Nothing Like the Movies is a heartwarming story with undeniably sweet characters, but unfortunately, it falls short when it comes to delivering the entertainment and depth I was hoping for.

From the first page, it’s clear that the author has a gift for creating endearing, lovable characters. Each one feels warm and authentic, and you can’t help but root for them, even if they don’t always make the best decisions. Whether it’s the quirky sidekick or the shy, introverted protagonist, everyone has a certain charm that makes them easy to connect with. The relationships between them are genuine and sincere, full of small gestures and moments that tug at your heartstrings. It’s the kind of book you can imagine reading to unwind, where the characters make you feel like you’re hanging out with old friends.

However, despite all the sweetness and well-constructed interactions, the book struggles to capture the kind of energy or suspense that keeps you turning pages. The plot itself feels a bit lackluster and meanders without much forward momentum. There are a few moments where it seems like something significant is about to happen, but then it fizzles out. While the characters are lovely, I found myself wishing for a little more conflict, or at least a stronger plot that could keep me fully engaged.

The pacing is slow, and there’s a lot of reflection and introspection, which, for some readers, may be a cozy comfort. For me, though, it felt like the book was meandering without a clear direction. The moments of charm and sweetness, while heartwarming, couldn’t quite fill the gap left by the lack of gripping tension or real surprises.

In the end, Nothing Like the Movies is a wholesome read, perfect for those who want a gentle, feel-good experience. But if you’re looking for something that packs a little more punch or keeps you at the edge of your seat, this one may leave you wanting. It’s sweet, sure—but not quite enough to leave a lasting impression.

I’m always a little apprehensive about sequels that weren’t originally intended — especially for romances where the couple has already gotten together — and I think this book is a good example of why that apprehension is justified.

Nothing Like The Movies takes place long after Better Than The Movies: Liz and Wes are broken up. Liz is working for the school paper and covering athletics. And Wes is finally ready to return to college after recovering from a tragedy that upended his life. He’s determined to get Liz back, but she’s not having it, no matter how much her heart wants to.

I think the first thing that jumped out at me was that the main characters in this book just didn’t really feel…like Liz and Wes? I’m not a fan of time jumps to begin with, but it felt like I was reading about two people that are just so different at their very core. Liz is no longer quirky at all, and Wes has just become a really insecure and jealous person, which is dragged out for a lot of the story.

The plot just feels kind of thin too. It’s basically Wes trying to get Liz back and feeling upset about her new guy friend who she ends up pretending to be “fake date.” I feel like this would’ve worked better as a novella — one where Liz/Wes just had a fight and were taking a break; it would’ve had a much different, more light-hearted feel to the story, but I think this might work better for me. I’m not sure I bought into how dramatic everything was, even though the backstory tried to establish a lot of emotional weight.

If I remove Better Than The Movies from this book and look at this as a simple second-chance romance, I think it’s a much more enjoyable and fun read.

This was a great second book to "Better than the Movies." Wes and Liz are my favorite book couple. This story tells of them in college. It was so cool to read about them in college! I did go to college, but it was nothing like Wes and Liz's experience, so it was nice to read about other college experiences. I loved getting to know them better.

I was a huge fan of Better Than the Movies, so I was excited to read this one! I think it didn't hit the nail on the head for me because it didn't add much to the story and characters we already know from the first book. I did like that we got to see the characters dealing with grief and loss, and I love to see characters going through relatable issues. Even though this wasn't one of my favorite reads, I enjoyed it and it was 3.5/5 stars for me. I'm looking forward to see what Lynn Painter comes out with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the e-arc!

Not as amazing at book 1 but still had so much to love! Lynn painter truly is the queen of YA swoon!

Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy!

I usually believe Lynn Painter can do no wrong. I was so beyond thrilled to receive the ARC for this book as with most of her recent publications, including the OG BTTM, I finished it within a four-hour window without putting it down.

I had a hard time getting into this book because [somewhat spoiler, but not really] the idea itself that Wes and Liz broke up was hard for me to wrap my head around. I know realistically, if this was real life, it would be possible (if not likely), but I felt very protective over my favorite couple of Lynn Painter's. I also know that it's part of the plot for the book, but the characterization of Liz felt really different and, while she got back to being her usual self by the end, I wish we got more of that.

I'm still giving it 4/5 stars because I love Painter's writing and these characters, but I'm almost hoping this is more of a filler book for a third one that will hopefully be announced to be on the way. In the meantime, I can live with the little tidbits she gives us from the bonus chapters connected Betting on You because I love both books.

Lynn Painter can do no wrong. For someone who doesn't love YA, I seriously can't get enough of Lynn's YA books (or any of her books for that matter). Her books are almost sickly sweet, but they're the perfect mix of teenage dramatics without being cringe or eye-roll inducing. They're realistic and feel good at the same time.

I can't get enough of Wes and Liz. This book was just the perfect mix of growing up and feeling the growing pains of emotions and everything that comes along with growing up and becoming your own person as an adult.

This book threw me through so many emotions. I cried, I giggled, I swooned and I was tense, so anxious and eager to continue with the story and see how it all unfolds.

Wes Bennet the man that you are <3

“i exist to exist alongside you”

This book will melt your heart and give you ALL the feels.
I loved seeing the difference in Liz’s personality from Better than the Movies to this book. How she’s not a silly little hopeless romantic anymore, she’s grown up , she’s driven, determined, and very goal oriented. I think this is a perfect way to show what it’s like being a young adult navigating going to college and growing up.

Wes’ story was so incredibly heartbreaking and I loved reading about his new outtake on life. I loved how even after everything he went through he was able to grow from it and start over. You will definitely be sobbing reading his POV at points in this story.

This story will have you giggling, crying, smiling all at the same time. These characters hold a special place in my heart!

Sometimes you read a book and you start to believe that it’s real. You think about the people like you know them and you’re fully invested in their lives. This is one of those books.

Some books are meant to be a one and done! I thought this would be great then I started reading reviews and thought I will form my own opinion. Well they were all right!

I absolutely adored this book. Seeing Wes and Liz again and how they navigated college and their relationship and growth throughout college. I felt all the things with this one and so glad the journey ended as it did.

Nothing Like the Movies brought the same trademark banter we’ve come to expect from Painter (and all the anticipated music and pop culture references), which was my favorite part of the book. I do think it was significantly longer than it needed to be; it felt like the conflict kept repeating itself, and each miscommunication was quite predictable. Since flirty banter is the strong suit, it was a bummer that so much of the book lacked that while the couple was broken up, especially since we could see from the start how they would work it out. Still a cute and enjoyable story but maybe would’ve been better suited as a novella!

As someone who was in love with the first book, I am so disappointed. This is Wes character assassination so we can watch the characters re-get together. I love Lynn Painter but this one really missed the mark for me.

I just adore Lynn Painter's style of writing. I haven't read someone with the specific banter style she is able to write for her characters. I was super excited for this sequel and it didn't disappoint. I enjoyed that the female main character remained independent and the male didn't try to stall her growth. Thank you Simon & Schuster for the ARC.

Another winner from Lynn. I devoured BETTER THAN THE MOVIES and oh my goodness - She's done it again! This book is delightlful, adorable and so lovely!

Lynn Painter books are always such a ball of sunshine. I preferred Better than the movies, but this book was sweet and enjoyable none the less. Wes & Liz have my heart.

I am not one to DNF books, but there's a first for everything. I was bored and it just kept dragging.
I was here for a second chance rom-com and this didn't hit that mark.

I love Lynn Painter, this one just wasn't for me. :)

After reading the first novel in this series, Better Than the Movies, and being utterly charmed by it within a couple pages, I had very high hopes for this sequel. To prepare myself, however, I made the foolish mistake of reading other reviews of the novel and was hesitant to continue with the story, given their mixed nature. Luckily, those reviews (at least in my opinion) were completely wrong.

Nothing Like the Movies is a different sort of sequel in that so much background story takes place between the two novels and part of the plot is unraveling those threads and connections. Furthermore, for those that read the two back to back, the beginning of this novel can be quite jarring and confusing, since the narrative is introduced in a way that makes one think that they missed a chapter (or two, or three). One of the key concerns I read in other reviews was that the characters’ voices and personalities were completely different. I find that change to be expected and quite refreshing, given the premise of the plot. No one person is going to be the same after a life-altering experience, nor are most young adults going to perceive life the same as they did in high school, which Painter clearly understands.

Nothing Like the Movies is a wonderful sequel if you give it a chance. No, it does not have the constant musical lyrics and film reference interludes that seemingly reflect the current action perfectly. However, it also doesn’t depict Liz as a juvenile lovestruck teen who revels in her fantasies more than reality. Instead, it finds the harmonious balance between romance and practicality that makes for a healthier and more reassuring ending to Liz and Wes’s story.

This was a YA book that i think would hit right for the correct audience--i just wasnt that audience.

Thanks though for the gifted copy of this one!

WE FINALLY GET THE BOOK WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! Liz and Wes are back and SO SO GOOD. I will always recommend any thing Lynn writes. 5/5