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Finding Mr. Better-Than-You
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 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 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.
Camryn Roth has it all planned 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 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.
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First published January 14, 2020
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About the author
Shani Petroff
16 books306 followersShani Petroff is the author of the YA novels Romeo and What's Her Name (Macmillan/Feb. 2017) and My New Crush Gave to Me (Macmillan/Oct. 2017) and the tween series, Bedeviled (Penguin). She is also the co-author of Ash.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
January 13, 2020
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book! Fun and easy to read, it is also very relatable if you ever felt you lost yourself in a relationship.
Cam Roth is a good student, a good sister, a good friend and a good, supportive girlfriend to her boyfriend of three years, Marc Gebler. Cam has a sunny, optimistic personality, but she is also ...a bit pushy or let's say very determined to get what she wants. Right now it is being in the same art class as Marc. Looking into long-tem future, it is getting into Columbia, Marc's dream college. When the school councellor tells her to lower her sights and think of other less prestigious schools as her lack of extra-curricular activities on her application might not allow her get into Columbia, Cam needs Marc to comfort her and help her brainstorm ideas how to turn the situation round. Only Marc has his own ideas about their future. He would like them to go their separate ways in their senior year. If you've ever been on the receiving end of a break-up, you will understand how miserable, angry and confused she feeels. Luckily, her friends are on her side and as she also finds out the entire cheerleader squad as well. A week later, Cam finds out that Marc left her for a new student Lissi and that they had been dating over summer, while she was working as a camp counselor, stealing away in her rare free moments to phone or text Marc and tell him how much she was missing him.
Cam decides to live her senior year as well as she can, and try to find a new boyfriend. Okay, part of her motivation is making Marc jealous and getting him want to get back together. Did I mention that Cam is a big fan of romance books and films, and that one of her favourite tropes is second-chance love? She is so much out of practice with flirting that she desperately needs her friends' help. A few unsuccessful attempts (good stories to share with your friends and laugh at yourself during the school lunch break), she ends up with a cute boy, but will she prioritise his interests over hers the way she did with Marc or will she stand up for herself, spend quality time with her girlfriends and work out what she really wants for her future?
I think in this book I've found my new favourite trope: (re)discovering yourself and what you are capable of with the help of your amazingly loyal friends!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Swoon Reads Macmillan for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Cam Roth is a good student, a good sister, a good friend and a good, supportive girlfriend to her boyfriend of three years, Marc Gebler. Cam has a sunny, optimistic personality, but she is also ...a bit pushy or let's say very determined to get what she wants. Right now it is being in the same art class as Marc. Looking into long-tem future, it is getting into Columbia, Marc's dream college. When the school councellor tells her to lower her sights and think of other less prestigious schools as her lack of extra-curricular activities on her application might not allow her get into Columbia, Cam needs Marc to comfort her and help her brainstorm ideas how to turn the situation round. Only Marc has his own ideas about their future. He would like them to go their separate ways in their senior year. If you've ever been on the receiving end of a break-up, you will understand how miserable, angry and confused she feeels. Luckily, her friends are on her side and as she also finds out the entire cheerleader squad as well. A week later, Cam finds out that Marc left her for a new student Lissi and that they had been dating over summer, while she was working as a camp counselor, stealing away in her rare free moments to phone or text Marc and tell him how much she was missing him.
Cam decides to live her senior year as well as she can, and try to find a new boyfriend. Okay, part of her motivation is making Marc jealous and getting him want to get back together. Did I mention that Cam is a big fan of romance books and films, and that one of her favourite tropes is second-chance love? She is so much out of practice with flirting that she desperately needs her friends' help. A few unsuccessful attempts (good stories to share with your friends and laugh at yourself during the school lunch break), she ends up with a cute boy, but will she prioritise his interests over hers the way she did with Marc or will she stand up for herself, spend quality time with her girlfriends and work out what she really wants for her future?
I think in this book I've found my new favourite trope: (re)discovering yourself and what you are capable of with the help of your amazingly loyal friends!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Swoon Reads Macmillan for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
June 14, 2021
No pude superar que no encontrara al Sr. Mejor que tú!
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen
Finding Mr Better Than you de Shani Petroff
Argumento:
Camryn ha estado saliendo con Marc desde SIEMPRE. ¡Desde primer año! Había dejado el vóley para ir a todos sus partidos, había cambiado su horario para estar en sus clases favoritas y había estado rompiéndose el trasero para entrar a Columbia para que pudiesen ir a la misma universidad. Así que cuando Marc de repente, y muy públicamente, rompe con ella en la primera semana de su último año para salir con la nueva estudiante que acaba de mudarse, está totalmente devastada.
