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All I Ever Wanted

by Kristan Higgins (Goodreads Author)

3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 5,908 ratings · 523 reviews

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'...more

ebook, 318 pages

Published August 1st 2010 by Harlequin Books (first published July 1st 2010)

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Jul 21, 2010 May rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: mushy-romance-stuff, rock-stars-all-time-faves

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 happil...more

28 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2010 Tam Herra rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemp-romance, pets

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 h...more 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. (less)

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Sep 26, 2010 Leah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 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...more

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Jun 17, 2010 Leigh rated it 3 of 5 stars

Kristan Higgins has been on my auto buy list since I discovered her three years ago.

Her books make me laugh, and they make me cry. She not afraid to tread a little outside the basic romantic book boundary, tackling issues of infidelity, and confusion of the part of the hero or heroine about who is Mr or Mrs Right.

All I Ever Wanted is the story of Callie (Calliope-named for Homer's muse)and her quest to win her boss's love. Mark gave Callie her first kiss years ago, and since coming to work for...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 18, 2010 Tasha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hqn-mira-club

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 mo...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Allison (The Allure of Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, chick-lit-and-contemporary, loved-it, own-it

Kristan Higgins never fails to amaze me. She is so great at capturing both humor and emotion. Some parts of the book are laugh-out-loud funny, and others make you feel like crying. In fact, I did cry once. I read the book in one sitting, and between all the laughing and crying, anyone that heard me probably thought I was completely insane.

Her books aren't just romance. They explore other relationships: whether they involve family, pets or the community. Callie and Ian are such great characters:...more

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Jul 28, 2010 Trisha W. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-books

This was such a cute book, and talk about funny! I found myself laughing out loud while reading this book. Callie is a very likable character, she is funny and always has something to say, and she always wants people to like her. She has a fling with her boss at work, but after a few months he says that it isn't the right time and calls it off with her. Callie is still in love for him and decides that she is going to find someone else to date to make her boss jealous. What Callie doesn't imagine...more

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Aug 24, 2010 Katie(babs) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Callie Grey has a feeling that her thirtieth birthday will be her best birthday ever. She has had a great job for the past four years at a small marking firm in her hometown of Georgebury, Vermont. Callie has been in love with her boss Mark Rousseau ever since they played seven minutes in heaven in the closet when she was fourteen and she received her first kiss. Since then she has never forgotten Mark and has dreams of marrying him and having his babies. Almost a year ago, while they both are a...more Callie Grey has a feeling that her thirtieth birthday will be her best birthday ever. She has had a great job for the past four years at a small marking firm in her hometown of Georgebury, Vermont. Callie has been in love with her boss Mark Rousseau ever since they played seven minutes in heaven in the closet when she was fourteen and she received her first kiss. Since then she has never forgotten Mark and has dreams of marrying him and having his babies. Almost a year ago, while they both are at an advertising award's show in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Callie and Mark have a three day love affair. Callie is now even more heads over heels in love with Mark and thinks he's going to propose marriage to her on her birthday. Unfortunately, Mark doesn't give her a diamond ring, but a nice bracelet, and admits he's in a relationship with the daughter of one of their biggest accounts. What he and Callie had was a passionate encounter and nothing more. Callie is heartbroken and heads off to renew her license before she makes a fool of herself in front of Mark and the entire office.

While on line at the DMV, Callie calls her sister to tell her the love drama. The man standing in line behind her huffs and puffs and is very vocal about how displeased he is at hearing Callie's "emotional diarrhea". Callie thinks he's a jerk. How can he not be sympathetic to her heartbreak about the man she has adored for most of her life who has thrown her over for some spoiled daddy's rich girl? And if that's not bad enough, her birthday party has a change in venue and will take place at a funeral parlor.

Callie channels her inner Michelle Obama, who is the voice of reason for her. Callie must stop being so nice and cheerful, especially in regards to Mark, who has crushed her heart. And when his girlfriend, Muriel, comes to work for him, Callie is placed in a very uncomfortable situation.

