Nothing Like the Movies, For Real

Remember the amazing hype around the book "Better Than the Movies", well Lynn Painter delivered again with the sequel "Nothing like the Movies". Now I wouldn't say this tops the first book, not at all. But, it truly is a fan service. In most cases the first book is always better and this book proves so. The fact that the audience loved the first book is only why we got a second book.

Let's start with the first book first, shall we?

Better Than the Movies was adorable—like, seriously, the cutest thing ever. The whole “enemies-but-he’s-already-in-love-with-her” dynamic? Absolute gold. Wes (yes, Wes, just like in The Duff—coincidence? I think not) was basically giving off secret-heart-eyes energy the entire time. The jealousy, the irritation, the little moments of insecurity? You felt that. Like, boy was down bad, and Liz was just out here living her life, completely oblivious.

Also, can we talk about the movie quotes at the beginning of each chapter?! That was such a chef’s kiss touch. I had somany favorite moments, so instead of freaking out over all of them, I just had to jot down my favorite quotes. Enjoy:

Quotes:

🖤 “You look the best when you’re you.”(As if we needed a reminder, but still, swoon.)

🔥 “That boy has been into you since you were little kids.”(We love an oblivious main character moment.)

💰 The penny analogy? ICONIC.(Cue me screaming at Liz to notice her freaking penny before it’s too late.)

💔 “She’s not you.”(Excuse me while I melt.)

🎬 “A girl will never forget the first boy she likes.” — He’s Just Not That Into You💅 “But she’ll also never forget the first boy she hates.” — Liz Buxbaum (And that, my friends, is what we call poetic cinema.)

This book had me giggling, kicking my feet, and absolutely living for the drama. 10/10, would reread just to experience the ✨ feels ✨ all over again.

Alright, so let’s talk about this sequel. Did it have the story? Sure. The characters? Yep. But did we need it? Absolutely not. It felt like one of those unnecessary follow-ups that nobody really asked for, but hey, here we are. Nostalgia carried it, and there were some great moments, but let’s be real—the plot was kind of just… there.

Now, when I saw we were getting Wes’s POV? Thrilled. I’ve always loved the extra scenes Lynn gives us with his perspective, so I was ready. But as I kept reading? The excitement kinda fizzled out. And I know not everyone will agree with me, which is fine, but honestly? I wish there had been no sequel—just more bonus scenes of this couple being cute. Because finishing this book? A struggle. Some chapters had me all in my feelings, while others made me wonder whothese people even were.

My biggest issue? The miscommunication. It was unbearable. Like, why are we spending more than half the book watching them not talk, misinterpret everything, or just act like straight-up clowns? And then, when they finally worked things out, it was so rushed that I almost missed it.

That said, some moments had me weak—like drunk Wes mumbling about missing their goodnights (sobs), or him knowing exactly when she’d start overthinking and shutting that down real quick. And of course, I had to note down my favourite quotes:

💔 "I can't breathe without you, but I have to..." (Now why would you say that?!)

🔥 "You're the only thing I know like the back of my hand..." (Wes, I am BEGGING you to stop.)

😩 "I wanted to tease her and to have her tease me back -- that was our thing." (Okay, that was cute, I’ll give him that.)

😭 “Say it again.”💖 “I love you.”😭 “Again.”💖 “I love you, Wes Bennett, I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t love you.” (Excuse me while I go scream into a pillow.)

💀 “Now we’re just two people who used to know each other.” (I actually felt my soul leave my body.)

Final thoughts? This book was NOT needed. Why stir up unnecessary drama when you could just let these characters live in peace? The original story ended perfectly. If they wanted to write another book, it should have been a whole new couple, a whole new love story. THEN, it would have actually hit.

But this? Yeah, no. The breakup felt so forced I couldn’t even enjoy the drama. Do better, sequel.