📝 Better Than the Movies Book Review
If you’re a fan of romantic comedies and slow-burn teenage love stories, Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. It’s sweet, funny, nostalgic, and everything you want in a feel-good YA romance.
The story centers around Liz Buxbaum, a hopeless romantic with her heart set on Michael, the dreamy guy who just moved back to town. But there’s a catch: the only way to get close to Michael is through her annoying next-door neighbor, Wes, who just so happens to be childhood enemy #1.
Cue the banter, fake dating vibes, and unexpectedly swoony moments.
💖 Why This Book Feels Like a Rom-Com Classic
Lynn Painter totally nails the voice of a teen girl who’s still grieving her mom and trying to figure out love, both the Hollywood version and the real kind. The dialogue is quick, the characters are hilarious, and there’s so much heart in every scene.
Even though it follows classic rom-com tropes, Better Than the Movies feels fresh. Wes steals the show (and maybe your heart), and Liz’s inner monologue is painfully relatable.
🌟 Key Themes in Better Than the Movies
The magic of small-town high school moments
- First love vs. movie love
- Dealing with loss and growing up
- Friends-to-lovers vibes
- Fake dating (yes, please!)
💬 My Take on the Book
I couldn’t stop smiling while reading this one. It’s light and fun, but it also has emotional depth, especially when Liz reflects on her mom. Lynn Painter does a great job of balancing humor and heartbreak. And yes, Wes is the kind of character that ruins you for real boys.
If you loved movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, or She’s All That, you’ll devour this book.
Want a YA romance that feels better than any rom-com you’ve ever seen?
You’ll laugh, swoon, and maybe even cry. It’s everything the genre promises, and more.
