With now two books to her name, Ava Wilder has become known for her Hollywood/celebrity romances. I didn't read her first release, How to Fake It in Hollywood, which came out last summer, but her sophomore release is apparently emotionally lighter. Wilder says this book is about "drama, not trauma." I can definitely get on board with that description, in two different senses of the word. The two main characters, Lilah and Shane, co-star in a paranormal drama (literal drama). And the conflicts between them felt over-the-top dramatic at times.

Will They or Won't They is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance. Heavy on the enemies, light on the lovers. After a tumultuous secret, behind-the-scenes affair, Lilah left the show (because of her fallout with Shane) to star in a movie that flopped at the box office. She now is back for a final season, where tensions are still high between her and Shane. Like, so high that they can hardly stand to be in the same room as each other.

I had high hopes for this book! But I just didn't feel that sizzling connection between Shane and Lilah, apart from maybe the physical. The time jumps didn't benefit the story and stilted any growing connection between the two of them. It is such a slow burn that it was hard for me to get into, and I ended up skimming some parts because it just felt repetitive and monotonous. The pacing was slowww, slowerrrrrrrrrr, BAMfast. I think there was too much information thrown at us. Information that we were told and not shown. I didn't quite understand the premise of their show, but I also didn't care enough to go back and learn. I love when I can connect to side characters as much or even more than the main characters, but between the many co-stars, directors, casting agents, past flames, etc., I just couldn't keep the side characters straight in this one. There are too many characters that aren't critical to the plot.

I liked Shane more than Lilah (it feels so misogynistic to hate on the female main character, but she is just so insufferable!). I felt for him when Lilah shut down on him. He was more relatable to me because he came off as warmer and more in touch with his feelings. In my opinion, Lilah is commitment-phobic in an off-putting way. Color me shocked that she is the one who has been in therapy her whole life (for generalized anxiety disorder), because she is so detached from her emotions. I'm sure this wasn't the author's intention, but it felt like Lilah only had anxiety to make her more relatable, and to make us empathize with her standoffishness (which I couldn't). The way she is so dismissive of Shane's feelings really bothered me. But Shane doesn't get off scot-free either, because he also makes some questionable decisions and says some hurtful things. They both tend to act like immature teenagers sometimes, instead of the 30-something-year-olds they are. Don't get me wrong, I love messy, flawed characters, but their flaws seem incompatible in a toxic, volatile way.

I liked the couples therapy for on-screen-not-in-real-life couples, but it felt underdeveloped, like Wilder abandoned it partway through. We saw maybe two therapy sessions in the beginning before it stopped being mentioned entirely. (But, now that they're a real couple, I strongly suggest they go back to couples therapy... just saying.)

There were two scenes that I enjoyed. One, the rehearsal for the big "first kiss" scene between their two characters. I liked how their feelings merged with their characters' feelings when they discussed why their characters might be frustrated/hurt or scared. The parallels were well-done. And two, the phone conversation on Christmas night (Lilah's Jewish so doesn't celebrate) where Lilah encourages Shane to take an opportunity. Aside from when she stands up to a tyrant director for herself and the rest of the cast, this was possibly the only other scene that I liked Lilah, but it was short-lived. I would have liked to have more of these moments that showcase Lilah's tender/softer side and highlight her redeemable qualities.

I didn't like the way Lilah and Shane got back together, and I wasn't sold on the ending. It was honestly really bizarre and felt unresolved. Kind of like a happy for now instead of a happily ever after? But I'm also not convinced either of the characters is too happy. It made me wonder if the question is not "will they or won't they" but "should they or shouldn't they."

Thank you so much to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group –Ballantine, Delacorte/Dell for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

A Captivating Rollercoaster of Love and Drama – “Will They or Won’t They” by Ava Wilder

Ava Wilder’s “Will They or Won’t They” is a delightful romantic novel that will have readers swooning and holding their breath until the very end. With its charming blend of love, drama, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood intrigue, this book is a page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy, two talented actors who play star-crossed lovers on the popular paranormal TV show, Intangible. The tension between their characters spills over into real life, as their secret off-screen fling ends in heartbreak, leaving them despising each other. However, fate brings them back together for the show’s final season, where they are expected to finally unite on screen.

