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How to Fake It in Hollywood
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.
Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen soap has her (unsuccessfully) pounding the pavement again. With a life-changing role on the line, she’s finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist’s scheme . . . faking a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity, but for very different reasons.
Ethan Atkins just wants to be left alone. Between his high-profile divorce, his struggles with drinking, and his grief over the death of his longtime creative partner and best friend, he’s slowly let himself fade into the background. But if he ever wants to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together, Ethan needs to clean up his reputation and step back into the spotlight. A gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress might be just the ticket, even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
Though their juicy public relationship is less than perfect behind the scenes, it doesn’t take long before Grey and Ethan’s sizzling chemistry starts to feel like more than just an act. 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?
Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen soap has her (unsuccessfully) pounding the pavement again. With a life-changing role on the line, she’s finally desperate enough to agree to her publicist’s scheme . . . faking a love affair with a disgraced Hollywood heartthrob who needs the publicity, but for very different reasons.
Ethan Atkins just wants to be left alone. Between his high-profile divorce, his struggles with drinking, and his grief over the death of his longtime creative partner and best friend, he’s slowly let himself fade into the background. But if he ever wants to produce the last movie he and his partner wrote together, Ethan needs to clean up his reputation and step back into the spotlight. A gossip-inducing affair with a gorgeous actress might be just the ticket, even if it’s the last thing he wants to do.
Though their juicy public relationship is less than perfect behind the scenes, it doesn’t take long before Grey and Ethan’s sizzling chemistry starts to feel like more than just an act. 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?
356 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,624 reviews
August 7, 2022
After reading the blurb and being enchanted by this fantastic cover, I was so hopeful to read something tempting, entertaining with Hollywood criticism of fake relationship trope!
Instead of romance or sweet romcom, I got angsty drama that tore my heart apart!
One thing I have to emphasize: this book is not bad or average reading but after seeing the cover and reading that intriguing blurb, I was expecting something a little lighter! And romance part of the book heartbreakingly disappointed. There was not enough chemistry between characters.
Addiction, child star molestation, dark side of fame were triggering subjects which were honestly approached but even the execution of fake relationship parts were a little messy!
I didn’t hate this book! I deeply felt sad and hardly breathed after the author threw the entire angsty drama bomb on my lap! I still want to read more works of the author but this time I was needing a feel good romance and the book didn’t fit with my expectations. So I decided to give three solid stars! ( neither loved it or hated it)
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my pure honesty.
Instead of romance or sweet romcom, I got angsty drama that tore my heart apart!
One thing I have to emphasize: this book is not bad or average reading but after seeing the cover and reading that intriguing blurb, I was expecting something a little lighter! And romance part of the book heartbreakingly disappointed. There was not enough chemistry between characters.
Addiction, child star molestation, dark side of fame were triggering subjects which were honestly approached but even the execution of fake relationship parts were a little messy!
I didn’t hate this book! I deeply felt sad and hardly breathed after the author threw the entire angsty drama bomb on my lap! I still want to read more works of the author but this time I was needing a feel good romance and the book didn’t fit with my expectations. So I decided to give three solid stars! ( neither loved it or hated it)
Special thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/ Ballantine for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my pure honesty.
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July 16, 2022Sooo it seems this book has divided opinions but I actually really liked it. Fake dating is a favourite trope of mine and seeing it in a Hollywood setting seemed really believable to me so I completely bought into it. I think that’s why their chemistry did read so well for me. What I liked was that this book also tackled some of the tougher issues that can come with fame, and the grief the main male character struggles with. Overall this was a pleasant surprise for me!
June 16, 2022
This was *exactly* what I wanted it to be, and more. Don't get me wrong, the plot of the book was entertaining in and of itself, but this book was truly all about the push and pull and the give and take between Grey and Ethan and their relationship was just everythingggggg to me. The romance in this book gave me the same feelings that all of Emily Henry's romances give me and I just loved it SO. MUCH. It is also worth noting that the Palm Springs scene in this is quite possibly my my absolute favorite sex scene of all time???? It just had the perfect amount of tension leading up to it and emotion and I JUST LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK A WHOLE LOT, OKAY? With that being said, I do want to make sure to note: this is not an easy, lighthearted story. It deals very, very heavily with grief and addiction and it is not a book to go into lightly. If you think you can handle the subject matter, I HIGHLY recommend checking this out and I personally cannot wait to read whatever else Ava Wilder puts out next. This was a phenomenal debut and absolutely one of my favorite books of the year.
CW: death of a loved one, alcoholism, addiction, relapse
CW: death of a loved one, alcoholism, addiction, relapse
February 23, 2025
[3.75/5]
This was fun.
Not sure me being sick kinda makes the second half of the book feels draggy or my sick body is not comprehending anything well.
RTC
This was fun.
Not sure me being sick kinda makes the second half of the book feels draggy or my sick body is not comprehending anything well.
RTC
February 21, 2022
A PR-stunt and becomes so. much. more??? Check.
Characters that feel so real you root and hurt for them??? Check
A journey of self-growth??? Check.
Fun banter??? Check.
Behind-the-scenes gritty, not so glamorous Hollywood??? Check
Absolutely loved it??? DOUBLE CHECK.
Characters that feel so real you root and hurt for them??? Check
A journey of self-growth??? Check.
Fun banter??? Check.
Behind-the-scenes gritty, not so glamorous Hollywood??? Check
Absolutely loved it??? DOUBLE CHECK.
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this one! Going into this, I knew it was a fake dating storyline between two actors so I thought it would be your normal rom-com. I was expecting light-hearted and easy breezy. This was a lot deeper than that, though. This book includes some hard and touchy subjects and the author handled them wonderfully. I enjoyed Grey and Ethan’s character and the development of both of them throughout the book. Overall, a really good, solid read!! Highly recommend!
Thank you Net Galley and Random House/ Ballantine for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Thank you Net Galley and Random House/ Ballantine for an ARC in return for my honest review.
