Member Reviews

3 stars!

I was excited for this because although I ended up DNFing this authors previous romance, I was still really drawn into the description of this one. I think unfortunately it's always hard for me to get behind enemies to lovers in a contemporary romance because how can you truly be enemies? I also didn't really like either main character, and kept forgetting that they were in their 30s because they had the maturity level of high schoolers. It also took so long for them to get together when it was clear they were interested in each other and a relationship.

I think unfortunately as much as I'd really like her to be, Ava Wilder may not be the author for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

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This is my first read by Ava Wilder, I find myself torn. While I appreciated the craftsmanship of her writing and was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the plot, I couldn't shake the feeling that the narrative occasionally meandered, elongating the story unnecessarily. Moreover, conflicts seemed to resolve too easily, merely through a brief conversation and mutual comprehension, which left me wanting for more complexity.

Nevertheless, what truly captivated me was the remarkable character development. Lilah and Shane emerged as vivid, authentic individuals, and their relationship felt refreshingly genuine amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Their dynamic was raw and palpable, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative that I found thoroughly engaging.

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This was such a cute read, I'm a sucker for celebrity romances. Second chance, celebrity, dual pov, enemies to lovers, and some slow burn spice. Really enjoyed the anxiety reputation while it was still funny and witty! I think I liked it even more than her first book, which was also great!

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Will They or Won’t They focuses on two Hollywood stars who debuted in a teen paranormal drama TV show. The lead female leaves the show after the 5th season, but comes back to reboot her career and possibly her romance with her co-star.

Now, let’s chat about the book itself.

What I liked:
I’m always a fan of lovers to enemies to lovers trope. You’re left guessing at every turn of the page, will these two get together?

What I also enjoyed was how our two MC’s question their career choices. They both embark on a journey of sorts, wondering if their careers are fulfilling enough while searching for their own passion, not only for each other, but for their separate careers.

What didn’t work for me:
I get that this was a tug-of-war between two people who have a past romance history. Who are working on a possible second chance romance. But when the uncertainty of being together is the entire book (I’m aware of the title 😂) I honestly, started to lose interest.

Halfway through the book I was already inwardly screaming can we PLEASE pick if they will be together or not because I’d really like to get to the ending preferably with a happy ending...

If you love Hollywood romances, dual POV’s, and enemies-to-lovers definitely give this one a try.

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I really liked the premise of this book and was really looking forward to reading it. It took me awhile to get interested in this book. I didn’t find the characters super captivating and with so many other books out there, I paused this one for awhile. I really like Ava Wilder and cannot wait to give her next book a try.

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Thank you Random House Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own!

Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy are madly in love or should we say their characters are. As the star of a hit show Intangible, Lilah and Shane spent years pining for each other onscreen...until Lilah ditches the show at the end of the season five in hopes of becoming a movie star. With no luck she is back to film for the final season in which Lilah and Shane's characters will get together at last. But coming back means facing one of the biggest reasons she left: Shane. Ever since their secret behind-the-scenes fling imploded at the end of season one, the two of them have despised each other. As there hate escalates they are asked to go to couples therapy just to make the show bearable for the others involved. However, as they work on becoming civil does the unexpected happen?

I thought this one was just okay. I did not really connect with either characters. Though I am a sucker for enemies to lovers that is what kept me reading. Unfortunately I just did not get fully into the story. I do have a feeling that some will really enjoy this one though. It could have also just been a great book at the wrong time.

Content: Swearing, sex scenes

Read if you enjoy:
Enemies to Lovers
Costars to Lovers
Romance
Movies

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Thank you to Random House and Netgalley for this eARC (even if I'm VERY late with the review).

I loved Shane and Lilah's chemistry! Their connection was evident from the very beginning with a well-executed meet cute that set the tone for the rest of the story. I appreciated that the level of angst was slightly lower than Ava Wilder's "How to Fake It In Hollywood" but there was still a substantial amount of drama to work through and kept me engaged.

There were a lot of times where I felt like yelling at them, "Just kiss already!" But I enjoyed how both of the main characters' arcs felt complete with each other and in their careers. As always, Wilder writes people who feel lived in and raw in their emotions, making her a must-buy for me moving forward.

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"How to Fake It In Hollywood" was a standout of 2022 for me, but unfortunately "Will They or Won't They" just didn't have the same magic for me. I wasn't as invested in the relationship or the characters and was left feeling disappointed. That said, I'll absolutely pick up Wilder's next book.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I loved this book! The tension jumps off the pages and these characters were wonderful. Wilder has quickly become an autobuy author for me!

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DNF @ 36%

The book started out strong for me but I slowly found myself wanting to read it less and less. There wasn't anything in particular. It just wasn't pulling me in anymore.

