Member Reviews

I really enjoyed both the story and the way it was told in this read. The setting was fun and novel, and the isolated set made for a unique romance. The place where I thought the book struggled was in the rushed third act and reunion. I love to believe in an HEA, but I felt like the last 10% did a disservice to the first 90%. That said, I’d certainly go back for more with this author!

3 stars

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh, the messy magic of second-chance romance—especially when it’s set against the glitzy (and occasionally soul-crushing) backdrop of Hollywood! This book is like curling up with a rom-com that knows exactly when to be sweet, when to be snarky, and when to bring the heat.

Sutton Spencer is the kind of heroine you root for from page one. She’s smart, ambitious, and just awkward enough to feel like someone you’d be friends with IRL. And Xavier? Classic grumpy-but-hot genius. You know the type—brooding, emotionally constipated, probably owns a lot of black t-shirts. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their arguments? Gold. Susannah Erwin writes banter like she’s penning dialogue for your favorite streaming rom-com (the one you’ve already rewatched too many times).

What I loved most about this book was its balance. It’s got the swoony moments you expect, but also tackles real emotions and the baggage these two carry from their messy past. Sutton’s journey to prove herself in a male-dominated industry is satisfying and relatable. And Xavier? He’s got layers. Like, “I’ve-got-reasons-for-being-this-broody” layers that make you yell, “JUST TALK TO HER!” at your Kindle.

The Hollywood setting is the cherry on top. From on-set disasters to big egos, Erwin nails the industry chaos without making it overshadow the romance. Also, the tension of an on-set fling? Yeah, that’s spicy.

If I had one complaint, it’s that the resolution felt a tad rushed. Like, we’ve spent all this time building up the tension and angst, and suddenly—bam—happy ending. I’m not mad about it, but I wouldn’t have minded a little more lingering in the feels.

Big thanks to Susannah Erwin, NetGalley, and Afterglow Books by Harlequin for the ARC! This was a delightful read that reminded me why I love messy, imperfect love stories with just the right amount of movie magic. And let’s be real: the best romances do happen off-screen.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a miss for me, and I’m not exactly sure why. It had some of my favourite tropes, second chance romance and forced proximity, but the romance didn’t hook me, and I found myself bored throughout.

Thank you to Afterglow Books and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I love a contemporary romance but I tend to steer away from fame/film maker themes, but this one really held up. I like the second chance aspect and Xavier is really hot

Was this review helpful?

PLEASE edit this book again. There are several grammar, punctuation, and even missing words mistakes.


Review:
💖 Second Chance
💖 Forced Proximity
💖 Movie Setting

This book follows Sutton & Xavier. Xavier was once Suttons college professor and they had a one night fling the night before graduation. Fast forward to 10 years later and they’re both in the movie business…just on different sides. Xavier is the director for the upcoming movie, The Quantium Wrath, and Suttons the new “suit” (aka movie executive sent to keep everyone in line).

This books feature movie set background, movie lingo, and a second chance love.

Overall, the book was a solid read. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed and would have liked to see more of the time between the ending of the movie and the end of the book. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy movie stars/movie trope.

I was provided an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Afterglow Books in return for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to read it and post my honest review.

Second chance romance is not a trope that I often enjoy, but I put that aside while reading this in order to give this book a fair chance. I loved how it was written, but I couldn't get behind it. This has nothing to do with the author, only my personal preferences.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I loved the author's writing style and I will definitely be picking up whatever she writes next!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!

What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!

Was this review helpful?

🔎 ARC Review

Love and Other Hollywood Endings

@susannahwrites
@harlequinbooks
@netgalley

Publication Date: February 25th, 2025

My Rating:
🌟 4/5

👀Read if you like
Second Chance Romance
Movies/Movie Stars


The best love stories happen off-screen…

It’s a perfect beginning: upbeat screenwriting student is mentored by genius-but-grumpy indie filmmaker, they argue over movies and share one secret kiss. But then comes the gut punch Sutton Spencer didn’t expect… Xavier Duval skips town and ghosts her completely, right after savagely critiquing her screenplay.

Fast-forward ten years, and Sutton is now a movie exec vying for a VP position. To prove herself, she offers to travel to a remote shoot and oversee Xavier’s new sci-fi blockbuster, which has gone way over budget. This time, she’s in charge. And Xavier? He’s as talented, gruff and hot as she remembers—and still convinced there are no happy-ever-afters in real life.

Xavier knows he messed up with Sutton, but he had his reasons. Now, seeing the way she combines sweetness with nerves of steel to get his production back on track, he almost wishes he believed in romance. Instead, they agree to an on-set fling, one that will fade to black when shooting stops.