¿Pero por qué estar triste, cuando puedes vengarte? Inspirada por sus películas favoritas, Camryn decide que la mejor venganza es un último año bien vivido, protagonizado por un chico que es mucho mejor que su ex. Con un poco de ayuda de sus amigas, Cam va a tener el Mejor. Año. De. Todos.
Mí humilde opinión:
Un libro juvenil ligero que tiene como tema principal la amistad más que el romance.
Cam es una adolescente en su último de escuela secundaria decidida a entrar en la misma universidad que su novio futbolista Marc pero de pronto él la deja y todo lo que planeó como futuro se desmorona. Ella pasa por una ruptura terrible para darse cuenta que no estaba siendo ella misma, que estaba dejando de lado muchas cosas por su novio y se estaba perdiendo muchas experiencias del último año con sus amigos por él.
OOOOOK! Todo eso bien pero de pronto comenzó a ponerse poco interesante y terminé luchando con esta lectura.
Según indicaba el título esperaba romance pero el 'Sr. Mejor que tú' nunca apareció. En cambio me encontré leyendo sobre los momentos incómodos de una adolescente medio Bridget Jones que me hicieron sentir vergüenza ajena, sus rabietas, algunas justificadas y otras no, citas fallidas entre otras cosas, sobre una chica que no podía estar feliz sin tener novio.
Cosas que pasan en secundaria y adolescentes, LO SÉ, pero si al menos la prota hubiera sido más encantadora hubiera disfrutado de todas sus locuras pero... No me agradaba Cam, fue un personaje frustrante aunque después mejoró a lo largo del libro. Porque hay que ser valiente para pasar por todo lo que le sucedió hasta encontrarse a sí misma.
Este fue un regular para mí porque faltaba algo de romance, al menos un poco, algo más para que llegara a encantarme y me enganche por completo y al final no fue lo que esperé con un final decepcionante.
January 16, 2020
***Actual Rating: 3/5 Self-Caring Stars***
Judging from the cover (yes, I do that a lot), Finding Mr. Better-Than-You does look like the kind of books I usually enjoy savoring, if not devouring from the moment I get my hands on it. Thus, color me shock when I realized this book wasn't what it seemed.
To be honest, I was half expecting there to be at least a little romance between the main characters, because wasn't it what the book title was suggesting??? Much to my surprise, this book actually took the advantage of "finding Mr. Better-than-You" to seek self-proclaimed and aimed at bettering oneself.
That being said, even though there weren't nearly enough romantic, sweet moments in this book for me, I still managed to finish reading the rest of the book. I've got to admit that this book let me down...just a wee bit...but I did appreciate how strong and courageous the female main character, Camryn, was. She was able to piece back her broken heart and rotten high school life together mostly by herself and with a little help from her friends. She was such a positive role model, who bore the magic to empower women and to some extent, made the world all the more better. :)
Anyway, Camryn was indeed a figure worth looking up to and I hope everyone would still give this book a shot. Who knows? Perhaps you'll end up loving it!
***Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and the author for the review opportunity.***
Judging from the cover (yes, I do that a lot), Finding Mr. Better-Than-You does look like the kind of books I usually enjoy savoring, if not devouring from the moment I get my hands on it. Thus, color me shock when I realized this book wasn't what it seemed.
To be honest, I was half expecting there to be at least a little romance between the main characters, because wasn't it what the book title was suggesting??? Much to my surprise, this book actually took the advantage of "finding Mr. Better-than-You" to seek self-proclaimed and aimed at bettering oneself.
That being said, even though there weren't nearly enough romantic, sweet moments in this book for me, I still managed to finish reading the rest of the book. I've got to admit that this book let me down...just a wee bit...but I did appreciate how strong and courageous the female main character, Camryn, was. She was able to piece back her broken heart and rotten high school life together mostly by herself and with a little help from her friends. She was such a positive role model, who bore the magic to empower women and to some extent, made the world all the more better. :)
Anyway, Camryn was indeed a figure worth looking up to and I hope everyone would still give this book a shot. Who knows? Perhaps you'll end up loving it!
***Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours and the author for the review opportunity.***
December 29, 2020
Vamos paso a paso.
primero, ONVRES ¿Cuándo no? Marc es el ser mas repugnante de la vía láctea, engañando a su novia porque no siente que sea "divertida". Todd, el mejor amigo de Marc, burlándose de la principal.