Everyone wants Callie to get over Mark. And when she hears that there's a new hunky veterinarian in town, Callie grabs her mutt Bowie, and along with every other single lady in Georgebury tries to get the new doctor interested in them. Dr. Ian McFarland may have a great bedside manner with animals, but needs some major help with the way he treats people, including Callie. Ian is not interested in dating or even going out of his way to be approachable. And every time he sees Callie, he gives her disapproving stares and almost runs in the opposite direction. Perhaps the reason is because Ian was the one standing behind Callie in the DMV when she unleashed her tirade?

It looks like Ian needs Callie's help with his image, and she's very willing to help him even though he still acts cold toward her. But as they get to know one another, Callie comes to some interesting conclusions about the sexy doctor who may not mind Callie's overabundant optimism.

All I Ever Wanted has enough laughs where you'll be clutching your stomach from the ache. Kristan can write great comedy and has created some original and very eccentric characters. Callie's family is a real hoot along with her crusty grandfather, Noah, who she lives with. Callie's divorced parents give her some heartburn as her dad tried to get back with her mom. But good old mom can’t forgive him for cheating on her all those years ago while she was pregnant with Callie's brother. So her father has a plan to show he's a changed man, and those results are full of utter wackiness.

This is indeed one wacky book. Callie is a bit too much at times with her almost air headed like tendencies. She's lovable to a point, and you can't help but like her, but she wasn't dimensional enough for me as a reader. Her crush on Mark is almost near obsessive like with her thinking and acting more like a teenager than a smart business woman. Ian is too robotic and doesn't really make much of an impression until the very end. There are reasons why he's such a cold fish, and when you find out why he is wary of female attachments, including Callie, it's a big twist that I would have never seen coming.

All I Ever Wanted does have a nice small town feel with many other loopy characters that are border line cartoonish. Mark is a selfish jerk who is irredeemable and Muriel is more wallpaper if anything. Also, the constant mention of present day pop culture references will surely date this book in a few years. I wished Kristan would had tone downed these mentions because it became a nuisance. Also, some of the humorous situations felt canned.

Kristan Higgins can write cute very well, although she is a bit heavy on some of the over the top actions and the way Callie acts and goes on with her internal musing to a point I grew bored. All I Ever Wanted is fluffy and really nothing else, but an okay read to pass a few hours with.(less)

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Apr 13, 2011 Stella rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: To everyone who loves romantic stories!

Shelves: 2011, for-review, romance, favorites

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...more

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Nov 10, 2010 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, contemporary-romance

First of all I want to start off by saying that I believe that almost all of Kristen Higgins books are a cute, fun, and quick read. This one was no different, but I always find myself a little disappointed every time I read one and I'm not really sure why. I always love the HEA, and almost always love the characters that make up the HEA. Especially the male leads, like Ian who never falter in who they are and how they act. Maybe it's the fluffy parts, by that I mean skipped over sex, or maybe it...more

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Nov 26, 2011 Prangon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, romance, i-own, read-in-2011, cupcake-worthy-books

4.5

You know sometime you read something non fiction and no matter how much you thought you wouldn't like it and end up falling in love with it? Did that ever happen to you?!?

Well, after I read All I Ever Wanted I can honestly say that is EXACTLY how I feel right now.

I just finished reading this like five minutes ago, and finishing the book gave me this floaty gooey sort of feeling and I was afraid if I waited to write the review this unexpected but very welcomed feelz of floatiness (is this e...more

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Aug 25, 2010 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-contemporary, reviewed, humor-fiction, kristan-higgins, 2010-read

As usual Ms. Higgins managed to give me some great belly laughs and bring tears to my eyes all in the same book. Calli has been in love with Mark forever and after he dumps her and moves on, Calli realizes she needs to as well.

She does the internet dating and boy haven't we all had some of those dates. Hilarious. Then she meets the serious new vet in town and feels her female parts set up and take notice. So begins the relationship of Calli and Ian.

As usual, the book has a very chic-litty feel...more

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Feb 08, 2011 Anja rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 3.5 stars.

