The Boy You Always Wanted

Francine loves her grandfather, but their time together is running out. He has one final wish: to see a male heir carry on the family traditions. Francine knows his ideas are outdated, but she would do anything for him. Her solution? Ask Ollie Tran, a family friend (and former crush, not that it matters), to pretend to be ceremonially adopted and act like the grandson her A Gung never had.

Ollie has always made a point of avoiding the odd, too blunt (and fine, sort of cute) Francine, whose intensity has always made him uncomfortable. So when she asks him to help deceive her dying A Gung, Ollie’s definitely not down. He doesn’t get why anyone would go to such lengths, even for family. Especially with a backwards (and sexist, Ollie keeps stressing) scheme like this.

Francine, however, is determined to make it work, and soon Ollie finds himself more invested in her plan—and in her—than he ever thought possible. But as the tangled lies and feelings pile up, Francine will have to discover what exactly she needs for herself—and from Ollie. Because sometimes the boy you always wanted isn’t what you expected.

One elaborate lie. Two former crushes. And a plan that’s about to get more complicated than either of them imagined.

• Dual POV: See the story unfold from both sides as intense, determined Francine and the avoidant (but cute) Ollie share their hilarious and heartfelt perspectives.
• Childhood Crush: Francine needs a fake grandson for her A Gung. Ollie, her former crush, is the only one who fits the bill—not that it matters. (It totally matters.)
• Forced Proximity: He can’t stand her intensity, but now Ollie finds himself drawn into Francine’s family traditions, her complicated plan, and Francine herself.
• Heartfelt and Humorous: A sweet, funny, and emotional exploration of first love, family secrets, and figuring out what you truly want for yourself.
• Rich Cultural Setting: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chinese Vietnamese community of Southern California, with all its traditions, expectations, and love.