Pero no se crean por que Cam no se queda atrás, FLACA PODES VIVIR SIN UN HOMBRE A TU LADO, PODES ESTAR SOLA, TE JURO QUE NO TE MORIS, entra en una relacion horrible que desde el momento cero sabe que no le gusta pero se siente "cómoda" pero SI SE RE NOTA QUE NO LO QUERES y todo esto para darle celos a Marc. Es literalmente horrible ver como una mujer se rebaja tanto por un hombre.
Lo mejor y único bueno en este libro fue el girl power, las amistades, el como ninguna mujer es la villana, como se apoyan entre todas, eso fue lo mejor.
y tengo que decir que en una me emocione porque a Cam le presentan un chico que ella odia y que él la odia y mi corazoncito estaba ENEMIES TO LOVERS pero no, que mal, hubiera levantado el libro.
primero, ONVRES ¿Cuándo no? Marc es el ser mas repugnante de la vía láctea, engañando a su novia porque no siente que sea "divertida". Todd, el mejor amigo de Marc, burlándose de la principal.
Pero no se crean por que Cam no se queda atrás, FLACA PODES VIVIR SIN UN HOMBRE A TU LADO, PODES ESTAR SOLA, TE JURO QUE NO TE MORIS, entra en una relacion horrible que desde el momento cero sabe que no le gusta pero se siente "cómoda" pero SI SE RE NOTA QUE NO LO QUERES y todo esto para darle celos a Marc. Es literalmente horrible ver como una mujer se rebaja tanto por un hombre.
Lo mejor y único bueno en este libro fue el girl power, las amistades, el como ninguna mujer es la villana, como se apoyan entre todas, eso fue lo mejor.
y tengo que decir que en una me emocione porque a Cam le presentan un chico que ella odia y que él la odia y mi corazoncito estaba ENEMIES TO LOVERS pero no, que mal, hubiera levantado el libro.
January 17, 2020
Cam was so excited to be starting her senior year, but things didn't look like they would be going her way. First, her guidance counselor tried to dash her hopes of getting into Columbia, and then her boyfriend of three years publicly dumped her. Feeling lost, crushed, and dejected, Cam turned to her friends for help in finding a replacement boyfriend in order to make this a year to remember, but instead, what she found was a deeper understanding of herself and the value of friendship.
I think it's important to read this book with the proper expectations. This was not a romance. Well, at least, it wasn't a traditional type of romance. This was a friend-mance, which celebrated friends, old and new, and I rather enjoyed it.
Cam had been dating Marc since the beginning of high school. She supported him in his activities, and his friends became her friends. She was applying to the same college as him, and she even tricked her way into one of his classes. When he broke up with her, Cam felt a bit lost, and for good reason. At some point, Cam made the decision to give up parts of herself as she became Cam+Marc. She just never realized it until after the breakup.
Not only had she eschewed her own activities and interests, she also began to hold back parts of her personality. She became less daring and outgoing, because she thought this was who Marc wanted her to be. However, once she was on her own again, the old Cam started to re-emerge, and this Cam was someone people wanted to know better. She was trying new things, going new places, and making new friends. She thought she needed a boyfriend in order to have the best senior year ever, but really, all she needed was her friends and to be herself.
The friendships were probably my favorite element of this book. Cam had three very close friends, who were wonderful and supportive. They seemed to come without being called, and it was easy to see that this friendship was built on a strong foundation. Cam also made a bunch of new friends, most notably, she became close friends with a group of cheerleaders, who she had originally written off. These women ended up being some of her biggest champions, and I am such a fan of seeing unlikely relationships form.
Overall: This was a fun and humorous story of self re-discovery and fostering friendship, which put a smile on my face.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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I think it's important to read this book with the proper expectations. This was not a romance. Well, at least, it wasn't a traditional type of romance. This was a friend-mance, which celebrated friends, old and new, and I rather enjoyed it.
Cam had been dating Marc since the beginning of high school. She supported him in his activities, and his friends became her friends. She was applying to the same college as him, and she even tricked her way into one of his classes. When he broke up with her, Cam felt a bit lost, and for good reason. At some point, Cam made the decision to give up parts of herself as she became Cam+Marc. She just never realized it until after the breakup.
Not only had she eschewed her own activities and interests, she also began to hold back parts of her personality. She became less daring and outgoing, because she thought this was who Marc wanted her to be. However, once she was on her own again, the old Cam started to re-emerge, and this Cam was someone people wanted to know better. She was trying new things, going new places, and making new friends. She thought she needed a boyfriend in order to have the best senior year ever, but really, all she needed was her friends and to be herself.
