I just feel like this book was at least 50 pages too long, maybe even 100. Neither of the main characters came off particularly likable either. The thing is, I understand what the author was trying to do in creating their dynamic, but instead of it coming off as understandable once more layers are revealed, I just remained kind of.. apathetic. I never particularly rooted for either of them at any given point in the story, despite desperately wanting to. I was incredibly excited for this book because I adored the depth that Wilder captured in her other book, How to Fake it in Hollywood, but this felt like a departure from that.

That being said. I was entertained for the most part throughout the entire book, and I felt the way things were tied up was fun. Also, there were certain lines or paragraphs that were just beautifully written that kept redeeming the book throughout. I thought overall this book kept me amused and entertained enough to give it a 3 stars but nothing particularly touched me enough to rate it more.

If you're a fan of hollywood romances, lovers to enemies to lovers, or second chance romances, this will likely be an enjoyable read.

*Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for an ARC of this book*

Synopsis: They used to star in a hit show together and have a tumultuous history. Now they’re reunited for one final season of that show and of course have to figure out their feelings for one another.
Pros: I loved that this book wasn’t a cheesy romcom. It was a true romance with depth to the characters and a dual POV narration to be able to really see what each is thinking.
Cons: This was a very slow burn. It had some spicy moments, which I love, but it took a while to get there. Since it was such a slow burn it was a bit boring at times.
But overall I really enjoyed it! Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for this early copy- due to hit shelves this week!

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing - Ballentine, Dell Publishing for an advance copy of this!

How To Fake It In Hollywood was one of my favorite romances of 2022 and I knew that she would be an auto buy author just after that! So when it came out that she was writing another Hollywood romance, I was all for it!

I have so many thoughts about this book that I hope I can make this be as cohesive as possible.

"Please tell me this was the last morning I'll have to wake up without you."

This is told from dual POVs with dual timelines (past & present) which really helped bring the story together. We saw how they met and then eventually how they fell apart. You could sense early on that there was so much chemistry between them ESPECIALLY during that photoshoot (won't say anything more). I could just feel that sexual tension off the pages.

I love all the behind the scenes talk of what it is like making a tv show. It truly takes a village to make a production come together. There have been so many tv couples who have had relationships off camera and sometimes they lasted beyond the show but most often than not the relationship did not last. Often times then the couple will break up on the show as well I can't even imagine what it is like kissing and pretending you like someone on camera and making it believable!

There was a moment where we got one of my favorite tropes: one bed. And all I'll say is Ava you are such a tease!!!!!

One of my favorite chapters was when Shane was hosting Late Night Live (book's version of Saturday Night Live). I just had this feeling that Lilah was going to be there with him and it made me so happy to see that she made an appearance. You could tell that he really just needed her presence to put him at ease.

"Guess you're stuck with me now."
"I've been stuck with you for the past nine years."

I thought Wilder gave us an insight on the thought process of what actors go through after being on a long time show, the fear & anxiety of what is next. Some actors can move on successfully but often times than not, they are piegoned hold to that specific character and cannot break away from it. And as Shane does, so many celebrities help support others in their life and have that extra weight on their shoulder to make sure they have a steady paycheck coming in.

Just a quick tidbit, I have gone to a couple of conventions and let me tell you, I do not know how celebrities do it. I am exhausted by the day and I can't even imagine the energy that they to present to each and every fan they encounter. It definitely is a skill and a part of me just hopes that they are thoroughly thankful and happy to meet everyone.

I hope I got across all the things I have loved about this book & which parts really stood out. So if you are a fan of second chance romance, hot enemies to lover tension and Hollywood romance, this is for you!

PS - I am listening to Ava's playlist for the tv show and I have to say that it definitely fits the theme of the book! Bravo job!

It was fine. Neither blew me away nor disappointed me. I felt some areas dragged on a bit too long and were repetitive, and some parts were cute and charming.

Will They Or Won't They is a celebrity enemies to lovers story filled with drama and angst. The chemistry and tension are super high throughout the story. I will say that some of the pacing through the book felt a little off and the side characters weren't anything special. I loved that Lilah was written as a character with anxiety and self worth issues because I feel like it made her relatable to a lot of readers. But I also felt like it was almost over done and made her seem weak and toxic because she couldn't get out of her own head and open her self up to love. She was constantly pushing away Shane who did nothing but love and support her despite everything they had been through together.

4 star read. Thanks to Netgalley, Ava Wilder, and the publisher for an advanced copy for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for review. This book was everything I want in a romance. The dual POV, their history, the flashbacks, all perfect. I fell in love with all of the characters and found myself enthralled in this book. A must read!

Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder is a enemies to lovers novel. This novel sounded fascinating with famous actors at the heart of it. It started off strong, but I felt the characters were largely unlikable. The plot did not hook me either. Reader, be advised that the content was adult only. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

I am *in love* with this book. I was a fan of Wilder's debut, but it felt a little like something was missing. This one, however, checked all my boxes. I REALLY felt the tension and the anger but also the chemistry that it brought about. The miscommunications and general immaturity of the flashbacks really made me appreciate the forced communication and time together of the "current" scenes. I know a lot of people can shut their brains off and deal with things in books that they wouldn't irl, but that just isn't me. I LOVE that we see them going to therapy and learning about their current selves and adjusting to the new normal. A great slow-burn that really satisfies in the end. Yes, there is drama and lots of serious moments in there, but also this just made me giggle and LOL a few times, which NOT ENOUGH BOOKS DO (or they try way too hard to do)! Give me the banter, give me the swoons! Overall, a great sophomore showing and I can't wait to read what Wilder comes up with next.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Y'all the real MVPs.

When Shane and Lilah are chosen to star on the hottest new show in television, their chemistry is electric. But when things between them get more serious, Lilah gets scared and breaks things up after the first season. Four more years of tension and bickering followed until Lilah left the show after the fifth season. But after three years and an embarrassing movie role, she's returning for the show's final season... and back to the feelings she tried to escape years ago.
I like that the chapters are told in alternate POV and glimpses into their past so you can see the entire story. I can't imagine the pressure of public opinion on their relationship and I loved the scenes with the therapist. I recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet second chance romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lilah and Shane were the stars of a hit television show, Intangible, for five years. Fans loved the paranormal mysteries of the show, but they were most interested in whether Lilah and Shane's characters would ever become a couple. At the end of season five of the show, however, Lilah decides to leave to take a run at becoming a movie star, leaving Shane to carry the show on his own. When her movie is a critical and commercial failure, Lilah's career sputters and she agrees to come back to Intangible for the ninth and final season -- a season where Lilah and Shane's characters will finally get together. Fan and media interest is at an all time high, and Lilah is hoping this will revive her career. There is only one problem: she and Shane hate each other, and neither is sure how they will navigate a whole season of acting together and promoting the show. As the season goes on, though, both realize there may be more to their relationship, if they are willing to move beyond past hurts and the complications of being in the public eye.

This was a great book -- alternating between Lilah and Shane's point of view, the author creates strong characters and a compelling and creative story. Once you start, you'll have trouble putting down this very readable novel.

Highly recommended!

Will They or Won’t They follows two Hollywood stars as they ride the highs and lows of Hollywood and their relationship. It was a cute romance that left little mystery. While it was predictable, it was still cute and fun. I would recommend.

This book was adorable. The characters and their banter were amazing. There were some angsty parts, some sweet parts and some hilarious parts. Did I love the main characters, no. Frankly, they were kind of annoying, but their relationship was the opposite. The middle of the book moved kind of slowly, but the start and end were great. A perfect summer read.

Thank you Netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

A slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance that is also about moving on and dealing with your vulnerabilities.

Lilah is a prickly character who struggles with anxiety, and Shane is a people-pleaser, so they aren’t the most likable duo ever; however, you do see them grow throughout the book and blossom. Versus other enemies-to-lovers books with a passionate endpoint, this one has the characters reunite gently with love and care for one another, as thirtysomethings turning the page on where they’re at with their careers and personal lives.

Lilah and Shane play a madly in love, but kept apart, couple on the hit paranormal show, Intangilble. In real life, though, they loathe each other. So, it was a good thing when Lilah left the show to make a movie and see what else was out there. But the film was a flop, and Lilah wasn’t getting any work because of it. So, when the producers approached Lilah with an offer to return to the show, she wouldn’t turn it down, even if that meant working with Shane again. But Lilah and Shane realize that maybe their hatred towards each other was more than that (thanks to a risque photo shoot). What will they do? Will they give in to their feelings? Or won’t they?

When I wished for Will They or Won’t They, I was on a huge contemporary romance kick. I hoped I liked the book because the blurb seemed rather bland. Unfortunately, I feel the same way now that I have read the book. This book didn’t create any strong feelings for it either way.

The medium pacing of Will They or Won’t They did suit the book. This pacing allowed Lilah and Shane to recount their past relationship (working and personal) on their own and with the therapist. There was some lag toward the end of the book, but since it was the end, it didn’t affect anything for me.

Will They or Won’t They takes place mainly in Hollywood, with a brief scene in New York City and a chapter in Canada. I was disappointed that the author mostly kept to where the show was filmed, convention centers and hotel rooms. I would have loved to see more of those cities and where they filmed in Canada.

The main storyline in Will They or Won’t They are Lilah and Shane’s love/hate/love relationship. The author did a great job of giving Lilah and Shane’s backstories in a way that didn’t seem forced. I could see a behind-the-scenes romance blowing up and causing issues. I could also see a producer wanting his main stars to get along and send them to couples therapy. But, once the book started focusing on the present day, I began to feel “meh” about it. The storyline seemed to be Lilah and Shane rehashing stuff from their past. Also, I wasn’t a massive fan of how their romance ping-ponged back and forth.

