Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter is the epitome of a feel-good romcom. This book is light, cute, and left me thinking that happily ever after truly exists. This story steeped my life with a sense of completeness and adoration for the cutest fictional couple in the history of literature. I loved the plotline, the allusions to romantic comedy movies, and the multitude of song lyrics that helped relate to readers.

The book initially introduces Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennet in their senior year of high school. Wes is seen by readers as an annoying, frustrating next-door neighbor and, pretty much, a foil to the main character, Liz. While Liz is articulate, organized, and classic, Wes is sporty, relaxed, and frivolous. As the story progresses, however, it reveals the complex layers of Wes and how he truly feels for his next-door neighbor. Liz must navigate her momentous senior year of high school, filled with milestones like prom and graduation, without her mom by her side. When her childhood crush moves back to school, she thinks this has to be a heavenly sign from her mother. Throughout the entirety of the book, Liz confides in Wes and fake dates him to prove to her crush, Michael, her mature qualities. Plans take a turn, though, when she realizes who her heart truly belongs to and how he feels for her.

Although this story mainly follows a traditional rom-com plotline, the book is a light, airy break from reality. The storyline is expected, but cute, and utilizes common movies or pop culture references to connect with readers and keep them interested. Personally, I enjoyed how Painter explores so many different aspects of love, grief, and friendship across the chapters that pertain to real-life experiences. I would definitely recommend Better Than the Movies, and I am without a doubt reading it again from start to finish.