UNPUTDOWNABLE!!!! read it all in one sitting & chose to keep reading instead of catching up on Love Island lol

This is exactly what I wanted Funny You Should Ask (also five stars though!!!) to be and more. Hit the pop culture high points that I am fascinated by, while also giving an extremely believable romance--their chemistry was insane throughout the whole book. Now I just want to see it on a screen somewhere *cough cough* Netflix 👀

Enjoy this new book by Ava Wilder - it includes romance, fake dating, second chance, lots of spice and comedy. Happy Reading

Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for a copy of this book to read!
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.

Grey Brooks is an ex-soap opera star who can't seem to find new work since her breakout role ended. Ethan Atkins is a superstar whose reputation has gone off the deep end since his best friend died. Put together by their agents, a plan has been set forth to get both of their careers back on track. In the midst of fake dating though, who wouldn't fall in love?

While this book took me a lot longer than normal to read, I felt it was one of the better ones I've read this year. I could really feel the chemistry between the main characters, and it didn't seem forced at all. Grey and Ethan could've been real celebrities and I would've believed every second of it. The relationship just felt so real!

I think this partly has to do with the inclusion of mental health and addiction in both romance and career. A lot of Ethan's struggles I know will be relatable to many. The portrayal of his mental health was done in a very tasteful but also realistic way, and I appreciate the way things played out in the end.

Like I stated previously, this book took me a lot longer to read than normal. I think this is because of the pacing of the book. There were a lot of fast parts but then when it wasn't going fast it felt like it was dragging on and on. I kept finding myself wishing I were doing something else while reading, so I did do something else haha.

Overall, this book was really enjoyable, and I'm so glad I got to read it!

I finished this book at 1am and it was still the first thing on my mind when I woke up this morning.

This book has sugar, spice and everything nice. It literally has all the tropes that I want!!!!!! I honestly thought this was a light romance read but I got so much more emotions than what I was expecting.

There were no boring or filler chapters. My screen time went from 9 hours to 3 hours yesterday because all I did was read this book lol. I don't regret it at all!

After reading the blurb, I expected a lot because I've always wanted a book with a plot like this. I'm happy to say that it indeed met all my expectations. <3

That was such a GREAT debut. I am so excited for Ava Wilder's future books if her first is this good!

Arc provided by PRH international :)

Liked this one, a little more serious than most the romcoms I read (the addiction part) but it was cute and hot and I LOVE a fake dating story. Loved the best friend character as well.

I loved this debut novel by Ava Wilder. I thought I knew what I was getting into based on the cover (more on that in a minute), but this is not a feel-good rom-com. It is gut-wrenching and should come with some pretty serious trigger warnings, but I was totally engrossed in Grey and Ethan’s story. Be prepared to feel all the emotions while you read this book, but it is worth the ride (I promise).
Now… about that cover… I am fully aware that Romancelandia has some very polarizing opinions of “cartoon” covers, but for the most part I enjoy the illustrations. I know what I’m getting into as far as spice level in romance novels, so I don’t look at a cover and assume there is closed door sexy times because the cover doesn’t have half dressed models on the front. That being said, I made a HUGE mistake in assuming I knew what this book would be about based on the absolutely adorable cover and the title of the novel. I expected a cute little rom-con that would be a breeze to read while I floated in the pool. This is very much not a laugh-out-loud beach read! It is SAD!!!! It sticks to the rules of romance, so there is an HEA, but Ethan and Grey worked HARD for their happy ever after.
As long as you go into this book with the understanding that it isn’t a fluffy sumner read, I think you will fall in love with it as much as I did. I can’t wait to read more from this new author.

Grey Brooks has been a working actress since she was eight-years-old. However, almosy a year after a successful run as the lead character of a teen soap called Poison Paradise, Grey has been frustratingly unemployed.

Ethan Atkins is a major Hollywood actor who lost everything - from movie roles to custody of his kids - after his best friend and collaborator died on a car accident. Five years after the loss, he’s now a functioning alcoholic just struggling to hold on.

In an effort to boost their careers - and maybe drag Ethan out of the ditch - their publicist decides to propose a PR relationship (fake dating, basically) between Grey and Ethan.

The first half is basically a romantic, trope-y deliciouness filled with Hollywood scandal and fake dating hijinks (i.e. sexual tension through the roof 😏). It’s so fun and their banter is perfect and everything is 10/10.

