So I really enjoyed this book! I was hooked from the start, and I really enjoyed the fact this was so much more than just a fake-dating relationship. I thought Grey and Ethan's romance was very present in reading, and their chemistry was entertaining. Overall a great book that i would totally recommend!

Brief Plot: Grey Brooks needs help in obtaining her next acting job after finishing a long term teen drama. Ethan Atkins is coming out of a 5 year 'retirement' after the loss of his best friend. In a fake relationship agreement to bring talks of them both up for professional promotion, the two agree to a contract. But with chemistry brewing, as well as al lot of unaddressed emotions, the two have to handle and decide if they can be together and be a positive impact to the others life or not.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for an eARC copy of How to Fake it In Hollywood by Ava Wilder. This is my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author allows both Grey and Ethan to grow as individuals throughout the story and make them both likeable characters. I also enjoyed that there was more depth to the story with each of their backgrounds.

Looking for a great romance book to read this summer? Look no further! This book was so fun and swoon worthy. But don’t let the cover fool you, there’s some deep topics involved in this book as well. I really enjoyed the characters in this book, I felt like they were relatable, even if you’re not famous. I also liked that it was written in dual POV. If you’re a fan of celebrity and fake dating tropes, I highly recommend this one! I couldn’t put it down once I started it.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Grey Brooks hasn't gotten much work since her hit teen drama wrapped up almost a year ago. With a big role possibly on the horizon, she decides to agree to her publicist's plan - fake date America's heart throb actor Ethan Atkins. The only problem is Ethan hasn't worked, let alone stayed sober since his best friend died five years ago. Wallowing in grief and booze, Ethan knows that the window to finish the movie him and his best friend started is coming to a close. He needs to appear stable and ready to work again, not only to finish this movie but to be able to see his kids more. Turns out Grey and Ethan's chemistry is more than an act.

Wow. This was not at all what I expected. When I requested this ARC I thought I'd be getting a light romcom. But instead I got something much deeper. This book still had romcom moments complete with witty banter but it was also full of real issues in both Ethan and Grey's lives - addiction, debilitating grief, and familial problems. I finished this book in a day. I couldn't put it down. I had this sinking feeling for the last 3/4 of the book just waiting for the shoe to drop. Their relationship just didn't feel right. But the author gave me what I needed in the end. Ava Wilder is a talented writer. This was a GREAT debut novel which is out TODAY! I highly recommend the read.

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I'm feeling conflicted about this one. On the one hand, I liked the characters. I thought they were well-rounded and interesting. But the author did some things with the traditional Romance structure that I did not like at all.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The characters hook up really quickly—which is totally fine, but it's not my preference as I prefer a slower burn. I thought this choice robbed the story of a lot of tension. Anyway, so they got together pretty quickly and then had a breakup very quickly as well. There were two breakups in this novel!! I read Romance for the predictability, honestly, and the structural changes here really threw me off and turned me off to the book overall. I forced myself to keep reading and was just not feeling it by the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. This honest review was based off my experience reading an ARC, which in no way biased me.

I wanted to like this, I really did. Going into this book I thought I was going to get a cute contemporary romance/romcom. And that’s not what I got. The author tried to make this more than “just a contemporary romance” and some half baked serious themes, which just made the whole execution flop for me.

It has some really great tropes:
-age gap (she’s 27 and he’s 38)
-fake dating
-celebrity romance
-forced proximity
-one bed trope

Things I liked:
-the tropes mentioned above
-While the execution of this book was not my favorite I will say the quality of the writing was well done
-Nora. She was quite possibly my favorite character. Her and Renata.
-I did enjoy that Grey did not let people step all over her (Ethan and her mother specifically).

