*3.5
After reading the author's first book, How to Fake it in Hollywood, and not really ~loving~ it, I was very skeptical about this one. However, the synopsis kept bringing me back to it. After seeing praise from a lot of people I really trust, I decided to request an ARC of Will They or Won't They from Netgalley.

I went in really excited. Hollywood books are some of my favorites to read, especially when there is juicy costar drama. As I started reading, I really loved this. It had the perfect hook and pacing to keep you enraptured. The tension between the two main characters, Shane and Lilah is so perfect.

Where the book really started to suffer, to me, was right after the 50% mark. Having read Ava Wilder's other book as well, what I really think she suffers from is over-description and a bit of word vomit. She just really suffers from wordiness. There were whole pages after the halfway point that I was skimming because there was, quite frankly, too much. It really took me out of the book and lessened my enjoyment of what would have otherwise been a 4-star read.

Otherwise, I think it is a fun book. You really are guessing the whole book whether Shane and Lilah will or won't get together. If it weren't for the standard conventions of the romance genre, I really would have learned towards won't. It is a very convincing hate-to-love story.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I. AM. OBSESSED.

I think celebrity romance might be my favorite trope because I have loved every single one I have been reading lately. In this book, Lilah and Shane are co-stars who TRULY hate each other after hooking up during season one of their show and then something happens where they decide to call it off and never speak of it again. This book had all of the drama, so much angst, and was also very sweet all at the same time. In Ava Wilder's debut How to Fake It In Hollywood, I felt like the first half of the book and the last half felt like they had two different tones. While in Will They or Won't They I felt like the writing improved so much. I also connected so much with Lilah and her troubles with anxiety/panic attacks as well as her feelings of being unlovable. Shane loved Lilah so much and watching them go to therapy and come back together was beautiful to read.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the arc!

As a second chance/enemies to lovers romance with dual POV and shifting timelines, Will They or Won't They is a bit of a challenging read based only on those factors. When you add in the toxicity of the main characters, it's even more challenging. I appreciated that we saw each character's mental health struggles, and that a major conceit of the story was having them go to couples counseling to help improve their working relationship. That, combined with the dual POV, made it easier to understand each character's position and motivations. But the intense animosity between the two of them made it hard to want to continue reading in the earlier parts of the book -- and the dual POV showed how each one of them was misunderstanding the other, and how miscommunication and an unwillingness to be vulnerable was causing a lot of their problems. Thankfully, the ice between them was thawing by the midway point and it got a lot less frustrating.

A good read, if you're willing to plow through the discomfort at first.

Holy smokes was this an excellent follow-up to Ava Wilder's debut! I enjoyed HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD, and I'm happy to say her second book was even better! We follow Lilah and Shane who have worked opposite each other on a hit TV show, but Lilah left a few years ago and never looked back...until now, when she tries to bounce back from a bad movie. It's the last season of the show, and Lilah and Shane can't get along, thanks to a failed romance in the very early days of filming. Their hostility was completely believable and, for both parties, pretty well-founded. We get a few flashback scenes sprinkled throughout the book to see glimpses into their past, but most of the story is focused on the two, present-day, attempting to work together and form some sort of acquaintanceship to make filming easier. I loved all the acting and television elements of the book, and the discussion of different methods of making it "big" in Hollywood. The romance escalated so well; this is definitely a slow-burn--the characters don't get together until like 80% of the way through--but the build-up is so well written and makes the time they're not together fly by. I highly recommend this one as the perfect summer read!

I really liked this book. I thought I would have a little trouble connecting to the characters in the beginning (I know nothing about tv production) but even though they were actors they were relatable and down to earth. I really loved the timeline jumps and never felt like they were awkward or out of place. I thought the ending was fantastic, especially when all endings seem the same in books nowadays. I would definitely recommend this book!

Will They or Won't They has a great premise for the struggles of blending fame and passion in the Hollywood sphere. Lilah and Shane, actors for the hit TV show Intangible shot to stardom as the show took off and then when things got too emotional behind the green screen, they quickly go their separate ways.

As they find their way back to the big screen for the shooting of the last season of the showe that brought them together... can they work out their didferences long enough to make something magical onscreen?

THOUGHTS:
- Will They or Won't They has great mental health representation. Both main characters individually struggle with anxiety, depression and all the things that come with trying to tread water in an unforgiving career field.
- The thing I just couldn't handle is that neither main character felt likable. It felt like the vapidness of Hollywood and fame soaked into every interaction no matter how hard I tried to see the characters underneath all of that starlet nonsense.

While it was fairly predictable, it was also a very cute read that I ended up loving. I loved the multiple perspectives and POV. Definitely a must add to your pool bag.

Ava Wilder's writing continues to amaze me! I loved this story and the feelings - good and bad - between Lilah and Shane were palpable throughout the book. I thought there was too much miscommunication/unexplored negative feelings between them over the course of *years* to make this a 5 star book, but I did enjoy the story. Not sure if I enjoyed the idea of faking their relationship at the end, but I did enjoy all of the past and present love story moments between them. I will definitely be recommending this book all over bookstagram and am excited for it to go public later this summer!! Thank you so much for the ARC.

