Review: What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae

What You Always Wanted by Kristin Rae
Published: March 29, 2016 by Bloomsbury
Source: ARC from the publisher

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? [goodreads]

What You Always Wanted is definitely something I've always wanted to read when it comes to YA contemporaries.  I was pleasantly surprised by how much depth is soaked into the pages of what could have been just a light, airy read.  Kristin Rae has a talent of creating a story that so many can relate to, yet adding substance to keep it unique and personal.  I adored her debut novel, Wish You Were Italian, for the same reasons, and she's done it again with her sophomore novel.

Maddie has just moved to Texas from her life in Chicago with her parents.  She's been uprooted in the middle of her high school career, leaving behind a life on stage, yet bringing her love for classic movies and musicals with her.  As someone who is familiar with the genre of Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, but not necessarily a frequent viewer of their talents, I found it educational and fun to learn more about it as its sprinkled throughout the novel.  She is a fish in a brand new pond and instead of being afraid, she takes this opportunity to reinvent herself -- which is something I really admired.  I loved her unique, quirky personality, and how it became so infectious to those she was around.

As she settles into her new life, she's also making new friends and goals for herself.  What she thought she may have wanted for herself has a funny way of showing itself when she least expects it.  There's enough character growth to give this story a well-rounded, over-all enjoyable experience.  We see Maddie evolve through her new experiences, but we also see her question these changes, which so many can relate to.  What You Always Wanted shines bright on the literary stage, possessing a story I'll want to revisit time and time again.

Top Ten Tuesday: Debut Authors Who Have Me Looking Forward To Their Sophomore Novels

Since I missed last week's Top Ten Tuesday prompt about debut authors, who's sophomore novels we're most looking forward to, I am posting my list a week late.  This topic was too good to completely miss, so please excuse me being a week behind.  Let me know in the comments if you've read any of these debuts, and if you too are looking forward to their next novels.

1. Juliana Romano -- I read FIRST THERE WAS FOREVER earlier this year and was completely swept up by it.  It's the type of story this quiet contemporary reader really gravitates toward, full of heart and emotion, in the coming ages of being a teen.  Her sophomore novel, SUMMER IN THE INVISIBLE CITY, sounds just as fabulous -- I can't wait to read it!

2. Ellie Cahill -- Though I know this author is not a debut, as she uses this pen name for her New Adult novels, but I still decided to include her in this list because these are her first NA novels to write.  WHEN JOSS MET MATT was such a refreshing, addicting read.  I'm really looking forward to CALL ME, MAYBE, her second NA novel, because these are the type of fun, easy-going romances I crave.

3. Michelle Levy -- I'm not sure what this author is working on next, but after reading NOT AFTER EVERYTHING, I know it will be on my TBR list when it's out there.  This novel is another quietly, yet so emotional read that truly gripped me.  I have high hopes for what she plans to produce next.

4. Bethany Chase -- As the year wraps up, I already know this novel will be at the top of my favorites list, so of course I am looking forward to Bethany Chase's next novel.  THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY is everything I yearn for in adult contemporary fiction.  Everything from the depth of emotion, to the identifiable setting, to the unforgettable journey -- it all just swept me up and away.  I will read anything this woman writes.

5. Annie Cardi -- Another emotional, yet so rewarding debut that completely won me over.  THE CHANCE YOU WON'T RETURN was one of my favorite debuts read last year, so of course I am eagerly waiting to read what Annie Cardi has in store for her readers next.  I know it will be brilliant!

6. Kristin Rae -- WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN was such an adventurous, fun debut from Kristin Rae!  Her writing style captivated me in an unexpected way.  What could have been told from just the surface, delved much deeper -- casting a unique, and unforgettable story.  I am really looking forward to her sophomore novel, WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED.

7. Sarah Combs -- This list would not be complete if Sarah Combs were not on it.  Her debut novel, BREAKFAST SERVED ANYTIME was my most favorite read of 2014.  It so quietly, yet eloquently told the story of how one summer can change a young teen's life.  Her richness with words, and ability to tell an unforgettable story, pulled at my heart.  I know her next novel will be just as breathtaking.

