About the Book
Liz Buxbaum has watched enough rom-coms to know exactly how love is supposed to go — and she’s determined to get her childhood crush, Michael, together with her best friend now that he’s moved back to town. The only problem is Wes, the exasperating boy next door she’s clashed with since they were kids, who happens to be Michael’s best friend and the one person standing between Liz and her perfect movie-style plan. As Liz enlists Wes’s help, though, she starts to realize the story she’s been telling herself might not be the one she actually wants.
Why Readers Love This Book
- A New York Times bestseller and one of the most-loved YA rom-coms of its release year
- A classic enemies-to-friends-to-something-more arc, built around genuine rom-com movie references
- Balances the swoony romance with real emotional depth — grief and family are woven through the story
- Fast, funny, banter-heavy writing that keeps the pages turning
Who Should Read Better Than the Movies
For YA and rom-com readers who love a classic will-they-won’t-they with genuine heart underneath the humor — especially fans of movie-obsessed narrators and boy-next-door tropes. Reading age is suggested at 14 years and up.
About the Author
Lynn Painter is a New York Times bestselling author known for her YA rom-coms, including Better Than the Movies and its companion titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Better Than the Movies a standalone book?
Yes — it’s a standalone YA rom-com, though Lynn Painter has written other books set in a similar contemporary rom-com style.
What age group is this book suitable for?
The publisher suggests a reading age of 14 years and up.
Is this book only a light romantic comedy, or does it cover heavier themes too?
While it’s primarily a fun, banter-driven rom-com, it also touches on grief and family relationships with real emotional weight.
What edition is this listing?
This is the Reprint paperback edition, 356 pages, published by Simon & Schuster.
Specifications
| Title | Better Than the Movies |
| Author | Lynn Painter |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication Date | 26 July 2022 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Pages | 356 |
| ISBN-10 | 1534467637 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1534467637 |
| Reading Age | 14 years and up |
| Weight | 318 g |
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 2.54 x 20.96 cm |
| Genre | Young Adult / Romantic Comedy |
People Also Ask
Is Better Than the Movies similar to The Love Hypothesis?
Both are romantic comedies with witty, movie/science-obsessed narrators, though Better Than the Movies is YA (high school) and The Love Hypothesis is New Adult/academic romance.
Does Better Than the Movies have a movie or TV adaptation?
As of this listing, it remains a novel-only release with no confirmed screen adaptation.
What other books has Lynn Painter written?
Lynn Painter has written several other YA contemporary romance novels in a similar rom-com style.
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