What do you think?
Rate this book
Waiting for Tom Hanks #2
Not Like the Movies
What happens when your life is a rom-com...but you don't even believe in true love?
Chloe Sanderson is an optimist, and not because her life is easy. As the sole caregiver for her father, who has early onset Alzheimer's, she's pretty much responsible for everything. She has no time—or interest—in getting swept up in some dazzling romance. Not like her best friend Annie, who literally wrote a rom-com that's about to premiere in theaters across America...and happens to be inspired by Chloe and Nick Velez, Chloe's cute but no-nonsense boss.
As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many listicles about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can't see him as anything but Reason #2: The Scruffy-Bearded Hunk Who's Always There When You Need Him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn't so sure her own story will end in a Happily Ever After.
Chloe Sanderson is an optimist, and not because her life is easy. As the sole caregiver for her father, who has early onset Alzheimer's, she's pretty much responsible for everything. She has no time—or interest—in getting swept up in some dazzling romance. Not like her best friend Annie, who literally wrote a rom-com that's about to premiere in theaters across America...and happens to be inspired by Chloe and Nick Velez, Chloe's cute but no-nonsense boss.
As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many listicles about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can't see him as anything but Reason #2: The Scruffy-Bearded Hunk Who's Always There When You Need Him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn't so sure her own story will end in a Happily Ever After.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2020
About the author
Kerry Winfrey
7 books1,608 followersKerry Winfrey is the author of the adult romantic comedies WAITING FOR TOM HANKS, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES, VERY SINCERELY YOURS, and JUST ANOTHER LOVE SONG, as well as the teen romantic comedies LOVE AND OTHER ALIEN EXPERIENCES and THINGS JOLIE NEEDS TO DO BEFORE SHE BITES IT. She lives in Columbus, Ohio with her family. You can find her on Instagram @kerrywinfrey.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,478 reviews
October 18, 2019
Giving my own book five stars because if I don't believe in me, WHO WILL?
December 15, 2021
I love romcoms! I love their cheesiness, the clichés, the illogical coincidences, awkward positions the characters they find themselves into, misunderstandings, entertaining sidekick characters, so much groveling, tears and finishing with over emotional happy endings with the great gestures one of the characters does to win the other’s heart back.
As I examine this book, it mostly fits the formula I wrote above. Chloe Sanderson, golden-hearted, caregiver, wearing vivid, colorful dresses, always smiling to share her positive energy, listening to motivational, entertaining songs is our heroine, looking like Meg Ryan but her indecisiveness, stubbornness and the way of sabotaging her relationship with our hero irritated me a lot. She may be written like a Meg Ryan character but her inner Anne Hathaway (we mostly hate her, don’t we?) may emerge at the most scenes and ruined the soul of the romcom.
Chloe works with Nick: charming, introvert, secretive, enjoys his daily banters with Chloe, always supportive and chivalry.
From the first book we’ve met Chloe’s scriptwriter bestie Annie who just used Chloe’s life and her undeniable attraction with her boss as her inspirational material to write her last romcom movie and voila! It turned into a hit after the trailer’s release. Annie wasn’t creative enough to change the names ( she changed Nick’s name as Rick)
So now everybody talks about movie and everybody thinks Chloe and her hot boss in affair. But Chloe insists to reject her own feelings because she doesn’t believe in happy endings (which contradicts her positive, sunshine and flowers approach to the life) she is already exhausted to take care of her father who suffers from Alzheimer, hospitalized in a facility. And her troublemaker, irresponsible brother Milo comes back to town in out of blue, accompanied by his hot supermodel boyfriend Fred moves with their childhood friend Mickey Danger (that name truly reminds me of Michael Keaton’s 80’s movie and main character’s name: Johnny Dangerously). He promises he will help her to take care of their father but Chloe has hard time to believe him because of her past disappointed experiences.
After a rainy night, stuck in the café with Nick, lights go out and they share a special kiss. But Chloe achieves to ruin this moment by telling him that was mistake and they have to forget it. And later she starts to date with Mickey Danger ( he’s totally stoned, having underage kid eating habits, enjoying the sharp knife commercials as if he’s binge watching You’s second season but Chloe thinks he resembles disturbed version of Jake Gyllenhaal) which is really silly move. And this is not the first and only immature thing she’s done throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to kidnap Nick who didn’t deserve to be treated like doormat and I wanted to insert him into another romcom with more tolerable heroine.
The positive elements of the book: Great references to romcoms including Proposal, When Harry met Sally.
The strong and adorable supportive characters: Milo, Fred, Chloe’s adorable father and their loyal customer Gary were my favorites. I didn’t like the first book so much but Annie and Drew turned into better supportive characters at this book.
I loved the plot, main characters’ chemistry, Chloe’s heartbreak after being abandoned by her mom at young age and her hard lesson involving only depending on herself and her family affair parts.
But at romance parts she acted like selfish moron. ( Sorry about my language but Nick was great catch from the beginning and she acted like blind person not to see it.)
Overall: It was fun, sweet, swoon and one of my fastest readings. I came back between three and four stars because of my hatred about the heroine’s illogical actions but finally I’m rounding 3.5 stars to 4 because I enjoyed this book so much more than the first installment.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this sweet Arc with me in exchange my honest review!
blog
instagram
facebook
twitter
As I examine this book, it mostly fits the formula I wrote above. Chloe Sanderson, golden-hearted, caregiver, wearing vivid, colorful dresses, always smiling to share her positive energy, listening to motivational, entertaining songs is our heroine, looking like Meg Ryan but her indecisiveness, stubbornness and the way of sabotaging her relationship with our hero irritated me a lot. She may be written like a Meg Ryan character but her inner Anne Hathaway (we mostly hate her, don’t we?) may emerge at the most scenes and ruined the soul of the romcom.
Chloe works with Nick: charming, introvert, secretive, enjoys his daily banters with Chloe, always supportive and chivalry.
From the first book we’ve met Chloe’s scriptwriter bestie Annie who just used Chloe’s life and her undeniable attraction with her boss as her inspirational material to write her last romcom movie and voila! It turned into a hit after the trailer’s release. Annie wasn’t creative enough to change the names ( she changed Nick’s name as Rick)
So now everybody talks about movie and everybody thinks Chloe and her hot boss in affair. But Chloe insists to reject her own feelings because she doesn’t believe in happy endings (which contradicts her positive, sunshine and flowers approach to the life) she is already exhausted to take care of her father who suffers from Alzheimer, hospitalized in a facility. And her troublemaker, irresponsible brother Milo comes back to town in out of blue, accompanied by his hot supermodel boyfriend Fred moves with their childhood friend Mickey Danger (that name truly reminds me of Michael Keaton’s 80’s movie and main character’s name: Johnny Dangerously). He promises he will help her to take care of their father but Chloe has hard time to believe him because of her past disappointed experiences.
After a rainy night, stuck in the café with Nick, lights go out and they share a special kiss. But Chloe achieves to ruin this moment by telling him that was mistake and they have to forget it. And later she starts to date with Mickey Danger ( he’s totally stoned, having underage kid eating habits, enjoying the sharp knife commercials as if he’s binge watching You’s second season but Chloe thinks he resembles disturbed version of Jake Gyllenhaal) which is really silly move. And this is not the first and only immature thing she’s done throughout the story. Sometimes I wanted to kidnap Nick who didn’t deserve to be treated like doormat and I wanted to insert him into another romcom with more tolerable heroine.
The positive elements of the book: Great references to romcoms including Proposal, When Harry met Sally.
The strong and adorable supportive characters: Milo, Fred, Chloe’s adorable father and their loyal customer Gary were my favorites. I didn’t like the first book so much but Annie and Drew turned into better supportive characters at this book.
I loved the plot, main characters’ chemistry, Chloe’s heartbreak after being abandoned by her mom at young age and her hard lesson involving only depending on herself and her family affair parts.
But at romance parts she acted like selfish moron. ( Sorry about my language but Nick was great catch from the beginning and she acted like blind person not to see it.)
