Better Than Before Better Than The Prom by Lynn Painter

This volume binds two companion stories to Lynn Painter’s beloved YA romance, Better Than the Movies, focusing on Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennett.

“Better Than Before” is a prequel detailing an earlier, combative encounter between neighbors Liz and Wes, showing their established frenemy dynamic before the main novel’s events. It also introduces Charlie and Bailey, the couple from the author’s book Betting on You.

“Better Than The Prom” is a prom night novella told from Wes’s perspective. Initially heartbroken watching Liz with her childhood crush, Wes ultimately discovers that being with Liz—away from the grand expectations of the dance—is what truly matters, solidifying their movie-worthy, enemies-to-lovers relationship.