than once, sometimes both at the same time, and when I turned the last page a most wonderful thing happened.
I got THAT feeling. The one bookworms like me live for. The "that book was so amazing I wish it wasn't over! I want more! It was AWESOME!" feeling. Then I wanted to pick it back up and start looking back at my favorite parts. In other words, I've found a new favorite book.
a bit more about the book...
"Callie": Sees herself as having Michelle Obama on one shoulder, Betty Boop on the other. Needing to get over her first love but not sure she wants to. A kind and big hearted woman who never gave up on love and tries her best to make the best of everything and everyone around her.
"Ian": Animal Vet and new guy in town. Described as looking like Russian hit man that could kill you with his pinkie. Better with dogs than people... or is he?
You need to know: Kristan Higgins writes contemporary romances in the first person (her heroine) that seem to always be set in the North East USA, have dogs, a 'fade to black' approach to love scenes, and always has a strong cast of supporting characters.
(insert my dreamy happy sigh here)
The first time I discovered a story with romantic elements I was captivated. (also about 11 years old) I could read BOOKS that had love and romance and all that mushy happily ever after stuff? This book reminded me why that young lady I once was fell in love with the genre in the first place. The full emotional gamut was here - and I was helplessly hooked into each and every page. I laughed and cried more than once, sometimes both at the same time, and when I turned the last page a most wonderful thing happened.
I got THAT feeling. The one bookworms like me live for. The "that book was so amazing I wish it wasn't over! I want more! It was AWESOME!" feeling. Then I wanted to pick it back up and start looking back at my favorite parts. In other words, I've found a new favorite book.
a bit more about the book...
"Callie": Sees herself as having Michelle Obama on one shoulder, Betty Boop on the other. Needing to get over her first love but not sure she wants to. A kind and big hearted woman who never gave up on love and tries her best to make the best of everything and everyone around her.
"Ian": Animal Vet and new guy in town. Described as looking like Russian hit man that could kill you with his pinkie. Better with dogs than people... or is he?
You need to know: Kristan Higgins writes contemporary romances in the first person (her heroine) that seem to always be set in the North East USA, have dogs, a 'fade to black' approach to love scenes, and always has a strong cast of supporting characters.
July 29, 2010
You know, this was really classic Kristan Higgins aside from the fact there was no quasi-incestuous romantic relationships in this book (I think that's a first). By classic Higgins I mean that I have mixed feelings about the book, which had elements that I absolutely loved, some I dealt with and got over, and others that made me cringe/skim/put down the book. Kristan Higgins is just like that for me. But I keep reading her because the elements I love I really do looooove. So I continue to read her books, even when they frustrate me.
Most of the supporting characters in this book were great. Funny `character`types of characters. I thought it was great that Higgins incorporated online dating in with the heroines search for a mate ... because so many people online date these days. I thought the dates that came from online were hilarious, but that may be because I don`t really think online dating is the best way to go about finding a lovvvva. Perhaps Higgins isn`t championing online dating after all.
I would call this a slow-cooker romance. It take awhile to get going. We`re never really around the heat, but at the end everything is cooked up and delicious. (I found the sex scenes - or lack of - particularly hilarious. They reminded me of a PG movie where the characters are clearly going to get up to business and then sink out of the frame of the camera. So we don`t get to see anything, and my 12 year old self is crushed).
There were some bumpy parts in this book. The Michelle Obama Betty Boop thing was taxing on me. Oh man! Terrible idea. And there was too much preoccupation with Mark. We all know Mark isn`t the real true love interest here but in the beginning of the book there is so much Mark. We hear about their history more than once, and about the one time they got together. I ended up skimming. I hate when I have to skim.
And Ian was so tortured and standoffish for so much of the book I thought that we`d never see him open up (he did ... but my god). OHHHH And could his reconciliation speech be any worse - `You are not the person I see myself with but I suppose I love you so I can`t do anything about it`. I think I would have just looked at him until her expressed his feelings in a more flattering light.
Bottom line: The book is fun, if at times a little annoying. There are a lot of similarities in plot to Higgins` other books but thankfully no romance between people who are almost siblings.
Most of the supporting characters in this book were great. Funny `character`types of characters. I thought it was great that Higgins incorporated online dating in with the heroines search for a mate ... because so many people online date these days. I thought the dates that came from online were hilarious, but that may be because I don`t really think online dating is the best way to go about finding a lovvvva. Perhaps Higgins isn`t championing online dating after all.
I would call this a slow-cooker romance. It take awhile to get going. We`re never really around the heat, but at the end everything is cooked up and delicious. (I found the sex scenes - or lack of - particularly hilarious. They reminded me of a PG movie where the characters are clearly going to get up to business and then sink out of the frame of the camera. So we don`t get to see anything, and my 12 year old self is crushed).
There were some bumpy parts in this book. The Michelle Obama Betty Boop thing was taxing on me. Oh man! Terrible idea. And there was too much preoccupation with Mark. We all know Mark isn`t the real true love interest here but in the beginning of the book there is so much Mark. We hear about their history more than once, and about the one time they got together. I ended up skimming. I hate when I have to skim.
And Ian was so tortured and standoffish for so much of the book I thought that we`d never see him open up (he did ... but my god). OHHHH And could his reconciliation speech be any worse - `You are not the person I see myself with but I suppose I love you so I can`t do anything about it`. I think I would have just looked at him until her expressed his feelings in a more flattering light.
Bottom line: The book is fun, if at times a little annoying. There are a lot of similarities in plot to Higgins` other books but thankfully no romance between people who are almost siblings.
October 26, 2018
4.5 Stars
Another great Higgins novel for the favorites list! For the exception of a rushed ending, it was perfection. Super funny, some tears, a beautiful wedding scene, and another great satisfying resolution with a man who thinks it's OK to take advantage of our very sweet heroine. If you're a Higgins fan, check out this one!
My favorite quote:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. So snap out of it."
Another great Higgins novel for the favorites list! For the exception of a rushed ending, it was perfection. Super funny, some tears, a beautiful wedding scene, and another great satisfying resolution with a man who thinks it's OK to take advantage of our very sweet heroine. If you're a Higgins fan, check out this one!
My favorite quote:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. So snap out of it."
March 22, 2017
Loved the book, but I had a bit of trouble warming up to the hero in this one. Not even the sappy ending could convince me to like him. What a backhanded declaration of love that was. Well, on to the next one!
June 15, 2019
Espere mucho tiempo a que esta novela fuese publicada, y ahora que la he leido no puedo estar mas satisfecha, Todo Lo Que Siempre Quiso fue un libro encantador de principio a fin que me llego al corazon.
No solo cuenta con una trama que me encanto pese a lo sencilla que fue, sino que ademas tiene un equilibrio perfecto entre las escenas mas emocionales y las que son mucho mas hilarantes y comicas, realmente conozco pocas autoras que puedan hacerme sentir sentimientos tan opuestos en una misma pagina como lo consigue Kristan Higgins, aunque tambien es cierto que en esta lectura los instantes desoladores son escasos, ya que abundan las partes graciosas y disparatadas.
Con el ultimo libro suyo que lei eche en falta mas romance, pero por suerte en esta ocasion la tematica sentimental me parecio muy correcta y bonita, sobretodo porque Callie e Ian no pueden ser mas opuestos y sin embargo son perfectos juntos, se complementan como dos piezas de un mismo puzzle.
Personalmente creo que elegir una de las novelas de esta autora siempre es un acierto, hasta la fecha no me ha decepcionado y lo que es aun mas importante, siempre me deja un buen sabor de boca con su trabajo, no es solo que su pluma sea cuidada y ligera sino porque encima sus personajes aunque un poco similares siempre consiguen agradarme, en este caso, Callie me gusto bastante, puede que su caracter sea un poco " especial " en algunos momentos, pero tenia tan buen corazon que era practicamente imposible no tomarle cariño.
Ian pese a no llegar a conocerlo tanto como a Callie debo admitir que me conquisto desde su primera aparicion, no solo era un veterinario con un corazon bondadoso sino que ademas que fuera un poco timido y frio le aporto un toque lindo a la pareja protagonista.
Para terminar, Todo Lo Que Siempre Quiso es un romance click it que no te puedes perder si eres fan de este genero, y si no lo eres sigue siendo una opcion ideal para estrenarse con esta tematica, ya que en mi opinion tiene ese toque adorable y encantador que no todas las historias de este estilo consiguen tener.
Muy muy recomendable, de los mejores trabajos de Kristan.
4 Estrellas!!
April 26, 2014
3.5 STARS
There's a method to Kristan Higgins wonderful books. The heroine is often a little quirky, maybe over pleasing, often self-deprecating. She has a big heart and a strange but loving family. Don't forget the token mutt!
