Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - Better Than the Movies

Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

56 reviews

ksreads14's review against another edition

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funny inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Really good book. Looking forward to book 2 Nothing Like the Movies! Would say good for ages 13 and up

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thespycrowreads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

I recently read Lynn Painter's bestseller, Better Than the Movies. This charming YA rom-com revolves around Liz Buxbaum, a high school senior and hopeless romantic who adores classic rom-com movies. Liz dreams of a perfect, movie-worthy romance and has always envisioned herself with her childhood crush, Michael Young. When Michael moves back to town, Liz sees this as her chance to finally live out her fantasy. However, to get closer to Michael, Liz reluctantly teams up with her next-door neighbor and nemesis, Wes Bennett. Despite their constant bickering and his annoying behavior, Wes agrees to help Liz catch Michael's attention in exchange for her parking spot. As Liz and Wes spend more time together, she begins to see a different side of him and realizes that real life might not follow a movie script. Throughout the story, Liz learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself. While the concept of the book isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a delight for YA rom-com lovers. Despite its familiar plot, the story maintains a high standard. The characters have depth, especially Liz Buxbaum, who undergoes significant development as she recognizes her flaws. The chemistry between the main couple is well-crafted, with a simple yet effective build-up. Even the side characters are well-developed. One standout aspect of the book is its subversion of the stereotypical "mean girl" trope. Unlike many other books, the "mean girl" in this story shows development and complexity, revealing misunderstandings about her behavior. Liz initially sees her as a one-dimensional antagonist but learns that there's more to her story.
In conclusion, I cannot guarantee that this book is indeed better than the movies, but it is refreshing to read a rom-com where the characters don't live in an over-romanticized universe of unreal expectations.

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thefamousjb's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing 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? No

3.5

A cute story, but I was a bit turned off by the cursing and sexual comments throughout.

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neko_reads's review

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emotional lighthearted medium-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

4.0

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astroerica's review against another edition

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4.25

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waffleisobsessive's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

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abby_can_read's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

🎧
This book was cute. Overall, I liked it. I found Liz to be annoying at times. I'm not the target audience for this book and I struggled with all the high school feels and teenage angst.

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itsgnat's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

cute book, one too many references to actual rom-com scenes and movies

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whateves99's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Well…… I started this book 4 ish months before I finished it so salt to say that it took me a longgggg time to get in to it. (I usually finish a book in 3-7 days) I just thought that the book dragged on a bit. I think I say that because I don’t really relate to the character that much. I don’t think this was my book cuz I usually like more adult romance but I will be recommending it.

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