3.5 Stars

If you love celebrities and celebrity romances then this one I for you!

I loved that both characters, Grey and Ethan, were both celebrities but their characters were raw and real. We get to see their real lives and their struggles – not the “picture perfect life” that celebrities are portrayed to have. It’s not just a love story with the faking dating trope, it’s also about the characters dealing with their own, serious issues. This is not a light read, there is a lot talk about grief and alcoholism, but the author handled the subject matter perfectly. Overall, the two main characters compliant each other perfectly and I love how they came together and supported each other.

A huge thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review,

How it Fake It in Hollywood turned out to be exactly the sort of book I needed right now.

I love reading books featuring famous people, and the concept of this novel hooked me instantly! It was fun to read the behind the scenes information about what a fake relationship looks like when done for publicity. From the very first chapter I felt completely engaged with the story. I meant to only read a few chapters, but ended up reading for nearly three hours instead! It only took two sittings to finish and I couldn't help by fly through it. Ava Wilder created an addicting story that was difficult to put down.

As for the characters, I loved them both. I think Grey was a stunning protagonist and I enjoyed her chapters immensely. She felt so down to earth and like someone I could hangout with and just talk to for hours. She felt achingly real. I also liked Ethan, but felt like he was a huge hot mess. I'm really happy with how the author grew him as a character, but I also felt very frustrated with him and his behavior. I did love the two as a couple and I feel like these characters are so perfect together in an authentic way.

My only real critique (and the reason this is four stars, rather than five) is the second half of the novel had some plot points/pacing that put me off. It almost felt like there were two difference climaxes for the book. So, after the first big "climax" occurred I felt weird about the pacing and felt like I was then just waiting to get to the ending. I felt almost bored throughout the real climax because I felt like I had already read the big "everything goes bad" moment for the story.

Other than that note, I did really enjoy this book! It was a lot of fun to read and I definitely will be picking up other books from this author in the future.

How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder is as juicy of a novel as they come! It centers around Grey Brooks, an actress struggling to move past her teen soap opera television image, and Ethan Atkins, a former A lister who now lives a reclusive lifestyle. As fate would have it, they're set up as a PR relationship by their publicist and what starts out for the cameras ends with true, genuine love. I found myself devouring this book over the course of a single weekend, I simply couldn't put it down! What I loved the most about this debut is that the characters were so fleshed out that, much like a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel, I found myself wondering if I should google these people and their filmographies in case they were real. There were plenty of winks and easter eggs to real life inspired scenarios/celebrity figures (my favorite being a Taylor Swift-esque character mentioned only in passing early on in the novel). However, this isn't a lighthearted read by any means. It's thought provoking and raw in the choices the characters make and the directions in which their relationships and dynamics go, which is something I really appreciated. As a reader, you can tell there was a lot of care and research that went into this book to get it as true to life as possible, and the pay off was incredibly satisfying. I genuinely can't wait to see what Ava Wilder writes next!

• How To Fake It In Hollywood • thanks @penguinrandomhouse for the #gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review •

Happy pub day to this fantastic debut! I loved this Hollywood, fake dating, age gap romance. The story and characters had me interested from the start and Wilder’s writing kept me invested. It reminded me a bit of both Seven Days In June and The View Was Exhausting.

I really enjoyed how their relationship developed over the course of the book. And don’t let the cover fool you - there’s definitely some heavy topics involved. I did find that it dragged at the start of the last third, and there were a few things that we kind of jumped by quicker than I’d like. But otherwise, this was such a great read and I can’t wait for more from this author?

Have you read this one yet? Is it on your TBR?

CW: Drug Use, Grief, Alcoholism, Death of Friend, Driving Under the Influence, Sexual Harassment, Child Abuse

This books was so fun! It has so hard subjects, not all light and fluffy, but a great read. I’m a fan of the fake dating troupe and this was so well done. Definitely recommend to my romance lovers.

3.5 stars, rounded up. Don't be fooled by the cover, this is a romance with a lot of depth as the main characters, particularly Ethan, are navigating difficult life circumstances and issues. While their romance starts off as a publicity stunt, it quickly becomes real. While sometimes in romance the issue that pushes people apart feels trivial and like it could be solved with a conversation, the very real issue of Ethan's addiction is certainly not that. I felt that the story was a little too long, but overall it was a good debut from an author I'd love to read more from.

This is an excellent Hollywood read! There is a lot of depth here as well as great romance. Grey and Ethan are both complicated characters with a lot of baggage to sort through. They complement each other well, and I love the way they lift each other up.

