This is a great quick, fun, summer read. This is a fake dating/forced proximity story with both characters interested in a fake relationship to advance their Hollywood careers. Grey was a teenage star looking to break into movie roles but cannot land any gigs. Ethan is a former Hollywood heartthrob and has taken a backseat in Hollywood after his writing/acting partner passed away. The two had great tension and chemistry and I loved their banter and all of their interactions! I also loved seeing Grey's relationship with Ethan's ex and their friendship and support for Ethan and his struggles. Recommend for those that enjoy celebrity stories! I only wish it were a little longer to see a few story lines resolved a little more completely.

I saw so much hype over How to Fake It in Hollywood, to the point that I worried that it couldn't possibly live up to it and I'd come away disappointed. But boy oh boy, this book lived up to every bit of it and then some. It was so achingly perfect... two authentic, complicated, flawed characters just trying to do their best, feeling all the feelings, so in love with each other but can't help but hurt each other even when they try to protect each other and themselves. If you like Emily Henry's emotional writing, Funny You Should Ask, Nora Goes Off Script, or Birds of California, you are absolutely going to love this book!

Grey Brooks is a young, talented actress who's career is in the holding pattern after her popular long-running teen drama comes to an end. She doesn't yet have the Hollywood status needed to get her personal film project off the ground. Ethan Atkins is the slightly older and mildly disgraced, reclusive Hollywood heartthrob considering making a comeback. Their agents and publicist propose a fake-dating scheme for their mutual benefit - Grey gets the cache and publicity needed to help get her foot in the door, and Ethan gets the credibility he needs to clean up his reputation. On paper, it sounds easy, but is anything but.... Grey finds herself drawn to Ethan despite his unstable moods, and Ethan continues to struggle with the grief over his best friend and creative partner's death years prior, his messy and public divorce, and his alcoholism. Publicly, the couple are attracting the gossip and publicity they were hoping for. Privately, they fight their ever-growing attraction and chemistry. But giving in means risking it all and opening up in a way that neither are ready for.

This is new my favorite book of the summer, and very high on the list of my all-time favorites. The characters are just so perfectly real - complicated, scared, insecure. They each battle their own demons, but Ethan just jumps off the page with how authentic he is in all his flaws. Their emotions are so believable due to the superb and impeccable writing. The story doesn't follow the typical trope timeline - there are so many ups and downs, in and outs between the two. The reconciliation and resolution didn't feel too easy, but was complicated and difficult - again so realistic and relatable instead of idealistic. The tension between them was so palpable that I just could not stop turning the pages, and then was so disappointed to reach the end - and could not stop thinking about it after it was over.

This was PHENOMENAL! I loved it so, so much. The writing was impeccable, the characters felt real and believable, and the story was addictive. Can't believe this is a debut!!!! Definitely looking forward to anything this author writes in the future.

I will start by saying this book started off slow for me.. and I’m not sure if that’s because I just expected a “punch you in the face” type of start, or I was sooo ready to escape in a book on the plane and at the beach. But once it got going I really enjoyed the story and the evolution of Ethan and Grey. It was very character driven and had so much depth.

Tropes:
Celebrity Romance
Fake Dating
Grumpy/Sunshine (ish)

How to Fake It in Hollywood comes out 6/14! Definitely check this out for a great contemporary romance this summer! Thank You @randomhouse Dell for the free book!

TW: alcoholism, grief

5 stars romance!

Thank you Netgalley and Random House for this arc. I’ve been falling out of romance lately with the same cut-and-paste plot points, but this one breaks the mold. It’s a perfect blend of real-life problems and cute banter between our 2 leads. The male lead is one of the most vulnerable love interests I have read from in a long time, his inner monologue is raw and honest; and one of the more realistic reasons for a love interest to hold back.

Grey Brooks has just ended her long-running teen tv show (think CW level nonsense) and needs her next career move. Ethan Atkins has been struggling ever since his best friend and long-time business partner died tragically (think Ben and Matt buddy level). Ethan and Grey share the same publicist who suggests the pair enter a fake relationship to help both their careers out.

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for my e-Arc!

I am LOVING celebrity books and the fake dating trope lately, so this book was a winner for me! Grey was an excellent leading lady, and put up with a lot from mr. grumpy Ethan! This one hooked me from the beginning, and I devoured it!

How to Fake it in Hollywood is much deeper than you’d expect from a romance, and the author did a beautiful job writing about some tougher topics. The second half did slow down a tad with a more serious side, but I truly appreciate that the author didn’t breeze over it.