Overall: It was fun, sweet, swoon and one of my fastest readings. I came back between three and four stars because of my hatred about the heroine’s illogical actions but finally I’m rounding 3.5 stars to 4 because I enjoyed this book so much more than the first installment.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this sweet Arc with me in exchange my honest review!
blog
July 26, 2020
A fun Rom-Com follow up to Waiting For Tom Hanks.
This book is primarily focused on Annie’s best friend Chloe Sanderson. Now in her mid twenties she has the weight of the world heaped on her shoulders! With Her father suffering from Alzheimer’s, she’s barely able to find the time to finish her bachelors degree. Her dream…to open her own bakery. Extremely difficult given the fact she has to spend everyday working as a barista at Nicks Coffeehouse.
Speaking of Nick...did I mention that Chloe is head-over heals crazy for the hunky coffee man! But alas, she can’t admit it to herself and certainly not to the dream-boat himself!
So once again the question is, will love conquer all? Can dear Chloe have her cake (pie) and eat it too? Just one way to find out all you romantics out there!
Though I did enjoy book one a bit more than this latest, I’m hooked on the series and fingers crossed Kerry Winfrey is currently working on the next installment!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
This book is primarily focused on Annie’s best friend Chloe Sanderson. Now in her mid twenties she has the weight of the world heaped on her shoulders! With Her father suffering from Alzheimer’s, she’s barely able to find the time to finish her bachelors degree. Her dream…to open her own bakery. Extremely difficult given the fact she has to spend everyday working as a barista at Nicks Coffeehouse.
Speaking of Nick...did I mention that Chloe is head-over heals crazy for the hunky coffee man! But alas, she can’t admit it to herself and certainly not to the dream-boat himself!
So once again the question is, will love conquer all? Can dear Chloe have her cake (pie) and eat it too? Just one way to find out all you romantics out there!
Though I did enjoy book one a bit more than this latest, I’m hooked on the series and fingers crossed Kerry Winfrey is currently working on the next installment!
A buddy read with Susanne.
Thank you to Berkeley Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
December 28, 2022
I got into Not Like the Movie without knowing it was a part of the series. How foolish of me for not doing my research.
When it comes to romance genre, with every book following different main characters, they can usually all be read as standalones.
This one can also be considered as easy to understand on it's own, to some point, but since main characters from the first book appear more then few times, and it is constantly mentioned what happened in that story, bringing and creating problems for characters in this, second novel, I would suggest to read first book first.
I felt like I was missing out and it kind of ruined my reading experience.
The story follows a woman who has hots for her boss. And while I usually like that trope (or the idea of it because I haven't read many books following it) in this novel Chloe acted too unprofessional to me with her constant comments but then when Nick would try something she would be all like "Oh no, we can't. Bla bla bla, but you still have cute but and strong muscles and also, you smell like an old hot grampa". Yes, I know.
I guess this is also age gap romance because Chloe had some comments about Nick being old, but it was never stated how old was he.
I didn't like all the drama and characters finding excuses not to be with each other just so we can rute for them to finally get together.
Chloe's relationahip with her bestie was also strange and it didn't sound too healthy.
I could relate to Chloe who took care of her dementing father and having to deal with her absent brother. Their relationship with their mother was so complicated and I totally understand how it would scar them both.
The writing style was solid and the book reads quikly.
I would recommend Not Like the Movie but I would also advice to start with Waiting on Tom Hanks first.
When it comes to romance genre, with every book following different main characters, they can usually all be read as standalones.
This one can also be considered as easy to understand on it's own, to some point, but since main characters from the first book appear more then few times, and it is constantly mentioned what happened in that story, bringing and creating problems for characters in this, second novel, I would suggest to read first book first.
I felt like I was missing out and it kind of ruined my reading experience.
The story follows a woman who has hots for her boss. And while I usually like that trope (or the idea of it because I haven't read many books following it) in this novel Chloe acted too unprofessional to me with her constant comments but then when Nick would try something she would be all like "Oh no, we can't. Bla bla bla, but you still have cute but and strong muscles and also, you smell like an old hot grampa". Yes, I know.
I guess this is also age gap romance because Chloe had some comments about Nick being old, but it was never stated how old was he.
I didn't like all the drama and characters finding excuses not to be with each other just so we can rute for them to finally get together.
Chloe's relationahip with her bestie was also strange and it didn't sound too healthy.
I could relate to Chloe who took care of her dementing father and having to deal with her absent brother. Their relationship with their mother was so complicated and I totally understand how it would scar them both.
The writing style was solid and the book reads quikly.
I would recommend Not Like the Movie but I would also advice to start with Waiting on Tom Hanks first.
July 5, 2020
3.5 stars
After reading ‘Waiting for Tom Hanks’, I was looking forward to reading Chloe and Nick’s story.. Chloe was one of my favorite characters of that book. I was in the mood for a rom-com and I flew through this one.
Chloe works in a coffee shop and she and her boss, Nick have a connection. They have the best banter and you can tell something is there between them. So much, that her best friend wrote a screen play that turned into a major motion picture staring ‘Zoe’ who works at a coffee shop and falls for her boss… it has made things between Chloe and Nick feel a little off.
Chole has a lot going on in her life. She takes care of her father who has Alzhemier’s, her brother has just moved back into town and she’s helping with her best friends wedding. Chloe has so much on her plate and is determined to do it all herself, which I mean, relatable. What she doesn’t realize is that she has people in her life she can count on, if she’d only let them in.
I loved Nick so much. Though I liked Chloe best in the first book, Nick stole the show in this one. I guess my only bit that made this miss the mark for me is that the romance aspect was just okay in my opinion. I wanted more from these two and I wanted it sooner than it happened. I love a good slow burn as much as the next, but there were things with Chloe earlier on that I didn’t love when it came to her love life.
One thing I truly loved about this story was her relationships and friendships with others. Especially the Annie and Chloe friendship. Stories that showcase how important other relationships are, aside from romance are so important!
Not Like the Movies is Kerry Winfrey’s sophomore novel and I liked it even more than the first. It was sweet, funny, I love the cover, and overall a good read. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future!
After reading ‘Waiting for Tom Hanks’, I was looking forward to reading Chloe and Nick’s story.. Chloe was one of my favorite characters of that book. I was in the mood for a rom-com and I flew through this one.
Chloe works in a coffee shop and she and her boss, Nick have a connection. They have the best banter and you can tell something is there between them. So much, that her best friend wrote a screen play that turned into a major motion picture staring ‘Zoe’ who works at a coffee shop and falls for her boss… it has made things between Chloe and Nick feel a little off.
Chole has a lot going on in her life. She takes care of her father who has Alzhemier’s, her brother has just moved back into town and she’s helping with her best friends wedding. Chloe has so much on her plate and is determined to do it all herself, which I mean, relatable. What she doesn’t realize is that she has people in her life she can count on, if she’d only let them in.
I loved Nick so much. Though I liked Chloe best in the first book, Nick stole the show in this one. I guess my only bit that made this miss the mark for me is that the romance aspect was just okay in my opinion. I wanted more from these two and I wanted it sooner than it happened. I love a good slow burn as much as the next, but there were things with Chloe earlier on that I didn’t love when it came to her love life.
One thing I truly loved about this story was her relationships and friendships with others. Especially the Annie and Chloe friendship. Stories that showcase how important other relationships are, aside from romance are so important!
Romance isn’t the only great love story of our lives. Sometimes the love we have with our lifelong friends, the ones we can depend on through changes and fights and joys and heartbreaks—sometimes those are the greatest love stories we have.
Not Like the Movies is Kerry Winfrey’s sophomore novel and I liked it even more than the first. It was sweet, funny, I love the cover, and overall a good read. I’m looking forward to reading more from her in the future!
