Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Here's another book that I thought was going to be a fake romance trope, a romcom, fun little read and I couldn't have been more wrong. Well it was a fake romance trope but was a pretty heavy read. So just be warned if you are looking for a cute romcom this is not it.

Saying that I really did like this book and was sucked in to the story. I loved both the main characters and was even rooting for them throughout the story. Even Ethan when he was at his worst was endearing. This book is deep and covers some very touchy subjects.

Great writing. Likable characters. Character development. HEA, Steamy romance. Angsty! Perfect romance.

After seeing so many amazing reviews for this book, I decided to request it on Netgalley. Sadly, it did not live up to the hype for me. I really wanted to like it but I felt the plot was a bit all over the place. It was supposed to be a fake dating trope, but seemed more like love at first sight. I would have liked the relationship between Grey and Ethan to be developed more. There were also smaller parts in the novel that were inconsistent, which I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil the book.

I did love the dual narrative. I also loved that the story was more than just a romance novel and included heavy topics, such as alcoholism. I just think the execution of this topic was not done very well. It wasn’t clear to me that he was an alcoholic until I was about 80% done with the book. Everything after this point was rushed in my opinion, and the epilogue was almost “too perfect”.

Despite the cartoon cover, this book is not a rom com. This fake dating celebrity romance is full of baggage for the hero and heroine. But those tough subjects make this book one of my favorites of the year. Grey and Ethan have both been through so much in life. Childhood stardom, addiction issues, and grief are all themes touched on in this heavy book but there are also some great light hearted and downright hilarious moments too.

Forced proximity and there's only one bed are both tropes I adore, so that's another great selling point to read this one. What a fabulous debut! I'm excited to read more of Ava's books.

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC in return for my honest review.

If you like Hollywood romance, don’t miss this one. This is Ava Wilder’s debut novel and I was really impressed. I loved everything about this story and I devoured it from the first page. I have to admit, Hollywood stories are my weakness, so that is what drew me to this story. From the first page, I was transported into Ethan and Grey’s world and I fell in love with the story and the characters.

Ava Wilder takes the reader on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of trying to have a relationship in Hollywood. Ethan and Grey are two actors who need a career boost and agree to a fake relationship. Ethan was a huge star but has become a recluse in recent years and Grey was a child star and now wants to be taken seriously.

Ethan and Grey have tons of chemistry. Although they try to ignore the feelings they have for each other, until they can’t anymore. They have an easy banter and there is a lot of sexual tension between them. They are perfect together and they help each other become stronger and better.

Ethan has demons and he is just existing. He is a tortured emotional mess and he doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings. He has lost his direction in life. He feels hopeless and helpless, until Grey comes into his life. Grey is a breath of fresh air in Ethan’s reclusive life. She isn’t afraid to tell Ethan what is on her mind and I think that is what Ethan likes about her the most. That is, besides his crazy attraction to her. Grey slowly turns Ethan’s world bright again and I loved reading about it.

This is a fantastic book and it has all the elements I love. The characters are easy to connect with, it has great pacing, the story immediately captured my attention, I couldn’t put it down and I never wanted it to end. I can’t wait to find out what Ava Wilder will write next. I will be first in line to read it. Perfection.

Fun beach read! This was a cuuuute story containing equal amounts of romance, witty banter and heavy content to keep me entertained and interested. And the romance books being published this Spring and Summer are crushing it with their gorgeous covers, this one is on fire! Thank you Netgalley, Random House Publishing and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A great romance about 2 celebrities who start fake dating. This was a easy read with characters I could root for. I liked it!

Have you ever wondered if celebrities really do PR relationships frequently? OR do celebrities prefer to just date in the industry?

We start the first half off with a nice enemies to lovers trope that later turns into friends to lovers. The banter was A1 and pretty spot on for broody celebrities who have million dollar homes and can live in separate quarters. Eventually the tension between Grey and Ethan begins to develop into sexual tension and their planned PR baecation in Palm Springs brings real life drama. Their fake Hollywood scandal turns into a real life scandal once photos from this trip are leaked.

This wasn't a super heavy romance read, so don't expect only that, Ethan is dealing with some heavy addiction due to some grief he hasn't processed. The second half of the book peals the layers of addiction in a relationship and the damages surrounding it. Wilder introduces us to very complex characters who struggle to see their self-worth among other insecurities. I loved the supporting cast of characters so much and can appreciate great representation for all the communities (AAPI & LGBTQIA).

Needless to say, I devoured this book in a short amount of sittings. I enjoyed the light romance vibe in the beginning and was emotionally invested with the second half through their pain. Don't worry, there is a HEA - but not wrapped up in a bow. Which I appreciate sooooo much because addiction in relationships isn't often a HEA without one getting the help they need. What an amazing debut novel from Ava Wilder and can't wait to read future books!