Now. The second half of this book turns into an angsty, toxic mess (but in the best way possible, I promise). Ethan’s addictions completely take over his sanity in a heartbreaking way, making this book fit into that 0.3% of romance novels where you actually stop and think, “wait a second… is this actually not a romance? Do they not end up together? Is there an author’s note at the end filled with bullshit about how ‘real life doesn’t have happy endings’?”.

The entire point of romance novels is that there is a guaranteed HEA, so, when you come across one that actually makes you doubt that, it’s worth noting, lol.

I adored this, so much more than I anticipated. A believable romance peppered with the tumultuous Hollywood narrative? Count me in. Endearing, heart wrenching, and utterly readable - I read this in one sitting!

I love reading about "celebrities" in books. I'm so glad this was a fake dating trope, it was fun. The writing style was entertaining and enjoyable.

I was so happy we got both main characters' points of view. I feel like this always gives readers so many more feeling toward each. The fact that Grey and Ethan were so different made for a great story.

I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of this particular trope, because this author did it well. I loved this quick, fun, and easy read. Lastly, I can't finish this review without saying how absolutely stunning the cover was.

I LOVED this book! Gray is a young actress trying to kick start her career after a long-run teen soap role. Ethan is an older actor just trying to live out his life in peace after a messy divorce, alcohol addiction, and death of a close friend. The two of them are paired up to fake date and revitalize their careers. But more than just careers are revitalized! The connection that grew between Gray and Ethan was heartbreaking and loving. The evolution of their relationship was filled with twists and turns that kept me craving more. Grump / Sunshine, Fake Dating, Banter and more!

I honestly felt this one was much more Women's Fiction than Romance for me, but that doesn't mean it was bad.

Grey is a mini star coming off a soap opera like show who is now trying to keep working in the business. Ethan is a once major star who now lives a quiet life out of the spot light. They get put together for a fake dating six month deal, and the sparks just fly. I have to say that the struggles through the book with alcohol, drugs, and depression are very deep and have meaning to those who have struggled or loved someone who has.

This one was not what I expected! I think I “judged a book by its’ cover” and I expected a light hearted rom-com. It was still really good and I loved the characters and their chemistry.
This book tells the story of an up and coming star whose agent sets her up in a fake relationship with a hot “A List” leading man as a publicity stunt. You can predict that the stunt will backfire but the level of angst the characters experienced gave me “A Star is Born” vibes. I kept picturing Bradley Cooper in the movie of this book. This is worth a read. 4 stars Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange for a review!

This was a cute fun romance. Although the characters had their faults, they were likable and I felt like I got to know them and was rooting for them throughout. I felt what they felt. There was a point where I felt it was a little toxic, but was happy with how it ended up being handled. This is the perfect beach read if you like Romance.

I enjoyed this book even though I went into it thinking it would be a lighter romance based on the cover. I've been on a fake-dating rom-com kick lately so this fit right in. It ended up being a pretty emotional read that deals with fame, grief, and addiction (alcohol).

In general a fake dating story enjoyable to read. The writing is good but despite the serious issues the characters have to deal with during the book I felt the development lacked some depth.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ava Wilder’s debut novel How to Fake it in Hollywood is one of those books that you definitely cannot judge by its cover. I went in expecting a light-hearted flirty romance, and instead, I found myself immersed in a moving, emotional and sometimes painful story that centers on grief and loss. I love a good angsty read, so even though I was surprised, I was not disappointed.

I was drawn to this story by the promise of the fake relationship trope, and again, I was not disappointed. Grey Brooks is an actress who, even though she had success as a teen in a long-running soap, is now struggling to really kick her career into high gear. Her publicist comes up with a scheme to put Grey in the spotlight – to fake a love affair with Ethan Atkins, a former but now disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who is looking to make a comeback. Both Grey and Ethan are desperate enough to agree to meet in person to discuss the idea, and after some initial head butting and trading of barbs, they both agree to give fake dating a try.

I loved both of these characters so much. Grey is feisty and scrappy and even though she’s a bit star struck by Ethan at first, she doesn’t hesitate to put him in his place when it’s warranted. Ethan is a little prickly at first, but as I got to know more about him and what he has been going through, particularly the death of his best friend and writing partner, my heart just broke for him. Ethan is struggling with grief, depression, addiction, and he just desperately wants to get his act together, especially so that he can spend more time with his daughter and secure more visitation with her than he has been allowed since he started spiraling.