July 31, 2020
tw: Alzheimer’s
This book is a walking contradiction for me. I actively disliked our main character, but I adored the love interest (I don’t get many book boyfriends these days but he makes the list!) It was super easy to read, but I didn’t feel super motivated to pick it up. It was very self aware about it’s rom-com influences (talk of tropes like only sharing one bed or grand gestures) but in a way that overly beat you over the head with it. Some of the characters were way over the top in a way that was grating, and I would have liked to be in more than just Chloe’s head the whole time (a dual POV would have been great).
I didn’t read the first book in this series because I heard such mixed things and I can see why. This would probably have been a slightly lower rating, but Nick the love interest is so great that I bumped it up a star.
This book is a walking contradiction for me. I actively disliked our main character, but I adored the love interest (I don’t get many book boyfriends these days but he makes the list!) It was super easy to read, but I didn’t feel super motivated to pick it up. It was very self aware about it’s rom-com influences (talk of tropes like only sharing one bed or grand gestures) but in a way that overly beat you over the head with it. Some of the characters were way over the top in a way that was grating, and I would have liked to be in more than just Chloe’s head the whole time (a dual POV would have been great).
I didn’t read the first book in this series because I heard such mixed things and I can see why. This would probably have been a slightly lower rating, but Nick the love interest is so great that I bumped it up a star.
July 28, 2020
“Not Like the Movies” is a cute follow up to “Waiting for Tom Hanks” which features Chloe and Nick.
Chloe has never had it easy and has always taken care of everyone and everything, especially her dad. Working at Nick’s isn’t her dream job but she loves what she has accomplished there and she loves sparring with Nick. Nick is secretly in love with Chloe and always has been. Too bad Chloe doesn’t believe in love or relationships.
Annie is Chloe’s best friend and found her true love in “Waiting for Tom Hanks.” These days she is a screenwriter and she’s written a movie based on Chloe and Nick - as she believes them to be the perfect couple. If only Chloe could see it for herself!
“Not Like the Movies” is a cute rom com that had its moments. For me, those moments involved dreamy Nick. I kind of wish that this book was told from his perspective instead of Chloe’s as I adored his personality, and felt that Chloe’s left something to be desired. While I enjoyed this novel by Kerry Winfrey, “Waiting for Tom Hanks” remains my favorite.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.26.20.
Chloe has never had it easy and has always taken care of everyone and everything, especially her dad. Working at Nick’s isn’t her dream job but she loves what she has accomplished there and she loves sparring with Nick. Nick is secretly in love with Chloe and always has been. Too bad Chloe doesn’t believe in love or relationships.
Annie is Chloe’s best friend and found her true love in “Waiting for Tom Hanks.” These days she is a screenwriter and she’s written a movie based on Chloe and Nick - as she believes them to be the perfect couple. If only Chloe could see it for herself!
“Not Like the Movies” is a cute rom com that had its moments. For me, those moments involved dreamy Nick. I kind of wish that this book was told from his perspective instead of Chloe’s as I adored his personality, and felt that Chloe’s left something to be desired. While I enjoyed this novel by Kerry Winfrey, “Waiting for Tom Hanks” remains my favorite.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 7.26.20.
June 21, 2020
Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review
➵ Waiting for Tom Hanks - ★★★★★
➵ Not Like the Movies - ★★★★☆
-----------------
4.5 stars! Holy moly this was so cuteeeeee
-----------------
[10/18/2019] - THIS COVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRR IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
also, whyyy is it not coming out till july
whyyyyyyyy
*********
Just finished Waiting for Tom Hanks and I am now quaking in my
*********
Ooh! A companion novel! How exciting!
| Goodreads | Blog | Pinterest | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
July 31, 2020
I’d love to see this book as a movie!
Can the love that happens in movies happen in real life? If so, would we want it to? Chloe may be overwhelmed by her life, but she’s not looking for true love. Yet ever since her best friend wrote a movie loosely based on her job at a coffee shop and her playful banter with her boss, it seems that all anyone wants to talk about is whether she and Nick are in love in real life.
The answer to that question is emphatically “no.” Well, isn’t it? I mean, she can’t stop thinking about wanting him to kiss her, but that’s just the movie’s effect, right? She is barely holding it all together; if she lets anyone in it will just complicate things. And besides, isn’t it disastrous to fool around with your boss, even if you’re as much the boss as he is?
"But believing that would require me to be a different person—one who thinks soul mates are real, for starters. Or one who believes in rom-com perfect happy endings, instead of what I actually believe in, which is the real-life right now. Those happy endings don't exist for people like me, but joy-filled moments sure do."
Kerry Winfrey’s books really feel like they belong on the screen. They’re so appealing and fun, and even though you know what will happen from the start, you’re so pulled into the story and these characters. I think Chloe was a little too much of a martyr for a little too long, but I still rooted for her and Nick just like everyone else was.
If you’re looking for a fun rom-com to make you smile—and you might even get a tear or two in your eyes—read this, and Winfrey’s Waiting for Tom Hanks . They're totally engaging and so enjoyable. I easily devoured this in one sitting.
And speaking of devouring, there's lots of talk about baked goods in this book, so carb-phobes beware!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Can the love that happens in movies happen in real life? If so, would we want it to? Chloe may be overwhelmed by her life, but she’s not looking for true love. Yet ever since her best friend wrote a movie loosely based on her job at a coffee shop and her playful banter with her boss, it seems that all anyone wants to talk about is whether she and Nick are in love in real life.
The answer to that question is emphatically “no.” Well, isn’t it? I mean, she can’t stop thinking about wanting him to kiss her, but that’s just the movie’s effect, right? She is barely holding it all together; if she lets anyone in it will just complicate things. And besides, isn’t it disastrous to fool around with your boss, even if you’re as much the boss as he is?
"But believing that would require me to be a different person—one who thinks soul mates are real, for starters. Or one who believes in rom-com perfect happy endings, instead of what I actually believe in, which is the real-life right now. Those happy endings don't exist for people like me, but joy-filled moments sure do."
Kerry Winfrey’s books really feel like they belong on the screen. They’re so appealing and fun, and even though you know what will happen from the start, you’re so pulled into the story and these characters. I think Chloe was a little too much of a martyr for a little too long, but I still rooted for her and Nick just like everyone else was.
If you’re looking for a fun rom-com to make you smile—and you might even get a tear or two in your eyes—read this, and Winfrey’s Waiting for Tom Hanks . They're totally engaging and so enjoyable. I easily devoured this in one sitting.
And speaking of devouring, there's lots of talk about baked goods in this book, so carb-phobes beware!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2019 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html.
Check out my list of the best books of the decade at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/my-favorite-books-of-decade.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
July 11, 2020
Well, I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first one.
I loved Chloe and Nick in the other book and even in my review, I mentioned how I was ready for their story. And they were worth the wait. She’s sweet and he’s stoic and I was here for the longing-filled glances that happened. Okay, maybe it didn’t happen that way, but it could have. Instead there was soup and hot toddy’s and lounge pants and yes, they’re all important in context.
Plot wise it was good. It felt realistic and maybe a touch cynical, but I could really relate to how Chloe felt at times. Of course I wanted more kissing and more banter, but I’m just being greedy. The last few chapters were wonderful and the ending was just enough of a future-take.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read. I’ll definitely be on the look out for the next book from this author.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Chloe and Nick in the other book and even in my review, I mentioned how I was ready for their story. And they were worth the wait. She’s sweet and he’s stoic and I was here for the longing-filled glances that happened. Okay, maybe it didn’t happen that way, but it could have. Instead there was soup and hot toddy’s and lounge pants and yes, they’re all important in context.
Plot wise it was good. It felt realistic and maybe a touch cynical, but I could really relate to how Chloe felt at times. Of course I wanted more kissing and more banter, but I’m just being greedy. The last few chapters were wonderful and the ending was just enough of a future-take.
Overall, it was a quick and fun read. I’ll definitely be on the look out for the next book from this author.
