Thanks to NetGalley for my gifted copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
How to Fake It in Hollywood is a fake dating age gap trope involving Ethan Atkins and Grey Brooks. He’s an addict who’s suffered a tragedy and wants a comeback. She’s a former teen star who needs a little boost to her now stagnant career. This book has some pretty deep character development and gets all up in the feelings. There’s also some quick banter and steamy times. Quality debut and solid read.

Hmm, I have mixed feelings about this one. It was definitely a fun rollercoaster, for the most part. The premise captured me immediately because I love Hollywood romance settings and I did like both Ethan and Grey! I thought they were very cute together. I was thrown when the narrative didn’t follow the usually-scripted rom-com pacing, and normally I would welcome the change. But the last 30% turned heavy and shifted focus away from the romance, so I couldn’t really end up fully enjoying the ending. Overall, it was a pretty fun read but it wasn’t what I was expecting.

This was a highly readable story with generally likeable characters. There were a few moments where I cringed, and I have to admit that the reality of dealing with someone who is an alcoholic could be a trigger for some. But overall, the book was a very fast read and enjoyable. I have to admit that I went into it thinking that it would be similar to other books I had reading, including another book I got via NetGalley and read prior. But it did surprise me. The relationship that Ethan has with his ex was particularly interesting as it seems to be similar to what a lot of separated couples in Hollywood try to do with co-parenting. I couldn't help but compare Ethan to Ben Affleck and Nora to Jennifer Garner.

The writing is solid. There is a good development of the relationship at the start. And it's a fun glimpse behind the celebrity curtain whether or not it is fictional or founded on fact.

How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed How to Fake It in Hollywood. So often the fake relationship trope can get old, but this book pushed further. I was expecting a light, easy rom com, But I got a rom com with depth and great character development. Would highly recommend this book!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House/Ballantine for an ARC copy in return for my honest opinion.

Normally I read romance novels to relax and unwind after a day at work, but this book got my heart pumping from anticipation (in a good way!) of the first kiss to the unfolding of layers the characters went through throughout this book. 

This book covers many real life issues such as alcoholism, addiction, tragic death and the grief that comes with it, and harassment. 
This book has what you need when looking for a layered romance, especially if you love the fake dating trope (which is my favorite!). The two stars have an ~undeniable connection~ that drive this book, even when the the two involved seem oblivious at times. I also really enjoyed the 'supporting' characters in the book that uplifted the two main characters. 
I recently started reading romance and often think to myself, these books are unrealistic. Although this book is tied up perfectly in the end and revolve around famous actors, I did not walk away from it thinking it idealized a 'perfect match' or gave the reader unrealistic expectations of love. This book showcases that there are times in a relationship one might have doubts, second guesses, or need validation, but there is a limit to these and certain appropriate reactions. I would recommend this to a reader provided they are aware of the content warnings before. Keep on eye out for its release on 14 June 2022! 

Thank you Net Galley and Random House/ Ballantine for an ARC in return for my honest review.

This book completely wow’ed from the very beginning!! Ava Wilder’s debut novel How to Fake It in Hollywood will officially be one of my top recommended books for summer 2022!!! I love romance novels that have the fake relationship trope and Ava Wilder took that to the absolute next level with this gem! I honestly thought that How to Fake It in Hollywood would be light-hearted, which it was in parts, but it truly had a ton of depth which was a nice surprise. I found the characters relatable and realistic- I could read an entire series based on these two! I devoured this novel because it was completely addictive, but I know for sure that I will be re-reading this 5 star read because it’s just so good!! How to Fake It in Hollywood is a true must, must read!! I am thrilled to have a new author to add to my automatic must read list!!

4.5/5 -- The only thing I knew about Ava Wilder's highly anticipated debut was that it was about two Hollywood stars faking a romance in order to remain relevant in the public eye. What I expected was a lighthearted, spicy, rom-com. What I got was a more complex story that touched on some of the darker sides of fame. It highlighted some of the very real issues in the industry regarding addiction, invasion of privacy, social media driven popularity, childhood stars, grief and loss. I would classify this novel as more of a contemporary romance/women’s fiction piece instead of your typical romantic comedy.

