Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins
Published: October 25, 2011 by Harlequin Books
Received: ebook from Barnes & Noble

Posey Osterhagen can't complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she's surrounded by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend—sort of. Still, something's missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy.

When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire, broke her heart. But now he's back, sending Posey's traitorous schoolgirl heart into overdrive once again. She should be giving him a wide berth, but it seems fate has other ideas…. {goodreads.com}

Every once in awhile I'll have the desire to read an adult book.  Shocking, I know.  Who wants to follow a story about grown ups?! Boring.  I tend to love my addiction to teenage angst and all the drama that comes along with it.  But with this particular book, I got the best of both worlds... angst and drama but WITH PEOPLE MY OWN AGE! Ha.

Posey has always been the girl who never seemed to be noticed.  As a teen she had some pretty awful times.  The girl who remained friendless and was always chosen last.  Her petite frame seemed to be a downside for her; something she was always picked on for.  There was one boy from her past that always stood out to her though.  He was the kind of guy every girl wanted.  For Posey she knew it would never happen.  Flash forward 15 years, and in walks the same guy in to Posey's uneventful adult life.  Leave it to fate to stir up all kinds of memories, both good and bad.

I really enjoyed this book for it's cast of characters.  From the German restuarant-owning parents, to the protective older brother and his partner, to the self indulging egotistical cousin, and of course.. the handsome, broken man that stole Posey's heart.  All of these characters had a place in Posey's world.  Their stories intertwined just enough to keep the story flowing, but never took focus away from Posey. 

I was a bit surprised on how invested I became in this adult novel.  Usually when I read young adult fiction, it's more of a "oh I remember that" feeling; almost reliving a moment from my own teen years.  But with this story, it felt more tangible.  Something I could identify with right now, and there were plenty of instances through Posey's story which I found very identifiable.

If you're looking for something light, but with a lot of heart and quick wit -- I highly recommend this novel by Kristan Higgins.  My good friend Jess from Gone with the Words recommended it to me, knowing that I am a fan of contemporary novels and was looking for something in the "older" range.  I will definitely be reading more by this author, seeing as though I am now a fan.