**Huge thanks to Berkley for providing the arc free of charge**
June 20, 2021
Way better than the first one
September 12, 2020
4.5 stars
Wow, I thought this one was even better than the first book in the series. Do you absolutely need to read Waiting for Tom Hanks before reading Not Like the Movies? Well no, but I think the reading experience is enhanced quite a bit if you do as Chloe and Nick have somewhat of a role in the first book even if they aren't the featured romance.
Chloe Sanderson is stretched pretty thin. She works at a coffee shop, is attempting to complete her degree, and frequently checks in on her dad who is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. She definitely has no time for romance. (wink, wink) Her best friend, Annie, was so inspired by the sparks she saw flying between Chloe and her boss, Nick, she wrote a romantic comedy about the two of them. With the movie premiere coming up soon, Chloe is starting to see Nick in a different light. Is is possible the right person for her was standing in front of her the entire time? But he's her boss so it's probably best to have a strictly work relationship with him. Besides, those fairy tale romances only happen in the movies, right?
I loved the humor in this book and Chloe was so likable that it was so easy to root for her happiness. What was interesting to me is she isn't obsessed with romantic comedies like Annie but the author still was able to sneak in quite a few movie references into the story. So if that's one of the things you enjoyed about the first book, rest assured they are in this one too.
I thought Chloe and Nick had amazing chemistry and loved the back and forth wisecracks. Based on their interactions in the first book, I had high hopes for them in this book, and I do feel the author managed to deliver. The only teeny, tiny criticism I have is the story lost a bit of momentum towards the end. I thought Annie got that great big moment in her book, but in some ways Chloe's felt lackluster. Not saying it's bad though, more just it was the weak spot in an otherwise terrific book. Definitely one of my favorite romances I have read over the last few years.
Wow, I thought this one was even better than the first book in the series. Do you absolutely need to read Waiting for Tom Hanks before reading Not Like the Movies? Well no, but I think the reading experience is enhanced quite a bit if you do as Chloe and Nick have somewhat of a role in the first book even if they aren't the featured romance.
Chloe Sanderson is stretched pretty thin. She works at a coffee shop, is attempting to complete her degree, and frequently checks in on her dad who is suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. She definitely has no time for romance. (wink, wink) Her best friend, Annie, was so inspired by the sparks she saw flying between Chloe and her boss, Nick, she wrote a romantic comedy about the two of them. With the movie premiere coming up soon, Chloe is starting to see Nick in a different light. Is is possible the right person for her was standing in front of her the entire time? But he's her boss so it's probably best to have a strictly work relationship with him. Besides, those fairy tale romances only happen in the movies, right?
I loved the humor in this book and Chloe was so likable that it was so easy to root for her happiness. What was interesting to me is she isn't obsessed with romantic comedies like Annie but the author still was able to sneak in quite a few movie references into the story. So if that's one of the things you enjoyed about the first book, rest assured they are in this one too.
I thought Chloe and Nick had amazing chemistry and loved the back and forth wisecracks. Based on their interactions in the first book, I had high hopes for them in this book, and I do feel the author managed to deliver. The only teeny, tiny criticism I have is the story lost a bit of momentum towards the end. I thought Annie got that great big moment in her book, but in some ways Chloe's felt lackluster. Not saying it's bad though, more just it was the weak spot in an otherwise terrific book. Definitely one of my favorite romances I have read over the last few years.
June 26, 2020
Synopsis
In Not Like The Movies we finally get to see Chloe and Nick’s love story unfold! Chloe is a waitress at Nick’s Cafe, and she is slowly working towards getting her bachelor’s degree in business while juggling her job, taking care of her father who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s, and preparing for her best friend’s wedding. She’s also dealing with the fact that her best friend wrote a screenplay based on a romanticized version of her relationship with her boss--Nick. Now that she’s seen the trailers for the upcoming movie and read the Buzzfeed articles on why Nick would be the perfect boyfriend, she can’t help but look at her boss differently. But Chloe doesn't believe in true love, and she definitely doesn’t have time for it…
Plot & Characters
All while reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t help but connect with Chloe a lot more than Annie. I thought Annie was selfish in the first book, and honestly, this shines through even stronger in the second. Chloe is a fascinating protagonist. She’s so used to taking care of others that she doesn’t have time to stop and think about what she wants or needs. Like Annie, Chloe is self-destructive in love, but it just makes sense, because she doesn’t truly believe that she deserves it. Chloe is a three-dimensional and fascinating character, and I just love her coping mechanisms, including the “five-minute cry” which I know isn’t healthy, but damn if it isn’t efficient.
Nick, on the other hand, is much less of an open book. We get to know him as Chloe does. Their dynamic reminds me so much of Luke and Lorelai in Gilmore Girls, so if you’re into that, you should definitely be checking out this novel, regardless of if you read the first.
The romance is sweet and drawn out, and there are fewer cringey moments than there are in the first book. Chloe makes bad decisions, sure, but her life is such a mess that they just made me feel for her more. I was heavily invested in the Chloe/Nick endgame (I had been since they were first introduced in the Waiting for Tom Hanks), so Not Like the Movies was perfect for me.
Setting
We get to return to the setting of Waiting for Tom Hanks-- German Village in Columbus. It’s very Gilmore Girls-esque, with Nick being gruff and owning a cafe. If you like taht small-town vibe in your romance novels, then this book is a perfect fit. There's even a total weirdo regular at the cafe named Gary, and he frequently blurts out the most inappropriate and hilarious things.
I recommend this book to any fan of Gilmore Girls, the parallels are uncanny and you’ll love the way that the romance unfolds.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc to review!*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2020 Reading Challenge
In Not Like The Movies we finally get to see Chloe and Nick’s love story unfold! Chloe is a waitress at Nick’s Cafe, and she is slowly working towards getting her bachelor’s degree in business while juggling her job, taking care of her father who’s suffering from Alzheimer’s, and preparing for her best friend’s wedding. She’s also dealing with the fact that her best friend wrote a screenplay based on a romanticized version of her relationship with her boss--Nick. Now that she’s seen the trailers for the upcoming movie and read the Buzzfeed articles on why Nick would be the perfect boyfriend, she can’t help but look at her boss differently. But Chloe doesn't believe in true love, and she definitely doesn’t have time for it…
Plot & Characters
All while reading the first book in this series, I couldn’t help but connect with Chloe a lot more than Annie. I thought Annie was selfish in the first book, and honestly, this shines through even stronger in the second. Chloe is a fascinating protagonist. She’s so used to taking care of others that she doesn’t have time to stop and think about what she wants or needs. Like Annie, Chloe is self-destructive in love, but it just makes sense, because she doesn’t truly believe that she deserves it. Chloe is a three-dimensional and fascinating character, and I just love her coping mechanisms, including the “five-minute cry” which I know isn’t healthy, but damn if it isn’t efficient.
Nick, on the other hand, is much less of an open book. We get to know him as Chloe does. Their dynamic reminds me so much of Luke and Lorelai in Gilmore Girls, so if you’re into that, you should definitely be checking out this novel, regardless of if you read the first.
The romance is sweet and drawn out, and there are fewer cringey moments than there are in the first book. Chloe makes bad decisions, sure, but her life is such a mess that they just made me feel for her more. I was heavily invested in the Chloe/Nick endgame (I had been since they were first introduced in the Waiting for Tom Hanks), so Not Like the Movies was perfect for me.
Setting
We get to return to the setting of Waiting for Tom Hanks-- German Village in Columbus. It’s very Gilmore Girls-esque, with Nick being gruff and owning a cafe. If you like taht small-town vibe in your romance novels, then this book is a perfect fit. There's even a total weirdo regular at the cafe named Gary, and he frequently blurts out the most inappropriate and hilarious things.
I recommend this book to any fan of Gilmore Girls, the parallels are uncanny and you’ll love the way that the romance unfolds.
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc to review!*
This review appeared first on https://powerlibrarian.wordpress.com/
Instagram | Blog | Website | Twitter
My 2020 Reading Challenge
February 11, 2021
‘Not believing in love’ is, like, the number one indicator that you’re about to fall in love.
