Reviews

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Only show reviews with written explanations

joy_s's review against another edition

emotional 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? Yes

3.25

Looking for a light and easy romance as a break from some heavier material, I grabbed this as I’d heard some people online talking about it. Started off not really being my thing, and I’m still not completely on board (with all the tropes or the main character), but I will admit, it did grow on me.
For about the first half I felt the book was a little young for me (it’s definitely meant for teens), but I think if I was a teen or maybe older than I am now, I’d be able to have a bit more fun with it.
The main character grew on me, and the grief she battled mixed with her childish expectations of love did come together quite well. And I have to say, felt like a fresh take, at least to me.
The book is just as tropey as advertised, and you know exactly what you’re getting into, but if you need something relaxed and cute with no surprises this is a good option. The only tropes I still have some issues with are ”lying to your bff with a convenient resolution”, and “the boy that teases you has always loved you”. Those two always raise red flags for me at first. The latter was handled well, but the former was still kinda gross and dismissive. Female friendships need more love in these stories. There was a bit of “not like other girls” syndrome too, but it petered out as the book went on. But nothing was ever too serious to be upsetting or reeeeeally red-flag raising.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised, and if I’m looking for more cutesy romances I’d definitely pick up any of these author’s other books for adults.

Content Warnings