Wilder’s writing shines as she skillfully navigates the complexities of Lilah and Shane’s relationship, capturing their palpable chemistry and undeniable connection. The push and pull between them creates a sizzling tension that simmers throughout the narrative, leaving readers eager to discover if they will reconcile or remain at odds.

The author expertly weaves together the on-set dynamics, the pressure of fame, and the intense emotions of the characters. Lilah’s struggle with her failed attempt at movie stardom and her subsequent return to the show adds another layer of depth to the story, allowing readers to empathize with her dreams and aspirations.

What sets “Will They or Won’t They” apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The novel delves into the challenges faced by actors who must balance their on-screen personas with their personal lives. Wilder presents this aspect with authenticity, providing glimpses into the inner workings of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that come with fame.

The pacing of the story is excellent, with well-timed revelations and surprises that keep readers engaged. The romantic tension between Lilah and Shane is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and undeniable heat. As the stakes rise, and the world watches their every move, readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated climax.

While the plot follows a familiar trope of the “will they or won’t they” dynamic, Wilder injects fresh energy and depth into the story. The characters are well-developed, with flaws and insecurities that make them relatable and endearing. Lilah and Shane’s personal growth throughout the novel is satisfying to witness, and the resolution of their story arc is both heartwarming and believable.

In conclusion, “Will They or Won’t They” is an engrossing romance novel that will captivate readers with its mix of passion, drama, and behind-the-scenes intrigue. Ava Wilder’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, keeping readers invested in the lives of Lilah and Shane until the very end. Fans of the “enemies-to-lovers” trope will find this book an absolute treat.

Rating: 4/5 stars

I loved Ava Wilder's debut novel, How to Fake It in Hollywood. I was nervous this book would not live up to How to Fake It. I am SO happy I was proven wrong - Will They or Won't They is at the same level (maybe even better than How to Fake It).

The plot of Will They or Won't They was so perfect - it reminded me of Vampire Diaries in which the leads date, break up, and can't stand each other. Wilder is able to set beautiful love stories against the backdrop of Hollywood, which is difficult to do without being cheesy or gimmicky.

My favorite thing about Wilder's writing is that she writes genuinely, yet it is NOT cheesy, corny, or cringey in any way. A lot of contemporary romance writers fall into these trap and try to make their main characters so "unique" or "different" with dialogue and inner thoughts to reflect this. Wilder manages to write three-dimensional, realistic characters who have heart and substance.

The romance in this book was perfection - I loved the main characters' journey.

I will always recommend Wilder's books - they are excellent contemporary romances!!!

3.5 stars

I started by really disliking Lilah but grew to like her complexities as a character and really connected with her. The writing made me really feel the pain that the two characters felt.

I did not enjoy the last act, it was an abrupt change of pass, and felt like the author needed to wrap up the book in 50 more pages. The ending did not have the magic that her debut had for me, but I still enjoy the author and will pick up anything she writes.

title: Will They or Won't They

author: Ava Wilder

publisher: Dell

publication date: June 27, 2023

pages: 384

peppers: 3 (on this scale)

warnings:

divorced parents
mental illness
panic attack
drinking/hangovers
summary: Nine years ago, Lilah and Shane got cast together on a television show because of their amazing chemistry. Unable to control said spark at the time, they got together on the down low, but things didn't work out after a year. They stayed together on the show for five years as they progressively became mortal enemies. Now, they haven't seen each other in three years and have been brought back together for the show's final season. The novel alternates between scenes of the present year and ones from the past nine.

tropes:

enemies-to-lovers
second-chance romance
famous people
uncontrollable attraction
what I liked:

Wilder did a great job showing the sparks between them -- both in anger and in lust
Both of the main characters have motivations that make sense
I liked the split time line
They need to get their own stuff together to be able to be together
what I didn’t like:

It does seem that they could have had a serious conversation earlier
overall rating: 4 or 5 (of 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC!

