The Art of Lainey by Paula Stokes. I expected far more from this book, probably due to the hype that preceded it, but in reality it was just another YA contemporary story.

While the strategic plan girls borrow from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is a clever, if manipulative, way to win a boy over, it was the main character Lainey who ultimately let the book down. I really didn’t like her! In contrast her best friend was adorable and Micah is just the edgy, messed-up character that I love.

Recommended age: 13+

Title: The Art of Lainey
 Series: The Art of Lainey #1
Author: Paula Stokes
Publication Date: 20 May 2014
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Purchased

Purchase this book:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Loot.co.za

Add to your shelf:
Goodreads

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?     — Extract from Goodreads.com