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stephxsu's review
3.0
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…
holly_keimig's review
4.0
A nice sweet romance. It was very clean and had a lot of family involved in the story. The main character is realistic and not helpless (although she may be prone to telling strangers her problems at the DMV). She is the daughter of divorced parents who own a funeral home. There was plenty of tension to keep the story going and the romance itself was very sweet and believable. A great summer read!
sherrill's review against another edition
5.0
The mix of characters, the uncharacteristic family business, and the hot boss were funny, quirky, and entertaining.
The cold as ice vet, sounded very good, in a quiet sort of way. I love the male mystery.
This book made me laugh, more than once, and cry.
I recommend this story to anyone that just needs to feel good.
The cold as ice vet, sounded very good, in a quiet sort of way. I love the male mystery.
This book made me laugh, more than once, and cry.
I recommend this story to anyone that just needs to feel good.
jenlynnhill's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the characters and the way they interacted with each other. Part of the story was predictable and another part, "the twist", I feel like was put in more for the shock factor...but I still enjoyed the book overall.
rebroxannape's review against another edition
5.0
**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.com/books/
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
Spoiler
her leaving her $30,000 dollar Morelock chair on Ian's porch while he was out of town really really rubbed me the wrong way. First, it was stupid. Anyone could have stolen it. And it came across as manipulative and trying to buy his forgiveness. The second thing is she did nothing she had to be forgiven for. Ian should have trusted her, and I don't care about him finding his ex-wife in bed with someone else. Failing that, Callie should have demanded that he believe her and gotten really really angry with his reaction, instead of begging him to believe her.**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.com/books/
nina_rod's review against another edition
4.0
Hilarious book. I loved the socially-retarded love interest and his crazy aunt.
jbarr5's review against another edition
5.0
Callie works in VT at the local ad agency. She's got a crush on
the boss but he's brought in a new female and he gives her an engagement
ring. She moves on and tries to catch the new vet which they have many
hours spent together as they get to know one another.
She helps out her grandfather who only has one leg. He's falling in love with
his true love. He also makes different styles of kayaks and is an expert
at that trade.
Love the VT dialect-wicked, brings a smile to my face.
Now the boss is leaning towards getting rid of the new woman as
Callie has told him her feelings about her. He's grown up all his life
with Callie as his best friend.
Who will she end up with now?
the boss but he's brought in a new female and he gives her an engagement
ring. She moves on and tries to catch the new vet which they have many
hours spent together as they get to know one another.
She helps out her grandfather who only has one leg. He's falling in love with
his true love. He also makes different styles of kayaks and is an expert
at that trade.
Love the VT dialect-wicked, brings a smile to my face.
Now the boss is leaning towards getting rid of the new woman as
Callie has told him her feelings about her. He's grown up all his life
with Callie as his best friend.
Who will she end up with now?
kdurham2's review against another edition
3.0
A quick little light read. I loved it. It was definitely on the cute side - made you go AWWWW. But for something light and enjoyable - it hit the spot! This was my first Kristan Higgins book and I will definitely make time for more of her reads when I am in the mood for something cute.
A story about a young woman who hasn't quite found her place yet. She is a people pleaser and doesn't quite now how to please herself, which I believe is vital before anyone can properly please others. Her family is quirky and interesting which provided for some entertainment. This book is far from a "smart" read and not anywhere near the deep end. There were a few times where Callie made some decisions that I thought dragged the story out longer than it should, but I would say in general I liked this one.
Unfortunately, I would only pass this book on to my lady friends. I don't think the men would enjoy this read at all. Too light and cute!
A story about a young woman who hasn't quite found her place yet. She is a people pleaser and doesn't quite now how to please herself, which I believe is vital before anyone can properly please others. Her family is quirky and interesting which provided for some entertainment. This book is far from a "smart" read and not anywhere near the deep end. There were a few times where Callie made some decisions that I thought dragged the story out longer than it should, but I would say in general I liked this one.
Unfortunately, I would only pass this book on to my lady friends. I don't think the men would enjoy this read at all. Too light and cute!