Thank you to Harlequin Romance, Afterglow Books by Harlequin, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!

While I liked Susannah Erwin's overall writing style, including how accessible and conversational it is, and how informed her industry knowledge is, there was such an odd disconnect that I felt from these characters and this story. Love and Other Hollywood Endings takes place on the set of a film that is being talked about as the next huge film that pulls awards and accolades and has incredible writing, but each chapter includes a quote from the script and it sounds like the worst movie ever? It is also really technical about what goes on in a film set, especially on the business end, which might be interesting if you're really into the behind the scenes of a film, but might be boring if you're not.

Sutton and Xavier have no chemistry, despite this technically being a second chance romance. There are scenes that read as if angst is the goal, but I just didn't feel it for these characters. Sutton came across as immature and unwilling to believe what Xavier said at any given time, which somewhat made sense in the beginning but decidedly less so as the story progressed. Xavier is traumatized on multiple levels and knows this and has allowed it to make him become jaded while raising an extremely perceptive child. Instead of addressing his traumas, he just keeps tutting along, which I suppose is realistic, but was frustrating to read. I also disliked that Xavier made the same mistake twice when it came to expressing how he truly felt to Sutton, but I wasn't sure if this was supposed to read as a funny coincidence, so that could just be specific to me. I think the plot spent too much time on the set so much so it made the insertion of a present villain, third act breakup, and resolution all take place in the last 20% of the book—needless to say, the end was a bit rushed.

Overall there were a number of things that didn't work for me about this, but I am open to reading more from this author!

2.5 ⭐️s
1 🌶️

Quick Thoughts: I had a good time.

Love and Other Hollywood Endings is part of Harlequin’s new Afterglow line. The focus of this line seems to combine positives of category romance - tightly woven, fast paced stories - with mainstream contemporary romance settings, modern conflicts, and characters.

If that is the goal, I’d say Love and Other Hollywood Endings succeeds. I read this in one sitting (another night when a category is the only upside to insomnia) and enjoyed the overall story and the romance.

Erwin’s bio says she was an exec in Hollywood and that comes through with enough believable detail to make the actual job details interesting…not just filler. Given recent years where major projects in the real world have been canceled by studios for tax write offs, what Xavier and Sutton go through on their film project feels both timely and a realistic point of external conflict.

The third act of this book did a very good job of zooming out from their clear attraction to each other and brought in the realities of modern love and how Romance is treated today. What does it mean that only films and TV with tragic endings are taken seriously? Also, how often are these decisions to end a film tragically made by people who, for their own personal struggles, no longer believe in love and hope. This bone deep cynicism coming out of a writer’s room leads to disappointment in many audiences who have trauma and tragedy fatigue.

Through Xavier and Sutton, Erwin effectively works through this dismissal of joy and love in Hollywood in a way that is both thought provoking and quite emotionally moving. Their road doesn’t go smoothly, and I think the way they both worked through their hang ups felt realistic even in a very unrealistic (for most of us) setting.

There are misunderstandings here – fairly common in a second chance. But I did like how they both realize they are repeating past mistakes and then call it out. Also, the way they almost repeat the same stumbles feels like a side effect of who they are as people, less so a plot contrivance.

The ending is very satisfying, with both characters going through their change arcs before deciding the other person is their perfect match. The HEA with an epilogue a few years down the line (not common for categories, but a nice pull from Contemporary Romance) feels earned. Overall a very enjoyable story that reads fast and has some fun steamy scenes too.

———
Harlequin Afterglow (March 2024)

Setting: Arizona desert, movie set

Occupations: Film executive (FMC), Film director (MMC)

BIPOC Characters: Secondary characters, yes. MCs, no.

LGBTQIA: Secondary character, yes.

Steam/Spice Level: Open door, in the bed detail. Only a couple of scenes but they are nicely steamy.

