Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)
This sparkling deluxe paper over board special edition features a new cover, stenciled edges, gorgeously designed endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, a letter from the author, and never-before-published bonus content!

A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller

Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.

The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
1137941902
Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)
This sparkling deluxe paper over board special edition features a new cover, stenciled edges, gorgeously designed endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, a letter from the author, and never-before-published bonus content!

A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller

Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.

The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.
22.99 In Stock
Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)

Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)

by Lynn Painter
Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)

Better Than the Movies (Collector's Edition)

by Lynn Painter

Hardcover

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Join us on Wednesday, February 11 at 7PM ET, as we welcome #1 New York Times bestselling author, Lynn Painter, in conversation with bestselling author Ali Hazelwood, for a live, virtual Valentine’s Day-themed discussion of BETTER THAN THE MOVIES Collector’s Edition and TWO CAN PLAY. You must purchase a ticket on Eventbrite to join this event. Please visit here to learn more.

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Sometimes life doesn’t always play out like the movies. Hopeless romantic Liz is positive that her childhood crush Michael is Mr. Right, but her plan to woo him falls apart when she starts to develop feelings for her ever-aggravating neighbor Wes.

This sparkling deluxe paper over board special edition features a new cover, stenciled edges, gorgeously designed endpapers, a ribbon bookmark, a letter from the author, and never-before-published bonus content!

A USA TODAY and New York Times bestseller

Perfect for fans of Kasie West and Jenn Bennett, this “sweet and funny” (Kerry Winfrey, author of Waiting for Tom Hanks) teen rom-com follows a hopelessly romantic teen girl and her cute yet obnoxious neighbor as they scheme to get her noticed by her untouchable crush.

Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar—and maybe snag him as a prom date—even befriend Wes Bennet.

The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own ideas of what Happily Ever After should look like.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781665990301
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Publication date: 01/06/2026
Series: Better Than the Movies
Pages: 384
Product dimensions: 5.70(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.20(d)
Age Range: 12 - 18 Years

About the Author

About The Author

Lynn Painter is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the MoviesThe Do-OverBetting on YouMr. Wrong Number, The Love WagerNothing Like the Movies, and Fake Skating. She lives in Nebraska with her husband and pack of wild children, and when she isn’t reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom-coms. You can find her at LynnPainter.com, on Instagram @LynnPainterBooks, on X @LAPainter, and on TikTok @WesBennettsMom.

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