📖Book: How to Fake It In Hollywood
⭐️Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏼Author: Ava Wilder
📚Genre: Romance
🗏 Pages: 353 – Medium Pace | Emotional Read
💕Tropes: Actor/Actress, Fake Dating, Age Gap, Forced Proximity
⚠️Warnings: Alcoholism, Addiction, Grief, Death, Drugs, Child Abuse

When I initially got this, I thought this would be a fun-light-hearted romcom, oh boy, I was wrong, but in a good way. This was intense and touched on some heavy topics, but the way the author wrote about it made it easy to read and play out, similar to the style of a rom-com. It has fun and happy light moments, but it deals with topics that might be off-putting to some. The severe issues are balanced out by some spice that gives you the rollercoaster feeling while reading this. This would be a tremendous rainy summer day read that will go well with some tea and the sound of the rain hitting the windows. Grey and Ethan (ugh, why does everyone use that character name) have a sort of tension that I adore seeing on paper, and Ava did an excellent job at writing the not a slow burn but medium-ish burn to this story. This will be great for those handling the on-page references to drugs and abuse.
🔥🔥 Spice

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Dell Publishing for the advance reader copy.

How to Fake it in Hollywood, by Ava Wilder, is the telling of what happens when a top Hollywood publicist, Audrey Aoki, comes up with a romance scheme between the younger actress, Grey Brooks, who is just coming away from a six year tv series with no new offers, and reclusive award winning actor/writer/producer, disgraced Ethan Atkins. The scheme involves an elaborate ruse making the public and paparazzi believe they are a true love match. As actors they pull it off in public, in private it’s a different story. However, the chemistry is there and it only takes one publicity weekend and the ensuing scandal to put them in a spin.

This is a convoluted story of the ins and outs in the quest for Hollywood success. But it is also the story of human resilience and how in search for oneself, one might also find something much greater. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

My expectations of How to Fake it in Hollywood by @avawilderwrites and what I was served were very different. I was expecting a fluffy Hollywood fake dating romp- and it started that way. But then it turned into a throbbing love story about two complex adults fighting with fame, substance abuse, and baggage from the past. Expectations exceeded!!!!

Grey is a C-list actress in her late 20s trying to find her next big role. Ethan is a superstar who has been out of the public eye for years after his best friend died in a car accident. He has spent most of that time drunk. Their mutual publicist concocts a plan for them to fake date to give both of their careers a boost. Instead what gets boosted are their sex hormones as these two spend weeks w heavy sexual tension and once the damn breaks they can’t keep their crotches away from each other. But then it all crashes and burns. Cue me happily rolling around in the embers like a gritty dog.

Ethan and Gray are messy. They drink too much. They spend much of the book hungover. They talk through some problems while ignoring the big shit. Like real adults!!! They are rich and fully formed and I loved them both- flaws and all. I rooted for them HARD. This book is so much more than a fake dating confection. This book made me drunk and now I’m hungover too. Read it!!!

Thanks @netgalley and @randomhouse for the ARC. This drops June 14.

Smut- 2.52 stars
Romance- 4.91 stars
Story- 4.86 stars
Flawed, messy characters- 10 stars

I’m not always a fan of the fake dating trope, but Ava Wilder did it so well in this story. I was expecting a rom-com, but what I got was so much more. Wilder touched on some heavier topics which made this story raw and fresh.

Grey and Ethan’s relationship isn’t perfect, but it was nice to see an author include some real issues in their relationship including insecurities, self doubt, dealing with past traumas, and substance abuse. Wilder was able to show a depth in these characters that we don’t always get in rom-coms.

There are some great supporting characters in this book including Ethan’s ex-wife, Nora, and Grey’s best friend Kamilah. I also appreciated the inclusion of a non-binary character which you don’t see often in this kind of story.

My favorite part of the book was the banter between Ethan and Grey. There interactions were written so well that it’s hard to believe this was a debut. I will definitely be reading anything Wilder!

Thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you PRH international for my e-ARC.

If you’re looking for a fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, age gap romance between celebrities then I’d highly recommend this.

I really loved the way this story was written, it gave me so much perspective of celebrities just trying to get by, survive, and enjoy their private life. It was easy to connect and fall in love with the characters.

Grey and Ethan were forced in a fake relationship to save their career in Hollywood. Because of Ethan’s troubled past, he had a hard time being open to the idea of their relationship. But as they learn to work together and start communicating, I really love the bond they formed together. I absolutely loved their chemistry!! There were so many heartwarming moments, hilarious banters, and steamy scenes between these two. This book accurately showcased the struggles of being in a relationship in Hollywood and when every single person is watching your next move.

You will definitely see character development in this story. It’s lovely to see Ethan finally accept his past and learn to move on from it. It’s also lovely to see Grey being there for him every step of the way.

The side characters were also all so lovable and supportive! And they’re definitely the kind of people Grey and Ethan needed to survive the showbiz world.

Really heartwarming and beautiful debut book!

I DEVOURED How to Fake It In Hollywood. What a fun read that tackles some tough topics. Grey Brooks is looking to keep her career moving in the right direction. Her publicist comes up with the idea to create a fake relationship with the once mega-famous movie star, Ethan Atkins, who has become reclusive and battling addiction after the loss of his best friend. Her hope is will help both of their careers.

