This was such an interesting read! I found myself so engrossed in the story, the characters had such incredible arcs, and I can't wait to follow this author's journey!

This book was so so so much fun!! It definitely feels like a step up from her debut; the characters feel more dynamic, more complex, there’s a lot more focus on their individual development and how that informs their dynamic and their relationship with each other and their families compared to book1 which was much heavier on the romcom. Personally, I do love a deep dive into family dynamics and seeing how the romance plays out with two opposing familial backdrops so this was super interesting to read!!

I loved Francine’s character- she felt fully formed when she’s introduced (that’s not to say she didn’t have things to learn or mistakes to make), she’s very sure of where she falls in the social hierarchy of high school, her family (that gets complicated but that’s besides the point), etc etc. which was so lovely to see in a YA!! It’s probably because they’re at the top end of the YA age range but it was refreshing to see a character deal with the nuances of emotion as opposed to just identifying what they’re supposed to feel in response to different events. She’s a very active participant in what happens to her, even when she’s caught off guard or overwhelmed she has a good grasp of how she plays into the event and how it’ll affect her, and this quality being used as a vehicle for emotional development and awareness was so skilfully done!!! Like when she discovers what her family was keeping from her, she sits them down and demands they explain it to her. I loved how honest and upfront she was, how she was willing to take risks when she felt comfortable enough with Ollie etc. it was so lovely seeing her embrace her own wants and needs and shed the guilt that often comes with being first gen and prioritising yourself. That was one of my favourite aspects of the story- how eloquently that experience was articulated!!

Ollie,, sweet sweet Ollie- I love the soft boy trope so I really ate this up! His character development is also really great,, though I feel like it was maybe a little less complex than Francine’s. It sometimes felt like he went from being a bit of a pushover to someone who expressed how he felt (which is a valid experience and fab for him) but I feel like there could have been a little more done to tie that into his home life which was obviously a huge part of why he behaved the way he did. It was so lovely to see him standing up to both his brother and his dad,, I was cheering him on reading that final scene with his brother it was so so great!! He also has some great speeches in this and I do love a good speech!! The way his priority from the start of their relationship was her- what she needed and what would make her happy. Even when they butted heads because he wanted her to choose herself and she felt she couldn’t, it was all coming from a place of love and that was so great, I really do love their relationship 🥹🥹 And his grand gesture was SO GOOD!! For a second I was scared it was going to be a cliché and not work but then he ran after her and it worked out so perfectly!! One of my favourite scenes for sure :)

I wasn’t completely convinced by the conflict; it felt just a tad convenient. On one hand, Francine not letting him explain himself feels very out of character, but on the other hand this is a very pivotal moment for her, she’s finally choosing herself, she’s overwhelmed etc. so it makes sense that she wouldn’t want to extend her usual generosity when she feels like he of all people betrayed her. Her reaction did feel uncharacteristically juvenile though, but she is 17 so I guess she’s entitled to that. Point is, I wasn’t totally convinced.

Rollo and Jiya were such great side characters!!! Every time he was on the page I was audibly laughing, the comedic relief did it exactly what it needed to!!

This definitely didn't feel like a typical romcom which was what I was expecting which usually would make me rate it a little lower but I absolutely loved all the scenes with her grandparents etc. every scene felt intentional and meaningful so I really have no complaints about the romance being a subplot. Speaking of her grandparents, the complexity of their relationship with her and vice versa was one of if not my favourite part of the story. The way her grandad would unintentionally make her feel less than but she would shove that away because she loved him and wanted him to be happy. Him coming around at the end and acknowledging all that she’s done for their family. Those scenes felt so very real, and I think that my, as a reader, frustrations and disappointment and ultimate understanding of her grandparents being a mirror of Francine’s own thoughts (even before she could face/identify them) is a testament to the author’s skill at communicating those entangled emotions.

Overall, I breezed through this and really enjoyed it! I’ll probably pick up the author’s next book based on this 🫶🏻

A glorious, relatable book that covers so much in such a short number of pages and yet everything feels like it was covered perfectly. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Aaaa my heart.
This book covers so many topics in a lovely way.
- grandparents are relationships with them and the dynamics was lovely and nice to read especially because I feel they don’t get written about often.
- mental health in teens struggling with the balance between school pressure and having a personal life (kind of wish this was delved into deeper)
- the problems that come with the elder generation when they have sexist racist and homophobic beliefs and how to deal with that - especially when they are ill.
- what relationships look like at that age as well. How to do teens control their emotions in a healthy way and discuss problems within a relationship. This wasn’t touched on completely but we got to see play out

Overall I loved reading this book it made my heart feel warm and gooy

Thanks Netgallery for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This book was quick and easy to read but with themes that are both relatable and of this time. I really enjoyed the characters but could at times get annoyed by Ollie and his blasé attitude! The premise is one unlike any other and I love the writing style itself.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'The Boy You Always Wanted' by Michelle Quach.