June 24, 2022
This book rested comfortably on my shelf for what seemed like a very long time.. For some un-explicable reason I wasn’t drawn to it. Maybe it was the cover that was a bit unappealing?🤷🏻♀️ But when the audio was available I figured I’d try that format to help me jump in.
Well…silly me, what an unexpected surprise this was. What was I waiting for!?🤦🏻♀️
A superb rom-com that delivered all the necessary ‘feels’ but so much more. Once again, our authors are exploring heavier topics normally avoided in rom coms, until recently. Exposing everyday issues that most readers experience in the course of their own lives. In this case it’s substance abuse and grief.
Ethan Atkins was an A-lister, mega-star who recently became somewhat of a recluse since the death of his friend, followed by his very public divorce.
Grey Brooks is a former child TV star who is looking to shake free of the younger roles that have no depth. Desperate to avoid being type-cast for the rest of her career.
In a text-book Hollywood P.R. stunt, their publicists concoct a plan to hook the two up in a “fake relationship” guaranteed to light up the Hollywood gossip ghouls! So…are they actually good enough actors to tolerate each other long enough to pull this thing off? Their careers may depend on it.
This rom-com delivered in a big way! The chemistry between the characters was sizzling! And the difficult topics were dealt with in a serious, respectful manner and not just a passing thought.
The narrators did a stellar job and I’m so glad I got to listen along-side my kindle copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine
Well…silly me, what an unexpected surprise this was. What was I waiting for!?🤦🏻♀️
A superb rom-com that delivered all the necessary ‘feels’ but so much more. Once again, our authors are exploring heavier topics normally avoided in rom coms, until recently. Exposing everyday issues that most readers experience in the course of their own lives. In this case it’s substance abuse and grief.
Ethan Atkins was an A-lister, mega-star who recently became somewhat of a recluse since the death of his friend, followed by his very public divorce.
Grey Brooks is a former child TV star who is looking to shake free of the younger roles that have no depth. Desperate to avoid being type-cast for the rest of her career.
In a text-book Hollywood P.R. stunt, their publicists concoct a plan to hook the two up in a “fake relationship” guaranteed to light up the Hollywood gossip ghouls! So…are they actually good enough actors to tolerate each other long enough to pull this thing off? Their careers may depend on it.
This rom-com delivered in a big way! The chemistry between the characters was sizzling! And the difficult topics were dealt with in a serious, respectful manner and not just a passing thought.
The narrators did a stellar job and I’m so glad I got to listen along-side my kindle copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine
June 30, 2022
Guys. GUYS!!!! STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND GO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!
This was just SPECTACULAR!!!!!! I stayed up until 3 am devouring the whole thing!!!!!
Let me tell you about the plot quickly so I can go back to freaking out:
Grey Brooks has been a working actress since she was eight-years-old. However, almost a year after a successful run as the lead character of a teen soap called Poison Paradise, Grey has been frustratingly unemployed.
Ethan Atkins is a major Hollywood actor who lost everything - from movie roles to custody of his kids - after his best friend and collaborator died on a car accident. Five years after the loss, he’s now a functioning alcoholic just struggling to hold on.
In an effort to boost their careers - and maybe drag Ethan out of the ditch - their publicist decides to propose a PR relationship (fake dating, basically) between Grey and Ethan.
Okay. You got the gist. Now, let me tell you about how this book will break your fucking heart and then put it back together.
The first half is basically a romantic, trope-y deliciouness filled with Hollywood scandal and fake dating hijinks (i.e. sexual tension through the roof 😏). It’s so fun and their banter is perfect and everything is 10/10.
Now. The second half of this book turns into an angsty, toxic mess (but in the best way possible, I promise). Ethan’s addictions completely take over his sanity in a heartbreaking way, making this book fit into that 0.3% of romance novels where you actually stop and think, “wait a second… is this actually not a romance? Do they not end up together? Is there an author’s note at the end filled with bullshit about how ‘real life doesn’t have happy endings’?”.
The entire point of romance novels is that there is a guaranteed HEA, so, when you come across one that actually makes you doubt that, it’s worth noting, lol.
This was just so beautiful, and funny, and heartbreaking, and angsty, and steamy, and all the best things. Oh, also? EVERYTHING TURNS OUT OKAY. I promise. ❤️
This was just SPECTACULAR!!!!!! I stayed up until 3 am devouring the whole thing!!!!!
Let me tell you about the plot quickly so I can go back to freaking out:
Grey Brooks has been a working actress since she was eight-years-old. However, almost a year after a successful run as the lead character of a teen soap called Poison Paradise, Grey has been frustratingly unemployed.
Ethan Atkins is a major Hollywood actor who lost everything - from movie roles to custody of his kids - after his best friend and collaborator died on a car accident. Five years after the loss, he’s now a functioning alcoholic just struggling to hold on.
In an effort to boost their careers - and maybe drag Ethan out of the ditch - their publicist decides to propose a PR relationship (fake dating, basically) between Grey and Ethan.
Okay. You got the gist. Now, let me tell you about how this book will break your fucking heart and then put it back together.
The first half is basically a romantic, trope-y deliciouness filled with Hollywood scandal and fake dating hijinks (i.e. sexual tension through the roof 😏). It’s so fun and their banter is perfect and everything is 10/10.
Now. The second half of this book turns into an angsty, toxic mess (but in the best way possible, I promise). Ethan’s addictions completely take over his sanity in a heartbreaking way, making this book fit into that 0.3% of romance novels where you actually stop and think, “wait a second… is this actually not a romance? Do they not end up together? Is there an author’s note at the end filled with bullshit about how ‘real life doesn’t have happy endings’?”.
The entire point of romance novels is that there is a guaranteed HEA, so, when you come across one that actually makes you doubt that, it’s worth noting, lol.
This was just so beautiful, and funny, and heartbreaking, and angsty, and steamy, and all the best things. Oh, also? EVERYTHING TURNS OUT OKAY. I promise. ❤️
December 7, 2022
"What does the modern, sophisticated, sexually liberated woman pack for her very first overnight stay at her fake boyfriend's house?"