The story was fun in terms of watching Grey and Ethan try to navigate the early stages of their fake relationship, especially when they were out in public. There are definitely some hiccups along the way for them, but I really loved it once they realize their chemistry with one another is way more than just acting. The real action takes place when they are together in private and they start to support and care about one another. I was really rooting for them to become a real couple and was glued to the pages each time their budding relationship was threatened, first by paparazzi invading their privacy and then again by the media, when a reporter tries to get a rise out of Ethan about the death of his friend.

How to Fake It in Hollywood does have some steamy, sexy, and fun moments, but overall it is a story filled with depth and emotion, and with richly developed characters that will tug at your heartstrings.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Ava Wilder’s characters and setting felt so real, I was completely immersed in this world. It was like watching a reality show from inside the lives of one of the Hollywood couples I’ve always fantasized about. But it wasn’t all glam — it had more of the downs than the ups of fame.

I had a major soft spot for Ethan. He was grumpy and dealing with serious issues, but he was sensitive and caring and I loved how he felt about Grey. Their chemistry and tension were so good! Grey was a strong and sassy sweetheart. I was picturing Blake Lively and Ben Affleck (but with the dynamic of her and Ryan Reynolds - of course!). Their HEA had me in tears 😭🥰 It felt so earned and the epilogue was perfect.

My one complaint is that I wanted more on page scenes with Grey and Ethan together to solidify their relationship. I also wanted at least one more detailed bedroom scene instead of just summarizing. I think it would have added a lot to the ending. Even so, I really loved the experience of reading this book and definitely recommend it for those who love celebrity couples.

TW: alcoholism, grief

Read/Listen If You Like:
❤️ Celebrity Romances
❤️ Fake Dating
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ Age Gap Romance
❤️ Spice 🔥

Book Review:
I don’t know what else to say about this one other than it completely shocked and awed me and I absolutely fell in love with this one. It had such a light premise with two celebrities fake dating to help out their individual needs but shocked me with the amount of emotional depth brought to the table as well as depth of the characters and growth of the characters over the span of the story.

What I loved: the lightness and tension of their relationship initially and then the movement past light and steamy into depth of emotion, battling of demons, and strong personal growth for each of the main characters Grey and Ethan. Also, if you are looking for some spice, look no further, this one definitely has well done and well placed spice that helped build the story and connection between the characters.

What I didn’t like: honestly, I can’t think of a thing, it all had it’s time, place, and purpose and I will definitely be reading more from Ava Wilder as she knocked her debut novel out of the park!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House and Ballentine for the ARC of this book! I am so grateful to obtain a copy to read in advance of its release in exchange for my honest feedback!

I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick read that covered some heavy topics but had a really well written fake dating trope storyline. ⁣
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The chemistry and banter between Grey and Ethan was wonderful. It was funny, quick witted, and fireworks. They both struggled with insecurities and trust issues which made it challenging, especially being famous. ⁣
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This story hit on addiction, grief of losing a friend, struggling with parental resentment, and a cheating previous lover; but it was done in such a real and raw way. ⁣
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I truly felt for Ethan and his struggles, and I felt for Grey as well; being brought up as young adults into fame and how it isn’t all glamorous. I also really loved the side characters Kamilah and Nora; as well as their agents. Even through their struggles they had strong support systems and people looking out for them. ⁣
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you for the gifted copy!

How to Fake it in Hollywood gives the readers a glimpse into the lives of Hollywood actors/actresses, including A-list actors and those who try so hard to climb up the social hierarchy. It's quite refreshing to get such insight in these stars' inner thoughts as well as mental health struggles, something we as the outsiders rarely see. The main characters', Grey and Ethan's, love story is definitely an unconventional one, and they put a lot of efforts in the sparks they share and transform them into a deeper connection, both physically and emotionally. It's much appreciated that there's more than pure lust or opposite attraction from these two lovebirds; stereotypical problems, mental health issues, grief, sorrow, hatred, and social expectations are just a few subjects tackled nicely in this book. I'd recommend How to Fake it in Hollywood to everyone who'd like to take a sneak peek into a Hollywood idol's behind-the-scenes and meet the lovely couple that is Grey and Ethan.

***Thanks to Penguin Random House International Sales for kindly providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***