The Art of Lainey (Art of Lainey)

by Paula Stokes

[Ashley]

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The Art of Lainey was adooorable!

I enjoyed The Art of Lainey from the very beginning. There were a few times when I wondered if the book was too young for me, just because of how much Lainey still had to learn. She cared SO much about what other people thought and couldn't see how superficial her relationship with Jason was. At those times, I felt like I couldn't relate to her very well. She seemed extremely immature. But it didn't stop me from enjoying the book, and it only got better as Lainey learned her lessons and matured a little.

So in her attempt to win back Jason, Lainey starts pretend dating Micah. I adored Micah and he only continued to grow on me as the book progressed. Although I liked him, I actually thought there were a few times at the beginning when he took the teasing too far. He was obviously just messing, but there were a few times where he said things that I personally would have taken light offense to if they were directed at me. It was mainly just the mass quantity of teasing.

But as the book went on, my heart really opened to Micah! He was such a sweetheart and so down to earth. I loved how he wasn't afraid to be honest with Lainey, even if it was a bit brutal at times. Sometimes I loved Micah so much that I just wanted to slap Lainey for continuing to go after Jason instead of seeing what was right in front of her! Luckily she came to her senses by the end! Atta girl, Lainey!

One of my favourite things about the book was Lainey's friendship with Bianca. I honestly didn't appreciate it at first, but towards the end of the book I was so jealous of their friendship! I loved how loyal and supportive they were of each other, it was kind of amazing! Even though Lainey could be kind of annoying, Bianca always stood by her and helped her. And then when Bianca suddenly needed support, Lainey was immediately there for her. It was just such a beautiful friendship! I wish I had a BFF like that.

Overall, The Art of Lainey was just so much fun. I loved the different aspects: the dating, the friendship, the sports, the uncertainty, and the life lessons. It was such a great book to pull me out of a reading slump, because it was just pure enjoyment, but not necessarily fluffy. It had a strange combination of deep life lessons and fun, flirty high school romance, but it totally worked. And the book ended on such a happy, upbeat note; it left me feeling super satisfied!