A review by maddy707
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

This book was an entertaining highschool movie. I could picture the whole thing perfectly in my head. It had those laugh out loud movie moments and I was entertained throughout.

I loved Wes as the main love interest. He was funny and charming and had great chemistry with Liz. Liz on the other hand was a little flat for me. The pacing of her character development was very rushed at the end. I also didn’t like that she lied to her best friend about everything for basically no reason. I get that she was scared to open up to her, but at the same time she didn’t need to lie about everything, like going to a party. She probably has the worst communication skills of any teenager I've ever seen. 

The whole “fake dating” plotline was a little convoluted because they weren’t really dating at all. A more accurate description would be “fake talking-stage”. It sort of feels like they called it fake dating so they could use that in advertising the book. Also this isn’t an “enemies to lovers” more of a “rivals to friends to lovers”.

However, I was really entertained by this book and had a good time reading it. 3 stars for Wes and .75 for a cute relationship, banter and chemistry. 

Btw what the heck kind of name is Mr. Fitzpervert. 

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