It’s Valentine’s Week. I kind of have to read romance books . . . .
I really enjoyed Waiting for Tom Hanks so I was all over obtaining a copy of this sequel. You met the leads, Chloe and Nick, while they were working at Nick’s coffee shop in the first book – and also having a fictionalized version of their relationship put to the big screen by Chloe’s best friend Annie. A very fictionalized version that had them making all the smoochie faces and being completely in luuuuuuuuuurv. But everyone knows real life isn’t like the movies so Chloe and Nick remain professional – or in denial, more accurately – of their feelings. Until they don’t.
I liked this one nearly as much as the first. Chloe and Nick were both good leads, the real life issues were very much real life but not so overwhelming it brought down the feel good vibes that should go hand in hand with the Rom Com genre, the sex was fade-to-black (which I expect in these cartoony covers so that was A-Okay) and there was no accidental baby or something that made me want to throw the book out the window.
Oh, and there was a plethora of yacht rock. Ummmmmmm, yes please . . . .
Sometimes it's okay to feed your brain some candy. Especially one with a great soundtrack . . . .
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It’s Valentine’s Week. I kind of have to read romance books . . . .
I really enjoyed Waiting for Tom Hanks so I was all over obtaining a copy of this sequel. You met the leads, Chloe and Nick, while they were working at Nick’s coffee shop in the first book – and also having a fictionalized version of their relationship put to the big screen by Chloe’s best friend Annie. A very fictionalized version that had them making all the smoochie faces and being completely in luuuuuuuuuurv. But everyone knows real life isn’t like the movies so Chloe and Nick remain professional – or in denial, more accurately – of their feelings. Until they don’t.
I liked this one nearly as much as the first. Chloe and Nick were both good leads, the real life issues were very much real life but not so overwhelming it brought down the feel good vibes that should go hand in hand with the Rom Com genre, the sex was fade-to-black (which I expect in these cartoony covers so that was A-Okay) and there was no accidental baby or something that made me want to throw the book out the window.
Oh, and there was a plethora of yacht rock. Ummmmmmm, yes please . . . .
Sometimes it's okay to feed your brain some candy. Especially one with a great soundtrack . . . .
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
I read this cute rom-com right after it's predecessor, "Waiting for Tom Hanks"... and was quite surprised that I preferred the second, as that's rarely the case. Still recommend both, they're sweet & not smutty
March 30, 2020
I received an egalley from Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely adored Waiting for Tom Hanks so when I was contacted to review the second book in the series, I jumped at the chance. Waiting for Tom Hanks was definitely a book that fell between you either loved it and it's rom-com goodness or you hated it because it was too dramatic a lot of the times. I fell into the category of loving it but I can't help but feel Not Like the Movies will have the same impact. Unfortunately, I did not like this one.
It started out brilliantly. This book follows the relationship of Chloe and Nick after Annie's movie is auctioned off and the trailer comes out. Chloe and Nick are constantly hounded by people and the media because the movie is so popular from the trailer and they just needed to know if this was the couple that the movie was loosely based off of??? We get to learn more about Chloe's life and how hard she works to juggle everything. She has a father suffering dementia, a brother who left her to handle everything on her own, a business degree that still needs finishing, and pies to bake for Annie's wedding. What she really doesn't need is to think about Nick!
What Nick really needs is to not have someone toy with his emotions. And that's exactly why I didn't appreciate this novel. I had major issues with Chloe's inability to make decisions on pursuing her love-life and hurting someone in the process. Yes, she's not selfish because she spreads herself too thinly and helps everyone as much as she can. But when she finally decides to be selfish, she decides to string Nick along and make him believe that she's in 100% when really, she's just there for a quick lust session. It broke my heart when I saw Nick so hurt by it.
What I did like was the representation. We had someone who was taking care of a loved one with a debilitating disease, we had a gay brother, we had a bisexual main female character, and so much more. I also really liked the banter Chloe and Nick shared. And of course, the sexual tension.
I absolutely adored Waiting for Tom Hanks so when I was contacted to review the second book in the series, I jumped at the chance. Waiting for Tom Hanks was definitely a book that fell between you either loved it and it's rom-com goodness or you hated it because it was too dramatic a lot of the times. I fell into the category of loving it but I can't help but feel Not Like the Movies will have the same impact. Unfortunately, I did not like this one.
It started out brilliantly. This book follows the relationship of Chloe and Nick after Annie's movie is auctioned off and the trailer comes out. Chloe and Nick are constantly hounded by people and the media because the movie is so popular from the trailer and they just needed to know if this was the couple that the movie was loosely based off of??? We get to learn more about Chloe's life and how hard she works to juggle everything. She has a father suffering dementia, a brother who left her to handle everything on her own, a business degree that still needs finishing, and pies to bake for Annie's wedding. What she really doesn't need is to think about Nick!
What Nick really needs is to not have someone toy with his emotions. And that's exactly why I didn't appreciate this novel. I had major issues with Chloe's inability to make decisions on pursuing her love-life and hurting someone in the process. Yes, she's not selfish because she spreads herself too thinly and helps everyone as much as she can. But when she finally decides to be selfish, she decides to string Nick along and make him believe that she's in 100% when really, she's just there for a quick lust session. It broke my heart when I saw Nick so hurt by it.
What I did like was the representation. We had someone who was taking care of a loved one with a debilitating disease, we had a gay brother, we had a bisexual main female character, and so much more. I also really liked the banter Chloe and Nick shared. And of course, the sexual tension.
July 2, 2020
This is an easy book to review, as I loved every moment of it! I liked it just as much as Waiting for Tom Hanks, if not more. It was such a sweet and romantic story. Nick Velez is definitely book boyfriend material and swoon-worthy. I liked where the story went and all the little surprises along the way. I felt bad for Chloe with all the stress she was under, but became frustrated with her for always pushing people away and then feeling sorry for herself. However, I wanted to see if she would allow herself to accept help eventually. I liked her entrepreneurial side and her creativity.
I hope Kerry Winfrey will write a third book featuring all these characters. Maybe a dual perspective novel about Annie and Chloe or a book featuring a new character who is connected with them.
I definitely recommend both books in this series to anyone who wants a romantic escape and a good laugh (and perhaps a little cry too). While Not Like the Movies can be read as a standalone, there are some spoilers for Waiting.
Movie casting ideas (some were from Waiting):
Chloe: Bailey De Young
Nick: Adam Rodriguez
Annie: Jane Levy
Drew: Jeremy Jordan
Milo: Chord Overstreet
Fred: Corbin Bleu
Mikey: David Henrie
Tobin: Skyler Gisondo
I hope Kerry Winfrey will write a third book featuring all these characters. Maybe a dual perspective novel about Annie and Chloe or a book featuring a new character who is connected with them.
I definitely recommend both books in this series to anyone who wants a romantic escape and a good laugh (and perhaps a little cry too). While Not Like the Movies can be read as a standalone, there are some spoilers for Waiting.
Movie casting ideas (some were from Waiting):
Chloe: Bailey De Young
Nick: Adam Rodriguez
Annie: Jane Levy
Drew: Jeremy Jordan
Milo: Chord Overstreet
Fred: Corbin Bleu
Mikey: David Henrie
Tobin: Skyler Gisondo
August 3, 2020
4 🌟
Really enjoyed this spin-off to Waiting For Tom Hanks diving into the world of Chloe and Nick a little more closely. I feel for Chloe and find that I am a bit like her in some aspects, such as, feeling like I have to do it all including that for others, not having believed in there being a really true love cuz life isn't a Rom Com. In trying to figure it all out, Chloe was true to her stubborn self and I felt it was a little too "woe is me" and was a bit perturbed by her constant denial and self pity. As if she's the only one in the world going through things. She went as far as insulting and using Nick with how much she pushed him away when he has always, always been there for her.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed the overall story and how it played out. Like it would in real life discussing "pigs in a blanket" instead of a typical cliche Rom Com ending. Because even in a Rom Com, people's problems don't always go away, they just become easier to deal with because they allow love in no longer having to deal with it all alone. Thanks Kerry for that love life lesson!