I felt all the emotions in this one. I was giddy about their relationship and the sexual tension, I was heartbroken because the paparazzi are jerks, and I was angry with decisions Ethan made. I love when a book takes you on an emotional ride!

Preorder this one if you haven’t already!

I literally cannot believe that this is a debut from Ava Wilder. This book has so much depth but also all of the super cute romance that we are looking for. When I say that this book has everything, I mean it! It has fake dating, dual POV, age gap, hot dads, celerity drama, spice, and everything in between. The tension throughout this book was undeniable and it had you hanging onto every chapter. I literally could not put this book down! Do yourself a favor and get your hands on this one!

I expected a cute romcom based on the cover and synopsis but this was a much deeper read. Yes, it did have the traditional cuteness one would expect but it also delved further into the characters. Highly recommend!!

What a delectable surprise and wonderful debut! I'd definitely watch out for Ava Wilder's future releases.

Don't get fooled by the cutesy cover, though. This book gave me a glimpse of and let me escape into Hollywood while offering a lot more emotional depth and nuance than what the seemingly romcom-y cover implies. So manage your expectations before diving in.

Ethan and Grey is teeming with sexual tension and chemistry. As he's an A-lister and has become a household name while she's a young starlet relegated to mediocre projects despite her talents, there is this uneven power dynamics between them but it's fascinating to watch Grey hold her own against and with Ethan. This book also provided an ugly picture of the price of fame with depictions of invasion of privacy, alcoholism, and bottled grief.

I really enjoyed being immersed in this book and it gave me Evvie Drake Starts Over, Funny You Should Ask and The View Was Exhausting vibes. If you're a fan of any of these books, be sure to pick this one up, or simply let this book surprise you just like I was.

Thank you so much to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, NetGalley and Ava Wilder for my copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not sure how to rate this book. It's well written in terms of sentence structure. Interesting premise. Interesting characters. But it is boring at times and sort of...drags. It's missing that certain something that makes the storyline pop. Maybe more tension between the main characters? And the chemistry didn't really build. I would give this author a try again though.

***Advanced copy obtained from Random House Publishing via Netgalley***

TW: alcoholism; death of a loved one

Let me start this by saying, I LOVE celebrity romances. Give me a celebrity romance with fake dating and I am in. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Watching Grey and Ethan start their relationship in such a rocky fashion, overcome it and realize their true feelings for each other, and then have to come together again because his love for her made him want to be a better man? I loved it.

I loved seeing how all of the different relationships developed throughout the entire story, my favorite relationship was by far Nora and Grey. It was really nice to finally read a book where the ex-wife isn't a raging b*tch and willing to help her however she could because she knew how hard it was to be with him? This is the kind of women supporting women stuff I'd love to see more of in books.

While not in a romantic relationship, I have been in a situation similar to the one that Grey went through with Ethan. Dealing with an alcoholic who doesn't see the issues in their ways is not easy, but I think Wilder did an excellent job of depicting what a person goes through watching someone they love fight this addiction.

Overall, I cannot wait to see what Wilder does next. Based on this book, I'll be happy to pick it up.

When I saw How to Fake It in Hollywood was fake dating, i couldn't wait to read it. II enjoyed How to Fake It in Hollywood and I read it pretty quickly. Grey and Ethan are thrown into a fake relationship to help both of their careers. Despite having a crush on him when she was a kid and his celebrity status, Grey still is herself around him and isn't afraid to tell him how it is. She was pretty tough! They begin seeing each other frequently to support their ruse. Despite the fact that their relationship starts out fake, it quickly becomes more. There were a lot of moments when I wanted to shake Ethan. It was clear why he had so many demons but he was so self sabotaging and I was so glad when he finally got help. I was a little sad that it took what it did for him to seek help, but I know that's a very complicated issue and I appreciated that it wasn't glossed over in the story line. I really admired Grey's ability to walk away and to continue focus on her career when she could've easily continued the toxic cycle with him. I would've liked a little more when they're reunited but I loved the magazine interview at the end. I will definitely check out future books by this author.

