Kenzi thinks she has her life sorted, a successful career and newly engaged to Bradley, she can’t wait to plan her fairytale wedding. The her boss tells her the firm is struggling and if she can’t close the deal with their newest client, her job’s on the line. Little does she know that the client is her ex and he has very specific ideas on how the brief will go. He gives Kenzi a list of ten movies and makes her promise to re-enact scenes from all of them. Or the deal’s off.

The hook of Love Like the Movies is one you’ll most likely appreciate if you’re a fan of 90s chick flicks, such as You’ve Got Mail, Pretty Woman and Sleepless in Seattle. There are a few more modern ones thrown into the mix, including at least one I hadn’t seen, but mostly it made me want to re-watch all those old, indulgent favourites. It was a bit forced how she always pointed out the scene and which film it was from, I would have preferred the reader to be left to make the connections. There is a list after all, it’s not that hard to match them up.

Kenzi seeks approval from her family, her engagements seems to be more about scoring points with them than marrying someone she loves. I never felt any love between her and Bradley, it was as if he was chosen as someone her mum would approve of. I didn’t quite understand why her mum was more attached to her daughter-in-law than her actual daughter either. It was a bit over the top.

However the point of these sort of scenarios is for the protagonist to realise their life isn’t going so well and to make changes. It was a bit predictable, but once I got past her family issues, it was a quick and enjoyable read.

The list of movies is:

  1. Sleepless in Seattle
  2. Pretty Woman
  3. Bridget Jones’s Diary
  4. 27 Dresses
  5. Dirty Dancing
  6. Sixteen Candles
  7. Love Actually
  8. Say Anything
  9. You’ve Got Mail
  10. My Best Friend’s Wedding

Love Like the Movies is Victoria Van Tiem’s debut novel. Published by Pan Macmillan, it’s available to buy now in paperback and ebook editions. Thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

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Also reviewed @ I Heart Chick Lit | kimberleyfaye reads

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge for review purposes only. Receipt of a book does not guarantee a review or endorsement. My reviews are my honest opinion and are not biased for the purpose of personal gain.