Paula Stokes

Perfect for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Sarah Dessen, and Susane Colasanti, The Art of Lainey tells the story of how, with the help of The Art of War, Lainey plots the perfect plan to get her boyfriend back. But is getting him back really what she wants? 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 warnings, 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. And that's when Lainey and Bianca stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, the girls are 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. Can fighting for what she wants help Lainey figure out what she really needs?

The Art of Lainey

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The Art of Lainey was a fun and flirty, if predictable, young adult contemporary read. I’m a sucker for a good fake relationship book, especially when the character is as lovable as Micah. I have to be honest and say I didn’t completely love Lainey. She was a bit too whiny for me and the pining away after a guy who was an obvious sleaze ball was a bit bothersome. I mean, she and Jayson might have been together for quite awhile, but the guy was a jerk. I didn’t see one redeeming quality in him. But her coworker Micah? Swoon. I loved that boy.

The banter between Lainey and Micah was great and I enjoyed watching their coworker status shift to friendship and then to more as they attempted to use The Art of War to get back their respective exes. Of course, their very obvious chemistry began to affect them and those around them and soon Lainey began questioning what she was doing.

I particularly enjoyed the pace of the book and the build of the chemistry and emotions between Lainey and Micah. It felt realistic and it was easy to root for this pair. The friendship in this book was also fantastic. I loved the relationship between Lainey and her best friend, Bee. The dynamic between them reminded me so much of me and my best friend when I was a teenager. I devoured The Art of Lainey in one sitting and found myself with a big, goofy smile on my face in the end. This is a great summer read for anyone who enjoys a good romance, great friendship and is a teenager or can remember those days like I do.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

Hayley 📖🌈💜🌸

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, HECK YES. 

I really enjoyed reading this, it was fun and sweet. 

I won this through a giveaway on the author's blog, so a big thank you to Paula Stokes! Looking forward to reading more from you.

Lisa ✩ @lifeinlit

“Knowledge is power. Not sure if I got that from Sun Tzu, but I know he’d be down with the idea.”

Lainey thought she had it all: a cute boyfriend with a summer ahead of her, packed with soccer and her besties, until her boyfriend, Jason, breaks up with her. At her parents’ coffee shop no less. (Talk about spineless!) Lainey’s BFF Bianca sets out to help Lainey win back Jason, and in the process the two come up with all kinds of silly ideas, create drama and also some fun, and end up where they never could have imagined.

The Art of Lainey was so much fun. The characters were amazing! From Lainey, who was a soccer star, but didn’t much have her own voice and tended to live in the shadow of her friend, to Micah, who was quite unique and impossible not to fall in love with, all the way to Bianca, who was such an amazing friend to Lainey, a great employee to her family, and an all-around fun addition to this story! (But I have to admit, Micah was my favorite character. *swoon*)

“Why are you being so nice?”
“I guess I’m just a nice guy. Don’t tell anyone, okay? It’ll wreck my rep.”

This turned out to be a lot more than I thought it would be. Lainey had quite a bit of growing to do, and it was wonderful to grow right along with her. There were great messages throughout this story about being yourself, not living in others’ shadows, and doing what makes you happy, versus what others think you should do. Many teenagers could really benefit from reading this book.

I can definitely see why everyone has been raving around this book. The Art of Lainey was cute, fun, and at times a load of laughs. This is definitely one to read when you’re looking for a light, quick read on a relaxing day.

(Thanks to HarperTeen and Edelweiss for the review copy!)

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The Art of Lainey

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