I’ve read five out of the six books this author has published to date. This is my least favorite. I’ve always thought Higgins writes to her own formula that she changes up Mad Libs style. She has practically the same heroine, family, hero, themes, and situations in each book. In this book it seems like she’s resorted to actually recycling entire pieces of her books. I had déjà vu through a lot of this.

Recycled from the author's previous books: the heroine's large close family, the hero...more

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Jul 11, 2010 Alea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bea10

Oooh this book, this book made me burst out laughing on a regular occasion and also had me tearing up at one point. It was everything. You couldn’t ask for a funnier narrator than Callie, days later I’m still thinking about some of the things she said, what a voice!

While this book is classified as Romance it falls right into Chick Lit category for me. People tell me the difference between Chick Lit and Romance is that in Romance, the relationship between the main character and the potential love...more

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Jul 29, 2010 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, romance-contemporary

....And she's back.

After a disappointing recent outing with The Next Best Thing KH has come back with a book that is strongly reminiscent of her earlier and much better (much funnier) reads.

I knew when poor Callie's birthday party got relocated to the Serenity Room in her family's funeral home that I was in for a treat.

For people who really enjoy KH's voice, this book is a great showcase for the stuff that makes her so enjoyable. She writes great family dynamic and the Grey family is a total hit...more

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Mar 30, 2013 Emma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

This book was just fabulous. I had to stay up till 3 in the morming to finish it.
It had everything you can possibly seek in a romance: fantastic three dimensional characters, a realistic and heart breaking plot, humor an lots of it, and most of all ROMANCE, you know, the real kind.
This book is sooooo romantic I could actually feel the butterflies in my stomach.
I also can't believe how "true" this story was.I could easily see myself in Callie, her reactions, the way she thought, the way she co...more

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Jan 20, 2011 Denise rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love the way Kristan Higgins writes a story. I found myself laughing out loud on one page then crying on the very next page. She just knows how to get your emotions stirring. I really felt for Callie. I think everyone at one time in their life, thought they had found the love of their life only to find it is not reciprocated. I felt like I really knew all the characters in this book, they all just felt like real people. And Ian, whew.. I just wanted to hug him.

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2012 Holmes221B rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-old-chicklit, humour, favorites

4.5 stars. Loved it!

Kristan Higgins' writing is delightful, and her characters enchanting and very likeable.

Its such a relief to read a funny, great romance with good writing and a good plot. Great read!

One of the Author's best works :)

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Jan 10, 2012 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

From my book review blog Rundpinne...[return]...Absolutely delightful and witty, All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins is an extremely fun book to read. Filled with quirky characters beginning with the protagonist, Callie Grey who has just turned thirty and realises nothing in her life is going as planned. Higgins takes the reader to Georgebury, Vermont to meet the inhabitants, including Callie’s quirky family and friends. All I Ever Wanted was an absolute delight to read and I caught myself laug...more

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Jun 09, 2013 Hermioneginny rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Callie compie trent'anni: pensa che il suo capo stia per chiederle di sposarlo e che l'aspetti una festa fantastica. Ma Mark le dice che sì, si sono divertiti, ma ora sta con la figlia del nuovo cliente. E la festa viene organizzata nell'impresa funebre della madre. Quando in città arriva il nuovo veterinario, sembra l'uomo perfetto per far ingelosire Mark. Peccato che Ian sia tanto carino e tenero con gli animali, quanto scorbutico e scontroso con le donne...

Carino, un modo piacevole per affron...more

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Jun 05, 2013 Roylin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I don't read contemporary romance often, at least for a long time. But I picked this up on a recommendation from a trusted book friend and was not disappointed. This was fun and cute and warm...everything a book like this should be. Callie was not perfect and I wanted her to open her eyes and quit living in the clouds and only seeing good in everything....but that was also her charm. Yeah she is loud and emotional and messy...but she was alive and I could see how someone as pulled as tightly as...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Marisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Kristan Higgins writes wonderful stories...you just get sucked into the lives of the characters and feel like you know them personally. This one was no different. Callie's family was my favorite part of this story. They were quirky, supportive, honest and fun. I was touched by the relationship between Callie and her Grandfather and their humorous banter was fun yet endearing.

