I'm a sucker for a good fake dating story, and Ava Wilder did not disappoint with this one!

I loved the progression of Grey & Ethan's relationship. The pacing of the book was great, and it really pulled me into the story.

The book talks about many heavy topics, and I think Wilder handled these really well. The character development that the author created was fantastic and much deeper than I usually expect in rom-coms.

I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Review to be posted on GoodReads and Instagram (skylers_shelfie) on 6/1/22

This book was a fantastic read! We love a fake dating trope, and this has all the elements to make it great! Both the main characters had so much life to them, and the character development was excellent.

🚨 Preorder Alert 🚨
If you’re a fan of Ella Maise then you need to add How To Fake It In Hollywood to your preorder list stat! Releases on 6/14 - right in time for all of those beach vacations!

Swipe -> for the Goodreads synopsis

This debut from @avawilderwrites was such a delightful gem. The story was so good - we both loved the chemistry (and spice!) of Ethan and Grey. The struggles that they worked through as well as (most) of their circumstances were super relatable which doesn’t always happen in books based Hollywood (or really anywhere in CA). The writing style was in line with Ella Maise so fans of her books would really enjoy this one!

Thanks to @avawilderwrites and @netgalley for the chance to read and review this gem. It surprised us both in the best way possible and we look forward to reading more I the future from Ava Wilder!

I liked this a lot. In general, fake dating is not my favorite romance trope, but it is really fun when it’s a celebrity pr stunt. The storyline was great and I really loved Grey.

There is a big content warning for alcoholism and I think a big part of my problem not fully enjoying this book is that the substance abuse is not addressed until the very end. While I really liked the ending, I wish the timeline were a bit different.

Overall, a really wonderful story and I can’t wait to read more from Ava Wilder.

Video made on tiktok in reference to this book. Review will be posted on book blog and Goodreads as well. Will update once posted.

I enjoyed this fun rom com but didn’t love it. I loved the story and the chemistry between the main characters and the writing and pace were good too. In a rom com I only ever expect one point of conflict between the MCs and then they get back together and them it’s one big happy ending. Spoiler Alert…theres 2 in this book and I did not like that! I also had difficulty with the alcoholism in this book but felt the author did a good job with it. It just wasn’t something I was comfortable reading. Overall it’s a good book and if you love rom coms and getting a glimpse into the lives a celebrity couple then definitely read this book.

Omg I loveddddd this book!! Loved the set up, the secret lives of fake celebrities, the character development, all of it. I cried, I laughed, I smiled big from the chemistry and the cuteness, I loved it!

First of all, fake dating is one of my favorite romance tropes. And I am very interested in the ins and outs of the Hollywood fake dating scene. While this started off very lighthearted and fluffy, it took a hard turn into a poignant look at dealing with grief. While I liked the serious tone, and I felt like there were seeds laid out throughout the book, I felt like the pacing good have been better.

Overall I thought this was an excellent read. It had a little bit of everything. From a cute budding romance with a bit of spice, into a look into what unresolved grief can do to a person.

Ava Wilder (who I keep almost referring to as Ava Gardner LOL) is a beautiful writer. There were times while reading HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD that I got so lost in the pages, I lost all sense of time and space, which rarely happens to me! I really enjoyed Grey and Ethan's love story, how it developed and imploded before they found their way back to each other, all against a backdrop of the Hollywood/NYC acting scene. I didn't find the age different glaring at all, possibly because Grey was mature beyond her age and Ethan was...well, less mature! There was a lot of depth to this story (alcoholism, death of a friend, parental estrangement) and while it's not a romantic comedy as much as a contemporary romance, there were definitely a few chuckle-worthy moments. I loved the obvious reference to Lindsay Lohan! If you like steam, you'll be happy although it wasn't gratuitous at all. For fans of Emily Henry and Bridget Morrisey. I got some real A Star Is Born vibes at one point and was comforted knowing this was a romance with a guaranteed HEA.

How to Fake It in Hollywood is a debut novel by Ave Wilder so I had no idea what to expect, however, one of the taglines for this book said that fans of Beach Read and The Unhoneymooners would love so I had to pick this one up and see how it would turn out. This book follows the romance between an actor and an actress and even though it seems like a light romance, it does deal with some serious and heavy stuff that would require trigger warnings. The only reason why I did not like this as much is that the romance did not feel too real or solid to me, I think their relationship would have worked better if the trope was enemies to lovers because then it would have created some kind of tension and angst. But, overall it was a fun fake dating story with a very cute cover.