8. Nickolas Butler -- SHOTGUN LOVESONGS was such an engrossing, beautifully told adult novel.  I listened to the audio of it and found myself sitting in my car idle, long after I reached my destination because I wasn't quite ready to turn it off.  BENEATH THE BONFIRE is sure to be amazing, I just know it, and now I must get my hands on it.

9. Ashley Poston -- Hello gorgeous book covers!  THE SOUND OF US was the perfect blend of music + romance + teenage angst for this contemporary reader.  I can't wait to read her follow up, WE OWN THE NIGHT, which I'm sure is going to be a win for me as well.

10. Jenny Kaczorowski -- Another series from Bloomsbury Spark that I am eagerly waiting to continue.  THE ART OF FALLING was a refreshing, enjoyable read and I am really looking forward to THE TRICK OF LANDING.  The So-Cal vibe is really screaming my name.

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

First Loves Blog Tour: Kiss! Kiss!

I am very excited to be apart of the FIRST LOVES Blog Tour hosted by Bloomsbury, including YA authors: Mandy Hubbard, Jillian Cantor, Kristin Rae, Emery Lord, and Lindsey Leavitt.  There is so much to discuss when it comes to "first loves", so narrowing down my question to ask each author was tough. I thought it would be fun to ask each of them to tell their story about their first kiss! Those first lip-locking moments can happen at any age: on the playground at recess, standing at the door just after the school dance, or perhaps that scandalous backseat row at the movies! The details we remember from that first kiss can be swoon-worthy, or hysterical. Whatever that first kiss story may be, please share it with us!

Mandy Hubbard, on her first kiss...

At the time, my first kiss seemed pretty mundane, but looking back now it seems terribly romantic! I was in 7th grade, living on a big dairy farm where I’d ride horses every day. He was the boy next door. We’d hang out for hours on end, and then he asked me out—you know, in that way where you go “Will you go out with me,” and then someone says yes and you are boyfriend and girlfriend without having ever actually GONE anywhere. Anyway, we’d been going out for a month or two before he made a move! I was on my horse, and he walked over and said, “come here,” and wiggled his finger. So I leaned down and he kissed me. And then he turned to walk back over to his house and I galloped off on my horse, my heart beating as fast as his hooves hit the dirt!

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Jillian Cantor, on her first kiss...

My first real kiss happened when I was in tenth grade with my high school boyfriend (who is now my husband). We went to a mutual friend’s 16th birthday party together, as friends. He’d offered to drive me (He had his license – I didn’t). We’d been friends for awhile, and I really, really (really!) liked him but I thought he only saw me as a friend. But as we were dancing together at the party that night, he leaned in and kissed me. After that night we started dating. We’ve actually been together ever since and have now been married for almost fourteen years!

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Kristin Rae, on her first kiss...

Hi, Ginger! My Texas friend! First kiss, first kiss, let’s see. I was sixteen (almost seventeen), and it was Valentine’s Day. I’d been hanging out with this guy (I was a figure skater, he was a hockey player, go figure), but it should have been a flag that his grades were so bad his parents took his driving privileges away. I had to drive any time we went somewhere together. His mom brought him to my house for Valentine’s Day so he could give me candy and some stuffed animal that I rolled my eyes at. The whole situation was super awkward. When they were leaving, he leaned in to kiss me (in full view of both of our mothers). No, no, no. I turned my head to offer my cheek instead. We didn’t last much longer. I figure if you can’t let him kiss you on the lips because the idea repulses you, you don’t really like him that much.

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Emery Lord, on her first kiss...

How about first kiss with one particular guy in high school? (Since he’s sitting right here and he gave me permission ;)) My now-husband was kind of an enigma in high school. I knew who he was before we really met. He was smart and a bit quiet and cool, but not in a Cool Kid way. In a genuinely-don’t-care-what-you-think way. He played drum set, didn’t have a curfew…and was on Team Physics. So, needless to say, he’s kind of hard to read if you don’t know him. Our first date was going so well, but I honestly couldn’t gauge whether or not he’d go for it.

