I requested this book as an ARC a while back, and it languished on my kindle for a long time (like a long time)––it wasn’t until about a week ago that I realized that the book was coming out soon, and I had yet to read it (school might be over, but that has not mean that I’ve stopped procrastinating haha).

I can’t quite pinpoint why I was so hesitant to pick this book up, but I think I was worried that the book would feel done-before, if that makes sense? It’s clearly a variation of the fake-dating trope, and I was nervous that it would feel like something I had already read ten times before; surprisingly, I didn’t really feel like this was a huge issue after I started reading.

Much to my shock, this book was relatively easy to get into––after the first few pages, I was flying through the story (well, up until the end).

The story follows Grey and Ethan––Grey is an actress who is struggling to get back into the game after the finish of her last show, and Ethan is somebody who is still dealing with the grief of his long-time best friend. He is trying to produce the last movie that he and his partner wrote together, but if he wants to do that, he will have to clean up his reputation and step back into the spotlight. As a solution, his agent suggests fake-dating Grey; this is a mutually beneficial solution––Ethan will clean up his image, and Grey will be able to get back into the spotlight…and things sort of take off from there.

I have a really hard time distinguishing how I feel about this book, mainly because so much was going on. I believe this was the author’s debut novel, and I hate to say it, but in some aspects, I feel like it really showed.

I was unable to connect with Grey (first of all, what kind of name is Grey?) as a character, which is unusual for me, since I usually tend to connect with the heroine’s more than the heroes. She felt very bland to me, and I could tell that strides were made to flesh her out as a character, but I ultimately felt that it was largely unsuccessful. I felt very detached from her, whilst reading.

I also just didn’t really buy into the romance? I never really understood why Grey and Ethan liked each other, and I didn’t feel like there was any banter that is typically present in a book of this nature. The first 50% of this story felt a little bit dry.

Another thing is, l felt like the book was hugely mis-marketed (or maybe it is just me?). Based on the cover, the synopsis and the comparison to The Unhoneymooners, I was largely expecting a light, banter-filled rom-com to read during the summer time, but this was really heavy? I sort of wish I had read the content warnings before-hand, because I felt a little bit blindsided. It’s not to say that the book was bad by any means, but it was startling, to say the least.

The book greatly deals with grief and alcoholism––and these two subject matters are the main reason for the heaviness of the book. I personally think Ava Wilder did a very realistic job depicting grief and alcoholism. Her illustration of alcohol abuse was real and raw and at times, very painful to read about––I can usually handle reading about addiction in books, however I tend to shy away from reading about alcohol abuse simply because of personal reasons, and the accuracy of which it was portrayed in this book, reminded me exactly why I do that.

I appreciated the way that Wilder showed alcohol abuse in every day life—it wasn’t over the top or flashy; it was subtle whilst simultaneously startling and her depiction of grief was just as impactful.

That being said, I don’t know that it fully worked in this book.

It was very difficult for me to root for the relationship when I could see the dark cloud of alcohol abuse hanging over them––it made me anxious throughout my whole reading experience. I think a part of the reason I wasn’t really rooting for their relationship, was that it was clear to see Ethan had a whole lot of baggage he needed to work through, before jumping in bed with someone. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good damaged hero, but he was damaged.

Another issue I had was that at times I forgot Ethan was supposed to be a dad? His kids were rarely ever mentioned, and the whole thing felt odd to me. 


The book was also told in a weird type of third person––I don’t mind third person in general, but I fear that it may have contributed to why I felt so removed from the romance.

Lastly, the ending felt a little bit rushed to me, and Ethan’s recovery period felt way too glossed over…there is a weird time gap that I wasn’t a fan of and I can usually deal with a time gap of a few months (I don’t love it, but I can usually put up with it) however this one was sixteen months long. Yeah.

I don’t want to sound like I hate this book, because I don’t. I liked Ethan’s relationship with his ex-wife–-it was nice to see an ex that wasn’t completely the villain, and I was, in general, able to sympathize with Ethan and his struggles. I also appreciated the author's overall message that love is not always enough and it is not the solution to an addiction; it's an important message that we don't hear enough of in romance books. However, I didn’t really buy into the romance aspect of this book, and, well, this was supposed to be a romance book, wasn't it?

What a great book! I loved getting to know Ethan and Grey and following them through their developing relationship and the hurdles they have along the way. I really enjoyed Grey’s sense of humor and seeing her growth. This book had some difficult issues that it dealt with and was heavier than I expected, but I really enjoyed that extra depth. I’d strongly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys Emily Henry’s books!

This one caught me by surprise, hooked me in, and didn’t stop pulling at my heartstrings until the very last page.

