Review by mcstressy - Not Like the Movies

mcstressy 's review for:

Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey

2.75

emotional funny reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

While this book was better than the first one imo, I don't feel like it did the characters justice. Nick honestly feels like a different character than he was in the first book (a much flatter character despite having so much more page time). The way they were described in the first book is the whole reason I read this one because I was not impressed by Annie and continued to not be in this one.
The whole deal of Annie writing a movie detailing Chloe's real life is a gross friendship infarction. And it's pretty glossed over when it comes up. Chloe is a good character and he need to take care of everyone is relatable and painful and I cared for her as a character. But I didn't feel like I was able to feel that for anyone outside her.
Also...I know it's inherent to the series but my God the tropes in these books. They aren't even satirical yet they're kind of trying to be? Like they mention how they're tropes but they don't...do anything fresh or fun or anything. It's just tropes.
I don't think I'll be reading more in this series. I think they definitely have a place on other's shelves but not mine.

Content Warnings