POV: third person, dual POV, past tense

Standalone or Series: standalone

Billionaires: Not either MC

Kids: MMC has guardianship over his tween nephew
__________

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the ARC. Expected publish date: Feb 25, 2025

I really enjoyed the setting of this book. I liked the r second chance romance aspect. I wish we had gotten to see more of the side characters, a lot of them seemed great. The tent on the back of the truck scenes were pretty awesome!

This was a really fun romcom set on a movie set. I really loved the general atmosphere of the story and the side characters. Our main characters were second chance romance with a side of miscommunication. I really enjoyed the first half of the book but felt the ending didn't match the tone of the first half. Overall it was a fun read with some steamy moments!

Set in Arizona, a movie is being made that has the potential for greatness. Unbeknownst to director, Xavier,the producer has swindled millions from the production and taken off for parts unknown. In comes Sutton, as a rep for the production company to shut things down but Xavier won't give up without a fight.
Xavier and Sutton have a history, a connection from ten years prior, that ended in miscommunication and neither reaching out for ten full years even though they still think of each other...
Forced proximity ensues as they work together to save the film and budget and there we are.
This was an ok story and romance. These two had so much difficulty communicating. I didn't really feel the attraction between them. The ending was very sweet though.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

4💫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me this eARC for free in exchange for an honest review. It’s publication day!!

This was cute. It didn’t change my life but I enjoyed it. Love a chaotic storyline in a short, witty romance novel. The characters were fun, the scenarios were truly wild, and I loved the chaos of it all. Recommend if you need something to break you from a slump!

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin is a great romance story that seeped in tension and second chance romance.
I thought this story was so wonderful read, featuring a wonderfully relatable main character.
The characters are heartfelt and genuine and Erwin creates a dynamic you truly want to root for.
I really enjoyed this read, and it was definitely one that jerked on my heartstrings and made me feel. 100% recommend this book to my fellow romance lovers. This one will have you in your feels!

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin is an entertaining read that brings the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the forefront, while exploring themes of love, ambition, and second chances. The story follows Sutton Spencer, a screenwriting student whose life takes an unexpected turn when she shares a brief but intense moment with the talented but grumpy indie filmmaker, Xavier Duval. However, just when things seem to be heating up, Xavier disappears without a trace, leaving Sutton uncertain.

Ten years later, Sutton is a movie exec fighting for a VP position, and when she’s offered the chance to oversee Xavier’s troubled sci-fi blockbuster, she jumps at the opportunity. The dynamic between Sutton and Xavier is as electric, but this time, Sutton is in control. She has her own goals now and is determined not to let Xavier's past actions derail her.

What I liked about this book was the chemistry between the leads. Sutton’s growth over the years is noticeable—she’s no longer the naïve screenwriting student but a woman who can hold her own in the fast-paced world of Hollywood. Xavier, on the other hand, remains a bit of an enigma. His gruff exterior hides a more complicated backstory, and while I found his character compelling, I often wished he had more emotional depth.

The premise is fun, and the slow-burn tension between Sutton and Xavier keeps you turning the pages. However, there were moments in the story where the pacing felt uneven, especially as the characters waded through their shared past. The idea of a fling that turns into something more has been explored before, and while the setting and characters added a fresh spin, some of the plot points felt a bit predictable.

When Wendy Superlibrarian recs a romance author, I stand up and take note. She lauded in a balanced, not squee-way Susannah Erwin and when I saw Erwin, who isn’t terribly prolific, had a romance out, I thought gimme. Erwin wrote Harlequin category romance and this is her “trade-y” début: as a read, it was uneven, some marvellous parts and some, flat; sadly, the flat bits were the romance, which never quite came together. To the blurb to orient us and then more critique:

It’s a perfect beginning: upbeat screenwriting student is mentored by genius-but-grumpy indie filmmaker, they argue over movies and share one secret kiss. But then comes the gut punch Sutton Spencer didn’t expect… Xavier Duval skips town and ghosts her completely, right after savagely critiquing her screenplay.

