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Better Than the Movies #3
Behind the Movies: Outtakes and Extras from the World of Better Than the Movies
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27An S&S BFYR book. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader!
288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 5, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
i’ll start by saying that i LOVE better than the movies. it was one of my favorite books long before social media picked it up and catapulted it into the spotlight, and i’ve been a fan of lynn painter’s books for years.
with the bttm movie on the horizon, this release feels more like a cash grab than a worthwhile addition to the story. all the chapters are available online, so you guys aren’t getting much that you couldn't access for free. i understand wanting to have everything collected in one place, but i wish there had been more content to justify the release. what little new material we did get felt far too short (and a bit boring).
was it cute? absolutely! do i love wes and liz? of course!! there’s something so special about revisiting these characters, and i’ll never complain about getting more of them (in theory). but the execution left me wanting more & the timing of this release makes it difficult not to question its purpose...
i wanted to love this so much more than i did. i adore bttm, but nostalgia and a handful of extra scenes can only carry a release so far. this was less of a meaningful addition to a beloved story and more like an attempt to capitalize on the upcoming movie. i’m glad i got to revisit wes and liz, but i wish there had been more here to make this release feel worthwhile.
thank you so very much to simon & schuster and lynn painter for the arc! <3
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hot take: this is highly unnecessary 🤦♀️ #cashgrab
with the bttm movie on the horizon, this release feels more like a cash grab than a worthwhile addition to the story. all the chapters are available online, so you guys aren’t getting much that you couldn't access for free. i understand wanting to have everything collected in one place, but i wish there had been more content to justify the release. what little new material we did get felt far too short (and a bit boring).
was it cute? absolutely! do i love wes and liz? of course!! there’s something so special about revisiting these characters, and i’ll never complain about getting more of them (in theory). but the execution left me wanting more & the timing of this release makes it difficult not to question its purpose...
i wanted to love this so much more than i did. i adore bttm, but nostalgia and a handful of extra scenes can only carry a release so far. this was less of a meaningful addition to a beloved story and more like an attempt to capitalize on the upcoming movie. i’m glad i got to revisit wes and liz, but i wish there had been more here to make this release feel worthwhile.
thank you so very much to simon & schuster and lynn painter for the arc! <3
-
hot take: this is highly unnecessary 🤦♀️ #cashgrab
Want to Read
September 2, 2026OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG
MORE WESLIZ
MORE WESLIZ
Want to Read
September 4, 2026 ꒰੭ ﾟ @ behind the movies 𑁯🌷 ﾟ꒱
౿ ⋆.˚ pre-release ⋆.˚
2027 JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AHHHHHHHH
I MISSED WES AND LIZ SO SO MUCH 😭💝
──〃release date: january. 05. 2027
౿ ⋆.˚ pre-release ⋆.˚
2027 JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER AHHHHHHHH
I MISSED WES AND LIZ SO SO MUCH 😭💝
──〃release date: january. 05. 2027
Want to Read
September 5, 2026when was I going to find out about this...like hello?
Want to Read
September 4, 2026oh this is going to change so many lives (in the best way possible)
Want to Read
September 3, 2026GOING INSANE!!!! all the bts and bonus chapters in a book like HELLO!!! `
HAHAHHA got the arc!!! thanks simon teen for the eARC via edelweiss
HAHAHHA got the arc!!! thanks simon teen for the eARC via edelweiss
Want to Read
September 5, 2026➺ 𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝:
⤿ started┊not yet.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GETTING TO SEE MY SWEET BABIES AGAIN AFTER SO LONG, I've missed them SO MUCH you have no idea.
And them being all cute on the cover??? EXCUSE ME??? The little poses, the smiles, the whole thing??? I'm actually melting. It feels like getting reunited with old friends I haven't seen in forever, and I am SO ready to be back with them again.
I already know this is going to be an emotional reunion because I've missed these babies more than I'd like to admit. <𝟑 .ᐟ
⤿ started┊not yet.
I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M GETTING TO SEE MY SWEET BABIES AGAIN AFTER SO LONG, I've missed them SO MUCH you have no idea.
And them being all cute on the cover??? EXCUSE ME??? The little poses, the smiles, the whole thing??? I'm actually melting. It feels like getting reunited with old friends I haven't seen in forever, and I am SO ready to be back with them again.
I already know this is going to be an emotional reunion because I've missed these babies more than I'd like to admit. <𝟑 .ᐟ
Want to Read
September 19, 2026Oh, I am about to be insufferable.
And for those saying it's a cash grab: yes it is, but I don't gaf.
And for those saying it's a cash grab: yes it is, but I don't gaf.