The friendships were probably my favorite element of this book. Cam had three very close friends, who were wonderful and supportive. They seemed to come without being called, and it was easy to see that this friendship was built on a strong foundation. Cam also made a bunch of new friends, most notably, she became close friends with a group of cheerleaders, who she had originally written off. These women ended up being some of her biggest champions, and I am such a fan of seeing unlikely relationships form.
Overall: This was a fun and humorous story of self re-discovery and fostering friendship, which put a smile on my face.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 19, 2020
I was excited to try this one out. It seemed like it would be pretty cute. And really, it was cute. It kept me turning pages and smiling, and shaking my head at the crazy things that happened to Camryn. I loved when her friends decided to do a Bachelor style thing to find her a new guy. I loved that we don’t get the stereotypical characters, like mean girl cheerleaders. And that even the “other woman” wasn’t really necessarily an evil seductress that we have to hate. Other than the story being really cute, I guess I didn’t realize just how much of a “love story about friends” it was going to be. Because about halfway through, I saw it going that way, and I was disappointed, because I get it, friends are more important than boys. But when I read what I think is going to be a romance, I want a good romance. So it was not exactly the type of ending I was looking forward to. But it’s probably great for a YA book, and for young girls to read so they don’t think they have to have a boy to be happy.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
Review first appeared on Lisa Loves Literature.
February 18, 2020
Really liked the ending!!!
The friendship in this book is absolutely EVERYTHING
The friendship in this book is absolutely EVERYTHING
July 29, 2019
I can't wait for you all to read this book! :)
March 9, 2020
4.5 stars
I can't believe I actually liked a YA book that has no romance in it !! but Shani Petroff knew the way to my heart I guess, the friendship in this book are GOALS!, the story is funny that I laughed multiple times, Cam is so much fun to follow around
The story is about Cam who got dumped in the first week of her senior year, in order to get over her boyfriend she tries to date around until she finds THE ONE, but what she find in the end is love
great read if you want an easy quick read
I can't believe I actually liked a YA book that has no romance in it !! but Shani Petroff knew the way to my heart I guess, the friendship in this book are GOALS!, the story is funny that I laughed multiple times, Cam is so much fun to follow around
The story is about Cam who got dumped in the first week of her senior year, in order to get over her boyfriend she tries to date around until she finds THE ONE, but what she find in the end is love
great read if you want an easy quick read
December 13, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the advance reader copy Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff, in exchange for an honest review. Teens will love feisty Camryn as she is very publicly dumped after a three-year high school romance. Camryn has planned her life and college plans around Marc; so she is totally blindsided by him; even more when she finds out he has been seeing another “new” girl all summer while she was away as a camp counselor. But what teens will love MOST is how her friends get behind her and never stop encouraging her to be her best person (hadn’t she been doing that for the last 3 years?). Even more surprising is her new found friendship with the cheerleaders. Whether she is looking for Mr. Right or jumping into new school activities; Camryn’s search for new school clubs and/or priorities will lead her into a fast-paced, often humorous journey with this reader rooting for Camryn’s happiness and growing self-reliance. I loved Shani Petroff’s use of authentic teens, high school drama, best friends (and new friends) being forever and finding yourself. Highly recommended!
January 22, 2020
Super cute read! I devoured this book in a day! This isn't your regular romcom. I loved the journey of Camryn finding herself. One thing you learn in this book is that you are your own happiness. The character development was well portrayed, the side characters were those types of friends you need when you're in the dumps. It did start of a bit intense with the main character being a bit obnoxious in the start but as she started to experience different things she developed into someone you can actually relate too! If you're feeling down and in need of a reminder that you are good enough, this upbeat romcom is for you!
Thank you so much to the author and Swoon Reads for a copy of the book.
Thank you so much to the author and Swoon Reads for a copy of the book.
Read
February 22, 2020DNF'd at 40%. This is definitely something that wouldn't be appreciated by an adult--the teenagers are just so teenage-y and I think adults will be more irritated than anything else. I might have gotten something out of it at 17 though.
January 17, 2020
review to come.
August 8, 2020
This was a typical teen story about a boy and girl who break up and the the heartbreak that follows. Cam decides that the best way to get back at the ex-boyfriend is to get a new boyfriend. Most of the book is about her trying to find a replacement. I wasn’t really a fan of the book.
January 12, 2020
likes:
- positive female friendships
- minor character growth?
- a MC who loves books
dislikes:
- very bland, (I almost want to say sub-par but also don't b/c wow mean) writing. it really almost read like YA that was published in like 2013 or something
- so much of this was so cringe-y. you could tell this was an adult writing to seem like a teen and just didn't work for me
- Cam was so unlikable & irritating. she was so obsessed with Marc, having a boyfriend, and just changed herself to like everything someone she was interested in liked. I know this was part of her character growth & she did realize this wasn't great in the end but it happened way too late for me, I really didn't get to enjoy her character growth at all
- I feel like this is meant to seem like it's about Cam realizing not everything is about boys or being in a relationship but... 80% of the book was her thinking about boys or trying to get a boy and wishing she was in a relationship
- positive female friendships
- minor character growth?
