Reviews with content warning for Grief - Better Than the Movies

This book was so stinkin cute, I had the best time reading it! I had some trouble concentrating on sitting down and reading recently so I listened to the audiobook and I devoured this book.
The story is about Liz who has been in love with Michael for a very long time. He did not really notice her before but now that he moved back to Liz's town she is determined to win his heart. She even asks her annoying neighbour Wes for help.
Following Liz on her journey to win her crush's heart was so fun! I also really enjoyed all the romantic comedy references and the importance and comfort they had on Liz.
Liz and Wes had such a beautiful dynamic and I loved their deep talks about their lives and feelings.
Helena probably was my favourite character and I was so sad at one moment in the book I just wanted to hug her. She was such a sweet person!
Better Than The Movies definitely is better than all the romcoms I've seen so far and I had a blast reading it. A very comforting and beautiful book.
Perfect for everyone who enjoys a highschool setting, enemies to lovers, movie references and a clean and sweet teenage love.

Content Warnings

foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

4.75

Content Warnings

clairehreads22's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter - (4/5) stars

The movie quotes, references to romantic comedies, and songs throughout the book was one of my favorite things in this book. I got so excited every time I saw one of these things!!!

The long chapters almost killed me.

I’m proud that Liz got better with communication throughout the book. I know she’s a teenager, but girl, lying to people makes your life more complex than easier.

I also wanted to hug Liz. When Wes talked about your dead loved ones coming back as birds, it reminded me of my family and how some believe some of our loved ones are grackles etc. I think Lynn Painter described Liz’ grief really well for a teenager because it really does rock you to your core and make life hard to manage.

Spoiler

I literally wanted to scream whenever Liz would describe Wes in an attractive way then say not for me like girl be so fr?! When she finally admitted to herself that she liked Wes, I was so happy for her.

Michael really did seem sweet just not for Liz.

Liz and Wes were so freaking cute together. I loved them as a couple and as people separately. They were able to be their true selves with each other and tell each other anything.

Content Warnings