Want to Read
September 6, 2026💓I just fell to my knees. THIS IS CINEMA!!!💓
2027-releases
September 3, 20262027's gonna start with a banger book..😭❤️
Want to Read
September 24, 2026I loved the drama of the second book but it was kinda unnecessary, but more liz-wes content is always welcomed😘
October 11, 2026
"I cannot believe I get to be loved by you," she interrupted, leaning forward across the table to raise her mouth to mine. "You are my whole heart, Wes Bennett." 😭
i’ll never get enough of lizwes you can give me 10 more books i’ll be here reading them and giving five stars.
i’ll never get enough of lizwes you can give me 10 more books i’ll be here reading them and giving five stars.
October 11, 2026
Full RTC 🙃
Want to Read
October 10, 2026pre-release
OH HELLLL YESSSS IM SO READY FOR THIS I'VE MISSED WES AND LIZ SO FREAKING MUCH
not like i've already read most of the short stories online but whatever there's a bonus story so like take my money
OH HELLLL YESSSS IM SO READY FOR THIS I'VE MISSED WES AND LIZ SO FREAKING MUCH
Want to Read
September 4, 2026this comes out on my birthdayyyy!!!
Want to Read
August 30, 2026pre-read: lynnn why are you torturing me? i need this book yesterday😭😔💔🥲🥲
update: omggg the coverrr ahhhhh😱🤸♀️🤸♀️
update: omggg the coverrr ahhhhh😱🤸♀️🤸♀️
Want to Read
September 3, 2026WHAT??!!!! I WANT THIS BADLY!!
Review of advance copy
in 2025, i met lynn for the first time and asked her if she would be releasing a book featuring all the bonus content and she said there wasn’t anything in the works but her publisher may decide to later. so here i am taking credit for this <3
jk i’m not taking credit but i’m super excited lizwes is so so deer to me 💕
jk i’m not taking credit but i’m super excited lizwes is so so deer to me 💕
Want to Read
September 19, 2026🎀
OMG MORE WES LIZ I CAN'T WAIT!!!
NO ONE CAN STOP ME FROM FANGIRLING OVER THIS.
🎀
I have so many predictions from the bonus content.... (bc wdym one second they're talking about a penney ring and the next second liz's christmas present is in his pocket? mayhaps in a ring box???)
I might be VERY delusional BUT WE GET MORE WES LIZ
OMG MORE WES LIZ I CAN'T WAIT!!!
NO ONE CAN STOP ME FROM FANGIRLING OVER THIS.
🎀
I have so many predictions from the bonus content.... (bc wdym one second they're talking about a penney ring and the next second liz's christmas present is in his pocket? mayhaps in a ring box???)
I might be VERY delusional BUT WE GET MORE WES LIZ
unreleased
September 2, 2026OH MY GOODNESS! LYNN PAINTER YOU BEAUTIFUL SOUL! MORE LIZ AND WES
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The movie may be over, but Wes and Liz still have plenty of bonus scenes.
🎬
This YA short story collection returns to the world of Better Than the Movies and Nothing Like the Movies with deleted scenes, alternate POVs, and brand-new moments featuring Wes and Liz. Readers get everything from Wes’s perspective on iconic scenes to college road trips, rescue-cat chaos, and glimpses of what happens after their happily ever after.
🎥
This is basically bonus content for everyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Wes and Liz (me included!)! I love getting favorite moments from Wes’s POV, especially because it lets us see what he was thinking during scenes we already know and love. The deleted scenes, college adventures, and glimpses into their future make this feel like the rom-com equivalent of an extended cut. Definitely one for established @lynnpainterbooks fans rather than a place to start, but if you already love Wes and Liz, you’ll eat this up! This title releases January 5!
CW: emesis, grief, parental death (recounted)
🎬
This YA short story collection returns to the world of Better Than the Movies and Nothing Like the Movies with deleted scenes, alternate POVs, and brand-new moments featuring Wes and Liz. Readers get everything from Wes’s perspective on iconic scenes to college road trips, rescue-cat chaos, and glimpses of what happens after their happily ever after.
🎥
This is basically bonus content for everyone who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Wes and Liz (me included!)! I love getting favorite moments from Wes’s POV, especially because it lets us see what he was thinking during scenes we already know and love. The deleted scenes, college adventures, and glimpses into their future make this feel like the rom-com equivalent of an extended cut. Definitely one for established @lynnpainterbooks fans rather than a place to start, but if you already love Wes and Liz, you’ll eat this up! This title releases January 5!
CW: emesis, grief, parental death (recounted)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WESLIZ NATION IT IS OUR TIME!!!!!!!! If there’s one thing I know for a fact it’s that I will never be over how much I love these two little love lovers.
Getting more of them and their love story is something I will never complain about. Truly, thank God for Lynn Painter constantly keeping us fed.