The hero is usually the strong, silent type. And if not, he's not an asshole, never an over-bearing alpha, but ALWAYS a quintessential male. He'll see something in the heroine he doesn't in others, and eventually if he doesn't already, will fall madly, deeply in love with her.
There's always a healthy dose of emotional angst, hilarious moments, fantastically endearing secondary characters and a sweet and affecting romance.
Honestly, What's not to like? For me, LOVE.
This book followed the recipe mentioned above and while one might think it would get redundant, it doesn't. Every book gives you something special, something that stays with you. I really liked this one, but I didn't feel the required connection between the H/h. Ian the hero was good, not my favourite male in KH's world, but good enough. He was sweet and excruciatingly honest, but also too quiet and reserved for my liking. But truthfully, I think Callie, the heroine, needed exactly that.
Eventually when I've read all of KH's books---and I'm quickly getting there!---I'm going to feel a profound loss, she's that good.
There's a method to Kristan Higgins wonderful books. The heroine is often a little quirky, maybe over pleasing, often self-deprecating. She has a big heart and a strange but loving family. Don't forget the token mutt!
The hero is usually the strong, silent type. And if not, he's not an asshole, never an over-bearing alpha, but ALWAYS a quintessential male. He'll see something in the heroine he doesn't in others, and eventually if he doesn't already, will fall madly, deeply in love with her.
There's always a healthy dose of emotional angst, hilarious moments, fantastically endearing secondary characters and a sweet and affecting romance.
Honestly, What's not to like? For me, LOVE.
This book followed the recipe mentioned above and while one might think it would get redundant, it doesn't. Every book gives you something special, something that stays with you. I really liked this one, but I didn't feel the required connection between the H/h. Ian the hero was good, not my favourite male in KH's world, but good enough. He was sweet and excruciatingly honest, but also too quiet and reserved for my liking. But truthfully, I think Callie, the heroine, needed exactly that.
Eventually when I've read all of KH's books---and I'm quickly getting there!---I'm going to feel a profound loss, she's that good.
July 2, 2023
**addendum to original review 06/30/23**
Yes, this was as good as I remembered it. So lighthearted, funny, and romantic. I think Ian might be one of KH's most intriguing heroes, and the match with Callie is inspired opposites attract. I loved that Callie's people-pleasing ways were not apologized for. She does grow away from that a little bit by the end. But Gosh darn, she is just a very very nice, upbeat, and cheerful person and people just like her! It was an interesting blow to her when Ian's difficult mother did not love or approve of her. Anyway, although the end was very happy and satisfying, I did have an issue with a few things that led to that happy conclusion. First I guess KH needed that conflict and suspense to conclude the book, but it was very Hallmarky.
**original review 2016**
I'm reading Kristan Higgins again because there is no one, (except possibly SEP) better. Callie is probably the most adorable and likable heroine 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 the 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.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
Yes, this was as good as I remembered it. So lighthearted, funny, and romantic. I think Ian might be one of KH's most intriguing heroes, and the match with Callie is inspired opposites attract. I loved that Callie's people-pleasing ways were not apologized for. She does grow away from that a little bit by the end. But Gosh darn, she is just a very very nice, upbeat, and cheerful person and people just like her! It was an interesting blow to her when Ian's difficult mother did not love or approve of her. Anyway, although the end was very happy and satisfying, I did have an issue with a few things that led to that happy conclusion. First I guess KH needed that conflict and suspense to conclude the book, but it was very Hallmarky.
**original review 2016**
I'm reading Kristan Higgins again because there is no one, (except possibly SEP) better. Callie is probably the most adorable and likable heroine 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 the 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.
https://rebekahsreadingsandwatchings....
November 4, 2010
RRRJessica recently blogged claiming that Kristin Higgins writes women's fiction, not romance. I see her point. All I Ever Wanted sounds like it's somewhat closer to traditional romance than Higgin's other books, but it still spends a good deal of time on the heroine's family, career and relationship with someone other than the book's hero, in proportion to time spent on the primary romance. And apparently some romance readers find this unsatisfying.
I'm not one of them. Call it women's fiction, call it chick-lit, call it "Fiction with strong romantic elements," whatever, I really enjoyed it. It's well-written, funny, engaging fiction, and people fall in luv, and that's good enough for me.
In fact, I would make a case that the time spent on other elements in the book actually work for the primary romance. In this case, our hero Ian is a quiet, withdrawn, difficult to approach man. (Narrator Callie describes him as having a "splash of Aspergers"; as the mother of a boy with Aspergers, I'm somewhat ambivalent about that, but I'll let it go.) The two really need time to develop a believable relationship and to sort out some inevitable "opposites-attract" type conflicts. And Callie needs to grow as a person and sort out some past issues to be ready for a relationship with Ian.
So yes, that does make this chick-lit. But it's good though.
I'm not one of them. Call it women's fiction, call it chick-lit, call it "Fiction with strong romantic elements," whatever, I really enjoyed it. It's well-written, funny, engaging fiction, and people fall in luv, and that's good enough for me.
In fact, I would make a case that the time spent on other elements in the book actually work for the primary romance. In this case, our hero Ian is a quiet, withdrawn, difficult to approach man. (Narrator Callie describes him as having a "splash of Aspergers"; as the mother of a boy with Aspergers, I'm somewhat ambivalent about that, but I'll let it go.) The two really need time to develop a believable relationship and to sort out some inevitable "opposites-attract" type conflicts. And Callie needs to grow as a person and sort out some past issues to be ready for a relationship with Ian.
So yes, that does make this chick-lit. But it's good though.
December 17, 2018
Callie Grey is turning thirty, and her life simply isn't going as planned. She's not married--or even dating--and now her boss, Mark, whom she's loved for years, is marrying Muriel, a perfect specimen from California. Even worse, Muriel is honing in on Callie's territory at the advertising agency where she works. Her mother runs the family business: a funeral home, where Callie's thirtieth birthday was held (sharing space with a wake). Her father, meanwhile, is trying to win her mother back, despite the fact that she hates him for cheating on her--when Callie was eight. Hester, her sister, despises all men due to said cheating incident. And no matter how hard she tries, Callie can't get over Mark and the five weeks they "dated." Still, it seems like maybe that could change when she meets Ian, the town's new sulky but handsome veterinarian. But can Callie put the past behind her to find her own happiness? And is Ian ready to move on himself?
So, as part of my reading goals for 2019, I'm going to try to read more books that I own. I've been "practicing" a bit here at the end of 2018, and ALL I EVER WANTED was part of that. I read two of Higgins' recent releases lately and really loved them, so decided to go with this one. While I didn't find it quite as modernly witty and wonderful as those two (a few scenes describing characters' weight and a few other things rubbed me a bit wrong), it was still a really enjoyable read.
Well, I read another romance recently and while it was good, I just couldn't fall fully for the characters. Not the case here. While I worried a bit early on that Callie would be too much of a whiner, she grew on me quickly. Higgins is just so good with the slow build of her characters and storylines. You get the gruff but charming Ian and all these wonderful scenes that make you smile. Her books have just the right balance of sweet and funny (there always seems to be a classic dinner party scene that makes me laugh out loud). There's a great moment where Callie and Ian are on a hike, and a wonderfully humorous time where Callie dates someone who is, yes, a human hair artisan.
The point is, we really get to know the characters--their flaws and foibles plus their good sides--and it just helps make the story. I care about them. I know Callie's family (a great cast of ancillary characters, including her grandfather and nieces), I know her backstory, and we even get to know Ian's tale. The book deals, deftly, with some complicated emotions and heartache along with the fun and fluff. (And well, there's an incident with a wild turkey that's pretty awesome.) And because we get these two fleshed out characters--even if we know they are probably destined to get together--we're invested along the way to find out how and why. That's what I love about Higgins. It's not just some token scenes along the way to an inevitable conclusion. There's real meat and depth, along with humor. And I really enjoyed the ending, too.
Overall, this is just a fun, enjoyable book with some depth to back itself up. The characters are interesting, and parts of it will make you laugh out loud. I recommend it, and I'm glad I picked it up off my bookshelf!
I received my copy of this book through one of my favorite websites, Paperbackswap.com, where you can swap copies of all your favorite books (hardcover, paperback, and more).
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+ ~ Instagram
So, as part of my reading goals for 2019, I'm going to try to read more books that I own. I've been "practicing" a bit here at the end of 2018, and ALL I EVER WANTED was part of that. I read two of Higgins' recent releases lately and really loved them, so decided to go with this one. While I didn't find it quite as modernly witty and wonderful as those two (a few scenes describing characters' weight and a few other things rubbed me a bit wrong), it was still a really enjoyable read.
