Full Book Review of Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter
Check out my full review for Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter. Nothing Like the Movies was one of my most anticipated reads, especially because I loved Better Than the Movies, the first book, so much. As a big fan of classic rom-coms and sweet, happy-ending romances, I’ve always connected with Painter’s writing style.
Here’s a short synopsis of the book:
“For a few beautiful months, Wes had his dream girl: strong-willed girl-next-door Liz. But right as the two were about to set off to UCLA to start their freshman year together, tragedy struck. Wes was left dealing with the fallout, which ultimately meant losing Liz in the process.
Flash forward months and months later and Wes and Liz find themselves in college, together. In a healthier place now, Wes knows he broke Liz’s heart when he ended things, but he is determined to make her fall back in love with him.
Wes knows Liz better than anyone, and he has a foolproof plan to win her back with the rom-com worthy big gestures she loves. Only…Liz will have none of it. Wes has to scheme like a rom-com hero to figure out how to see her. Even worse, Liz has a new friend…a guy friend.
Still, Wes won’t give up, adapting his clever plans and going hard to get Liz’s attention and win back her affection. But after his best efforts get him nowhere, Wes is left wondering if their relationship is really over for good.”
Make sure to read the first book, Better Than the Movies, first. I have a review and summary for that one as well.
Full Book Review Without Spoilers
As someone who adored Better Than the Movies—the first book—I went into Nothing Like the Movies with a mix of excitement and nerves. I’m such a big fan of classic romantic comedies, happy-ending romances, and Lynn Painter’s writing in general, so the stakes felt high. I’d heard a lot of people say they didn’t enjoy the second book as much, mostly because they didn’t want the perfect ending from book one to be touched.
But honestly? Here’s my honest review: I was pleasantly surprised. This ended up being one of my favorite books from Painter, and I think it might be because it captures the messy, confusing, very real growing pains that can happen after a fairytale ending.
I also really enjoyed the new dynamics Painter brings in, like Liz’s new friend and even the new guy friend who complicates things just enough without shifting the tone. And even though the relationship between Liz and Wes is different, their relationship has that “real couple in their first time facing adult problems” vibe, and that’s what made their arc even sweeter for me.
Characters
I just love Wes as the MMC, and he only gets better in this book. The characters still feel like the same main characters from the debut novel, but they’ve clearly grown. All the parts of Liz and Wes that I loved in the first book are still here—they just feel more grounded, like they’re in a healthier place emotionally.
Plot
The plot itself felt natural and well-paced, with just enough twists, misunderstandings, and clever plans to keep me hooked without ever feeling over-the-top. I loved how Painter used the setting to show the shift in Liz and Wes’s worlds while still keeping that rom-com heart.
Writing
The book still has those classic Painter touches—sweetness, humor, and those grand gestures that make young romantics swoon—but it’s layered with more maturity. The start of each chapter adds such a cute touch, too (very Painter). It feels like she really understood her young readers growing up between books, turning that freshman year chaos into something relatable.
Full Book Review With Spoilers
You’ve been warned that from here on out there will be spoilers. Continue on to the conclusion section to avoid them.
What I really loved is how Painter handled Liz and Wes transitioning from high school to college life. The book jumps forward months from where we left off, and suddenly Liz is a college student trying her best efforts to navigate what feels like a completely new world. There’s something so relatable about Liz doing her best to keep it all together—even when she’s struggling.
The way she tries to protect Liz’s heart, deal with Liz’s attention drifting to classes, new environments, and her own liz struggle, made her feel even more real to me. Painter shows how life doesn’t always follow a foolproof plan, no matter how many clever plans you make.
Wes is trying to figure things out too—how to be the same guy Liz fell for while also growing into someone who can love her in a healthier way. Seeing him question his own “worthy big gestures” and whether he’s still Liz’s “dream girl” counterpart honestly made me love him more. Their second chance arc feels earned and believable, not just thrown together for drama.
Obviously, I would have been pissed if Liz and Wes didn’t end up together in the end, but I really liked this journey to get there.
Pros of the Book
My favorite thing about the book was definitely Liz and Wes—their relationship, their individual growth, and just how well-written and genuinely lovable they are as characters.
Another one of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the setting and the plot. Moving from their cozy high school world into the chaos of college life gave the story such a fresh, believable backdrop. Again, I really loved how Painter used the setting to show the shift in Liz and Wes’s worlds while still keeping that rom-com heart. It added a layer of emotional depth that made their journey feel earned and relatable.
Cons of the Book
I didn’t have any major complaints about the book. It is a tad cheesy, but that’s exactly what I want from a rom-com. This is not real life.
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend this one if you’re a romance fan or a fan of Lynn Painter’s books. I can absolutely see young adults and longtime Painter fans enjoying it, especially anyone who loves book reviews about heart, character growth, and stories that continue to surprise you. Honestly, this book felt like watching your favorite rom-com couple navigate the next chapter—and rooting for them the whole way.
I have a full summary of the book here if you need a refresher on any of the main points.
Rating-4.25 out of 5 stars
In the end, Nothing Like the Movies turned out to be such a fun, heartfelt continuation of Liz and Wes’s story, and honestly one of my favorite books Lynn Painter has written. It balances college life, character growth, and all the emotional depth you want from a true second chance romance, while still delivering those sweet moments, grand gestures, and rom-com sparkle that made me fall for these characters in the first place.
Who Would Enjoy Reading?
If you love second chance romances, emotional growth, and rom-com vibes with a touch of real-world messiness, Nothing Like the Movies is such a great pick. It feels fun and sweet, but also honest about what comes after the “happily ever after.”
What to Read After Nothing Like the Movies
If you liked this book as much as I did, either because of the characters or the writing style, check out more of my recommendations below.
Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
If you really liked Painter’s writing or this style of book, try her newest romance book Fake Skating. If you liked Liz and Wes in this book, you’ll like the couple and their dynamic in Fake Skating as well.
Don’t Be in Love by Liana Cincotti
This is an author with a similar writing style, and another unlikely couple that is so fun to read about. This book has the same vibes as Nothing Like the Movies, and I really enjoyed it.
I Hate You More by Alexandra Moody
This is a great next book if you liked the dynamic of Wes and Liz’ relationship and having to work for that relationship. It’s equally cute but real, and you’ll like it if you liked this one.
