A review by bookobsessedmommy
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

emotional 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? Yes

4.5

Liz is fixated on getting her perfect prom, and that requires the prefect date, but she can't make it happen without the help of her nemesis neighbor, Wes. They work out a deal and everything is going to plan, but Liz starts to wonder if the boy she's been pining over isn't the one she actually wants. This was so stinking sweet! Lynn Painter has a way of writing about teens that makes me feel like I'm back in high school (minus the nightmares over forgotten projects) and falling in love. (I didn't actually fall in love in high school, but if America can revise history, then SO CAN I!) Liz's grief as she navigates Senior year without her Mom and her fixation on living out a rom-com are heartfelt and silly and relatable all at once. Wes is the perfect book boyfriend (for a teenager, not me. Ew), except for the fact that he's a little cowardly. (Let's see if book 2 can give him a little character growth.) I'm so excited to read all the rest of the books in this series, cause I need more Liz and Wes. 😍