The cover is gorgeous, and initially what drew me into wanting to read this book, but I have to say there is so much substance in what, at first glance, appears to be a cursory rom com (and there is nothing wrong with those books, btw). As I'm slowly making my way through my backlist of NetGalley arcs, I saw two of my favorite narrators were attached to this project, so I decided to treat myself by using an audiobook credit and listen to this one with my earballs, which was the right choice, my friends. If you love audiobooks, do yourself a favor and read How to Fake It in Hollywood in this format.
This book was everything I love in a romance:
✔️Age Gap (the H is the h's childhood crush)
✔️Single Dad
✔️Fake Dating
✔️Genuine hate-to-love banter and ANGSTTTTTT
✔️One Bed
✔️Past Trauma and Grief
✔️Did I mention the one bed, angst, and banter?
If you're looking for a quick read with authentic angst and applause-worthy depth, do yourself a favor and check this one out!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
The cover is gorgeous, and initially what drew me into wanting to read this book, but I have to say there is so much substance in what, at first glance, appears to be a cursory rom com (and there is nothing wrong with those books, btw). As I'm slowly making my way through my backlist of NetGalley arcs, I saw two of my favorite narrators were attached to this project, so I decided to treat myself by using an audiobook credit and listen to this one with my earballs, which was the right choice, my friends. If you love audiobooks, do yourself a favor and read How to Fake It in Hollywood in this format.
This book was everything I love in a romance:
✔️Age Gap (the H is the h's childhood crush)
✔️Single Dad
✔️Fake Dating
✔️Genuine hate-to-love banter and ANGSTTTTTT
✔️One Bed
✔️Past Trauma and Grief
✔️Did I mention the one bed, angst, and banter?
If you're looking for a quick read with authentic angst and applause-worthy depth, do yourself a favor and check this one out!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
September 26, 2022
4.5 stars
Thank you Random House Publishing for this arc!
What a debut! Character growth being the forefront—this was soo much more than just a romance. Tackling alcoholism to drown out grief, intrusive, diminishing, and insecure thoughts along the lines of always letting people down and being a disappointment. Grey and Ethan were a spark of instant connection. No insta love though, this was very much slow-burning with gripping sexual tension. A marvelous and moving piece of work from Wilder!
Grey is a 27-year-old just out of work, actress, still trying for her big break. Currently jobless, and never leaving her couch for social interaction, she gets set up for the fake dating publicity stunt with the older and out of work for five years, big show-stopping star of her teenage years, Ethan. He, however, not necessarily desiring coming out of grief stricken, career & marriage ending hideout. But needing it in the hopes to finish a project he and his best friend Sam, had been working on before he tragically passed which catapulted Ethan's life into chaos and addiction. Connection was undeniable and the journey only starts there before we are thrown into a whirlwind.
Trigger Warning:
Addiction (mainly alcohol-speaks of other), SA, harassment, tragic death/grief
*Side Note: The illustrated people on the cover don't do the characters justice & are not how I imagined them at all lol.*
Thank you Random House Publishing for this arc!
What a debut! Character growth being the forefront—this was soo much more than just a romance. Tackling alcoholism to drown out grief, intrusive, diminishing, and insecure thoughts along the lines of always letting people down and being a disappointment. Grey and Ethan were a spark of instant connection. No insta love though, this was very much slow-burning with gripping sexual tension. A marvelous and moving piece of work from Wilder!
Grey is a 27-year-old just out of work, actress, still trying for her big break. Currently jobless, and never leaving her couch for social interaction, she gets set up for the fake dating publicity stunt with the older and out of work for five years, big show-stopping star of her teenage years, Ethan. He, however, not necessarily desiring coming out of grief stricken, career & marriage ending hideout. But needing it in the hopes to finish a project he and his best friend Sam, had been working on before he tragically passed which catapulted Ethan's life into chaos and addiction. Connection was undeniable and the journey only starts there before we are thrown into a whirlwind.
Trigger Warning:
Addiction (mainly alcohol-speaks of other), SA, harassment, tragic death/grief
*Side Note: The illustrated people on the cover don't do the characters justice & are not how I imagined them at all lol.*
May 11, 2022
Grey Brooks, fresh off a staring role in a hit teenage soap opera, is struggling to make it to the next level. Ethan Atkins is reclusive A-lister looking to find his way back into civilized society. When there mutual publicist suggests a fake romance to set Hollywood abuzz, they reluctantly agree. Sparks flying, gossipers gossiping, and soon both Grey and Ethan are unsure where their fake relationship ends and a potential real one begins.
What I expected to be a rom-com, is actually not a com at all. Ava Wilder’s highly anticipated debut novel is a full fledged romance/women’s fiction novel about relationships, love, self doubt, dealing with past traumas and so much more. While the overall premise is fun and light (who doesn’t love the fake dating trope especially one set in Hollywood), some of the issues addressed are anything but.
Wilder’s characters are rich in depth, with struggles and insecurities anyone can fall victim to. The dialogue, and specifically the banter between the two main characters, was a treat. I also adored all of the other supporting relationships in the book including those between Grey and her best friend Kamilah, Ethan and his ex-wife Nora, etc. And a big shoutout for a very inclusive cast of characters, including one of a only a handful of non-binary characters I’ve encountered recently.
This was a very enjoyable, fast paced, steamy and romantic book. I found myself reading at a pace quicker than usual, and I became very emotionally invested, which is always a good sign for me that the book is going to be at least a 4 star read. Also, what a gorgeous cover!! I’ll definitely be pre-ordering a physical copy for myself. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell Books for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What I expected to be a rom-com, is actually not a com at all. Ava Wilder’s highly anticipated debut novel is a full fledged romance/women’s fiction novel about relationships, love, self doubt, dealing with past traumas and so much more. While the overall premise is fun and light (who doesn’t love the fake dating trope especially one set in Hollywood), some of the issues addressed are anything but.