Really enjoyed this spin-off to Waiting For Tom Hanks diving into the world of Chloe and Nick a little more closely. I feel for Chloe and find that I am a bit like her in some aspects, such as, feeling like I have to do it all including that for others, not having believed in there being a really true love cuz life isn't a Rom Com. In trying to figure it all out, Chloe was true to her stubborn self and I felt it was a little too "woe is me" and was a bit perturbed by her constant denial and self pity. As if she's the only one in the world going through things. She went as far as insulting and using Nick with how much she pushed him away when he has always, always been there for her.
Aside from that, I really enjoyed the overall story and how it played out. Like it would in real life discussing "pigs in a blanket" instead of a typical cliche Rom Com ending. Because even in a Rom Com, people's problems don't always go away, they just become easier to deal with because they allow love in no longer having to deal with it all alone. Thanks Kerry for that love life lesson!
May 21, 2020
Cute story that is quite YA yet many parts that are soooo relatable!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I ended up with mixed feelings about this book. The beginning first half came off with a definite young adult vibe. Plus I was really looking forward to the connection portion and that did not wind up fast enough for me.
For the second half we really started to see some lessening of the young adult vibe as we started to get to know Chloe a little bit more. Always doing for others but never allowing anyone to help. The connection with Nick was winding up. You can actually feel the emotion start to build.
This part of the book I absolutely loved. I connected with her in so many levels. The author did a great job with the balance of humor in the face of stress and anxiety, and learning to let go and let others in.
The delicate balance between family and friends, passion and dreams, and finding your happy place was richly detailed. And Nick… What a sweet character he turned out to be.
Winfrey brings a lovely story that crosses many genres and envelops the best pieces for a witty, emotional, sweet romance that leaves you with a smile and a sigh.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/not-like-the...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I ended up with mixed feelings about this book. The beginning first half came off with a definite young adult vibe. Plus I was really looking forward to the connection portion and that did not wind up fast enough for me.
For the second half we really started to see some lessening of the young adult vibe as we started to get to know Chloe a little bit more. Always doing for others but never allowing anyone to help. The connection with Nick was winding up. You can actually feel the emotion start to build.
This part of the book I absolutely loved. I connected with her in so many levels. The author did a great job with the balance of humor in the face of stress and anxiety, and learning to let go and let others in.
The delicate balance between family and friends, passion and dreams, and finding your happy place was richly detailed. And Nick… What a sweet character he turned out to be.
Winfrey brings a lovely story that crosses many genres and envelops the best pieces for a witty, emotional, sweet romance that leaves you with a smile and a sigh.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/not-like-the...
September 7, 2020
3,5 stars
I enjoyed listening to this book. It is my first read by this author.
Except for Chloe taking care of her father, who has Alzheimer's, this book is light and cute!
If you are in the mood for a light romance, where the hero is pinning for a heroine and being such a great guy, this is a book for you.
I enjoyed listening to this book. It is my first read by this author.
Except for Chloe taking care of her father, who has Alzheimer's, this book is light and cute!
If you are in the mood for a light romance, where the hero is pinning for a heroine and being such a great guy, this is a book for you.
May 3, 2020
Review : Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey
This was my first book by Kerry Winfrey, when I requested it I didn't realize that it's the sequel to Waiting for Tom Hanks....oops! I have it on my bookshelf but haven't read it yet. But even without reading book one, I was able to enjoy Not Like the Movies. Chloe's best friend wrote a movie script inspired by Chloe and her boss, who she despises. As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many lists about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can’t see him as anything but Reason #4: The scruffy-bearded hunk who’s always there when you need him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn’t so sure her own story will end in a happily-ever-after.
I really liked the character development, I really enjoyed Chloe, and her huge heart. Her father has early-onset Alzheimer’s, and she's his only family who can care for him. While taking care of her father, she also works in a coffee shop, and is helping her best friend plan her wedding. I really liked the entire book. I think if I would have read the first book it would have made the story even better, but even without it I loved it!
If you like enemies to lovers books then grab this one! You'll love it! :)
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/3 Steam 🔥🔥
#booksharks #bookstagram #books #book #bookish #bookclub #romcom #simplethingsmadebeautiful #bookaesthetic #booksandbeans #bookrecommendations #simpleandstill #readinglife #bookgram #summerreads #readersofinsta #instabooklovers #bookworm #themrsbookclub
Review : Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey
This was my first book by Kerry Winfrey, when I requested it I didn't realize that it's the sequel to Waiting for Tom Hanks....oops! I have it on my bookshelf but haven't read it yet. But even without reading book one, I was able to enjoy Not Like the Movies. Chloe's best friend wrote a movie script inspired by Chloe and her boss, who she despises. As the buzz for the movie grows, Chloe reads one too many lists about why Nick is the perfect man, and now she can’t see him as anything but Reason #4: The scruffy-bearded hunk who’s always there when you need him. But unlike the romance Annie has written for them, Chloe isn’t so sure her own story will end in a happily-ever-after.
I really liked the character development, I really enjoyed Chloe, and her huge heart. Her father has early-onset Alzheimer’s, and she's his only family who can care for him. While taking care of her father, she also works in a coffee shop, and is helping her best friend plan her wedding. I really liked the entire book. I think if I would have read the first book it would have made the story even better, but even without it I loved it!
If you like enemies to lovers books then grab this one! You'll love it! :)
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2/3 Steam 🔥🔥
#booksharks #bookstagram #books #book #bookish #bookclub #romcom #simplethingsmadebeautiful #bookaesthetic #booksandbeans #bookrecommendations #simpleandstill #readinglife #bookgram #summerreads #readersofinsta #instabooklovers #bookworm #themrsbookclub
September 17, 2020
I love romcoms and I loved Kerry Winfrey's first book, Waiting for Tom Hanks, so I had high hopes for this one. I’m happy to report that it did NOT disappoint! Dare I admit I loved this sequel even more than the first book? I did!
I loved Chloe and Nick. Their playful banter and chemistry kept me rooting for them to get together (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯!). There was no leave you star struck Hollywood leading man here. Nick was a real life hottie - 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺’𝘢𝘭𝘭! He was hardworking, dependable and oh so patient with Chloe who had so much going on that she was a walking emotional hazard sign. I loved the realness of this couple in comparison to Annie & Drew from the first book.
This was a quick, fun read. Was it predictable? Yes but isn’t that why we love romcoms? Don’t we want all those cheesy cute moments, sexy angst, inevitable misunderstandings and happily ever afters that leave our heart feeling happy? I sure do!
Thank you to Kerry Winfrey, Berkley Publishing and Edelweiss for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Chloe and Nick. Their playful banter and chemistry kept me rooting for them to get together (𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘯!). There was no leave you star struck Hollywood leading man here. Nick was a real life hottie - 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺’𝘢𝘭𝘭! He was hardworking, dependable and oh so patient with Chloe who had so much going on that she was a walking emotional hazard sign. I loved the realness of this couple in comparison to Annie & Drew from the first book.
This was a quick, fun read. Was it predictable? Yes but isn’t that why we love romcoms? Don’t we want all those cheesy cute moments, sexy angst, inevitable misunderstandings and happily ever afters that leave our heart feeling happy? I sure do!
Thank you to Kerry Winfrey, Berkley Publishing and Edelweiss for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2020
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Full review HERE
This was a cute story and I definitely appreciated a lot more than the first book in this companion series. I think it's because I preferred this main couple here to the other one. I liked the slow-burn romance, even though it was clear that Chloe and Nick both liked each other very much. The playful banter between them was cute and often made me laugh, especially when they were talking about music to play in the café. Also, I was a big fan of Chloe talking about baking, it's just something I like reading about, don't ask me why.
