I love second chance romances and dual POV! I haven’t read many romances of actors dating so it was very exciting. Will They or Won’t They felt like going behind the scenes of the 2010s CW shows I loved. I have to say Lilah and Shane were pretty unlikable in the start since they were really focused on disliking each other. I’m definitely a person who prefers the MMC to always be pining. But I loved seeing them grow. I also enjoyed the contrast of how Lilah and Shane got into acting.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Dell for this ARC!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ava Wilder for the ARC.

I personally couldn’t get past the first 15-20% because I just couldn’t connect with the characters or get into the story.

I’m so glad others have loved this book and recommend still giving it a chance in case they connect with you!

Will they or Won’t They is a delightful romance full of banter, spice, and Hollywood! Lila and Shane’s chemistry is crackling on and off-screen.

This newest release from Wilder takes place in the same world as her debut, How to Fake it in Hollywood, with similar angst, healing, and celebrity drama to keep you going.

This one was fun because it followed two characters who have known each other a while since they've been on a hit show together for years. They're presently enemies after a bad breakup among other things years ago.

There was something missing from their relationship that made me not fully love it. I don't feel like they received the healing in the relationship they needed to move forward. I needed something more to feel comfortable with how much they've hurt each other. And why were they still acting immaturely towards each other at the end of the book? Why hadn't they grown up?

Overall, this was a good book, but not romantic enough for me. I would have been perfectly happy skipping this one, but since it wasn't poorly written, it's 3.5 stars from me.

Thanks to Random House for an advanced copy! I’ve really enjoyed Ava Wilder’s focus on Hollywood and this was no exception. While it didn’t quite fire on all cylinders like her previous book (a debut that was seriously impressive and had a slightly more compelling romance), I still had a really fun time!

💖 Anxiety rep
💖 Jewish rep
💖 Hollywood actors
💖 Then & now timeline
💖 Therapy positive
💖 Enemies to lovers
💖 Dual POV

The chemistry between Lilah and Shane is off the charts. From their first audition to the 9th season of their hit show it’s been a series of ups and downs.

Lilah is a Julliard trained actress who struggles with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and doesn’t let anyone in, including Shane. I won’t give too much away here but it causes issues in their relationship then and now.

Shane was working the lunch shift at The Vine, a popular LA restaurant, when he was discovered. His insecurity about acting and being ‘good enough’ carries through his career.

There's drama between them (too much for me, tbh) and being forced back together for work also forces them to reexamine their feelings.

Ava Wilder. was recommended to me by @book.sleeves.and.recipes who has very similar book tastes to me. So when she snagged a copy of Will They or Won't They, I knew I had to try and score myself a copy too. Thank you Random House- Ballantine for granting me access to this title via @NetGalley.

If you haven't read How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder, I also highly recommend reading it! Will They or Won't has all the chemistry and unresolved baggage that I love in a book. Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy may play characters who are in love on screen. However, off screen the two can't stand each other. Lilah's character on the paranormal hit show is being reprised. Although she isn't thrilled to be returning, it does force her to finally confront Shane and the messy way they imploded their relationship after an off-screen hookup all those years ago.

I found Lilah's character to be relatable. She initially branched off from the show hoping to get her big break, but ultimately, it fell flat. Throughout her life, Lilah has been dealing with a generalized anxiety disorder and acting was one of the places she found most inner peace. Returning to the show, however, isn't creating a sense of calm for her. I appreciated the awareness in the book and I also enjoyed that Shane and Lilah attend therapy together and apart.

I really enjoyed How to Fake It in Hollywood and Will They or Won't They while different still delivers what Ava Wilder does best, a romance that makes you root for the characters as individuals while hoping for their HEA together!

With now two books to her name, Ava Wilder has become known for her Hollywood/celebrity romances. I didn't read her first release, How to Fake It in Hollywood, which came out last summer, but her sophomore release is apparently emotionally lighter. Wilder says this book is about "drama, not trauma." I can definitely get on board with that description, in two different senses of the word. The two main characters, Lilah and Shane, co-star in a paranormal drama (literal drama). And the conflicts between them felt over-the-top dramatic at times.