First let me say, I throughly enjoyed this book. However, my own assumptions bit me in the butt with this one. I thought I was going to be reading a light and fluffy romance about two actors fake dating for the benefit of their careers. And don’t get me wrong, that was part of it, but this book was so much more than that. I don’t mind a heavy read, but if alcoholism/addiction is a trigger for you I just wanted everyone else to have the heads up I didn’t have. I’m grateful I don’t personally struggle, but it is/was an issue for extended family members, so this was a heavier read than I anticipated.

Having said all that, if you don’t mind a romance that isn’t what I call a “fluff read” I would absolutely recommend this book. I read it in less than a day- because I couldn’t put it down. Ethan and Grey had such amazing chemistry, and the way their relationship blossoms is so beautiful. I couldn’t help but root for them despite the fact that it was not an easy path. I think the best thing about books that are a little bit heavier is they become some of my most celebrated HEAs.

Sorry if this review is a little all over the place, but I guess then it matches my emotions while reading it. If you're up for a great romance with some depth, I highly suggest this book.

How to Fake it In Hollywood
Ava Wilder
Pub date: 6/14
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Ethan and Grey are an interesting duo. The story is much more than it would appear to be at first cover glance. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” certainly applies here because the story is not all fluffy sunshine and roses. I love a love story with depth. I loved the age gap, dual POV, loved the sexual tension of the road trip, loved the realistic and messy life situations that are represented (divorced with kids), and the grumpy/sunshine trope is always a fav for me too. The Epilogue as a magazine article article is an awesomely creative touch, as well.

What I didn’t love: I wanted more road trip. Based on the synopsis, I expected it to be more a feature than it actually was. It seemed like something was off with characters romantic chemistry, as well. Maybe because there were so many issues for Ethan to work through? He is definitely the more complex character as he has a significant amount of trauma to work through. I’ve read some reviews that opine that about halfway through we lose the romance and it becomes more more women’s fiction as Ethan confronts his demons, and I would agree with that take. It didn’t feel as though the character development was as well established for Grey, and the “romance” part of the book was lost in exchange for Ethan’s healing.

It is an interesting book, it wasn’t what I expected. Thank you NetGalley & Dell Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ava Wilder and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 Stars

This book gave us a glimpse into the lives of Hollywood stars and starlets. It addressed all the issues we "normies" don't often think about- lack of privacy, finding work between jobs, how being a childhood star could ruin you, etc. The romance between Grey and Ethan was there- their chemistry was off the CHARTS and you could feel that through the pages. I thought the supporting cast of characters all had a purpose- no one was added just because, which made the story feel well rounded although it focused mostly on two characters.

It could have just been me and the busyness I experienced personally over the past week or two, but this book started off SO SLOW. Once I was drawn in I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it took me a good 100+ pages to really start to get into the story and, had this not been an ARC, I can't say I would have continued reading which is sad, as I really did enjoy most of it.

I liked that the book didn't focus on the glitz and glam of Hollywood- it really honed in on the emotions and the fishbowl feeling of the Hollywood elite. The stressors that Ethan and, to a lesser extent, Grey, experienced I felt were valid, real emotions that occurs in reality. It was nice to have a novel that, while a romance, addressed those concerns and didn't paint a rosy gilted hue over everything.

Despite starting slow, I do highly recommend this book, especially if you like celebrity based romance novels!

Fake relationship and Hollywood based stories have become my absolute catnip, so obviously I jumped on the opportunity to read this one. Add to that the age gap, grumpy sunshine vibe and I was sold. But don’t be fooled by the bright and happy cover y’all. I love these cute covers and have learned to accept that the insides don’t always reflect the packaging so it doesn’t bother me much, but it’s definitely misleading. Because this is way darker and angstier than I anticipated. And 100% not a romcom. Which in some ways really worked for me because I find celebrity romances that at least touch upon the grittier aspects of Hollywood more compelling over ones that gloss over them. This is basically a romance reader’s version of A Star is Born, which again I did not expect. But I’m also a sucker for that movie and it getting the HEA it’s million different versions deserved gave me a measure of peace.

Grey is the level headed, down to earth sunshine to Ethan’s broody, broken grump, and the sparks fly at the first clap. The spice rating isn’t particularly high, but the chemistry between them brought all the heat for me. The last 30-40%, sort of the beginning of the climactic part of the book, did feel slightly off to me, and I felt the conflict resolution could have used a little more time and development. And it maybe feels quicker than it is due to a mini time jump. Given the nature of the cracks in their relationship, this last part of the story is naturally rough, and the black moment is pretty black. My heart broke for Ethan’s struggles even as my knee jerk response was to shake him to get his act together. But of course, I knew it’s easier said than done to break those cycles. Especially when the ghosts of his past are too many to comprehend.

The very healthy relationships among the women in the book, and especially between Grey and Nora are a highlight and made me happy to see that the tired catty Hollywood women trope was nowhere to be found.

TW: alcoholism, instances of drug abuse, brief mentions of past (off page) child abuse by parent, grief and off page character death in past

If you're looking for a fun poolside read pick up How to Fake It In Hollywood! I absolutely adored this fake dating love story between a rising Hollywood star and a reclusive A lister!

The writing was super and this book had its serious moments around addiction, grief, privacy and mental health issues but it's still a rom-com at heart! I loved Grey and her strength.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It immediately drew me in and I wanted to devour it in one sitting. While I thought it would be your normal romcom thanks to the PR stunt aka fake dating trope, it was so much more!

This story has banter, tension, emotional depth, self-growth, and romance which all equal a fantastic story that I couldn't put down.

This book reminded of the movie the wedding date. I knew it was based on a fake storyline romance but it was done in a not so cheesy way. I think the authors writing was fantastic and made the story flow quickly. Took a while to get going but once I was 30% into it I could not put it down anymore.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House/Ballantine for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review of the book. It was released on June 14, 2022

Grey Brooks was a child star with a long running role in a teen drama show. Ever since that show was canceled, she's only landed a few minor roles.
Ethan Atkins has been on a downward spiral ever since his costar and best friend's death and his divorce. He used to be a leading man, but now he's disappeared from the public eye. In a bid to help both their careers, they enter into a fake relationship, hoping the gossip will make them front page news again. Nothing says romance like contractual obligation but six months of public appearances seems little enough to ask. But as the months go by, the relationship starts not to feel so fake and the sexual tension starts to build. Can this PR stunt turn into the real thing?
I loved how real these characters felt trying to overcome some big issues they both brought into the relationship. I know I definitely couldn't live like that with paparazzi following me everywhere. The banter between them was fun, the tension had plenty of sizzle, I really enjoyed this book.

This was a great story that went a little deeper than books in this genre typically do. It was what I expected, but more- and a little less too. I really liked it, I loved all the characters and cared about them, and I had a hard time not reading when I was supposed to be doing other things.

Liked:
- I loved the idea of learning some of Grey’s story and history in Instagram posts that Ethan is scrolling through rather than just sentences of the narrator giving context of their life before we meet them. Don't we all learn about new people by stalking their social media anyway? Yes. Yes, we do.
- I was not expecting the page after she leaves New York. SO awesome to not pretend like a week later he was fine and love cures all. It deals with addition and grief, and instead of a rosy ending where everything is all magically fixed quickly, the ending was so much better. That's way more real than I was expecting/predicting.

Not as liked:
-Grey admits to her issues, but her therapy isn't really covered. The book was long, so it doesn't really need more pages- but while she admits her faults, it would've been cool to see a mention of her time in therapy getting better in the epilogue. It always bugs me when it's one-sided. I should probably talk to my therapist about that.
-The dialogue was great, but I only laughed out loud once- and it was Kamilah saying "im sending you to friend jail". I loved Kamilah. But it wasn't as much a romantic comedy as a romantic drama? That's totally not right either. Just ignore all of this part except it wasn't as funny/cutesy as what I was expecting.

I can't wait to read Ava Wilder's next one and next one and next one!


#howtofakeitinhollywood #netgalley #newrelease

4.5 stars
In this book, we have two actors, one is a child actress just coming out of a long project and trying to figure out where she wants her career to go and one is a veteran actor that has had a very controversial past few years and had been somewhat of a recluse in a fake-dating scenario. This was a really enjoyable read, the MCs have great chemistry and I felt like this book dealt with a lot of heavy themes well. I just wish there was more development in their relationship. I liked where we ended with them, it made sense.

This book is definitely not light like you would think. It covers heavy topics but it also made me cry and I love any book that makes me cry. There is a bit of an age gap but that doesn’t bother me. It took the traditional subject matter but made it intense and emotional and I overall really enjoyed it

4.5/5

Grey and Ethan are set up to fake date by their publicist, they both could use some positive attention. It might be just what Grey needs to land her new role, and it gives Ethan the opportunity to get out of his comfort zone--something he hasn't done in a long time.

This book is everything I had hoped it would be and much more. It has the fun and steaminess of a great fake dating romcom, but it also deals with some much darker issues which made the story that much more complex and compelling. I think it would be helpful to check the triggers on this one. I love Grey and Ethan and really enjoyed their journey navigating their fake relationship, Hollywood, and their struggles that follow them even behind the cameras. If you're looking for a quick read that'll keep your attention every step up the way, pick this up!

Thanks to NetGalley and all for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I loved this book, the storyline, the couple all of it.. until I didn't. I appreciate that alcoholism is addressed in this book however, I'm uncomfortable with how it was handled. I think it just too hard hitting of a topic for a rom-com type book.
I did, however, love everything else about this book and will be looking for more from this author!