Everyone knows I adore Michelle Quach, her writing and characters own my little heart. So when I received the eARC for her latest novel: 'The Boy You Always Wanted' I almost did a leap for joy. The book is very much what you expect from Quach, a beautiful yet raw and real and just overall perfect novel. I will say this: it's not my favourite Michelle Quach but this is only her second novel ever - you heard me correctly, second - so she's got plenty of time to beat herself in the ranks of my favourite contemporary romance.

The Boy You Always Wanted is a book that I did not know I needed in my life. I love Michelle Quach's previous book so I know I would enjoy this one as well. But I did not expect it to be as heartwrenching as it was. I was unexpectedly emotional by the time I finished reading it. Francine and Ollie's growth, together and as individuals, was so delightful to witness. I also liked how family was at the center of this book, whether it be through Ollie or Francine, or even their own family members. I am a huge fan of YA books that do this, which is why I am a huge fan 0f this book!

Yes you've heard of the fake dating trope but have you heard of the fake honorary grandson? With a synopsis promising an off-the-wall plan where the protagonist convinces her ex-crush to be her dying grandfather's fake honorary grandson I was under the impression that there would be hijinks and fun. Boy, was I wrong.

As a huge fan of the authors previous work, I was so sure I’d love this book. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case. Don't get me wrong. This book has potential. I liked how this book promises to explore grief, sexism, cultural expectations, self-love and duty. However, it all feels surface level to me.

Anyway, without further ado let's do my usual Gush and Gripe!

𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐇:
• Francine. She’s unapologetically herself. She’s determined, hard-working and passionate. Some characters describe her as “weird” but I wouldn’t think so. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I like Francine. Yeah she goes overboard with things and is your typical goody-good daughter trying to please everyone but herself but you know her intentions are good. She wants to do good. She wants to be a good person, a good daughter sometimes even at the detriment of herself.
• I liked the premise of the typical do-good daughter discovering self-love whilst still abiding to her beliefs and duty and the notion of a close knit family that would do anything for each other.
• Wish we saw more heartfelt moments between Francine and her grandfather.

𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐄:
• A slow start. You have to wait until you hit that ~36% mark to actually get to the synopsis.
• Ollie—apathetic, bland, and boring. He’s the type to see injustice and quickly walk away whilst feeling guilty and thinking “I wish there was something I could do”. For me, I found him passive and insufferable. Because of my dislike for him I couldn’t get onboard for the romance and I fail to see what Francine sees in him?? How did she like him her whole life?
• The twist! Without getting into spoilers, I feel like a major trauma was swept under the rug???!! Surely we need more than one conversation for this to be resolved???

beware 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥
• Francine's grandfather spills it to Ollie that she's not his actual granddaughter. Even if I'm indifferent to Ollie, that was extremely unfair. What a big burden to place on Ollie! Yes, Francine gets mad at him for not telling but... how messy!
• It's touching that Francine's mum took Francine as her own but to erase all traces of Francine's actual brith mother from her entire life?? Why did her not-biological-mother agree with the whole replacing her actual birth mother? How is this a good idea at all?! Not to disregard what Francine's not-biological-mother did in her life. but the disrespect and lack of empathy to Francine's biological mother and inadvertently to Francine! Honestly, if my husband erased my entire existence to my daughter I would haunt him from the grave! Plus, the whole family knew this yet Francine had no idea her whole life?! I don't care about the failed romance with Ollie and him trying to win Francine back—give me the details of this family secret instead! Gaaah it's so ironic that this book harps on about familial ties yet Francine is not related to her grandparents and that isn't fully addressed. Yes, they accept and love each other as their own. But to keep a secret as big as this for her whole life? ! Let me see how they resolve this!!! Let me see the healing and love!! Instead, the book does this: One conversation and that's all over. Now, let's focus on getting back with Ollie! WHAT?? Is that it????
𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗥

Honestly, looking back this reads more of a romance between two not-really childhood friends with the background theme of familial expectations, cultural exploration and duty vs self-love.


