review: What a Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn
What a Boy Needs by Nyrae Dawn
(companion to What a Boy Wants)
release date: June 2012
author links: blog / twitter
book links: amazon / barnes & noble / goodreads
source: purchased
from goodreads - Jaden Sinclair knows he’ll never amount to anything…so why would he deserve a girl like Priscilla Mendoza?
Since last summer, things have been screwed up between Jaden and Pris. He knows it’s his fault, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting to go a few rounds with her new boyfriend. He also knows he’s the loser his dad calls him, but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her….
my take - Nyrae Dawn does not disappoint in her sophomore novel, What a Boy Needs is a fantastic companion book to What a Boy Wants (read review here).
In this book Jayden is the star, and deservedly so. We got hints about his situation in What a Boy Wants, but he was overshadowed by the exuberant, larger-than-life-but-we-love-him Sebastian. We learn Jayden (sadly) comes from an abusive home. His step father verbally assaults him while his mother watches. As if that isn’t heart wrenching enough it gets worse, and with such emotional turmoil running through Jay it’s not surprising he struggles with self-worth and his identity. Honestly, there were several times I just wanted to reach in the book and give step-dad (and mom) the finger and give a Jay a big hug.
Though this story deals with a heavy topic it is not a heavy book. Nyrae perfectly balances the abusive issue with a great big dollop of humor and love. Some of the best scenes are between Jay and Pris, which are full of angst and longing that it makes your heart pitter-patter.
There were two really great things (and a quote) about this novel that I feel the need to mention. First, Sebastian’s mom. Courtney is a rock and a soul full of warmth that her compassion brought tears to my eyes (I love moms who look out for other kids). Another, the ending, but you’ll have to read and discover it for yourself.
Best quote: “Without a word, he and I complete the circle. A tight unbreakable circle.”
XOXO,
Stacy
I just love Jaden!!! Great review. Glad you enjoyed it too.
Valerie
StuckInBooks.com
Oh, I really like the sound of this one! I’ve read several books lately which featured the MC being abused in some way (I didn’t do that by design, it just happened) and I have to say I like that authors are bringing this issue into the light. Great review!