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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
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.

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, Alaska, Hawaii

Return details

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Q: Is there any spicy scenes

submitted by Just An Ordinary kid - 2 months ago
  • A: No I have read the whole book and there is no spice just a fair amount of cursing

    submitted byBooklover - 2 months ago

Q: what age should read this

submitted by age - 5 months ago
  • A: This is from the description above (I had the same question). Suggested Age: 12-17 Years Sub-Genre: Romance Genre: Young Adult Fiction

    submitted byRena - 4 months ago

Q: How many pages are there?

submitted by Emma Reads and Shops - 7 days ago

Additional product information and recommendations

4.7 out of 5 stars with 138 reviews
97% would recommend
34 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
29 March, 2026

(no review title)

I haven’t read in many years but this book brought me back to my love for books. Definitely recommend I read it in under 48 hours!!
Delaney
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
28 January, 2026Verified purchase

(no review title)

loved this book. such a good read 📚
lament49
Did you find this review helpful?
1 out of 5 stars
Thumbs down graphic, would not recommend
21 January, 2026Verified purchase

(no review title)

Not good whatsoever, the book was bland and the writing was simple. The writing didn't emotionally connect to me at all and it was the typical bad boy and good girl trope all over. I couldn't even get halfway through before stopping.
Your mom
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
6 January, 2026

BEST ROM COM EVER!!!!!!!!!

I love this book SOOOO MUCH!! Such a great sweet book! Safe for tweens and teens. I read this book on my kindle and finished it in days!!! I couldn't put it down and read it in every free minute!!
LLLLLLLLLL
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
13 November, 2025Verified purchase

(no review title)

Light hearted, cute story. I couldn’t stop smiling
Mama Spends
Did you find this review helpful?
4 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
10 November, 2025Verified purchase

(no review title)

It was ok! Recommend other books by the author.
tahereh
Did you find this review helpful?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
7 November, 2025

AMAZING BOOK

My favorite book I have ever read!! I love Lynn Painter books so much, and this is my absolute favorite one. The banter between Wes and Liz is amazing, and the storyline is too! Would absolutely recommend!!
Liv
Did you find this review helpful?
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
3 guests 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
Did you find this review helpful?
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
Did you find this review helpful?
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?

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