What a Boy Wants

What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn.

Courtesy of watching his mom’s relationships, Sebastian Hawkins knows what girls need to do to get a guy. He has what he considers a PHD in hooking up. When he needs extra cash for a car, Sebastian starts up an online venture as The Hook-up Doctor, to anonymously help girls land the guy of their dreams. Of course, his services don’t offer a happily-ever-after guarantee. He’s seen firsthand getting together never means staying together. And then he falls in love… With the last girl he would expect… Totally not in his game plan. Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself muddled in the game he’s always prided himself on. He can’t even pick up girls at parties anymore! Why would anyone want to be in love when it turns you into a stuttering, screwed-up, mess with really lame stalker tendencies? Stalking? Totally not his gig. But the Hook-up Doctor won’t let himself go down easily. He’s always known how to give a girl what she wants and now it’s time to figure out what a boy wants… and he definitely plans on getting it.

What a Boy Wants, I found this in my daily email from Pixel of Ink. It was an interesting premise. In the beginning it was smart, witty, and funny. Sebastian, Aspen, Jaden, and Pris are interesting character, which is surprisingly pleasant.

It’s a nod to those young adult dramas, like Beverly Hills 90210 and Dawson’s Creek. Any one that watched those shows will know what I’m talking about. The book is like one entire season of those dramas. Its light and an uncomplicated read, perfect for young adult readers.

Nyrae Dawn’s What a Boy Wants seems to take major influence from Dawson’s Creek, which it references in a comedic way. Toward the end of the novel it becomes a formulaic young adult romantic comedy. This is the one fact that keeps me from saying it was a five.

But I like how it left it open-end. Hopefully she continues with more in the series. Although she only hinted at Jaden, the Pacey character, he seems to have a more troubled home life; which could make for the perfect second season book.

I give What a Boy Wants 4 out 5.

Addendum: Nyrae Dawn, did write a second novel, What a Boy Needs.