Well, I read another romance recently and while it was good, I just couldn't fall fully for the characters. Not the case here. While I worried a bit early on that Callie would be too much of a whiner, she grew on me quickly. Higgins is just so good with the slow build of her characters and storylines. You get the gruff but charming Ian and all these wonderful scenes that make you smile. Her books have just the right balance of sweet and funny (there always seems to be a classic dinner party scene that makes me laugh out loud). There's a great moment where Callie and Ian are on a hike, and a wonderfully humorous time where Callie dates someone who is, yes, a human hair artisan.
The point is, we really get to know the characters--their flaws and foibles plus their good sides--and it just helps make the story. I care about them. I know Callie's family (a great cast of ancillary characters, including her grandfather and nieces), I know her backstory, and we even get to know Ian's tale. The book deals, deftly, with some complicated emotions and heartache along with the fun and fluff. (And well, there's an incident with a wild turkey that's pretty awesome.) And because we get these two fleshed out characters--even if we know they are probably destined to get together--we're invested along the way to find out how and why. That's what I love about Higgins. It's not just some token scenes along the way to an inevitable conclusion. There's real meat and depth, along with humor. And I really enjoyed the ending, too.
Overall, this is just a fun, enjoyable book with some depth to back itself up. The characters are interesting, and parts of it will make you laugh out loud. I recommend it, and I'm glad I picked it up off my bookshelf!
I received my copy of this book through one of my favorite websites, Paperbackswap.com, where you can swap copies of all your favorite books (hardcover, paperback, and more).
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+ ~ Instagram
August 18, 2010
Callie Grey - short for Calliope (Homer's muse) - is turning thirty. She lives with her cranky, adorable grandfather, Noah, and is in love with her childhood crush, Mark. Mark also happens to be Callie's boss. After a brief fling, Mark dumps Callie, telling her the timing is not right for a relationship. She clings to those words and wastes spends the next year pining after Mark. But then Mark announces that he has a new girlfriend - a client's daughter - and he is bringing her to work for the company.
Did I mention he makes this announcement on Callie's 30th birthday?
Callie is painfully crushed, of course, and suddenly remembers she needs to renew her driver's license. She flees to the DMV where she stands in line, crying into her cell phone over her unrequited love and is rudely interrupted (and openly scoffed) by a man who is described as looking like a Russian hit man. Through a series of mishaps, Callie learns that the rude assassin look-a-like is actually the new town vet, Ian McFarland. Callie soon develops a massive crush on said town vet and finds herself lining up with the other single gals in town at the animal clinic.
I knew I was in for a ride when Callie's 30th birthday party took place at her mother's funeral home. Kristan Higgin's books are an auto-buy for me - her books always take me through a whole gamut of emotions. I know I am guaranteed a few laughs, as well as a dash of tears. Her heroines are warm, funny, big-hearted and wonderful in spite of their flaws.
All of the typical Kristan Higgin's elements were in this book - strong family dynamic, whacky characters, lovable, furry canines, northeastern setting, and a PG-rated romance. Callie's parents are divorced - her mother is a total head case. Her sarcastic, older sister is a fertility doctor. Her little brother is adorable and her grandfather is described as "Old Northeast". I didn't care for her co-workers, especially Fleur - Callie's frenemy. Louis - her mother's mortician - was just plain old creepy. And it isn't possible to say one nice thing about Mark a/k/a the D-Bag.
Just a few minor complaints: I hated that the relationship with Ian did not develop until later in the book. Definitely a slow-cooker romance. Ian came across as cold and too grumpy - his past problems were not explained - and this is why I have a problem with first person POV in romance. I really wanted to hop inside Ian's head and read his mind. Also, I could have done without Callie's internal conflict. Michelle Obama was on one shoulder. Betty Boop on the other. It almost threw me out of the book more than once. Not a fan! A few minor political add-in's didn't help change my view either. I don't like politics in my romance novels.
Otherwise, I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Highly enjoyable and funny!
Did I mention he makes this announcement on Callie's 30th birthday?
Callie is painfully crushed, of course, and suddenly remembers she needs to renew her driver's license. She flees to the DMV where she stands in line, crying into her cell phone over her unrequited love and is rudely interrupted (and openly scoffed) by a man who is described as looking like a Russian hit man. Through a series of mishaps, Callie learns that the rude assassin look-a-like is actually the new town vet, Ian McFarland. Callie soon develops a massive crush on said town vet and finds herself lining up with the other single gals in town at the animal clinic.
I knew I was in for a ride when Callie's 30th birthday party took place at her mother's funeral home. Kristan Higgin's books are an auto-buy for me - her books always take me through a whole gamut of emotions. I know I am guaranteed a few laughs, as well as a dash of tears. Her heroines are warm, funny, big-hearted and wonderful in spite of their flaws.
All of the typical Kristan Higgin's elements were in this book - strong family dynamic, whacky characters, lovable, furry canines, northeastern setting, and a PG-rated romance. Callie's parents are divorced - her mother is a total head case. Her sarcastic, older sister is a fertility doctor. Her little brother is adorable and her grandfather is described as "Old Northeast". I didn't care for her co-workers, especially Fleur - Callie's frenemy. Louis - her mother's mortician - was just plain old creepy. And it isn't possible to say one nice thing about Mark a/k/a the D-Bag.
Just a few minor complaints: I hated that the relationship with Ian did not develop until later in the book. Definitely a slow-cooker romance. Ian came across as cold and too grumpy - his past problems were not explained - and this is why I have a problem with first person POV in romance. I really wanted to hop inside Ian's head and read his mind. Also, I could have done without Callie's internal conflict. Michelle Obama was on one shoulder. Betty Boop on the other. It almost threw me out of the book more than once. Not a fan! A few minor political add-in's didn't help change my view either. I don't like politics in my romance novels.
Otherwise, I whole-heartedly recommend this book. Highly enjoyable and funny!
January 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
Three things:
1. This should have been my first read of 2019, because it made me spectacularly happy. I’m just going to ignore the other so-so book I may have tackled before this one.
2. Callie is, hands down, my most favorite Higgins’ heroine. She is unabashedly herself and someone who I’d very much like to know and befriend. (Ummm, I do realize she’s fictional. I’m not THAT much of a nutter. Usually. )
3. Easily one of my top 3 reads by Higgins. Clever, warm, and belly-laugh-funny. I still have a goofy grin on my face.
Three things:
1. This should have been my first read of 2019, because it made me spectacularly happy. I’m just going to ignore the other so-so book I may have tackled before this one.
2. Callie is, hands down, my most favorite Higgins’ heroine. She is unabashedly herself and someone who I’d very much like to know and befriend. (Ummm, I do realize she’s fictional. I’m not THAT much of a nutter. Usually. )
3. Easily one of my top 3 reads by Higgins. Clever, warm, and belly-laugh-funny. I still have a goofy grin on my face.
June 24, 2011
Sigh. I don't think Kristan Higgins is the author for me. I'm a bit sad, because I've been craving good contemporary romance after reading the excellent Yours To Keep by Shannon Stacey, and everybody always seems to rave about Higgins. Even though I didn't really liked the first book I read by her,Catch Of The Day, I thought she deserved another chance, and the plot of this one seemed to be quite up my alley.
And I was right about the plot. Callie has been in love with her boss for ages, and when he has a new girlfriend, she desperately tries to move on, which doesn't quite work at first. Enter Ian, the new vet, who's very different from Callie, as he is serious and standoffish (though that's mostly because he's shy). They don't make a very good first impression on each other, but you can't evade people in a small town, so slowly they get to know each other, become friends, and slowly fall in love.
It should be the kind of story I adore, but Higgins couldn't make it work for me. Or rather, I felt that she made wrong decisions a couple of times on where and how her conflicts played out.
For instance, there's the incredible silly laxative accident, which was slowly built-up to, and which I thought was a train wreck waiting to happen. I wasn't happy with it at all, because it felt juvenile to me, but when nothing ended up happening with it, I was disappointed. If you're going to have a main character with silly antics, at least go full force with them.
But even worse was that by the ending, there was this incredible emotional moment, that happened right after Ian and Callie's first fight. It was poignant and sad, and I thought Higgins was finally coming around because she made me cry. But then the doorbell rang and the wrong man was at the door, and I could totally see this causing a Big Misunderstanding of the worst kind. When that didn't happen I was so relieved, even though the sad emotional moment was still ruined. At least there wasn't the most predictable BM. And then that happened after all in the next chapter.
I was so angry! Not because I have anything against the particular plot point that caused the BM, but because Ian and Callie didn't need it. There were plenty of interesting conflicts around, and this one was just to easy to pile on top of those, more so because it shoved all other conflicts under the carpet.
And then I didn't like how it was solved either, because of the magnitude of the BM, the get back together speech should have been way more powerful. Instead it was sort of insulting.
I don't know. For the whole book it felt like true romance greatness was right at my fingertips, and every time I thought "Yes, now she'll hit a homerun", it all sizzled away again.