Less of a romcom, this book packed a punch. I rooted so hard for these characters - not just Ethan and Grey, but every single one of them. Ava Wilder did an unbelievable job at capturing the reality of addiction and the toll it takes on not only the addict, but on the people that love them.

Since it is a book in the romance genre, there was of course all the swoony, fun feels that come along with that.

Anyone who gives this one a chance will love it-especially if you love the fake dating trope, a kickass female character who knows what she wants and how to get it, and a leading man who needs a little help.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group and Netgalley for providing me with this early read in exchange for my honest review.

This review will be posted 6/10/22 on Goodreads and Twitter (@Raereadss) and Instagram on 6/11/22 on Instagram (@raereadss).

Read this if you like: Fake dating, dual POV, celebrities, single dad, forced proximity, spicy 🔥

Look up trigger warnings*

Yessss. I love fake dating. I have a special spot in my heart for celebrities fake dating too. This book was everything I wanted from those tropes.

Grey Brooks is fresh of the end of her role in long-running teen TV show. She's trying so hard to find more roles and not very successfully. She just wants Hollywood to take her seriously. Suddenly a life-changing role is possible but she needs help. She’s finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist’s scheme: fake a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity, but for very different reasons.

Ethan Atkins is struggling. He's had a high-profile divorce, hasn't seen his kids as much as he wants. struggles with drinking, and is griefing over the death of his longtime creative partner and best friend five years ago. Ethan has slowly let himself fade into the background. He desperately wants to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together. So Ethan needs to clean up his reputation and step back into the spotlight. A gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress might be just the ticket, even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.

I love both Ethan and Grey. They are flawed but who isn't? Their tension, their banter, their little spats, the spice 🔥. UGH. So good. The character development in this book is some of the best I have read lately. I love that it shows Grey and Ethan's ex trying to get along and help him with his addictions. The relationship that Grey has with her best friend is done perfectly. The grief that Ethan feels for his best friend is heartbreaking. This is a light read with some serious subjects put in so well. I highly recommend this book. Definitely go get it June 14th!

Thank you to the author, and Random Publishing/Ballantine for the gifted copy. ❤️

I loved how the title had more than one meaning as you got through it. I was worried there wouldn’t be a happy ending with turmoil so close to the end of the book but it was wrapped up beautifully. I will definitely pick this up to read again

From the moment I saw the cover to this book, I was automatically hooked. Probably one of my favorite covers I have seen this year. Did I go into this book having a certain assumption of how I was going to like it? Yes! Did the author completely surprise me? Yes! Did I end up loving this book more than I thought I would? Yes!

tropes: actor/actress romance, fake dating & age gap

I truly expected a more light hearted romance but once you get into core of the story, I'm so glad I ended up reading this book. It truly highlights the behind the scenes of hollywood and how that lifestyle can truly affect people. I'm glad that it wasn't just diamonds and sparkles but it tackled the effects it has on people.

I am sucker for fake dating and will never turn away from this trope! This is a little more fast paced so be aware of that.

I loved Ethan and Grey and how they navigated their own struggles but were so supportive of one another.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & the publisher! for providing an arc in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions <3

This book started out as a cute, enemies to lovers storyline, but about 66% in switched to a more heavy story. I think the the book would have been much better having the heaviness throughout. The last 25% was much stronger in my opinion, but wrapped things up much too quickly. I wish some of the filler in the first half had been removed for the deeper storyline. I did like both the characters and found them relatable, but this wasn’t one of my favorites.

How to Fake It in Hollywood is one of those books that makes you question everything you read in the media about celebrity relationships. Grey is the star of a former teen drama (which, given the details, makes me suspect author Ava Wilder is a One Tree Hill fan) who is desperately trying to avoid being pigeonholed in her old role. She has dreams and aspirations to write her own screenplay, but her credibility in Hollywood is lacking to provide her the opportunity. Ethan is an Oscar winner recovering from the personal tragedy of losing his best friend/fellow actor and a nasty divorce. After a period of negative press, he has secluded himself from the public eye. Grey and Ethan share a publicist that has the brilliant idea to set them up in a fake relationship to improve their public images. Both parties agree to the terms of a fake dating contract…and while their “relationship” has a rocky start, it blossoms into something more.

📖 Forced Proximity
📖 Enemy ➡️ Friends ➡️ Lovers
📖 Fake Relationship
📖 Hollywood Setting/Paparazzi Drama
📖 Second Chance Romance

Not only will you enjoy this book, but you’ll start to analyze your favorite celebrity couples and wonder “real or fake”? ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I really liked this one you guys. I know, I know-last week I said I do not like steam and you all know I am a thriller lover at heart but this one is so damn good. It is a bit deeper than just a lighthearted romance. @avawilderwrites does such a wonderful job of writing about difficult issues and handling them with care. I felt like this had so much more depth. It is a full on roman/women’s fiction that tackles relationships, self-doubt, addiction, dealing with trauma and past issues, death and love. (I know a lot) but, she also adds in some steam, juicy bits, laughs and the whole glitz and glam of Hollywood.

