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Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.
If you’re looking for a quick summary, feel free to check out my shorter Goodreads review. But if you want the full scoop, keep reading!
I have never given a romance 5 stars. The reason? We already know the ending from when we begin. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good love story, but romances are objectively handicapped. The tension between the two main characters can feel unnecessarily drawn out, and the classic back-and-forth of “will they, won’t they?” can come off as clichéd and manufactured. It’s a formula I’ve read one too many times, and while it can sometimes make a romance engaging, it can also leave me frustrated instead of invested.
However, I’ve read plenty of good romances that avoid this frustration and instead manage to hook me without relying on tired tropes. Anything by Kristina Welch falls into that category—it presents an engaging, heartfelt love story that stands apart by sidestepping those common pitfalls. While not perfect, this book is a refreshing take on romance that feels genuine and emotionally satisfying.
Emotional Depth
What stands out most in Anything is how the book skillfully tackles some serious themes, including PTSD and trauma, without allowing these topics to overshadow the romance. This balance is tricky to pull off in any genre, but Welch does it in a way that feels respectful and appealing. Despite dealing with such heavy topics, the story doesn’t become overly dark or depressing. Instead, it maintains a lightness, a comedy that doesn’t undercut the emotional weight of the characters’ struggles.
The romance itself unfolds with a natural progression. Yes, we know Kit and Levi are going to end up together, but their journey toward one another doesn’t rely on forced obstacles. Their relationship feels grounded in real issues and genuine connection, rather than endless misunderstandings or external forces keeping them apart. It’s refreshing to see a romance where the characters grow not just in love but also in understanding themselves and the challenges they face individually.
Humor
What I found especially notable were the pop culture references throughout the book. Kristina Welch clearly has a sharp sense of humor and a great appreciation for entertainment. It’s clear from the references to TV shows, movies, and music that the author knows how to make her writing resonate with readers who share similar tastes. These little touches gave the book an extra layer of relatability, making the characters’ world feel all the more real. Truly, anyone who includes Brian Regan in their book deserves some credit.
Pacing, Plot, & Prose
In terms of pacing, Anything shines. Romance novels often suffer from uneven pacing, with parts of the story dragging or feeling too rushed. But this book manages to keep the flow steady and engaging from start to finish. The chapters never felt too long, and I never found myself waiting for something to happen. The structure of the plot itself wasn’t groundbreaking—there weren’t many unexpected twists or game-changing events—but the way it was executed felt solid.
Where the book did falter a bit for me was in the prose, particularly from Levi’s point of view. While romances are meant to be indulgent, reading about his thoughts on Kit at times came across as overly sappy and a little cringe-worthy. The sentiment was clear, but it didn’t always translate into swoon-worthy moments. Instead, it felt a little more melodramatic than I would have preferred.
Clean & Christian
One of the highlights of Anything is how it remains a clean romance. In an era where many romances push the envelope with explicit content, it’s refreshing to find a love story that focuses more on emotional connection than physical attraction. This book would be perfect for Christian readers or anyone looking for a romance that doesn’t rely on spice to captivate. Though there were moments that could have come across as cheesy or overly sweet, they were balanced by the overall genuine heart of the story.
Final Thoughts
Anything by Kristina Welch is far from perfect, but it’s a solid, entertaining read that will appeal to fans of clean romance. It’s not the kind of book that will leave you gasping with plot twists, but it’s one that will leave you feeling uplifted, hopeful, and maybe even a little emotional. For a romance that’s both thoughtful and fun, Anything hits the mark. With a thoughtful approach to trauma, humor, and a bit of sweetness, it’s a great pick for those who enjoy a romance with depth.
7/10 stars
If you enjoyed this review, feel free to check out my review of Tangerines by Tsvi Jolles here.
Be sure to check out Anything on Amazon!