- a MC who loves books
dislikes:
- very bland, (I almost want to say sub-par but also don't b/c wow mean) writing. it really almost read like YA that was published in like 2013 or something
- so much of this was so cringe-y. you could tell this was an adult writing to seem like a teen and just didn't work for me
- Cam was so unlikable & irritating. she was so obsessed with Marc, having a boyfriend, and just changed herself to like everything someone she was interested in liked. I know this was part of her character growth & she did realize this wasn't great in the end but it happened way too late for me, I really didn't get to enjoy her character growth at all
- I feel like this is meant to seem like it's about Cam realizing not everything is about boys or being in a relationship but... 80% of the book was her thinking about boys or trying to get a boy and wishing she was in a relationship
March 24, 2020
I love this book with all my heart <3.
January 18, 2020
What I love about Shani Petroff's books is that once you sit down and start reading them, you just can't put it down. Once again, I was able to finish Finding Mr. Better-Than-You in one sitting! I really enjoy this author's writing style and that hasn't changed.
Our main character Camryn, or Cam as her friends call her, is in her senior year. She's ready to start the year and work towards going to college in the Fall. When her boyfriend breaks up with her out of the blue, plans change. Especially when she hears she needs to work on extracurricular activities to be able to get in the college of her dreams.
Cam was an interesting character. I could relate to the fact that she loved all things romcoms! That's totally me. That's kind of where my connection with her ended. I have to be honest and say I struggled with her character at times. I loved seeing her realize that it's okay to be herself and what she wants is just as important. But part of this story is just her trying to get another boyfriend and that definitely annoyed me at times.
Finding Mr. Better-Than-You is an interesting story and definitely has some laugh out loud and some sweet moments. It's a fast and fun read! Not much really happens though. Or at least it felt that way. That being said, Finding Mr. Better-Than-You isn't your typical contemporary in the sense that romance is the main part of this book. It's actually really about Cam finding herself and learning what she wants. This may be through some awkward moments trying to find a date, but it was a nice touch. Shani Petroff shows girls it's okay to be yourself and go for what you want. A guy or girl shouldn't change what you want!
My favorite part of this book has to be the friendships though. I loved Camryn's friends and how much they supported her. There were also many moments she supports them. Definitely lots of girlpower! I also loved that this book shows us people aren't always what they seem. There are defintiely friendships formed that our main character wouldn't have expected at the beginning of the book.
Our main character Camryn, or Cam as her friends call her, is in her senior year. She's ready to start the year and work towards going to college in the Fall. When her boyfriend breaks up with her out of the blue, plans change. Especially when she hears she needs to work on extracurricular activities to be able to get in the college of her dreams.
Cam was an interesting character. I could relate to the fact that she loved all things romcoms! That's totally me. That's kind of where my connection with her ended. I have to be honest and say I struggled with her character at times. I loved seeing her realize that it's okay to be herself and what she wants is just as important. But part of this story is just her trying to get another boyfriend and that definitely annoyed me at times.
Finding Mr. Better-Than-You is an interesting story and definitely has some laugh out loud and some sweet moments. It's a fast and fun read! Not much really happens though. Or at least it felt that way. That being said, Finding Mr. Better-Than-You isn't your typical contemporary in the sense that romance is the main part of this book. It's actually really about Cam finding herself and learning what she wants. This may be through some awkward moments trying to find a date, but it was a nice touch. Shani Petroff shows girls it's okay to be yourself and go for what you want. A guy or girl shouldn't change what you want!
My favorite part of this book has to be the friendships though. I loved Camryn's friends and how much they supported her. There were also many moments she supports them. Definitely lots of girlpower! I also loved that this book shows us people aren't always what they seem. There are defintiely friendships formed that our main character wouldn't have expected at the beginning of the book.
December 18, 2019
Camryn is in shock when on top of finding out she hasn't done enough to get into her dream university, her long-time boyfriend breaks up with her in the middle of a crowded diner, and the video even gets posted online. She decides then to work harder toward college and finding someone better.
Unlike most contemporary YA's, or like 95% of the ones I read, this isn't a romance. And I don't mean it in a way there's this boy but no emphasis on him. It really isn't a romance. I was a little surprised because I thought it would the former case. We do have boys, lots of them, as Camryn goes on her search, but there isn't any ongoing character for to cheer for, since the only male is her best friend's ex and you just know it won't be him—I know there's a trope, but in this case you know it's not him.
