The Art of Lainey by Paul Stokes + ARC and Swag Pack Giveaway

** Thank you HarperTeen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

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.

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?

My Thoughts:

THE ART OF LAINEY has definitely been one of my top books so far this year. When I got done reading it I seriously just wanted to hug it tight to my chest and NEVER EVER let it go! It is THAT awesome! It is one that I know I will definitely want to pick up on a day where I need some major feels that will lift my spirits. Plus reading about Micah is something I could do ANY time.  ;D

Paula does such a good job bringing Lainey and her story to life.  I quickly became very absorbed in Lainey’s story. I also liked the unique spin of how Bianca suggests that Lainey uses the ART OF WAR as a 

guidebook to getting back her ex, Jason. 

Lainey was a bit of a spoiled brat in the beginning but as time goes on she really begins to find herself and she has a lot of character growth. Bianca, her best friend, was one of my favorites.  She was such an awesome friend to Lainey and she tried to help her out with her problems even though I don’t think she particularly cared to help where Jason was involved. Kendall, Lainey’s other best friend (aka Jason’s sister), was definitely one of my least favorite characters. She cares about nothing but herself and that definitely isn’t something that changes. There were SEVERAL instances that I wanted to smack the mess out of her, especially a certain scene involving Michah’s little sister. Jason was nothing spectacular in my opinion. I really never could figure out why Lainey wanted him back so much, besides the fact that she was already comfortable with him. I was so ready for her to get rid of his skeezy butt.

Now MICAH…ah he is the definition of perfection. I love the fact that he wasn’t your normal jock type and he was rocking the Mohawk and all into music. He is such a great guy and when he and Lainey decided to try to win their exes back working together I quickly started hoping that something would happen between them. One of the first things that won me over with Micah was the way that he was with his little sister. You have to love a guy that is so protective of his family. Micah definitely ends up being an important part of Lainey’s life and I loved going on that journey with them and feeling all the swoons. ♥

This is a MUST read for any fan of contemporary or books in general. I think it is good for a wide audience and it’s one that anyone can enjoy. I can’t wait for the release of Micah’s novella, and I’m majorly hoping for a book about Bianca and Leo, and one about Micah’s sister. Fingers are crossed! 

Rating:

♥♥♥♥♥

Now since I love you guys I'm going to offer up my ARC and a swag pack for a giveaway. It is VERY hard for me to part with this ARC because I have a worry that I will feel the urge to pick it up and read it before July when I get to meet Paula and buy my book O.O But sharing is caring SO....

Giveaway:

US only 

13+ to enter

Cheating will result in disqualification 

a Rafflecopter giveaway