This one completely took me by surprise! I 100% expected a light-hearted, fun rom com, especially based on this super-cute cover. However, heavy topics, such as alcoholism and loss of a close friend, took front stage and was addressed throughout the whole book. I loved the way that this author addressed these issues and I was blown away that this was her debut novel. I look forward to whatever she writes next!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow. No review is going to match my feelings for this book. This was a phenomenal debut novel. I loved every bit of it and I’ve already read it twice!!

What stood out most to me was Wilder’s writing. She wrote with such ease, making me feel ALL the feels. The story flowed well, even with detailed backstories for our two MCs and the events surrounding our side characters. The character development was perfect. The Act 3 break up was totally understandable and warranted. The ending was superb, with enough time given for healing.
Grey and Ethan’s chemistry was off the charts and their banter I was hysterical. I can very much picture this one being made into a movie.
Love love love!!!!

4.25⭐️

Grey Brooks career has been in a standstill ever since the end of her seven year run on a popular teen drama series. She’s desperate to land the role in a new big budget series that could finally launch her into stardom. Ethan Atkins is a Hollywood heavyweight turned recluse after a tragic accident that led to the death of his best friend and writing partner. After five years out of the acting scene he is finally ready to step back into the spotlight. What begins as a mutually beneficial situation quickly turns into something more when the chemistry between them is still electric even when there aren’t any cameras around.

This was a brilliant debut novel by Ava Walker. I was captivated from the very beginning and couldn’t put the book down.

What starts off as a story of two people with sizzling tension bound together in a PR relationship turns into something much grittier as it delves into the darker aspects of fame and addiction. Don’t be fooled by the cute cover, this book isn’t just a Hollywood romance it tackles some pretty serious themes like alcoholism and grief. I do feel like the marketing of this book is a bit out of sync with it’s actual content, and it is a bit of a disservice to this nuanced and poignant story.

It’s a very character driven story with lots of steamy tension. These are characters you root for. And it was satisfying to see their growth and development over the course of the book.

This was an easy 5-star book for me for the first half of Brooks and Ethan’s story, until things took a turn and went a bit <i>A Star Is Born</i>. It became less about them and their journey as the addiction storyline took center stage. The big reckoning of Ethan’s struggles came a bit too late in the book and then was resolved too quickly.

This book is many things. It has some well loved tropes (fake dating/only one bed/childhood crush/etc), but they’re elevated by how they’re paired with an emotional character driven story. It’s a must-read.

Really love this one! I went in blind other than knowing what I knew from the blurb, fake dating, two actors, hollywood etc etc. BUT this was not your typical rom-com. I suggest checking trigger warnings because this was not just a light and fluffy read, as the cover lead me to believe. Showed the "dark" side of hollywood, childhood manipulation and more. Nonetheless the character development was beautiful and I really enjoyed Grey and Ethan, and the ANGST!!!! 😜 whew!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

Okay, I LOVE this fake dating trope. I'm pretty sure this is the first book I read with this trope, and now I'm obsessed.

The tension between the two of them in the beginning kept me on the edge of my seat, and I kept waiting for them to finally give in. I was rooting for their relationship the entire time, and really enjoyed the growth of each of the characters at the end.

This book was a lot deeper than your normal rom-com, you felt the characters emotions and hurt along with them.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a very quick read, and the tension between the two main characters made this a page-turner, I didn't want to put it down.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in return for my honest review.

First and foremost, don't let the fun rom com cover fool you, this is a deep emotional book that will make you feel/think.

The main trope of this book is fake relationship. Ethan and Grey sign a contract to be in a relationship to help their careers. Grey is still trying to break out in Hollywood after starting out as a child star and Ethan is an old A Lister who is pretty much a recluse these days after a tragic accident took his best friend.

They both have different reasons, but once they meet the attraction and chemistry insane.

They both fight their feelings and their is a ton of mutual pining. I think once they get together that almost too much happens.

They hit a ton of road blocks all coming down to Ethan's insecurities and drinking. You feel for Ethan who doesn't know how to be in a relationship and Grey who is worried and just wants to be there for him.

The Hollywood aspect of the book was a lot of fun. I enjoyed learning more about movies and how actors worked. It seemed all very accurate.

4/5

This book was beyond my expectations, I really loved it!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House Publishing for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"He was stone sober, but he felt drunk on Grey."

Storyline/Plot: I really did enjoy the storyline of this book, and I loved that it didn't just fall apart halfway through. It was well built as a romance, but it also had great follow-thru with the actual plot. I love that they meet through their publicist, who has the fake dating idea in mind to get Ethan back on the board, and to get Grey onto the board. There really isn't another way to say it, but the way the story is woven in with the romance gives the characters so much depth to the lives and struggles they lead beyond just being one another's partner. It's beautiful. I had such strong emotions and feelings reading this from secondhand embarrassment, laughter, tears, just everything. There was so much representation in this book too, from addiction to LGBTQ+.