So this is really a book about getting back on your feet and also about counting your blessings. She does lose the one she loves but because of that Camryn gets to enjoy a lot of stuff she wouldn't if they were still dating. I think it's a great lesson to any broken-hearted teenager (or older reader) that love relationships aren't everything.
But of course this is told in a funny way, since Camryn's attempts to find the next boyfriend don't go too well. For this point, though, I think the writing wasn't all that creative. You know things will go wrong and you have a good idea of how. Despite not getting bored, it wasn't that much fun to read. I do think the gold in this book is the friendship part and whoever did the official summary knew that.
This book was more like a 3+ that got close but enough to a 4-star read. It was good food for thought, but it could have been more entertaining.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
Unlike most contemporary YA's, or like 95% of the ones I read, this isn't a romance. And I don't mean it in a way there's this boy but no emphasis on him. It really isn't a romance. I was a little surprised because I thought it would the former case. We do have boys, lots of them, as Camryn goes on her search, but there isn't any ongoing character for to cheer for, since the only male is her best friend's ex and you just know it won't be him—I know there's a trope, but in this case you know it's not him.
So this is really a book about getting back on your feet and also about counting your blessings. She does lose the one she loves but because of that Camryn gets to enjoy a lot of stuff she wouldn't if they were still dating. I think it's a great lesson to any broken-hearted teenager (or older reader) that love relationships aren't everything.
But of course this is told in a funny way, since Camryn's attempts to find the next boyfriend don't go too well. For this point, though, I think the writing wasn't all that creative. You know things will go wrong and you have a good idea of how. Despite not getting bored, it wasn't that much fun to read. I do think the gold in this book is the friendship part and whoever did the official summary knew that.
This book was more like a 3+ that got close but enough to a 4-star read. It was good food for thought, but it could have been more entertaining.
Honest review based on an ARC provided by Edelweiss. Many thanks to the publisher for this opportunity.
April 19, 2020
I've read a few of Petroff's books before, and when I saw this one was on special, I decided to order it as it sounded like my sort of book. Finding Mr. Better-Than-You shares Camryn's story. She has spent the last three years in a relationship with Marc, and is planning on having the best senior year she can, before they head off to Columbia for college. However, the first week back at school, Marc dumps her, publicly, and she is distraught. She now needs to rediscover just who she is, and, inspired by her love of rom-coms, decides the best way to get over Marc, is to find someone who is better than he was. She enlists her friends in her endeavours, and over time, will she work out that friendship is more important, and that this year will be perfect?
This book was okay, but it wasn't much, if I'm honest. I read it in about two hours, and even though I'm writing this review the day after I read it, I'm at a bit of a lost to what actually happened in the plot. Really, there wasn't much there, and what there was, wasn't too memorable. Marc, the ex-boyfriend, was awful - he had cheated on Cam with Lissi, but I felt sorry for Lissi. She was new to the town, and didn't know about Cam at first, and when she did, she refused to see Marc until he had spoken to Cam. Cam, as a character, wasn't the best either. She was flaky at times, though she did care about her friends - the party for Terri being evidence for this - but just not a character I would like, or want as one of my friends. By the end of the book, she had improved, but still not enough for the book to be more than 3 stars.
This book was okay, but it wasn't much, if I'm honest. I read it in about two hours, and even though I'm writing this review the day after I read it, I'm at a bit of a lost to what actually happened in the plot. Really, there wasn't much there, and what there was, wasn't too memorable. Marc, the ex-boyfriend, was awful - he had cheated on Cam with Lissi, but I felt sorry for Lissi. She was new to the town, and didn't know about Cam at first, and when she did, she refused to see Marc until he had spoken to Cam. Cam, as a character, wasn't the best either. She was flaky at times, though she did care about her friends - the party for Terri being evidence for this - but just not a character I would like, or want as one of my friends. By the end of the book, she had improved, but still not enough for the book to be more than 3 stars.
September 19, 2019
Review copy courtesy of Edelweiss.
Kind of an underwhelming teen romance. This might be a good recommendation for teen/high school librarians for girls who seem co-dependent on their boyfriends, as really it’s all about the girl learning about herself, but it was a little bit of a lackluster story.
Kind of an underwhelming teen romance. This might be a good recommendation for teen/high school librarians for girls who seem co-dependent on their boyfriends, as really it’s all about the girl learning about herself, but it was a little bit of a lackluster story.