Will They or Won't They is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance. Heavy on the enemies, light on the lovers. After a tumultuous secret, behind-the-scenes affair, Lilah left the show (because of her fallout with Shane) to star in a movie that flopped at the box office. She now is back for a final season, where tensions are still high between her and Shane. Like, so high that they can hardly stand to be in the same room as each other.

I had high hopes for this book! But I just didn't feel that sizzling connection between Shane and Lilah, apart from maybe the physical. The time jumps didn't benefit the story and stilted any growing connection between the two of them. It is such a slow burn that it was hard for me to get into, and I ended up skimming some parts because it just felt repetitive and monotonous. The pacing was slowww, slowerrrrrrrrrr, BAMfast. I think there was too much information thrown at us. Information that we were told and not shown. I didn't quite understand the premise of their show, but I also didn't care enough to go back and learn. I love when I can connect to side characters as much or even more than the main characters, but between the many co-stars, directors, casting agents, past flames, etc., I just couldn't keep the side characters straight in this one. There are too many characters that aren't critical to the plot.

I liked Shane more than Lilah (it feels so misogynistic to hate on the female main character, but she is just so insufferable!). I felt for him when Lilah shut down on him. He was more relatable to me because he came off as warmer and more in touch with his feelings. In my opinion, Lilah is commitment-phobic in an off-putting way. Color me shocked that she is the one who has been in therapy her whole life (for generalized anxiety disorder), because she is so detached from her emotions. I'm sure this wasn't the author's intention, but it felt like Lilah only had anxiety to make her more relatable, and to make us empathize with her standoffishness (which I couldn't). The way she is so dismissive of Shane's feelings really bothered me. But Shane doesn't get off scot-free either, because he also makes some questionable decisions and says some hurtful things. They both tend to act like immature teenagers sometimes, instead of the 30-something-year-olds they are. Don't get me wrong, I love messy, flawed characters, but their flaws seem incompatible in a toxic, volatile way.

I liked the couples therapy for on-screen-not-in-real-life couples, but it felt underdeveloped, like Wilder abandoned it partway through. We saw maybe two therapy sessions in the beginning before it stopped being mentioned entirely. (But, now that they're a real couple, I strongly suggest they go back to couples therapy... just saying.)

There were two scenes that I enjoyed. One, the rehearsal for the big "first kiss" scene between their two characters. I liked how their feelings merged with their characters' feelings when they discussed why their characters might be frustrated/hurt or scared. The parallels were well-done. And two, the phone conversation on Christmas night (Lilah's Jewish so doesn't celebrate) where Lilah encourages Shane to take an opportunity. Aside from when she stands up to a tyrant director for herself and the rest of the cast, this was possibly the only other scene that I liked Lilah, but it was short-lived. I would have liked to have more of these moments that showcase Lilah's tender/softer side and highlight her redeemable qualities.

I didn't like the way Lilah and Shane got back together, and I wasn't sold on the ending. It was honestly really bizarre and felt unresolved. Kind of like a happy for now instead of a happily ever after? But I'm also not convinced either of the characters is too happy. It made me wonder if the question is not "will they or won't they" but "should they or shouldn't they."

Thank you so much to the publisher, Random House Publishing Group –Ballantine, Delacorte/Dell for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

A Captivating Rollercoaster of Love and Drama – “Will They or Won’t They” by Ava Wilder

Ava Wilder’s “Will They or Won’t They” is a delightful romantic novel that will have readers swooning and holding their breath until the very end. With its charming blend of love, drama, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood intrigue, this book is a page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy, two talented actors who play star-crossed lovers on the popular paranormal TV show, Intangible. The tension between their characters spills over into real life, as their secret off-screen fling ends in heartbreak, leaving them despising each other. However, fate brings them back together for the show’s final season, where they are expected to finally unite on screen.

Wilder’s writing shines as she skillfully navigates the complexities of Lilah and Shane’s relationship, capturing their palpable chemistry and undeniable connection. The push and pull between them creates a sizzling tension that simmers throughout the narrative, leaving readers eager to discover if they will reconcile or remain at odds.

