How to Fake it In Hollywood
Ava Wilder
Pub date: 6/14
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Ethan and Grey are an interesting duo. The story is much more than it would appear to be at first cover glance. “Don’t judge a book by its cover” certainly applies here because the story is not all fluffy sunshine and roses. I love a love story with depth. I loved the age gap, dual POV, loved the sexual tension of the road trip, loved the realistic and messy life situations that are represented (divorced with kids), and the grumpy/sunshine trope is always a fav for me too. The Epilogue as a magazine article article is an awesomely creative touch, as well.

What I didn’t love: I wanted more road trip. Based on the synopsis, I expected it to be more a feature than it actually was. It seemed like something was off with characters romantic chemistry, as well. Maybe because there were so many issues for Ethan to work through? He is definitely the more complex character as he has a significant amount of trauma to work through. I’ve read some reviews that opine that about halfway through we lose the romance and it becomes more more women’s fiction as Ethan confronts his demons, and I would agree with that take. It didn’t feel as though the character development was as well established for Grey, and the “romance” part of the book was lost in exchange for Ethan’s healing.

It is an interesting book, it wasn’t what I expected. Thank you NetGalley & Dell Publishing for a free ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ava Wilder and Random House Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 Stars

This book gave us a glimpse into the lives of Hollywood stars and starlets. It addressed all the issues we "normies" don't often think about- lack of privacy, finding work between jobs, how being a childhood star could ruin you, etc. The romance between Grey and Ethan was there- their chemistry was off the CHARTS and you could feel that through the pages. I thought the supporting cast of characters all had a purpose- no one was added just because, which made the story feel well rounded although it focused mostly on two characters.

It could have just been me and the busyness I experienced personally over the past week or two, but this book started off SO SLOW. Once I was drawn in I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it took me a good 100+ pages to really start to get into the story and, had this not been an ARC, I can't say I would have continued reading which is sad, as I really did enjoy most of it.

I liked that the book didn't focus on the glitz and glam of Hollywood- it really honed in on the emotions and the fishbowl feeling of the Hollywood elite. The stressors that Ethan and, to a lesser extent, Grey, experienced I felt were valid, real emotions that occurs in reality. It was nice to have a novel that, while a romance, addressed those concerns and didn't paint a rosy gilted hue over everything.

Despite starting slow, I do highly recommend this book, especially if you like celebrity based romance novels!

Fake relationship and Hollywood based stories have become my absolute catnip, so obviously I jumped on the opportunity to read this one. Add to that the age gap, grumpy sunshine vibe and I was sold. But don’t be fooled by the bright and happy cover y’all. I love these cute covers and have learned to accept that the insides don’t always reflect the packaging so it doesn’t bother me much, but it’s definitely misleading. Because this is way darker and angstier than I anticipated. And 100% not a romcom. Which in some ways really worked for me because I find celebrity romances that at least touch upon the grittier aspects of Hollywood more compelling over ones that gloss over them. This is basically a romance reader’s version of A Star is Born, which again I did not expect. But I’m also a sucker for that movie and it getting the HEA it’s million different versions deserved gave me a measure of peace.

Grey is the level headed, down to earth sunshine to Ethan’s broody, broken grump, and the sparks fly at the first clap. The spice rating isn’t particularly high, but the chemistry between them brought all the heat for me. The last 30-40%, sort of the beginning of the climactic part of the book, did feel slightly off to me, and I felt the conflict resolution could have used a little more time and development. And it maybe feels quicker than it is due to a mini time jump. Given the nature of the cracks in their relationship, this last part of the story is naturally rough, and the black moment is pretty black. My heart broke for Ethan’s struggles even as my knee jerk response was to shake him to get his act together. But of course, I knew it’s easier said than done to break those cycles. Especially when the ghosts of his past are too many to comprehend.

The very healthy relationships among the women in the book, and especially between Grey and Nora are a highlight and made me happy to see that the tired catty Hollywood women trope was nowhere to be found.

TW: alcoholism, instances of drug abuse, brief mentions of past (off page) child abuse by parent, grief and off page character death in past

If you're looking for a fun poolside read pick up How to Fake It In Hollywood! I absolutely adored this fake dating love story between a rising Hollywood star and a reclusive A lister!

The writing was super and this book had its serious moments around addiction, grief, privacy and mental health issues but it's still a rom-com at heart! I loved Grey and her strength.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It immediately drew me in and I wanted to devour it in one sitting. While I thought it would be your normal romcom thanks to the PR stunt aka fake dating trope, it was so much more!

This story has banter, tension, emotional depth, self-growth, and romance which all equal a fantastic story that I couldn't put down.

This book reminded of the movie the wedding date. I knew it was based on a fake storyline romance but it was done in a not so cheesy way. I think the authors writing was fantastic and made the story flow quickly. Took a while to get going but once I was 30% into it I could not put it down anymore.