I can see a lot of people loving this, and I can even see why people love Higgins, but she just isn't the author for me.
And I was right about the plot. Callie has been in love with her boss for ages, and when he has a new girlfriend, she desperately tries to move on, which doesn't quite work at first. Enter Ian, the new vet, who's very different from Callie, as he is serious and standoffish (though that's mostly because he's shy). They don't make a very good first impression on each other, but you can't evade people in a small town, so slowly they get to know each other, become friends, and slowly fall in love.
It should be the kind of story I adore, but Higgins couldn't make it work for me. Or rather, I felt that she made wrong decisions a couple of times on where and how her conflicts played out.
For instance, there's the incredible silly laxative accident, which was slowly built-up to, and which I thought was a train wreck waiting to happen. I wasn't happy with it at all, because it felt juvenile to me, but when nothing ended up happening with it, I was disappointed. If you're going to have a main character with silly antics, at least go full force with them.
But even worse was that by the ending, there was this incredible emotional moment, that happened right after Ian and Callie's first fight. It was poignant and sad, and I thought Higgins was finally coming around because she made me cry. But then the doorbell rang and the wrong man was at the door, and I could totally see this causing a Big Misunderstanding of the worst kind. When that didn't happen I was so relieved, even though the sad emotional moment was still ruined. At least there wasn't the most predictable BM. And then that happened after all in the next chapter.
I was so angry! Not because I have anything against the particular plot point that caused the BM, but because Ian and Callie didn't need it. There were plenty of interesting conflicts around, and this one was just to easy to pile on top of those, more so because it shoved all other conflicts under the carpet.
And then I didn't like how it was solved either, because of the magnitude of the BM, the get back together speech should have been way more powerful. Instead it was sort of insulting.
I don't know. For the whole book it felt like true romance greatness was right at my fingertips, and every time I thought "Yes, now she'll hit a homerun", it all sizzled away again.
I can see a lot of people loving this, and I can even see why people love Higgins, but she just isn't the author for me.
January 28, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this book. I loved the banter, the secondary characters and the actual plot.
However, I struggled with both the heroine and the hero. She was too needy, immature and never grew into anything different. I know she finally "got over" Mark, but only because she was in another relationship with the hero who IMHO, wasn't really great hero material. To me, he was a self-centered jerk that walked all over the heroine. In fact the scene at his ex-wife's wedding just solidified my negative feelings for him. He showed great love and compassion for his ex, but turned around and treated the heroine like a convenience. There wasn't anything of value between them outside of their fantastic sex life.
I'm giving this two stars because the writing is excellent, the secondary characters really delivered and there were some very fun LOL moments. But, the romance was extremely disappointing.
However, I struggled with both the heroine and the hero. She was too needy, immature and never grew into anything different. I know she finally "got over" Mark, but only because she was in another relationship with the hero who IMHO, wasn't really great hero material. To me, he was a self-centered jerk that walked all over the heroine. In fact the scene at his ex-wife's wedding just solidified my negative feelings for him. He showed great love and compassion for his ex, but turned around and treated the heroine like a convenience. There wasn't anything of value between them outside of their fantastic sex life.
I'm giving this two stars because the writing is excellent, the secondary characters really delivered and there were some very fun LOL moments. But, the romance was extremely disappointing.
December 29, 2016
The first, oh, half of this was beyond painful. I admit I'd have abandoned it if a friend's review hadn't mentioned that it gets way better after a turning point. She was absolutely right and I have to agree that it was worth getting past the bad to get to the good (though it would have been better to do without the crap up front).
The problem is that Callie starts out as so very gormless. She lets everyone walk all over her and she acts like she is helpless in the face of life or fate or whatever. Her crush on Mark is just painful and her compulsion to "be nice" to creeps and jerks had me wanting to throw things and/or hit someone—preferably one of the insufferable prats she "dates".
This smooths out once she turns her sights on Ian. And since their relationship is kind of awesome, that's where things really pick up. I loved that Ian was all uncertain and organized and shy against her energy and determination. I loved that they got along so well despite their obvious differences. And I love that they communicate, even at their worst moments (and I'll note that ).
Anyway, after the first third (maybe half, I didn't note where, precisely), this settled down into an outstanding romance and I really liked the relationship developments from that point on—including progress with Callie's family dysfunction. This would have been a solid four, possibly five, stars if that beginning hadn't been so wearing.
A note about Politics: While Callie uses Michelle Obama as the voice for her sensible self and takes the occasional pot-shot at Republicans (singly and as a group), this isn't really a terribly political book. Callie herself is such a people-person and so fundamentally kind that I have a hard time seeing her being mean to anyone, regardless of politics. It helps, too, that Ian's mother (a crusader for various progressive causes) is portrayed so negatively for putting her causes above caring for the people in her life, and thus triangulating that, for Callie at least, it's all about personal relationships and caring for others.
A note about Steamy: I debated tagging this as steamy. Higgins pulls the curtain before the happy-times start so you don't get any detail. That said, some of the foreplay gets far enough (under clothes but before removal) I'm going to tag it anyway. I very nearly created a new category to fit between Steamy and Chaste for this novel (probably closed-door or something equally lame). As it stands, this is the lightest of steam in my steam tolerance and only just barely qualifies at all.
The problem is that Callie starts out as so very gormless. She lets everyone walk all over her and she acts like she is helpless in the face of life or fate or whatever. Her crush on Mark is just painful and her compulsion to "be nice" to creeps and jerks had me wanting to throw things and/or hit someone—preferably one of the insufferable prats she "dates".
This smooths out once she turns her sights on Ian. And since their relationship is kind of awesome, that's where things really pick up. I loved that Ian was all uncertain and organized and shy against her energy and determination. I loved that they got along so well despite their obvious differences. And I love that they communicate, even at their worst moments (and I'll note that ).
Anyway, after the first third (maybe half, I didn't note where, precisely), this settled down into an outstanding romance and I really liked the relationship developments from that point on—including progress with Callie's family dysfunction. This would have been a solid four, possibly five, stars if that beginning hadn't been so wearing.
A note about Politics: While Callie uses Michelle Obama as the voice for her sensible self and takes the occasional pot-shot at Republicans (singly and as a group), this isn't really a terribly political book. Callie herself is such a people-person and so fundamentally kind that I have a hard time seeing her being mean to anyone, regardless of politics. It helps, too, that Ian's mother (a crusader for various progressive causes) is portrayed so negatively for putting her causes above caring for the people in her life, and thus triangulating that, for Callie at least, it's all about personal relationships and caring for others.
A note about Steamy: I debated tagging this as steamy. Higgins pulls the curtain before the happy-times start so you don't get any detail. That said, some of the foreplay gets far enough (under clothes but before removal) I'm going to tag it anyway. I very nearly created a new category to fit between Steamy and Chaste for this novel (probably closed-door or something equally lame). As it stands, this is the lightest of steam in my steam tolerance and only just barely qualifies at all.
June 24, 2015
Callie Grey is having a bad 30th birthday. Her 5 week fling with her love-of-her-life has just told her he is seeing someone else. She is an emotional wreck so she leaves work early to get her driver's license renewed. Standing in line, pouring out to her sister on her cell phone, she hears a man continually grumbling.
Finally fed up, she turns around and says, "Look, mister, I am sorry for bothering you, but I am having a really shitty day, okay? My heart is breaking, okay, pal?"
"By all means," he said coolly. "Please continue with your emotional diarrhea."
Whimpering while shedding tears "Mr. Intolerance of the Cruel Cheekbones " offered her a handkerchief. (I wondered) while Callie thought, too: who ironed, starched and carried these things anymore? And so she had first contact with the future man in her life.
Ian McFarland is the new town veterinarian. Dry, somewhat moody, meticulous and not a people-person, he and Callie are like night and day. A good portion of the story has Callie seeking gratification through her continual adventures with others. Whether it is her immediate family, close friends, co-workers or her contact with Ian, she wants everyone to be happy. And more.
Similar to CATCH OF THE DAY, the heroine loves someone else at the beginning of the story. The hero comes and goes. Family members' lives are explained so you learn to understand why the heroine behaves the way she does. Like COTD there are some pretty funny moments. I found myself LOL and, many times while reading, I had a smile on my face. Again, like COTD, I would have liked more contact between the hero and heroine and less time dwelling on the person she thought she loved/obsessed. Also, less profanity, but that is just my two-cents. Still, I flew through this romance in one day and am looking for more from this author.
Finally fed up, she turns around and says, "Look, mister, I am sorry for bothering you, but I am having a really shitty day, okay? My heart is breaking, okay, pal?"
"By all means," he said coolly. "Please continue with your emotional diarrhea."
