Book Review: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff
Media Type: ebook
Title: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You
Author: Shani Petroff
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: January 14th 2020
Pages: 256
Source: Xpresso Book Tours
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
HBD Rating: 4*
Recommended to: readers who enjoy a thoughtful coming of age story about friendship
A heartbroken teen, with the help of her best friends, goes on a quest to find the perfect boyfriend, and in the end learns that some things are more important than boys in Shani Petroff’s fun YA contemporary novel Finding Mr. Better-Than-You.
Camryn Roth has it all planned out: a perfect senior year with her friends and then it’s off to Columbia with her boyfriend, Marc. But the first week of school, everything falls apart. Not only does she not have enough extracurriculars for her dream school, her relationship falls to pieces when Marc publically dumps her!
With the help of her two best friends, Camryn is determined to pull her life back together. Step one, more extracurriculars. Step two, get over Marc and find someone better.
Shani Petroff’s newest rom-com is a love letter to friendship: to those who help you find your true self, stand by you no matter what, and support your plans even when they know they’re doomed.
Praise for Shani Petroff:
“Fans of holiday movies, rom-coms, and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ will enjoy My New Crush Gave to Me . . . Petroff’s festive story will have readers baking gingerbread cookies and buñuelos at any time of year.” —VOYA, on My New Crush Gave to Me
“A worthwhile read. Flirty and fun.” —Booklist, on Romeo & What’s Her Name
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What a refreshing story. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Camryn and her group of friends and watching them navigate the complicated emotions that break ups and senior year can bring.
Having been through a very public break up my senior year of high school (eons ago) I immediately related to Camryn and her very emotional meltdown. The scene was so well written I was cringing right along with the rest of the crowd.
While the plot revolves around finding the next potential boyfriend for Cam, really it’s about coming to terms with her own failings and learning to find her own voice and interests. The friendship between Cam, Grace, and Terri is one for the ages. The tough love and support that Grace and Terri provide is so vital to Cam’s growth. Friendship without a little turmoil is impossible, I really enjoyed the way the resolution wasn’t an easy one.
Petroff does an excellent job writing well rounded characters and realistic, not over the top, teenage angst and emotion. I recommend grabbing a copy of this story and prepare yourself to laugh, cringe, sigh, and reminisce about the days of high school and trying to choose a future for yourself at only 17. You won’t be disappointed.
Shani Petroff is a writer living in New York City. Please visit her website at www.ShaniPetroff.com.
