
Member Reviews

How to Fake It in Hollywood was awesome for a reality and celeb-gossip obsessed person like myself. The push and pull between characters was absolutely EVERYTHING and then some. While still being light-hearted, Ava Wilder hit some heavy topics like addiction and loss which made the book have another layer.

I have discovered that fake dating is not one of the tropes I gravitate toward. I think for that reason, mainly, this one wasn't an absolute fave; however, I did really enjoy. I do love famous MCs and I appreciated that this one was a bit of a deeper romance and not just comedy!

I am enjoying the trend where romances have so much more to the story. Don’t get me wrong, I still love the formulaic HEA but it is nice to have options for different moods.
How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder follows Grey and Ethan who enter into a relationship for publicity. As things do, the relationship turns into something more but it is plagued by trust issues and self sabotage.
I enjoyed the story although it was slow for me around the 70-80% mark with too much will they/won’t they but the ending did pick back up. I am always a fan of the celebrity romance trope so I enjoyed this one although it was very raw at times.

I wouldn't say I "liked" this book, and I don't know that I will read more by the author. But it's nice to see a main character struggle with a common addiction such as alcohol while in the struggle rather than just post-rehab.

Deeply emotionally fraught with big payoffs. This Hollywood set romance brings all the drama! Grey and Ethan do not have an easy road to their HEA, the author really makes these two work for it, but the ending was SO worth it for me.

Good book with a decent story. I liked the main character but there were some slow parts in the book.

I have picked up this book and put it down several times and finally decided to pick up the audiobook. I absolutely loved it. The narrators did a fantastic job capturing the personalities and emotions of Grey and Ethan.
How to Fake It in Hollywood looks like it's going to be a super cute light rom com but it's so much more than that. It's funny at all the right moments. It has fake dating. All the things we love about a romance but it also goes into heavy topics. It touches on self doubt, alcoholism, grief and trauma.
The storyline of fake dating for a PR stunt makes sense, the spice makes sense, the whole story makes sense. I loved Grey and Ethan throughout the whole story (even when I didn't.)
Narrated by: : Thérèse Plummer & Andrew Eiden

I have kind of a love-hate relationship with this book, and I'm going to try to talk about it without spoilers. I enjoyed Ava Wilder's writing and character-building, and I love a romance novel that addresses real issues. But I sort of think that this shouldn't have been a romance with a HAE -- I think it would have been stronger as a drama with them splitting at the end, because these two people should *not* be together romantically, woof.

Wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I first cracked it open. But as soon a I did it pulled me in and kept tighten its grip. This page turner was filled with all the emotions that makes you feel for each character. The way the author incorporated addiction and grief made me appreciate the book and author even more.

A story about two people still trying to keep their careers going along with appearances in Hollywood. What starts as helping each other turns into moments of hot kisses and do we take this for real or is the other person faking? You can’t fake emotions and after a while, you see what is happening between the both of them. A good story.

How to Fake it in Hollywood follows Grey Brooks as she enters into a relationship with Ethan Adkins to help out both of their careers/personal images in Hollywood.
I expected it to feel more like a romcom and while it did at time, it was so angsy and emotional. I loved these characters and found them to be so relatable.
The books deals with grief and addiction in such a profound and beautiful way. I was crying and emotional at so many parts just watching the journey of these two characters.
It was also pretty steamy 🔥 the tension leading up to those types of scenes was just chefs kiss 💋
Will definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone

How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder is a hilarious and entertaining romp through Tinseltown. Wilder serves up a witty and engaging story where fake identities, Hollywood glitz, and unexpected romance collide. The protagonist's journey through the glamorous yet absurd world of the entertainment industry is both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny. With its snappy dialogue, clever plot twists, and a dash of romance, this book is a perfect pick-me-up for anyone craving a delightful escape into the behind-the-scenes chaos of Hollywood. Wilder has crafted a thoroughly enjoyable read that doesn't take itself too seriously, making it a fantastic choice for those looking for a good laugh and a touch of glamour.