Things that could use some work:
-Not sure why but their chemistry felt faked (even when they were alone) and forced. They felt very dry to me.
-I didn’t love that she was his fan girl and he didn’t even know she existed, this would have served much better if they were enemies to lovers rather than whatever they were.
-Ethan’s “struggles with drinking” was undersold in the blurb. He is an alcoholic/person who deals with addictions and this book should have had a trigger/content warning for that. I am not by any means an expert but I do not believe this was handled well at all, especially with the time jump and “Ethan is cured” now.
-Speaking of content/trigger warnings, this book needed to have them.
-Making Ethan “become better” only for Grey. This felt odd. He had his daughters to think about (and he complained about missing so much of their lives since the divorce, but again had done absolutely nothing to better himself until he had a love interest) and only when he had a love interest did he even consider doing anything help himself?
-Personally while Grey “made Ethan better” Ethan “made Grey worse”. There is a quote directly from the book that Grey says “…She noted with resentment that it felt like she’d had more hangover in the months that shes met Ethan than in the last few years combined…” (Chapter 26)
-How they could have such strong feelings for each other from fake dating for two months (and him ignoring/avoiding her at all costs for more than 80% of those 2 months), a sex marathon, and a few weeks of zero contact through a breakup? I’m not sure, and this adds to the chemistry feeling faked and forced (even behind closed doors).
-the pacing was so odd. I could never tell how much time had passed (except for the time jump).

Overall, I did not enjoy this book, but others may.

This book took me back to my high school fan fiction days in the best possible way. I absolutely devoured Ethan and Grey’s story and I found myself staying up until 4 am reading until I fell asleep because I couldn’t get myself to put it down. The combination of the fake dating turned real romance with the fun of the celebrity/entertainment world was right up my alley and I couldn’t recommend this book more. Genuinely a 10/10 read that got me out of the reading slump I’ve been in for the past month. If you’re on the edge about reading this book, I promise it’s worth it.

I went in to this book thinking it would be pretty light but it turned out to be more of a romantic drama. Two actors team up to form a PR relationship to help their careers all the while falling for each other. Not everything is as it seems and both have to deal with their internal struggles and demons. Trigger warns for alcoholism, depression, grief, abuse and more - this is certainly much heavier and 'real' than I anticipated.

Don’t let this cute cover fool you - How to Fake it in Hollywood packs quite the punch. I mean yes it’s definitely a swoon worthy romance with plenty of cute moments. However, it also covers plenty of other deeper topics such as grief, substance abuse, and the pitfalls of mega fame. Honestly this book took me on quite the rollercoaster of emotions. I found myself simultaneously rooting for the characters and being so frustrated with them I wanted to reach through the pages and shake them. And thank god we got both of their perspectives. The way Ethan was head over heels for Grey was adorable. Their journey together was really beautiful. My only only complaint was that it felt a smidge too easily resolved in the end. But without a doubt I’d definitely recommend this!

The cover is absolutely stunning. The premise is fun - we all love a fake dating story, especially if it’s celebrities.

The story itself is pretty decent. Grey and Ethan separately are interesting characters with clear motivations. The discussions of the impacts of fame were intriguing, but not as in depth.

What disappointment me was the actual romance. Typical insta attraction. Despite the characters lusting after each other the second they meet, you don’t feel the tension or desire between the two. Yes, she’s attractive, but what else? Yes, he’s ridiculously handsome, but what else? I found myself bored during their romantic scenes, and more captivating in them getting to know each other and other aspects of the plot. I think the story could’ve benefited from slower pacing.

Not terrible at all. I’d definitely check out other things by Ana Wilder.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. As a lover of romance I felt that it had a compelling storyline with honest characters that really drew me in quickly. Not every author does a good job providing the. he sorry that's palpable in print, but Ava Wilder hit it out of the park.

While the cover gives off majorly cute romcom vibes, this book is so much more than that. How to Fake it in Hollywood is incredibly deep and emotional.

Ethan Atkins lost his best friend years ago, and ever since has been drowning his sorrows away from the public eye. His career has been nonexistent.

Grey Brooks has just finished her six season stint on the popular teen show, Poison Paradise, and is ready for a change of pace. Unfortunately nothing substantial has come her way.

When their mutual publicist recommends they meet, with the hopes of entering into a mutually beneficial (contractual) relationship, Ethan is mesmerized. Grey is not afraid to tell him exactly what she thinks of his rude behavior. Grey and Ethan have amazing chemistry off the bat, but can they let down their guard and begin to trust each other?

This book deals with alcoholism, emotional trauma, depression, and so many other topics. Please proceed with caution.

