Book Review Better Than the Movies

If you’ve ever wished your life could unfold like a classic romantic comedy—complete with grand gestures, witty banter, and a swoon-worthy love interest—then Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is the book for you. This delightful YA contemporary romance is a love letter to rom-com tropes while also subverting them in the most charming ways.

Lynn Painter, known for her sharp humor and relatable characters, crafts a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly original. With a protagonist who views life through the lens of her favorite movies, this book is perfect for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Tweet Cute.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

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Liz Buxbaum is a hopeless romantic who believes in grand love stories—preferably the kind she’s seen in her favorite rom-coms. When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town, she’s convinced he’s the one. There’s just one problem: she has no idea how to get his attention.

Enter Wes Bennett, her infuriatingly attractive next-door neighbor. Wes is the opposite of a rom-com hero—sarcastic, messy, and always teasing her. But when Liz realizes Wes is friends with Michael, she hatches a plan: if Wes helps her win Michael’s heart, she’ll help him get a date with her best friend.

What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey of fake dating (sort of), mistaken feelings, and the realization that maybe the perfect love story isn’t the one she scripted in her head.

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Liz is an endearing protagonist—full of quirks, passion, and a tendency to over-romanticize life. Her love for movie references makes her relatable to anyone who’s ever imagined their life as a film. But beneath her whimsical exterior, she’s also dealing with grief (her mother’s death) and the fear of real love not measuring up to fantasy.

Wes is the kind of love interest you can’t help but adore. He’s sarcastic, laid-back, and secretly thoughtful. Painter does a fantastic job of peeling back his layers, revealing a guy who’s been quietly paying attention to Liz for years. Their banter is electric, and his character arc—from the annoying neighbor to the guy who might just be perfect—is brilliantly executed.

From Liz’s best friend, Joss, to Michael himself, the side characters add depth and humor. Even Liz’s stepmom, Helena, plays a meaningful role in her emotional growth.

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Painter’s writing is sharp, witty, and effortlessly engaging. The dialogue crackles with humor, and Liz’s first-person narration makes you feel like you’re inside her head—complete with movie references and internal freak-outs.

The pacing is excellent, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with tender, emotional beats. The fake-dating (or rather, fake-helping) trope is used cleverly, avoiding clichés while still delivering all the romantic tension we crave.

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At its core, Better Than the Movies is about:

• The difference between fantasy and reality – Liz learns that real love isn’t always like the movies, but that doesn’t make it any less magical.
• Grief and moving forward – Her mother’s absence is a subtle but powerful thread, shaping her fears and desires.
• Self-discovery – Liz’s journey isn’t just about finding love; it’s about figuring out who she is outside of her rom-com fantasies.

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I devoured this book in one sitting. Liz’s voice is so authentic, and Wes is the kind of book boyfriend you’ll immediately add to your favorites list. The romance is slow-burn perfection, with just the right amount of angst and sweetness.

One of my favorite scenes involves a 10 Things I Hate About You reference (no spoilers, but it’s chef’s kiss). Painter nails the balance between humor and heart, making this a story that’s as emotionally resonant as it is entertaining.

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Fans of these books will adore Better Than the Movies:

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Jenny Han) – For the fake-dating vibes and lovable protagonist.
• Tweet Cute (Emma Lord) – For the witty banter and rivals-to-lovers energy.
• The Upside of Falling (Alex Light) – For the sweet, slow-burn romance.

What sets Painter’s book apart is its meta-commentary on rom-com tropes. Liz’s obsession with movies adds a fun, self-aware layer that makes the story feel fresh.

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✅ Chemistry between Liz and Wes – Their banter is everything.
✅ Humor & Heart – Equal parts funny and touching.
✅ Nostalgic Rom-Com Love – The references are a delight.

❌ Predictability – If you’ve read a lot of YA romance, some beats might feel familiar.
❌ Michael’s Character – He’s a bit underdeveloped compared to Wes.

(But honestly, these are nitpicks—the book is still fantastic.)

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• YA contemporary romance lovers
• Fans of enemies-to-lovers & fake dating tropes
• Readers who love witty, fast-paced storytelling
• Anyone who’s ever daydreamed about their life being a rom-com

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“The best love stories weren’t the ones that were perfect from beginning to end. They were the ones where people fought for each other, even when it was hard.”

“I wanted the grand gesture. The running through the airport. The boom box over the head. The ‘I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy’ speech.”

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While the book is set in modern times, Liz’s love for classic rom-coms (When Harry Met Sally, Say Anything, 10 Things I Hate About You) gives it a nostalgic feel. It’s a celebration of the genre while also acknowledging its flaws—like how real relationships require more than just grand gestures.

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Ready to fall in love with Liz and Wes? Grab your copy here:
🔗 Amazon

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Better Than the Movies is a must-read for rom-com fans—a book that’s as sweet, funny, and heartfelt as the movies it references.

Discussion Questions for Readers:

1. Do you think Liz’s love of rom-coms helped or hurt her real-life relationships?
2. Who’s your favorite rom-com hero, and why?
3. What’s your favorite fake-dating or enemies-to-lovers book?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to chat about this adorable book! 💕

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