I enjoyed this book. The prose was well-written, and the characters were dynamic and jumped off the page. I thought the story was interesting and the plot kept me guessing.

This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love to read. Funny, sweet, deep, with good characters and a storyline that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.

Ethan Atkins is super famous, with an Oscar and a crazy amount of money, but he hasn’t been a public figure since his best friend and creative partner Sam died. Grey Brooks, a badass and intelligent woman, is less well known, but she is ready to start getting some bigger roles and getting her name on the Hollywood map. The two date as a publicity stunt to get Ethan back into the public eye and to get some buzz around Grey, but they have undeniable chemistry and a connection beyond looking good together on the red carpet.

The characters in this book were phenomenal. Well developed and painfully human, with distinct personalities and character arcs. They supported and contrasted each other so well, and the side characters such as Nora and Kamilah were just as vibrant and fun as the main characters. Hell, I’d want to see a movie adaptation of this book just to see Renata come to life! Ethan and Grey were both strong characters, but their personalities still worked well together in a way that made me root for their relationship to work out.

This book also dealt with some heavy issues. Ethan struggled for the majority of the book with addiction and his grief and guilt over Sam’s death. I thought that this storyline was handled with grace and compassion. It was not the whole story, but it was an essential part of the story in what I think was a tasteful way. It was raw and honest and I genuinely wanted the best for Ethan.

What else can I say about this book other than that I loved it? It’s one of those books that I just had to stay up late reading, because I just couldn’t bear to leave the characters. The ending feels right, the book isn’t too long or too short, and there is just enough left open-ended that it doesn’t feel “too” perfect.

I was shocked to find out that this is Ava Wilder’s debut novel. Her voice is strong and compelling, and I already can’t wait to read what comes next from her!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and to Random House for sending me an advance copy of this book for review!

There is absolutely nothing more enticing to me than a fake dating trope and this book handled it beautifully. It was deep and enchanting and such a fun read that also handled some tough subjects with just the right amount of care.

Told in dual first point of views, this romance novel weaves compelling accounts with a fake dating story at its finest. It's a cute, fun romance with some spicy content. The epilogue feels cute, HEA-worthy that makes me smile, and more importantly, earned after all these two flawed characters went through to get it.

This was an incredible read. Fake dating, enemies to lovers, and two people people in denial of their love? Sign me up. It has a different energy to it than other books. It’s strong and makes you think. The love between the two characters progresses nicely, and it’s refreshing to see characters not “need” each other but “want” each other.

HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD is a humorous and angsty contemporary romance between recently unemployed Grey Brooks (former actress on a CW-like show) and Ethan Atkins (an older reclusive A-list actor who'd fallen on hard times). Despite Grey and Ethan faking their relationship to improve their career prospects, it is realistic in its portrayal of actors, the pressures of Hollywood, the invasion of privacy, and Ethan's alcoholism. Wilder builds the delicious tension between Grey and Ethan and will keep you rooting for them, even when they both fall back on behaviors that strain their relationship.

I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it! Thanks Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I enjoyed this book so so much! It was everything I hoped it would be with a solid fake dating trope. I loved that the relationship took place over a long period of time and when they wrapped it up everyone was better mentally/emotionally then they were at the beginning of the book aka character growth! I also love that it's from dual POVs of both protagonist and how they see each other verses how they see themselves is very interesting. I also felt that the drama the couple went through was necessary. Not just for the plot but because it's based in reality. It was refreshing to have a real realistic romantic book for a change despite it being based in Hollywood.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for this titled. Review and opinions are honest and my own.**

First of all, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE the fake dating trope. It is one of my personal favorite romance storylines. So I went into this book very excited for what was to come. And it did not disappoint. Telling the story of two actors at pivotal points in their career while also being at pivotal points in their personal, emotional lives really played out very well. Without giving any spoilers, I really loved the timeline of this story, how it wasn’t a quick happily ever after and providing us with character growth over several years, not the typical months. Furthermore, I loved the LGBTQ representation in this book from some of the side characters. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about fake dating, the movie industry, and coping with personal trauma.


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I really enjoyed this one. I love fake dating romances, especially ones that involve celebrities, and How to Fake It in Hollywood didn’t disappoint. The whole setup of the fake dating with their publicist was amazing, and I loved the progression of Ethan and Grey’s relationship. They were both such compelling characters who felt completely real to me.

There are some difficult topics explored, such as alcoholism, addiction, and grief, so take care when reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The romance of Gray and Ethan was sweet, spicy, and romantic. I loved that this was not just your by the books or like almost every romance out there. The author kept us guessing and wondering where there relationship was going to turn next. I really enjoyed that, but I also felt this story was drawn out. I do recommend this book for anyone looking for more then just a romance, but a realistic relationship trying story.

Review:
I just loved this book so much. It definitely wasn’t a light and fluffy romance. It dealt with very real issues. Addiction and grief being the prominent ones. Ethan and Grey (main characters) had so much heart. I really felt the chemistry between them and felt their connection. I found myself cheering them on multiple times throughout the book. The last few chapters were so good. They brought a lot of closure, and I felt like it tied together perfectly. If Ava Wilder writes any more books in the future, I will definitely be reading them!

