This is not your typical rom-com with the fake dating trope and I was thoroughly impressed with how much substance it brought. I think Ava wove in some triggering subjects but handled them with care. I was not expecting so much angst in this book so I was taken a little off guard, but I did like this book.


*ARC courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I want to thank the valued author, the publisher who took a chance on the author, and Netgalley for providing a copy.*

The agent and the publicist thought it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. Ethan, an uber-famous actor who has been a recluse since his divorce and substance abuse issues, could use a leading lady to perk up his reputation. Grey was on a teen soap opera for many seasons, but has not been able to find work since the season wrapped. She could use Ethan’s star power to give her career a little boost.

Neither of them are into entering into a dating contract, but after meeting they are both interested enough to see where this takes them. You know this story. You know what happens, but it is done well and tackles some heavy issues without being too heavy. If you are put off by steamy scenes, stay away. (I’m not. I thought they were tastefully spicy.)

I am 100 percent NOT a romance reader, but I picked this one up on advice of friends. As our resident romance reader @mellireadsromance says, if you don’t love this one, I don’t want to know about it.

This is a very well-written book. This is an interesting book. This is even a compelling book. But this is not exactly a fun book.

Ethan is an almost-washed up mega star in need of some positive media attention. Grey is a former child actress finding the transition to an adult career difficult. A public relationship between the two of them would serve both their interests. And, in any other story, a fun, swoony fake-dating relationship would ensue with the glitter of Hollywood as a backdrop.

This story is much darker. Ethan has real, serious issues. Grey's got her own stuff too. Hollywood is not an easy or forgiving place. As fun as their banter is and as hot as their chemistry becomes, the sense of foreboding is suffocating. This is not going to end well. It's going to hurt.

Honestly, it was enough of a bummer that I wanted to stop reading. But I couldn't, because, as I mentioned, it's exceptionally well-written. The characters are compelling. Their conversations are surprising and insightful. I was invested in their lives. I made it to the end (which felt very rushed and abrupt--16 months of nothing and then 1 day???) only with the aid of lots of carbs.

I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading this. It's a meaty, engrossing story. Just don't go in expecting it to be a romance, or even particularly happy.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Fake Dating in Hollywood involves lawyers, managers, contracts, and NDAs. AND if you slip up and let the fake dating cat out of the bag you pay a million dollars. Well, Grey and Ethan go ahead and sign up for this plan in hopes of getting help with their individual careers. What they didn't expect was for the fake part to not be so fake anymore.

I thought this was a very good book. I liked that this wasn't your typical rom-com fake dating trope. There was a lot more to these characters than it appeared, and the author made it clear that fame has its drawbacks. Serious topics including addiction and grief were also an important part of the story. This is a solid debut for Ava Wilder, and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with next.

My sincere thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballentine, Dell, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my opinion of it.

Phew! That was a read.
How to fake it in Hollywood is the story of Grey and Ethan who need some Hollywood-faux romance pairing to get back/stay in the public eye. Of course stuff happens and they end up falling for each other.

I really liked Grey our FL. She didn't take any BS and I liked how in tune with herself she was. She didn't lie to herself and was a very level character. Ethan the ML was okay but Grey was the real star.

More importantly, this book was not a romcom. It dealt with heavy loss and alcoholism unflinchingly. This was surprising for me because from the blurb (and cover) I expected a lighter read and wouldn't want anyone else not knowing what they were getting into.

Overall, it was a quick read. There were no heinous characters minus Greys' mangy ex. Nora was so fun! I truly liked the other characters too.

A huge thanks to Random house and NetGalley for the ARC.

An out of work television starlet and an A-list turned recluse celebrity get put together by their joint publicist to 'fake' date to get their names back out in the public eye. They have to put on a show for the cameras and try their best to not let their acting develop into true feelings. ⁣
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I mean, what could go wrong? ⁣
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This was a fun one and would be perfect for a vacation read! It was kind of neat that they both were celebrities (I've read a few celebrity/non-celebrity romances lately) at different levels in their careers that had two different viewpoints on the world they worked in. ⁣
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It does have some triggers regarding alcoholism and death of a friend that are at the forefront of the storyline, so just a heads up. Also, not closed door romance but not too intense.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“But they still wanted each other. They would still choose each other over anyone else on earth. And in a way, that was even better.”

How to Fake it in Hollywood is ever bit as glamorous and enchanting as the blurb leads us to believe. Although it’s promoted as a romcom and certainly delivered on that front, it is much more than that. I signed up for a fluffy/spicy trope filled blast but received something…deeper. It was angsty and difficult at times to read but I was okay with being duped. The first half was hilarious, adorable, and steamy but toward the second half things started to get angsty. The angst that’s in this book isn’t just there because the author couldn’t think of anything better to do. It serves a purpose. And it was so heartwarming to see these characters truly grow and become better versions of themselves.

Grey Brooks is at bit of a standstill in her career after ending her six year stint on Poison Paradise, which is a teen soap opera (think Riverdale). Ethan Atkins is an A-Lister whose life went off the rails a few years back after the death of his best friend. He’s spent the better part of those years in a drunken haze—which is why, when his publicist suggests that he fake dates one of his clients (Grey) to, he begrudgingly agrees, if only to satisfy his publicist. He wants to make a comeback and show the word that he is Okay (including his ex-wife and children). Grey is hopeful that by agreeing to this plan she will finally get Hollywood to take her seriously. Or at least for them to even notice her, truly notice her. Plus, it doesn’t help that the man she has to fake date is her celebrity crush when she was younger. We all know how fake dating schemes though…it always ends up real.

The amount of emotions this book made me go through is insane. Laughing, crying, swooning, annoyance, you name it. I was immediately connected to Ethan and Grey as characters despite the fact that they were messy. I think it was because they were a mess that I found it so easy to love them (even when I really wanted to hate them). Full disclosure despite the sugary sweet cover and blurb How to Fake it in Hollywood is a heavy hitter. It deals heavily with grief, alcoholism, and mental health. Even when things were fluffy between Ethan and Grey there was always this looming sense of dread in the background. The audience knew what was coming and so did our characters which made it bittersweet.

I am really astounded by how well these topics were handled. There was none of that “I can fix him/she can fix me” going on. There was but ultimately at the end of the day the characters had to come to a realization that it’s not a healthy to thrust that responsibly on someone else. They had to accept the help in the first place for it to even more. There was no sugar coating going on: it doesn’t matter how much you love someone, you can’t magically “cure” someone of alcoholism or depression. Obviously I don’t want to go into spoilers but I felt like it was necessary to be upfront because I feel like the cover/blurb is a tad misleading.

The romance between Grey and Ethan was so overwhelming. Fake dating is one of my favorite tropes because I eat up the tension, the slowburn, the whole “there is no way ___ will ever truly love me.” Sometimes I just sit there like a Disney villain and cackle because come on. Come on! They are always so delusional and idiotic but we still love it anyways. Surprisingly, the author didn’t drag out the whole delusional part that long which is refreshing because some of these books takes like 80% just to get to that point. I was so emotionally connected and invested to these characters that they had me legit crying over dumb stuff (waffles…iykyk). The spice was…Yeah. It was for sure spicy but it was also super tender and had me all up in my feels. And the side characters were wonderful too! They were fleshed out better than I would have initially thought. Nora (Ethan’s ex-wife) really said No Thanks to being the vindictive ex-wife. She was such a sweetheart and a total badass—I love that she genuinely was one of Ethan and Grey’s biggest supporters. Kamilah was also delightful along with Audrey, Lucas, and Renata. I just have so much love for these characters.

Read this if you like:
❄️ fake dating
❄️ age gaps (between consenting adults & won’t make you feel icky or weird)
❄️ hollywood/pop culture
❄️ well rounded characters
❄️ fluff w/ a heavy dose of angst
❄️ if you hate the “love interest cures all trauma” trope
❄️ the sunshine/grumpy trope

✨4.5 out of 5 stars✨

Everything you could want in a ROM COM!!!

Grey Brooks is an actress who has been out of work since her teen drama ended a year ago. She is desperately trying to advance her career into more adult roles.
Ethan Atkins is a former A list movie star who hasn't acted in years following the death of his best friend for which he blames himself, his high profile divorce, and his decline into a world of solitude, depression and alcoholism.

When their shared publicist Audrey comes up with a scheme to give both of their careers the jumpstart they both desperately need, neither Grey nor Ethan is in a position to decline. After all, they are actors. Faking a relationship for 6 months should be a piece of cake, right!?!?!?

I ADORED this book. It had everything you need in a perfect rom com:
Fake romance? ✔️
Will they, won't they sexual tension? ✔️
Steamy romance scenes? ✔️
Huge obstacle that forces them apart? ✔️
Overcoming obstacle and having a happily ever after ending? ✔️ ✔️ ✔️

While this book was a bit tough for me because there were some bits that hit super close to home, I absolutely could not put it down and CANNOT wait for some more Ava Wilder books!

I give this book 5 stars!

How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder is a fake dating romance between two Hollywood stars, that quickly turns into something real. This book examines the darker sides of fame and doesn’t shy away from some heavier topics. However, it was also very swoony and the leads had excellent banter.


Content Warnings for alcoholism, substance abuse, and grief.

This book was absolutely wonderful. It had so much depth and great character development. I was rooting for Grey and Ethan from their first lunch. I think the story was paced out great and I was dying to read just "one more chapter." I loved the romance aspect, but it also tackled serious topics that made the story overall that much better. I also loved the Hollywood theme but didn't think it was overdone. I’m extremely impressed with this debut and can’t wait to read more from Ava.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an early copy. **

How to Fake it in Hollywood sat on my NetGalley shelf for far too long, I wish I would’ve read it sooner!! This book is a quick read, and a more realistic romance.. I mean, as realistic and I would assume Hollywood couples could be?

Grey and Ethan are set up to make their careers blossom quicker as they’re both in a rut. Neither wants to be in this fake relationship… or so they say. We see from both perspectives how this relationship blossoms throughout their time together. They get steamy and serious.

Halfway through I thought that it was going to be pretty predictable and typical rom com, but Ava Wilder shocked me with more of a deep dive into handling trauma and alcoholism. I really liked how more authors are putting the theme of going to therapy to get help in their stories instead of having the love interest “solve” their mental illnesses and diseases. (Somewhat of a spoiler I guess? Sorry!!) Personally, this seemed more realistic because of that and it made me what to know what happened immediately!!

Thanks NetGalley and Dell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I received the ARC for review last week but when I saw that the audiobook was to be narrated by Therese Plummer and Andrew Eiden, I decided to wait until release day so I could read part and listen to the rest. It was totally worth the wait! 📖🎧❤️🤌

You might think that a book about a fake relationship between an A list actor and a B list actress would be all fluff with little substance, but it was surprisingly topical and, at times, even profound. Emily/Grey has been struggling with small parts since she was 8yrs old and now her career is stalling out at 28yrs old. Ethan is a former A list mega star who has been struggling since the death of his best friend and business partner. Both of them could use some good PR, so their mutual consultant drafts up a fake dating agreement for them to be seen and talked about in the LA scene. Along the way, they catch feelings, but will that be enough for them to overcome their obstacles? The journey to the answer is time very well spent!
*Thank you to the author, Dell, and Net Galley for the advance reader copy for review.

I loved this book. I am very stingy with my five star ratings, but this is definitely a 4 7/8th star read.

First, at 8% in on the ebook, there is a back and forth between the main characters, Ethan and Grey that mentions a restaurant that has weird names for their menu items. This is 100% Cafe Gratitude and I could not have loved this reference any more. I've been to Cafe Gratitude, without knowing that you're meant to order by using the affirmation next to the menu item you'd like to eat. I am an awkward person on a good day, but when the waitress just stares at you as you describe the salad because she's waiting for you to say the affirmation, well, I can only say that it is a level of awkwardness that is very hard to explain, but was amazingly well captured in this exchange in the book.

While this is a Hollywood romance genre, it is so much deeper than that. For some reason, and I'm not sure why, I was not expecting to enjoy this book. I bloody loved it. It was so well written, it captures your attention from the start, and would have been a one session read had I not kept dropped my kindle on my face because I was tired.

I can not wait to read more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Usually I am a fan of fake dating sorry lines. However, I wasn’t a fan of this one. The characters were a tad flat and the interactions felt forced and contrived.
It just wasn’t for me.

This was a excellent adult romance, that I would definitely recommend! (And I loved the epilogue!)

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

How to Fake It in Hollywood was an enjoyable read that felt different from a lot of other romances I have read.
Grey Brooks is trying to stay relevant and lock down her next role after the end of her long running show.
Ethan Atkins is a reclusive Hollywood leading man who has pulled away from the spotlight since the death of his best friend and writing partner.
Grey and Ethan's publicist proposes a fake relationship to help the two of them get back into Hollywood and the press to help revive their careers. Due to a bit of an age gap, Ethan vows to stay away from Grey so he doesn't hurt her. However, some forced proximity during a trip to Palm Springs and getting to know each other better, they realize that they are just what each other needs both in and out of the bedroom, but not without some drama and internal demons getting in the way.
One thing I liked about this book is that the characters had a lot of baggage, their lives were flawed and their emotions raw. Their romance was not sunshine and roses, but one that with the help of one another, they found some solace in one another and were better together than apart.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the eARC for my review.

Congrats to this book for publishing today!⁣
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I absolutely loved this one. This has the fake romance trope in Hollywood and it’s every bit as good as you would think. ⁣
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Grey Brooks is coming off a TV career of being on a longtime teen show (think One Tree Hill or Pretty Little Liars) whose career has stalled once the show has ended. She is desperate to get the role that would give her more opportunities. This role would open doors to getting the movie made that she has writtten with her best friend. She gets an intriguing offer from her publicist -fake date uber A-list actor Ethan Atkins, who has been getting bad publicity due to some personal tragedies. Dating Grey would show he is starting to take control of his life again, including committing to a relationship. Grey will be boosted by his celebrity. Both are tentative but agree it’s in their best interests. Sounds easy, right? Problem is that they actually do learn they like each other very much. ⁣
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This was sexy, fun and had many layers. They both had baggage, especially Ethan. Being an older man, that is very realistic. He has children, a messy divorce and a lost partner. She is struggling to find her sense of self after briefly getting some success. Both had enormous emotional walls due to their history with the business. I liked that they worked through them and that this was just a genuinely fun relationship. There was no icky power dynamic to worry about here. It was equal and I enjoyed watching them grow. ⁣
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Thank you to @randomhouse for the @netgalley copy of this one.

This is a book so good, I read it obsessively in a single weekend and then immediately pre-ordered a finished copy for myself. The book follows an actress looking for her next big break after the end of her long-running TV series, and the fake relationship her PR team plots for her with a high-profile Hollywood star who is in desperate need of a public rehab.

Grey and Ethan are absolutely the stars of this book, and these characters really drive the plot forward. I easily found myself hooked on their stories and eager to see what would happen next. The fake dating trope is one of my all-time favorites, but I loved the Hollywood publicity twist used in this book. It was such a fresh, captivating twist and executed so deliciously. Ethan is grumpy and damaged, but his fast fall for Grey is endearing. Meanwhile, Grey is hardly a sunshine foil — but an introverted, thoughtful young woman … who, okay, also once had a teenage crush on Ethan. Before she met him in real life.

HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD is packed with angst and heat and delicious twists. I absolutely could not put this book down.

This was a 3.5 star read I've rounded up to 4 - it's angst city, baby, and the kind that many people love but gives me heartburn because I'm a softy.

In general, it was so well-written and pretty tightly plotted. I loved Grey and Ethan both, even if I didn't quite agree with their reasons for not wanting to actually date. I think my biggest issue was that I would have liked the dark moment to have occurred a bit earlier. I think it would have been useful to have one event that they attend together that doesn't necessarily challenge his sobriety but does prove his commitment, but that's just me!

Overall, people who love a celeb romance are going to have a great time with this - I can't wait to see what this author writes next.

I love Hollywood couples as much as the next person (and we all know some of them are just for publicity) so when I heard about this book I was so intrigued.
I was not expecting the darker themes and tone this book would take. I thought I was getting a light romcom with starlets but instead I got a deeply troubled hero and a heroine whose supposed to “fix him” while dealing with her own trauma. Don’t get me wrong, the characters are really well written and I wanted to know how the story progressed; I just wasn’t expecting it.
They had good chemistry and their steamy times were certainly that. I just had a hard time getting into it since the hero needed serious help before entering a romantic relationship with the heroine.
Again, I liked the story, just not what I was expecting from this story at all.