I'm a sucker for dogs so with the cute pit on the cover got me reading Kristan Higgins. While waiting for this book I started listening to The Best Man (#1 in the series). It was audio book and I didn't enjoy the narrator's voice. Still I think it was better than reading/skimming Anything for You.

I read 30% of the book then I started skimming, the story was dragging. Jess was driving me crazy so was the story. Then I got into it again when Connor was trying to bond with Davey. I thought yes 3 stars for sure but couldn't help skimming the last two chapters. ( )

4.5 heartwarming stars.Anything for You is another heartfelt installment in Kristan Higgins' marvelous Blue Heron series. Beginning with Connor O'Rourke's ill-fated marriage proposal to his on again/off again secret girlfriend Jessica Dunn, the novel follows the couples' rocky relationship through its twenty year history.

Despite their ups and downs over the years, Connor's love for Jessica has never waned. He has abided by all of her rules and although she is the one who puts the brakes on their relationship, he has never asked or expected more of her than she is willing to give. But all of that changes when she rejects his marriage proposal. Vowing this is the last time he will let Jessica walk away from him, Connor finally asks his twin sister Colleen to work her matchmaking magic for him. After suffering through a couple of miserable blind dates, Connor quickly reaches the conclusion that he would rather be single than live without the woman he loves and he eventually reunites with Jessica yet again. Will this reunion be their last? Or will Jessica's fears continue to come between them?

Connor fell hard for Jessica when he was twelve years old but their lives took them in very different directions. He is a professional chef who co-owns a popular pub with Colleen and while his relationship with his father is distant, Connor is fairly well-adjusted and happy. Although he is a little gruff and sometimes grumpy, he is charming, kind-hearted and prefers to stay out of the limelight. He and Colleen are close but they hide their affection for one another behind sarcastic and witty banter. The only real problem in Connor's life is his secret liaison with Jessica and he is hoping the marriage proposal will finally convince her to take their relationship seriously.

Jessica's life is and, always has been, complicated. She is the sole caregiver for her mentally challenged younger brother, Davey (who just happens to HATE Connor). Their childhood was incredibly dysfunctional and she was forced to grow up way too fast since their alcoholic parents could barely care for themselves let alone their children. Jessica learned the hard way that she could not count on anyone else and she does not easily give her trust to anyone. Although she has finally left her trailer park roots behind her, she does not have any faith that her good fortune will continue and she is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Davey comes first in her life and since he cannot stand Connor, Jessica is not even willing to consider Connor's proposal and she is stunned when he tells her he is done being her secret lover.

Knowing that Jessica breaks Connor's heart time and again, it is easy to assume she would be a difficult character to like. Fortunately, the flashbacks of their complex relationship offer incredible insight into her reasons for being unable to fully commit to him. The background information about her family explains her need to maintain an emotional distance. There is also residual guilt from her childhood that plays a major factor in her decision to always put Davey's needs ahead of her own.

Anything for You is an emotional, poignant and heartwarming addition to the Blue Heron series. More than just a romance, the novel deals with serious issues such as alcoholism and fetal alcohol syndrome and Kristan Higgins deftly handles these sensitive topics with ease. The romance between Jessica and Connor is the perfect blend of heartache and hope and despite some frustration with both characters, seeing them finally find their happily ever after is immensely gratifying. An absolutely beautiful story of love and forgiveness that old and new fans of this outstanding series are sure to enjoy.

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I gotta say, this series just keeps getting better and better.




Connor O'Rourke is not the easiest chap to get to know and the combination of him with Jessica Dunn, make them about the toughest nuts to crack...or perhaps I should say grapes to crush. They are both headstrong, loyal to those they count among their family and friends, and...get in their own ways when it comes to love. I adored how chivalrous Connor was even as a lad. He and his twin Colleen are as thick as thieves (then and now) and despite the usual brother/sister bantering, he's always been her protector...though she doesn't really need much protecting per se as she could make a stone gargoyle blush if necessary - which I wholeheartedly approve! Anywho, back to Connor. He's made quite a name for himself though not in a flashy way and he's the kind of man most ladies would love to have by their side....unless you're Jessica.

Okay, truth be told, she's not immune to his courteous charms, stellar cooking skills, or ability to make even the most outside outsider feel welcome; she in fact knows this better than anyone else and that's why she's so vehemently stayed away...until now. You see, she had a bit of a reputation growing up, not fully unwarranted mind you but with a much bigger reason behind it than loose morals, and that along with her shaky family history had led her to believe she's not worthy of the "perfect love" Connor seems to have on offer for her; well that, and her fierce obligation to her brother who is a special case but maybe not as special as she would like to think. Basically, they are two similar peas in two separate pods that if they could ever get the timing right would be as unstoppable as a fairy tale happily ever after...but that's the challenge is it not? Getting things right, but you see perfect and right are two different things and though these two may step on their own feet time and again, fate is going to have her say in the end.

In short, I LOVED this installment and getting to know these two colorful characters was fantastic. They are memorable long after the final page is turned and vividly live on until your next read through, or perhaps the next installment. ^-^ Recommended highly for Contemporary Romance fans that aren't afraid of a little family drama.


**ARC received in exchange for my honest review...full post can be seen on my site**

Kristin Higgins is an author that I have come across in passing but not read much of her work. With Anything for You she threw in a twist. It's the guy who wants all or nothing and the floundering is from the female. I loved her in depth look at Connor and Jess. This story had all the right hot spots for me. Wonderful writing, great characters and that is just naming a few. Am glad I took a chance. Was not disappointed. Thanks NetGalley and Harlequin. ( )

I have waited for Connor's story for what feels like forever! I really wanted him to have his HEA. He's such a sweet caring guy, good sense of humour, a chef and successful business owner and great looking… the whole package… but he's only got eyes for this girl, that quite frankly, throughout this entire series, I have never really liked.

Yes, Jessica has had a rough life, and yes she's hard working, responsible and devoted to caring for her brother, I will give her that. However, she's so prideful and stubborn that she turns away help and breaks the heart of an awesome guy one too many times for my liking. It just makes me think she will just cut and run when the going gets tough… but maybe that's just me.

Aside from that, I loved the interactions between Connor and his sister Colleen. They always crack me up. The visit back to Blue Heron was a nice reminder of all the other characters as I really have enjoyed this series. Kristan Higgins is a wonderful writer. I think I have a few more of her back list on my tbr shelf which is good, as I hate when I am update with a great author! Then it’s all patience, patience, patience as I wait for their new stuff!!! Ha!

Original review posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogspot.ca/ ( )