My only problem were the men in this story, especially Mark and Ian. I didn't feel strongly about either one being "right"...more Kristan Higgins writes wonderful stories...you just get sucked into the lives of the characters and feel like you know them personally. This one was no different. Callie's family was my favorite part of this story. They were quirky, supportive, honest and fun. I was touched by the relationship between Callie and her Grandfather and their humorous banter was fun yet endearing.

My only problem were the men in this story, especially Mark and Ian. I didn't feel strongly about either one being "right" for Callie. She seemed desperate at times to win their affection and it felt annoying and pathetic. Mark was too obnoxious and self-centered and yet she put up with him, especially when he brought the new girlfriend in to work at their office and let her bash Callie to no end. Ian I understand was shy and socially awkward but it felt as though she was pulling teeth to get him to come out of his shell. I get he had baggage from his past relationship, but still, he's a guy! ;) Everyone in town seemed to "like" Callie and would hoot and holler for her attention but Ian didn't say boo about how she looked, how she was kind, helpful to others, a good friend and loyal family member...he just said she was trying too hard. Huh? If she didn't they would have never hooked up! :) And his comment at the DMV? If anyone should have understood being left for someone else...it would be him! The woman chasing the guy element didn't work for me.

Even though Callie seemed desperate, I could totally relate to her, being the middle child and wanting to make everyone get along. I loved her honesty and zest for life. She never held back and loved everyone and everything with all her heart. She deserved someone who could appreciate that. The inner dialogue with Michelle Obama and Betty Boop was funny yet honest!

But again, the story writing was excellent and I am amazed at how Ms. Higgins writes in such a way that has you visually picture the surroundings, know the characters, laugh out loud and get emotional over some of the more serious parts.

So many great scenes!! Just to name a few: The DMV breakdown and speaking to the woman in front of her, shrugging off Louis and his creepy advances, Hester and her girls going through their issues, the classes and conversations at the Senior Center, the waiting room at the vet's office, the online dates (Oh My!!), The "Food Baby" and hiking business trip, the Brownie troop on the vet tour (funny and touching), The Tour of Whores! But My favorite scene was with the wild turkey, Callie and Ian. Hilarious!!

HEA-yes! But would have liked just a little more in the Epilogue...these characters fight so hard for the HEA and then it just ends.(less)

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Apr 01, 2013 Tessa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Un peu prévisible mais bien amené quand même, j’ai tout de suite apprécié le livre. On prend très vite place dans la petite vie de Callie et malheureusement, on peut aussi facilement se retrouver dans son histoire d’amour.

Callie est réellement attachante. C’est un rayon de soleil à chaque moment de la journée et elle prend à coeur d’être gentille et polie avec tout le monde. On lui reproche pas mal de trop vouloir se faire aimer mais au contraire, je l’ai trouvé entière et généreuse, une personn...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Belinda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013, romance, adult, chick-lit, humour, got-teary, amusing, contemporary

I'm basically a virgin to these types of novels---chick-lit genre for adults. The closest book I've read would be Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot, but all those huffy-puffy, sexy, girly-bits tingly was probably only explored in the sentence, "He's tie-to-the-bed-hot." But in All I Ever Wanted...there are paragraphs of it scattered throughout the novel. Don't get me wrong---it's actually one of the novel's charms.

Besides the hot guy fantasies, Callie Grey's persona plays a large part in attracting sa...more I'm basically a virgin to these types of novels---chick-lit genre for adults. The closest book I've read would be Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot, but all those huffy-puffy, sexy, girly-bits tingly was probably only explored in the sentence, "He's tie-to-the-bed-hot." But in All I Ever Wanted...there are paragraphs of it scattered throughout the novel. Don't get me wrong---it's actually one of the novel's charms.

Besides the hot guy fantasies, Callie Grey's persona plays a large part in attracting said reader. She's warm and friendly, bubbly and cute; encapsulates the female dilemma of having a mushy romantic side, and an independent headstrong side by using Betty Boop and Michelle Obama, effectively creating humour and imagery at the same time; and did I mention that she's also really into shoes and has an adorable husky?

