✨”She didn’t move, didn’t speak; we were in slow-motion quicksand, and the only thing I knew was that we were about to kiss.” ✨

First off, this review might be biased because I love Wes and Liz and will read any extra insight I can of them!

‘Better Than The Movies’ is one of my favorite romcoms, so ‘Nothing Like The Movies’ was my most anticipated read of 2024. It did not disappoint! Of course, I knew that with a second chance romance plot line, there would be sadness and it was in no shortage here. I was heartbroken to know one of my favorite couples was apart for two painful years, but I loved seeing them reconnect as adults in a new stage of life.

The story illustrates personal growth for the characters, while also staying true to character continuity. The banter is top notch and NLTM includes some of the best tropes! My heart loves these two and while I’m sad they were ever apart- life is truly messy and complicated, and I was just so happy to be back in their world!

Some tropes/highlights:
💟 romance quote chapter headers
💟second chance romance
💟loss/depression/guilt
💟dual pov
💟forced proximity
💟fake dating
💟grand romantic gestures
💟clean romance with (swoon-worthy) romantic tension

Thank you to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Publishing, and Lynn Painter for the opportunity to read an eARC in exchange for my honest review. I’m excited to get in the physical copy I’ve preordered!

I am beyond honored to receive on ARC of this book because Better Than the Movies is one of my all time favorite books. Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster, Lynn Painter, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

Honestly this exceeded all of my expectations for a sequel. The dual POVs were perfection. I loved getting into Wes's head, I loved the depth that it added to his character. I was so excited for Liz to be cool in college.
I love an obsessed MMC and Wes is ✨obsessed✨
Lynn did such a great job with this storyline and showing the heartbreak and loss that they both went through and ultimately bringing them back together. Entire story was so on point for Lynn and I wouldn't change anything.

I wanted to indulge myself in some kind of romance book, and this was it.
I have mixed feelings about this book but in the best way imaginable. I've eagerly awaited the chance to read it for so long.

The experience was an emotional rollercoaster, taking me on a journey from somber moments to pure elation as I reached the end. It's the kind of book that compels you to keep reading, even when you feel you should take a break. Calling it amazing feels like an understatement. I appreciated every aspect of it. The writing is so captivating that it resonated deeply with me. I wish I could forget it just to have the joy of reading it for the first time again and reliving those moments.

This book truly had a powerful impact on me. It is, in every sense, remarkable.

5⭐️’s

When I found out what the premise of the sequel to one of my favorite rom coms would be, I was a bit nervous, I’m not going to lie. Lynn Painter has yet to miss for me though, and I knew her love for these characters would not let me down. Sooo, I’m happy to report that this book was just what I needed!

Better Than the Movies was a feel-good, cutesy YA romance that meets all of my requirements to start kicking my feet and giggling.

Nothing Like the Movies has all the same elements but with an additional angst, depth, and longing from Wes that we did not get from Liz’s POV in Better Than the Movies! I loved how real this book was, and how it challenged Wes and Liz in more mature situations than they have encountered together prior.

I really enjoyed reading about the ways in which Wes and Liz changed as they were apart for two years and how they had to navigate getting to know one other again. Life happens at the most unlikely of times, high school relationships, and the “honeymoon phase”, don’t always last, and people change and grow in these young and pivotal years. Sometimes we need to fall apart to come back together stronger.

I felt alllll the feels during this read and was obsessed with the media references as per usual!! Lynn Painter, you’ve done it again and I still can’t believe I got to read this early. Thank you, NetGalley 🥰🥰

This book was literally everything. Lynn broke my heart but then fixed it and oh my goodness i am so glad she did. I love my wesliz babies💕

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

Nothing Like the Movies was a satisfying YA read that I have no doubt will fulfill the anguish and novelty of first loves that both young and older readers find so addictive.

We see where Wes and Liz are after their first love, entering the adult world of complications and regrets. But, unlike the title, this is everything like the movies in that it leans into romantic tropes but does so in a way that feels unique to this story. I absolutely loved the callbacks to some great movies with the quotes at the start to chapters and they helped set the tone on this sweet story about what happens after things stop being so simple as teenage love.

Pick this up to get caught up in the highs and lows of two very cute characters finding their way back to each other!

I wished I loved this book more than I did. I really enjoyed Better Than the Movies, and so was stoked to be able to receive an arc for the sequel. However, it disappointed me.
Overall, the book struggled because it did not need to exist, and therefore the stakes and tension of the story felt diminished. Tonally, it was very different from the first book, which took me out of the reading experience and made me struggle to stay engaged. There is a major time jump at the beginning that was especially jarring, which did not help to get me into the story,
Ultimately for my teen patrons I will recommend the first book, and the author's other YA titles, but I don't know if this one is worth a try.