Wilder’s characters are rich in depth, with struggles and insecurities anyone can fall victim to. The dialogue, and specifically the banter between the two main characters, was a treat. I also adored all of the other supporting relationships in the book including those between Grey and her best friend Kamilah, Ethan and his ex-wife Nora, etc. And a big shoutout for a very inclusive cast of characters, including one of a only a handful of non-binary characters I’ve encountered recently.
This was a very enjoyable, fast paced, steamy and romantic book. I found myself reading at a pace quicker than usual, and I became very emotionally invested, which is always a good sign for me that the book is going to be at least a 4 star read. Also, what a gorgeous cover!! I’ll definitely be pre-ordering a physical copy for myself. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell Books for an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2022
2 stars
💫
"Previously, on Poison Paradise..."
🎞 tropes: actor/actress romance, fake dating, age gap, dilf (tw: alcoholism and grief)
🎞 the quality of the writing was good, but i think there was some missed potential w the characters. they didn't have much chemistry or tension imo
🎞 this would've been better if it was enemies to lovers, or friends to lovers, or if they had more awkward/funny/embarrassing interactions of idk, just something to spice them up. from their first meeting their dialogue was very dry and that never really improved
🎞 overall tho it was a good debut and i think most ppl looking for a fluffy movie star fake dating romance would enjoy this one
🎞 arc review, opinions are my own
June 14, 2022
This really wasn’t for me. I started this book with a very positive mindset because the tropes sounded amazing: a PR stunt, an age gap… it had all of the elements for me to like it. However, I found the relationship very toxic at so many levels.
To begin with, I think Ethan’s alcoholism rep wasn’t well done at all. I am not an expert about addictions, not even close, but I think it should have been addressed way earlier, and in a different way. Nora (his ex) was the only sensible one in this aspect (and honestly, in entirety of the book). I’m glad he ended up going to rehab, but the reason was very wrong. The book tried hard to send a “love isn’t a cure” message but it failed. It absolutely was the vibe. Ethan had been an alcoholic for years but he didn’t realize until he met Grey. What about his daughters? He complains a lot about how his father was awful and he wanted to be a good father for his kids, but then, they were not part of his decision to get into therapy and rehab. It was all about Grey. It wasn’t right.
As for Grey, I liked her at first and all throughout the book, but whenever she was with Ethan, both of their characters were extremely toxic for each other. I think the both of them fed each other’s worst sides. (Spoiler incoming, if you don’t wanna know skip to the next paragraph) The first thing Grey tells Ethan after sixteen months without seeing each other because he was working on himself was “do you want to get a drink?” Girl…? It was just wrong.
I expected this book to be heavy because the blurb hints the alcoholism, grief and depression, but it wasn’t well done. I strongly believe they were better when they weren’t together.
TW: Alcoholism, grief, depression, stalking, drug use, divorce, parent abandonment, death of a loved one
ARC provided by Random House and Netgalley. Opinions are my own!
To begin with, I think Ethan’s alcoholism rep wasn’t well done at all. I am not an expert about addictions, not even close, but I think it should have been addressed way earlier, and in a different way. Nora (his ex) was the only sensible one in this aspect (and honestly, in entirety of the book). I’m glad he ended up going to rehab, but the reason was very wrong. The book tried hard to send a “love isn’t a cure” message but it failed. It absolutely was the vibe. Ethan had been an alcoholic for years but he didn’t realize until he met Grey. What about his daughters? He complains a lot about how his father was awful and he wanted to be a good father for his kids, but then, they were not part of his decision to get into therapy and rehab. It was all about Grey. It wasn’t right.
As for Grey, I liked her at first and all throughout the book, but whenever she was with Ethan, both of their characters were extremely toxic for each other. I think the both of them fed each other’s worst sides. (Spoiler incoming, if you don’t wanna know skip to the next paragraph) The first thing Grey tells Ethan after sixteen months without seeing each other because he was working on himself was “do you want to get a drink?” Girl…? It was just wrong.
I expected this book to be heavy because the blurb hints the alcoholism, grief and depression, but it wasn’t well done. I strongly believe they were better when they weren’t together.
TW: Alcoholism, grief, depression, stalking, drug use, divorce, parent abandonment, death of a loved one
ARC provided by Random House and Netgalley. Opinions are my own!
Read
January 29, 2023DNF because i lost all interest <3
June 14, 2022
4 A-list romance stars - now available
I am definitely a fan of the fake dating trope and this time there’s a Hollywood spin. Two stars are trying to kick start their careers after a dry spell, so they agree to fake date for six months.
Grey Brooks has been acting since she was eight, with a long stint on a teen show. Her last relationship ended in disaster so she’s fine to set up a fake relationship with Ethan Atkins. She won’t let him know that she had a childhood crush on him.
Ethan is still reeling from the death of his best friend five years ago. He’s become ultra-private and drinks too much. He agrees to the fake relationship for very different reasons. It’s easy for him to keep Grey at a distance. Until it isn’t.
I really liked these two flawed and realistic characters. You know it’s only a matter of time until they give in to their attraction, but there’s more meat to this story than just that. There are themes of grief, betrayal, addiction, paparazzi, and friendship all thrown in the mix too.
I thought this might just be a lighthearted romance but there was a lot of depth, and I enjoyed this one! I’m excited to find a new debut author and I’ll be watching to see what she writes next.
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine for the copy of this one to read and review.
I am definitely a fan of the fake dating trope and this time there’s a Hollywood spin. Two stars are trying to kick start their careers after a dry spell, so they agree to fake date for six months.
Grey Brooks has been acting since she was eight, with a long stint on a teen show. Her last relationship ended in disaster so she’s fine to set up a fake relationship with Ethan Atkins. She won’t let him know that she had a childhood crush on him.
Ethan is still reeling from the death of his best friend five years ago. He’s become ultra-private and drinks too much. He agrees to the fake relationship for very different reasons. It’s easy for him to keep Grey at a distance. Until it isn’t.
I really liked these two flawed and realistic characters. You know it’s only a matter of time until they give in to their attraction, but there’s more meat to this story than just that. There are themes of grief, betrayal, addiction, paparazzi, and friendship all thrown in the mix too.