Even though Nick and Chloe were cute, I didn't really like their "big fight". I saw it coming from miles away and I knew it was just going to be a full-of-excuses mess. Also, I felt sorry for Nick. Thankfully the ending picked itself up and offered some very cute scenes.
Full review HERE
This was a cute story and I definitely appreciated a lot more than the first book in this companion series. I think it's because I preferred this main couple here to the other one. I liked the slow-burn romance, even though it was clear that Chloe and Nick both liked each other very much. The playful banter between them was cute and often made me laugh, especially when they were talking about music to play in the café. Also, I was a big fan of Chloe talking about baking, it's just something I like reading about, don't ask me why.
Even though Nick and Chloe were cute, I didn't really like their "big fight". I saw it coming from miles away and I knew it was just going to be a full-of-excuses mess. Also, I felt sorry for Nick. Thankfully the ending picked itself up and offered some very cute scenes.
April 13, 2020
Thanks to Berkley Jove for the ARC.
I absolutely adored Kerry Winfrey's WAITING FOR TOM HANKS. It was exactly what I want a rom-com to be: a couple to root for with a balance of witty humor and sweet romance. Her follow up, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES once again delivers on all those components. I just felt happy when I was reading it. Plus- I found myself laughing out loud (LOUDLY) on more than one occasion.
Chloe and Nick's journey from frenemies-to-more was positively delightful but not without struggle and conflict. The grand gesture culmination was so fabulous! I will admit that I've read the last chapter of WFTH at least 5 times. I keep going back to it when I need a pick me up. I've already done the same with NOT LIKE THE MOVIES. So yeah- I liked it. A lot.
Light on the steam.
PUB DATE 7.7.20
I absolutely adored Kerry Winfrey's WAITING FOR TOM HANKS. It was exactly what I want a rom-com to be: a couple to root for with a balance of witty humor and sweet romance. Her follow up, NOT LIKE THE MOVIES once again delivers on all those components. I just felt happy when I was reading it. Plus- I found myself laughing out loud (LOUDLY) on more than one occasion.
Chloe and Nick's journey from frenemies-to-more was positively delightful but not without struggle and conflict. The grand gesture culmination was so fabulous! I will admit that I've read the last chapter of WFTH at least 5 times. I keep going back to it when I need a pick me up. I've already done the same with NOT LIKE THE MOVIES. So yeah- I liked it. A lot.
Light on the steam.
PUB DATE 7.7.20
August 2, 2020
What a fun book for rom-com lovers. It was chock full of romantic movie tropes: optimistic female lead who tries to take care of everyone on her own, gruff boss with a heart of gold, workplace romance, strong female friendship, quirky side characters, etc. I was here for all of it. Was it predictable? Yes. Did I care? No! I loved it. This book was adorable and heartwarming and oh so sweet. Great read!
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
April 27, 2020
Thanks Edelweiss and the publisher for the digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This one is a kind of spin off/sequence for Waiting for Tom Hanks (which I liked but didn't love) since in here we have Chloe's story, who is Annie's best friend in the previous book, but you don't necessarily have to read it in order to read this one.
Chloe works in a coffee shop while also studying to get a degree and help her sick father. She barely has time to herself, but also loves working at Nick's, even if he annoys the hell out of her. Her life gets a bit more complicated when her best friend, Annie, decides to write a rom com based on her life, and her boss, Nick - I mean, Rick, in the movie - being her romantic interest. At first, she thinks Annie is crazy, but then she starts wondering if it's really that crazy...
As I said, the first one wasn't everything I was expecting to be, but I thought this one had more potential and I wasn't wrong. It got me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Chloe since the previous book, because I simply adored her sense of humor and laughed out loud plenty of times. Plus in here, we have the opportunity to another side of her, all the drama with her family: the mother that abandoned her, taking care of her father and her unreliable brother who's back in town.
Her dynamic with Nick and the way their relationship was developed was incredible. I rooted so much for them! Their dialogue were hilarious, since he's more he broody type and she's more of an optmistic, so they fit perfectly together lol
I highly recommend it you want a very cute and funny book, with a bit of familiar drama as well.
This one is a kind of spin off/sequence for Waiting for Tom Hanks (which I liked but didn't love) since in here we have Chloe's story, who is Annie's best friend in the previous book, but you don't necessarily have to read it in order to read this one.
Chloe works in a coffee shop while also studying to get a degree and help her sick father. She barely has time to herself, but also loves working at Nick's, even if he annoys the hell out of her. Her life gets a bit more complicated when her best friend, Annie, decides to write a rom com based on her life, and her boss, Nick - I mean, Rick, in the movie - being her romantic interest. At first, she thinks Annie is crazy, but then she starts wondering if it's really that crazy...
As I said, the first one wasn't everything I was expecting to be, but I thought this one had more potential and I wasn't wrong. It got me hooked from the very beginning. I loved Chloe since the previous book, because I simply adored her sense of humor and laughed out loud plenty of times. Plus in here, we have the opportunity to another side of her, all the drama with her family: the mother that abandoned her, taking care of her father and her unreliable brother who's back in town.
Her dynamic with Nick and the way their relationship was developed was incredible. I rooted so much for them! Their dialogue were hilarious, since he's more he broody type and she's more of an optmistic, so they fit perfectly together lol
I highly recommend it you want a very cute and funny book, with a bit of familiar drama as well.
August 8, 2020
Okay here's the thing; I was Not a fan of Waiting For Tom Hanks-the book prior to Not Like The Movies, so I was a little nervous for this one, but also really anxious and excited to give this author another go..and one of my girlfriend's agreed to read it with me. That being said, I really liked this book.
Chloe is complex as hell. She is kind of annoying at times. I didn't always agree with what she did, or how she treated people or decisions she made; but I got 'it' with her. After finishing the book and reflecting back on some of the scenes and conversations she had in it, the way she acted at certain times made complete sense with her character.
Kerry Winfrey really focuses early on in the book on Chloe's character arc. We learn that in 4th grade her Mom abandoned Chloe's Dad, her and her brother so there's that..as crazy and complex as Mother/Daughter relationships can be..imagine how psychologically having one, then all of a sudden being dumped for some guy she met online must be for a young girl. Fast forward to Chloe now being an adult and her Dad is now living with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's sucks, so bad. I am happy to see it reflected more in romance and women's fiction because it effects so many people. My grandfather had it, so I could go on and on..but Chloe reminded me of my Mom. she put everything on pause to take care of her parent. Her brother Milo was away but comes back to Ohio with his new boyfriend Fred; and there are obviously some sibling things there; Chloe feeling some type of way about her brother out here living his unbothered life while she's here juggling online classes to finish her business degree, working as a barista and caring for their dad.
This is a lot! But for me personally, it helped put things into perspective for me with Chloe. Her and Nick's situation is like fire. Every time they get close, they both feel that spark and that chemistry but Chloe always reverts back to him being her boss. The girl already juggling so much, doesn't want to juggle anything else. Chloe would rather not have any other commitments. There is a good bit where she literally seems to be leading Nick on; she knows he's crazy about her but she's just looking for no strings attached good time..and she likes him too. She could totally find some other guy and make out, like she does in the book, to get her mind off Nick or she could just go for it. He's always there when she needs him. He wants to help take some of the load off her shoulders. I am not a fan of weak heroines, so I personally, really liked a lot about Chloe. She is a strong heroine who has to learn like so many women do..that having help with the weight of the world is fine. You don't have to make magic all of the time solely. If someone wants to help, let them. I thought it was an interesting journey seeing her get to that.
I don't think everyone will read and love this book but as someone who wasn't blown away by the previous one, this one actually did it for me. Now I think I should give Waiting For Tom Hanks a reread.
Chloe is complex as hell. She is kind of annoying at times. I didn't always agree with what she did, or how she treated people or decisions she made; but I got 'it' with her. After finishing the book and reflecting back on some of the scenes and conversations she had in it, the way she acted at certain times made complete sense with her character.