"Ketchup hearts and raindrop kisses, Gracie Abrams and tear-soaked goodbyes. Noah Kahan on repeat for months."

Sequels always scare me, especially when the first book's HEA is two high school students drifting off into the sunset, heading to college with full hearts and a future of love ahead of them. When the book ends at the HEA, I can feasibly believe that these two high schoolers will never breakup, never fight about new friends and classes, or how they feel about being away from home. When a sequel is written, especially one that takes place during college, that opens the door for unrealistic situations, so when Lynn Painter announced a sequel to Better Than the Movies, one of my favorite YA romcoms, I was apprehensive. Lesson learned--never doubt Lynn, because this sequel was INCREDIBLE.

Synopsis:
Wes and Liz are meant to be. After years of living the classic enemies-to-lovers, boy-next-door, he fell first, she fell harder tropes, they're getting their happily ever after out in California. Liz is going to study music and Wes is going to play baseball and they're going to be the perfect pair of high school sweethearts. Until Wes' dad dies two weeks into their first semester. Until Wes defers from UCLA to take care of his spiraling mother and teenage sister. Until Wes breaks up with Liz after being back in Wisconsin for only a couple weeks. Until Wes tells Liz at a New Year's Eve party that he doesn't care about her at all.

Now, two years later, Wes' life is back on track. His younger sister has graduated, his mom is in therapy, and Wes is back on the UCLA baseball team against all odds. He's a 22-year-old freshman and determined to get back the life that was stolen from him years ago. Especially Liz.

Liz, on the other hand, is thriving. She's scored her dream internship filming UCLA sports content with an industry legend, she lives with her three best friends in a swanky apartment, and she's finally over Wes Bennett. So why does her heart stop when she sees him on campus, pitching from the mound where the hotshot rookie is supposed to be? And why is he trying to win her back after breaking her heart so thoroughly?

Miscommunication, fake-dating, second-chance romance, and even cameos from Painter's other YA novels--Nothing Like the Movies was nothing like what I expected--it was, ironically, better ;)

Thoughts:
WesLiz is one of the best YA ships, so reading the first chapter any seeing that they had broken up was devastating. But, trust Painter to have the best slow burn that makes it worth it. The sass, the wit, the banter is still there, even though both Wes and Liz have changed drastically since high school. The longing looks, the pining on Wes' end and the confusion on Liz's--all the best parts of Better Than the Movies are still there, just elevated and more mature.

Painter weaves in themes of grief, guilt, loss, mental health, addiction, and overcoming trauma while also highlighting the joys of college away from home: new friends, living on your own, parental freedom, parties, exciting classes and passionate professors, and internships that overwhelm but inspire. We're introduced to the goofy and lovable UCLA baseball team as well as Liz's eccentric roommates. We explore the UCLA campus and live the warm California life, but also make a nostalgic and heartwarming visit back to the Wisconsin street where it all began.

Painter truly fulfills every fan wish while still keeping the story compelling. And of course, the playlist is immaculate. (As a diehard Noah fan, I loved the references to his songs, as well as my other favs including Taylor, Gracie, and the super surprising Blake Rose mention?!?)

Overall:
If you're a YA fan, a romcom fan, or just a person looking for a good read, always start with Lynn Painter. She never misses, and this sequel proves that she can provide fan-service while still putting out creative, amazing writing. I'm so glad she's getting the moment she deserves, and I hope Nothing Like the Movies gets the same hype that Better Than the Movies did.

5/5 stars, WesLiz forever, and maybe I'm a baseball fan now???

"His gaze was home. His gaze was backyard bonfires and late-night phone calls and cross-country road trips that led to hotel rooms with soft sheets and cool, heavy comforters."

I am a Wes Bennet stan through and through! He shall forever be the blueprint to all high school boyfriends. I loved this book so much! Lynn Painted knows how to write a YA romance that will make you giggle and cry a little. I could not put this book down! I loved the silly reference that only a certain generation will understand and come on, gotta love all those TS references!

I was worried about a second book for Wes and Liz BUT I loved it. I enjoyed the dual POVs and the film (and movie) references. A lovely way to continue the magic of these couple. So many swoony moments and a book that left me happy. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was so happy to receive this arc! This book was everything I was expecting from it and so much more. I felt so many emotions while reading this book. Seeing the differences between Liz from Better than the Movies and Liz in Nothing Like the Movies was heartbreaking to me because it really showed to me how much this tear in her and Wes's relationship affected her. I also loved seeing how both Liz and Wes have grown as characters but at the same time they were still the same characters from the first book.