Romance: The tropes that were featured in this book were just amazing. Fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, age gap, single dad, you name it. I typically don't read an age gap book because there's a fine line between me being comfortable and uncomfortable, but this one walked it fairly well. There's definitely a lot of mention of him being her childhood crush that is a little cringe to me, but I got over it. I just love the development of their romance. I definitely felt some awkward moments that felt a little rushed and out of character, but they didn't draw away from the story or development too bad. I just love the way he cares for her, and the way that he doesn't change for her or anything, but still changes for her, you know? And their spice was seriously steamy.

Characters: I really got emotionally invested in these characters and wanted more and more from them. I love the badass that is Grey and that she doesn't filter herself for anyone. Not her mom, not fans, not Ethan, no one. The fact that she lands herself in a relationship with an A-list star and she doesn't fall to her knees for him, I love her. I also loved Ethan! I definitely felt bad for him frequently, and I also felt angry at him, which aided in him being such a multi-faceted character that I ended up adoring. In the end, he called himself out, and it's a lot to go through everything he did and still make it. I wasn't too keen on Nora in the beginning, but I quickly loved her. I also really loved Reneta and wished we got more of her. After the whole leaked photos thing with Audrey, I was really hoping for more in terms of redemption from her, though.

World-Building: I mean, it's based on a real place, but it was still done really well!

Overall, this book comes out June 14th and I'd absolutely recommend you grab it and read it! It gives the perfect mixture of romance and plot that keeps you wanting to read more.

Thank you to Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for my honest review,

I flew through this book! I'm talking binge-it-in-one-sitting and do-I-really-need-snack-breaks and sleep-is-for-the-weak flying. I absolutely loved this book and I am so grateful to have read it early. I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy.

This book begins with two actors (Grey and Ethan) who begin a fake relationship to further their careers. The chemistry between the two was undeniable. Their first meeting was amazing and it only got better from there. It helps that I always love a good fake-dating story. This is an AMAZING fake dating.

The side characters were amazing as well. Grey's best friend Kamilah is amazing and I love her partner Andromeda. Ethan's ex-wife Nora deserves her own book because I am obsessed with her! Every character, from our main characters to the side characters, was so well developed. Our main characters had amazing arcs and I loved watching their relationships develop.

Ethan's backstory and arc, in particular, was so well written. The last few chapters were easily my favorite of the book because I felt like it was the perfect ending. I can't say much more without spoiling, but this is a must read!

Read this book if you enjoy:
-DILFs
-Fake dating
-Celebrities
-Age gap
-Spice (2/5 spiciness rating)

Be sure to catch "How to Fake It in Hollywood" when it releases June 14.

This book does have some triggering content. Please look up content warnings before hand.

“That was definitely part of it. There was something else, though. Something like . . . recognition, maybe? Like I knew you already. But at the same time, like I’d never run out of things to learn.”

Ava Wilder, what a debut! I laughed and cried on the emotional rollercoaster of hoping that this fake dating relationship between two actors would turn into something more. I loved that Grey and Ethan were authentic and relatable and went through a series of obstacles that challenged the strength of their relationship. With themes of single parenting, not feeling like you’re good enough, death of a friend, embarrassment, and alcohol abuse, the book felt real and raw and really evoked a lot of emotion despite the characters being famous actors. This is definitely categorized in my favorite genre of melancholy romance and I already know I’ll be rereading this again soon. What a great read.

Thanks to Random House Ballantine / Dell for the copy of this ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballantine for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I’m always a sucker for a good fake dating story, especially when said fake dating occurs between two celebrities. There’s nothing better than living the life of the rich and famous vicariously through book characters. Yet, despite two of my favorite tropes in action, this book still fell flat for me, the main reason being the pacing.

The first half of the novel was amazing as Grey and Ethan got to know each other better. The flirting and the sexual tension was on point, but the moment when they finally give into the desires they’ve both been fighting for so long? Anticlimactic. Because suddenly they’re in love with each other and then breaking up.

Which leads me to the second half of the novel. The second half read like an entirely different book with two completely different characters, so it seemed to drag on. The author tried to hint at Ethan’s alcoholism in the first portion (and it’s even included in the synopsis), but it still felt very abrupt and overdramatized.

Honestly, I’m disappointed that I can only give this 3 stars, but then again, that’s been the whole romance genre lately.

