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Read Time
2 min read
Our Rating
3.8
Reviewed by
LuvemBooks
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Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter – YA Romance Review
Our Rating
3.8
Better Than the Movies delivers a warm, witty YA romance anchored by a grief-touched protagonist and genuine chemistry, even if the plot follows a predictable track. A reliable recommendation for teen romance readers, particularly those drawn to classic rom-com aesthetics.
In This Review
- What Works & What Doesn't
- Step 1–3 Internal Verification (not published)
- Where to Buy
What Works & What Doesn't
What Works
- Liz is a protagonist with real emotional depth, not just rom-com window dressing
- The slow-burn banter between Liz and Wes is genuinely funny and well-paced
- The grief subplot adds meaningful weight without overwhelming the romantic tone
- Fast-moving chapters and sharp dialogue make it highly readable
- Age-appropriate content makes it easy to recommend to younger teen readers
What Doesn't
- Michael as a character is underdeveloped, making Liz's initial preference hard to believe
- The third-act conflict feels formulaic for readers who know the genre well
- Heavily trope-reliant — readers seeking something original may find it predictable
Step 1–3 Internal Verification (not published)
Author: Lynn Painter
Published: 2021, Simon & Schuster
Fiction: Yes
Characters I'm confident using:
- Liz Buxbaum — protagonist — HIGH
- Wes Bennett — neighbor/love interest — HIGH (listed in VERIFIED as "Wes Bennet" / "Wes Bennett")
- Michael — Liz's childhood crush — HIGH
Where to Buy
If you're after a rom-com that earns its swoony reputation through specific, character-driven moments rather than genre formula, Better Than the Movies is worth your time — tap the Amazon link in the sidebar for the current price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Better Than the Movies worth reading for fans of young adult romance?
The reviewer rated it 3.8 out of 5, suggesting it is a solid but not exceptional entry in the genre. It is best suited for fans of young adult contemporary romance who enjoy familiar tropes and a light summer read.
Who is the target audience for Better Than the Movies?
The book is aimed primarily at young adult readers who enjoy contemporary romance. Given its summer setting and high school dynamics, it will appeal most to teens and readers who love feel-good romantic storylines.
Is the price reasonable for this book?
At $7.57, the reviewer implies it offers reasonable value, particularly for a paperback young adult romance. Readers who enjoy the genre are likely to feel the price is fair for an enjoyable, light read.
Who are the main characters in Better Than the Movies?
The protagonist is Liz Buxbaum, and her neighbor and central love interest is Wes Bennett. There is also Michael, Liz's childhood crush, who plays a significant role in the story's central conflict.
What is Liz Buxbaum like as a protagonist?
Liz is the central character through whose perspective the story unfolds. The reviewer's discussion centers on her romantic entanglements, including her long-held feelings for childhood crush Michael and her complicated dynamic with neighbor Wes Bennett.
What role does Wes Bennett play in the story?
Wes Bennett is Liz's neighbor and the primary love interest in the novel. His dynamic with Liz forms the emotional core of the book, and his relationship with her evolves significantly over the course of the story.
What is the significance of Michael in the plot?
Michael is Liz's childhood crush and represents the idealized romantic fantasy she has built up over time. His presence in the story creates tension and serves as a contrast to the more grounded connection she develops with Wes.
What are the main themes in Better Than the Movies?
The book engages with themes of idealized romance versus real connection, the gap between fantasy and reality in relationships, and coming-of-age self-discovery. The title itself nods to the idea of measuring real life against the romantic expectations set by movies.
How does the book handle the theme of romantic fantasy versus reality?
The contrast between Liz's idealized crush on Michael and her evolving feelings for Wes Bennett drives this theme throughout the novel. The story ultimately questions whether the relationships we romanticize from a distance live up to the genuine connections we find unexpectedly.
What genre does Better Than the Movies belong to?
Better Than the Movies is a young adult contemporary romance published in 2021 by Simon & Schuster. It is set during a summer in contemporary suburban America and falls squarely within the fiction category.
What is the setting of Better Than the Movies?
The novel is set in contemporary suburban America during the summer, giving it a warm, seasonal atmosphere typical of light young adult romance reads.
Is the writing style in Better Than the Movies accessible for younger readers?
Based on the review, the book is written in an accessible style suited to its young adult audience. The contemporary setting and relatable romantic scenarios make it an easy entry point for readers new to the genre.
How does the neighbor trope work in this book?
The neighbor dynamic between Liz and Wes Bennett is central to the romance, allowing for repeated close-proximity interactions that build tension organically. This is a well-known romantic trope that the author uses to develop their relationship over the course of the story.
What are the limitations or weaknesses of Better Than the Movies according to the reviewer?
The reviewer's rating of 3.8 out of 5 indicates some reservations, suggesting the book does not fully transcend its genre conventions. While enjoyable, it likely relies on familiar tropes that may feel predictable to seasoned romance readers.
Does the plot of Better Than the Movies follow a predictable structure?
The story follows a recognizable young adult romance arc involving a childhood crush, an unexpected love interest next door, and the emotional journey between fantasy and genuine connection. Readers familiar with the genre will likely anticipate key plot beats.
How does Better Than the Movies compare to other young adult romances?
The reviewer positions it as a competent and enjoyable entry in the young adult contemporary romance genre without elevating it to standout status. Its familiar tropes and likable characters make it comparable to other popular reads in the category, though it does not dramatically distinguish itself.
Is this a standalone novel or part of a series?
The review does not mention Better Than the Movies being part of a series, and it is treated as a self-contained story. Readers can pick it up without prior knowledge of any related books.
What is the overall verdict on Better Than the Movies?
The reviewer gave it a 3.8 out of 5, describing it as a solid young adult contemporary romance that delivers on its genre promises. It is a recommended read for fans of the genre, particularly those who enjoy summer-set stories about navigating the difference between romantic ideals and real feelings.
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