Whimpering while shedding tears "Mr. Intolerance of the Cruel Cheekbones " offered her a handkerchief. (I wondered) while Callie thought, too: who ironed, starched and carried these things anymore? And so she had first contact with the future man in her life.
Ian McFarland is the new town veterinarian. Dry, somewhat moody, meticulous and not a people-person, he and Callie are like night and day. A good portion of the story has Callie seeking gratification through her continual adventures with others. Whether it is her immediate family, close friends, co-workers or her contact with Ian, she wants everyone to be happy. And more.
Similar to CATCH OF THE DAY, the heroine loves someone else at the beginning of the story. The hero comes and goes. Family members' lives are explained so you learn to understand why the heroine behaves the way she does. Like COTD there are some pretty funny moments. I found myself LOL and, many times while reading, I had a smile on my face. Again, like COTD, I would have liked more contact between the hero and heroine and less time dwelling on the person she thought she loved/obsessed. Also, less profanity, but that is just my two-cents. Still, I flew through this romance in one day and am looking for more from this author.
August 28, 2010
It's been said that Shakespeare only wrote one comedy, then wrote 15 or 16 variations on the theme. That may be stretching it, but there is more than a little truth in that statement. So far, I have to say author Kristan Higgins has written 6 variation of the same story. If you've read one, you know the drill: Heroine obsessed with an unavailable and/or inappropriate man, and who acts on that obsession in embarrassing and sometimes self-destructive ways. Quirky family drama that often includes marital strife of parents; and clueless, unlikeable, or downright mean siblings. The heroine (sometimes hero) in a relationship with someone else other than the hero (heroine) for part of the book.
All I Ever Wanted is most like Catch of the Day. I happen to like this one better than Catch of the Day, because Callie had some backbone and the author didn't make her quite so pathetic. Also, although we still don't know exactly what's going on inside Ian's head, we get a better view than we ever did inside Malone's.
This book started out slow for me. It's short on romance and long on family/friend drama. I didn't care much for the side stories about Callie's family. The only ones I liked were Freddy and Bronte. I also got really tired of Callie talking about how her "girl parts" were reacting to Ian.
But to end on an "up" note: I liked Callie. While she was pathetic over Mark, she was also capable person who other people appreciated and admired. She's a strong character who avoids being the dreaded "spunky heroine." Also, Higgins wrote some hilarious dialog in this book. There are some truly wickedly funny lines! Very clever.
All I Ever Wanted is most like Catch of the Day. I happen to like this one better than Catch of the Day, because Callie had some backbone and the author didn't make her quite so pathetic. Also, although we still don't know exactly what's going on inside Ian's head, we get a better view than we ever did inside Malone's.
This book started out slow for me. It's short on romance and long on family/friend drama. I didn't care much for the side stories about Callie's family. The only ones I liked were Freddy and Bronte. I also got really tired of Callie talking about how her "girl parts" were reacting to Ian.
But to end on an "up" note: I liked Callie. While she was pathetic over Mark, she was also capable person who other people appreciated and admired. She's a strong character who avoids being the dreaded "spunky heroine." Also, Higgins wrote some hilarious dialog in this book. There are some truly wickedly funny lines! Very clever.
April 6, 2015
This was such a fun book! It was my first time reading Kristan Higgins and it won't be my last. I loved every character, I laughed, and I'll admit I even cried. So glad that I finally picked up one of her books!
July 18, 2010
Absolutely loved it!! I laughed, I cried; it was funny, it was sad. I haven't enjoyed a Higgins novel this much since Too Good to Be True, which is the first book I ever read by Higgins and have been reading her ever since. I fell in love with Callie and Ian, and found myself rooting for them throughout. The entire Grey family was great. Noah, Callie's grandfather, is funny, lovable, and a absolute dream of a grandfather. Her parents are divorced, although her father is trying to win back her mother, and her sister Hester is a total riot.
Callie thought she was in love with Mark, but it turned out to be more of a junior high crush that lasted until adulthood. She met Ian, her true love, when she was at her all time worst and they still were able to make it work, though it took some effort. Ian's great; he's somewhat shy and reserved, whereas Callie is very outgoing and has never met a stranger.
I didn't like Fleur, Callie's so-called friend, at first sight. She the kind of friend that makes you not need enemies. Mark was a complete jerk and Muriel was a total airhead. If I could have had any respect for Mark, I would have lost all of it when he started letting Muriel run the show.
If a cute, witty, light-hearted romance is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with All I Ever Wanted.
~You can find more of my reviews at Confessions of a Bookaholic
Callie thought she was in love with Mark, but it turned out to be more of a junior high crush that lasted until adulthood. She met Ian, her true love, when she was at her all time worst and they still were able to make it work, though it took some effort. Ian's great; he's somewhat shy and reserved, whereas Callie is very outgoing and has never met a stranger.
I didn't like Fleur, Callie's so-called friend, at first sight. She the kind of friend that makes you not need enemies. Mark was a complete jerk and Muriel was a total airhead. If I could have had any respect for Mark, I would have lost all of it when he started letting Muriel run the show.
If a cute, witty, light-hearted romance is what you're looking for, you can't go wrong with All I Ever Wanted.
~You can find more of my reviews at Confessions of a Bookaholic
October 30, 2019
Reread October 2019:
I hadn’t realized that I’d already read this one. Different cover. It was still only 3 stars; mediocre in every way.
Note to self: don’t read it again!
———————————————
Original review:
Some good funnies, but the love story was kinda meh. Okay, but not one of Kristan Higgin's better books.
I hadn’t realized that I’d already read this one. Different cover. It was still only 3 stars; mediocre in every way.
Note to self: don’t read it again!
———————————————
Original review:
Some good funnies, but the love story was kinda meh. Okay, but not one of Kristan Higgin's better books.
April 7, 2013
This is another of my books that has definitely benefitted from a re-read. The theme of Callie's story - that sometimes everything you think you want is FAR from what you really need - is not a new one in romance.
Kristan Higgans' take on it, though, is charming. It is also laugh out loud funny, poignant, and is going on my keeper shelf. It's a CLEAN romance as well; while Callie and Ian have tremendous chemisty, the love scenes are all fade to black. What we do see, however, is really well done - enough so that smutty old me barely notices the darkness. (Well, to be fair, I did on second reading but the chemistry between the leads balanced it out.)
This is the second of Kristan Higgins' books I've read in the past year or so; perhaps I should glom her backlist for the stories and characters and play out the love scenes in my head. God knows I've read enough of those. :)
3.5 stars the first time I read it; a year later it's getting a 4.
Kristan Higgans' take on it, though, is charming. It is also laugh out loud funny, poignant, and is going on my keeper shelf. It's a CLEAN romance as well; while Callie and Ian have tremendous chemisty, the love scenes are all fade to black. What we do see, however, is really well done - enough so that smutty old me barely notices the darkness. (Well, to be fair, I did on second reading but the chemistry between the leads balanced it out.)
This is the second of Kristan Higgins' books I've read in the past year or so; perhaps I should glom her backlist for the stories and characters and play out the love scenes in my head. God knows I've read enough of those. :)
3.5 stars the first time I read it; a year later it's getting a 4.
November 2, 2020
Still can make me laugh and cry after all this years. Love the imperfection of the characters especially Callie's dysfunctional family haha. Those imperfections were what makes this story so wonderful.
Read
October 29, 2019It's a case if "It's me, not you." Maybe too chick lit?
December 21, 2019
Bastante simple y rosa, pero muy emotiva. Amé al abuelo Noah, su personaje es lo mejor del libro!
May 5, 2017
Callie Grey has been in love with her boss Mark since she was fourteen years old, and she works at his advertising agency, furthering her fantasies. Until one day, her thirtieth birthday as a matter of fact, when Mark tells her that he's dating someone else. She goes to the DMV and upon waiting in line, calls her sister to cry and vent, meeting a seeming impatient man. A few days later, she brings her dog Bowie to the vet to check out the new doctor, Ian McFarland, only to find that that new vet is the man from the DMV.
Callie goes about her everyday life afterwards while trying to studiously ignore Mark's new flame and get over her feelings for him. Ian is thrown into Callie's path quite a few times and she helps him develop a plan to make the people of Georgebury like him a little more and help his business.
After an awkward encounter with Ian's ex-wife, Callie agrees to go to his ex-wife's wedding with him. They have a good time together and are about to go up to Ian's hotel room to Do The Deed when Mark, his fiancée, and her father announce that Mark and Muriel just got engaged. Ian believes that Callie is still in love with Mark and that puts the kibosh on their plans for the night.
