Review | Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

After a very long time, I stayed up until 5 in the morning to finish reading a book.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is a heartwarming and charming contemporaray romance novel that will leave you with a smile on your face. The book follows Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior who has grown up on romantic comedies and believes in their happy endings. She’s always dreamed of having her own rom-com moment, but life doesn’t always go as planned.

When Liz has to win her crush, Michael, she takes the help of her pain-in-the-butt neighbour, Wes Bennett and her rom-com knowledge. But as Liz and Michael spend more time together, Liz begins to realize that sometimes the best love stories aren’t found on the big screen.

Painter’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, and she does an excellent job of balancing the light-hearted romance with more serious topics, such as family dynamics and personal growth. Liz is a relatable protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery is both touching and inspiring.

One of the things I loved most about this book was its homage to romantic comedies. Painter references and draws inspiration from classic rom-coms, which will delight fans of the genre. However, she also subverts some of the tropes, creating a story that feels fresh and modern.

Overall, Better Than the Movies is a delightful and entertaining read that is perfect for anyone who loves romance, humor, and happy endings. If you’re looking for a feel-good book that will lift your spirits and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, then this is definitely the book for you.