I've been looking for a romance between actors that works for me for years so im so glad I liked this one! And also showed me again that i do enjoy second chance romance when theres not too much flashbacks.. The story gripped me, i liked their banter and the angst was great.
When i started the book i was afraid i was not going to enjoy it because i wasnt liking lilah much, but most of all i did not understand what shane liked about her. Fortunately, she grew on me and i started to "feel" the romance. I do like when the most serious/grumpy person in a (straight) relationship is the woman, i feel i do not see much of it and i appreciate it.
However, i do think some actions (not only hers but his too) were too childish for their age and i felt like it was just for the sake of the plot. I understand it in the flashback scenes but there were some cases in the present too. I wasnt enought to ruin the book for me but i can see this being a bigger problem for other people.
And also because their relationship was so chaotic i wanted every problem they had to be resolved before they finally got officially together so after that i could just enjoy them and maybe see them fixing problems they had as individuals so i was a bit annoyed at a chapter at the end even if it was not exactly what it seems (cant say much because of spoilers).

I did enjoy it overall and i cant wait to be able to read other books from the autor!

It looks like I’m in the minority for this one! 🫢

This was a middle of the road, likable read! Just nothing that blew me away and left me with the “omg I must keep going” feeling 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve read A LOT of similar romances lately so that probably doesn’t help!

✨enemies to lovers
✨second chance romance
✨Hollywood setting
✨she’s coming back to their hit TV show for one final season
✨general anxiety disorder rep
✨mid-level steam

It started off strong but then the pacing was off - too long in the middle, wrapped up too quickly!

LOVED this. The tension and chemistry was obvious from the beginning, and I couldn't wait to see how this one turned out. Highly recommend to romance fans!

It might be time for me to accept that second chance romance and enemies to lovers are just tropes that don’t work for me. I don’t like seeing our main characters be mean to each other. I was so drawn in by the idea of them working together on a tv show and thought the show sounded like something I would watch. But I just couldn’t get past the mean moments and decided to DNF. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.

This was my first Ava Wilder read and I thought it was so cute! I loved how we lived in the past and the present and I love the relationship these two had. I didn’t believe for one second that these two really hated each other. It was the perfect mix of fun, steam, anger, love, and all the great things you’d want. Excited to reach more of this author!

This one was a hard one for me to rate, but I'm settling on 3.5-3.75 stars.

I'm always a sucker for a Hollywood love story, and I wanted to like this one so much. But it just didn't quite hit for me.

The book follows Lilah and Shane, actors in a popular TV series who have reunited for one, final season, where tension runs thick after their destructive breakup years ago.

I really love Ava's writing, and there were so many passages I marked that rang true to me. Beautiful storytelling! But something about Lilah and Shane's romance didn't do it for me -- whether it was the intense antagonist energy, or the way everything felt shallow? -- I don't know, but I just didn't find myself believing or rooting for it.

But another big issue for was the pacing. Once I felt I'd reached a resolution, I realized I was only at 80%, and what proceeded was a confusing and rushed ending that lacked authentic depth for me. It just wasn't all that satisfying and I wanted a second half with more emotional heft that made their reunion feel more real, deep, and believable.

Obviously, I stilled enjoyed reading it, and will always pick up Ava's book, because I love her and think she's so talented. I'll look out for her next one, and hope this one finds its right audience.

Thank you to Dell and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WILL THEY OR WON'T THEY is out June 27th, 2023.

Will They or Won't They - a second chance, slow burn romance novel!

Lilah and Shane met at an audition over 10 years ago. What they didn't know then is they'd both be in a hit television show that spanned a decade.

After the 1st season Lilah and Shane developed a tension fueled relationship. On screen it was all romance, but behind the scenes it was the exact opposite. Lilah left after 5 seasons in hopes of finding success elsewhere. When the show begins to film its 9th and final season, Lilah planned to return, and with that the unresolved tension.

