You know that feeling when you’re watching your favorite rom-com for the millionth time, and you just want to reach through the screen and shake some sense into the main characters? Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt reading Lynn Painter’s Nothing Like the Movies. But in the best possible way, I swear.
This sequel to the New York Times bestseller Better Than the Movies had me alternately swooning, laughing, and yelling “Oh my God, just kiss already!” at the pages. Which, let’s be real, is exactly what you want from a great romance novel.
The Skinny
So here’s the deal: Wes and Liz, our star-crossed lovers from book one, are back. And they’re at UCLA together, which should be amazing, right? Except…it’s not. Because life decided to throw them the mother of all curveballs right before freshman year, leaving Wes to pick up the pieces and Liz heartbroken.
Now they’re both trying to navigate college life while dealing with All The Feelings. Wes is determined to win Liz back with grand romantic gestures (because apparently he learned nothing from John Cusack movies). Liz, meanwhile, is doing her best “I’m totally over it” impression. Spoiler alert: She’s not.
Oh, and did I mention there’s a new guy in the picture? Because of course there is. This is a rom-com, people. We need our obstacles!
The Good Stuff
Characters You’ll Want to Hug (or Maybe Smack)
Look, I’m gonna be real with you. Wes and Liz are frustrating as hell sometimes. But that’s what makes them feel so dang human. Wes, bless his heart, is trying so hard to make things right. His determination is both endearing and slightly embarrassing—like watching a puppy repeatedly run into a glass door. You want to help, but also…maybe grab some popcorn?
Liz, on the other hand, is doing that thing where she pretends she’s totally fine while secretly pining. It’s classic rom-com heroine behavior, and I am here for it. Her struggle to balance her feelings for Wes with her desire to protect her heart is painfully relatable.
And can we talk about the supporting cast for a sec? Because holy moly, they’re fantastic. From Liz’s roommates to Wes’s teammates, every character feels fully realized. I’d honestly read entire books about some of these side characters. (Lynn Painter, if you’re reading this…hint hint.)
The Banter, Oh The Banter
One thing Lynn Painter absolutely nails is the dialogue. The back-and-forth between Wes and Liz crackles with tension and humor. It’s like watching a tennis match where the ball is made of witty comebacks and unresolved sexual tension. You know, the best kind of tennis match.
There’s this one scene where they’re locked in an attic together (because of course they are), and I swear I nearly died from secondhand embarrassment and delight. It’s peak rom-com goodness, folks.
College Life Done Right
As someone who may or may not still be paying off student loans, I appreciate how well Painter captures the college experience. The excitement of new beginnings mixed with the terror of adulting for the first time? Spot on. She nails the little details too—from the chaos of dorm life to the struggle of balancing academics with a social life (and in Wes’s case, baseball).
Plus, there’s something so satisfying about watching these characters we’ve grown to love tackle this new phase of life. It’s like seeing your friends from high school all grown up…if your friends were fictional and way more interesting than most people you actually knew in high school.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Look, I loved this book. But in the spirit of honesty (and because my editor insists on “balanced reviews” or whatever), here are a couple tiny nitpicks:
Miscommunication Station
At times, the plot relies a bit heavily on the old “if they just talked to each other, this would all be resolved” trope. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a classic for a reason. But there were moments where I wanted to lock Wes and Liz in a room and not let them out until they had an actual conversation.
Pacing Hiccups
The middle section dragged juuust a smidge for me. Don’t worry, it picks right back up. But there’s a stretch where it felt like we were treading water a bit before getting to the really juicy stuff.
The Verdict
Despite those minor quibbles, Nothing Like the Movies is a delightful romp of a read. It’s the literary equivalent of curling up with your favorite rom-com and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. Comforting, indulgent, and guaranteed to leave you with a smile on your face.
Lynn Painter has a gift for creating characters that feel like old friends and situations that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. If you loved Better Than the Movies, you’ll adore this sequel. And if you haven’t read the first book…what are you waiting for? Go read it, then come back for this one. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Who Should Read This?
- Rom-com enthusiasts who secretly (or not so secretly) wish their life was a movie
- Anyone who’s ever had a crush on their next-door neighbor
- Fans of authors like Jenny Han and Kasie West
- People who appreciate a good pop culture reference
- Anyone who’s ever made a fool of themselves for love (so…everyone?)
The Bottom Line
Nothing Like the Movies is a charming, funny, and heartfelt exploration of second chances and the messiness of young love. Lynn Painter proves once again that she’s a master of the YA romance genre, delivering a story that’s both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly unique.
So grab your popcorn, put on your comfiest PJs, and get ready to fall in love with Wes and Liz all over again. Just don’t blame me if you end up staying up way too late to finish “just one more chapter.” You’ve been warned.
Similar Reads
If you’re jonesing for more swoon-worthy YA romance after finishing Nothing Like the Movies, here are a few suggestions to tide you over:
1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han – Another delightful series about navigating first love and family relationships.
2. The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West – For fans of fake dating tropes and unexpected romance.
3. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord – A clever, modern take on the enemies-to-lovers trope with plenty of banter.
4. When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon – A charming story of arranged marriage meets cute in the world of app development.
5. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett – Another tale of online connections and real-life complications.
And of course, if you somehow missed it, make sure to check out Better Than the Movies, the first book in Lynn Painter’s series. It’s the perfect setup for Wes and Liz’s continuing saga.
About the Author
Lynn Painter is quickly becoming a powerhouse in the YA romance world. In addition to the Better Than the Movies series, she’s also the author of Mr. Wrong Number, The Do-Over, and Betting on You. Her knack for creating relatable characters and heart-fluttering romance has earned her a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim.
When she’s not writing swoon-worthy stories, Lynn can be found contributing to the Omaha World-Herald or hanging out with her pack of wild children in Nebraska. Rumor has it she also has a slight obsession with rom-coms and energy drinks, but don’t quote me on that.
Final Thoughts
In a world that often feels pretty darn chaotic, there’s something incredibly comforting about diving into a well-crafted romance. Nothing Like the Movies delivers that comfort in spades, while also tackling real issues like grief, growing up, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.
So if you’re in the mood for a book that’ll make you laugh, maybe cry a little (in a good way), and leave you believing in the power of love…well, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Nothing Like the Movies and prepare to fall head over heels.
Just remember: if you find yourself suddenly inspired to make grand romantic gestures after reading, maybe run them by a friend first. We can’t all pull off the John Cusack boombox move, you know?