The author expertly weaves together the on-set dynamics, the pressure of fame, and the intense emotions of the characters. Lilah’s struggle with her failed attempt at movie stardom and her subsequent return to the show adds another layer of depth to the story, allowing readers to empathize with her dreams and aspirations.

What sets “Will They or Won’t They” apart is its exploration of the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The novel delves into the challenges faced by actors who must balance their on-screen personas with their personal lives. Wilder presents this aspect with authenticity, providing glimpses into the inner workings of the entertainment industry and the sacrifices that come with fame.

The pacing of the story is excellent, with well-timed revelations and surprises that keep readers engaged. The romantic tension between Lilah and Shane is palpable, and their interactions are filled with witty banter and undeniable heat. As the stakes rise, and the world watches their every move, readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the much-anticipated climax.

While the plot follows a familiar trope of the “will they or won’t they” dynamic, Wilder injects fresh energy and depth into the story. The characters are well-developed, with flaws and insecurities that make them relatable and endearing. Lilah and Shane’s personal growth throughout the novel is satisfying to witness, and the resolution of their story arc is both heartwarming and believable.

In conclusion, “Will They or Won’t They” is an engrossing romance novel that will captivate readers with its mix of passion, drama, and behind-the-scenes intrigue. Ava Wilder’s writing is engaging and heartfelt, keeping readers invested in the lives of Lilah and Shane until the very end. Fans of the “enemies-to-lovers” trope will find this book an absolute treat.

Rating: 4/5 stars

I loved Ava Wilder's debut novel, How to Fake It in Hollywood. I was nervous this book would not live up to How to Fake It. I am SO happy I was proven wrong - Will They or Won't They is at the same level (maybe even better than How to Fake It).

The plot of Will They or Won't They was so perfect - it reminded me of Vampire Diaries in which the leads date, break up, and can't stand each other. Wilder is able to set beautiful love stories against the backdrop of Hollywood, which is difficult to do without being cheesy or gimmicky.

My favorite thing about Wilder's writing is that she writes genuinely, yet it is NOT cheesy, corny, or cringey in any way. A lot of contemporary romance writers fall into these trap and try to make their main characters so "unique" or "different" with dialogue and inner thoughts to reflect this. Wilder manages to write three-dimensional, realistic characters who have heart and substance.

The romance in this book was perfection - I loved the main characters' journey.

I will always recommend Wilder's books - they are excellent contemporary romances!!!

3.5 stars

I started by really disliking Lilah but grew to like her complexities as a character and really connected with her. The writing made me really feel the pain that the two characters felt.

I did not enjoy the last act, it was an abrupt change of pass, and felt like the author needed to wrap up the book in 50 more pages. The ending did not have the magic that her debut had for me, but I still enjoy the author and will pick up anything she writes.

title: Will They or Won't They

author: Ava Wilder

publisher: Dell

publication date: June 27, 2023

pages: 384

peppers: 3 (on this scale)

warnings:

divorced parents
mental illness
panic attack
drinking/hangovers
summary: Nine years ago, Lilah and Shane got cast together on a television show because of their amazing chemistry. Unable to control said spark at the time, they got together on the down low, but things didn't work out after a year. They stayed together on the show for five years as they progressively became mortal enemies. Now, they haven't seen each other in three years and have been brought back together for the show's final season. The novel alternates between scenes of the present year and ones from the past nine.

tropes:

enemies-to-lovers
second-chance romance
famous people
uncontrollable attraction
what I liked:

Wilder did a great job showing the sparks between them -- both in anger and in lust
Both of the main characters have motivations that make sense
I liked the split time line
They need to get their own stuff together to be able to be together
what I didn’t like:

It does seem that they could have had a serious conversation earlier
overall rating: 4 or 5 (of 5 stars)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC!

