Review by jillmey14 - Better Than The Movies

jillmey14 's review for:

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter

3.25

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

The only other book I’ve read by Lynn was The Love Wager and I liked that one better. I read that one in the summer of 2023 so it’s been a bit since I picked up a book of hers. However, I don’t remember her writing being so juvenile? It made it hard to get hooked on this book. I’m not sure if it’s because the FMC is a teenage girl, but it just felt underdeveloped to me and took some getting used to. I honestly just impulse bought this at B&N for the sprayed edges. I guess it was worth $5, but I wouldn’t have paid a dollar more for this one.
The plot was predictable and I’m not usually an Enemies to Lovers fan (See my review of Once Upon a Broken Heart series) but I think the fake dating trope saved it. I love a good fake dating trope.
The most frustrating part of this book was the main character. She

felt too closed off to the people around her

, but I guess that’s her flaw and lesson to learn. I just can’t imagine

not being able to be honest with your best friend.

Content Warnings