When I requested this book from NetGalley, I expected a fun, light-hearted RomCom with a simple plot - complete with the fake dating trope. I was a little caught off guard by the more complex themes and raw emotions Wilder delivered. I don't think the cover art accurately portrays the tone of the writing and wish it better reflected the honesty we see in Grey and Ethan's relationship.

So often when I settle in to read a Romance, I expect a series of bubblegum, happy-go-lucky Hallmark moments, and when I began How To Fake It In Hollywood I recognized the telltale fluff I craved. But as the story progressed, it quickly became a much deeper book. Grey and Ethan are each fully-fleshed characters with skeletons in the closet they need to confront before they drive off into the sunset, and Wilder forces them to open those closets. I found a deeper appreciation for them and their relationship than I would have if their issues felt hollow and easily solvable (like they so often are in romances).

Though the perspective shifts from Grey to Ethan and vice versa many times without warning, they each have such distinct voices that it is natural rather than confusing. We get to see their inner turmoil and their grief becomes real. I had some inner conflict as I couldn't decide whether to root for the relationship or for Grey and Ethan to heal separately. Ultimately, I am rooting for Ava Wilder - what a fantastic debut novel and I can't wait for more!

This was very not much the fun, frothy escapism I was expecting. It was so much more. I spent the last half hour of this book reading in trepidation, hoping for an outcome, but knowing I would also understand if things went a different way. That is a rare thing. I would usually be willing to cage fight an author if they deny me then ending I want. This book just manages to take the complexities of love, regret, grief, and addiction and create journey for two characters who care for each other deeply but cannot fix each other with love. A great, emotional read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just love a fake dating trope! I was pleasantly surprised at how realistic and deep this story line and character development went. The author tackled some tough subjects, and it was wonderfully done. (Alcoholism, depression, and loss of a loved one to name a few.) I throughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who like a face paced and multi-faceted rom-com!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House/ Ballantine for an eARC in return for my honest review! ♡︎♡︎♡︎

Finally... contemporary romance with depth! Loved this quick (but not super light) read. Pleasantly surprised by the well developed characters and twists/turns this book presented. Will be swooning over this one for awhile.
Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

Ava Wilder has written a beautiful, emotional, sweet, Hollywood "faux-mance"/romance. The story is well written, the characters are well developed and the storyline is fun and exciting yet emotional and raw.

Grey Brooks is a younger actress whose career is at a standstill after a recent breakup with a former colleague. She is looking for the next big part but she also tends to stay to herself. Grey's best friend, Kamilah has been traveling in her new job and is newly dating the star of the show she does videography for so Grey has been reclusive in a way.

Ethan Atkins is a seasoned well-known and loved actor and a recluse. He is divorced and the father of 2. His ex-wife and former co-star, Nora has helped keep him sober enough to see their daughters a few times a month. Lucas, his assistant has been ensuring that his basic needs are met.

Audrey, the publicist for both Grey and Ethan decides that it would be good for both of their careers if they had a budding romance. They agree to a fake romance and the crazy, wild, emotional, romantic situations follow.. But does this fake relationship ever come to light and does it have the power to become real?

Read this amazing novel to find out all of the answers. This is a quick read. A can't-put-it-down novel. Trust me. . . you'll love it!

This is kind of different from things that I've read. I don't read Hollywood portrayed books much so this is a bit out of my comfort zone. So this was a fake doing trope along with wha seemed to be an age gap romance. while I do have a love hate relationship with Fake Dating this was ok and I was actually excited about that aspect of the tale. Now age gaped romance is something I've recently dived into but now something I have really gotten into. This story was better than most of the age situation that I have read but it still fell a bit flat for me. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between Grey and Ethan but overall I enjoyed this read.

This one gets ALL the stars!!
Grey and Ethan are just goals AF 😍
I love how powerful Greys character is. I feel like a lot of the times you get a female romance character who is timid, needs saving, feels not good enough, etc. Or you get the girl who’s “superwoman” and a total badass, oozing with confidence. Grey wasn’t either. She was a perfect blend - making her more than just relatable. She was the woman you want to see get the guy. She works hard, stays humble, sometimes anxious, witty and head strong, opinionated but forgiving. I just absolutely loved her from the start to finish of this book.
I just can’t help but be in love with this book. The story being told from both perspectives just made it so juicy and captivating.

Not a spoiler (per se) but... the level of steaminess 🔥🔥🔥👅💦🍑🍆👍👍🔥🔥👏👏😍🎆🎆
That’s all I’ve got to say about that 😜
You’ll just have to give it a read to know what i mean!

I was incredibly surprised by this one. I expected it to be a silly romcom for whatever reason but there was so much depth and growth between the characters. The story was anything but shallow. I immediately fell in love with both characters— easy recommendation.

⭐3.5⭐
This book was amazing and I enjoyed it all throughout the book. It was a fun time and I enjoyed reading Ethan's and Grey's love life and how it had become real love. However, I think the love they have in the book could have been expanded because it was more focused on Ethan's problems and the relationship with the ex-wife Nora. Other than that it is a great to read and I enjoyed it over all