First of all I love when a debut is something that knocks it out of the park! I loved the fake dating trope of this romance between Grey and Ethan but the book got so much deeper than surface level. Ethan's addiction was a constant battle for him in so many areas of his life and while his romance with Grey was streamy and something I constantly wanted more of the author didn't simple write off these problems but took a good hard look at mental health and the need for rehab and therapy. I was so glad these important issues were addressed as well as so many important representations sprinkled into the pages of this book. A must read in my opinion!

An infinite amount of stars ♾

Do you judge a book by its cover? I definitely did with this one, absolutely loved the cover but I thought this would be a cute rom-com, but that’s not what I got! This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions, it was just so beautifully written, and the story was so well done! I still can’t believe this is the authors debut novel!

I thought the build up to the HEA was done very well, it had me speeding through the pages because I NEEDED to know what was gonna happen next, I just couldn’t get enough.

This story deals with the heavy topic of addiction, and I believe the author did an amazing job with it. Honestly I think she did and amazing job with all of it, the romance, the steam, the celebrity lifestyle, it just felt so real, so raw.

“If you don’t love me, tell me now. I’ll leave you alone. We can move on with our lives. But if you have any kind of feelings for me . . . it doesn’t even have to be love, if that’s too much. Because I don’t know about you, but it’s way too late for me. I’m already in too deep and it scares the shit out of me, too. I just need to know. I need to know if you . . . if you feel the same.”

How to Fake it in Hollywood is an emotional, steamy, and beautiful fake dating celebrity romance masterpiece and if you haven’t already, go preorder this book, I mean it! Go now!!

How to Fake it in Hollywood is out June 14, 2022!

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Rating: 4.25/5
Content Warnings: Alcoholism, Death of a Friend
Read if You Like: Bend Towards the Sun, One Night on the Island
Steam: 3/5
Tropes: Fake Dating, Forced Proximity, Age Gap, Grumpy/Sunshine, Only One Bed, Single Parent

Thank you to Random House- Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley for access to this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. How to Fake It in Hollywood will be released on June 14th, 2022.

Things I Loved: The characters felt so realistic and relatable. This books was so consumable, I was enthralled with the whole story and read it in two sittings. This book was a lot more serious and poignant than you would expect based on the cover and I adored it. Talked about the difficulties of being in Hollywood and the toll it can take on individuals. The banter was fantastic, it had me laughing at times. I loved Grey’s character, she was so relatable to me with her struggles. Grey and Nora’s relationship. The tension/dynamic between Ethan and Grey, it was palpable. Ethan’s character had the biggest arc, he was messy and real. You could feel his pain and just wanted to hug him. Therapy and the focus on fixing/taking care of yourself before being there for someone else. That poster, omg I could cry.

Things I Didn’t Like: I think the cover and blurb does this book a disservice, this wasn’t a romcom and I feel people could be disappointed. The pacing felt off at times but I was so invested in this story!

I can’t wait to see what’s next for Ava Wilder! This debut was such a delightful surprise and I can’t wait to have a physical copy!

I saw that Jen Devon (author of Bend Toward the Sun, coming out August 9, 2022) gave this book 5 stars, so I immediately requested it on Netgalley. While I wouldn't give it the same perfect rating, I understand entirely why Devon did. The writing is good, and the characters feel incredibly realistic.

The plot:
"A talented Hollywood starlet and a reclusive A-lister enter into a fake relationship . . . and discover that their feelings might be more than a PR stunt in this sexy debut for fans of Beach Read and The Unhoneymooners."

While it's not unusual for me to read a book in one sitting, I will say that I was reading this on a 6 train that completely shut down for 35 minutes between stations, and I wasn't even mad about it. Fellow New Yorkers will know how remarkable that is. I don't usually love books/tv shows/or movies set in Hollywood, but this one felt approachable to me, and I was instantly drawn into the world. The book felt more profound and poignant than your typical rom-com, and it was a great interpretation of the fake dating trope as it actually made sense for them to put on the charade.

Some twists and turns in the story broke the typical structure of a rom-com novel that I initially didn't like, but upon further reflection, it made sense. Although I really enjoyed this book, I don't think I can rate it higher than a 3.5 as it's not joyful enough to be one I'll reread. I would, however, be very interested in any future books by Ava Wilder.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Dell for sharing a digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.

“I’ve never felt anything like it. It was just this… pull. I felt it the first time I saw you. And it just kept getting stronger the more I got to know you.”

Grey Brooks has been acting since she was a little kid, but got her breakout start from starring in a popular teen show but since the series finale, she hasn’t found any luck with other roles. Ethan Atkins is an Oscar award winning actor that has been keeping a low profile ever since his messy divorce and the death of his best friend, and his struggles with alcoholism. The only thing that these two have in common is that their careers are in need of a boost and the only way to do that is if they’re in a fake relationship for a PR stunt.

