This sparkling deluxe paper over board special edition features a new cover, stenciled edges, gorgeously designed endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, a letter from the author, and never-before-published bonus content!
A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller
Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
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Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition) is a delightful teen rom-com praised for its sweet and funny narrative, well-written story, and engaging romance. Fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett will find it a quick and perfect read.
"i LOVED this book with all of my heart, one of my favourite romance reads ever" — Lakshya
"This book is perfect, the characters are endearing and the story is well written" — Amelie
"A cute little romance book with amazing characters." — Jayla
Reviews
Lynn Painter YA masterpiece
"This book is so cute. It had all the cheesy romantic gestures of your typical rom-com without the spice but with their own unique spin. This book is amazing and it really catches your attention. It was impossible to put the book down. It was not my typical vibe but i fell in love with it anyway. It truly was ""Better Than The Movies""."
— Hezb (4/5)
Favourite couple
"Better Than the Movies was just utterly adorable and I couldn't put this book down. Even though the plot was predictable, this story gave me so much happiness that I smiled throughout the entire book. When I finished reading, I was sitting in the car waiting for my mom to come back from shopping — which I was supposed to go with her but didn't because of this book — and I literally cried. They were tears of joy, but I CRIED"
— Alena (5/5)
For all the rom com lovers this book is better than the movies!
"I could not put this book down. The writing, characters, chemistry and plot were all amazing. I adore Liz although she is a bit delusional at some times I really love her character. WES BENNET my man 💗 I don’t know what I’ll do if I never find my Wes Bennett. He is so sassy, sweet and loveable. As an avid rom com watcher this book was amazing."
— Clara (5/5)
Meh
"Found it a little boring and cliche which is supposed to be the point, I think. Overall rather uninteresting to me. Second book was even worse in my opinion as the author padded out her poor writing with cusses every second sentence. Didn't finish the second book."
— Elizabeth (3/5)
I find the characters relatable and beautifully orchestrated and it really stringed together a really amazing story.
"Such an adorable story and a really fun romance. Liz and Wes are so unexpected but so perfect. I really enjoyed this book."
— Galya S. (5/5)
Funny, cute and nostalgic.
"If you enjoy a good rom-com or a happily ever after ending this book gives you that and more!"
— Suzie (5/5)
Title makes perfect sense based on the book.
"The book was fantastic to read but I found it a little slow and not enough romance until the end, but for those of you who like really slow burns this is for you!"
— Alina (4/5)
Love a romance
"This is a gift so it hasn’t been read yet but I’ve heard nothing but great things about Lynn Painter and I look forward to reading it as well!"
— Taryn (5/5)
My Favourite Book!!
"I bought this a couple month ago, took me a while to me a while to actually get “into” the book. Once I do, couldn’t put it down. I read the first and second one within a month. Wish there was another book about these two."
— IEsa (5/5)
Title tottaly works for the book and is catchy.
"Great book with a good plot! Loved the characters and their inside thoughts you get throughout the book."
— Review (4/5)
Q&A
Published date: Jan 06, 2026
Language: English
No. of Pages: 384
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9781665990301
Dimensions:
5.5" W x
1.1" L x
8.25" H
"Better Than the Movies is a sweet and funny love letter to romantic comedies that shows how happily ever afters can help us navigate our toughest moments. I loved watching Liz learn that unexpected plot twists sometimes make the best stories. Perfect for anyone who wishes their life had a film-worthy soundtrack, a quirky wardrobe, and a memorable meet cute."
Lynn Painter is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, The Do-Over, Betting on You, Mr. Wrong Number,The Love Wager, Nothing Like the Movies, Fake Skating, and Trust Fall. She lives in Nebraska with her husband and pack of wild children, and when she isn’t reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. You can find her at LynnPainter.com, on Instagram @LynnPainterBooks, on X @LAPainter, and on TikTok @WesBennettsMom.
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