Novels Like Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

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    Tweet Cute by Emma Lord

    Tweet Cute follows Pepper and Jack, classmates whose families own rival fast-food chains. Their playful Twitter feud turns into an entertaining online spectacle. Unknown to them, their secret anonymous chat has them bonding in unexpected ways.

    Full of humorous banter, pop culture nuggets, and sweet romantic tension, this novel matches the fun and charm of Better Than the Movies.

    Set against a familiar high school backdrop, Pepper and Jack’s story has witty dialogue and clever interactions that readers who enjoy playful YA romances will definitely appreciate.

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    To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

    In To All the Boys I've Loved Before, Lara Jean’s secret love letters unintentionally find their way into the hands of her crushes. Faced with embarrassment, Lara Jean pretends to date Peter Kavinsky, a popular classmate, to smooth things over.

    This fake romance leads to an endearing journey filled with laughs, family warmth, and heartfelt discoveries about love. Lara Jean is sweet and genuine, making her relationship with Peter especially charming and relatable.

    Fans of delightful YA rom-coms, like Better Than the Movies, will thoroughly enjoy Lara Jean’s story.

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    What If It's Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

    Arthur and Ben meet by chance in a New York City post office, sparking interest but facing missed connections afterward. They finally reconnect and decide to explore a relationship despite their uncertainty and differing personalities.

    Rich with pop-culture references, lively dialogue, and authentic teenage voices, What If It’s Us blends hopeful romance with realistic struggles.

    Arthur and Ben navigate their budding romance with charm, humor, and plenty of sincerity, ensuring readers who admired the witty charm of Better Than the Movies will also enjoy following their story.

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    You Should See Me in a Crown by Leah Johnson

    Liz Lighty never imagined herself running for prom queen. When a scholarship opportunity pushes her into the spotlight, Liz enters an unfamiliar world of competition and popularity logistics. To complicate things further, Liz develops feelings for competitor and rival Mack.

    This novel offers a genuinely swoon-worthy rivals-to-lovers romance paired with heartwarming family relationships and friendships.

    Its charming humor and authentic high school vibes suit readers who flew through novels like Better Than the Movies, offering a fresh, relatable take on classic teen rom-com tropes.

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    Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

    On their last day of high school, academic rivals Rowan and Neil compete in an epic scavenger hunt that changes their perceptions of each other.

    Equal parts witty banter, playful arguing, and sweet romance, Solomon's novel showcases authentic teenage dynamics and adversarial tension turning toward romance. The distinctive Seattle setting enhances their adventure, giving realism and charm to the story.

    This fun enemies-to-lovers dynamic provides laugh-out-loud humor and delightful romantic progression that fans of Better Than the Movies are sure to appreciate.

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    Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

    Stephanie Perkins' beloved YA romance brings readers to Paris, where Anna spends her senior year navigating friendship, love, and culture shock. She soon meets Étienne St. Clair, a charming and charismatic classmate, whose kindness and humor win her over.

    Filled with sweet romantic interactions, sincere friendship moments, and vivid Parisian scenes, this novel wonderfully balances charm with realism.

    Perkins tells an endearing, funny story that readers who enjoyed the warm-hearted fun of Better Than the Movies will savor all the way through.

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    Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

    Simon's anonymous email exchanges with Blue offer emotional honesty and romantic tension. When these private emails become at risk for exposure through blackmail, Simon navigates the turmoil while building courage to reveal his true feelings publicly.

    Simon's voice resonates with authenticity, humor, and heart, capturing readers' attention instantly.

    With themes of vulnerability, friendship, and first love woven throughout the engaging storyline, fans of character-driven YA romances similar to Better Than the Movies will easily connect with Simon and his sweet, heartfelt journey.

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    Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

    Cath writes popular fanfiction and struggles to adjust to college life. Unlike her twin sister Wren, who embraces new surroundings and social opportunities, Cath remains introverted until she meets Levi, whose patient kindness gradually draws her out.

    Their romance unfolds naturally through sincere dialogue and realistic moments.

    With relatable characters and a thoughtful narrative depicting personal growth, this novel captures the same heartwarming essence and witty charm readers loved in Fangirl, making Cath's story truly memorable.

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    Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

    Emergency Contact follows Penny and Sam who randomly cross paths and, after exchanging phone numbers, form a bond through text messages. Their honest communication about anxieties, insecurities, and everyday struggles creates a genuine connection.

    This novel portrays realistic characters navigating complex emotions and relatable problems. The balance between thoughtful conversation and humor matches the charm and sincerity readers found in Better Than the Movies.

    Penny and Sam's relationship offers a refreshing, authentic portrayal that will warm the hearts of YA romance enthusiasts.

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    The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West

    When Gia Montgomery's boyfriend dumps her moments before prom, she impulsively recruits a fill-in date to maintain appearances. They continue their pretend relationship, leading to fun antics and genuine romantic sparks.

    Kasie West’s book blends fake-dating situations with witty dialogue, interpersonal drama, and heartfelt moments that keep the story enjoyable.

    Its engaging high school setting and charming narrative provide exactly the appealing dynamic found in novels similar to Better Than the Movies.

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    The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

    From the same author who brought readers Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter presents another delightful YA romance: The Do-Over. Emilie’s disastrous Valentine's Day repeats in a continuous loop.

    Throughout repeated misadventures, she encounters Nick, whose sarcastic banter and engaging personality charm both Emilie and readers alike. Painter’s spirited storytelling entertains and captures relatable romantic conflicts and exciting possibilities.

    Those who adored the witty charm and sweet humor in Better Than the Movies will find themselves eagerly flipping pages again.

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    10 Things I Hate About Pinky by Sandhya Menon

    10 Things I Hate About Pinky follows Pinky and Samir who couldn’t differ more, yet she spontaneously enlists him as a fake boyfriend during a family vacation. Hilarity, tension, and genuine feelings begin to emerge between the two adversaries.

    With clever banter, humorous antics, and relatable family interactions, Menon crafts an engaging, charming romance that showcases familiar rom-com tropes exceedingly well.

    Fans who loved the funny and heartfelt vibe in Better Than the Movies will thoroughly enjoy Pinky and Samir’s evolving connection.

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    When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

    Dimple is career-oriented and uninterested in romantic plans her parents have for her. Rishi believes in tradition and is eager about their arranged introduction at a summer program. Their clashing personalities lead to humorous situations and heartfelt romantic developments.

    Menon's delightful storytelling balances humor, romantic charm, and relatable teenage experiences beautifully.

    The playful vibe and irresistible chemistry make When Dimple Met Rishi perfect for readers seeking charming YA romances that match the appeal of Better Than the Movies.

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    Geekerella by Ashley Poston

    Geekerella brings readers a modern, fandom-inspired Cinderella retelling. Ella, an enthusiastic fan convention participant, forms a secret connection online with teen actor Darien, who navigates his own fan-driven pressures.

    Their budding romance through messaging is sweet, authentic, and engaging.

    With relatable characters, humorous dialogue, and heartfelt moments, this refreshing twist on a classic tale appeals greatly to readers who enjoyed the pop culture charm present throughout Better Than the Movies.

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    Meet Cute Diary by Emery Lee

    Noah, a trans teen, runs a popular Tumblr filled with idealized trans romance meet-cutes. When followers begin doubting its authenticity, Noah decides to stage a fake relationship of his own to restore belief.

    The resulting arrangement blends amusingly awkward moments with sincere emotional connections. Emery Lee delivers witty dialogue and relatable teen voices, creating a charming narrative that beautifully captures YA romance essence.

    Readers searching for novels with similar appealing charm as Better Than the Movies will adore Noah’s story.