Told in two POVs (Shane & Lilah) we read how both characters struggled with personal issues that they needed to tackle. I struggled with Lilahs character a bit, felt her to be a bit self centered and mean at times. However, I did love their banter, the angst, and the overall story! This was a great read.

Will be sharing my review to Instagram (workin.mama.reads) today!

So, when did it become the cool thing to hate Thanksgiving? That was seriously so stupid. And ironically followed up by the characters still celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude, food, and games. Soooo, again, pointless and stupid. I was rooting for the characters, despite the massive overuse of the f word to the point that it lost all its punch. Ended up skimming the majority of the end because it dragged.

I tried so hard to read this book, but it just wasn’t for me, or wasn’t the right time for me to read it. I may pick it up another time, but officially am DNFing it 64% of the way in, even though it hurts my heart. Definitely give this book a try you might enjoy it!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advanced copy of Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder.

I am a sucker for unlikeable FMC and tons of banter, and Ava Wilder hits it out of the park. Will They or Won't They explores the long-standing working (and romantic) relationship between Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy. Told from both perspectives and covering past and present, we see the two land their first big TV show together. Like any two actors with amazing chemistry, it burns on and off screen. But soon, love turns to hate.

When Lilah returns for the final season, their contentious relationship permeates every aspect of production. The studio sends them to couple's counseling and past hurts are uncovered. Their changing perspectives and still scorching chemistry starts burning through the years of lies and assumptions, but they've already learned the price of failure and both have to decide if it's worth it to try again.

I am a huge fan of Ava Wilder's writing. It's sharp and clever. While I enjoyed Will They or Won't They, I'm not the biggest fan of the second chance trope. Wilder pulled it off masterfully, but I'm excited to see what she does next.

4.5 stars rounded up. Such a fun and binge-able romance! The characters had great chemistry and banter. I loved the way the enemies to lovers trope was used; it felt believable and fresh. This is my favorite book from Ava Wilder so far. Can’t wait for her next!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Will They Or Won’t They struck the perfect balance of poignant and fun. While it was very much an angsty slow-burn chock full of well-loved tropes, it also maintained an air of believability which grounded the story.

Both Lilah and Shane were deeply relatable, their faults and self-protecting reactions key players in their character. Psychology came to play and it really rounded them into characters that could walk off the page.

I will always read Ava Wilder’s books. No synopsis necessary; she’s gained my trust as a reader.

Shane and Lilah were so dramatically frustrating. I loved the book cause 2nd chance romance are an absolute favorite trope of mine. I appreciate how these characters were handled. They had depth and while I could somewhat understand where they were coming from, I just, UGH, the amount of times I just wanted to scream at them that they were both in love with each other and just letting pride and fear keep them apart more times than necessary was aggravating. These characters has so much chemistry and I kinda which there was a little more to the end.

The first portion of this book was a slow start for me. But it picked up and I found myself swooning and giggling in the second half.

This was the perfect example of a 2nd chance romance with a side of Hollywood drama. I think of the all the binge-able tv shows I’ve watched over the years, wishing the characters were together in real life. This book turned that into reality.

It was heavy on inner monologue and light on plot, but I didn’t care. I loved getting to know Shane and Lilah.

Read if you like:
✌🏻Dual POV
🎥Celebrity romance
💕2nd chance romance
🧠Anxiety rep
🗣️Therapy
😤Enemies to lovers
❤️‍🔥Slow burn

Will They or Won't They is perfect for second chance romance fans. Wilder forces Lilah and Shane to go through the hard work of not only looking at themselves, but why their relationship off screen fell apart the first time. There's a sense of falling in love with their relationship twice as the flashbacks bring us back to what happened. To the moments of intense longing and all that came after. It reminds me of that song lyric, "all my enemies started off friends" and the ways in which people who truly know us, see us, can be the ones who hurt us.