Nothing Like the Movies (Better Than the Movies)

I don’t usually care for second chance romance, however Lynn Painter really hooked me with this one. I fell in Love with Liz and Wes in Better than the Movies and was excited to see how their story evolved. I think this is a very realistic evolution of their lives. Did reading all the pain that they experienced from life and their break up break my heart? Yes, but Painter does a very good job of keeping you invested in their love story. I loved the added POV we get from Wes this time around. Without it I think it would have been hard as a reader to be rooting for Wes at all. Which would be a tragedy, because if you thought Wes was one of the best book boyfriends in Better than the Movies, he somehow gets better in Nothing like the Movies.

I love Lynn Painter and the way she builds all the characters to seem so real. I absolutely ADORED Better Than The Movies, but although the second one wasn't quite as good, it was still well written and had an amazing happy ending. I was slightly disappointed because the first book was so amazing, but it was still a very enjoyable read.

"Nothing Like the Movies" is the kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished reading. It’s a heartwarming, emotional journey that combines the charm of a romantic comedy with the depth of real-life struggles and relationships. Why I Loved It: Relatable Characters: The protagonist, struggling with her own version of love and life, is incredibly relatable. The characters feel authentic, and their development throughout the story makes you root for them. Romantic but Real: The romance in this book is sweet and touching, but it doesn’t feel like the typical "movie romance." It’s grounded in real emotions and challenges, making it even more beautiful. Great Chemistry: The connection between the main characters is electric and full of tension, making their journey even more compelling. Feel-Good and Fun: While there are deep moments, the book is also full of humor and lightheartedness. It balances emotions perfectly, giving you a satisfying read. Perfect for Romance Lovers: If you're a fan of romantic stories with a touch of drama and humor, this is definitely for you. It’s a perfect escape into a world of love and hope. If you're looking for a heartfelt romance that’s more than just the typical movie plot, "Nothing Like the Movies" is a must-read. It’s a beautiful, emotional ride and will leave you with a smile on your face. Highly recommend! 💕🎥

I put off reading this books for YEARS because I just love Wes and Liz so much and couldn’t stand the idea of them breaking up, so I may be a little biased in my review. However - I do think there are legitimate reasons why this is only a 3 star review: 1. It’s mainly sad, where Better than the Movies was so FUN. Too sad, imo. 2. Not a fan of Clark. I think he was supposed to be the new Joss? But Joss was loyal to Liz and Clark wasn’t. He was such a blah friend and did not have Liz’s back. 3. I hate the way Wes handled the breakup and I feel like he did betray Liz on NYE, especially with the peck, which is kinda written off as no big deal but I think was a huge freaking deal since Liz was not far off, totally heartbroken. Like, how dare you? Yes yes he was in the midst of some kind of breakdown but idc. 4. Wayyyy too much info about Liz’s internship. I am here for the feels. I do not care about your career, ma’am. But still, Wessybeth 4evaaaaaaaaaaaa

Lynn Painter’s Nothing Like the Movies takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, bringing back Liz and Wes from Better Than the Movies—only this time, they’re not together. I was devastated to find out about their breakup and the painful circumstances that led to it. The chemistry that made them so perfect in the first book was still there, but this time, it was overshadowed by heartbreak, regret, and growth. Watching Wes fight to win Liz back was both swoon-worthy and agonizing, and I was completely on board for it. The character development in this sequel was astonishing. Both Liz and Wes had to face their own issues, making them feel even more real and relatable. Liz, once the hopeless romantic who dreamed of grand love stories, was now more guarded, and Wes, who was always the easygoing and confident guy, was forced to confront his mistakes and fight for what he wanted. Their journey was full of tension, longing, and bittersweet moments that made my heart ache and root for them even harder. Now, let’s talk about the audiobook. The dual narration by Charlie Bushnell and Jesse Vilinsky was absolutely fantastic. Having both perspectives brought so much depth to the story, making it feel even more immersive. Bushnell captured Wes’s determination and regret so well, while Vilinsky perfectly portrayed Liz’s heartbreak and hesitant hope. Their performances added an extra layer of emotion, making the highs even sweeter and the lows even more gut-wrenching. Overall, Nothing Like the Movies was an emotional yet satisfying follow-up. While it hurt to see Wes and Liz go through so much, it made their love story feel even more real. If you loved Better Than the Movies, this sequel is a must-listen—just be prepared for all the feels!

Bought for my daughter and she loved this book.

Absolutely love these books. So cute and light. Such a fun read! You won’t be disappointed!!

I read a couple of reviews that said it didn't live up to the hype of the first one but I thought the author did a great job with the realism of the characters and their dialogue. They felt more adult. These was the first two books I've read by this author ( first books and the sequel) and I'm immediately looking up which books to read next. I really enjoyed the writing. 4.75 stars

It's a freallly good book

My heart is so full after reading this book. I love the first book so much, and reading the sequel made me realise just how much I love these characters. The second chance romance trope was written so well and I can gladly say that I’m now a fan of the trope (and any other trope) if it’s written by @lynnpainterbooks . Wes and Liz are perfect the way they are, but together, they are magic✨ This book takes place two years after their breakup, and I love that we got to read it from both the MC’s povs. We get to see how Wes yearns for Liz’s affection and how Liz is determined to keep him as far away from her as possible. Circumstances force them to work together, and you can feel the angst and yearning through the pages. This book is so beautiful, and I’m not sure my review will ever be enough to describe my love for it(you’ll have to read it to find out💗). It is so different from the first book and, we see how the characters have grown and matured, yet somehow they’re still the same Wes and Liz that we loved in the first book. I’d definitely recommend reading this if you loved the first book as much as I do💜

Die Fortsetzung hat mich genauso begeistert wie Band 1. Charmante Figuren, viel Humor und romantische Momente – perfekt für alle, die leichte, unterhaltsame Romance mögen. Ich konnte das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen!

A mí hija le encantó el primero y ahora se está leyendo este