The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes
Publication Date: May 20th, 2014
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Won from a giveaway
Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.The Art of Lainey was a cute, fun read that I devoured. I am officially a fan of Paula Stokes! And, if you are looking for the perfect summer contemporary, I'd say The Art of Lainey is exactly what you need. Now, shoo, go to your nearest bookstore and pick it up!
And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.
What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?
You're still here???
Ahh, I see. You're not easily convinced. Well, let me show you that I'm right!
Well, first we have the main character, Lainey. She is not your usual cookie-cutter YA protaganist. Nope, she's a real human, flaws and all. However, despite Lainey's human-like qualities, I still loved her! (Shocking, I know.) She is funny, real, and has character growth! By the way, character growth is pure magic in my book. I love it!
Also, we have a healthy friendship! Lainey and her BFF, Bianca, are just perfect together. They support each other and have lots of fun! I'm always glad to see awesome friendships. I have two best friends. We hang out all the time without drama, backstabbing, or any of the bad friendship stuff that is constantly portrayed in the media. Let's issue a round of applause for positive portrayals of best friends! Also, I'll note that there's one friendship that isn't so healthy. However, it a very realistic type of friendship that I see often in real life.
Finally, we have the AMAZING romance. Micah and Lainey are just the most awesome couple. They had me giggling, swooning, and shipping like crazy. Now, let's broach the topic of Micah. I was pleasantly surprised by his characterization! He has tattoos, a mohawk, isn't exactly one of the popular jocks, and loves to cook! (And, psst, he's secretly a really nice, sweet guy! Just don't tell anyone!) Also, he has an awesome little sister.
Overall, this book is a total winner! Now, I repeat my message: "Shoo! Go to your nearest bookstore and pick The Art of Lainey up!" And, if you have already read this little cupcake, I award you a gold medal. You're welcome. (Also, I am aware this is a strange review. In my defense, I wrote this at midnight.) Thanks for reading!
Haha, not so strange review, a fun one! :) I've been hearing a ton of positive things about this, so really glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a character who has flaws, whoo! Makes them seem more realistic that way, and I don't get why we still get the perfect YA characters. :/ And the friendship sounds realistic too, again, the whole back-stabbing, slut shaming friends, while with some it does happen, but most of us and out bestfriends don't act like that. And helllllooo Micah! ;) Reading this the next time I have a "me" book. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, I can't get convinced that easily. ;)
ReplyDeleteBut by the end of your review, I felt like I need this in my life! I haven't read a contemporary that sounds this real in a really long time! Will have to check it out. :D