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

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This was a cute second chance, enemies to lovers story. I liked having dual POV. I listened and read along and really enjoyed the audio. However, I just didn’t feel like I connected to the characters as much as I would liked. It started off a little slow for me, the middle toward the end was good, and then the ending was just okay for me. Thank you netgalley for an e-copy to read and review. ☺️

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I really enjoyed this book!

Lilah and Shane were compelling characters and their disagreements were realistic and understandable. I've read Ava Wilder's other book and my thoughts on that one were very similar - her characters are consistently well developed and vibrant, and the way that they address heavy topics through the framework of behind the scenes in Hollywood. Like her debut, this book is not a light romcom, so don't expect it to be an easy, quick read - it is deep and gritty and emotional, but in a way that is somehow very enjoyable.

I highly recommend both of Wilder's books, and am excited to read what comes next from her.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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I loved this! The story and development of the characters were top notch! This was a great enemies to lovers book and loved the tie in with the paranormal tv series. The ending was fantastic too. Thank you so much for the ARC!

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I absolutely loved, Faking it in Hollywood, Ava Wilder's debut novel, so when I saw her second book being released I automatically knew I had to read it. I was a little disappointed and would only give this book 3 stars.

Lilah and Shane stared on long-running, popular TV show together, until Lilah decided to leave the show to move on to bigger and better things. However, it's 10 years later and those bigger and better things never really came. The network wants to do a reunion, but Lilah and Shane can't stand each other, ever since their massive break up after the season one wrap party.

This book felt a little frustrating at times. Shane had many insecurities and Lilah would go after every one of them and then would be in disbelief over the things Shane would say in retaliation. When they weren't throwing barbs at each other, I really liked them together as a couple and found myself rooting for them, despite rolling my eyes every time they acted like teenagers.

Overall, I really enjoy Ava Wilder's writing style, I just wish the MCs would have communicated a little better throughout the book (I understand when they were younger, but felt a little repetitive after 10 years.) I think if you enjoyed her first novel, you should give this one a try, I'll definitely be reading any future novel's she publishes.

I'd like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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I haven't had the time to read Ava Wilder's first book all the way through but after reading this one, I am 100 percent going to go back and read "How to Fake It in Hollywood." This book was adorable, and another one I can predict being turned into a movie and/or trending on booktok!
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Lilah and Shane were cast on a new tv show as unknown actors. The paranormal show becomes an overnight sensation. Onscreen, they’re in love. Off screen, they can’t stand each other. It’s not how things started between Lilah and Shane, but will that be how they end between them?

I love second chance romances and Will They Or Won’t They is one of the best ones that I’ve ever read! This one had so much angst, palpable tension, secret pining, and smoking hot chemistry.

Will They Or Won’t They is special because:
— Lilah and Shane are great characters individually and as a couple; they are real, relatable, and petty at times, but they love and support each other fiercely
— with the flashbacks and dual POVs, we get all of the juicy details of why this couple didn’t work in the past
— there’s clear growth for both characters
— the story pairs lightheartedness (the banter is chef kiss) with real issues (Lilah’s anxiety and Shane dealing with moving on after being on a long-running tv show) giving this romance so much depth
— the discussion of the dark side of celebrity and the challenges of being part of a celebrity couple

I could go on for a while but I’ll stop there. Trust me, this one is special.

Ava Wilder is an auto-buy author for me. Her debut How To Fake It in Hollywood was a favorite of 2022 and Will They Or Won’t They was one of my 2023 top 5 reads as well. I can’t wait to read whatever Ava Wilder writes next!

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4.5 STARS!

AVA WILDER has done it again!! I truly think she's one of the few people who can write celebrity romances, perfectly!

I loved the way their story unfolded and how they each grew as people and a couple! I wish we would’ve gotten an epilogue but mostly because I am a sucker for those, but the ending had me all giggly🤭

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This book was wonderful. I loved the character arcs, the will they/wont they, the pining and their history… it was fun, sexy, and serious all at the same time.

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**4/5 Stars**

Romance novel with a dual timeline, celebrity theme, and enemies-to-lovers trope.

Lilah and Shane, two complex characters, have a tumultuous romance on and off set. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their inability to communicate and trust each other leads to a rollercoaster of emotions.

The book is a love-hate-love-hate romance, with plenty of steamy moments (🌶️🌶️🌶️). While some readers might find the language a bit too salty, the story is engaging and the characters are well-developed.

The book concludes with a satisfying ending, but if you're looking for a little more closure, the author has written a 20-page epilogue that's available in her newsletter. Overall, a fun and sexy read for fans of romance! 😊

Thank you Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this digital ARC!

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Probably one of the best books of the year. I loved seeing the different versions of their story and how they grew back together after their time apart. This really makes me want more by this author.

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