This wasn't quite what I was hoping for in a sequel. I loved Wes and Liz in book 1! I think that I would have been disappointed in their story if I had only picked up this book. I enjoyed it more because I already knew their background story. It's definitely a book to read as part of the series, not standalone. This continuation of their story was just okay. I almost felt like I wish that it just ended with book 1.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lynn Painter and Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book reminded me how much I loved the first book! In Better Than the Movies, I really fell in love with the love story of Wes and Liz. I liked that Painter added depth to their story with a realistic depiction of high-school relationships transitioning to college and adult ages. This book added much more depth to both characters, especially Wes. I really appreciated everything the Painter put into this book and would highly recommend!

Such a lighthearted, fun, and easy read. It's by Lynn Painter!! Need I say more??

Thank you so much for the ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishing Company for this Advanced Readers Copy of Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter!

For a second book in the series, it might be better than the first! Such a easy fun read infused with heart and emotion!! Thank you for the arc of this! Keep writing great books, Lynn Painter!!!

I was already feeling pretty indifferent toward Liz after the first book, and then hearing the synopsis for this one just made me groan. It’s the same old thing ,her being ridiculously oblivious. I don’t want to downplay her feelings about their breakup because it was rough, and Wes is a complete jerk for what he said and did. But I can’t stand when characters keep asking themselves, "Why is he saying this? Why does he look like he misses me?" Like, girl, he does. She’s just not having any complex thoughts about it. And honestly, I wasn’t all that happy with the ending and how they got back together. Even though I have my issues with Liz, she had valid concerns about getting back with him—like, will he repeat his mistakes when things get tough? That question was never really addressed or resolved, along with a few other things.

This was not the sequel I was hoping for, I'm heartbroken.

These characters were so different from the Liz and Wes from "Better than the movies", it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I was actually reading about the same people. But also, two years have passed and people do change a lot in two years, especially when there is tragedy involved.

This book shows you how cruel life can be and how everything can change from one moment to another, that life is not movie perfect. I was rooting for Wes so badly, but I could also understand where Liz was coming from.

Either way, I enjoyed the book but I can't help but think that their story from "Better than the movies" now is tainted by this one.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

This book was everything I wanted and more!!! I absolutely adored seeing these characters grow, change and mature while managing to still be true to the characters we fell in love with. Getting to watch Wes be singularly focused on getting Liz back was glorious to witness. Also getting more of Wes’s story?? Complete heartbreaking. I’ll take 10 more!

During their senior year of high school, Wes finally got the girl next door Liz to notice that he was more than a nuisance and that they were meant to be together. For a few brief months all was right in Wes's world. However, just before they were to leave for school, Wes's world was rocked by tragedy, and the fallout cost him his relationship with Liz.
Now Wes has decided to put the poor decisions of his past behind him, and he begins a quest to remind Liz of all the reasons they fell in love to begin with and hopefully convince her that their future together could be even better than their past. But Liz is not easily convinced and after having her heart shattered once by Wes, she just doesn't know if she can ever trust him to take care of it again.
This book made me laugh at times and other moments were so heartbreaking I was almost in tears. Wes certainly didn't deal with the emotional fallout of a family tragedy well, and he did hurt Liz in the process, but I couldn't help but root for him by hoping than Liz could see his genuine regret over his past mistakes, Although not as lighthearted and "fun" as Better Than the Movies, Nothing Like the Movies was beautifully written and romantically moving.

I was so excited to get more of Wes and Liz's story. Liz is most definitely not the same girl as she was in BTTM and Wes quickly learns that. We got more of Wes's backstory which made me feel for him so much more. So much character development and a lovely update on their relationship.

Wow. What a disappointment! If you loved Better Than The Movies, it's best to leave it at that. I stopped reading due to the fact that Liz was quiet immature and almost unsufferable and Wes needs to learn to take no as an answer. I feel like this book was not necessary and left me with a bad feeling.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

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.