Um, he did. The whole world—words and shapes and colors blurred all around me, gone. I got lightheaded. Still do ;)

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Lindsey Leavitt, on her first kiss...

My first kiss happened pretty late as far as first kisses go. So late that my mother made a point to mention to the boy I’d just started dating that my parents were GOING OUT OF TOWN and he should come over. I know. Let’s not dissect that too much. I’ve already covered the moment in therapy. So we’re in the basement with some other friends, and I know that it’s got to happen tonight. Just get it over with already. But everyone knew I hadn’t kissed a boy, and everyone was watching, and I hated the whole thing. Then the doorbell rang, everyone went upstairs to answer it and… boom. He scooted over on the couch and went right for it. I can’t say the kiss was magical or anything. I mostly just felt… relieved. Funny enough, the boy who rang the doorbell so I could get my first kiss? I ended up marrying that one.

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Thank you so much, to all of these authors, for taking time out to answer this fun question on my blog today!  Tomorrow (May 13th), here in Houston, the First Loves Tour will be making a stop with authors Kristin Rae, Emery Lord, and Lindsey Leavitt.  I will be moderating the panel for this event as well!  If you're in the area, please stop by and support these lovely ladies.  Details here: First Loves YA Event at B&N

WISH YOU WERE ITLALIAN: My 10 Goals for a Summer in Italy!

Today is the day that WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN by Kristin Rae is out in the world!  I am so excited for this debut author because 1) She is such a sweetheart and 2) This novel is sure to be a favorite summertime (or anytime) read!  In celebration of this book's release, I am joining the launch day festivities and sharing my own goals for a summer in Italy.  In the story, Pippa makes a list of ten goals to accomplish while spending her summer in Italy:

Before I reveal my ten goals for a summer in Italy, I wanted to share my own experience with this beautiful country.  I had the pleasure of visiting when I was 20 years old, where I traveled to Venice, Italy with my family.

My memories of this city are a bit fuzzy, only because it's been so long ago, but I do remember thinking how old and beautiful the city was.  It's amazing that the entire place was basically floating on water, connected by water ways and cobble stone paths.

I also remember the delicious margherita pizza (aka cheese and tomato pizza) that I ate almost daily.  I have a vivid memory of sitting at a cafe outside, next to the Grand Canal, sipping a peach bellini.  The old world feel was all around me and for the first time in my life I truly felt as though I was in another time.

Since I've only been to Venice, I would love the opportunity to go back and see more of the country.  Below are my top 10 goals if I had the chance to spend a summer in Italy now:

1. See ancient Rome and its ruins
2. Try a new flavor of gelato in every city I visit
3. Visit the Italian country side 
4. Wander through a vineyard in Tuscany & sample their wine
5. Greet people in Italian
6. Eat handmade pasta from a restaurant off the beaten path
7. Lie on the beaches of Amalfi coast & soak up the Italian sunshine
8. Revisit Venice & take a trip down the Grand Canal
9. Collect postcards from each place I visit
10. Keep a journal & document something that made me smile that day

About the book: WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN – May 6, 2014 from Bloomsbury

Pippa has always wanted to go to Italy … but not by herself. And certainly not to sit in art school the entire summer learning about dead guys’ paintings. When she steps off the plane in Rome, she realizes that traveling solo gives her the freedom to do whatever she wants. So it’s arrivederci, boring art program and ciao, hot Italian guys!
Charming, daring, and romantic, Bruno is just the Italian Pippa’s looking for—except she keeps running into cute American archeology student Darren everywhere she goes. Pippa may be determined to fall in love with an Italian guy … but the electricity she feels with Darren says her heart might have other plans. Can Pippa figure out her feelings before her parents discover she left the program and—even worse—she loses her chance at love?

