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Better Than the Movies - by  Lynn Painter (Paperback) - 1 of 1

Better Than the Movies - by Lynn Painter (Paperback)

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About this item

Description



About the Book



Michael, to whom Liz Buxbaum gave her heart long ago, has returned but to get his attention and, perhaps, a prom date she must scheme with her nemesis Wes, her next-door neighbor.



Book Synopsis



A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller

Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this "sweet and funny" (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he's back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar--and maybe snag him as a prom date--even befriend Wes Bennet.

The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz's butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz's in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she's shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love--and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.



Review Quotes




"Better Than the Movies is a sweet and funny love letter to romantic comedies that shows how happily ever afters can help us navigate our toughest moments. I loved watching Liz learn that unexpected plot twists sometimes make the best stories. Perfect for anyone who wishes their life had a film-worthy soundtrack, a quirky wardrobe, and a memorable meet cute."--Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks



About the Author



Lynn Painter writes romantic comedies for both teens and adults. She is the author of Better Than the Movies, Mr. Wrong Number, The Do-Over, and Betting on You, as well as being a regular contributor to the Omaha World-Herald. She lives in Nebraska with her husband and pack of wild children, and when she isn't reading or writing, odds are good she's guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. You can find her at LynnPainter.com, on Instagram @LynnPainterKirkle, or on Twitter @LAPainter.
Suggested Age: 12-17 Years
Sub-Genre: Romance
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Number of Pages: 384
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Author: Lynn Painter
Language: English
Street Date: September 6, 2022
TCIN: 85733842
UPC: 9781534467637
Item Number (DPCI): 059-13-1888
Origin: Made in the USA
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 1.14 inches length x 5.44 inches width x 8.24 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.65 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

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4.7 out of 5 stars with 120 reviews
100% would recommend
27 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
16 October, 2025

AMAZING BOOK

words don’t begin to describe how much i freaking love this book!!! SO GOOD! i absolutely love this book and recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a cute romance, no spice so id say it’s good for 12-16 yr olds. little tiny bit of foul language but if that doesn’t bother you like it didnt bother me, I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR YOU! ughh so freaking good. 💕
molly
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
27 July, 2025Verified purchase

great book

it was a very great book and was a very great quality book. the only thing i didn't enjoy was there was a sticker on the front of the book. but overall it was a great book
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
9 June, 2025Verified purchase

SO. MANY. FEELS.

Okay, first of all, this book was everything I didn know I needed. I'm obsessed. Better Than the Movies is now oneof my all-time favs. It gave me butterflies, made me laugh, and even made me tear up a little (in a good way). The main character, Liz, is super relatable, she's awkward and dreamy and totally lives for rom-coms (same girl). And Wes?? Don't even get me started. I thought he was just some annoying neighbor guy but he turned out to be a total heartthrob and now I need a Wes in my life 😭. It's such a cute enemies-to-lovers story with the perfect slow burn. If you love YA romance, playlists, and adorable moments that make you kick your feet and scream into your pillow, GET THIS BOOK. I read it in a day and I already want to reread it. 10/10. Lynn Painter seriously writes books that are better than the movies!💕🎬📚
Bella
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
8 May, 2025

SO GOOOOD

I couldn't stop reading this book it is just simply so good
Did you find this review helpful?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
2 February, 2025Verified purchase

Fun Book

This book was so fun! As an avid reader, I go through this book in 2 days. It's got a great story that keeps you hooked until the end.
Renee
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
4 January, 2025Verified purchase

Good book

The characters emotions were easy to understand and relatable. This book made me feel like I was included as one of Liz’s friends.
Yofavoritetargetshopper
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4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
10 December, 2024Verified purchase

Pretty good!

This was such a cute book. I don't typically pick YA books, but it was a suggested read. I really liked it & the banter between Liz & Wes was great! It was like a high school rom-com, & I loved all the movie references all throughout! I loved that Liz was just uniquely herself, & love me some next door neighbor love/hate tropes.
ks924
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
3 December, 2024Verified purchase

Great Quality!

Not a book review, just a quality review! No dents or tears on pages or cover. Got on sale by purchasing online!
Camera Protector
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5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
14 October, 2024

AMAZING

BEST BOOK I’VE READ!! I don’t like reading that much but it was absolutely amazing!!!
Idk
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
26 August, 2024Verified purchase

So cute

Such a cute book! I loved it
ND
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
14 August, 2024Verified purchase

NO COMPLAINTS I LOVE THIS

I LOVE THIS BOOK SM 🩷🩷🩷🩷
loml
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
31 July, 2024Verified purchase

Great teen book

Great book for tweens! My 13 year old twins loved it!
Kristen P
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
30 July, 2024Verified purchase

READ THIS NOW!!

The is book is the best. Such easy writing and SAURR cute. Liz and Wes are endgame
Anaily
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
16 July, 2024Verified purchase

New comfort book!

Loved this book perfect for 12-13 year olds
Loved it
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
8 May, 2024

Best book ever!

I cannot describe how much I love this book. It's the cutest book ever, and if you're into fake dating or enemies to lovers, this book is for you!!
emma
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
29 April, 2024Verified purchase

GOT ME INTO READING!

I absolutely, with every fiber of my being, LOVED this book! I was trying to get into reading and gave myself this book to try out and their love story is perfect. I love an enemies to lovers book so this was right up my alley. It had me entertained the whole time and I finished this book so fast. I highly recommend!
Aliese
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
3 April, 2024

THIS BOOK.

MY NUMBER ONE BOOK OF ALL TIME! seriously tho its the best book ive ever read, Wes & Liz ahhhh!! my babies
ashalina
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
21 March, 2024

LOVE IT <3

THIS IS SOOOO FRIGGIN CUTE!!!
jjay
5 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
13 February, 2024Verified purchase

Better

Loveeeee this book, it’s amazing
Celi
4 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
22 December, 2023Verified purchase

Sweet story!

Great book with a sweet story!
sodra29
3 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

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