On paper, it’s that simple. But life, and love, has a way of going wildly off script…

🔎 My review
This is my first book my Susannah and it was a cute romance! I am personally not a big movie/Hollywood fan, but I still wanted to give this book a chance and I am glad! I loved seeing Sutton and Xavier grow and finally decide what they want in life both career and personally and how can you not love Chez 😉. Definitely recommend

Thank you @susannahwrites, @harlequinbooks, @netgalley for the ARC!

#books #bookreviews #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookstagram #bookobsessed #romance #susannaherwin #harlequinbooks #NetGalley #LoveandOtherHollywoodEndings

Was this review helpful?

This book was great! The writing was so easy to read and the main characters were wonderfully written!

Was this review helpful?

I loved the Hollywood element to this book, it had that romance element that I was looking for and was realistically done. I enjoyed how everything worked in this universe and enjoyed reading this romance grow. Susannah Erwin has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not usually one that gravitates to Hollywood romance books but this one piqued my interest. I ended up really enjoying it! I thought it was different for a Hollywood romance since it focuses more on the production side and the people involved there. I also liked the romance and the female lead a lot.
An enjoyable story!

Was this review helpful?

Such a cute contemporary love story! What drew me in was the cover and what kept me hooked was the writing.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 rounded up. This one felt so unique to me— the premise was SO good. I’ve found i just really enjoy everything from Afterglow’s line so far. The chemistry was chemistry-ing from the moment Sutton stepped onto the set, and it was so nice to read a romance where I was rooting for them from the start vs having to slowly get into it. Also, have I mentioned MOVIES? If you like movies, you’ll love this. An excellent book!

Was this review helpful?

LOVE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS is a tastefully written second-chance/forced-proximity romance! The connection between Sutton and Xavier was believable and genuine and had great tension and chemistry that had me invested in their story from the very first page. Having been ten years since they last saw each other at Sutton's college graduation where they were both excited to start a relationship, only to be under the impression that they other is no longer interested (due to miscommunication), they are now back in each other's lives. As a film producer, Sutton is sent to deliver the news to Xavier that he film he wrote and is currently directing and filming is no longer in production, due to film project excessively exceeding its budget.

Despite being ghosted by Xavier years ago, Sutton believes (and always has) in Xavier's work and knows that this film of his deserves to be seen by the wild and agrees to help persuade the studio executives to resume production, but as along as Sutton is overseeing it. Being that close together on set, will they be able to resist each other? Once a screenwriter, Sutton is now on the business side of film and is much more cold and stoic than he remembers her? Is she still that same person? What will it take for Xavier to see that side of her again? Xavier is still his brooding self and has avoided any serious relationships due to his fear of being abandoned and not believing in happy endings. What will it take for him to realize Sutton is his happy ending?

Sutton and Xavier are such sweet people, with beautiful hearts and both have a passion for film. It was very easy to love this couple!! I so appreciated the reminder and loved the quote in the book: "When you live in fear of the worst that can happen, you also miss out on the best that can happen." So happy to have read Sutton and Xavier's story and I look forward to reading whatever that author writes next!!

Many thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Such a fun and spicy book about Hollywood and all the relationships in the movie star field. I loved it! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?

A cheerful production exec. Sutton is tasked with working with Xavier, the director who was her college heartbreak

It's an office work/grump-sunshine romance. I love Sutton and Xavier grows on you. It's romantic and swonny. Love this romance.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

Was this review helpful?

Susannah Erwin presents "Love and Hollywood Endings", a second chance lovers story set behind the cameras in Hollywood. Sutton and Xavier works together on a new movie set, and struggles to get past a misunderstanding that occurred 10 years ago. I enjoyed this book as a quick read, and felt captivated with the quick pacing of this story. I think this book is perfect for those who enjoy contemporary romances, and doesn't mind a bit of spice.
Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin Romance for this eARC!

Was this review helpful?

Love and Other Hollywood Endings is a second chance romance starring Xavier and Sutton. It’s been 10 years since they spoke last, and now they’re supposed to work together to make this movie a box office success.

Sutton is determined to win a promotion by getting the production budget back on track, but Xavier won’t let her spreadsheets stand in the way of a creative masterpiece. Will they both get what they want?

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

🤎 Forced Proximity
🤎 Second Chance Romance

Was this review helpful?

This book sparkles with tension, passion, and a second-chance storyline that keeps you hooked from the first page. Their banter, their chemistry, and that underlying tension from their past add layers of complexity to their relationship. And as they agree to an on-set fling, you can’t help but root for them to finally acknowledge what’s been simmering for ten years.
The writing strikes a perfect balance between humor, heat, and heartfelt moments, making Sutton and Xavier’s love story not just about romance but about two people finding themselves and each other again. It’s a deeply emotional and satisfying journey where life, love, and filmmaking blend in the most unexpected ways. Perfect for fans of second-chance romance with a strong, independent heroine and a brooding, complicated hero!

Was this review helpful?