I was so emo reading the final, new epilogue. I think I’ll always associate BTTM and WesLiz with a sparkling, shining time in my life, and reading that epilogue just affirmed that. I love them so much it physically hurts.
————————————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster’s Children Publishing for the ARC!
Getting more of them and their love story is something I will never complain about. Truly, thank God for Lynn Painter constantly keeping us fed.
I was so emo reading the final, new epilogue. I think I’ll always associate BTTM and WesLiz with a sparkling, shining time in my life, and reading that epilogue just affirmed that. I love them so much it physically hurts.
————————————————————————
Thank you to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster’s Children Publishing for the ARC!
Want to Read
September 8, 2026EXCUSE ME WHY DID I NOT KNOW OF THIS BEFORE AAAHHHH I CANT WAIITT
Want to Read
September 12, 2026AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Read
September 16, 2026pre read : got the arc☺️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
⚾️ okay, first of all I have to say that I LOVE better than the movies, it was the book that got me into reading. I was obsessed to the point that I started reading ALL extra and bonus content POSSIBLE, so I’d already read almost all of what was in this book. It was a long time ago tho, so it was SO FUN to re-read and remember HOW head over heels Wes is for Liz.
🎬 Talking abt the book itself, if you haven’t read any bonus content and are ADDICTED to BTTM just like me, I think this book is PERFECT for you. I dont think those chapters are just fillers, they are a part of the story that I cant NOT think abt when I think of BTTM.
🍿 I’d read all of the chapters except for a new one that (I think) Lynn wrote for this book, and every time a new detail of Wes and Liz’s story is added, I feel more fulfilled inside lmao. I loved the idea of putting all of the novellas in one book, I was just kinda disappointed with the fact that there wasn’t as much new content as I was hoping for. But I LOVE those chapters with all my heart (I just wish I had MORE NEW stuff to obsess over).
🎹 Thanks, NetGalley, for this arc and I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends who haven’t read any bonus content yet!
⚾️ okay, first of all I have to say that I LOVE better than the movies, it was the book that got me into reading. I was obsessed to the point that I started reading ALL extra and bonus content POSSIBLE, so I’d already read almost all of what was in this book. It was a long time ago tho, so it was SO FUN to re-read and remember HOW head over heels Wes is for Liz.
🎬 Talking abt the book itself, if you haven’t read any bonus content and are ADDICTED to BTTM just like me, I think this book is PERFECT for you. I dont think those chapters are just fillers, they are a part of the story that I cant NOT think abt when I think of BTTM.
🍿 I’d read all of the chapters except for a new one that (I think) Lynn wrote for this book, and every time a new detail of Wes and Liz’s story is added, I feel more fulfilled inside lmao. I loved the idea of putting all of the novellas in one book, I was just kinda disappointed with the fact that there wasn’t as much new content as I was hoping for. But I LOVE those chapters with all my heart (I just wish I had MORE NEW stuff to obsess over).
🎹 Thanks, NetGalley, for this arc and I’ll definitely recommend it to my friends who haven’t read any bonus content yet!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was really cute - and, honestly, it's exactly what it says it is.
I'm a big fan of Better than the Movie and Nothing Like the Movies so I like having all the bonus material brought together in one place. Sometimes it's difficult to find certain material, or to find it again, or know if you missed something, so this was a nice way to bring it all together. There was also so much bonus material for this series that it made sense.
I'm still hoping we'll return to this world with Sarah and Clark, but for now, I think this is a great source for any fans of the series and have a little something extra, if wanted. It's great getting a little more of Liz and Wes, and more of the college friends from Nothing Like the Movies.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC!
I'm a big fan of Better than the Movie and Nothing Like the Movies so I like having all the bonus material brought together in one place. Sometimes it's difficult to find certain material, or to find it again, or know if you missed something, so this was a nice way to bring it all together. There was also so much bonus material for this series that it made sense.
I'm still hoping we'll return to this world with Sarah and Clark, but for now, I think this is a great source for any fans of the series and have a little something extra, if wanted. It's great getting a little more of Liz and Wes, and more of the college friends from Nothing Like the Movies.
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the eARC!
October 9, 2026
I love Better Than The Movies and Lynn Painter. Behind The Movies combines a good chunk of novellas that she has already written with some new content too. It makes sense to turn it into a book. I was just not expecting to read repeat stuff though. Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC.
Want to Read
September 4, 2026SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE MY LIFE IVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED FOR ANYTHING EVER IM NOT EXAGGERATING. Better than the movies and nothing like the movies are my favourite romance books ever and I need more Wes and Liz more than I need air.
Want to Read
September 2, 2026i’m so excited for this book 👀
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews