Title: Nothing Like the Movies
Author: Lynn Painter
ISBN: 9781665947138
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 442
Source: Private Copy
For a few beautiful months, Wes had his dream girl: the strong-willed girl next door Liz. But right as the two were about to set off for college to start their freshman year together, tragedy struck. Wes was left dealing with the fallout, which ultimately meant losing Liz in the process.
Flash forward months later, and Wes and Liz find themselves in college, together. In a healthier place now, Wes knows he broke Liz’s heart when he ended things, but he is determined to make her fall back in love with him.
Wes knows Liz better than anyone, and he has a foolproof plan to win her back with rom-com-worthy grand gestures she loves. Only . . . Liz will have none of it! Wes has to scheme like a rom-com hero to figure out how to see her. Even worse, Liz has a new friend . . . a guy friend.
Still, Wes won’t give up, adapting his clever plans and going hard to get Liz’s attention and win back her affection. But after his best efforts get him nowhere, Wes is left wondering if their relationship is really over for good.
Official Summary
20 November 2024
I can finally check off the purple book on my BINGO card! I have been looking for a purple book forever. Now I am just one book away from completing it. YAY!
I’ll admit, I was curious to see where Nothing Like the Movies would take me after reading Better Than the Movies. The first book had such a satisfying, complete story that I honestly didn’t see why a sequel was necessary. I mean, Liz and Wes had their journey, they got their happily-ever-after, and I left that book feeling like everything was wrapped up perfectly. So, when this second book popped up, I was kind of sceptical. It felt a little… like a cash grab, honestly.
Despite this Nothing Like the Movies was such a sweet and heartfelt read, I loved Wes and Liz both characters felt just as real and relatable as they did in the first book. Wes is so determined to win Liz back, and his rom-com-inspired grand gestures make for some really sweet and sometimes hilarious moments. I loved how the book gave up both humour, tension, and heart as Wes navigates his way back into Liz’s life. And I enjoyed seeing their connection grow, even through all the ups and downs.
Overall, for me, it was a bit of a letdown, and I don’t see why this book needed to be made in the first place. It felt a little like a cash grab trying to ride the wave of the first book’s success. However, I have seen so many people who are obsessed with these characters and I am sure they loved having more of these characters so take into account that is just my feelings, and I seem to be in the minority with this book as most of the ratings show this book is very popular.
Also by Lynn Painter
BETTER THAN THE MOVIES
Perpetual daydreamer Liz Buxbaum gave her heart to Michael a long time ago. But her cool, aloof forever crush never really saw her before he moved away. Now that he’s back in town, Liz will do whatever it takes to get on his radar – and maybe snag him as a prom date – even befriend Wes Bennet.
The annoyingly attractive next-door neighbor might seem like a prime candidate for romantic-comedy fantasies, but Wes has only been a pain in Liz’s butt since they were kids. Pranks involving frogs and decapitated lawn gnomes do not a potential boyfriend make. Yet, somehow, Wes and Michael are hitting it off, which means Wes is Liz’s in.
But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz noticed by Michael so she can have her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love – and rethink her own ideas of what happily ever after should look like.
About The Author
Author Bio from the Author’s Site
Lynn Painter is the international bestselling author of Better Than the Movies. She writes romantic comedies for both teens and adults, and when she isn’t reading or writing, odds are good she’s guzzling energy drinks and watching rom coms.
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