Book Review Better Than the Movies

A high school senior's long-held crush on her childhood friend Michael finally seems within reach when he moves back to town, but winning his affection requires an unlikely alliance with her irritating neighbor Wes. This clever romantic comedy explores the messy reality of love versus cinematic fantasy through Liz's elaborate scheming, prom date ambitions, and growing realization that real relationships rarely follow a script. Painter masterfully captures the specific agony and ecstasy of teenage emotions, from heart-pounding flirtations to cringe-worthy misunderstandings that feel authentically adolescent.

What sets this story apart is the crackling enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Liz and Wes, whose witty banter and reluctant partnership deliver both laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional depth. Teen readers will see themselves in the pressure-cooker environment of prom season and the struggle to distinguish between idealized romance and meaningful connection. The narrative balances lighthearted humor with thoughtful commentary on how we internalize romantic tropes from media, making it equally appealing for fans of heartfelt contemporary fiction and clever romantic comedies.