Fast-forward ten years, and Sutton is now a movie exec vying for a VP position. To prove herself, she offers to travel to a remote shoot and oversee Xavier’s new sci-fi blockbuster, which has gone way over budget. This time, she’s in charge. And Xavier? He’s as talented, gruff and hot as she remembers—and still convinced there are no happy-ever-afters in real life.

Xavier knows he messed up with Sutton, but he had his reasons. Now, seeing the way she combines sweetness with nerves of steel to get his production back on track, he almost wishes he believed in romance. Instead, they agree to an on-set fling, one that will fade to black when shooting stops.

On paper, it’s that simple. But life, and love, has a way of going wildly off script…

I love a second-chance romance, but I had doubts about Xavier and Sutton’s “first chance,” when they were professor and student. It wasn’t an age thing (they’re only four years apart), but a power dynamic thing, right? Erwin adroitly makes this all right, not perfect, but acceptable. Nevertheless, the plot is creaky: Xavier and Sutton’s backstory break-up is contrived and their present remains, at least for this reader, unconvincing, thin. Is this because Erwin creates an impressively detailed movie-production setting, which she knows about and too much focus on the sci-fi script (if you read comics, sci fi, and liked Dune, this may work for you; I can’t stand the stuff, so I was prejudiced going in)? I enjoyed the Arizona-setting, however, especially when Sutton and Xavier travel to Yuma to check out a location and are stuck in a massive thunder-lightning-and-rain storm. One thing leads to another and hot scene ensues. One hot scene and then, nuthin’. Love scenes are about intimacy and when you have one, obviously important to the relationship, you need to keep that momentum because it’s part of the relationship’s intimacy (not because I want to read many of them, or because I don’t enjoy kisses-only romances, au contraire, but as you start, so you much go).

Then, everything falls flat: why? Because Erwin keeps telling us how Sutton and especially Xavier feel, but never puts them together in emotionally charged scenes. We get backstory and what goes on in their heads, but we don’t witness how they fall for each other all over again. And yet, they share one other great scene, a debate about the greatest of Hitchcock films: Xavier’s Team Vertigo or Sutton’s Team Notorious (I’m Team Notorious. You?). This turns nicely meta when they argue over the endings: depressing, but cinematically brilliant, or heart-stoppingly romantic and HEA-ending. I loved this scene and every scene when films are discussed and stand in for the characters’ personalities, perspective, and view of relationships, but too little, too late to redeem sci-fi tedium, more head-space than banter and blah sexy times (even there, which is after all a “seller”, the love scenes peter off into telling us what they shared rather than showing the intimacy). Miss Austen, though initially scandalized, would take a polite yawn behind her lawn handkerchief and agree with me when I say Love and Other Hollywood Endings offers “tolerable comfort,” Mansfield Park.

Please note Susannah Erwin’s Love and Other Hollywood Endings is published by Harlequin and released today, February 25. I received an e-galley from Harlequin, via Netgalley. The above is my honest, AI-free opinion.

Quick Summary: A close proximity, workplace romance

My Review: Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin is a 2025 romance from Harlequin. It is a standalone novel.

About the Book: "The best love stories happen off-screen…"

This story is presented as a "Spicy Cinematic Enemies to Lovers Romance."

In My Own Words: A reunion between old acquaintances opens the door for closure, communication, reconciliation, and more.

My Final Say: This second chance romance challenged me a bit. The concept got my attention. The pacing and character connection were a mixed bag. The repetition made me pause. The conflict proved to be mild. The direction of this couple's story was satisfying, in the end.

Other: Readers who enjoy forced proximity, second chance, workplace, and found family tropes should like this novel.

Rating: 3/5
Recommend: +/-
Audience: A
Status/Level: 🤔

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Harlequin - Romance | Afterglow Books by Harlequin), and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. I appreciate the opportunity.

Thank you NetGalley, Afterglow Books, and Harlequin for this advance reader copy! You can pick up Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin on February 25, 2025!