Wow! What an incredible debut by Ava Wilder. Hollywood darling Grey and former A-lister movie star Ethan are thrown together in a fake relationship by their publicists in order to boost both their images + popularity. Sparks fly instantly and what starts out as a publicity stunt grows into something much more.

I LOVE banter- to me that’s such an important part of the charm + energy of a romance novel. Well I’m so pleased to report that this one has absolutely AMAZING chemistry and banter!! I was drawn in immediately to these two flawed but endearing characters. I loved the Hollywood fame aspects as well as the off the charts steam. Fake dating is such a fun trope to play around with so much TENSION + passion and Ava cultivated those feelings so masterfully in her writing. I was just yearning for these to to get it on already and have a happy ending. Overall, I loved the character growth and development as well as the resolution of the story. I am seriously in awe this was a debut and cannot wait for more from this author.

Just a heads up, this book does deal with some really heavy topics. I thought they were handled in a tender + healthy way but please go easy if these topics are especially difficult for you. Content warning: addiction, substance abuse, grief

If you’re looking for a rom com with some heart- look no further!

I loved this one, but don’t let the cover fool you this is a lot heavier than it looks. Grey Brooks is trying to break out of her teen soap days into something more.
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Ethan Atkins is THE Hollywood heartthrob. I kept getting some Ben Affleck/Tom Cruise Vibes. Ethan and his writing partner Sam became an immediate success, but when Sam dies it leaves Ethan unraveled. He didn’t want to work, loses his marriage and turns to alcohol.
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In a ploy to get them both working they both agree to their publicist’s scheme to fake a relationship but what happens when their feelings turns real?
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I really rooted for the two of them and as much as I loved them I loved the relationship between Grey and Ethan’s ex wife, Nora. This book is out now!
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Thank you #Dell and #NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

this story was really one of the few moments I loved fake dating. it was very real in the progression of the relationship from being just business to giving into the attraction. I could see a lot of the celeb aspects being very real in the story and loved that it didn't get too oc. I liked both characters and their faults and how they approached their feelings.

Readers explore the world of fake dating when Grey and Ethan come together. Of course, as the "fake" relationship continues, a real one develops. Readers are able to connect with the two because of how realistic they are. Wilder does a wonderful job of outlining some of the struggles the characters faced. While it is not an "easy read" it can be read quickly. It keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review! This book was cute from start to finish! I enjoyed so many parts in this, and if you like the traditional rom-com type of story, this is definitely for you!

TW: Alcoholism, loss of a loved one

Grey Brooks is determined to make her mark in Hollywood. After starring in a popular long-running teen soap and some smaller movie roles along the way, she is ready to propel herself into her career and acquire more serious roles. To do so, she accepts her publicist’s proposal in faking a relationship with Ethan Atkins, a Hollywood heartthrob who has been off the map for years following a string of reckless situations. Both having their own reasons for befits of the publicity, the two sign the contract and make their “relationship” public. In the beginning, Ethan is reluctant, he just wants to be left alone as he is still recovering from the grief and loss of his best friend. However, something about Grey sparks something in him that he believed to be long gone and soon enough everything they are meant to be faking is feeling all too real.

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This was a steamy romance with some TENSION. I really enjoyed this story’s take on a fake dating troupe and the very real and important subjects it touches on. I flew through the beginning of this one, I loved Grey and Ethan’s chemistry and to see their relationship evolve, you can truly see how she gets through to him and vice versa. The story focuses on some dark subjects such as Ethan’s struggle with the loss of his best friend and his alcoholism and the grotesque invasion of privacy by the paparazzi. A little past the half-way mark, the story seemed to drag on a little and the romance kind of took a back seat which I did not particularly mind I just wish we could have gotten some more on Grey and Ethan working on their relationship together. I really enjoy Hollywood set romances and this one was right up my alley, thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This title is now available for purchase!

I loved this book. It was the perfect amount of hilarious and sweetness. I will definitely be re reading it in the future.

Fake romance to real romance? If we had to pick a favorite trope, this might be it! I thought Wilder's How to Fake it in Hollywood was delightful and the fantasy of any woman - actress or not - getting to date your childhood actor crush? The DREAM! Beyond being wildly romantic, with a good amount of steam, it also dealt with some seriously heavy topics with a deft and sensitive hand. I'm eager to see what Wilder comes up with next.