Better Than the Movies

Liz Buxbaum has always been a perpetual daydreamer, her head filled with grand romantic fantasies inspired by her favourite romantic comedies. She gave her heart to Michael Young a long time ago, but her cool and aloof crush never seemed to notice her before he moved away. Now that Michael is back in town, Liz sees this as her golden opportunity. Determined to get on his radar and secure him as her prom date, she finds herself seeking help from the most unexpected person—her irritating next-door neighbour, Wes Bennett.

Wes, though annoyingly attractive and a constant source of childhood pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes, seems to be Liz's only chance to get closer to Michael. Surprisingly, Wes and Michael start hitting it off, which makes Wes the perfect “in” for Liz’s grand scheme.

As Liz and Wes concoct plans to ensure that Michael notices her, a twist of fate takes Liz by surprise. She starts to enjoy spending time with Wes, discovering an unexpected charm beneath his irksome exterior. Amidst their scheming and shared moments, Liz begins to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about love. She is faced with the daunting task of rethinking her own idea of what Happily Ever After should really look like.

Better Than the Movies is a heartfelt and humorous exploration of young love, friendship, and the sometimes messy reality behind our greatest expectations. Lynn Painter crafts a narrative filled with witty banter, endearing characters, and an emotional depth that resonates beyond the typical teen rom-com. This delightful story is a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of romance and the transformative power of genuine connection.