Contemporary romantic comedy fiction gained a prominent voice with the release of the 2021 young adult novel Better Than the Movies, which achieved widespread popularity on BookTok and established a devoted readership. Lynn Painter emerged through this debut as a #1 New York Times bestselling author specializing in humorous, trope-filled romances across young adult, adult, and middle-grade demographics.
Career & Background
Born in Champaign, Illinois, Lynn Painter eventually settled in Nebraska, living in the Omaha and Springfield areas with her husband and five children. Before turning to full-time fiction writing, she worked as a facilities coordinator for a heavy equipment dealer and wrote a biweekly parenting column for the Omaha World-Herald. Her literary career took off in May 2021 with the publication of her debut young adult novel Better Than the Movies through Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, represented by literary agent Kim Lionetti of Bookends Literary Agency. Following its success, Painter transitioned to full-time writing, expanding her catalog into adult romantic comedies such as Mr. Wrong Number and children's fiction such as The Wish Switch.
Writing Style & Themes
Painter's novels heavily draw upon the tropes and structural beats of classic cinematic romantic comedies, combining fast-paced dialogue, witty banter, and emotional vulnerability. Her stories frequently explore themes of second-chance romance, fake dating, identity growth, and chaotic family dynamics. Emphasizing escapism and lighthearted humor, she crafts narrative arcs centered on young adults and adults navigating complex relationships while paying homage to popular rom-com tropes.
Major Works
- Better Than the Movies — Published in May 2021, this debut young adult romantic comedy centered on hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum and her neighbor Wes Bennet became a #1 New York Times bestseller and BookTok success.
- Nothing Like the Movies — The 2024 sequel to Better Than the Movies follows Liz Buxbaum and Wes Bennet as they navigate collegiate life at UCLA, dealing with heartbreak and second chances.
- The Do-Over — A young adult romantic comedy novel by Painter featuring a Valentine's Day time-loop narrative.
- Happily Never After — An adult romantic comedy novel expanding Painter's contemporary romance bibliography.
- Wes & Liz’s College Road Trip — A companion story set in the universe of Better Than the Movies, featuring central characters Wes Bennet and Liz Buxbaum.
- Fake Skating — A young adult romance novel that was optioned for a feature film adaptation by Sony Pictures.