Wilder’s writing style was perfect for me. Her ability to use such impactful language made me feel more connected to the story and characters, it wasn't overly simple and the pacing was great. I thought it flowed really well and was well-edited. The characters had depth, struggled with insecurities and felt relatable (even though I am by no means a famous actress!). The banter between Grey and Ethan was so deliciously good, I laughed out loud a few times. I felt like their chemistry was totally believable. Their independent journeys to self-growth were also impactful. The relationship felt more mature to me when comparing to other books. They weren't left wondering whether or not the other person liked them, but rather how to let their walls down & be vulnerable without hurting one another because of their past traumas. The supporting characters were a great addition and felt necessary to the overall plot - also huge shoutout to Ava for including a non-binary character!

This was a very enjoyable, fast paced, steamy book. I highly recommend it if you loved The Idea of You or Seven Days in June.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely loved this book! I am a huge fan of Hollywood type books and I loved the storyline between these two characters. I liked how Grey was participating in this ruse to help her acting career, but lands up finding love along the way. I think this would make a great movie or tv series. Highly highly recommend it!

A wonderful exploration of second romances, the cost of fame, and what it really means to love someone, How to Fake it in Hollywood was a surprisingly deep delight.

How to Fake It in Hollywood is a romance but it's also about topics that I feel like I haven't seen in books much. Mostly every book I've read in the romance category are all HEA and light and very rarely dramatic and hard to read but How to Fake It in Hollywood really did that for me. This story is about actors who each have their own struggles 1) not being as famous/well-seasoned and 2) being alcoholic. Contracts are signed and things are going well until they're not. Each character is struggling with their own issues and neither are really ready to be jumping into this situation. I didn't realize but there's a 3rd act breakup that had me stressing out and although I didn't really love this one, it definitely shed some light on relationships with people who are addicts. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and I liked that it actually had a story line and enough "spice" to get me through, there was just something about reading in 3rd person that I particularly didn't enjoy. It's not my favorite reading style but if I take that away the story really was enjoyable.

A sweet, sexy debut. I really loved how this started off, and the more I read the more I was hooked. Wilder takes the fake dating scheme and heighten its with the Hollywood aspect. You're going to love this if you also love the grumpy-sunshine trope!

I love a good fake dating story and in this case, add some Hollywood drama into the mix and what a fun read. This was a great romance but it was so much more than a romance as Wilder deals with loss, alcohol abuse, the double standards that can be found in society and the power of forgiveness. Grey was the star of a popular teen drama for years and after a terrible breakup, her career is stalled. Ethan, a very famous actor, has face terrible loss and the end of his marriage, while he has become a bit of a recluse. When they decided to fake date, to help them both get in track, the chemistry between them explodes and the story really takes off. I enjoyed this book far more than I thought I would. I was expected a rom-com but it was far more than that because of the depth of the issues and struggles that Wilder had her characters face. I look forward to reading more by this author. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I gave 4 stars because I think the repair of the relationship was rushed, especially considering the content of the "black moment"/major conflict episode.

However, I was hooked from the first paragraph and finished the book in a very short amount of time, so it was a great story!

Somewhat spoiler-y review below.


___________________________________

The main characters meet as a set up from their shared publicist. Both need an image boost, not because of anything either of them had done. One is emotionally tortured by their past, the other is facing being washed-up unless a new big role presents itself.

They make a contract, agree to be seen with each other in public, even though they are both slightly reclusive. Them getting to know each other and dancing around their proximity is always a favorite storyline. I love fake relationships!!

Through their time together (engagements arranged by their publicist to be captured by paparazzi) they end up at a resort, unsightly pictures get released online just as they were starting to build trust, and what seems like will be their black moment, one fleeing and the other avoiding, is actually just another part of their journey.

There's drinking, smoking, and joints in the story, so it all just seems like it's part of the story. But one characters heavy drinking is an underlying current throughout the whole story.

They reconcile, something good happens for the career of the "almost washed-up" character that starts a downward spiral for the other. In which that character decides to start using hard drugs, which hasn't happened since forever ago, in an effort to avoid the emotional turmoil of their past meeting their present.

This is where the story turned dark, quickly, and I felt a little whiplash not understanding what was happening. There's an ultimatum, the user leaves, but actually checks into rehab, which was good but we don't find it about it because there's a sixteen month time gap!

