Not Like the Movies

By: Kerry Winfrey

Narrated by: Reba Buhr

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 her cute but no-nonsense boss, Nick Velez.

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 #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.

Critic reviews

“Winfrey excels at upending typical romantic comedy tropes, and Chloe is a complicated, realistic, believable character. Sitcoms, movies, and music are all heavily referenced in the story; fans of the TV series New Girl will no doubt love this book. A quirky novel perfect for rom-com fans and readers looking for a little sweet escapism.”—Kirkus Reviews

"Humor and love abound in Winfrey’s delightfully meta rom-com...This is a winner."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"The sparkling dialog and hilarious banter in this second in Winfrey’s series (after Waiting for Tom Hanks) will dazzle readers craving a self-aware rom-com. Perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Nora Ephron."—Library Journal

“Kerry Winfrey follows up last summer’s delicious Waiting for Tom Hanks with this deliriously lovely rom-com…Hopeful, heartfelt, and poignantly tender, Not Like the Movies is the ideal title for late summer, a simultaneously warm and bittersweet package that feels just like this time of year.”—Entertainment Weekly

"Winfrey has built in all of the charming things that make rom-coms addictive: richly developed characters, a deep pool of supportive friends, awkward situations, goofy reactions, missed opportunities, big misunderstandings and grand gestures. This romance is slow building, but the journey is a delight."—BookPage

"Those who enjoy fast-paced, sparring banter will find much to savor in this sexy story where love may—or may not—conquer all."—Shelf Awareness

Feel good book

Great follow up to Waiting for Tom Hanks. If you are a fan of RomComs you will enjoy this book! I loved it!!

Very cute

This was a very typical Rom Com. Very hallmark material Rom com. It was a good pallet cleanser.

good sequel

this book is not as good as Waiting For Tom Hanks but its still a cute rom com story! if you enjoyed the first one you'll enjoy this one

Pretty cute

Pretty solid 4/5. Thought it was cute and liked the backstory, there could have been a little more to some of the other characters. Overall really cute and the narrator did a pretty good job.

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 get stubborn self and 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 anything alone. Thanks Kerry for that love life lesson!