A review by kne
Anything for You by Kristan Higgins

4.0

Part of me hates to start a new Kristan Higgins book because I know that means I'll soon finish it. Her characters always feel like people I know, particularly the residents of Manningsport, here in their fifth outing. I enjoyed finally getting a look at Jess and Connor's story, and the peek into Connor's kitchen and burgeoning brewery was mouthwatering. Higgins also deals with some much more serious issues than she has in previous Blue Heron books - alcoholic parents, fetal alcohol syndrome, teenage promiscuity, reputation, coworkers from hell, etc. Jess and Connor struggle with some serious issues, which is part of why I always recommend Higgins to women who say they don't like romance novels, bandying about words like "trashy" and "fake." (In addition to Jess's family issues, the addition of coworker Marcy was something I think a lot of readers can relate to - personally, I wanted to strangle the woman!) Higgins's themes, characterization, dialogue, and the rest stand head and shoulders above the rest of the genre, in my opinion. Sure things all work out in the end (no spoiler here - it is a romance novel after all), but it's a struggle to get there, and it often looks dire.

I hope Higgins isn't done with Manningsport. She's always been pretty GLBT friendly in her books, so perhaps Rafe could be next - which would also mean more mouthwatering food descriptions with another chef taking center stage. Or maybe she'll go with the younger crowd and write about Ned. The possibilities are there, and I am looking forward to reading her 16th book - especially if food and wine are involved!

The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.