The other characters are also charming in their own right---Noah in his gruff, hard-on-the-outside-but-soft-in-the-inside act; Freddie's playful blown-up ego; Annie as the lovely best friend; Callie's father, a George Clooney type guy; and Ian McFarland who kept reminding me of Darcy because of his formal and jerk-like exterior---but actually, he's a shy, big-hearted guy (surprise surprise).

I can't say this for sure, but I feel like the plot isn't something special---probably follows a formulaic structure for its genre.

Anyways, I'm just going to jump right in and say why this novel did not get the five star rating. To be quite honest, giving it a 4 out of 5 is being generous (but giving it a 3 would be a little harsh). It's actual rating would be somewhere between a 3 and 4.
Despite the likeable characters (most of them at least---Fleur and Mark being my least favourite), they felt a little shallow and typical. Also character growth was evident, but lacked substance. They got over tiny lost-in-translation problems, and initial issues that they faced at the beginning of the novel---yeah okay, character growth there, but really, them getting over it was a given, and at the end of the novel, they're virtually the same person just with (very) minor tweaks. And this applies to the main characters---supporting characters remained the same.

I didn't place this novel in the 'realistic' shelf because, though set in reality and based on every-day matters, it had the too-perfect-to-be-true vibe: everyone, by the end of novel (excluding jealous cows and manipulative pricks) had a happy ending. Some events in the novel were also 'oh-what-lovely-timing' and 'how-convenient-that-this-happened.'

However, those are minor flaws. Overall, Higgins created an entertaining, charming and enjoyable read. I highly doubt it was meant to be a serious, gritty and in-depth view of human nature---but call me picky, I still think that making the characters a little less dramatic, and a little more down-to-earth would've been great. Either way though, that's just a small detail. In itself, All I Ever Wanted is a cute read, meant to make you feel happy and optimistic about happily-ever-afters.

****Also, those moments in humour-chick-lit novels where the protagonist does overly, stomach-cringing embarrassing things does not actually happen in All I Ever Wanted. It gets near to it, but that's about it. I have mixed feelings about that---but I'm mostly towards relief because, I don't know about others, but my stomach does not like to be cringed. And like what Jan has said in their review, there were moments where I had wished for more, and nearer the end of the book I'd started becoming really wary of "Big Misunderstanding" moments---when it actually happens, I was really disappointed as to how/why it happened (I thought it was a really lame and half-assed excuse), and the make-up speech did lack a little oomph.

BUT, I'm a (mostly) positive person and I'm going to judge the book on my overall feelings towards it. And like what I said in my conclusion, I felt happy and optimistic. Also, All I Ever Wanted was deeply amusing to me---I like laughing at stereotypes and typical moments (and actual jokes too; I'm not that weird)---and it was a good new experience from my usual YA fiction.(less)

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Feb 12, 2013 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, humorous-moments, hero-is-a-good-man, hero-was-married, hero-comes-across-dry-and-anal-rete, heroine-has-some-stupid-moments, laugh-out-loud-bust-a-gut-moments, keeper, opposites-attract, 1930-s-depression-era, sweet-heroine

Thanks, Ririn, for having me search for this author!

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, ok...more

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Jan 30, 2013 ValeD. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Non c’è molto da dire su questo libro. E’ la classica storia, Callie, 30enne single, innamorata dell’uomo sbagliato, in questo caso, l’uomo sbagliato è il suo capo, con il quale ha avuto una breve storia qualche tempo prima.
Un giorno lui le dice che si sta frequentando con una donna, e il mondo le crolla addosso. Ma è proprio in quel giorno che incontra il personaggio principale della storia, il veterinario Ian McFarland. Ian è un tipo molto particolare, segnato un passato non facile e da un mat...more

