JUST LIKE THE MOVIES by NATASHA PRESTON

‘I would love nothing more than to be with him again. To be his officially. I want him so badly but there is no way to have him and not have everything that comes with dating a movie star.’

Just Like The movies is a new Hollywood friends to lovers romance from Natasha Preston which we couldn’t wait to dive in to. The friends to lovers’ aspect was brilliantly written, especially from Spencer’s pov. This man loved hard and there was literally no drama or angst from his voice. He was such a wonderful character and a rising Hollywood star whose career is just beginning but whose fame is already widespread. How can two friends, one being a movie star and the other an emotionally damaged Uni student possibly have a romantic relationship without the world interfering?

‘Our lives are going in two different directions. It’s been like that for a while. I hate having an expiration date on our relationship. I’m on borrowed time.’

Spencer and Indie have been best friends for ten years, yet Indie has never in all that time divulged her home conditions, playing the avoidance game to keep him removed from this important part of her life. We were really surprised that this secret had been kept buried in a ‘best friend’ relationship and had to question the strength of friendship and honesty. The connection was written with strength and conviction in everything but that.

‘They can’t understand why I broke up with Spencer. It had to happen. He can’t be chained to the train wreck girl from his childhood.’
‘I’ve spent every day since I was six wondering why my parents love alcohol more than me.’

Spencer moves to Hollywood when he secures a part in a big upcoming movie, leaving a heartbroken Indie behind. A few years pass with barely any communication, however, neither has forgotten the love that lies within their hearts. Spencer stole our hearts, his literally made of gold. He was rational and logical about his life as a movie star, his family values and he placed the importance of love, and happiness in the top of ranked importance. He was also gorgeous and so swoon-worthy! Indie misses her friend, the man she’s fallen in love with, however, she’s not brave enough to tell him just how she feels and she’s not willing to enter a fan frenzy where her secrets can be exposed.

 ‘When you love someone more than anything in the world, you don’t let them give up their dream.’

Indie was a tough nut to crack. Our hearts felt her struggle, the tragedy of her childhood and the fight she had on her hands. Having had that very brief ‘more than friends’ relationship with Spencer before he flew off to chase his dream, marked her. Her home-life and her love leaving the country, broke the pieces not already broken by her mum and dad. We will admit to having a bit of a ‘love-hate’ relationship with Indie at times. The broken became a tad too repetitive and the secret staying a secret wore us out a bit. However, we were championing her through every page to get her love and happiness.

“They can throw what they want, Indie. I’ll be coming home to you.”

So many aspects of Just Like the Movies felt unique. The way in which Spencer was written was super refreshing as was the easy drama free friendships and Hollywood life. Natasha Preston nailed the friends to lovers and whilst there was high angst and some drama it was also a super sweet and hot romance between soul mates.

“I’m not letting go, Indie. I’m here, and I’m going to make everything right, baby. I promise. I’ve got you.”