Every single interaction between Wes and Liz in this book was incredible. The TENSION, the YEARNING. There was so much to love. Even as they tried to deny it I felt like it was jumping off the pages at me. They just miss each other so much. I also loved how as soon as they kissed again for the first time old Little Lizzie popped out again even though Liz kept saying she was dead. As soon as they kiss she thinking of the perfect song to go over the moment and what would be happening in a movie right then if their life was a movie. That fact almost made me more emotional than them breaking down and kissing because I missed the movie loving Liz and the fact that she came out right then was so special.

I loved this book. I lived getting to know more of Wes and get his points of views on things that were happening. And he was just so cute trying to win her back. I loved the ending of this book. I loved how they got together, and thank you Lynn Painter for writing it!

gracias netgalley por la copia avanzada!

3.5
Que difícil hacer una reseña de este libro porque tengo muchas cosas que me gustaría decir, pero como es una copia avanzada me voy a limitar a comentar cosas sin mencionar ningún spoiler de la trama.
En general esperaba cosas peores, le tenía muy poca expectativa al libro y pensé en no leerlo, pero por suerte no me encontré con tanto drama sin sentido. Me parece que se lee rápido, nunca se me hizo pesado y pude disfrutar volver a leer a estos personajes a los que le tengo mucho cariño. Ahora, nada de esto quita que no siga siendo una secuela TOTALMENTE innecesaria y que solo se hace para rascar un poco el éxito que tuvo el primer libro.
En relación a los personajes tengo mis dudas, Wes es sin dudas el protagonista de este libro (Lynn Painter lo hace sufrir DEMASIADO, no se qué problema tiene!!), me gustó mucho leer su pov y conocerlo más. Por el lado de Liz es donde vienen mis dudas, sentí que su personalidad era 100% diferente a la del primer libro y, si bien tiene algo de sentido, en algunos momentos sus acciones me dejaban dudando o como que no me terminaban de cerrar. Igual, a pesar de todo, los amo a los dos y leerlos en otro ámbito y con otras dinámicas me pareció muy lindo.
Por ultimo, hablando del libro en general, mi gran problema fue las referencias a la cultura popular. En el primer libro sentí que la autora las maneja bien y es lindo, pero en este sentí que era EXCESIVO el uso de canciones y cantantes famosos y no se sentía nada natural cuando los personajes pensaban o hablaban de eso. Era un momento raro, eran demasiadas referencias, parecía demasiado forzado y me terminaba dando más vergüenza ajena que otra cosa.

No words can describe how perfect this book was. I’m so sad it’s over I need 173828482929 books about Wes and Lib. Just like Better Than the Movies, this book was all about seeing it like a movie. I was picturing it so vividly in my mind. The scenes between them were perfect and the soundtrack dear lord I listening to the ending song whilst reading the ending scene it was so perfect. I’m going to try and process the fact that I finished this masterpiece now.

Nothing Like The Movies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lynn Painter knocked it out of the park..home run.

I’ve been dying to read this because I absolutely loved Better Than The Movies. I will read anything about Wes and Liz. Lynn weaves together romance with heartache so beautifully it brought me to tears. This one has a sadder tone especially with all of the hardships Wes has endured. My heart hurts for both of them, it’s so relatable and raw, showing the struggles of first love, tragedy and trauma. Even though it’s dual POV, this one has more of Wes’s POV. Both are more mature and not teenagers anymore, Wes and Liz 2.0. Wes returns to UCLA two years after their breakup to make Liz fall back in love with him and to follow his baseball dreams. He desperately needs her to give him a second chance after breaking her heart.

Will she be able to forgive him and let go of the past hurt? There’s a lot of heartbreak, pining, and half truths they need to work through. Plus all the Wes and Liz banter I loved from the first book help to break up the underlying emotional hurt. I loved the new characters and college atmosphere. The Twilight and Pride & Prejudice references were my absolute favorite!

I hope there will be a ton of bonus chapters and I already preordered two hard copies of this book. Fingers crossed these books will be made into a movie 🎥


Thank you NetGalley, Lynn Painter, and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Lynn Painter's Nothing Like the Movies is a captivating and heartwarming sequel that perfectly captures the ups and downs of young love and the challenges of college life. As a follow-up to the bestselling Better Than the Movies, this book delivers emotional depth, humor, and all the romantic gestures that make for a feel-good read.

The story picks up with Wes and Liz navigating their freshman year at UCLA after a heartbreaking breakup. Lynn’s writing immediately draws you in, vividly portraying the unresolved tension and lingering feelings between the two characters. The heartbreak and growth they experience feel real and relatable, making their journey all the more engaging.