A few days later, after an embarrassing and crazy incident involving a turkey, Ian and Callie finally hook up and become a couple. Everything goes great until his aunt, the woman who raised him after his parents died, comes to visit and Ian and Callie have a huge fight about her defending him to his aunt. She leaves. The next day, Ian still hasn't gotten in contact when Callie is summoned to the family funeral home where her parents tell her and her siblings that they are getting remarried to each other. When Callie goes home that night, she finds Noah, her grandfather that she lived with, dead. When Mark comes over when Callie is alone, she finally tells him that she quits Green Mountain Media and makes him leave, just as Ian is coming to the door. Ian comes in and he just holds and comforts Callie that night.
About a week or so later, at a town festival, Mark finally decides that he needs Callie and she can't quit. Upon telling her that and ignoring her when she says she is not interested, he kisses her. Just as Ian is walking up. Ian breaks up with Callie and she tries to tell him that she doesn't love Mark, she loves Ian. But he won't hear any of it and leaves.
On the day before her parents' wedding, Callie gives Ian her precious Morelock chair, and that, more than anything, is a declaration of her love. At the wedding the next day, Ian comes and tells Callie that he loves her and cannot live without her.
Eight months later, on the night before their wedding, Callie sits around with Ian and his brother Alejandro talking. Before she leaves for the night, Ian and Callie share a tender moment and they live happily ever after.
I bought this book because I loved Kristan Higgins' Just One of the Guys and I hoped that this one would be just as good. Admittedly, All I Ever Wanted took me a little bit longer to get into, but after about seventy or so pages, I was hooked. The crazy, charismatic characters and beautiful plot line pulled me and hooked me. I couldn't put the book down, and while I still love Just One of the Guys a little bit more, All I Ever Wanted is a very close second.
Callie Grey was hilarious; I loved the running commentary in her head and the fact that Michelle Obama and Betty Boop were the characters that talked to her in her head. She was funny, charming, sweet, and all around wonderful. I loved her interactions with Noah, Freddie, Annie, Bowie, and all other members of her family, and Ian. I wouldn't mind knowing someone like her.
Ian was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed seeing him develop over the book. I liked seeing him go from the formal, stiff, shy vet to the smiling, lovable, somewhat open man in love. I was heartbroken when he and Callie broke up and teary-eyed when they finally got back together.
I disliked Mark from the beginning. I could tell that he was using Callie and playing her from the start. There was always something rather smarmy about him. I'm glad Callie finally got over him and was able to fall in love with Ian.
The Grey family was absolutely adorable. I loved Hester and her daughters, but it freaked me out that Hester got with Louis the creepy mortician. Her parents were crazy but I loved them, too. My favorites, though, had to be her grandfather Noah and her brother Freddie. Callie's best friend Annie was pretty awesome, too, and I loved when she was trying to play matchmaker with Ian and Callie.
Again, this book was wonderful and I absolutely loved it.
Callie goes about her everyday life afterwards while trying to studiously ignore Mark's new flame and get over her feelings for him. Ian is thrown into Callie's path quite a few times and she helps him develop a plan to make the people of Georgebury like him a little more and help his business.
After an awkward encounter with Ian's ex-wife, Callie agrees to go to his ex-wife's wedding with him. They have a good time together and are about to go up to Ian's hotel room to Do The Deed when Mark, his fiancée, and her father announce that Mark and Muriel just got engaged. Ian believes that Callie is still in love with Mark and that puts the kibosh on their plans for the night.
A few days later, after an embarrassing and crazy incident involving a turkey, Ian and Callie finally hook up and become a couple. Everything goes great until his aunt, the woman who raised him after his parents died, comes to visit and Ian and Callie have a huge fight about her defending him to his aunt. She leaves. The next day, Ian still hasn't gotten in contact when Callie is summoned to the family funeral home where her parents tell her and her siblings that they are getting remarried to each other. When Callie goes home that night, she finds Noah, her grandfather that she lived with, dead. When Mark comes over when Callie is alone, she finally tells him that she quits Green Mountain Media and makes him leave, just as Ian is coming to the door. Ian comes in and he just holds and comforts Callie that night.
About a week or so later, at a town festival, Mark finally decides that he needs Callie and she can't quit. Upon telling her that and ignoring her when she says she is not interested, he kisses her. Just as Ian is walking up. Ian breaks up with Callie and she tries to tell him that she doesn't love Mark, she loves Ian. But he won't hear any of it and leaves.
On the day before her parents' wedding, Callie gives Ian her precious Morelock chair, and that, more than anything, is a declaration of her love. At the wedding the next day, Ian comes and tells Callie that he loves her and cannot live without her.
Eight months later, on the night before their wedding, Callie sits around with Ian and his brother Alejandro talking. Before she leaves for the night, Ian and Callie share a tender moment and they live happily ever after.
I bought this book because I loved Kristan Higgins' Just One of the Guys and I hoped that this one would be just as good. Admittedly, All I Ever Wanted took me a little bit longer to get into, but after about seventy or so pages, I was hooked. The crazy, charismatic characters and beautiful plot line pulled me and hooked me. I couldn't put the book down, and while I still love Just One of the Guys a little bit more, All I Ever Wanted is a very close second.
Callie Grey was hilarious; I loved the running commentary in her head and the fact that Michelle Obama and Betty Boop were the characters that talked to her in her head. She was funny, charming, sweet, and all around wonderful. I loved her interactions with Noah, Freddie, Annie, Bowie, and all other members of her family, and Ian. I wouldn't mind knowing someone like her.
Ian was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed seeing him develop over the book. I liked seeing him go from the formal, stiff, shy vet to the smiling, lovable, somewhat open man in love. I was heartbroken when he and Callie broke up and teary-eyed when they finally got back together.
I disliked Mark from the beginning. I could tell that he was using Callie and playing her from the start. There was always something rather smarmy about him. I'm glad Callie finally got over him and was able to fall in love with Ian.
The Grey family was absolutely adorable. I loved Hester and her daughters, but it freaked me out that Hester got with Louis the creepy mortician. Her parents were crazy but I loved them, too. My favorites, though, had to be her grandfather Noah and her brother Freddie. Callie's best friend Annie was pretty awesome, too, and I loved when she was trying to play matchmaker with Ian and Callie.
Again, this book was wonderful and I absolutely loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2014
The problem with reading my first two Kristan Higgins novels back to back is that, the second time around, the formula becomes glaringly, embarrassingly obvious. In one breath, here are the characteristics that, after reading just two of her books, I suspect hold throughout all her novels: a theoretically smart female MC (often a middle child with an unusual interest or hobby) with a bad history in men and who turns into idiots around men, a quirky family, a cantankerous grandparent, an over-hyper and disobedient canine pet who gets talked to in frighteningly embarrassing babytalk, eCommitment and horrible blind online dates, a gay best friend… I guess I’ll stop here for now (although I’ll just say: seriously, a requisite gay best friend? Isn’t that so 1990s?).
Furthermore, the plot progresses at pretty much the same “ratio”: for example, the requisite lovers’ misunderstanding occurs at around 85% of the way through the novel. GAH. I don’t know whether I should laugh at the unapologetic adherence to a formula, or cry a little.
Now, I understand that this is romance and that bestselling romance often follows a formula that everyone knows yet still loves. And yep, that’s pretty much the case here. This is classic Higgins (if one who has only read two of her books is allowed to reach such a conclusion after having just dissected her formula in a disconcertingly easy way). Callie is likable (and has the requisite quirky hobby!), and her awkwardness/stupidity around men is still infuriating yet relatable. Zany humor abounds in conversations. The dog is still annoying.
But Ian. Oh, Ian. He totally makes this book. Think a blond, Slavic version of Mr. Darcy, with a reticence slightly reminiscent of Asperger’s but with puppy-like loyalty that is hard to earn but oh so worth it. Shy guys! Stories these days are overflowing with guys who know they’re good-looking and know how to say just the right thing to get what they want. Ian, however, has NO CLUE what he’s doing most of the time, as far as relationships go, which makes his rare right actions all the more genuine and truly endearing. We need more Ians in stories, that’s for sure.
It’s probably going to be hard for me to pick a favorite Higgins romance, because they all follow pretty much the same formula, and yet are all so much fun to read. Hopefully this review will push you in the right direction and encourage you to pick up a book by Kristin Higgins! And if you already have, well, let’s just giggle and gaggle and gossip together over which Higgins man we’d like to have for ourselves…
Furthermore, the plot progresses at pretty much the same “ratio”: for example, the requisite lovers’ misunderstanding occurs at around 85% of the way through the novel. GAH. I don’t know whether I should laugh at the unapologetic adherence to a formula, or cry a little.
Now, I understand that this is romance and that bestselling romance often follows a formula that everyone knows yet still loves. And yep, that’s pretty much the case here. This is classic Higgins (if one who has only read two of her books is allowed to reach such a conclusion after having just dissected her formula in a disconcertingly easy way). Callie is likable (and has the requisite quirky hobby!), and her awkwardness/stupidity around men is still infuriating yet relatable. Zany humor abounds in conversations. The dog is still annoying.