This story had me in a range of different emotions: it made me smile, laugh, and even had me tear up with the heavy situations. Ethan went through A LOT publicly and having your private/personal life be shared with the world was something that made me want to give him a hug. I’m still in awe that this Ava Wilder’s debut novel! Beautifully written!

🎥READ IF YOU LIKE🎥:
- dual POV
- fake dating/PR stunt
- single dad
- enemies to lovers
- witty banter
- age gap
- forced proximity
- starlet actress x heartthrob actor
- only one bed
- Hollywood romance
- inclusivity: non-binary character, LGBTQ+ representation

cw: alcoholism, drugs, divorce, death of loved one, grief, body shaming, misogyny, cheating, revenge porn, trust issues

Thank you to @netgalley for the advanced copy! How to Fake it in Hollywood is available on June 14, 2022!

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting. I was mostly expecting a fluffy fake dating rom-com but make it celebrity’s book but it really wasn’t that. Yes it had those elements but it had so much more. It covered addiction and the trauma of being in Hollywood. Through Ethan you see pitfalls of fame and the journey of forgiving yourself and recovery. Ethen and Grey are an amazing couple that you will 100% want to read the journey of through their ups and downs. Was I surprised by the direction of this book? Yes. Did I like it despite this? YES!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an eARC of this book

Grey Brooks is struggling to find work since the teen soap opera she starred in has ended. Ethan Atkins just wants to get drunk and have everyone to leave him alone since his creative partner/best friend died and his wife divorced him. However, if he wants to make the last movie he and his partner were working on, Ethan needs to get back into the spotlight. Their mutual publicist suggests they fake a relationship for a few months to get their names out there and help their careers. For their own reasons, each agrees.

I expected a romcom from the cover, and it delivered on the romance, but there were heavier topics covered too, such as addiction. I’m a sucker for a fake relationship trope, and this one did not disappoint! I was shocked to learn after finishing the book that this is the author’s debut novel. I will definitely be checking out her future books!

Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book.

4/5 ⭐️
thank you to random house publishing for this arc! this novel will be released on june 14th, 2022.

i went into this book expecting a lighthearted rom-com about fake dating. instead, i got a drama that absolutely ripped up my heart.
this was such an awesome debut for ava wilder!!
grey is an actress who is recently out of work and looking for her next big break. her agent sets up a fake dating publicity stunt with grey’s teenage celebrity crush, ethan, in an attempt to boost their popularity. ethan’s agent hope this will pull ethan out of his addiction riddled life to finally finish a project he was working on with his best friend sam, before sam tragically passed away. right off the bat, the couples connection is undeniable and sets their whirlwind story in motion.
i absolutely loved the fake dating and actor/actress romance. i would honestly argue that this book is, yes a romance, but more do a story of character growth. i absolutely loved grey and ethan’s character development and their banter. the author takes on difficult issues such as addiction, alcoholism, harassment, tragic death, l sexual assault, and the darker side of fame, but handles them with care. this book felt so real to me because the characters were genuine and flawed and the issues discussed are prominent in today’s world. my only reason for docking one star is that i wish there had been more romance between grey and ethan. i personally didn’t feel that there was enough chemistry between them.
overall, i really enjoyed this book. the tropes were awesome, the characters and their development was beautifully written, the word choice throughout was phenomenal, the issues discussed were honest, and i cannot wait for more titles from this author.

grey’s stomach fluttered. “so what sealed the deal? was it when i told you to fuck off and die?” he laughed, a real laugh from deep in his chest. “what can I say? you know how to make a first impression.”

I love to hear what famous people’s lives are REALLY like, and this one did not disappoint! I find it so fascinating to see what famous people do (or are required to do) to stay in or out of the limelight. The novel includes some fun tropes: fake dating, one bed, etc etc…. But none of the cheesiness (yay!) And a guy who was troubled but not in an annoying way… in a very, very real way. The resolution is also authentic - including people actually going to therapy to get help and it takes years… not just a few “I love you” conversations.

I was enthralled- I never wanted to stop reading. I laughed, almost cried, and cheered and smiled for the characters. I REALLY enjoyed this fun, steamy, captivating novel! It comes out in June- make sure you grab it 🥰

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for the galley!

I always really love the fake dating trope, which is why I requested a copy of this. I was expecting a typical, cutesy rom-com, but this one is surprisingly angsty, and I live for it. I thought this did a good job of touching on more serious subjects without becoming super depressing, too. Also, I would totally watch Poison Paradise.