With its poignant friends-to-lovers storyline, handsome hero, hardworking heroine and wonderful secondary characters ANYTHING FOR YOU by author Kristan Higgins is a fabulous read! The first chapter of ANYTHING FOR YOU drew me into Connor and Jessica's story, and I enjoyed reading every bit of their journey. Connor O'Rourke has been in love with Jessica Dunn for years. He has decided to make their off again-on again, friends-with-benefits arrangement permanent. Connor proposes and Jessica turns him down. End of story, right? Not at all—it's just the beginning!

Kristan Higgins uses the flashback technique to provide the reader with the couple's personal and romantic history. Difficult issues such as alcoholism, infidelity and the care and education of people with special needs are presented in a subtle but effective way. Connor and Jessica met under difficult circumstances, which has resulted in a long standing issue between Connor and Jessica's brother Davey. I love the chapter when the couple meet unexpectedly in New York during Connor's senior year of culinary school. Over dinner, Connor shares his dreams of opening his own restaurant "something small and humble but with great food" with Jessica. He asks Jess about her dream job. Her simple response says it all. She wants a job that would pay her enough to take care of her brother.

The scene when Jess presents the terms for their relationship—no telling anyone, no coming over when Davey is around and no sappiness—is poignant and very well written. The rules provide a lot of insight into Jess's character. Jessica has made many mistakes in the past, and she doesn't believe she deserves someone like Connor. Connor accepts Jess's terms without hesitation because he loves her and would do anything for her.

As the daughter of two alcoholics, Jess is very independent, hardworking and determined to provide for herself and her brother. The author does a spot on job with the multi-faceted character of Jess as she provides example after example of why Jess puts Davey first. While it appears Jess is confident, smart, and determined, she is in fact very insecure.

I enjoyed reading the scenes at Blue Heron between Jess, Honor and Marcy, the new event planner. The Marcy-Jessica dynamic was a great secondary story. Fans of the Blue Heron series will appreciate how the Holland Liberty Maple tree impacted Marcy's career and Jess's decision.

ANYTHING FOR YOU is a beautifully written story which takes the reader on an emotional and heartfelt journey. Kristan Higgins has written an excellent slice-of-life novel drawing the reader into this story with unique characters and clever dialogue. The epilogue is a perfect treat for Ms. Higgins' Blue Heron readers, and I cried when I read it. I enjoyed reading ANYTHING FOR YOU so much I bought IN YOUR DREAMS and WAITING ON YOU and look forward to reading them. I am hoping the author has a story in mind for Ned or Lorelei in the future!

If you are looking for a book to read in the New Year, pick up ANYTHING FOR YOU—it's a great way to start the New Year!

Book Summary

Before you get down on bended knee… 

… you should be pretty darn sure the answer will be yes. For ten years, Connor O'Rourke has been waiting for Jessica Dunn to take their on-again, off-again relationship public, and he thinks the time has come. His restaurant is thriving, she's got her dream job at Blue Heron Vineyard—it's the perfect time to get married.

When he pops the question, however, her answer is a fond but firm no. If it ain't broke, why fix it? Jess has her hands full with her younger brother, who's now living with her full-time, and a great career after years of waitressing. What she and Connor have is perfect: friends with an excellent benefits package. Besides, with her difficult past (and reputation), she's positive married life isn't for her.

But this time, Connor says it's all or nothing. If she doesn't want to marry him, he'll find someone who does. Easier said than done, given that he's never loved anyone but her. And maybe Jessica isn't quite as sure as she thinks…

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