Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Better Than The Movies lives up to the title as we get so many classic rom-com moments! The makeover moment, rain declarations, moments of self discovery, and my personal favorite… the banter of a classic enemies-to-lover trope!
If you are someone, who rewatches the same romcoms and is always looking for that big swoon-worthy moment then I think you might like Liz! Better Than The Movies follows the one and only Liz Buxbaum. After her mom’s untimely passing she is constantly in her own head looking at the world as though it’s one of those classic Rom-Com movies she and her mom loved. When her childhood crush, Michael, moves back to town she immediately starts devising a plan to get him to notice her so they can have a love story worthy of the movies. Thus enters one Wes Bennett, the childhood tormentor and next door neighbor. Liz enlists Wes’ help in getting Michael to notice her; however, as they continue to talk and strategize Liz can’t help but wonder if what she’s dreamed of her whole life has actually been closer than she ever believed it to be.
This was a cute modern day young adult romance that I just couldn’t put it down. As someone who does indeed love a good rom-com movie, I related a lot to Liz on numerous levels. I wasn’t expecting for this cute rom-com book to make me cry, but as we read more about how Liz views the world and why, it truly tugged on my heartstrings. I feel like people might be able to relate to Liz in the aspect of meeting someone and thinking they are the one for you… only for the universe to step in rather loudly and tell you you’re wrong. This book spoke right to the inner romantic that is always looking for that book trope to come to life. It leaves you with the heartwarming feeling that there is someone out there for everyone and that while you might not end up with who you thought you would, if you open your eyes, you can end up with who you’re meant to be.
Something that Lynn Painter did for this story that I loved was having each chapter start with a quote from one of the classic rom-com movies that are so integral to the story. The different references and tropes hinted to and referenced through out the book truly sates the hidden rom-com junkie that lives within my soul. Overall, this book was a great read. While it did have its sad and heartbreaking moments, especially when reading how Liz is coping with her mothers death, it also had a lot of fun and uplifting moments as well. If you are ever looking for a quick, happy, and cute read then I highly recommend this book! I was in a bit of a reading slump and this story was able to pull me right out of it. I have been steering away from these types of romance books but I might just have to spiral down this slope again! At the end of the day, I am a hopeless romantic and these kind of stories cause my heart to flutter!
QUOTES THAT MADE ME FEEL THINGS:
“Holy shit, Liz Buxbaum knows my scent."
“All these milestones are happening, like prom and college applications, and she isn’t here for them. So my life is changing and moving forward, and she’s being left behind with my childhood.’
“I wouldn’t run through a train station for Michael. But I would do it for Wes.”
“You look best when you’re you.”
“She. Isn’t. You.”
“Ifell in love with teasing you in the second grade, when I first discovered that I could turn your cheeks pink with words. Then I fell in love with you.”
“Enemies-to-lovers — it’s our trope, Buxbaum.”
