Liz Buxbaum has spent her whole life convinced that real romance should feel like the movies she loves, so when she sets her sights on her childhood crush, she enlists the help of the one neighbor she can’t stand to make it happen. What follows is a witty, heartfelt enemies-to-something-more story brimming with banter, big feelings, and plenty of swoon. It’s classic YA rom-com territory, and it absolutely shines in audio.
Get the Better Than the Movies Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printWhat Better Than the Movies is about
“Better Than the Movies” by Lynn Painter follows Liz Buxbaum, a romance-obsessed teen who has always believed her perfect love story is out there waiting, just like in the films she adores. When her longtime crush re-enters her life, Liz realizes the fastest way to get close to him runs straight through Wes, the irritating boy next door she’s been trading jabs with for years. Reluctantly, the two strike up a deal that throws them together far more than either expected.
What unfolds is a smart, funny coming-of-age romance about expectations versus reality, the difference between a fantasy and the real thing, and the way the people closest to us can surprise us most. With sharp dialogue, genuine emotion, and a heroine easy to root for, it’s a feel-good Young Adult read that leans into everything fans love about the genre while keeping its characters grounded and human.
| Author | Lynn Painter |
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Why Better Than the Movies is great on audio
The banter-heavy, first-person voice is exactly the kind of writing that pops in audio, letting Liz’s sense of humor and racing thoughts land with perfect comedic timing. The back-and-forth between her and Wes feels especially alive when performed aloud, making it an easy listen for car rides, walks, or a cozy afternoon. If you love a romance you can laugh and swoon along with, the Better Than the Movies audiobook is a great way to experience it.
Who should listen
This one is for readers who love light, character-driven YA romance with witty banter, slow-burn tension, and plenty of heart. If you enjoy enemies-to-more setups and grounded teen characters, you’ll likely fly through it. Listeners who prefer darker, plot-heavy, or more mature fiction may find it too sweet and squarely aimed at a younger romance crowd.
If you like Better Than the Movies, listen to these next
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
- Divergent by Veronica Roth
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
How to listen to Better Than the Movies
Better Than the Movies is available on Audible and Amazon. If you’re new to Audible you can listen with a free trial, or buy the audiobook (also in Kindle and print) on Amazon.
Get the Better Than the Movies Audiobook on AmazonListen on Audible · also in Kindle & printFrequently asked questions
How can I listen to the Better Than the Movies audiobook?
The audiobook is available on Audible and Amazon. New Audible members can start with a free trial, which is a popular way to listen, or you can simply buy the audiobook on Amazon.
What kind of book is Better Than the Movies?
It’s a Young Adult contemporary romance, blending humor, swoon, and coming-of-age themes. It leans into rom-com tropes while keeping its characters and emotions feeling real.
Is the audiobook spoiler-free to go into blind?
Yes, and we’d recommend it. Much of the fun comes from watching the relationships develop, so going in knowing only the basic premise lets the banter and emotional beats land naturally.
Is this a good pick if I love banter-driven romance?
Absolutely. The story is built around sharp, funny back-and-forth dialogue and slow-building tension, which makes it especially enjoyable for fans of witty, character-focused romance.