3.5 ⭐

I loved the premise of a college student having a one-night fling with her professor before graduation. After ten years, they reunited and worked on the movie together. And another chance to turn something more…

I didn’t dislike this book, but sometimes I felt it was rushed.

Erwin’s writing was fast-paced and easily digestible, but I wasn’t hooked on the romance at the beginning. I felt Xavier and Sutton’s characters were a bit flat, and I didn’t find myself emotionally attached to them. It took me a while to figure out Xavier’s conflict, and I hoped he would get therapy for his abandonment traumas. On a side note, I love how Xavier cared about his nephew. I did like that Sutton was an emotionally strong character even though her overall character wasn’t executed well.

I also found the story to be repetitive at times. For instance, I understand Xavier’s concern about their relationship after the movie production is over. But the writing kept being reworded. Xavier even mentioned “there’s an expiration date” twice.

I did enjoy some aspects of the book, but it wasn’t my favorite read. Otherwise, I thought it was a cute Hollywood love story.

Here's what you can expect:
- second chance
- grumpy/sunshine
- lots of humor
- forced proximity
- dual pov in third person

I highly recommend picking up Love and other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin if you are looking for a second chance romance and Hollywood vibes!

⭐3.5
🌶️.75
🥵 Spicy chapters: 9
📚 Tropes/Themes: Workplace romance, second chance, Hollywood suit x director
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
🩷 ❤️Something I liked: How the intro to each chapter was a quote from the movie that’s being produced in the book
🙈 Something I disliked: The characters were a little flat and could use more development, especially Xavier
🛍️ Available: February 27th

💬
I'm sort of torn on this book. I liked the idea of it, and the last 5% of the story or so is where I really got into it. I didn't dislike it enough to stop reading or DNF. It took me a while to figure out what the issue was with Xavier, and I really hope this fictional character gets therapy for his abandonment trauma, lol. However, I did appreciate that Sutton was a strong character emotionally even if her character was a little flat. (As opposed to Xavier and his need for significant therapy.)
Some of the story was a little repetitive. Like I understand Xavier's need to compartmentalize his relationship with Sutton and how he's so concerned that it won't last after the movie production is over, but the writing kept being repetitive in the wording. At least twice he said that there is an expiration date
I love second Chance romances and force proximity, but the chemistry between Sutton and Xavier didn't pull me in and the romance wasn't very exciting. Also wondering if the movie they’re producing is like a 4th Wing spin off?

3.5 stars

There was a lot to love in this book but I also feel like I needed more. There were portions skipped over fairly quickly that I think exploring more would have given the romance more depth. Especially the portion between the 3rd act conflict and the resolution, I would have enjoyed a chapter or so about that 6 month period. It would have made the resolution more meaningful. So while I enjoyed the book overall, I felt there was a lot left out unfortunately.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

Unfortunately this book did not hold my interest. I may give it another shot at a later date, Oh well.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 2/5 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Afterglow Books, Harlequin, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Love and Other Hollywood Endings is a second chance, forced proximity, friends-to-enemies-to-lovers read with a focus on filmmaking!

Xavier is a movie director dealing with the disappearance of a producer for his new film while having to face his romantic regrets from ten years prior. Sutton was an aspiring screenwriter and is now working as a production executive investigating the financials of Xavier's latest film. I liked how there was both romance and a bit of mystery (what really happened between Xavier and Sutton 10 years ago and why there is money missing).

Overall, a super cute, fast-paced romance perfect for contemporary romance readers who enjoy a second chance romance with a focus on Hollywood! The chemistry between Sutton and Xavier was one of the biggest highlights, as well as the focus on the behind the scenes aspects of filmmaking and movie production. A feel good book with a wonderful happily ever after!

This second-chance romance follows Xavier, an indie director struggling with a financial scandal, and Sutton, a production executive sent to shut down his over-budget film. Instead of a past breakup, their history is a missed connection from ten years ago, making their reunion less about overcoming heartbreak and more about rekindling old sparks.

