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jadehusdanhicks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Live, love, Lynn. Honestly I will read anything she write because I drink that shit up!
Liz and we are the cutest and it has all the basic tropes making it perfect for first time romance readers to get hooked on with tropes including:
•fake dating
•high school romance
•hometown romance
•next door neighbours
•frenemies to lovers
• even jock ft nerd in its own unique twist.
I love how even though grief underlays this story it brings the characters together and reveals their true selves. I’ll reccomend anything she writes but I really loved the modesty of this one especially with it not having spice.
Liz and we are the cutest and it has all the basic tropes making it perfect for first time romance readers to get hooked on with tropes including:
•fake dating
•high school romance
•hometown romance
•next door neighbours
•frenemies to lovers
• even jock ft nerd in its own unique twist.
I love how even though grief underlays this story it brings the characters together and reveals their true selves. I’ll reccomend anything she writes but I really loved the modesty of this one especially with it not having spice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
filipacmiranda's review against another edition
4.0
I'm surprised to say I found Better than the Movies to be an enjoyable read!
Let's start with my least favourite part. Liz was annoying and not-so-nice (especially towards her best friend and family). She spent the whole time making excuses, lying and omitting information simply because she couldn't manage to care about anyone else's feelings. I understand grief is powerful, but it shouldn't excuse all kinds of crappy behaviour.
Despite this, the rom-com and music references were a good choice by Painter, giving the book a deeper meaning. The main character's need to soundtrack all her experiences was relatable, and the romance was cute. I think Liz and Wes's growing friendship allowed her realisation of love to be believable.
The book would have gained a lot from having both Wes and Liz's perspectives, mainly because he was the better part of this duo. I would have really liked to read about his thoughts on the whole thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
tbs250's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Vomit and Injury/Injury detail
anya_sa2009's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Really great read, I started it in the middle of the day, and finished it at 11:00pm. Loveable characters, funny Yang extremely “swoon worthy”. I would definitely reccomend this book to those who prefer a light-hearted, sweet, romance. (If you’re a romcom fan, this book if for you). 🫶🏽
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Vomit, Grief, Car accident, and Death of parent
deargloria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Grief and Death of parent
sarahceleste's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
rnewk's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Vomit, Grief, and Death of parent
alybrst's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thought it would be a 5 stars halfway through, but ended up at a solid 4.5 stars. Lost the 5 star status because of the last part. I think the make-up scene after the third act breakup was way too rushed and a little bit underwhelming, so I didn't feel satisfied. And I didn't like the fact that Wes brought Alex to the secret spot. Still a very good book overall with a strong main love interest. Find yourselves a Wes fr fr
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
rachelshubin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Romance movie and musical perfection. Such a sweet YA with all the pining and none of the crazy “new adult” vibes. Definitely a fresh breath of air. I love Lynn Painter’s writing and somehow she may even do YA better than NA?
It also dealt with the very real reality of grief/step parent in such a delicate and great matter.
Also all the bonus content on her website that goes with this book is fabulous!
It also dealt with the very real reality of grief/step parent in such a delicate and great matter.
Also all the bonus content on her website that goes with this book is fabulous!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Car accident
vj_thompson's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I regret not reading this sooner 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Medical content, Car accident, and Alcohol
Minor: Drug use