I thought this might just be a lighthearted romance but there was a lot of depth, and I enjoyed this one! I’m excited to find a new debut author and I’ll be watching to see what she writes next.
Thank you to Random House/Ballantine for the copy of this one to read and review.
March 23, 2024
sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
this book was supposed to get me out of my endless slump (seriously, slump. three months??? that's rude af) and i guess it somehow did, even if it wasn't for the right reasons.
i didn't particularly like this. the writing wasn't bad, but i had a really hard time connecting to the characters and i didn't enjoy the romance the way i was probably supposed to.
on the other hand, i still ended up finishing the book in one sitting because my insomnia apparently feeds on romance books, no matter how trashy they are.
of course there were a couple things i appreciated about this book and as soon as i can sit down for more than a few minutes and break down a proper review, i'm gonna elaborate.
until then, thanks for doing what not even re-reading ACOSF did, ava wilder. i will forever be grateful.
ACTUAL RATINGS 2,5/5
this book was supposed to get me out of my endless slump (seriously, slump. three months??? that's rude af) and i guess it somehow did, even if it wasn't for the right reasons.
i didn't particularly like this. the writing wasn't bad, but i had a really hard time connecting to the characters and i didn't enjoy the romance the way i was probably supposed to.
on the other hand, i still ended up finishing the book in one sitting because my insomnia apparently feeds on romance books, no matter how trashy they are.
of course there were a couple things i appreciated about this book and as soon as i can sit down for more than a few minutes and break down a proper review, i'm gonna elaborate.
until then, thanks for doing what not even re-reading ACOSF did, ava wilder. i will forever be grateful.
ACTUAL RATINGS 2,5/5
June 30, 2022
(3,5 stars)
"You know, the thirty-six questions that make strangers fall in love? It might be worth a shot."
"You´re not worried we´ll fall in love?"
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Grey and Ethan. It´s written in third person perspective.
I really liked Grey´s fighter personality. She never bowed down to anyone and always questioned other people or called them out on their behaviour. I liked the tension between her and Ethan even tho it was more insta-lovish with both of them trying to stay away from each other. The chemistry was kinda there, but what lessened it for me was the constant misscommunication. I think it happened in three or four scenes that they just ran away from each other instead of talking. Trope wise we have Fake Dating and kind of age gap (if you consider 11 years age gap).
I liked the side characters in this one, even though there were few. I especially loved Kamilah, she was such a good friend towards Grey. What I also really loved was the positivity between Nora (Ethan´s ex wife) and Grey. They didn´t drag each other down or talked bad about each other in any way and rather supported and uplifted each other, which I loved to see!
I liked the plot of this book, the idea really seemed intriguing; fake dating in Hollywood between two celebrities as a PR stunt. I really liked the first half of the book, there were so many cute scenes; for example when she twisted her ankle and he had to carry her back to the house or when he tried to make breakfast for her. However towards the ending of the book there was a bit too much drama going on for my taste. It was also fueled by the misscommunication, or rather them not really communicating and it just kept going back and forth, so the ending dragged a bit for me.
What I loved however was the commentary on paparazzi and press invading privacy, on crazy fans, on threats and showing the downside of being famous as well.
Overall it was a really good book in the first half that just started to drag and frustrate a bit towards the end.
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, grief, alcoholism, drugs, dysfunctional family
"You know, the thirty-six questions that make strangers fall in love? It might be worth a shot."
"You´re not worried we´ll fall in love?"
This is a two POV book, told by the POV´s of Grey and Ethan. It´s written in third person perspective.
I really liked Grey´s fighter personality. She never bowed down to anyone and always questioned other people or called them out on their behaviour. I liked the tension between her and Ethan even tho it was more insta-lovish with both of them trying to stay away from each other. The chemistry was kinda there, but what lessened it for me was the constant misscommunication. I think it happened in three or four scenes that they just ran away from each other instead of talking. Trope wise we have Fake Dating and kind of age gap (if you consider 11 years age gap).
I liked the side characters in this one, even though there were few. I especially loved Kamilah, she was such a good friend towards Grey. What I also really loved was the positivity between Nora (Ethan´s ex wife) and Grey. They didn´t drag each other down or talked bad about each other in any way and rather supported and uplifted each other, which I loved to see!
I liked the plot of this book, the idea really seemed intriguing; fake dating in Hollywood between two celebrities as a PR stunt. I really liked the first half of the book, there were so many cute scenes; for example when she twisted her ankle and he had to carry her back to the house or when he tried to make breakfast for her. However towards the ending of the book there was a bit too much drama going on for my taste. It was also fueled by the misscommunication, or rather them not really communicating and it just kept going back and forth, so the ending dragged a bit for me.
What I loved however was the commentary on paparazzi and press invading privacy, on crazy fans, on threats and showing the downside of being famous as well.
Overall it was a really good book in the first half that just started to drag and frustrate a bit towards the end.
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, grief, alcoholism, drugs, dysfunctional family
June 17, 2022
nope. I can excuse insta love, boring build up, and an unbearably dumb heroine, but I draw the line at deadbeat dads.
if you want a story about a bum getting his shit together specifically for the new woman in his life, don’t make him a father then? if I had one dime for every time I said “what about your kids?” @ ethan thinking he has no reason to be sober, no reason to leave the house, no reason to live or breathe except for grey, I might consider it compensation and buy me a better book. I‘d prefer my time back though.
dnf @ 80%.
if you want a story about a bum getting his shit together specifically for the new woman in his life, don’t make him a father then? if I had one dime for every time I said “what about your kids?” @ ethan thinking he has no reason to be sober, no reason to leave the house, no reason to live or breathe except for grey, I might consider it compensation and buy me a better book. I‘d prefer my time back though.
dnf @ 80%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
January 8, 2022idk i heard it's pretty good
edit: aaaahhh it's up on netgalley!!!
okay! hello! thank you for checking out HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD! here are some notes about the content:
- as you can probably tell from the blurb, this book deals heavily with alcoholism/addiction and grief over the death of a loved one (), both of which are experienced by a POV character.
