Hey Bookish Friends! I just finished my first book of Lynn Painter – “Better Than the Movies” and let me tell you it’s a total page turner! If you’re in the mood for a charming rom-com with a touch of high school drama, this book is your new best friend. This book is literally for the girls who are waiting for their HEAs. For all the girls who think their soulmates are coming for them. Believe me they really are. AND of course, if you’re a fan of enemies to lovers trope (and really, who isn’t?), READ THIS ASAP.
Also, I loved how at the beginning of every chapter, there is sweet quotes from other rom-coms. Here are some –
“I’d rather fight with you than make love with anyone else.” —The Wedding Date
“When I’m around you, I kind of feel like I’m on drugs. Not that I do drugs. Unless you do drugs, in which case, I do them all the time. All of them.” —Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Let me share the line for which this book is famous (or more like for which I read it). If you’re a book girly or boyly (is there a cute name for boys who read books too? I don’t think boyly is an actual word), you would have come across this line somewhere –
“She’s not you.”
“What?”
“She. Isn’t. You.”
(He didn’t like anybody else because it wasn’t her. *screaming internally* Alexa play Liz and Wes’s soundtrack and find me a man like Wes. What do you mean no real man could match him?)
Our Main Character is a Total Romance Junkie
So, the story kicks off with Liz, our lovable and slightly dramatic heroine, who’s obsessed with romantic comedies (just like us). Imagine living in a world where every day feels like a scene from your favorite rom-com, and that’s Liz’s life in a nutshell. When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town, Liz is convinced her own love story is about to get a major upgrade.
The Male lead in question?
Wes Bennett, Liz’s neighbor and childhood nemesis, is a charming and popular jock. Wes and Liz have had a bit of a rocky history, filled with snarky comments and friendly rivalry. Their banter is classic frenemies stuff, and it’s pretty entertaining from the get-go. However, to get the attention of her childhood crush, Liz asks Wes for help in exchange of the parking spot. And thus everything that seemed simple goes array. As Wes and Liz spend more time together, their initial awkwardness turns into a comfortable friendship.
Enemies to Lovers Done Right
We’ve all read our fair share of enemies-to-lovers stories, but Lynn Painter takes this trope and elevates it to new heights. Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett have been at each other’s throats since, well, forever. But here’s the kicker—Wes has been harboring a crush on Liz since second grade. Yep, you heard that right. Since second grade. Talk about a slow burn! Liz and Wes’ dynamic is pure gold. You’re rooting for these two to realize what’s been brewing under all those zingers and sarcastic jabs.
Watching Liz and Wes navigate their evolving feelings while dealing with high school drama and personal growth is like watching your favorite rom-com unfold in real life. If you’re a fan of tension that builds up slowly (and I mean really slowly), this book delivers in spades. Making their eventual romance feel all the more satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent more hours than you’d care to admit scrolling through book reviews, desperately searching for your next great read. Well, if you haven’t picked up “Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter yet, let me just say: you’re in for a treat! Lynn Painter has crafted a story that’s not only a joy to read but also reminds us of the beautiful, complicated mess that is falling in love.
So, grab a comfy blanket, find a cozy spot, and get ready to fall head over heels for Liz and Wes. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Happy reading, everyone! Let’s chat in the comments or on my Pinterest board! For more book recommendations follow up! Here are my favorite quotes from the book–
“Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind.” —27 Dresses
“But, you know, the thing about romance is, people only get together right at the very end.” —Love Actually