But Ian. Oh, Ian. He totally makes this book. Think a blond, Slavic version of Mr. Darcy, with a reticence slightly reminiscent of Asperger’s but with puppy-like loyalty that is hard to earn but oh so worth it. Shy guys! Stories these days are overflowing with guys who know they’re good-looking and know how to say just the right thing to get what they want. Ian, however, has NO CLUE what he’s doing most of the time, as far as relationships go, which makes his rare right actions all the more genuine and truly endearing. We need more Ians in stories, that’s for sure.
It’s probably going to be hard for me to pick a favorite Higgins romance, because they all follow pretty much the same formula, and yet are all so much fun to read. Hopefully this review will push you in the right direction and encourage you to pick up a book by Kristin Higgins! And if you already have, well, let’s just giggle and gaggle and gossip together over which Higgins man we’d like to have for ourselves…
November 13, 2022
If it is a typical example of funny contemporary romance I am on the way to become a fan of the genre. It is witty, good written, light to read. I laughed out loud many times. I love some of concepts which Kristan Higgin invented or used here, e.g.: "a food baby" ;-) Oh... How many times I have had a food baby!
The main plot is around, in my opinion, three points:
getting over unrequited love
family relationships
love (yes, again) like between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Yes, I know, it sound so familiar. Perhaps you think you have enough of this. But, let me tell you, there is a pretty good chance you will change your mind when you read it.
I have only two objections: the way it ended up could be better considering the rest of the book, I can't stop thinking that Higgin could have come up with a better way. The second objections [I warn you it is a big spoiler] .
Save to these two things this novel is really good and funny.
I have almost forgotten, I loved the moments when I felt that the writer laughed at me. You know those moments in books, when e.g. a heroine is going to the dark forest just before sunset (or something like that) and you are sure that she will lost the way and the hero will rescue her. Such kind of drama. [It will be a spoiler in some way]
So, I am going to read another book of Kirstan Higgin in the future.
My favorite quotes will confirm why I like it so much:
Thank you Linda for your recommendation!
The main plot is around, in my opinion, three points:
getting over unrequited love
family relationships
love (yes, again) like between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Yes, I know, it sound so familiar. Perhaps you think you have enough of this. But, let me tell you, there is a pretty good chance you will change your mind when you read it.
I have only two objections: the way it ended up could be better considering the rest of the book, I can't stop thinking that Higgin could have come up with a better way. The second objections [I warn you it is a big spoiler] .
Save to these two things this novel is really good and funny.
I have almost forgotten, I loved the moments when I felt that the writer laughed at me. You know those moments in books, when e.g. a heroine is going to the dark forest just before sunset (or something like that) and you are sure that she will lost the way and the hero will rescue her. Such kind of drama. [It will be a spoiler in some way]
So, I am going to read another book of Kirstan Higgin in the future.
My favorite quotes will confirm why I like it so much:
He looked at the girls like a wounded calf might regard a school of underfed piranhas
Annie was matchmaking, a disastrous hobby of hers that had resulted thus far in zero happy couples and two estranged cousins
Ian looked as if electrodes were being applied to various parts of his body.
they had the attention span of hummingbirds
claiming to have sprained her ankle while watching television last night
Thank you Linda for your recommendation!
April 8, 2015
It was very enjoyable story. There're a lot of laugable moments, very tender scenes and overall it's a nice emotional story.
Like Ms Higgins's other books, this too is not only focused to couple. It's like a family story that was told from heroine's POV. Her feelings a man, almost she has loved all her life and then to meeting another man, processing their relationship, her life with her grandfather, divorced parents, cute nieces, strange sister and genious brother.
Although it's not full of romance books or not only focused the realtionship between hero and heroine, I liked to read Callie's story. Because of like to read Ms Higgins's plots and story development, I'll read her other books too.
Like Ms Higgins's other books, this too is not only focused to couple. It's like a family story that was told from heroine's POV. Her feelings a man, almost she has loved all her life and then to meeting another man, processing their relationship, her life with her grandfather, divorced parents, cute nieces, strange sister and genious brother.
Although it's not full of romance books or not only focused the realtionship between hero and heroine, I liked to read Callie's story. Because of like to read Ms Higgins's plots and story development, I'll read her other books too.
June 3, 2020
Story 5 stars Narration by Xe Sands was wonderful as always and I rated it 5 stars. I'm so glad the author has been so proficient in the amount of her work that's available on audio because I've been flying through them lately. This story was definitely one of the best so far for me. The author writes good characters, so real that you want to meet them in person. This one explores the ins and outs of romance and it's many facets...unrequited love, falling in love, falling for the exactly wrong person that couldn't be more right as well as family love and second chance love. Highly recommended to adult romance readers. And readers that enjoy lots of humor thrown in. I laughed out loud a lot!
April 13, 2011
All I Ever Wanted was my introduction to Kristan Higgins' writing and I fell utterly and irrevocably under her spell! Let me tell you why. (I'm sorry this is so long, I really tried to select between all my notes and highlights, but there are just so many great parts I wanted to share, and this way you'll see for yourself how wonderful All I Ever Wanted is.)
The characters in All I Ever Wanted are all real, ordinary people, like your neighbours or your friends. Having the same every day problems we do.
Callie (short for Calliope, Homer's muse as she often introduces herself ;-p), the heroine has been in love with her boss for a long time and when her eyes are opened to the fact that nothing romantic will happen between them anymore she has to try to cope with the heartache as well as the failure of not having a significant other at her age. Callie is your average sweet and nice girl next door, with the same insecurities, fears and hopes you and I do. (Though the way her imagination could run away sometimes was scary, entertaining but scary :-)
One of the things I enjoyed the most were Callie's mental schizophrenia: her inner dialogues between the Betty Boop and Michelle Obama sides of her personality kept clashing and giving her different advices, these debates were always entertaining and a hoot! :-D See for yourself:
“You can call me Callie,” I said, and my voice was a little breathy. “Short for Calliope. Homer’s muse.”
“Callie, then.” Your name! He said your name! Betty Boop’s eyelashes fluttered.
“Yes?” I sighed.
“I can’t hear your dog’s bowel sounds if you don’t stop talking.”
“Right! Bowel sounds. You keep going. Do what you need to do. You’re the doctor. Examine away. Good boy, Bowie.” I closed my eyes, closed my mouth and sat still, imagining the First Lady sighing yet again.
Callie's family is hilariously dysfunctional: Callie's mom is a mortician, her big sister is a fertilist specialist talking about sperm count and ovulation loud at any social events, and her little brother:
Freddie, my brother, who was taking a year off from Tufts University, where he seemed to be majoring in skipping classes and drinking.
The family relationships constitute just as important part of the novel as the romance storyline. Though I usually prefer my romances to focus on the blossoming relationship between the hero and heroine, this wasn't the case here. All supporting characters were fully fleshed and I became instantly interested in them, not minding at all their getting some "screen time" too. To the contrary, the family interactions were priceless, alleviating the emotional depth of the story: Callie's 30th b-day is celebrated in her mom's funeral home, next door to a man's wake (imagine the scene of some grieving relatives wandering in seeing balloons and presents :-D lol)
Humour is present everywhere: in Callie's self-depracating ways, the family interactions:
“I had a fight with my boyfriend,” I said.
“What did you fight about?” Freddie asked.
“I had emotional diarrhea,” I said glumly.
“Now there’s a pretty image,” he muttered.
Our parents were wandering along the riverbank, holding hands.
“Are you glad they’re back together, Hes?” I asked. She sighed.
“Not sure if glad is the right word. But what the hell, right? Their lives to fuck up.”
“I guess we know who’ll be making the toast at the wedding,” I said. “That was beautiful.”
Callie's family fell apart when she was 8 years old: after her dad's infidelity her parents got divorced and of course this left its mark on every single member of the family. The parts where Kristan Higgins explores this fracture in their family life, showing the heartache their dad's infidelity caused the family, layering evereyone's (Callie's, her big sister Hester's, their dad's) loss and pain when Callie's dad had to leave was so emotional and moving, that even though I'm not the teary eyed reader type, this choked me up. It was done so realisticly, everyone felt so much love, grief and pain, and I saw how a divorce hurts every single person affected. The emotional depth Kristan Higgins conveyed in these scenes was poignant.
But then come the small rays of light to lighten the mood:
“Now that I’ve retired, I’m going to get your mother back,” [my dad] said.
“Get her back for what?” I asked, assuming this was a revenge thing.
“Get her back as in woo her. Court her. Seduce. [Can I count on you Callie to help me?]"
“Ooh. Not sure about that. The wrath of Mom…you know.” Having Mom mad at you was the emotional equivalent of standing in the path of a category five tornado…lots of big things flying around ripping great chunks out of you.
