Nothing Like the Movies by Lynn Painter

A Rom-Com Worthy Second Chance at Love

You know that feeling when you’re watching your favorite rom-com for the umpteenth time, and your heart still skips a beat during that pivotal moment? Well, buckle up buttercup, because Lynn Painter’s “Nothing Like the Movies” is about to give you all those feels and then some. This highly anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller “Better Than the Movies” reunites us with Wes and Liz as they navigate the choppy waters of college life and second chances at love. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of a ride.

The Story: More Than Just a Rom-Com

Okay, so picture this: Wes and Liz, the adorable couple next door, are all set to start their freshman year at UCLA together. It’s going to be perfect, right? Wrong. Life throws them a curveball that sends Wes spiraling and leaves Liz heartbroken. Fast forward to present day, and our star-crossed lovers find themselves at the same college, trying to figure out how to exist in each other’s orbits without combusting.

Wes, bless his heart, is determined to win Liz back with grand romantic gestures that would make any rom-com hero proud. But Liz? She’s not having it. She’s got walls up higher than the Hollywood sign, and Wes is gonna need more than a boombox over his head to scale them.

Characters That Feel Like Your Best Friends

Let’s talk about our leading lady and gent, shall we? Liz Buxbaum is still the strong-willed, movie-loving girl we fell for in the first book, but now she’s got some edges. College has given her a new perspective, and she’s not about to let her heart get trampled again. And Wes Bennett? Oh boy. He’s still swoon-worthy, but now he’s carrying some heavy baggage. Watching him try to balance his determination to win Liz back with his own personal growth is like… well, it’s like watching your best friend stumble through a relationship and wanting to simultaneously hug them and shake some sense into them.

The supporting cast is just as vibrant. From Liz’s new guy friend (cue the jealousy, folks) to Wes’s teammates, every character adds a layer to this delicious story cake. And can we talk about the roommates? They’re the kind of friends we all wish we had in college—supportive, hilarious, and always ready with a tub of ice cream or a much-needed reality check.

Setting: UCLA Campus Vibes

Painter brings the UCLA campus to life in a way that’ll make you want to enroll yesterday. From the bustling Bruin Walk to the late-night study sessions in Powell Library, the setting feels authentic and lived-in. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right, shaping our protagonists’ experiences and providing the perfect stage for their love story to unfold.

Themes: More Than Just Fluff

Don’t let the rom-com label fool you. “Nothing Like the Movies” tackles some pretty heavy themes with a deft touch. We’re talking about:

• Grief and its lasting impact
• The struggle to balance personal growth with relationships
• The courage it takes to be vulnerable and trust again
• The realities of college life and finding your place in a new world

Painter weaves these themes throughout the story, giving depth to what could have been just another fluffy romance. It’s like finding an unexpected layer of rich ganache in your favorite candy bar—a delightful surprise that elevates the whole experience.

Writing Style: A Perfect Blend of Humor and Heart

Can we take a moment to appreciate Lynn Painter’s writing? It’s like she’s taken the best parts of our favorite rom-coms, mixed them with genuine emotion, and sprinkled in a healthy dose of wit. The dialogue crackles with energy, the descriptions paint vivid pictures without bogging down the pace, and the emotional moments? They hit you right in the feels.

What really stands out is how Painter captures the voice of college students. It’s authentic without trying too hard, relatable without being cliché. You’ll find yourself nodding along, thinking, “Yep, that’s exactly how my friends and I talk.”

Pacing: A Real Page-Turner

The story moves at a clip that’ll have you staying up way past your bedtime, muttering “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve finished the book. Painter balances the slower, character-building moments with bursts of action and swoony scenes that’ll have your heart racing. It’s like riding a roller coaster – thrilling ups, stomach-dropping lows, and unexpected twists that leave you breathless.

Romance: Swoon Factor 10/10

Let’s get to what we’re all here for—the romance. Holy smokes, folks. The tension between Wes and Liz is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Their chemistry jumps off the page, making you want to slam their heads together and yell “Just kiss already!” But it’s not just about the physical attraction. Painter does an amazing job of showing us why these two belong together, why they work, even when they’re driving each other (and us) crazy.

The grand gestures are there, of course—this is a rom-com after all. But it’s the smaller moments that really shine. A shared look across a crowded room, an inside joke that no one else gets, the way they instinctively understand each other even when they’re at odds. It’s these little touches that make their love story feel real and worth rooting for.

Humor: Laugh-Out-Loud Moments

Don’t worry, it’s not all heavy emotions and angsty longing. Painter’s signature humor is on full display here, providing much-needed levity to balance out the heavier moments. From witty banter to hilarious misunderstandings to some truly epic fails in the romance department, you’ll find yourself giggling, snorting, and full-on belly laughing throughout the book.

Pop Culture References: A Movie Buff’s Dream

If you loved the movie references in “Better Than the Movies,” you’re in for a treat. Painter continues to pepper the story with nods to classic and contemporary rom-coms, creating a treasure hunt for film buffs. But don’t worry if you’re not a movie expert—the references enhance the story without overshadowing it.

Comparison to Other Works

Fans of Painter’s previous works, including “Better Than the Movies” and “The Do-Over,” will find the same charming characters and witty dialogue they’ve come to expect. But “Nothing Like the Movies” feels more mature, dealing with weightier themes while still maintaining that rom-com magic.

For readers new to Painter’s work, if you enjoy authors like Jenny Han, Kasie West, or Jenn Bennett, you’ll feel right at home here. The book sits comfortably in the YA contemporary romance genre, but with a depth that will appeal to older readers as well.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Read Sequel

“Nothing Like the Movies” is that rare sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in many ways. It’s a story about second chances, about growing up without growing apart, and about the kind of love that’s worth fighting for.

Is it perfect? Not quite. There are moments where you might want to shake some sense into the characters, or where the pacing feels a bit off. But these minor quibbles are easily overshadowed by the sheer enjoyment of the story.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Rom-com enthusiasts who love a good enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers-again story
• Anyone who’s ever had a second chance at love (or wished for one)
• Readers looking for a YA romance with depth and humor
• Film buffs who enjoy spotting movie references
• Anyone who needs a good laugh and a good cry (sometimes simultaneously)

The Verdict

“Nothing Like the Movies” is like that perfect first kiss—sweet, a little awkward, but ultimately unforgettable. It’ll make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, and it’ll leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling that’ll last long after you’ve turned the final page. So grab a copy, curl up with your favorite movie snacks, and get ready to fall in love with Wes and Liz all over again. Trust me, it’s a blockbuster hit you won’t want to miss.