What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae

What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae

Release Date: March 29, 2016

Publisher:  Bloomsbury USA

Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 320

Summary: If Only . . . he was the boy she's been dreaming of. The If Only line continues in this fun high school theater-themed romance!

Drama girl Maddie Brooks has always had high standards for guys. But she has yet to find one who can live up to the romantic, classic Hollywood heartthrobs, especially the dreamy song-and-dance man Gene Kelly. When Maddie begins to carpool with Jesse Morales, her new neighbor and star pitcher of the baseball team, she's struck by his wit, good looks, and love for his family--but a guy so into sports is definitely not her style. Then Maddie discovers that Jesse was raised as a dancer and still practices in the community theater dance studio to keep in shape. Perhaps her perfect dream guy exists after all! But when it becomes clear that baseball--not dance--is Jessie's passion, can Maddie find a way to let her dream guy go and appreciate the charms of the amazing guy in front of her?

My Thoughts: I wasn’t sure what to think as I started this one. I read Rae’s other novel and I really enjoyed that one. I did like it a little bit more than this one. I still enjoyed this one but the other one just felt more romantic to me I guess.

We are introduced to Maddie who always has had high standards for guys. She wants the perfect boyfriend who does the perfect romantic things. She loves old movies and Gene Kelly. Maddie meets a boy next store named Jesse.  Jesse was popular and deep down he’s a real sweetheart but he doesn’t always come off as a good guy.

Maddie loves to dance and she loves to participate in school functions. Jesse, not so much anymore. He’s just into baseball.

I really liked this one but I just wasn’t as drawn to it as others this year. I liked Jesse and Maddie together but sometimes I just wanted to kick Jesse for acting all tough when I wanted him to be sweet. I also liked Maddie but at times she did expect a lot.

Overall: I’m happy how things went down in this one. I’m happy how things ended up. I liked the ending the most! I'd say this was probably more of a 3.5 cupcake rating for me!

Cover:  Love it! I would pick this up in a bookstore for sure!

What I’d Give It: