After I read the blurb I knew I needed to get my hands on this book! This was beautiful and may I say probably one of my FAVORITE fake-dating books. A PR stunt that becomes so much more and fake dating between two celebs?? Sign me up!!

I’m a very VERY big fan of the fake dating trope so I had very high hopes for this book. This was so so good and I loved this so much!!

The flow of the story and the plot was amazing. I found myself immersed in the story and I loved every second reading this book! Even though I knew that this book was a cheesy and sweet rom-com, this book also talked about a lot of deep topics like the reality of the glittery and fancy Hollywood you see on TV and I think that the author really wrote and handled it well. Kudos to the author!!

I loved the character development between our two characters, Grey and Ethan, and I loved how they slowly opened up and how even though these characters are celebrities, we still find a way to be able to relate to them. The chemistry buildup was just amazing and we love to see the one bed trope in here😉

This book was a RIDE but one that I really enjoyed. This book was so so GOOD and I highly recommend this!! This was such an amazing and very enjoyable read!!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review😙

This was a good romance. I would say more on the 3.8 scale but not quiet a 4 for me. Some of the topics and plot felt repetitive at times when we all knew what needed to happen was rehab. With that being said alcoholism and grief are two topics covered throughout the book so please take care of yourself if those topics are triggering to you.

Grey and Ethan were cute. Their banter was funny. Their chemistry was just right and the sexual tension building up to steamy scenes was great. I was just left wanting more from the plot? Overall a very enjoyable read if Hollywood romance is your jam!

Tropes: fake dating, somewhat of an age gap

Prepare to be swept away by this awesome debut novel that delivers a perfect blend of Hollywood glamour, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth. Fans of Beach Read and The Unhoneymooners will find themselves utterly captivated by the enchanting story of Grey Brooks and Ethan Atkins.

Grey, a talented starlet grappling with the uncertain future of her career, reluctantly agrees to participate in a fake romance with Ethan, a reclusive A-lister with a tarnished reputation. What starts as a PR stunt quickly evolves into something much more profound as the lines between reality and fiction blur.

The chemistry between Grey and Ethan is scorching, igniting the pages with their electric connection. The author skillfully crafts their relationship, teasing readers with tantalizing moments of passion and vulnerability that will leave you breathless. As their fake romance deepens, both characters are forced to confront their pasts, their fears, and the true desires of their hearts.

What sets this book apart is its ability to delve beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, exploring the complexities and sacrifices required to thrive in the industry. Grey and Ethan's journeys are beautifully intertwined, highlighting the price of fame and the struggle to maintain authenticity in a world of facades.

The author's writing is impeccable, seamlessly blending steamy romance with poignant emotional moments. The pacing is flawless, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover what lies ahead for Grey and Ethan. The supporting cast adds depth and dimension to the story, with each character leaving their mark and contributing to the overall richness of the narrative.

Beyond the swoon-worthy romance, this book delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the courage to break free from expectations. It reminds us that beneath the glamorous veneer, everyone is human, with their own vulnerabilities and desires.

This awesome novel is a must-read for lovers of contemporary romance. It will whisk you away into a world of glitz, passion, and self-discovery, leaving you with a satisfyingly warm heart and a renewed belief in the power of love. With its compelling characters, irresistible chemistry, and thought-provoking exploration of fame and authenticity, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

DNF at 60%

I don't know why but I just could not get myself to finish this book. I just did not feel connected to it at all. I know that I am in the minority of opinions but I just found the whole thing so boring and I didn't care about the fledgling relationship between Grey and Ethan. I also normally love fake dating but I was just sooooooo bored.

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

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book incorporated all the tropes I love - fake dating, shared bed, famous couple - and it truly hit the spot. It was such a quick read, based on its length but also on its easy ability to fly through the story. These characters were funny - so many moments I just laughed out loud. I also felt for these characters; I can't imagine the difficulty of living your life in the spotlight, despite it being a choice in so many ways, but once you're famous you can't ever go back.

The quick pace of the storyline really drew me in. Similar to the way a thriller makes me feel, I never wanted to put this book down because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next - how will they resolve the nude photo leak, will they end up together, WHAT WILL HAPPEN!?

No notes. As a person who gets easily bored with romance novels, this one really set the bar high.

“We’re supposed to be madly in love and you won’t even give me your phone number?”

Grey and Ethan are two Hollywood celebs fake dating to mutually benefit their careers…. this book was everything I wanted it to be & more!

When I see “for fans of BEACH READ & THE UNHONEYMOONERS” on a book I know I need to pick it up. I’m a huge fan of books about celebrities and these characters actually felt real. Grey and Ethan dealt with a lot of complex issues while also having some hilarious banter. I prefer my romances with more depth and was honestly expecting this book to be more cheesy but it wasn’t which was refreshing!

I just finished this (finally after just staring at it for literally almost a year lol) and honestly I flew through this. I loved the weightiness of the story, the twists and turns, the friendships between Grey and Kamilah and Grey and Nora. And I absolutely loved the sex scenes (that mutual masturbation to release tension from different rooms was extremely well written.) The tension was great.

With that being said, a few notes:
1) this felt too insta-lust in the beginning so I feel like I struggled till I got like 20% in.
2) I liked seeing Ethan and Grey’s relationship grow but am not 100% convinced they should have a HEA. It’s a HFN for me honestly because I truly don’t think we saw enough of Ethan’s (or Greys for that matter) work that he did to get back on track. The breakup and 16 months should’ve happened at like 75%.
3) I feel like Ethan was just ok??? Sometimes I loved him and other times I couldn’t get a clear picture of him besides being a washed up, kind of hot, alcoholic. The backstory he shared of his childhood felt like the most clear picture. But because of this it felt like grey fell in love with him because of her childhood crush and him taking care of her that one time.

It’s a solid 4 star for me I think.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. I really enjoyed this book - themes of fake dating and Hollywood, which you could probably figure out from the title. It was everything I expected and a little more. In addition to the romance, there are themes of addiction, family, trust, etc. I enjoyed imagining who Ethan, Grey, and their famous friends were modeled after. This is more than a fluffy romance. I'd call it medium spice. Definitely recommend!

I regret that it took me so long to give feedback on this story because I ended up being a huge fan. Although not the typical cheesy rom com, this captured my attention throughout and made me tear up at multiple times. It wasn't a straight forward happy ever after, which made the end result even better!

I will definitely be reading the authors future works and am grateful to have had a chance to review this story.

A superb rom-com that delivered all the necessary ‘feels’ but so much more. Once again, our authors are exploring heavier topics normally avoided in rom coms, until recently. Exposing everyday issues that most readers experience in the course of their own lives. In this case it’s substance abuse and grief.

Ethan Atkins was an A-lister, mega-star who recently became somewhat of a recluse since the death of his friend, followed by his very public divorce.

Grey Brooks is a former child TV star who is looking to shake free of the younger roles that have no depth. Desperate to avoid being type-cast for the rest of her career.

In a text-book Hollywood P.R. stunt, their publicists concoct a plan to hook the two up in a “fake relationship” guaranteed to light up the Hollywood gossip ghouls! So…are they actually good enough actors to tolerate each other long enough to pull this thing off? Their careers may depend on it.

This rom-com delivered in a big way! The chemistry between the characters was sizzling! And the difficult topics were dealt with in a serious, respectful manner and not just a passing thought.

Grey and Ethan both need to revitalize their careers. Grey is young and beautiful, but by Hollywood standards, she's getting old. She needs to break out of the teen drama role that she held for so long. Ethan retreated from the limelight following the death of his best friend and writing partner that set him on a path of self-destruction. Both are eager to move on in their careers so they enter an agreement to stage a relationship. Of course it doesn't take long for them to actually fall for each other, but they each have a lot to work on personally if they're ever going to make it in the real world.

How to Fake it in Hollywood was a great twist on a fake-dating trope, where we got to see our protagonists get together closer to the start of the book and work through trouble in their relationship and how to take that into the real life. I wish we saw more of this in other fake dating novels. Grey & Ethan begin to fake date, as set up by their publicists, to revive careers for different reasons - and what starts fake becomes real. Ethan and Grey have to overcome tabloids/paparazzi, addiction, baggage, etc. to get to where they want to be. Would definitely recommend to friends.

I enjoyed this emotional and gripping story. Wilder infused Grey and Ethan with so much depth, and this one had a hard-earned and satisfying HEA. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and romances with slightly heavier themes.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley, and the author for this ARC.

How to Fake it in Hollywood. A story where an A-List reclusive actor enters into a fake dating PR scheme with an up and coming younger actress. A story I had a really challenging time with.

The further I get away from this, the less favorably I feel towards it. I love the premise, but the execution and the way the plot unfolded was not for me. Usually, I’m all for the inclusion of heavier topics and situations in books, especially romance books. But this was a bit too much for me. By the end, I didn’t want them to get together. I thought they would be better apart.

3 stars.

Such a wonderful book. I HATE that I waited so long to read it! Dealt with so many real issues, and shows realistic responses to them rather than silly responses. Miscommunications lead to many problems, which are hit in the story, and it works. One thing that was very unrealistic was that both characters without work is not plausible in this day and age, but makes sense in the story. It was also steam in all the right places. Some of the trigger warnings include drug use, alcoholism, and some masculinity, but the plot itself was phenomenal. I loved the book!

This is a very cute and fun romance book. I enjoyed the banter and love between the main characters.

NOT A ROMCOM- darker deeper then the light hearted book I expected. Definitely check the trigger warnings. for me the book dragged towards the end then spiraled and I'm still confused. not for me but I would try another from the author. I enjoyed the writing and the characters but I'm just confused and it wasn't for me.

I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the angle with the hero's drinking problem and him seeking treatment. I wished there had been more development of this in the last quarter of the book.

I really enjoyed this book! It’s the perfect premise for me, fake dating in Hollywood! I thought the relationship did move a bit fast to be realistic to me but I did love their story arc. I liked that it touched on deeper topics as well.