I've been looking for a romance between actors that works for me for years so im so glad I liked this one! And also showed me again that i do enjoy second chance romance when theres not too much flashbacks.. The story gripped me, i liked their banter and the angst was great.
When i started the book i was afraid i was not going to enjoy it because i wasnt liking lilah much, but most of all i did not understand what shane liked about her. Fortunately, she grew on me and i started to "feel" the romance. I do like when the most serious/grumpy person in a (straight) relationship is the woman, i feel i do not see much of it and i appreciate it.
However, i do think some actions (not only hers but his too) were too childish for their age and i felt like it was just for the sake of the plot. I understand it in the flashback scenes but there were some cases in the present too. I wasnt enought to ruin the book for me but i can see this being a bigger problem for other people.
And also because their relationship was so chaotic i wanted every problem they had to be resolved before they finally got officially together so after that i could just enjoy them and maybe see them fixing problems they had as individuals so i was a bit annoyed at a chapter at the end even if it was not exactly what it seems (cant say much because of spoilers).

I did enjoy it overall and i cant wait to be able to read other books from the autor!

It looks like I’m in the minority for this one! 🫢

This was a middle of the road, likable read! Just nothing that blew me away and left me with the “omg I must keep going” feeling 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’ve read A LOT of similar romances lately so that probably doesn’t help!

✨enemies to lovers
✨second chance romance
✨Hollywood setting
✨she’s coming back to their hit TV show for one final season
✨general anxiety disorder rep
✨mid-level steam

It started off strong but then the pacing was off - too long in the middle, wrapped up too quickly!

LOVED this. The tension and chemistry was obvious from the beginning, and I couldn't wait to see how this one turned out. Highly recommend to romance fans!

It might be time for me to accept that second chance romance and enemies to lovers are just tropes that don’t work for me. I don’t like seeing our main characters be mean to each other. I was so drawn in by the idea of them working together on a tv show and thought the show sounded like something I would watch. But I just couldn’t get past the mean moments and decided to DNF. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.

This was my first Ava Wilder read and I thought it was so cute! I loved how we lived in the past and the present and I love the relationship these two had. I didn’t believe for one second that these two really hated each other. It was the perfect mix of fun, steam, anger, love, and all the great things you’d want. Excited to reach more of this author!

This one was a hard one for me to rate, but I'm settling on 3.5-3.75 stars.

I'm always a sucker for a Hollywood love story, and I wanted to like this one so much. But it just didn't quite hit for me.

The book follows Lilah and Shane, actors in a popular TV series who have reunited for one, final season, where tension runs thick after their destructive breakup years ago.

I really love Ava's writing, and there were so many passages I marked that rang true to me. Beautiful storytelling! But something about Lilah and Shane's romance didn't do it for me -- whether it was the intense antagonist energy, or the way everything felt shallow? -- I don't know, but I just didn't find myself believing or rooting for it.

But another big issue for was the pacing. Once I felt I'd reached a resolution, I realized I was only at 80%, and what proceeded was a confusing and rushed ending that lacked authentic depth for me. It just wasn't all that satisfying and I wanted a second half with more emotional heft that made their reunion feel more real, deep, and believable.

Obviously, I stilled enjoyed reading it, and will always pick up Ava's book, because I love her and think she's so talented. I'll look out for her next one, and hope this one finds its right audience.

Thank you to Dell and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review. WILL THEY OR WON'T THEY is out June 27th, 2023.

Will They or Won't They - a second chance, slow burn romance novel!

Lilah and Shane met at an audition over 10 years ago. What they didn't know then is they'd both be in a hit television show that spanned a decade.

After the 1st season Lilah and Shane developed a tension fueled relationship. On screen it was all romance, but behind the scenes it was the exact opposite. Lilah left after 5 seasons in hopes of finding success elsewhere. When the show begins to film its 9th and final season, Lilah planned to return, and with that the unresolved tension.

Told in two POVs (Shane & Lilah) we read how both characters struggled with personal issues that they needed to tackle. I struggled with Lilahs character a bit, felt her to be a bit self centered and mean at times. However, I did love their banter, the angst, and the overall story! This was a great read.

Will be sharing my review to Instagram (workin.mama.reads) today!

So, when did it become the cool thing to hate Thanksgiving? That was seriously so stupid. And ironically followed up by the characters still celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude, food, and games. Soooo, again, pointless and stupid. I was rooting for the characters, despite the massive overuse of the f word to the point that it lost all its punch. Ended up skimming the majority of the end because it dragged.