I'm so gutted this book wasn't for me. Although, whilst this book wasn't for me, it may be for you.

𝐈𝐧 𝐚 𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
✔ Asian protagonist navigating through life in a western world: duty vs self-love (cultural expectations)
✔ Smart girl X laidback boy
✔ Strong family ties*

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬: sexism, grief, duty and self-love

*debatable to a point, see my spoilers

Thank you to @NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Such a cute story!! I absolutely loved the topics, the plot and the characters in this one!! Nothing will beat Quach’s first novel for me but this is definitely up there. I can’t wait to put a physical copy on my shelf!!

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for supplying me with an arc of this book*
Francine had always had a plan. Ollie wants no part in it.
I found this book an easy read. I enjoyed it, however I found the ending kinda fell a bit flat and seemed a bit rushed. However, I’m glad I read it.

I loved this so much. The Boy You Always Wanted shines a light on sexism in Asian culture and the women that are made to feel less because they weren't born a boy, weren't wanted and/or can't do the job males are meant to do. I learnt a lot about Asian culture throughout this book and I really felt for Francine seeing her struggle and love for her grandfather. Although there are deeper elements explored throughout this book it is also a really heart-warming and fun romance with a lot of sweet friendships too. I loved seeing all the character growth with Ollie and Francine and I thought that was the icing on the cake with this beautiful story.

I adored Not Here To Be Liked so I was DELIGHTED to get hold of this one.
I loved that a main theme in this novel was sexism in Asian culture - I knew a little about this already but learnt so much more throughout the book.

I really felt for Francine when Ollie described her - a bit of a black sheep at times, but I admired her too, as she just seemed to take it all in her stride. I grew to like Ollie and felt he really matured throughout the story, both with his own family and how he dealt with Francine's.
I loved both Rollo and Jiya, and seeing the four together - the dream friendship group, and their presence made the book such a fun read.
There was a twist that I completely didn't see coming at all towards the end of the book, which only added to my reading experience as I was completely thrown by it. It added another element to the already really interesting storyline, and I loved how the families dealt with it
Overall a joy to read and I'm so glad to have picked this one up.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Michelle Quach is one author I will always read—I'm practically sworn to her for life. There is something addictive in how accessible her writing is: how, despite the complexity of the themes she is attempting to convey, her characters are likable and charismatic, her romances are sweet and lovable, and the plot of each of her books flows nicely for both experienced and unexperienced readers. In NOT HERE TO BE LIKED, she wrote a feminist novel for the ages: the story of a girl fighting the patriarchy within the confines of her own school, all the while dismantling her own internalized misogyny and falling in love with her rival. THE BOY YOU ALWAYS WANTED is not a feminist story; it is a romance interspersed with conversations about love in immigrant families, duty vs. self-love, romance, and, of course, feminism.

Both main characters—Francine and Ollie—are the children of Chinese-Vietnamese immigrants, the former of which recruits the latter to become a sort of adoptive grandson for her dying grandfather. I should warn future readers that this plot starts about halfway through, and it's really just the catalyst that draws Ollie and Francine together after years of being awkward, almost estranged friends. Francine, who is blunt and honest and kind, easily balances out Ollie's nervousness and anxiety. Both of them are incredibly lovable, though I admit I hold a particular fondness for Francine. She is not the Asian girl many of us have grown up seeing in the media, either ultra-nerdy or some sort of exoticized warrior; rather, she's open, kind-hearted, and terribly loyal to her family, as many immigrant daughters are. Ollie—who, despite being my least favorite of the two, is still near and dear to my heart—is her opposite: loyal firstly to himself, and then to his family, with whom he has a strained relationship. This isn't to say that he doesn't care; only that his anxiety worms between him and those he loves.

Michelle Quach expertly crafts a tale of devotion and love, both familial and romantic. Francine and Ollie have to learn to meet in the middle: Francine must give herself more love, and Ollie must learn to show his love in a way that doesn't distance himself from others. Most heartwarming was how the two of them learned to reconcile their modern identities with their parents' and grandparents' traditions, some of which are utterly outdated. As always, Quach's feminism is woven through every word and every page of her book. Her plots flow nicely; her characters bounce off each other wonderfully, and their character arc is staggered evenly through the pages. Everything is balanced so easily, I could hardly tell the plot and characters were changing until I closed the book and recognized how simply and how easily it all flowed.

5 / 5 stars—my first of the year! Thank you to Michelle Quach for existing, to Francine and Ollie for being themselves, and again to Netgalley for the ARC.