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House/Ballantine for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review of the book. It was released on June 14, 2022

Grey Brooks was a child star with a long running role in a teen drama show. Ever since that show was canceled, she's only landed a few minor roles.
Ethan Atkins has been on a downward spiral ever since his costar and best friend's death and his divorce. He used to be a leading man, but now he's disappeared from the public eye. In a bid to help both their careers, they enter into a fake relationship, hoping the gossip will make them front page news again. Nothing says romance like contractual obligation but six months of public appearances seems little enough to ask. But as the months go by, the relationship starts not to feel so fake and the sexual tension starts to build. Can this PR stunt turn into the real thing?
I loved how real these characters felt trying to overcome some big issues they both brought into the relationship. I know I definitely couldn't live like that with paparazzi following me everywhere. The banter between them was fun, the tension had plenty of sizzle, I really enjoyed this book.

This was a great story that went a little deeper than books in this genre typically do. It was what I expected, but more- and a little less too. I really liked it, I loved all the characters and cared about them, and I had a hard time not reading when I was supposed to be doing other things.

Liked:
- I loved the idea of learning some of Grey’s story and history in Instagram posts that Ethan is scrolling through rather than just sentences of the narrator giving context of their life before we meet them. Don't we all learn about new people by stalking their social media anyway? Yes. Yes, we do.
- I was not expecting the page after she leaves New York. SO awesome to not pretend like a week later he was fine and love cures all. It deals with addition and grief, and instead of a rosy ending where everything is all magically fixed quickly, the ending was so much better. That's way more real than I was expecting/predicting.

Not as liked:
-Grey admits to her issues, but her therapy isn't really covered. The book was long, so it doesn't really need more pages- but while she admits her faults, it would've been cool to see a mention of her time in therapy getting better in the epilogue. It always bugs me when it's one-sided. I should probably talk to my therapist about that.
-The dialogue was great, but I only laughed out loud once- and it was Kamilah saying "im sending you to friend jail". I loved Kamilah. But it wasn't as much a romantic comedy as a romantic drama? That's totally not right either. Just ignore all of this part except it wasn't as funny/cutesy as what I was expecting.

I can't wait to read Ava Wilder's next one and next one and next one!


#howtofakeitinhollywood #netgalley #newrelease

4.5 stars
In this book, we have two actors, one is a child actress just coming out of a long project and trying to figure out where she wants her career to go and one is a veteran actor that has had a very controversial past few years and had been somewhat of a recluse in a fake-dating scenario. This was a really enjoyable read, the MCs have great chemistry and I felt like this book dealt with a lot of heavy themes well. I just wish there was more development in their relationship. I liked where we ended with them, it made sense.

This book is definitely not light like you would think. It covers heavy topics but it also made me cry and I love any book that makes me cry. There is a bit of an age gap but that doesn’t bother me. It took the traditional subject matter but made it intense and emotional and I overall really enjoyed it

4.5/5

Grey and Ethan are set up to fake date by their publicist, they both could use some positive attention. It might be just what Grey needs to land her new role, and it gives Ethan the opportunity to get out of his comfort zone--something he hasn't done in a long time.

This book is everything I had hoped it would be and much more. It has the fun and steaminess of a great fake dating romcom, but it also deals with some much darker issues which made the story that much more complex and compelling. I think it would be helpful to check the triggers on this one. I love Grey and Ethan and really enjoyed their journey navigating their fake relationship, Hollywood, and their struggles that follow them even behind the cameras. If you're looking for a quick read that'll keep your attention every step up the way, pick this up!

Thanks to NetGalley and all for an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I loved this book, the storyline, the couple all of it.. until I didn't. I appreciate that alcoholism is addressed in this book however, I'm uncomfortable with how it was handled. I think it just too hard hitting of a topic for a rom-com type book.
I did, however, love everything else about this book and will be looking for more from this author!

Beach read alert! This book has a little something for everyone - a little drama, some romance, and a fantasy set up in the world of Hollywood stardom. While it wasn’t a hit for me, I get the appeal of attractive people with complicated pasts coming together with steamy scenes thrown in. It was too much of every common trope in a single book - had me rolling my eyes as I read page after page of hot, rich guy needing saving - from himself. I couldn’t get past it. I know I’m in the minority with this opinion! It’s an escape read at its best and what’s wrong with that?! Thanks to Ballantine for the advanced copy!

This was a solid 4 star for me. I loved this book so much. The banter, the honesty, the depiction of addiction and how it effects the people around you. The only thing that really struck a nerve and dropped this down a star was the ending. The entire book I couldn’t put it down but towards the end, I found myself skimming just to get it over with. I felt like after he found out she loved him it fell flat. I don’t know if it was anything in particular. I felt like it just kind of stopped trying to get captivate me. Overall it was a great book and I’d totally read this author again.