About the author: Kristin Rae was born and raised in Texas though her accent would suggest otherwise. She’s addicted to books, music, movies, crafty things, and chocolate. A former figure skating coach, LEGO merchandiser, and photographer, she’s now happy to create stories while pretending to ignore the carton of gelato in the freezer. Kristin lives in Houston with her husband and their two boxers.

Website: http://www.kristinrae.com/
Twitter: @kristincreative
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kristinraewrites
Instagram: http://instagram.com/kristinraesnaps/#
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18042393-wish-you-were-italian
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Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae
Published: May 6, 2014 by Bloomsbury
Source: e-galley from the publisher - thank you!

Pippa is in Italy for the summer and, despite her parents’ wishes, she has no intention of just studying the local art! She has a list of things of her own to do: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea to getting a makeover – and falling for an Italian boy! As Pippa explores the dramatic ruins of Rome and Pompeii, she is swept into her own drama with two guys: an irresistible local she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student . . . Will she find her true love?

The perfect reckless romance to enjoy whether you are home or abroad. [goodreads]

At first glance, one may consider this book to be a "cutesy" read wrapped up in a pretty little bow.  I admit that I fell victim to that judgement before I even read the first page.  But then as I dove into this novel, I soon realized there was so much more to this story than just a summer romance in Italy.  The main character Pippa struggles with her own identity, separate from her parent's expectations, and the complexity of what it means to choose your own destiny.  There's a strong presence of friendship, family loyalties, and opening one's self up to new experiences.  All of these themes are set against the beautiful backdrop of Italy, which is so rich with description that it leaves the reader feeling as if they are present, witnessing Pippa's grand adventure.

Pippa has been sent to spend the summer in Italy to study at an art school, per her mother's insistent suggestion.   But as soon as Pippa arrives, she soon realizes that she's miles away from her parents, and the possibility of determining her own fate now lies in her hands.  On a whim, and with the help of some extra euros, she decides to ditch the art school plan and take off on an adventure of her own, traveling around Italy.  To help guide her, she's taken along a journal from her best friend Morgan that has rules for Pippa to follow, rules that are meant to bring Pippa outside her comfort zone.  Before she can conquer that list, Pippa finds herself wandering into a gelato cafe, craving the most delicious Italian ice cream.

Just as Pippa is beginning to question if she should trash the art school plans and succumb to a summer of unknown adventures, she meets Darren, an American boy who is spending his summer in Italy as part of a internship-like experience before college.  This chance meeting quickly evolves into a friendship that ironically keeps them running into one another as their summer progresses.  Each decision that Pippa now makes turns into a series of experiences.  She ends up in a beautiful Italian village by the sea, staying in a room with an Italian family who has taken her in as one of their own.  Darren resurfaces, bringing with him emotions Pippa wasn't expecting, but isn't exactly deflecting either.

It was so easy to get lost in the Italian summer that Pippa has spontaneously created for herself.  The amount of research this author has done to paint the beautiful portrait of Italy was so well done.  Attention to detail is not missed, even in the delicious description of gelato.  Which by the way, I highly recommend having some on hand while devouring this book.  As the story progressed, so did the anxiousness of what will come of Pippa's summer. What will happen once she has to return home?  Will she stay true to the new, well-grounded, clear-headed Pippa?  Or will she fall victim to the old ways of following her mother's commands, and losing herself to make others happy?

WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN is a very well-rounded YA contemporary that will appeal to readers of all ages.  The story is rich with adventure, bursting with romance, and rooted with strong themes present through out.  Pack your bags and get ready for this novel to take your heart on a literary vacation you might never want to return from.

Waiting On: Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae

Wish You Were Italian by Kristin Rae
To be published: May 6, 2014 by Bloomsbury

Pippa is in Italy for the summer and, despite her parents’ wishes, she has no intention of just studying the local art! She has a list of things of her own to do: from swimming in the Mediterranean Sea to getting a makeover – and falling for an Italian boy! As Pippa explores the dramatic ruins of Rome and Pompeii, she is swept into her own drama with two guys: an irresistible local she knows is nothing but trouble and a cute American archaeology student . . . Will she find her true love?

