Nothing like the movies

Tropes: -second chance -YA romance Review and Favorite Quotes: Wes and Liz shared an incredible few months together before heading off to UCLA, but a heartbreaking event tore them apart. Now, back at college and in a better place emotionally, Wes is determined to win Liz back. From grand romantic gestures to heartfelt attempts, he’s doing everything he can to rekindle their love. However, Liz has moved on and seems uninterested, especially with a new guy friend in her life. As Wes fights to reclaim what they once had, he’s left questioning whether their love story is truly over or if there’s still hope for a second chance. I had mixed feelings about this book at first because the story jumps ahead two years just a couple of chapters in, which felt abrupt and threw me off. While I didn’t hate the book, I didn’t love it either, and being confused i did put this book off for 2 months i guess after a few chapters in it. My expectations were high since the ending of *Better than the Movies* felt perfect, and I couldn’t imagine why Liz and Wes would break up at the first place because as i said that the beginning was confusing and that made the two-year silence between them, hard to enjoy or me wanting to know what the next chapters hold. BUT the lovely thing happend and that what MADE ME LOVE THIS BOOK, even though they were broken up, Liz and Wes still shared some sweet, heartfelt moments and treated each other with kindness, which I was really happy to read about them together. “I am just Wes fucking Bennett, Lib, the guy who can't remember a single day in his life when he didn't love you.” Wes is the embodiment of persistence and romantic idealism. His determination to win Liz back highlights his deep feelings for her and his unwillingness to let go of their past connection. However, this persistence could also point to a sense of guilt or regret over his dad passed out caused their separation. Wes's grand romantic gestures show his passion and belief in love, but they might also reflect his inability to fully process or accept the changes in Liz’s life. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he navigates not just how to win Liz back, but whether he should. Wes represents the internal conflict of holding onto the past versus accepting that sometimes, love isn't enough. he was the sweet and lovely man. I really love this character. “When I saw you get hit, I realized there isn't anything confusing about it at all. I love you. Of course I love you; you're Wes. You are the only boy I've ever loved in my entire life.” Liz comes across as someone who values her emotional boundaries and independence. Her disinterest in rekindling a romance with Wes suggests she has either outgrown the relationship or has unresolved pain from their past. The fact that she’s spending time with her friends indicates that she’s trying to move on and explore new connections, possibly in search of emotional stability or happiness outside of her previous relationship. Liz's character likely reflects resilience and growth, as she seems to be navigating her own path rather than getting swept back into a relationship that might not align with who she is now, but one piece of her still belonged to the past and her love for Wes that never ended. The characters embody themes of love, change, and acceptance. Wes is rooted in the past, struggling to recreate what they once had, while Liz is moving forward, whether with someone new or simply on her own terms. Their dynamic raises questions about whether love can truly be rekindled after heartbreak, or whether some relationships are meant to remain in the past as stepping stones for personal growth. “I love you. Of course I love you; you're Wes. You are the only boy I've ever loved in my entire life.” This line encapsulates the raw, heartfelt emotion of Liz’s love for Wes, blending sincerity with nostalgia. Her words convey a deep, enduring connection, emphasizing that Wes holds a unique and irreplaceable place in her heart. By declaring, "You’re Wes," she implies that his identity alone is enough for her to love him, highlighting the depth of their bond (i freaking gasp at this moment). The statement “You are the only boy I’ve ever loved” underscores the significance of their relationship, suggesting that her love for him is singular and unmatched. However, the phrasing also hints at complexity—while her love for Wes is undeniable, it doesn’t necessarily mean reconciliation is certain. It beautifully captures the bittersweet mix of love, history, and uncertainty. “And you've screwed me up, Lib, because now I'm thinking in lyrics instead of original thoughts. I'm look at you and trying to find the words to convince you to be with me, and do you know what comes into you head? *You showed me colors you know I can't see with anyone else.* They aren't *my* words, I don't even know what song of album they're from, for God's sake, but it's exactly how I feel. And *you taught me a secret language I can't speak with anyone else*-like, I can't remember who wrote that, but I feel it down to the marrow in my bones. Being with you has changed the threads of my existence, I swear to God, so now being with*out* you makes everything quieter, dimmer and duller. So. Much. Smaller.” This passage is a raw and emotionally charged declaration from Wes to Liz, showcasing his vulnerability and depth of feeling. Wes’s use of borrowed lyrics and fragmented thoughts beautifully conveys how deeply Liz has impacted him—so much so that even his own words fail him, and he must rely on the words of others to express his emotions. The metaphor of Liz teaching him a “secret language” emphasizes the uniqueness of their connection, one he feels cannot be replicated with anyone else. His desperation is palpable as he likens being without her to a diminished existence—quieter, dimmer, smaller—capturing the intensity of his love and the pain of their separation. This heartfelt confession highlights Wes’s inner turmoil and the transformative power of love, while also reflecting the futility of trying to articulate feelings that go beyond words. so happy to finally reading this beautiful heartwarming book after a big surprise at the beginning……i loved the characters, the tension, the story, the words…all of it. love you all.

I enjoyed this book! I know that it might not have been as good as the first one but it was good seeing Wes’ feelings, I liked seeing how much he loved and cared for Liz, even if her messed up and broke her heart, he wanted the best for her. I also understood Liz’s feelings because of course, he broke her heart and expected her to act like it was normal. I really like their romance and love, I’m glad everything turned out okay!

3.5⭐️

there was absolutely no need to break them up!!