Kerry Winfrey really focuses early on in the book on Chloe's character arc. We learn that in 4th grade her Mom abandoned Chloe's Dad, her and her brother so there's that..as crazy and complex as Mother/Daughter relationships can be..imagine how psychologically having one, then all of a sudden being dumped for some guy she met online must be for a young girl. Fast forward to Chloe now being an adult and her Dad is now living with Alzheimer's. Alzheimer's sucks, so bad. I am happy to see it reflected more in romance and women's fiction because it effects so many people. My grandfather had it, so I could go on and on..but Chloe reminded me of my Mom. she put everything on pause to take care of her parent. Her brother Milo was away but comes back to Ohio with his new boyfriend Fred; and there are obviously some sibling things there; Chloe feeling some type of way about her brother out here living his unbothered life while she's here juggling online classes to finish her business degree, working as a barista and caring for their dad.
This is a lot! But for me personally, it helped put things into perspective for me with Chloe. Her and Nick's situation is like fire. Every time they get close, they both feel that spark and that chemistry but Chloe always reverts back to him being her boss. The girl already juggling so much, doesn't want to juggle anything else. Chloe would rather not have any other commitments. There is a good bit where she literally seems to be leading Nick on; she knows he's crazy about her but she's just looking for no strings attached good time..and she likes him too. She could totally find some other guy and make out, like she does in the book, to get her mind off Nick or she could just go for it. He's always there when she needs him. He wants to help take some of the load off her shoulders. I am not a fan of weak heroines, so I personally, really liked a lot about Chloe. She is a strong heroine who has to learn like so many women do..that having help with the weight of the world is fine. You don't have to make magic all of the time solely. If someone wants to help, let them. I thought it was an interesting journey seeing her get to that.
I don't think everyone will read and love this book but as someone who wasn't blown away by the previous one, this one actually did it for me. Now I think I should give Waiting For Tom Hanks a reread.
July 6, 2020
I went into Kerry Winfrey’s new novel, Not Like the Movies, hoping for a bit of light rom-com goodness, but I have to say that I fully underestimated this book because Not Like the Movies has turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the summer so far. While yes, it has plenty of that rom-com goodness I was looking for, it also has so much more.
Chloe Sanderson is the protagonist of the story and I adored her and just found her so relatable. Chloe has a big heart, always going out of her way to do nice things for others. She also has a lot on her plate, working as a waitress and baker at Nick’s Café, going to school to finish her business degree, and, most importantly, caring for her aging father who has Alzheimer’s. Chloe’s life is further complicated when her best friend Annie, an up and coming filmmaker, writes a rom-com screenplay inspired by Chloe’s life and her romance with her boss, Nick. There’s just one problem…Chloe and Nick are not in a relationship and never have been.
When Annie’s screenplay is actually picked up by a major studio, Chloe’s fictionalized life is suddenly everywhere and everyone thinks she and Nick are together. Awkward! Things become even more awkward as Chloe starts to consider the possibility of dating her boss. She doesn’t have time for it with everything else on her plate and doesn’t even know if she believes in love, but Nick is kind of irresistible in a sexy, grumpy yet super sweet Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls kind of way. I loved Nick and Chloe’s chemistry and immediately became fully invested in the “Will they or won’t they?” pull of the story.
As much as I adored the rom-com aspect of Nick and Chloe’s evolving relationship, what really took Not Like the Movies to the next level for me was Chloe’s journey as she tries to balance everything she has going on in her life. It’s an emotional one for her because she’s always so worried about caring for others, especially her Dad, and leaves her own self-care out of the equation. Even though the journey is a struggle for her, I loved watching Chloe grow as a person, and I especially enjoyed watching her assert herself when it comes to her brother, who has conveniently stayed away and not pulled his weight when it comes to matters of their family.
There’s just so much to love about Not Like the Movies. I flew through it in a couple of sittings and even though I was completely satisfied with the ending, I was actually still just a little sad just because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Chloe and Nick yet. If you’re in the mood for a story that features romance, family drama, and friendship, this is your book. Oh and there’s pie too! Lots of pie! 4.5 STARS
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Chloe Sanderson is the protagonist of the story and I adored her and just found her so relatable. Chloe has a big heart, always going out of her way to do nice things for others. She also has a lot on her plate, working as a waitress and baker at Nick’s Café, going to school to finish her business degree, and, most importantly, caring for her aging father who has Alzheimer’s. Chloe’s life is further complicated when her best friend Annie, an up and coming filmmaker, writes a rom-com screenplay inspired by Chloe’s life and her romance with her boss, Nick. There’s just one problem…Chloe and Nick are not in a relationship and never have been.
When Annie’s screenplay is actually picked up by a major studio, Chloe’s fictionalized life is suddenly everywhere and everyone thinks she and Nick are together. Awkward! Things become even more awkward as Chloe starts to consider the possibility of dating her boss. She doesn’t have time for it with everything else on her plate and doesn’t even know if she believes in love, but Nick is kind of irresistible in a sexy, grumpy yet super sweet Luke Danes from Gilmore Girls kind of way. I loved Nick and Chloe’s chemistry and immediately became fully invested in the “Will they or won’t they?” pull of the story.
As much as I adored the rom-com aspect of Nick and Chloe’s evolving relationship, what really took Not Like the Movies to the next level for me was Chloe’s journey as she tries to balance everything she has going on in her life. It’s an emotional one for her because she’s always so worried about caring for others, especially her Dad, and leaves her own self-care out of the equation. Even though the journey is a struggle for her, I loved watching Chloe grow as a person, and I especially enjoyed watching her assert herself when it comes to her brother, who has conveniently stayed away and not pulled his weight when it comes to matters of their family.
There’s just so much to love about Not Like the Movies. I flew through it in a couple of sittings and even though I was completely satisfied with the ending, I was actually still just a little sad just because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Chloe and Nick yet. If you’re in the mood for a story that features romance, family drama, and friendship, this is your book. Oh and there’s pie too! Lots of pie! 4.5 STARS
Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2020
Not Like the Movies is the sequel to Waiting for Tom Hanks, and weirdly, I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. I think Chloe is an all-around better character than Annie, and I liked getting to read from her POV.
This story was really cute, but Chloe's self-sabotaging bothered me sometimes. I would have liked to be able to root for her a little more, but I also like that there was balance with her good qualities and flaws. If you need a sweet rom-com right now, check out Not Like the Movies!
This story was really cute, but Chloe's self-sabotaging bothered me sometimes. I would have liked to be able to root for her a little more, but I also like that there was balance with her good qualities and flaws. If you need a sweet rom-com right now, check out Not Like the Movies!
July 14, 2020
Alright. I just don't think this is the right author for me.
I get the joke, these are rom-com trope filled romance novels, but it's just not funny or cute (to me).
This book had way too much going on, and while I get that the author is trying to show that Chloe is just so overwhelmed by her life etc... it felt sloppy. They also talked about how she's almost 30 and yet still acting like a child, seriously, you are almost 30 (even with growing up the way she did) you don't get a pass to stay stagnant (which she was until about the 250 page mark...🙄)
I get that she had some issues to work through, and obviously as a romance she had to figure some shit out to get the HEA but it was all just a bit much for me. It was fine. There were parts that I enjoyed which is why this is floating at the 2.5/3 star range for me rather than just the 2 star range.
Thanks Kerry, but I'm out.
I get the joke, these are rom-com trope filled romance novels, but it's just not funny or cute (to me).
This book had way too much going on, and while I get that the author is trying to show that Chloe is just so overwhelmed by her life etc... it felt sloppy. They also talked about how she's almost 30 and yet still acting like a child, seriously, you are almost 30 (even with growing up the way she did) you don't get a pass to stay stagnant (which she was until about the 250 page mark...🙄)
I get that she had some issues to work through, and obviously as a romance she had to figure some shit out to get the HEA but it was all just a bit much for me. It was fine. There were parts that I enjoyed which is why this is floating at the 2.5/3 star range for me rather than just the 2 star range.
Thanks Kerry, but I'm out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,478 reviews