Dad used to call Mom Bluebird, because, he said, she made him so happy. At this moment, she was fingering her knife and looking at him with great speculation in her eyes.
LMAO, priceless! :-D
While Callie is like a golden retriever: cute, fun and loveable, the hero Ian is her exact opposite: he is definitely not a people's person, he is quite the modern Mr. Darcy: being aloof and often rude (which often stem from his shyness and feeling awkward). According to Callie:
“Who wouldn’t?” she said. “He’s hot. All dangerous and growly.” “Like a Russian assassin,” I murmured. “Exactly,” she nodded. “I’ll bet he could kill you with one finger.” We were best friends for a reason.
But you soon understand that Ian was deeply hurt and that despite him being quite awkward with people he has a warm and compassionate heart (the way he solved the situation with one little girl being mean to another and hurting her was wonderful: he was instinctive ans so warmhearted).
So of course to witness the clash of these two completely different personalities is quite the show and what entertainment! :-D
Like the love declaration for example:
My heart gave a nearly painful squeeze. Standing on tiptoe, I kissed his cheek. “I like you, Ian McFarland,” I said.
His eyes crinkled a little. “I hope so.”
“And you like me, too, of course,” I prodded.
“Yes,” he agreed. “You’re fun to look at.”
“Like a circus monkey?” “Exactly.”
The ending was done wonderfully: Ian's speech was so jumbled up and incoherent, it sounded just like an overwhelmed, emotionally agitated man might try to express himself. It sounded completely authentic. :-)
And besides all the above there are still so many things I loved about this novel:
- I loved reading about Callie's advertisement campaigns, it was interesting to get a glimpse of how it works and enjoyed reading all the truly creative and catchy slogans too.
- Besides all the wonderful and quirky supporting characters (and besides the cute 4legged pets) there is something else which became quite a character in this novel: Callie's happily-ever-after rocking chair. Kristan Higgins writes about the chair and what it symbolises to Callie so wonderfully, that the reader is transported to another dimension.
Verdict: When All I Ever Wanted was recommended to me, I was told it was a novel that would make me cry and smile, and I didn't really know what that would mean. Now I know. Kristan Higgins' writing is wonderful: alternating the emotional depth and heartache with chuckle out loud humour in just the perfect mixture. Kristan Higgins' novels are sweet, heartfelt, emotional and heartwarming romances infused with chuckle out loud humour and completely scandalous and out of the ordinary family members. Kristan's romances make you smile, sigh, laugh and tear up, and you wouldn't want it any other way!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
The characters in All I Ever Wanted are all real, ordinary people, like your neighbours or your friends. Having the same every day problems we do.
Callie (short for Calliope, Homer's muse as she often introduces herself ;-p), the heroine has been in love with her boss for a long time and when her eyes are opened to the fact that nothing romantic will happen between them anymore she has to try to cope with the heartache as well as the failure of not having a significant other at her age. Callie is your average sweet and nice girl next door, with the same insecurities, fears and hopes you and I do. (Though the way her imagination could run away sometimes was scary, entertaining but scary :-)
One of the things I enjoyed the most were Callie's mental schizophrenia: her inner dialogues between the Betty Boop and Michelle Obama sides of her personality kept clashing and giving her different advices, these debates were always entertaining and a hoot! :-D See for yourself:
“You can call me Callie,” I said, and my voice was a little breathy. “Short for Calliope. Homer’s muse.”
“Callie, then.” Your name! He said your name! Betty Boop’s eyelashes fluttered.
“Yes?” I sighed.
“I can’t hear your dog’s bowel sounds if you don’t stop talking.”
“Right! Bowel sounds. You keep going. Do what you need to do. You’re the doctor. Examine away. Good boy, Bowie.” I closed my eyes, closed my mouth and sat still, imagining the First Lady sighing yet again.
Callie's family is hilariously dysfunctional: Callie's mom is a mortician, her big sister is a fertilist specialist talking about sperm count and ovulation loud at any social events, and her little brother:
Freddie, my brother, who was taking a year off from Tufts University, where he seemed to be majoring in skipping classes and drinking.
The family relationships constitute just as important part of the novel as the romance storyline. Though I usually prefer my romances to focus on the blossoming relationship between the hero and heroine, this wasn't the case here. All supporting characters were fully fleshed and I became instantly interested in them, not minding at all their getting some "screen time" too. To the contrary, the family interactions were priceless, alleviating the emotional depth of the story: Callie's 30th b-day is celebrated in her mom's funeral home, next door to a man's wake (imagine the scene of some grieving relatives wandering in seeing balloons and presents :-D lol)
Humour is present everywhere: in Callie's self-depracating ways, the family interactions:
“I had a fight with my boyfriend,” I said.
“What did you fight about?” Freddie asked.
“I had emotional diarrhea,” I said glumly.
“Now there’s a pretty image,” he muttered.
Our parents were wandering along the riverbank, holding hands.
“Are you glad they’re back together, Hes?” I asked. She sighed.
“Not sure if glad is the right word. But what the hell, right? Their lives to fuck up.”
“I guess we know who’ll be making the toast at the wedding,” I said. “That was beautiful.”
Callie's family fell apart when she was 8 years old: after her dad's infidelity her parents got divorced and of course this left its mark on every single member of the family. The parts where Kristan Higgins explores this fracture in their family life, showing the heartache their dad's infidelity caused the family, layering evereyone's (Callie's, her big sister Hester's, their dad's) loss and pain when Callie's dad had to leave was so emotional and moving, that even though I'm not the teary eyed reader type, this choked me up. It was done so realisticly, everyone felt so much love, grief and pain, and I saw how a divorce hurts every single person affected. The emotional depth Kristan Higgins conveyed in these scenes was poignant.
But then come the small rays of light to lighten the mood:
“Now that I’ve retired, I’m going to get your mother back,” [my dad] said.
“Get her back for what?” I asked, assuming this was a revenge thing.
“Get her back as in woo her. Court her. Seduce. [Can I count on you Callie to help me?]"
“Ooh. Not sure about that. The wrath of Mom…you know.” Having Mom mad at you was the emotional equivalent of standing in the path of a category five tornado…lots of big things flying around ripping great chunks out of you.
Dad used to call Mom Bluebird, because, he said, she made him so happy. At this moment, she was fingering her knife and looking at him with great speculation in her eyes.
LMAO, priceless! :-D
While Callie is like a golden retriever: cute, fun and loveable, the hero Ian is her exact opposite: he is definitely not a people's person, he is quite the modern Mr. Darcy: being aloof and often rude (which often stem from his shyness and feeling awkward). According to Callie:
“Who wouldn’t?” she said. “He’s hot. All dangerous and growly.” “Like a Russian assassin,” I murmured. “Exactly,” she nodded. “I’ll bet he could kill you with one finger.” We were best friends for a reason.
But you soon understand that Ian was deeply hurt and that despite him being quite awkward with people he has a warm and compassionate heart (the way he solved the situation with one little girl being mean to another and hurting her was wonderful: he was instinctive ans so warmhearted).
So of course to witness the clash of these two completely different personalities is quite the show and what entertainment! :-D
Like the love declaration for example:
My heart gave a nearly painful squeeze. Standing on tiptoe, I kissed his cheek. “I like you, Ian McFarland,” I said.
His eyes crinkled a little. “I hope so.”
“And you like me, too, of course,” I prodded.
“Yes,” he agreed. “You’re fun to look at.”
“Like a circus monkey?” “Exactly.”
The ending was done wonderfully: Ian's speech was so jumbled up and incoherent, it sounded just like an overwhelmed, emotionally agitated man might try to express himself. It sounded completely authentic. :-)
And besides all the above there are still so many things I loved about this novel:
- I loved reading about Callie's advertisement campaigns, it was interesting to get a glimpse of how it works and enjoyed reading all the truly creative and catchy slogans too.
- Besides all the wonderful and quirky supporting characters (and besides the cute 4legged pets) there is something else which became quite a character in this novel: Callie's happily-ever-after rocking chair. Kristan Higgins writes about the chair and what it symbolises to Callie so wonderfully, that the reader is transported to another dimension.
Verdict: When All I Ever Wanted was recommended to me, I was told it was a novel that would make me cry and smile, and I didn't really know what that would mean. Now I know. Kristan Higgins' writing is wonderful: alternating the emotional depth and heartache with chuckle out loud humour in just the perfect mixture. Kristan Higgins' novels are sweet, heartfelt, emotional and heartwarming romances infused with chuckle out loud humour and completely scandalous and out of the ordinary family members. Kristan's romances make you smile, sigh, laugh and tear up, and you wouldn't want it any other way!
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 10/10
Ending: 10/10
Writing: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,177 reviews