The character development is so good I found myself googling the characters and then remembering they are not real *geesh* I loved Grey and felt like I had a true understanding of what was inside her heart. I loved that she was strong and did not let herself fall into the typical “damsel in distress” role. She stood up for herself and what she believed in. I also loved the way we had a definite conclusion and ending.

You guys, I could go on and on about this one. I read it so fast I am sad it is done. I loved it and urge you all to grab it!

Thank you Netgalley for my advance copy in exchange for my review!

I was shocked by how much I loved this book. I thought it would be a light and fluffy romance, something I would enjoy, maybe a three-star book. Wow was I wrong. There is so much heart in this novel, these characters are going through real issues, and yes they're rich actors but they have both BEEN THROUGH IT and have major demons to overcome. The way that Wilder portrays heartbreak, addiction, family issues, and grief, all of these issues felt so authentic to me and the way Ethan and Grey experienced these things was so real. I believed them, it felt like such a well crafted novel in so many ways. Not to disparage romance novels, because I LOVE romance novels, but How to Fake it in Hollywood is so much MORE than a romance novel. And while the romance part was incredibly well done, and the sex scenes were the perfect amount of spicy for my tastes, what I loved most about this book was getting to fall in love with these characters myself and rooting for them throughout the entirety of the novel. Honestly from the first page I was hooked on this story and did not want it to end. I am so impressed by this debut and can't wait to see what Wilder does next.

#HowToFakeItInHollywood:⁣
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“So what you’re saying is, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in the last five years?”“Unless I missed something.” ⁣
He shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving her face. “No. No, you didn’t miss anything.”⁣
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Initial Reaction: queues Gavin DeGraw singing at the top of his lungs talking about how he doesn’t want to be anything other than what he’s been trying to be, lately.⁣
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Review: fake date, PR stunts, a VERY steamy weekend in Palm Springs - which includes one bed, How to Fake it In Hollywood is an emotional debut. With all the makings of a good romance, there’s a deeper plot with tragic insight on the dark side of Hollywood and alcoholism. When I mean tragic, I mean, so realistic you hurt for these characters.⁣
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I really enjoyed this story. I could feel the tension rising and it felt like when you know a storm is about to hit. You hear the thunder, you look outside, but can’t see the rain. You know it’s coming. That tension was felt in more ways than one, and I really enjoyed how magnetic Grey and Ethan were. I also really enjoyed the supporting characters of Nora, Renata, and Kamilah. They all felt so genuine in a place where authenticity is hard to find.⁣
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I do feel like some relationships were left resolved, which kind of bothered me. Why invest so much of the plot about it, but give no resolution? I also was so invested in the entire story, that I was kind of sad the ending was a bit rushed. I cared deeply for these characters, so I needed more closure 😂 Probably the only thing that stopped it from being a 5 star. ⁣
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Overall, a great solid read on fake date, great banter, and such a sweet, tragic love. A bit of a rushed ending, but this character driven story is getting a lot of hype and I can see why. Thank you so much @randomhouse for the gifted copy. How to Fake it In Hollywood is out 6/14!

If you like the fake dating trope, you'll like this one! This was a super quick read, with likable (and flawed) characters. I liked that although this took place in Hollywood, the characters were very real and had "normal" people problems. And of course, there was a little but if spice - which doesn't hurt!

Run don’t walk to grab this book when it hits shelves next Tuesday! PLEASE! I honestly cannot believe this is Ava Wilder’s debut novel. It has everything you could possibly want in a romance- chemistry, steam, banter, tension, depth. And SO much more. The characters are flawed and believable and struggling and real. They came alive for me. And I know Emily Henry is the queen of banter, but Ava Wilder is coming for that crown. While it’s definitely a rom com, it has so much depth and it tackles some tough stuff.

Grey Brooks is looking for her next big break after her long-running teen show ends. Ethan Atkins, despite being an A-list celebrity, has basically been a recluse over the last five years. For the sake of their careers, they each need something the other can provide. They’re actors, they can sell anything, including a fake relationship.

I really, really enjoyed this one! Probably my new favorite ARC of the year. It switched between Grey's POV and Ethan's (within the same chapters) and I really liked that. I thought it tackled a lot of sensitive topics really well including alcoholism, insecurity, grief, and death of a loved one. It wasn't just a cute rom-com -- it was heavier, but well done.