From the publisher: Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy are madly in love—at least, their characters are. As the stars of the hit paranormal TV show Intangible, Lilah and Shane spent years pining for each other onscreen . . . until Lilah ditched the show at the end of season five in hopes of becoming a movie star. With no such luck, she’s back to film the much-hyped ninth and final season, in which Lilah and Shane’s characters will get together at last.

But coming back means facing one of the biggest reasons she left: Shane. Ever since their secret behind-the-scenes fling imploded at the end of season one, the two of them have despised each other.

Now reunited on set for the first time in years—with the world’s eyes on them and their post-show careers on the line—they’ll have to grit their teeth and play nice. But under pressure to give Intangible’s fans the happy ending they’ve been waiting for, Lilah and Shane are forced to get closer than ever. And if they’re not careful, they might just get blindsided by one final twist: a real-life happy ending of their own.
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My review—5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️:
I really liked this book! It was just enough angst and heartache, and plenty of steamy fun, lol. Shane pines for Lilah much more than she pines for him, and I appreciated that. The female being afraid of commitment was refreshing. There were times I was very “Enough already!! Just jump each other!” But the waiting made it even better, and showed how much each character really cared. Kudos to Wilder for including discussions of anxiety, therapy, and even making Lilah Jewish (don’t see that much!).

The idea that a “fling” could mean more to one person than the other is very realistic, as well as the idea that people grow and change. The novel follows both MCs and we get to know how they each feel throughout the book. Shane and Lilah and their witty banter and sarcasm was fun. I love to laugh in a romance and Wilder delivers. Flawed characters, steamy scenes, humor, and second chances…all come together in the end and make this a great read. Perfect for this summer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.

a real lovers to enemies to lovers again angst with so much drama. i really enjoyed it! wish we went more into the future with the epilogue though.

Ava Wilder knows how to write a fantastic celebrity romance and knows her way around A+ tropes. Intangible is a hit supernatural TV show heading in to wrap up their final season. After leaving after season 5 to try her hand at the big screen, Lilah is back to film with her rival and fellow costar, Shane. Much to their dismay. The chemistry between the two leads was off the charts and I loved the flashback chapters, starting from their audition and covered all the crucial moments romantically together during their first season. Wilder has such an easy writing style that flows well and hold your attention. I loved the banter and there was some touching scenes as well. Overall I absolutely recommend if you love celebrity romance, second chance romance, enemies to lovers, and workplace romance. All the good tropes!

I DNFd this at 43%. I found Lilah difficult to like; I hated how cruel she was to Shane for seemingly no good reason. Lilah treated him like dirt from the beginning and it only got worse after they broke up. When she returned to the show, Shane made many attempts to extend an olive branch but she couldn’t even manage to be civil to him. I didn’t really understand her motivations. Then we learn about some shady things Shane did that weren’t very fair to Lilah… I just found so much of this difficult and painful to get through. I think this spends so much time on their currently toxic relationship that it makes the reading process a long, uncomfortable haul. I think the cover and title do not reflect the content very well and I went in with inappropriate expectations.

I did enjoy the focus on the entertainment industry as a setting. And I think Wilder’s writing is skillful and engrossing, her ability to build characters and story excellent. I have no doubt this book will find an audience but it was just spending too much time in depressing, toxic territory for me. I was having a hard time making myself pick it back up again and continue reading.

I will absolutely continue to look forward to Wilder’s future books!

I went into this book planning to read it like a normal person, but it sucked me in right away and I ended up finishing it in one sitting.
It was angsty, it was funny, it was somehow both heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. I loved the relationship between Lilah and Shane. I loved how much I was driven to frustration at the beginning, I even cheered when things started to get more intense, and ultimately wanted to hug them both at the end.
This book truly encapsulates the title, and I loved every word of it.

Will They or Won’t They is my absolute favorite kind of second chance romance. Told in dual POVs and timelines with plenty of flashbacks to the couple’s initial relationship and full of angsty pining, hurt feelings and assumptions that are slowly untangled, explosive chemistry, and a vulnerable intimacy right from the first page.

Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy play characters who are madly in love. As the leads of the wildly popular paranormal TV show Intangible, they spent season after season pining for each other on-screen. Seemingly out of the blue, Lilah decides to leave the show at the end of season five to pursue film opportunities. Three years later, after the very epic, very public failure of her movie, Lilah’s back to film the ninth and final season, during which their character’s long teased relationship will finally happen.

For Lilah, coming back is complicated and embarrassing and means facing one of the biggest reasons she left: Shane. Ever since their secret fling ended catastrophically during the first season, the two of them have despised each other. Back on set together with their post-show career plans at risk, they’ll have to figure out a way to work together. When rocky reunion makes it immediately apparent that they won’t be able to figure this out alone, Shane & Lilah are asked to attend couple’s therapy together. Confronting their pasts in a safe environment allows them to be just vulnerable enough to start working through the tangled mess they created together, but will it be enough to convince fans and deliver the right amount of chemistry for the show?

