Better Than the Movies
A charming YA rom-com about high school senior Liz, who teams up with her annoying neighbor Wes to win her longtime crush while quietly grieving the mother she lost years earlier. The heart is warm and the romance stays sweet, but regular profanity, a keg-party scene, and ongoing grief themes make this one best suited for older tweens and up.
Readers roughly 13 and up who enjoy lighthearted romance, witty banter, and nods to classic romantic comedies.
Chapters to know about
Liz's grief for her late mother surfaces repeatedly in small moments, including regular cemetery visits and connections to rom-com films she watched with her mom; sensitive readers may find these emotionally resonant.
The backstory of Liz's mom dying in a drunk-driving accident is established early and handled with quiet warmth; a good opening conversation point for families who have experienced loss.
Profanity is woven into everyday teen dialogue across the whole book rather than concentrated in one scene.