May 21, 2020
A How to Guide to ‘Finding Mr. Better-Than-You’
STORY | Leading up to college, life is a fairytale for Camryn aka “Cam.” She has the perfect soccer star boyfriend, Marc and together, they plan to take the New York college scene by storm. Her perfect plans grow a crack when Cam learns her extracurricular academics aren’t exactly the things that impress Columbia. Then, her life goes from slightly imperfect to terrible when Marc calls it quits – all in front of a crowded diner!
Sticking by her are her two best friends, until Cam gets the bright idea to find someone new… after all, who needs Marc when you can find an even better Mr. Right?
FINDING MR. BETTER-THAN-YOU by Shani Petroff | Book Review
REVIEW | Reading wholesome romantic-comedies is always something that makes me unusually happy. This new Swoon Reads title is no different. It’s charming and full of rom-com moments that will make the romantic in a reader, well, swoon. Finding Mr. Better-Than-You is like an ode to these meet-cute stories because Cam is a movie-watching junkie; whether it’s the friends to lovers, best friends, or revenge trope, the girl knows all the best romantic-comedy musts. (Also, makes me wonder if we can be friends!?)
Unlike most contemporary fiction, as the author says in her notes, this is a story of friendship. It’s a little bit of a setback initially because going into this novel, we’re sure that what we’re about to read is a lighthearted little YA romance. Instead, that’s not quite what this plot is. The friendship game is strong in these pages which is interesting since I am always curious about reading more stories about sisters or as is the case of Finding Mr. Better-Than-You, best friends.
There is, of course, a sprinkling of romance, and Cam is a fun if not slightly misguided character to hang out with for 200+ pages. There’s a little bit of a learning curve for the characters, but the important bit is that they learn some lessons, repair some bonds and forge a new one or two along the way. In all, this is a darling novel any reader who enjoys the genre will be glad to add to their 2020 TBR.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for provided a review copy of this novel.
STORY | Leading up to college, life is a fairytale for Camryn aka “Cam.” She has the perfect soccer star boyfriend, Marc and together, they plan to take the New York college scene by storm. Her perfect plans grow a crack when Cam learns her extracurricular academics aren’t exactly the things that impress Columbia. Then, her life goes from slightly imperfect to terrible when Marc calls it quits – all in front of a crowded diner!
Sticking by her are her two best friends, until Cam gets the bright idea to find someone new… after all, who needs Marc when you can find an even better Mr. Right?
FINDING MR. BETTER-THAN-YOU by Shani Petroff | Book Review
REVIEW | Reading wholesome romantic-comedies is always something that makes me unusually happy. This new Swoon Reads title is no different. It’s charming and full of rom-com moments that will make the romantic in a reader, well, swoon. Finding Mr. Better-Than-You is like an ode to these meet-cute stories because Cam is a movie-watching junkie; whether it’s the friends to lovers, best friends, or revenge trope, the girl knows all the best romantic-comedy musts. (Also, makes me wonder if we can be friends!?)
Unlike most contemporary fiction, as the author says in her notes, this is a story of friendship. It’s a little bit of a setback initially because going into this novel, we’re sure that what we’re about to read is a lighthearted little YA romance. Instead, that’s not quite what this plot is. The friendship game is strong in these pages which is interesting since I am always curious about reading more stories about sisters or as is the case of Finding Mr. Better-Than-You, best friends.
There is, of course, a sprinkling of romance, and Cam is a fun if not slightly misguided character to hang out with for 200+ pages. There’s a little bit of a learning curve for the characters, but the important bit is that they learn some lessons, repair some bonds and forge a new one or two along the way. In all, this is a darling novel any reader who enjoys the genre will be glad to add to their 2020 TBR.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for provided a review copy of this novel.
January 20, 2020
This book was so cute, y’all! It was nice to have something like this after reading some really heavy books.
Cam is an easy character to relate to. Like her, I am a people pleaser and that sometimes makes me loose myself a bit, which is exactly what happens with Cam. She is so focused on making her boyfriend happy and being there for her friends, she stops trying to find her own happiness. Not that being a supportive friend is a bad thing! It’s not! At all! But not at the expense of your own identity. I think that is a very easy trap for some people to fall in and I was so happy for Cam finding her own way by the end of the story.
Also, I was happy to see that this is a story set in high school that doesn’t automatically vilify the cheerleaders. I was not one of the popular kids when I was in school, but I also knew several cheerleaders and they were very nice girls. I really appreciated having characters like Avery and Nikki break that stereotype. Avery was probably my favorite character in the whole book because she didn’t think twice about reaching out to someone who was hurting and trying to help.