While not a new premise for a book, this one was a quick, fun read and you'll find you will be very invested in Grey and Ethan's stories. I liked how Wilder tackled the addiction aspect too. It wasn't something hidden from the viewers, but openly discussed and a major character trait for Ethan. Lots of steamy parts too!

I didn't put the book down until I was done. Add this to your TBR list for the summer!

Thank you Random House - Ballantine and NetGalley for the eARC!

What I’d imagined to be a light hearted and rom com feel of a book turned out to be a tale of addiction, love, sorrow and the power that grief has on humanity.

When down on her actress Grey Brooks gets a call from her agent, the last thing she’d believed that call to consist of is an offer to enter into a fake relationship with an A-List actor in need of an image rejuvenation. Upon meeting Ethan Atkins (famous actor whose best friend died leading him into a downward spiral) her first impression? Well not so great considering he was majorly late to their first meeting.

Though their first meeting is off to a rocky start with Ethan stereotyping Grey and basically calling her a money digging and fame seeking dumbo blonde…they both decide to enter into this fake relationship to hopefully drive their careers forward.

What these two weren’t counting on though, the instant chemistry that sets this fake relationship aflame. When reality catches up to them though, they realize that fame has consequences neither of them could have ever imagined catching up to them. When Ethan’s alcoholism becomes a problem neither knows how to deal with, they must make the tough decision on whether love can really conquer it all or if it’s healthier to walk away.

This book had it all and then some and I cannot recommend it enough

First thing is first… that cover. It’s gorgeous. I’m obsessed. The colors are amazing. So cute.

Excellent writing style. Love the switching MC views. Very well done. Will be recommending!!

I really liked this book. I loved the small age difference and the fake dating tropes. I loved the slow burn of the relationship and was rooting for them to make a move on each other. I was over the moon when they finally decided to give it a run. This book was a bit more serious than most the rom-coms I've read lately. As a warning to others, it does contain drug and alcohol abuse. I can't wait to see what else Ava Wilder comes up with. Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing: Dell for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

"How To Fake It In Hollywood" ticked all my boxes - it’s a steamy romance with fake dating, insider Hollywood nonsense, and deeper issues that raise it above your typical fluffy romcom. I loved it.

As someone who enjoys celebrity gossip because it’s fun (and mostly harmless) to gossip about the rich and powerful, this look into a PR celeb relationship was catnip for me. But at the same time, it shows you the limits of what we gossip about. We only see what they want us to see, unless their privacy is invaded. Speculating about celebrities is fun, but it’s important to not cross the line and enable the paparazzi to ruin these people’s lives.

My favorite parts of this book were all the references to real-life pop culture. The section about weird celebrity sex rumors…I CACKLED. Never forget how terrible Leo DiCaprio apparently is in bed!!

Shoutout to Ava Wilder for actually mentioning UTIs in a book where the characters are smashing all the time!! We love to see it!!

Strongly recommend, especially to my fellow Wholigans. Crunch Crunch.

How to Fake it in Hollywood is told through the lenses of Grey, an actress struggling to find her next thing after acting in a hit teen drama, and Ethan, an A-lister who’s career is on hold after losing his best friend, divorcing his wife, and struggling with alcoholism. When Grey and Ethan are set up to fake-date in order to help both of their careers they both are hesitant but also have a hard time keeping it platonic.

The chemistry that Grey and Ethan have is undeniable, but I could not get over the self-deprecating sense of humor that they both have throughout most of the book. I was swooning just as hard for the two of them and their budding relationship, yet was frustrated that they both couldn’t properly communicate how they felt.

This book had me hooked from the beginning. I really enjoyed the premise and the characters of Grey and Ethan. I loved their banter and the opposites attract trope. They both have baggage from their past, but to revitalize his career and to spark hers, they decide to fake date. Over time tension and attraction rises and you see the two really connect. At times the story is very deep and not the romcom most expect, but there are light moments too. I loved how the author weaved those hard subjects (grief, death, alcohol/drug abuse, invasion of privacy) into Grey and Ethan's story. I definitely recommend this book. It was such a nice surprise and more than the synopsis on the back of the book.

How to Fake It in Hollywood begins with this idea of, "what's next"? After the career decision we thought would be it for us, what do we do now? After the loss of someone we never thought we'd have to live without, what now? Beginning with this premise for both Ethan and Grey, their fake relationship is designed to help give them both a boost. For Ethan he needs a reputation boost after the death of his best friend, and dissolution of his marriage, if he ever wants to make the movie they always said they would. And for Grey, she wants to bounce back after the ending of her long term project to find some more projects she loves.

How to Fake It in Hollywood doesn't shy away from the ageism and sexism in Hollywood. The ways in which her decisions, and their fake relationship, effect Grey differently than Ethan. While I was prepared to love Grey immediately, I felt like the story ended up focusing more on Ethan. Ethan's struggling with grief, self-loathing, and alcohol abuse. He's stuck thinking everything he touches will be ruined and that he's the cause. So granted, his POV ends up being deeply emotional almost from the get go. Whereas with Grey, it took me a bit longer to figure out her central character.