- this book is ✨open door✨and has graphic sexual content. everyone consents and has a good time, but just a heads up if on-page sex isn't your thing!
- some discussion of weight/body stuff (reference to previous fat-shaming, following certain diets & exercise routines in service of specific acting roles, etc)
- brief references to a character's upbringing in a physically abusive household
- okay this one is legitimately a spoiler so proceed at your own risk:
i think that's all the big stuff!! time to ban myself from this website!! happy reading!!! xoxo
edit: aaaahhh it's up on netgalley!!!
okay! hello! thank you for checking out HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD! here are some notes about the content:
- as you can probably tell from the blurb, this book deals heavily with alcoholism/addiction and grief over the death of a loved one (), both of which are experienced by a POV character.
- this book is ✨open door✨and has graphic sexual content. everyone consents and has a good time, but just a heads up if on-page sex isn't your thing!
- some discussion of weight/body stuff (reference to previous fat-shaming, following certain diets & exercise routines in service of specific acting roles, etc)
- brief references to a character's upbringing in a physically abusive household
- okay this one is legitimately a spoiler so proceed at your own risk:
i think that's all the big stuff!! time to ban myself from this website!! happy reading!!! xoxo
June 14, 2022
3.5 Stars
Hollywood Starlet + Hunky Hollywood A lister = Sexy Drama
Grey Brooks is pounding the pavement and hoping to stay employed and reverent after her long running teen soap has ended. She's so desperate that she is willing to take part in her publicist’s scheme of dating a Hollywood recluse who could also use some publicity.
Ethan Atkins has been off the grid the last couple of years. He has been drowning his sorrows after his high-profile divorce and his best friend's death. If he wants to work in Hollywood ever again, he needs to do something to get back on the radar. Dating a Hollywood Starlet just may be the trick!
They enter into a juicy public relationship while having a angst filled private relationship.
I've said it before, and I will say it again - It's all about the journey! What a journey it is! It's not always an easy one as the characters have their own issues (one more than the other) to work on.
Both characters were likeable, and I rooted for both. They both were flawed and fabulous at the same time. Real issues are brought up in this book such as insecurity, grief, and addiction. As the characters dazzle the public it was fun to see if they would dazzle each other.
This was a fun fast read for me.
#HowtoFakeItinHollywood #NetGalley
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Hollywood Starlet + Hunky Hollywood A lister = Sexy Drama
Grey Brooks is pounding the pavement and hoping to stay employed and reverent after her long running teen soap has ended. She's so desperate that she is willing to take part in her publicist’s scheme of dating a Hollywood recluse who could also use some publicity.
Ethan Atkins has been off the grid the last couple of years. He has been drowning his sorrows after his high-profile divorce and his best friend's death. If he wants to work in Hollywood ever again, he needs to do something to get back on the radar. Dating a Hollywood Starlet just may be the trick!
They enter into a juicy public relationship while having a angst filled private relationship.
I've said it before, and I will say it again - It's all about the journey! What a journey it is! It's not always an easy one as the characters have their own issues (one more than the other) to work on.
Both characters were likeable, and I rooted for both. They both were flawed and fabulous at the same time. Real issues are brought up in this book such as insecurity, grief, and addiction. As the characters dazzle the public it was fun to see if they would dazzle each other.
This was a fun fast read for me.
#HowtoFakeItinHollywood #NetGalley
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Dell and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 15, 2022
This was so cute 🥰 I’m not a huge fan of romances but this one I really enjoyed. It wasn’t Hallmarky or over the top and I liked the writing style.
Grey Brooks is an actress trying to breathe life into her failing career. She accepts a deal made by her publicist to fake a relationship with another star, Ethan Atkins. He has been chewed up and spit out by Hollywood and life. Content to drown his sorrows in alcohol, all he wants is to be left alone. A rumored relationship with a cute actress may be the push his career needs.
It doesn’t take long before sparks fly between Grey and Ethan. Will their relationship survive the pressures of life and Hollywood?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Grey Brooks is an actress trying to breathe life into her failing career. She accepts a deal made by her publicist to fake a relationship with another star, Ethan Atkins. He has been chewed up and spit out by Hollywood and life. Content to drown his sorrows in alcohol, all he wants is to be left alone. A rumored relationship with a cute actress may be the push his career needs.
It doesn’t take long before sparks fly between Grey and Ethan. Will their relationship survive the pressures of life and Hollywood?
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 23, 2024
Ok let's try this Hollywood Tabloid style.
𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀
Rumours of their relationship began when Brooks was spotted arriving at Atkins's residence. Soon, the couple made it red carpet official by attending one of Brooks's former 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦 co-star's movie premiere together. But despite withstanding the heat of the scandal of their leaked private life, the pair split after less than a year of dating.
Now, months later, the pair seems to have rekindled their relationship since Atkins was caught slipping backstage after a performance of Brooks's latest Broadway show or were they just exchanging some good-natured apologies, especially after Atkins's inebriated stunt at the screening of his breakout film?
- ~ -
I can only say the book was imperfectly perfect.
The romance the characters shared had wisps of a first love, though it wasn't anyone's first rodeo. For some reason, their relationship, despite the circumstances, felt like home, like a summer evening, a stormy afternoon or a night out at the beach with waves clashing peacefully. It felt comfortable. Their chemistry, the tension, the angst and later the adoration came easily.
While the story centers on romance, it is decidedly not a rom-com. It explores other heavy topics such as grief, alcoholism, an undiagnosed anxiety disorder.
Ethan and Grey loved each other inspite of the struggles they navigated or maybe because of them, they were more than happy to support each other and be proud of each other's accomplishments.
- ~ -
Overall: A stunning debut, with a writing style I fancy, a skillfully crafted plot, impressive character growth and a diverse selection of secondary characters.
Mark your calendars, it'll be out June 14th.