After a strong start, this book petered out for me. I liked it well enough that it's not less than 3 stars and can see why so many other people have really enjoyed it. I was intrigued by the setup: B-list actress trying to get her career on the A-track agrees to a fake relationship with an A-list actor who has fallen out of the spotlight (and fallen apart). I liked but didn't love the characters. They both had so much potential as messy and messed up people finding their way to each other. Instead, the multiple and even frequent emotional ups-and-downs the characters left me feeling unsettled and unbalanced. I wanted this book to lean into the baggage and the longing, and I don't feel it did. I respect what the author seems to be trying to do with the "love isn't always all you need" themes, but I don't think we needed two low moments and I would have loved to see more of the aftermath of the second reconciliation before the epilogue. I was left with little niggling doubts whether these two really should be together.

When I read the blurb for How to Fake it in Hollywood, I was sold. I am a big believer in Hollywood matches for press (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, cough cough). I loved this reworking of a Hollywood romance trope. The two main characters are Grey, a TV actress looking to make it to the next stage in her career and Ethan, a Matt Damon-ish boy wonder actor/Director who is suffering from trauma and alcoholism. I loved Grey, she had a real presence and a real sense of self. I truly did understand her motivation for joining in the fake relationship and I was rooting for her career and romance. I had a hard time liking Ethan but that’s because he’s not meant to be likable at times. Also I would like to get a shout out to very solid female friendships displayed this novel. Female friendships are the root of every women life and it’s important for them to always be acknowledged. I really enjoyed this book told my friends put it on their summer TBR lists!

Thank you #Netgalley For this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Grey and Ethan agree to a fake dating contract it's with the purpose of helping both of their acting careers. Of course it's not that simple and things get complicated. This is a romance with substance as these characters are struggling with some big issues that have nothing to do with their fake dating.

What I loved:
- great writing, easy reading
- main characters with real life, hard problems
- good chemistry and fun banter
- likable secondary characters
- Grey is such a strong female character who stands on her own two feet and knows what she wants. Gotta love that!
- various settings that gave me a summer-y vibe
- that cover!

5 ⭐️

I’m obsessed with the fake-dating tropes and this book definitely has it. Right within the first chapter the author reveals why the story is being told/written now, which happens to be the fact that both actors Grey Brooks and Ethan Atkins are in need of some good PR. But this book is more than just a fluff, light-hearted piece that has cute moments sprinkled in and secretive glances between the MCs; there is also well handled topics like excessive drinking/addiction and depressive thoughts.

The book is told in third person limited, switching back and forth periodically between Grey and Ethan. This is really well done and great for the book because both characters are developed on their own but also in connection with each other, and I loved getting to see the growth more intimately with each character that would not have been accomplished if the story was told only following one of the two MCs.

However, without knowing the exact depth that the heavier topics would weigh on the book, I stumbled in my reading streak at about 63% in; at this turning point in the book, the vibes change from romcom to more drama/angst. From anticipating something a bit more light (from both the cover and the blurb) I was temporarily thrown off. Despite this, “How to Fake It in Hollywood” was a good start of summer read—3.5/5 stars.

Grey and Ethan are coerced into beginning a fake relationship by their PR team in hopes it will trigger a boost in both their careers. Grey has the advantage of Ethan being her childhood celebrity crush. He's dealing with big demons that have left him an angry drunk. He does his best to work with Grey, but she takes the brunt of his angst and it all falls apart.

This story has a little of romance, a little of family drama, a whole lot of celebrity lifestyle.

I enjoyed it up until about 65%. I think the conclusion could have been less drawn out.

How to Fake It in Hollywood is the perfect combination of rom-com and drama. The rom- com was what I expected, the drama caught me off guard! Grey and Ethan’s relationship and internal struggles had me rooting for them every step of the way. I appreciated their conversations as much as their sex scenes. Kudos for exceeding my expectations!

The premise of this book with Hollywood actors having to fake date was awesome and I was on board with the whole beginning!

It ended up being a lot heavier than at first sight and that didn't make it feel very romcomy. There's some humor in it and some romance but the protagonists' struggles overpower that. I was intrigued by Ethan's struggles as he was my favorite of the two. Grey's actions, however, frustrated me at times. I did like them as a couple though, and I really liked Grey's friendships with both Kamilah and Nora.

The writing style was compelling and I loved getting both protagonists perspectives. The author is clearly talented. Overall, it was a good story, packed with an emotional punch, and I enjoyed it!

3.5 ⭐️s

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for providing me an eARC to review!

This book is a quick read and great for summer! I was honestly surprised at how the story progressed and was happy to see the fake dating trope done a little differently. Both of the main characters have very real issues to work through and it was interesting to see the ways they handled them. I would suggest this book for people who love celebrities/celebrity gossip and are looking for a summer read!