Wes’s determination to win Liz back is both endearing and entertaining. His rom-com-inspired attempts to rekindle their romance add a lighthearted and humorous touch to the story, while also showcasing his growth and sincerity. Liz’s strength and independence shine through as she resists Wes’s grand gestures, creating a believable and compelling dynamic between the two.

Lynn excels at balancing the romance with the realities of college life. Wes and Liz’s experiences as college students—managing classes, new friendships, and personal growth—add depth and authenticity to the story. The introduction of Liz’s new friend, who poses a potential threat to Wes, adds an extra layer of tension that keeps readers invested.

The chemistry between Wes and Liz is electric, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and heartfelt moments. Lynn’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotion ensures that the story resonates deeply, making you root for Wes and Liz every step of the way.

Nothing Like the Movies is a beautifully crafted tale of second chances and enduring love. Lynn Painter has created a sequel that not only lives up to the original but also stands strong on its own. Whether you’re a fan of the first book or new to the series, you’ll be swept away by Wes and Liz’s story. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good romance, plenty of humor, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings.

Lynn Painter is one of my insta-buy authors and her books never miss. That being said, I had to mark this down a star because BTTM was an almost perfect book in my opinion, and I feel like the fan-service sequel ruined the magic of the original a little bit. The extra content that's been sporadically posted was wonderful, but I feel like this ruined my memory of the first book, honestly. The pining and yearning were great. The banter was excellent. This truly would have been a perfect second chance romance, if it hadn't been based on a couple we didn't already know and love. Instead, this mostly just made me sad. Did I still devour it? Yes. Did I love having more Wes and Liz? Yes. But could I have done without this ever having been written? Absolutely.

Wow, I am pleasantly surprised with how much I loved and adored this sequel! I know some people prefer books like Better Than the Movies to be a standalone, BUT I am very happy we got a continuation of Wes & Liz’s story.

Lynn Painter perfectly captured how life can change in an instant, and what tragedy can to do a person. Was this an emotional rollercoaster? Oh absolutely… but I love when a book makes me feel ALL the feels like this. I loved how real everything was. Also having a dual POV was EVERYTHING!!!

The new friendships we get to see is so beautiful and so fun! I loved the new characters and getting to revisit with some of the original characters from the first book. The college atmosphere was also a nice change to have and experience along side our main characters.

I LOVED Wes & Liz even more in this book oh my gosh.
I was swooning so hard. I love them so very much
“I exist to exist alongside of you.”

*Thank you for this ARC!

I WAS AND AM STOKED I GOT THIS ARC. Will be preordering it for my classroom library!! This is my favorite read of the year. I know Soooo many of students will love these characters and find themselves in them and get some glimpses of what’s next for them in college.

I absolutely adored this sequel. I hate the hate it’s been getting from people because I think Lynn Painter did WesLiz justice!! It was real, raw, and relatable. It showed how we sometimes backtrack as humans but that ultimately leads to growth. It showed how life sucks sometimes and tragedy hits and you go through some dark times before finding the rainbows again. THERE IS STILL AN HEA, but we witness the reality of people going through it and finding their way back to each other.

And, tbh, I loved Liz wayyy more in this one. She’s no longer the naive delulu girl next door—she’s endured heartbreak and is finding her way through college and seeing a path for her future career. I loved seeing this side of her! Again, it’s a relatable read for such a formative time for YAs.

WESSY. My one complaint is I wish there were more Wes antics. Yes, Wes messed up. No, he did not handle things well. (He was 18 so just remember how you are/were at 18). Yes, you will forgive his transgressions (real and made up).

All that said, this was so painful to read for the first half because OMG THE HEARTACHE and the HEARTBREAK. (It was well executed and well written so much that I had secondhand anxiety).

I’ll be in a book hangover now. Thank you Lynn Painter for your humor and wit and writing sorcery.

Wow. Very rarely does a sequel leave me wanting even more. I could continue reading about Liz and Wes for their entire lives going forward. Delicate subjects handled with care. Fast paced and keeps you sucked into their new world of UCLA.

I was so excited for this but also worried because the first book is one of my favorites! But luckily it didn’t disappoint at all. Lynn Painter is just a wonderful writer that really has you falling in love with characters and she did so even more with Nothing Like the Movies. Overall, I loved this book. The chemistry between Wes and Liz is still so great and it just felt really real the struggles they had and relatable no matter your age. Loved seeing the college life and just a more mature version of them. Will be adding to my personal library as well as our library 100%!