I LOVE this book. I cannot get enough of the way Ava Wilder writes celebrity romances. These stories feel so gritty and real and have a weight and depth to them that I cannot help but want to sink my teeth into. In this book especially, I loved the physical intimacy between the characters. It starts off hot and heavy, becomes this explosive thing that cannot be denied despite how much they want it to before finally slowing down to build back up again as they confront their issues and work their way back to each other. This is a favorite for me for the year so far and I cannot wait until I can hold a physical copy in my hands. This one comes out 6/27. Thanks so much to Dell & Penguin for this arc!

Ava Wilder's "Will They or Won't They" delivers a deliciously addictive enemies-to-lovers romance that sizzles with tension, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. With a backdrop of a popular TV show and the behind-the-scenes drama, this captivating novel explores the thin line between love and hate, both on and off the screen.

The pacing of the story keeps readers engaged, blending moments of steamy tension with heartfelt emotions and comedic repartee. Wilder's witty dialogue adds a layer of humor that complements the intense romantic moments, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience.

What a fun read! Will They Or Won’t They by Ava Wilder is the perfect summer romance.

A little bit Hollywood romance, a little bit enemies to lovers, a little bit second chance romance, this book will have you hooked! I was smiling from ear-to-ear reading this fast paced dual timeline story!

Lilah and Shane had sparks since they first meet auditioning for a pilot for a paranormal tv show. However, after their off screen romance ends abruptly after the show’s first season they still have to play characters that are madly in love. After a several season hiatus, Lilah comes back to the show and has to pretend to get along with Shane even though off screen they can’t stand each other!

I’ve been a fan of Ava since her first book last summer and Will They Or Won’t They cemented her as must read author! Her books make the perfect edition to any beach bag!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Group, Ballantine for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Do you ever wonder about the lives of actors who seem to have the most amazing on screen chemistry, slow burn desire for each other, and say... hmmm? If you do, read Will They or Won't They, your perfect steamy when will it happen read. And what stands out is that this is a story focused on the actors, not their characters, so it's not really about getting TV show characters together (though that's part of the backstory and it works!). Thank you Random House Ballantine for the review copy on NetGalley, this was one of my more anticipated romance reads for this year and it was worth the wait!

I admit I do love behind the scenes Hollywood stories, celebrity themed stories that bring out the human side of actors, and also tie in mental health, the intensity of being in the spotlight, and the desire for a relationship that is filled with love and connection. Ava Wilder has gotten these themes right in both of her books (this one and How to Fake it in Hollywood) and I appreciate a steamy romance with just enough character depth to have me caring about each character as a person. Lilah had a lot to offer as a strong female lead, flaws but nicely developed characterization that I really liked and Hunter was nuanced too, I liked how we learned more about his story and where his story went as well. I was cheering for each of them as individuals and also as a possible couple and that really made me appreciate the writing even more.

Consider me a fan of Ava Wilder. This is a great read for anyone steamy romance fan!

Ava Wilder is a queen of Hollywood romances! I loved Lilah and Shane and how real they felt. The tension, the banter, the flashbacks, the steam… *chef’s kiss*! And I loved that the ending took me by surprise! Not often does that happen in a romance!

Will They or Won't They by Ava Wilder is a captivating romance that I refused to put down. Before picking this up, I felt I was in a slump, but this sure got me out of it.
Lilah and Shane gave us a wonderful roller coaster throughout this book. I feel I believed the initial spark between the two and regardless of the events, I definitely was rooting for them. The story is told in third person point of view that I did not find confusing, even though there were flashbacks. I love the celebrity aspect of this book. To me, it made it more appealing. After reading her previous book, I knew I enjoyed Ava Wilder's reading and this book is no exception. I feel this will be a reread in my future.

Thank you #NetGalley and the Random House for this ARC. All the above opinions are honest and my own.

Book : Will They or Won’t They
Author : Ava Wilder
Release Date : 27 June 2023

Thank you Net Galley, Random House Publishing Group — Ballantine and the author of this book for an opportunity to review this ARC.

This book cover is perfection, it screamed spring romance to me. I not only love this cover but I also love this story! This is a celebrity second chance love story. This book held the attention the entire way though and was such a fun read. I also appreciate a good book with dual POV. This book gives you that. I fell in love with the characters in this story—gobbled up the entire story.

There is nothing bad I can say about this book at all. Great characters, strong story line that keeps you reading along to figure out how it is going to end. I gobbled it up like I did with funny you should ask by this author as well. I have already been telling my book girlfriends to watch for this fun read.

If you love :

•second chance
•celebrity romance
•dual POV
•enemies to overs
•slow burn
•a bit of spice

One of my favorite books of 2023.I can’t wait to read more from this extremely talented author!!!

Race and put this on your TBR NOW!