Better Than the Movies

If I could have written a book that would perfectly embody middle school, high school, and college-Natalie and her stance on love, it would be this book. Like Liz, I had these idealistic notions of love and falling in love that were dictated by the copious amount of romance movies and shows that filled my head. I have and had a tendency to over-romanticized situations because of the ridiculous standards I have in my head and constantly wish I was the lead in my own RomCom. This story gripped my heart from the very first page. I am Liz, down to the pocket dresses and wishful look in her eyes. There is more to her than her light hearted persona, a depth that was surprisingly refreshing to see in this book. Her struggles and pain were portrayed in a realistic way that segwayed into how unprocessed grief affects actions. Wes has the goofy, carefree persona but once you got more into the book he became more than the prankster. He had depth to him, an endearing heart, and character development that progressed organically as the story went on. Though this book is told from Liz’s point of view, his narrative shined as if the book was written as a dual perspective. I enjoyed the way the author used movies with the quotes at the beginning of each chapter and scenes throughout the story. Not only are the movies fictitious stories, but she takes the lessons and applies them to Liz’s life. The author's writing is captivating and charming which made this book both enjoyable for both a YA reader and an adult. There are intricacies that made this more than a surface level story with charismatic characters and plot. This book is the perfect soundtrack to the heart of every RomCom lover. There were adorable moments mixed with hilarious scenarios that made my teenage heart squeal with delight. I absolutely adore this book and I cannot wait to see what is next for this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC

This book finally took me out of a reading slump! It was super cute. I wish they would have gotten together sooner tho. Awesome things: ✓Super swoony hero. ✓Determined heroine ✓Great writing ✓ Rivals-to-friends-to-lovers ✓Guy falls first ✓Tons of mentions of romantic movies and good music ✓Good build up, chemestry and tension Not so great things: ✓Time frame. Everything happens in a week or two. She falls in love in that time frame as well ✓Slow. They get together at the end of the book (boo!). There is actually a mention about that, but I wish they mentioned at the beginning that this was a slow romance ✓Since everything happens so slowly and they get together by the end, I couldn't enjoy the romance part of the story as much ✓I know is a book and a story about teenagers but sometimes it was really annoying how the female lead was so dense. Overall, the story was great, the writing amazing, and the guild up intriguing. I would 100% recommend this book if you want to read a clean romance.

*The Hardcover book itself came in amazing condition* Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter – Honest Review by a 17-Year-Old This book was incredibly sweet, packed with humor, and perfect for any rom-com or YA book lover! It had so many moments that made me blush, giggle, and kick my feet. Characters – 10/10 Every character was memorable, engaging, and added something special to the story. The side characters were well-developed without taking away from the main leads, and their personalities were distinct enough to be lovable. The main characters had beautifully paced development, with backstories that added depth without feeling overwhelming. I’ve read the book twice now, and each time, I appreciate how naturally the characters evolve throughout the story. Their growth never feels rushed, but it also doesn’t drag—it’s just right. Book Pacing – 8.5/10 With only 18 chapters, the pacing can feel varied—some chapters feel longer, while others fly by. There weren’t any unnecessary filler chapters, which I appreciated, and the story kept me engaged. That said, there were a few moments where I was just eager to know what would happen next! (Maybe that was just my excitement, though.) The ending was satisfying and well-executed. Romance – 9.5/10 SPOILER WARNING For a YA rom-com, the romance was adorable! The playful banter and teasing made the chemistry between the leads feel natural and heartwarming. I found myself smiling nonstop at the sweet, innocent moments. There’s no spice or explicit content—just a passionate kiss, but it’s not overly detailed. The romance felt age-appropriate, lighthearted, and fun, making it a great read for fans of wholesome love stories. Humor – 10/10 This book was genuinely funny! The humor felt natural, and I found myself laughing out loud multiple times. The banter between characters was witty and charming, and it never felt forced. If you enjoy rom-coms with playful humor, you’ll love this. Emotional Depth – 9/10 While this book is lighthearted, it still has emotional moments that hit just right. The character growth, family relationships, and underlying themes of love and self-discovery added depth without making the story feel heavy. It balanced the emotions beautifully, making certain scenes even more impactful. Language – 6.5/10 There is some cursing and a few suggestive jokes, but nothing extreme. It’s the kind of language you’d overhear in a high school hallway, at a basketball game, or in Walmart—noticeable but not excessive. If you’re sensitive to language, it’s something to be aware of, but it didn’t personally bother me. Overall Enjoyment – 10/10 This book was an absolute delight! It had everything I love in a rom-com—great characters, sweet romance, humor, and just enough emotional depth to keep things meaningful. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after you’ve finished it. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA romances!

I love this book with all my heart

Its a great book and very good writing, the story itself is interesting but also trying to understand the actual characters is interesting (maybe its just me lmao) But it's genuinely a great book. This is the book that got me into reading again, definitely not boring!!

Cute and sweet. Nice light reading and references to many much-loved Rom-coms.

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is a charming, fun rom-com that’s pure delight from start to finish. The main character, Liz, is relatable, and the chemistry with her love interest is adorable. It’s a perfect mix of humor, heart, and sweet romance, with a nostalgic, movie-inspired vibe. A feel-good, unmissable read that’ll leave you smiling!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I picked this up on a whim, not expecting much, just a light read to dip my toes back into YA after years away. What I got was a delightful surprise: a story so well-written, so emotionally resonant, and so full of charm that I found myself completely swept away. YA often has great ideas, fun plots, lovable characters, but the execution can feel too juvenile for adult readers. Not here. Lynn Painter nails the tone with sharp dialogue, layered characters, and a narrative that balances comedy, romance, drama, and nostalgia in just the right proportions. It reminded me of the time when I was the target audience for YA, and somehow made me feel like I still am. Even though it’s written for teens, this book speaks to anyone who’s ever had a crush, a complicated friendship, or a soundtrack to their coming-of-age. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, don’t let the genre label fool you, this one’s for you too. It brought back memories I didn’t know I’d tucked away, and made me laugh out loud more than once. I thoroughly enjoyed it and immediately dove into the sequel. Five stars from me, and I can’t wait to explore more of Painter’s work. If this is what YA can be, I’m officially back in.