4.47 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀
Rumours of their relationship began when Brooks was spotted arriving at Atkins's residence. Soon, the couple made it red carpet official by attending one of Brooks's former 𝘗𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘦 co-star's movie premiere together. But despite withstanding the heat of the scandal of their leaked private life, the pair split after less than a year of dating.
Now, months later, the pair seems to have rekindled their relationship since Atkins was caught slipping backstage after a performance of Brooks's latest Broadway show or were they just exchanging some good-natured apologies, especially after Atkins's inebriated stunt at the screening of his breakout film?
- ~ -
I can only say the book was imperfectly perfect.
The romance the characters shared had wisps of a first love, though it wasn't anyone's first rodeo. For some reason, their relationship, despite the circumstances, felt like home, like a summer evening, a stormy afternoon or a night out at the beach with waves clashing peacefully. It felt comfortable. Their chemistry, the tension, the angst and later the adoration came easily.
While the story centers on romance, it is decidedly not a rom-com. It explores other heavy topics such as grief, alcoholism, an undiagnosed anxiety disorder.
Ethan and Grey loved each other inspite of the struggles they navigated or maybe because of them, they were more than happy to support each other and be proud of each other's accomplishments.
- ~ -
Overall: A stunning debut, with a writing style I fancy, a skillfully crafted plot, impressive character growth and a diverse selection of secondary characters.
Mark your calendars, it'll be out June 14th.
4.47 / 5✩
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.
June 2, 2022
How to Fake It in Hollywood was a RIIIIIDE. I couldn't stop reading it tbh! I enjoyed it a lot and it is messy, sad, and so very romantic. If you're into those themes, be sure to check it out when it releases soon.
When I finished this book, my heart felt so heavy omg? Like I couldn't breathe for better part of this novel. It's hard, yall. What Ethan goes through and his alcoholism is hard to read, because it feels very raw and real. Ava Wilder did an amazing job writing this book and I fully believe a lot of people will love this one. It's sad, man. VERY SAD. You start reading and you start to feel the anticipation of the other shoe to drop. You know it's coming, you know that everything is going to hit the fan, so throughout most of the book, that's what I felt. I knew it was coming and couldn't be happy for the happy moments, you know? LMAO How to Fake It in Hollywood is a sad book, my friends.
And it's fine!
But please don't go into this book and expect a rom-com, because it is not, for sure. It's horny, romantic, and sad. It has a happily ever after, don't you worry about that, but Wilder makes the characters go through pain and ups and downs before you get to it. Ethan is messy AF, he's a train ready to crash and you see it all in slow motion. Grey is the perfect person for him. But even though he wants to be better for her, he knows he has to work on him first, and I love seeing that in the book.
One thing I wish was a slower ending? The resolution happens in the blink of an eye. I would have wanted for maybe 3-4 more chapters in the last 100 pages. Like because of that, I now want a bonus epilogue, you know? I feel like it left me hanging on... like something more could be added to the story, to end it.
Content warnings for grief, death of a loved one (before the novel starts), alcohol addiction.
When I finished this book, my heart felt so heavy omg? Like I couldn't breathe for better part of this novel. It's hard, yall. What Ethan goes through and his alcoholism is hard to read, because it feels very raw and real. Ava Wilder did an amazing job writing this book and I fully believe a lot of people will love this one. It's sad, man. VERY SAD. You start reading and you start to feel the anticipation of the other shoe to drop. You know it's coming, you know that everything is going to hit the fan, so throughout most of the book, that's what I felt. I knew it was coming and couldn't be happy for the happy moments, you know? LMAO How to Fake It in Hollywood is a sad book, my friends.
And it's fine!
But please don't go into this book and expect a rom-com, because it is not, for sure. It's horny, romantic, and sad. It has a happily ever after, don't you worry about that, but Wilder makes the characters go through pain and ups and downs before you get to it. Ethan is messy AF, he's a train ready to crash and you see it all in slow motion. Grey is the perfect person for him. But even though he wants to be better for her, he knows he has to work on him first, and I love seeing that in the book.
One thing I wish was a slower ending? The resolution happens in the blink of an eye. I would have wanted for maybe 3-4 more chapters in the last 100 pages. Like because of that, I now want a bonus epilogue, you know? I feel like it left me hanging on... like something more could be added to the story, to end it.
Content warnings for grief, death of a loved one (before the novel starts), alcohol addiction.
January 31, 2023
4.5 stars omg 🥺
June 19, 2023
3.5✨
Did I hate this? No. Did I love this? Also no.
Just another 40 year old man-baby being a wee bit of a knob instead of going to therapy. Let me rest I beg!
Seriously, you are 40 years old, you have two young children, hold yourself accountable and get your shit together for the love of god.
Now I liked Grey, but damn, make the man grovel a little bit. She forgave him WAY too easily… on more than one occasion. But who knows, maybe I’m just a stone cold bitch lmao.
All that said, I really did like the ending (probably because he finally got a therapist *cough cough* *wink wink nudge nudge* but it was very heartwarming.
Did I hate this? No. Did I love this? Also no.
Just another 40 year old man-baby being a wee bit of a knob instead of going to therapy. Let me rest I beg!
Seriously, you are 40 years old, you have two young children, hold yourself accountable and get your shit together for the love of god.
Now I liked Grey, but damn, make the man grovel a little bit. She forgave him WAY too easily… on more than one occasion. But who knows, maybe I’m just a stone cold bitch lmao.
All that said, I really did like the ending (probably because he finally got a therapist *cough cough* *wink wink nudge nudge* but it was very heartwarming.
July 17, 2025
4⭑
here’s my lists of likes and dislikes with this book hehehe
Things I liked;
- heroine did not take any of the hero’s shit
- the author did a great job in portraying addiction and grief
- loved the relationship development from fake dating to real dating
- had a super sensual sex scene and they didn’t have sex, that’s how good it was🤭
- blended family dynamics with his kids and his ex wife & her new husband
- the ex wife being supportive of the heroine and becoming friends <3
Things I disliked;
- we didn’t get to see the hero interact with his kids very often :(
- he forgot his plans that he had arranged with his kids because he was drunk, but we didn’t get to see him fix his relationship with his kids, which I would’ve really liked to have seen.