This book took me by surprise when I first started reading it. I got hooked without even realizing. This book was more than I expected and I'm so happy I read it. It does go over some sensitive topics for some readers so please check your triggers. Overall, I am so happy with the character growth throughout the book, definitely loved the romance aspect of the book, and I loved how this was in a Hollywood setting.

Grey is going through some struggles, she is currently unemployed, had a recent terrible break up but this all changes when she makes a deal to fake-date Ethan. Ethan has been practically living under a rock, not only did he have a divorce but his best friend has passed away and he cut communication with the outside world. This was definitely a book that you enjoy because of the journey you see the two main characters overcome a lot of situations and you cheer them on. This was a really great read, thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

If you are looking for a light beachy read, choose another book. How to Fake it in Hollywood is a well-written, serious narrative, with some good times sprinkled throughout. It is a hot, sexy read, with characters that experience realtime ups and downs which are easy to identify with.

Grey Brooks has been acting for almost all of her 28 years of life. Her most recent role on a soap opera ended a little less than a year ago, and finding new jobs has been challenging. In order to get her name out there again, her publicist recommends a fake romance with an A-list actor, Ethan Atkins. Ethan used to love life, until his best friend and business partner died. Now he lives a reclusive existence and alcohol is his best friend. Dating Grey should help him move back into the limelight and hopefully grace the silver screen once again. Overtime, Grey and Ethan fall into lust and love. However, their road to happiness is a journey.

I truly liked this book. Author Ava Wilder has created amazing characters and a plot that tugged at my heartstrings. The story grabs you right from the beginning and the emotional journey never lets up. The co-stars of the book are equally as interesting. This is the author's debut novel and I am looking forward to her next book offering.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Heavy, romantic, steamy, and so, so fulfilling. Truly, this book is not for the faint of heart, especially given that it is about two very messy people who enter into a fake relationship for a PR stunt and then have to confront even more real feelings. But this book tackles so much more — celebrity culture and status, trying to maintain privacy when your career is very public, issues of alcoholism and addiction, and the angst of moving on from personal tragedy in your past. This was a phenomenal debut, and a surprise in so many ways, and ultimately, I'll be looking for more from Wilder in the future.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love the whole fake relationship troupe but I sure hate how Hollywood acts the way it does, if that makes sense. Everything about this book is a realistic situation and I loved it. I fell in love with Grey. She was down to earth and gave Ethan a chance to show her that he's more than the heartthrob that he appears on the screen!

Dual pov
Fake dating
Forced proximity
Dilf😸

Thank you very much to PRHInternational for giving me the opportunity to read this book!!
Now let's start with the review, the book is so addictive that you won't be able to stop reading!
It is a very entertaining story, with characters that you will love as soon as you meet them!
The book grabbed me from the beginning, I never got bored and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I loved that it is not only about the relationship of the protagonists, both protagonists have a personality growth throughout the book, and also the author talks about other issues that were very important in the development of the story.
This book was definitely a roller coaster of emotions!
If you are a fan of the tropes I mentioned above, don't hesitate and go read it right away!! You will not regret!

If you're going to read it, don't forget to check the TW (trigger warnings): alcoholism, death of a relative, grief.
•
Muchísimasss gracias a PRHInternational por darme la oportunidad de leer este libro!!
Ahora sí comencemos con la reseña, el libro es tan adictivo que no podrán parar de leer!! Es una historia muy entretenida, con unos personajes que amaras apenas los conozcas!
El libro me atrapó desde el comienzo, nunca me aburrí y lo disfruté muchísimo.
Amé que no solo se trata sobre la relación de los protagonistas, ambos protagonistas tienen un crecimiento de personalidad a lo largo del libro, y además la autora toca otros temas que fueron muy importantes en el desarrollo de la historia.
Definitivamente este libro fue una montaña rusa de emociones!
Si son fans de los tropes que ya mencioné arriba, no duden y vayan a leerlo inmediatamente!! No te arrepentirás!

Si lo vas a leer, no olvides revisar los TW (trigger warnings): alcoholismo, muerte de un familiar, duelo.

Grey is an actress, struggling to advance her career. Ethan is an established actor with a complicated past. When their mutual publicist suggests a fake romance to advance both of their careers, they agree. But things become more complicated when real feelings evolve.

LOVED this book! How to Fake it In Hollywood is such a great romance read, and was so much more than I expected. I went in expecting a more typical rom-com read with a fluffy plot and was pleasantly surprised with the complexity of Ethan and Grey’s relationship.

What I liked:
- Unique plot
- So many tropes!! (fake dating, enemies to lovers, age gap romance)
- Hilarious banter
- Emotional depth

After reading this book, I’m so excited to see what Ava Wilder comes up with next 🤩 I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new romance read ❤️