Review Detail

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter feels like stepping straight into a rom com but with more heart than expected. I absolutely loved it!

Liz Buxbaum lives her life like she is the main character in a movie, holding onto the idea that love should be big, cinematic, and perfectly timed. When her childhood crush comes back, it seems like everything is finally lining up. The only problem is Wes Bennett, her annoying next door neighbor who somehow becomes the key to getting what she wants.

What makes this story work so well is how it slowly shifts. At first, it really does feel like a classic setup where the girl chases the dream guy while tolerating the irritating best friend type. But the more Liz spends time with Wes, the more those neat expectations start to fall apart. Their banter is sharp and funny, but it also softens into something real without losing that playful edge.

Liz as a character is easy to understand even when she gets in her own way. Her obsession with perfect movie moments sometimes blinds her to what is right in front of her, and that frustration feels genuine rather than forced. Watching her grow out of that mindset and realize that love is not always scripted is one of the strongest parts of the book.

Wes steals the show in a quiet way. He is sarcastic and a little chaotic, but there is a steady kindness underneath everything he does. The way his character unfolds makes every interaction feel more meaningful, especially once Liz starts to see him differently.

The romance builds at a satisfying pace. It is not rushed, and the emotional payoff feels earned. By the end, it is less about grand gestures and more about choosing someone who truly sees you. To this day, this remains one of my personal favorites!