Nothing Like The Movies

Nothing Like the Movies is a deeper emotional read in this sequel to Better Than the Movies. I love that we now have dual perspectives from Wes and Liz’s point of view. In the beginning, Wes's character remained flat even though we had an emotion-charged tragic backstory that saw them break up and become estranged. Then we fast-forward two years without going into the details before he returns to college.
I didn’t remain disappointed for long though because Liz’s new internship has her focused on the baseball team and conducting interviews that finally get into the emotions and the details of those two years and the reason for the breakup that makes Wes a dynamic character. I also love that Liz is now the cool professional with snappy one-liners and a no-drama reputation that shows she has also changed.
I appreciate that as coldly as Wes dumped her, she is not quick to return to him. I love that his big romantic gestures and his assurance that he knows her now are rebuffed. We see them work through the hurt and pain of the past before she can try to like him again which feels emotionally truthful.
When you pick up the story you know how it will end but the details of the journey in how they get there are enthralling. This was another book where I picked it up and could barely put it down and stayed up way too late to see them get back to right.

NOTHING LIKE THE MOVIES by Lynn Painter is the second novel in which we readers get to follow along as Wes and Liz’s love story unfolds. However, instead of picking up where we blissfully left off in BETTER THAN THE MOVIES, or the novellas in between, Wes’ life has gone off the rails, and as a result, the two are no longer the madly-in-love couple we knew. Wes has broken Liz’s heart and she’s determined to forget him. Only, Wes knows Liz is the one for him and once he gets his life together, he’s prepared to get her back. However, in their time apart, Liz has changed. She’s no longer the girl next door he knew, and Wes may no longer fit into her life at all.

The beginning of this book is very unexpected and it took a second for me to accept what had happened. However, I really like how Painter holds back on giving us all the details upfront, so that by the time we finally have the full story we can totally understand how it all transpired and appreciate both characters points of view. That said, I still find it hard to believe that Liz’s parents lived next door to Wes the whole time this was playing out and had zero inkling what was going on, nor did they offer to help beyond a singular phone call. Though, I’m willing to put that aside, because true to form, Painter takes us on a ride with this book!

I honestly believe only an author as talented as Painter could break apart such a solid couple, find the boy-loses-girl story, and make it so darn entertaining. The characters have definitely matured in this sequel, and I enjoyed getting to see them grow up and explore the world. I especially loved the role Wes’ sister plays in this narrative, and it’s fun to get more of her sassiness and snark. I also loved all of the new characters, particularly Wes’ teammates and Liz’s roommates.

This is such a slow burn of a novel, but it has an enormous payoff in the end. While the events are sad, I’m really glad Painter chose to shine a light on difficulties many young kids may experience, while at the same time, showcasing what it’s like to be there for your family, go after your dreams, and not always have the right answer.

NOTHING LIKE THE MOVIES is a solid follow-up to one of the best-penned romances that deserves its space next to all the love stories quoted in the chapter beginnings.