Read if you like:
-- yummy breakfast food
-- behind the scenes "realness" of Hollywood
-- cute banter
-- characters that you are rooting for!
-- fake dating trope
-- lots of tension
-- self-growth
-- easy-to-read writing

4.5 stars! Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse for this eARC! This is out this Tuesday, the 14th!

I love celebrity gossip so it should come as no surprise that I adored 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 which takes you behind the scenes of a PR stunt turned real romance between a scandal-plagued A-lister and an up-and-coming TV star.

Don't be fooled by the title and cover - this isn't a light romcom and that's a good thing. Ava Wilder delivers wonderfully multidimensional characters in Ethan, half of a Ben Affleck/Matt Damon-like pair who's been struggling since the death of his best friend, and Grey, a former child star trying to find her way as a woman in what's still a very misogynistic industry. The book tackles addiction, grief, invasion of privacy, sexism and more and as much as I loved the relationship between Ethan and Grey, I was equally invested in each of their emotional journeys. The dialogue is fabulous as is the secondary cast of inclusive characters, and yes, this sexy couple brings the steam. What more can you ask for in a summer read?

Thanks to Random House and Ballantine Books for the copy to review.

BOOK REVIEW:ARC

How to Fake it In Hollywood
By Ava WIlder
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Publishing date: 6/14/2022

How to Fake it in Hollywood brings us a fake dating story between Gray and Ethan. If you enjoy slow burns, fake dating, celebrities and Hollywood, you will love!

Grey is a 27 year old actress who is dieing to be a part of a big hit. She is a former child star and wants to be recognized for more than her most recent series, Poison Paradise.
Ethan is 10 Years older than Grey,a divorced father and a well know actor in Hollywood. But he wants to be back in the spotlight and be relevant.

2 people who want recognition in the public eye? Boom...fake dating and a PR stunt!

The book starts as a  fun rom com like I  expected,  but gradually develops into a more complex story. We see real life issues being addressed and how they affect all  relationships in our life.

This is definitely a slow burn. The beginning of the book was a little drawn out for me. But about 50%,  it picked up  and I  wanted to keep reading because I was rooting for Ethan and Grey. ( I read the last 35% in 1 sitting) I really enjoyed their chemistry and how they handled issues below the surface, because I too, have had to deal with addiction  in my relationship.  I understand how tough it is on everyone involved, not just the addict.

I really enjoyed the book. I think its a perfect mix of romance and sincerity. It wasn't what I was expecting but glad I got the arc!

Thank you to @netgalley and @randomhouse house for the arc!!

How to Fake it in Hollywood is the debut novel to Ava Wilder and she did an amazing job. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and had a difficult time putting the book down. I blew through it, and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

Grey has been unemployed for a year, since the end of her long running teen drama, and she’s struggling to find work. While Ethan, a true A-list celebrity, has become a bit of a recluse since his best friend passed away and he’s taken more to drinking than anything else. Now their publicist believes they are the key to getting their careers back on track. For Ethan, being seen in a committed relationship will show the world he is in fact, reliable. While Ethan will push Grey into the spotlight just by being with him. It’s a simple arrangement, they just need to fake being in a relationship for a measly six-months. What’s the worst that can happen?

I loved the story and the way it was told was really great, and the heavy subject matter was handled very well, though Grey’s character did frustrate me at times. Overall, the writing style was great and easy to read, the pacing was perfect, and the character development was on point. I will definitely be following Ava Wilder and checking out her next book.

How To Fake It In Hollywood was a very well-executed fake dating book. I usually find most 'fake dating' books have the couples getting together too fast for my liking, but not this book. While Grey and Ethan definitely have an insta attraction, there was plenty of delicious build-up and the chemistry between the two were great. Despite the fun cover and 'celebrity romance' trope, I was also surprised to see that this book covers a whole plethora of deeper problems (mainly addiction, grief, and privacy concerns). These were done in a way which was smart, portraying both characters as flawed and real, making them easier to relate to even though they are both famous and therefore often in situations that I would never find myself in! Overall, I thought this was a brilliant debut!

Honestly one of my favorite things about this book was the amount of times breakfast food was discussed. I LOVE breakfast and brinner is a pretty frequent occurrence in our household. Bacon aside - I also loved the ending of this book. I felt like it was unique, raw, and real. The characters were also so raw which I wasn’t expecting going into this based on the synopsis so I was pleasantly surprised!

Okay this was not the lighthearted read the cover makes it out to be... but that doesn't take anything away from how amazing it was. What a special debut!!

You think you're just going to get a happy-go-lucky romcom about two actors faking a relationship to boost their careers, but instead we get a raw, emotional story on top of the fake dating that shows the less glamorous side of Hollywood and deals with addiction, self-worth, and grief.