As Sutton steps in as producer, she and Xavier fall back into their playful, flirty dynamic, with their growing chemistry obvious to everyone but them. While their romance is engaging, the story moves quickly, skipping over key relationship moments and wrapping up too fast. Despite this, it’s a fun and charming read with great banter and compelling characters.

LOVE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS – Susannah Erwin
Harlequin Afterglow
ISBN: 978-1-335-57493-0
February 25, 2025
Romantic Comedy

Yuma, Arizona – Present Day

Sutton Spencer, once an aspiring screenwriter, is now a movie exec vying for a VP position. She is assigned the task of going to a movie production site in Yuma, where she knows she will run in Xavier Duval, who is the movie’s writer. The movie is over budget and it’s up to Sutton to figure out why and how to cut costs. She arrives amidst a crisis. A producer has run off with funds allocated to the movie. They don’t want the main company to know because they would likely shut down production. With Sutton’s help and Xavier’s input, everyone hopes to finish the film. But will our couple survive being around each other as old desires flicker once more between them?

In Sutton’s eyes, Xavier ghosted her years ago after he criticized her screenplay, and she hasn’t forgiven him. Yet, when she arrives in Yuma, she wonders if he remembers her. Well, he hasn’t forgotten her, but he doesn’t make a big show about it. She soon learns that he did leave her a letter but the person he gave it to never passed it on to her. Thus, LOVE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS is about redemption and learning to trust one another again. There is no doubt that they still care for each other. Will they act upon those feelings?

While there are numerous characters in this tale, such as the actress playing the main character, we will keep our focus on Sutton and Xavier. Once they get reacquainted, it is only a matter of time before they are alone—and sparks fly hot enough to metamorphically start a fire. Add in that they are trying to save a movie whose success will help further their careers, and then readers understand their motivation for working together. Sutton and Xavier spend the first part of this book circling each other. She learns why he disappeared, which makes her feel ashamed that she ever doubted him. But the years apart have changed them. Then comes the second part and time spent alone. Will it lead to sex? Once the movie production is done in Arizona, can they chart a future together, or will they go their separate ways?

A bit of a different romantic tale that takes place in the world of movie production and sets, don’t miss LOVE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Unfortunately this one just did not hit for me. The cover is incredible tho! The second chance was not my favorite in this instance and the whole “scorned lover” theme was not my cup of tea. Still had an interesting plot, but it wasn’t for me.

Trigger or content warnings? Nope. Past sibling death off page.

Details? Sutton is the FMC and she is 31 years old. Xavier is the MMC and he is 37 years old.
They had a “thing” 10 years ago while Sutton was in university and Xavier was helping out at the same university. I believe he was a student teacher? Him and Sutton hit it off.
Mimi is Xavier’s ex, that made him wary to bring people around his nephew. Erik is his 12 year old nephew he has sole custody of.
They have both been with others since meeting. Definitely during the 10 year separation.
No condoms are used. Sutton is on birth control.

My thoughts?
I really enjoyed this being set on a movie set, I found there was level of secrecy of Sutton and Xaviers relations that added to the spice of it. They definitely have communication issues that I can see them working out later in life. The epilogue was lack lustre for what I usually enjoy but I also fit the story perfectly. Sutton and Xavier needed to figure themselves out before they could come together, and so the ending was a happy for now.

This was an absolutely charming, fast-moving romance! From the very first chapter, the story jumps right in, and the spark between Sutton and Xavier is undeniable. Erwin keeps the pacing tight and the scenes engaging, making it a smooth and delightful read.

I also really enjoyed the Hollywood backdrop—the insights into filmmaking and behind-the-scenes moments added a fresh, contemporary touch. Overall, this is a heartwarming story that left me grinning. And of course, I loved that both the movie and Sutton and Xavier got the happily-ever-after they deserved!