The perfect reckless romance to enjoy whether you are home or abroad. [goodreads]

I remember when Kristin, a local author, announced her book deal for this story and how HAPPY I was for her!  Everything about this debut novel sounds delicious... from the setting in Italy, to the summer romance abroad, and I've heard there's mention of gelato!  Mmm.  I recently got a copy to read, so I don't have to wait much longer, but I wanted to feature it anyway so others could add it to their to-be-read list.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Cover Reveal: WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN by Kristin Rae

I am so honored & excited to be a part of the cover reveal for Kristin Rae's 2014 YA debut, WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN.  Everything from the cover to that story synopsis makes me want to experience this adventure right along side Pippa.  Kristin is also sharing some of her own photography that she took while visiting Italy, that's become inspiration for the story.  I don't know about you all, but I am craving some gelato right about now!

Pippa always wanted to go to Italy, but not by herself. And not to sit in a classroom the summer before senior year learning about paintings by dead guys. Tempted by the romance of Rome and the chance to photograph ancient ruins, Pippa ditches the program and sets her own list of goals—get my picture taken at the Colosseum; get a makeover; fall in love with an Italian.

She befriends a local girl whose gorgeous cousin may be just the Italian Pippa’s looking for, but the road to amore gets detoured when she keeps running into a cute American student. And she can’t forget that her summer abroad is only temporary. As she explores the famous cities of Rome and Pompeii, Pippa must sort out her feelings before her parents figure out where she really is. -- May 6, 2014 from Bloomsbury

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“With Italy's brilliant landscapes, a main character you'll love from the first line and a new dreamy book boyfriend (he's mine!), WISH YOU WERE ITALIAN is a charming and addictive read. Devour this delicious treat like a double scoop of gelato.” —Lindsey Leavitt, author of Going Vintage and Sean Griswold’s Head.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kristin Rae was born and raised in Texas though her accent would suggest otherwise. She’s addicted to books, music, movies, crafty things, and chocolate. A former figure skating coach, LEGO merchandiser, and photographer, she’s now happy to create stories while pretending to ignore the carton of gelato in the freezer. Kristin lives in Houston with her husband and their two boxers.

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They say it helps to write what you know, so I gave Pippa the same love of photography that I have. When I traveled to Italy in 2009, I took pictures of even the most obscure details, knowing I’d want to set a story there one day. I’m thankful I was so thorough because once this story idea came to me in April 2011, my memory of the trip wasn’t as fresh. I was able to sift through my photos and build Pippa’s summer with them, tossing in some of my own experiences. I’m actually jealous that Pippa spent so much more time in Italy than I did. She got to take so many more pictures!

It’s a dream come true for Pippa to photograph ancient ruins and historic monuments like the Colosseum, but quite a lot of the story takes place in a coastal region called Cinque Terre (“five lands” – pronounced CHING-kway TAY-ray). The views have to be seen to be believed, the food is the best I’ve ever eaten (it’s the birthplace of pesto!), and it’s ROMANTIC! You can even walk on a path between all five villages along the coast, shopping and sampling food in each. I think about going back there EVERY DAY.

Gelato plays a big part in Pippa’s story, but I won’t give anything away! There’s really nothing quite like authentic Italian gelato. It was actually hard for me to eat ice cream once we came back home after our trip to Italy. I think it’s the texture and unique flavors that sets it apart. My favorites were mint and stracciatella, though, like Pippa does, I had to at least TASTE the pistachio! I don’t know how they get a nut to taste good as ice cream, but they do!

Pippa’s from Chicago, so she’s had her fair share of deep-dish pizzas! But she’s quickly won over by the simplicity of Italian pizzas and the papery thin crusts. She makes it one of her summer goals to eat entire pizza by herself. If I get a chance to visit Italy again one day, I think this will be a goal of mine too! DELIZIOSO!