Better Than the Movies

Liz Buxbaum, a hopeless romantic raised on rom-coms, crafts elaborate plans to win over her longtime crush Michael. When her annoying next-door neighbor Wes helps her pursue Michael, their childhood rivalry transforms into an unexpected partnership. The story follows Liz through her senior year as she navigates relationships, loss, and the gap between movie-perfect romance and messy reality. Her mother's death years ago shapes her worldview and influences her approach to love, while her stepmom tries to connect with her. Set against a backdrop of classic romantic comedy references, this YA contemporary romance explores how real connections can surprise us. The novel challenges idealized notions of love while celebrating both authentic relationships and the comfort of beloved films.

Readers call this a fun, light-hearted YA romance that delivers familiar rom-com tropes with fresh execution. Positive reviews highlight: - Fast-paced, witty dialogue - Strong chemistry between main characters - References to classic rom-com movies - Balance of humor and emotional depth - The portrayal of grief and family relationships Common criticisms: - Predictable plot points - Some found the main character unlikeable or immature - Romance develops too quickly in later chapters - Pop culture references may date the book Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (68,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (2,900+ ratings) StoryGraph: 4.1/5 Sample reader comment: "The banter is top tier and had me genuinely laughing out loud. But Liz can be frustrating with her stubborn assumptions." - Goodreads reviewer Several reviewers noted this works well as a gateway book for teens transitioning from middle grade to YA romance.

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The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West A girl asks a stranger to pose as her boyfriend at a school event, leading to unexpected complications and real feelings.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han A girl's private love letters get mailed to her past crushes, forcing her into a fake relationship that evolves into something real.

10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston After a breakup, a girl's extended family sets her up on ten blind dates over Christmas vacation, resulting in a series of misadventures and unexpected romance.

🎬 Lynn Painter wrote Better Than The Movies while working full-time as a newspaper columnist for the Omaha World-Herald. 🎭 The book pays homage to classic rom-com movies, including Sixteen Candles, When Harry Met Sally, and Pretty in Pink. 📚 The author drew inspiration from her own high school experiences of living next door to her nemesis-turned-crush, similar to the book's main character Liz. 🎵 Each chapter in the book is named after a famous love song, creating a soundtrack that mirrors the story's emotional journey. 🌟 The novel was originally pitched as "To All the Boys I've Loved Before meets The Hating Game" and quickly sparked a bidding war between multiple publishers before landing at Simon & Schuster.