There was a lot going on here. But, that’s to expect when you have an up and coming actress paired with a brilliant director that needs some positive press.
And, honestly, to call Grey up and coming isn’t fair. She’s been working for a long time but is trying to find her next best/better thing. She was recently released from her tv series, her boyfriend broke up with her and she’s trying to find roles that are more “mature”. Her family is a mess but her found family keeps her grounded. She’s not sure if pretending with Ethan will be good, but she’s willing to try.
Ethan is a hot mess. He’s divorced and co parenting with his ex-wife. Things are ok, but he can’t seem to find his footing. His best friend/writing partner died in a car crash and he can’t stop spiraling in self-doubt and guilt. He doesn’t think this game relationship nonsense will work, but he changes his mind once he meets/talks to Grey and realizes she’s a lot more savvy than her age belies.
This is not a warm and fuzzy book. Theirs is a story of pain, guilt, hope and love. There’s truth to that the thought that it’s hard to love someone if you don’t love yourself. Grey and Ethan aren’t perfect and they try not to settle and hold the other accountable.
The epilogue is satisfying and I overall enjoyed their story.

This was a lot of fun! I love stories that take place in Hollywood and this didn't let down. I loved the writing, the way the characters grew throughout the story.

Really enjoyed this book! The chemistry between the characters is clear & found it a satisfying story. Excited to read more by this author!

"How to Fake it In Hollywood" navigates the tumultuous world of Grey Brooks, a former teen TV star, and Ethan Atkins, a beleaguered Hollywood heartthrob. Faced with career crises, they reluctantly embark on a fabricated love affair for mutual gain. The narrative, while delving into the glossy facade of showbiz, skillfully exposes the vulnerability beneath. As Grey and Ethan grapple with personal demons, the novel artfully explores the thin line between fiction and reality. The palpable chemistry between the protagonists adds depth, transcending the cliché. Though occasionally formulaic, the novel's nuanced portrayal of the entertainment industry's ruthlessness elevates it. A compelling blend of glamour, authenticity, and unexpected romance.

This book caught me by surprise; I initially anticipated a lighthearted, classic enemy-to-lovers romantic comedy. However, it turned out to be so much more, delving into themes of grief, addiction, and the journey to self-discovery. Ethan's struggle with alcoholism was portrayed with sensitivity, and his path to recovery was both poignant and bitter.
Grey and Ethan's attraction was undeniable from the beginning, but both grappled with unresolved issues, creating a love that felt fragile and on the brink.
"How to Fake it in Hollywood" is a remarkable choice for those who adore romance and character-driven narratives with well-woven tropes. The writing is exceptional, and I'm eagerly anticipating Ava Wilder's next work.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy

If you're looking for a high-profile Hollywood PR fake dating relationship - you are in the right place. *Ahem those of you speculating a certain musical superstar and NFL player are fake dating are gonna love this*
Grey Brooks needs to keep her profile in the press, after her long running soap has ended. Ethan Atkins is struggling with his divorce, alcohol abuse, and grief over losing a best friend. He is determined to clean up his reputation, and make the movie he and his bestie last wrote together.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and the emotion behind everything? *chef's kiss* Highly recommend this one, I absolutely devoured it, in one day.
*Gifted from Netgalley & Dell, thank you! All opinions are my own.

This was such a cute and funny story that had some heartwarming moments! Fake dating between celebrities is perfection! Also I wasn’t expecting the spice! This a romcom that handles a difficult subject. I loved the way they were able to overcome and open up about their fears and insecurities that comes in the industry.
Thank you NETGALLEY for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD is a great 'insider's' love story between a former child-star actress hoping to revive her career and a "tainted" heartthrob looking for his very own redemption arc. If you're a fan of fake relationships, age-gap or grumpy sunshine romance, you will love this story!
It's a smart and surprisingly moving glimpse into the wages of celebrity and the nature of fame. A terrific read. I enthusiastically recommend!