How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder explores what happens when two celebs in very different places in their life and careers enter into a fake PR relationship. Ethan Atkins has become a recluse in recent years, he used to be the big man in Hollywood making movies with his best friend and being married to a gorgeous actress in her own right (I imagine this character was inspired by Ben Affleck if you follow...) but since the death of his creative partner he has been on a downward spiral. Divorce, struggles with drinking, no work...you know. Grey Brooks on the other hand has just finished a long running vampire teen soap and is trying to figure out if she will ever work again.

I absolutely loved the story of Grey and Ethan! I love a celebrity romance book, sue me! I won't go into too much for detail but these characters are complicated and messy and their journey together is captivating.

Perfect beach read or if you need a break from all of the heaviness in the world (although this book isn't a total breeze).

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC - How to Fake it in Hollywood is out 6/14/22. I will publish my review and additional information in my newsletter out on 6/1/22.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Grey Brooks is an up-and-coming actress and Ethan Atkins is a reclusive A-lister, both in need of some good PR. The two sign on to a contract to start fake dating as a way to beneficially help both of their careers. But, as we avid readers know, this proves to be a bit more complicated than originally intended when they both catch feelings, much to their mutual dismay.

This book was so much more than the fake dating trope I love dearly! This book made my pulse race and heart break in the best of ways. Through Grey & Ethan’s ups and downs, I never stopped rooting for them! But don’t be fooled by the cover of this novel. This book deals with overcoming grief, alcoholism, learning to love, and being your best self not only for the ones you love but for your own benefit. This book was an absolute hit, and can I just say… I can’t wait for this book to be on the big screen one day! Ava Wilder has created a cast of characters who leap off the page. I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!

This book will be released on 6/14/22.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House - Ballentine for approving me for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book is so special. I was expecting a light-hearted, summer-y beach read type of romance book, but that is not what this is at all. This book is quite frank about the realities of celebrity life, committed relationships and personal addiction/mental health struggles.

The romance aspects of this book are wonderful. There was plenty of steam and the chemistry between Grey and Ethan just leaped off the pages. Not to mention it contained two of my absolute favorite tropes: fake dating and forced proximity! The romance scenes in this book were some of the best I've read in a while and for that reason, I can already see this book becoming one of my favorite romances of the year.

The last third of the book tripped me up a little bit - it felt much less like a romance book and more like a drama or even just contemporary fiction. I didn't necessarily dislike the character development of Ethan and Grey individually towards the end, but it seemed a little off-kilter with the rest of the book.

Overall, I loved this book and the message of making a relationship work while growing independently was important. There are so many deeper themes in this novel that make it an insightful read beyond the romance aspect. I think I'd give this book 4.5/4.75 stars - the last third was a little incongruous, but Ethan and Grey's story has my heart nonetheless and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Book~ How to fake it in Hollywood
Author~ @avawilderwrites
Genre~ Contemporary Romance Fiction
Rating~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 💫 (4.5)/5
Pub Date~ June 14, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for this title.♡♡

Synopsis - 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 . But after decades in a ruthless industry that requires bulletproof emotional armor to survive , are they too used to faking it to open themselves up to the real thing ?

My review and opinions are completely honest and genuine.
I was in a reading rut and going from one book to the next when I came across this one and couldn't put it down.
First and first, I must state that I adore the fake dating trope. It's one of my all-time favourite romance plots.

I was so excited to read something intriguing, interesting, and with Hollywood critique of the false romance stereotype after reading the blurb and being enamoured by this wonderful cover! Instead of romance or a beautiful romcom, I was treated to an angry drama that tore my heart out!

There's no way to prepare for Ava Wilder's genius in HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD. Wilder demonstrates her mastery of writing and character by immersing you in the sensitive, raw, madly romantic souls of our heroes, Ethan and Grey, beneath the dazzling Hollywood lights. As each heart-pounding story element revealed, I found myself racing to read the following page. This is a passionate, swoony, heartfelt storey that deserves an unlimited number of stars, and one that I won't soon forget.

So do I recommend this book? Ofcourse I do, you shouldn't miss this one!

I really enjoy this cute story. The plot kept me interested and I will definitely recommend to my friends!

Thank you Net Galley and Random House/ Ballantine for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Reading the blurb I was expecting a fun rom/com but How to Fake It in Hollywood had so much more substance, depth and angst. Grey Brooks is trying to keep her career afloat and A lister Ethan Atkins has turned into a recluse. Together they embark an a fake dating sham to resurrect their careers. As you can imagine everything does not go according to plan, especially when feelings get involved. Beyond this storyline there are real issues of substance abuse and death of a loved one addressed. This is not all laughs and banter although there are those moments but true struggle, just like in life. Overall I really enjoyed this read and will look forward to checking out more from Ava Wilder in the future.
This will be published on my accounts in goodreads & thestorygraph on March 24th, 2022

*Thank you to Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley for the ARC. This will be posted 03.24.22 on GoodReads*

I’m sure you can relate to this feeling. When you have an itch you can’t reach and you ask someone to scratch it for you but no matter how how many times you try to redirect the person, they don’t ever hit the spot. It’s soooo close, there’s some relief, but that pure satisfaction just didn’t come. That’s how I would describe reading How To Fake It In Hollywood.

The story started off so promising and I was engaged right away. I kept thinking, “wow if the first few chapters were excerpts, I’d immediately shelve it on my TBR” especially since this book ticks a lot of my favorite trope boxes (fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, secret pining, age gap…oh my).

The premise of this story centers around Grey, a talented (but underutilized and currently unemployed) actress and Ethan, an older A-list actor whose past tragedies kept his star from continuing to shine. They mutually enter into a contact to fake date for 6 months to help them both get into the spotlight.

Now for my gripes. Honestly, it’s just one big one. I can understand the attraction Grey has for Ethan early on considering her tween crush on him but I just didn’t buy his supposed reciprocal, hidden feelings. I don’t mind “insta love” but their chemistry simply didn’t feel genuine here.

Maybe the book would’ve worked better from one perspective instead of both so Ethan could just be mysterious and brooding instead of pining for her when Grey hadn’t even dazzled ME as the reader. Their initial interactions are understandably strained but it’s sometimes so awkward I don’t even want to be in the same room as them (there was a line about Grey being relieved for conversation starters for the “couple” to get to know each other via a website and honestly, I felt the same, that particular plot point needed some guidance).

Regrettably, I think that’s why I couldn’t sink my teeth into the rest of the story since the beginning was so far fetched *feelings* -wise, even though the rest of the book was plenty meaty enough (the content did get a lot heavier than other fluffier romances I’ve read…TW: alcoholism).

I know, get over it, their relationship gets better throughout the book, but I could not nor did not want to suspend my disbelief. Their romance hinged on that initial growing attraction, ok!!

HTFIIH was trending as a 3.5 star reading, but I bumped it up a half star to a solid 4, because I flat out enjoyed the steamy scenes. Sometimes it takes me out of the story when an author starts using too many euphemisms for genitalia and the scenes go on for way too long but this was exactly how I like it…just like a sweet, hot, satisfying vanilla latte.

I did throughly enjoy the author’s writing style since my biggest grievance with a book is when a character’s inner monologue is too repetitive, so I hope I will read more from Wilder with more fleshed out characters in the future. It’s a great debut novel with interesting narratives and I’m sure it’ll be a hit when it gets published June 2022.

3.5 rounded up to 4. The reason this one is slightly lower for me is it is very similar vibes to a soon to be released Funny You Should Ask which I am obsessed with right now.

Big content warning for alcoholism/consumption. The male lead drinks a lot throughout the book but it isn't addressed as an issue until the last 1/4 of the book really.

But to the good stuff. I loved Grey. I loved her personality and her willingness to grow and learn while still having her own hang ups. I find Hollywood stories interesting and loved that this started as a PR stunt (looking at you Pete + Kim) and turned into more.

Definitely a fun one to pick up!

This was a really great read. I loved the fake dating trope! I definitely recommend reading this book! It was an angst rom-drama. ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange
for an honest review.

This was a really fun book that was deeper than I expected. What I thought would be a cute romance base in Hollywood turned into a more serious story. Granted it had a lot of light moments, but I loved the way hard topics like grief and addiction were handled. I appreciate that the author didn't take the easy way out in giving the characters a happy ending quickly. She really developed the characters and showed that love can exist between two flawed people. I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would and would read another book by Ava Wilder.