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Jul 27, 2012 Mika rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: aaawhhooooo, delicious-bastard-is-delicious, captivated-me-and-bowed-me-over, come-the-fuck-off-it, excessive-fangirling, friend-zoned-you-poor-bastard, heart-wrenching-prowess, hearts-lots-and-lots-of-hearts, homosexuals-r-us, i-have-just-met-you-and-i-love-you, i-would-like-to-call-this-my-baby, i-need-more, im-a-dog-and-i-go-woof-eee-oink, let-me-love-you, sex-please, this-is-cute

Sigh, Kristan Higgins, I love you. And thanks for calling Dave "so, so alpha"; I couldn't help picturing Derek Hale. Though I must say, Damien isn't really anything like Stiles. I also must say, Ian has a considerable amount of depth to him and realism that Malone in Catch of the Day lacked. Me gusta. Like, me gusta MUCHO. MUCHO, MUCHO, MUCHO .

And also, it took me a zillion pages to make the connection between Bowie the dog and David Bowie. I am an idiot.

And also numero dos, you made me weep at...more

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May 22, 2012 Kym McNabney rated it 2 of 5 stars

I have to admit I picked ALL I EVER WANTED by Kristan Higgins because of the main characters name. Yeah, I know, but I have a tendency when I spot a book with one of the characters names the same as two of my daughter's with uncommon names, to purchase it.

Kristan Higgins is a new author for me and not long after I received ALL I EVER WANTED, I ordered MY ONE AND ONLY. Another risky move, ordering another book by the same author you have yet to read. As and aspiring author and an avid reader, I'm...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Cecilia (rather barefoot than bookless) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reading-romance-challenge

Oh my god, this book is so funny! I LOVE this author´s humor. It was a long time since I laughed this much because of a book! Amazingly funny, romantic and just adorable plain simple. If you want to read something really cute, funny and tastefully romantic then this book is for you.
I love Callie even if she is a bit to much optimistic and always happy and loving absolutely everything. There is just no way you wont like her. Annoying? YES it is just not possible to like everything and be happy al...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

One thing that sets the book apart from other romances is that for the first 100 pages or so, there's no push-pull of attraction or unexpected chemistry. Callie and Ian run a comedy of errors, randomly running into each other by accident, usually when Callie is at her worst. Not until nearly a third of the way through the book does Ian become a "real" character. Before that, he's mostly that stiff guy who got to witness Callie make a fool of herself yet again. I actually really liked this change...more One thing that sets the book apart from other romances is that for the first 100 pages or so, there's no push-pull of attraction or unexpected chemistry. Callie and Ian run a comedy of errors, randomly running into each other by accident, usually when Callie is at her worst. Not until nearly a third of the way through the book does Ian become a "real" character. Before that, he's mostly that stiff guy who got to witness Callie make a fool of herself yet again. I actually really liked this change, as it struck me a whole lot more realistic than instant lust and undying love at first sight.

All I Ever Wanted is written exclusively from Callie's viewpoint instead of switching between hero and heroine, and as a result the reader spends a lot of time inside her head. Fortunately, she's a likeable and flawed character, someone who keeps pulling herself up again every time she falls on her face (which is not infrequently). Callie is confident, shallow, and optimistic to a fault, which is endearing but ensures she's constantly blinding herself to the truth behind people or situations, like holding out hope her boss will surely turn around one of these days and realize she's everything he's ever wanted.

Ian is much harder to get a grasp on. He's quiet and awkward around people, so mostly I just picked up on his quirks, most of which seemed designed to contrast him from Callie. He's a bit stiff (partially due to his lack of people skills) and the kind of guy who organizes his space and his life to the smallest detail, which of course ensures he's not the one falling on his face in public places. Because he's so non-communicative and we never peek inside his viewpoint, I felt he was more of a character sketch than an actual character. There's something there, but I'm not entirely sure what it is because I didn't really get to see more than an occasional glimpse.

The whole book has a chick lit/women's fic (I'm not fond of either of those labels but using them means you instantly know exactly what I'm talking about) type of vibe. At times it borders on sitcom writing, a bit episodic with over-the-top situations played for comedy. The light, cheery tone makes this work when it could have been really annoying, and Callie has just enough charm to pull it off.