In which time, the they both have started therapy, which I always applaud, and then in a random moment, the rehab character shows up at the something good finally happened characters work, they decide to meet for dinner, it's a 10 minute conversation, and all is forgiven.

Their relationship obviously takes work but they live happily ever after.

This book is a great rom-com! I loved the development of the characters and how the author didn’t just end it when they realized they loved one another.

I really enjoyed this book ! It was not at all like other “ rom coms “I have read in the past . It dealt with real life issues/ obstacles that couples face including addiction .
We start at the beginning meeting Grey, the failing actress , and Ethan , the older well known “heartthrob” actor . We watch as their relationship unfold. I really liked the authors writing style . It kept me wanting to read it as well as he twists and turns the plot took along the way.
I would highly recommend this book ! 4.5 stars!

Thank you Random House publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Random House - Ballantine and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder is a lovely rom-com featuring a special celebrity couple. The story revolves around Grey, who has just left the teen TV show that made her famous and has struggled with finding work since. Her publicist suggests a way-out-there idea: date a recently-divorced Hollywood A-lister and former Sexiest Man Alive. Will their fake relationship help them reach their goals, or will it turn into something else?

Here is an entertaining excerpt from Chapter 1, which introduces us to Grey:

"“Lucy LaVey?”
Well, that settled that. Grey pushed her sunglasses to her forehead and plastered on a toothy smile as she turned to face the voice: a bespectacled teenage girl clutching a blended iced mocha (extra whip). The girl’s mouth dropped open when their eyes met.
“Hey! How’s it going?” Grey made her tone as warm as possible. The girl covered her mouth with her free hand and squealed. A few heads turned at her outburst.
“Ohmigod, it is you! I’m sooo sorry to bother you, I know you’re just, like, trying to live your life or whatever. I just—I’m literally obsessed with Poison Paradise. I’m such a big fan.”
The first time Grey had been called by her character’s name, it thrilled her. The next few times, it had bruised her ego a little. Now, six seasons and 132 episodes of Poison Paradise later, she took it in stride. It was better than not being recognized at all."

Overall, How to Fake It in Hollywood is an absolutely adorable rom-com that will appeal to fans of Famous in Love and To All the Boys I Loved Before. One highlight of this book is the nontraditional couple. For one thing, Ethan, the male lead, is quite a bit older than Grey. I've never read a rom-com with a couple like this before, but I didn't mind it. Another highlight is the insights into celebrity culture and behind-the-scenes look at making movies. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in June!

There were points in this story when I caught myself thinking, "Oh, I love this so much!" and others that were complete misses for me. I prefer romance stories that don't involve graphic sex (there was a LOT of it). So, I found a good deal of the story to be a real turn-off for me. Lust and love are not the same things.

While I liked Grey a lot, and I felt bad for how wounded Ethan was, everything about their relationship was misguided at first, and pretty much dysfunctional the deeper they got into it. It wasn't until the last few chapters that they really seemed to be in a healthier place, so I'm glad they finally got there, but wow! What a journey!

Thank you Ava Wilder, Random House, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy.

Do you ever slow down on reading a book because you don’t want it to end? This is how I felt about How to Fake it in Hollywood. I had no expectations going into the story, and I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this book. Grey and Ethan are well developed and complex characters. Wilder Does a fantastic job of intertwining complex subjects with comedic moments. Be worn that this book is not as late as the cover suggests, which I found to actually be a great thing. I think this might be one of my favorite books of the year!

This is not a bad book. I would probably rate it 3.5. It was a fun, easy read with a nice cast of characters and an interesting plot. I just think when it all boils down, it wasn't a perfect book for ME. I did feel like the pacing was a little off in the beginning, but by the middle of the book it got a bit better. I enjoyed Grey as a main character - she was pretty great, and I'm really proud of her for some of the choices she made. I just didn't find Ethan very appealing and some of the characters weren't as fleshed out as I would have liked them to be. There were also some side plots I wish would have been addressed by the end of the book, i.e. Grey's relationship with her mom. But overall, a solid debut and I'm excited to see what else Wilder releases.

PS. I LOVE the cover so much omg.

I love grey 😍 and her struggle to deal with life and fame. Handling fans who only know her characters name. Great characters 😉, dialogue, and descriptions. Love the cover
Very cute without a childish tone. A page Turner