- not much grovelling from the hero during the third act breakup
- their reunion just felt a bit rushed and underwhelming
Over all though,i still loved this book!
here’s my lists of likes and dislikes with this book hehehe
Things I liked;
- heroine did not take any of the hero’s shit
- the author did a great job in portraying addiction and grief
- loved the relationship development from fake dating to real dating
- had a super sensual sex scene and they didn’t have sex, that’s how good it was🤭
- blended family dynamics with his kids and his ex wife & her new husband
- the ex wife being supportive of the heroine and becoming friends <3
Things I disliked;
- we didn’t get to see the hero interact with his kids very often :(
- he forgot his plans that he had arranged with his kids because he was drunk, but we didn’t get to see him fix his relationship with his kids, which I would’ve really liked to have seen.
- not much grovelling from the hero during the third act breakup
- their reunion just felt a bit rushed and underwhelming
Over all though,i still loved this book!
November 13, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
I picked this book for two reasons:
#1. Fake Dating is my favorite trope
#2.Andrew Eiden is one of my favorite narrators.
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. It’s a good book and I recommend it if you like serious romance novels, but I like my romances to be light and even a bit funny.
Both characters had so much baggage it made them incapable of wanting to make a commitment, so much so that both of them were sabotaging the relationship.
Trigger Warnings: Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse.
I picked this book for two reasons:
#1. Fake Dating is my favorite trope
#2.Andrew Eiden is one of my favorite narrators.
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this as much as I thought I would. It’s a good book and I recommend it if you like serious romance novels, but I like my romances to be light and even a bit funny.
Both characters had so much baggage it made them incapable of wanting to make a commitment, so much so that both of them were sabotaging the relationship.
Trigger Warnings: Drug Addiction and Alcohol Abuse.
August 10, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
2.5🌶
I’m going to start by saying I’ve seen this book everywhere! Every time I scrolled on Bookstagram, I saw a post about it. They were all positive reviews, so I was confused because of all the mixed reviews on Goodreads (lower average rating). I didn’t read any Goodreads reviews before because I wanted to go into it somewhat blind so I could have my own reactions. If that makes any sense?
After reading the Goodreads synopsis, I was excited to read it. It does mention Ethan and his drinking problem and grief. Still, I went in expecting a light-hearted rom-com; that's totally on me.
The first half of the book is lovely! I enjoyed everything about it. From the fake dating to their forced proximity and attraction! I really liked the insta-attraction between both mc’s. I mean, just IMAGINE meeting your celebrity crush, and they’re attracted to you too. I would cry.
The fake dating was honestly written so well!! Two celebrities dating to better their image? It probably has happened before, and I love that realistic aspect of this book. It made the characters just a bit more real, and it made them likable.
I loved Grey throughout the entire book. She’s driven and is overall a wonderful person. There isn’t anything I didn’t like about her—she was such a wonderful fmc.
We got to see the (somewhat) good side of Hollywood. Grey has been acting since she was a child, so we also got to hear about the not-so-good side that comes with fame.
That said, the book's second half (40ish%) was HARD to read. We got a closer look at the ugly side of Hollywood. Expectations, grief, and addiction.
Ethan has been struggling throughout the book, and we see that because of his POV. We got to see the dark side of addiction towards the end, and that, in a way, helped me understand him.
Addiction is a disease, and I’m glad this book didn’t go the “he meets a woman and pulls his act together for her” route. Some chapters were harder to read, but the hardest part was when he hit rock bottom. I was crying, and my heart was breaking for him. Hitting rock bottom is often needed before recovery, and I think we got to see that.
Although the second half was more challenging to read and showed how messy and ugly life can be, I feel it added depth to their story. I love that this book offered more than just a simple fake dating; then they just live HEA.
The novel was half a light-hearted steamy romance and half that showed Ethan’s struggle with addiction. But I feel like his recovery was brushed off in a way?? Like, he went to rehab and isolated himself for a while, but after getting his POV with his struggles, we get no POV of his recovery, and that just made me sad. It was like, he went to rehab, figured his feelings out, apologized, and then they lived happily ever after. After that whole journey, we just get a chapter of him after recovery and then an epilogue? The ending was way too rushed, and I didn’t like that.
I liked the epilogue, but I wanted more!!! I could’ve easily read a 50-page epilogue, to be honest.
Overall, this excellent book shows how beautiful yet ugly life could be. Although it’s technically a romance, it covers heavy topics, so I wouldn't say read it if you’re looking for a rom-com. Check out the trigger warnings, and just know that some chapters are tough to read.
read if you like:
→ Fake Dating
→ Actor/ actress (celebrity romance)
→ Dual POV
→ Age Gap
→ One Bed
→ open-door romance
⚠️TW: alcoholism, drug abuse, death (of a friend), grief
June 13, 2022
Review coming soon.
October 28, 2023
I have seen How to Fakr It in Hollywood on my feed. I finally picked it up and whoa! I love this book. My first read by Miss Wilder.
I read a lot about fake relationship trope, but this one is complex.
Bith Grey and Ethan are characters with a lot fo baggage. Emotional baggage that is. Especially Ethan. He dealt with lost of his best friend and divorce. He is also alcoholic. While Grey is trying to srt her foot back into Hollywood.
Their story is not full with lust. But Miss Wilder presented it with many humor and insight depth of each of the characters. I like this from this book. I like both Ethan and Grey when they are apart and love it ehen they together.
Overall I am very happy with this book.
4 stars
I read a lot about fake relationship trope, but this one is complex.
Bith Grey and Ethan are characters with a lot fo baggage. Emotional baggage that is. Especially Ethan. He dealt with lost of his best friend and divorce. He is also alcoholic. While Grey is trying to srt her foot back into Hollywood.
Their story is not full with lust. But Miss Wilder presented it with many humor and insight depth of each of the characters. I like this from this book. I like both Ethan and Grey when they are apart and love it ehen they together.
Overall I am very happy with this book.
4 stars
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