I wasn't crazy about the ending. Her revenge on her manipulative coworker was petty and I'd rather have seen Callie confront her or just leave it alone. Callie's big life-changing decision didn't make a lot of sense to me, either.

All right, those issues aside, I had a lovely happy feeling while reading the majority of the book. I loved the secondary characters, especially Callie's grandfather, and the resolution of the subplot involving her divorced parents was lovely. The happy warm feeling of reading this book (not unlike the happy warm feeling of eating fresh baked cookies) is enough to place it on my reread list, and I highly recommend it as the remedy to a rainy, blah day.(less)

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About Kristan Higgins

Hello! I’m flattered that you clicked the button. If you clicked by mistake, well, hello anyway.

I live in a small Connecticut town with a beautiful library, a great agricultural fair, nice people and not much else. I have two lovely, entertaining children and a brave firefighter for a husband, who is, perhaps more importantly, a fantastic cook. Digger from Fools Rush In is inspired my very own Dig...more Hello! I’m flattered that you clicked the button. If you clicked by mistake, well, hello anyway.

I live in a small Connecticut town with a beautiful library, a great agricultural fair, nice people and not much else. I have two lovely, entertaining children and a brave firefighter for a husband, who is, perhaps more importantly, a fantastic cook. Digger from Fools Rush In is inspired my very own Digger, our cheerful Lab mutt. We also have two cats and grieve for an occasional, short-lived beta fish.

I worked as a copywriter until I had kids and started writing fiction when my children graced my life with simultaneous afternoon naps. Writing, I surmised, was infinitely more satisfying than folding laundry, and so I started my first novel. Before long, I had finished Stalking Joe, whose title was later changed to Fools Rush In. Catch of the Day followed, winning the 2008 Romance Writers of America's RITA© award, which just thrilled me to my toes. Then came Just One of the Guys (August 08), Too Good To Be True (Feb 09), The Next Best Thing (Feb 10), and All I Ever Wanted, summer 2010. More books are in the pipeline.

I love to write books about relationships, since the search for love and security is one of the driving forces of life. And I try to focus on an aspect that’s common, if not universal, hence the “stalking” in Fools Rush In and the crush on the unattainable man in Catch of the Day. People ask if I’ve ever stalked a guy. Of course not! Jeez! Come on! It’s fiction! They also ask if I’ve ever had a crush on a priest. Of course not! Jeez! Come on! It’s fiction! As far as being crazy about one of my brother's friends, which is the plot of Just One of the Guys, well, yes to that one. But I'm not naming names. Dating a fictional man, like Grace does in Too Good To Be True? Um...can I take the fifth on that one? Whether it's my own experience or not, I try to find something we can all relate to.

When I’m not writing, I like to be with my kids, goof around with my husband, read, watch baseball, ride my bike and bake. I suffer from chronic bedhead and an unhealthy (and completely understandable) obsession with Derek Jeter, shortstop for the New York Yankees. Like Millie Barnes, I run, which provides the neighbors with some real entertainment.

We spend as much time as possible at our family home on Cape Cod, swimming in the Atlantic, shivering on the beach, swatting horseflies and watching fish evade my lure at Higgins Pond. It’s as close to heaven as it gets.(less)

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Quotes from All I Ever Wanted

“I had to get over [him]. For months now, a stone had been sitting on my heart. I'd shed a lot of tears over [him], lost a lot of sleep, eaten a lot of cake batter. Somehow, I had to move on. [Life] would be hell if I didn't shake loose from the grip he had on my heart. I most definitely didn't want to keep feeling this way, alone in a love affair meant for two. Even if he'd felt like The One. Even if I'd always thought we'd end up together. Even if he still had a choke chain on my heart.” — 291 people liked it

“Family gatherings were... um, let's see, what's the word I'm looking for?... Hell. They were hell. Being the middle child, I served and referee and confidante, hostess and martyr. Did I feel we should get together once in a while? Sure. Did I want my family all together? Theoretically, yes. In reality, dear God, no.” — 32 people liked it

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