Ultimately this is a story about friendship and about finding out what you want in life. I always worry when young girls focus so much on having a “relationship” or having a “serious” boyfriend when they are in school. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but not when it holds you back from realizing your own potential.
This was such a sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Cam is an easy character to relate to. Like her, I am a people pleaser and that sometimes makes me loose myself a bit, which is exactly what happens with Cam. She is so focused on making her boyfriend happy and being there for her friends, she stops trying to find her own happiness. Not that being a supportive friend is a bad thing! It’s not! At all! But not at the expense of your own identity. I think that is a very easy trap for some people to fall in and I was so happy for Cam finding her own way by the end of the story.
Also, I was happy to see that this is a story set in high school that doesn’t automatically vilify the cheerleaders. I was not one of the popular kids when I was in school, but I also knew several cheerleaders and they were very nice girls. I really appreciated having characters like Avery and Nikki break that stereotype. Avery was probably my favorite character in the whole book because she didn’t think twice about reaching out to someone who was hurting and trying to help.
Ultimately this is a story about friendship and about finding out what you want in life. I always worry when young girls focus so much on having a “relationship” or having a “serious” boyfriend when they are in school. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but not when it holds you back from realizing your own potential.
This was such a sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
January 19, 2020
I’m a huge romance reader and I’m a sucker for a cute main love interest. I think the thing that disappointed me most about this book is that there was no main love interest. It also killed me how dense Cam could be at times.
That said, there were parts that I did enjoy. It was funny how much Cam enjoyed being the school mascot. And don’t even get me started on Jemma! You can say what you want, but we all know Jemma’s the true star of this book.
The ending of this book was nice, and I hope that whatever happens to Cam, life doesn’t disappoint her. With such great friends, I think we all aim to have a life like Cam’s.
That said, there were parts that I did enjoy. It was funny how much Cam enjoyed being the school mascot. And don’t even get me started on Jemma! You can say what you want, but we all know Jemma’s the true star of this book.
The ending of this book was nice, and I hope that whatever happens to Cam, life doesn’t disappoint her. With such great friends, I think we all aim to have a life like Cam’s.
January 16, 2020
As a very engaging and fast-paced high school romance, Mr. Better-Than-You threw a few curve balls my way. Camryn Roth is ready to rock her senior year of high school. She and her high school sweetheart are deeply in love and they both have the same dreams to attend Columbia for college. But Cam’s world is thrown into a whirlwind after meeting with the school counselor and then later having her heart broken at a local diner. After moping and piecing together her broken heart, Cam takes initiative to improve her college resume, her love life, and even herself.
Cam is a rom-com aficionado. As a dedicated fan of romantic comedies, she lives and breathes romantic tropes. However, when her own happily ever after ending is crushed, she takes matters into her own hands. On a mission to find a boyfriend better than her ex-boyfriend, Cam’s definition of love changes throughout the novel and morphs into self-appreciation and the value of friendship.
One of the most unexpected things about Mr. Better-Than-You is that this book is not your typical rom-com. While dating shenanigans ensue throughout the pages, Cam’s mindset of love is altered and molded into a variety of understandings of “what is love?” As a must-read, I highly recommend this book to readers who are fanatics of watching female friendships blossom and characters who take initiative into finding their true selves through heartache, laughter, and the support of the people around them.
Cam is a rom-com aficionado. As a dedicated fan of romantic comedies, she lives and breathes romantic tropes. However, when her own happily ever after ending is crushed, she takes matters into her own hands. On a mission to find a boyfriend better than her ex-boyfriend, Cam’s definition of love changes throughout the novel and morphs into self-appreciation and the value of friendship.
One of the most unexpected things about Mr. Better-Than-You is that this book is not your typical rom-com. While dating shenanigans ensue throughout the pages, Cam’s mindset of love is altered and molded into a variety of understandings of “what is love?” As a must-read, I highly recommend this book to readers who are fanatics of watching female friendships blossom and characters who take initiative into finding their true selves through heartache, laughter, and the support of the people around them.
February 15, 2020
Super cute ya about the importance of female friendships and being happy with who you are - and not needing a boyfriend for validation. I loved the message, and I loved the friendships between the girls. There were no cat fights or rivalries - they didn’t let guys come between their friendship. I loved Avery - she needs her own story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
This was just an OK read, it had its moments ...
November 9, 2020
Pensaba que iba a ser un libro tonto para echar el rato, pero ha sido un libro tonto muy cuqui para echar el rato.
November 20, 2020
It was cute.
December 23, 2020
I feel indifferent towards this book. But I still liked it enough to read it on a single beautiful summer day. So.
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