I didn’t care for Lilah. She came across as a neurotic pain in the butt who was also a bit of a diva. She self-sabotages almost every relationship she has had (and she admits this at one point in the book). But, at the same time, I felt terrible for her. Growing up, she had a horrible home life that caused her severe anxiety. Her mother got her into acting to overcome it, and things took off. I also felt how she treated Shane was pretty crappy, both past and present. Now, he was no angle, but she took it to another level.

I had no real concrete feelings for Shane. For most of the book, he came across as bland. He went out of his way to needle Lilah (the whole donut scene at the beginning of the book stands out the most to me). I did guess what his real feelings were reasonably early in the book and guessed what he would do with those feelings.

The romance angle of Will They or Won’t They bored me. While I like secret romances, I wasn’t a huge fan of theirs. How can a relationship flourish if they never go out together and always have sex? It can’t, and in the long run, if this were real, I would say they didn’t have a chance long term.

The end of Will They or Won’t They was pretty standard. The author surprised me with a twist towards the end of the book. The author explained the twist in the epilogue, and I was back to feeling “meh” about the characters.

I would recommend Will They or Won’t They to anyone over 21. There is language, mild violence, and sexual situations.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Dell, NetGalley, and Ava Wilder for allowing me to read and review Will They or Won’t They. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

Lilah and Shane are stars of a popular TV series who have undeniable personal chemistry and secretly dated during Season 1. Their relationship is broken by Lilah's insecurities, taking its toll on the show and on their coworkers. Lilah leaves, but after a failed movie career, she comes back to the show for a final season. What remains is a "will they or won't they" about their happy ending. I loved this story of true love!

My poor heart...how to you leave a reader battered and bruised and also filled with bursts of joy? I personally have no clue but Ava has the recipe. I've heard that How to Fake It in Hollywood is similarly if not more...so it's going on my TBR immediately.

Lilah is hard to love sometimes (aren't we all) and at times, it drags the story out. Shane's selflessness is a little much at times, but the greatest thing about them both is how human they are (minus when the supernatural TV part is at play).

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Will They or Won't They in exchange for my review.

WILL THEY OR WONT THEY - AVA WILDER

4⭐
PLOT Lilah Hunter returns to her sucessful TV show Intangible for the final season in. Which her character finally gets back together with Shane McCarthy's character. But coming back for Lilah means being close to Shane a biggest reason why she left the show..they have a history a d undeniable chemistry but their hatred for each other is very strong and in order to make the show a success they will have to play nice and this can bring them closer than ever.

MY THOUGHTS -
As a romance, this book has been treated very differently as both MCs are flawed and dealing with their anxieties and insecurities which being in spotlight becomes difficult.
The character development and both their growth was amazing esp liked their honest communication esp in the present.
This was quite a slow burn and angst filled story mixed with alternating timelines and I really enjoyed the couple's counseling sessions where both understood each other's issues .
I just felt the ending could have been better ..it was not what I was expecting.
Check this book out if you enjoy
Celebrity romance
Second chance romance
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn angst filled romance
Mental health representation.
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Back for season nine of their paranormal prime time show, clashing costars (and former lovers) Shane and Lilah are working together for the first time in several years after Lilah’s failed attempt at movies. As the season goes on, their hatred for each other begins to thaw and the reader really starts to see why the title is named: will they or won’t they? Their history is angst-filled - this is such a slow burn and I LOVED it. I recommend this to readers of romance who love a second chance, forced proximity, and fans of Abby Jimenez and Lucy Score!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for the advanced digital reading copy, receipt of which did not impact my review.

Will They or Won't They? Ava Wilder

That is the main question on everyone's minds about Lilah and Shane who are leads on a supernatural hit show. The will they or won't they in this case is whether they can be in the same room without killing each other. Lilah and Shane had a secret relationship when their show started 9 years prior but then ended with tattoos and a bang. They worked together for years before Lilah left the show for bigger fish to fry. Now she is back for the final season and they are at each others' throats. Will they work everything out before the finale?

The characters are thought out in this. We are able to see everything that went down in the past with flashbacks in this dual POV. It is fun in this book because you kind of see the point that both of them have about the other. I did prefer Shane overall but understand Lilah's story. She suffers from GAD(generalized anxiety disorder) and as someone with heavy anxiety, I totally got how she let her anxieties get in the way of a lot of things between them. The anxiety was not excused away and I appreciated that. The side characters were fun and I kind of wish I could get a story about one of Lilah's Hags friends.

The book made me laugh in places and get indignant about how some people act in the world with actors. I felt for these characters and enjoyed the book overall. The twist at the end got me good. I think Ava Wilder did a fantastic job and I would love to read her other book now and look out for future books(maybe about Annie, hint :))

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House-Ballantine, and Ava Wilder for the e-ARC of this book. This review is my own opinion.

Thank You Netgalley for an eARC of the book Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder,
Publication date : June 27th 2023

I really enjoy the story and there banter between the two main characters I loved.
I love everything about this book.