Name: Priscilla Stanfield's review of How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder
Item: How to Fake It in Hollywood
Rating: 4
Author: Priscilla Stanfield

Ava Wilder

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?

How to Fake It in Hollywood

Sophia

"I'm so fucking in love with you. You know that, right?"

As he said it now, it felt inadequate to describe the enormity of what he felt for her. But until the English language caught up with him, it was the best he could do.

"I gotta enjoy this while I can. I hope they make me do some crazy muscle-building diet where I'll have to get up in the middle of the night to eat cod, like The Rock."

"Just as long as you don't wake me up when you do."

She paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. Fuck. Why had he said that?

This time, however, there was a new twist. None of the images changed, but somehow he knew this was different. 

It wasn't Sam who was gone, his world shattering in an instant, his life forever divided into before and after. 

If she spoke, the spell would be broken, the scene would be over, and he would have no excuse to kiss her anymore. That prospect was unacceptable.

that was too funny haha grey did not hold back

He had only a split second to worry about it, however, before she abruptly broke the kiss and slapped him across the face.

Ethan swore he saw literal stars. The whiplash between the pleasure of kissing her and the pain of the slap had him reeling. He almost didn't hear her next line.

This is so sad and he doesn't even realize it

It would be his reward to himself once he made it through. Just one wouldn't hurt.

Ethan at least had the presence of mind to be a little embarassed that he'd gone so far as to offer to break the contract. What would he have done if she'd said yes?

As disquieting as her presence was, the prospect of the alternative was much worse. Thankfully, she had just laughed that smokey, bewitching laugh, gently teased him at his outburst, and planted herself back where she belonged.

So far, avoiding her as much as possible had been the mist surefire way to prevent him from doing anything rash - like barely stopping short of dropping to his knees and begging her not to walk out his front door.

"Ethan! Ethan! Over her! How's it going man?" The voices of the paparazzi overlapped in an incoherent roar.

As he pulled Grey's door open, the noise faded into the background as she turned those wide blue eyes on him.

He didn't kiss her, of course. He just brushed his lips against her ear and murmured, "You're cute when you blush."

He'd miscalculated her appeal at first, casually dressed and makeup-free, but when she'd been flushed with emotion while dressing him down, he couldn't take his eyes off her.

How fucked in the head was he that he was most attracted to her when she was calling him out for being a patronizing asshole?

Abigail | 

"Emily Grey Brooks. I am madly, desperately in love with you. I haven't stopped thinking about you since the day we met. If you would do me the honor of giving me another chance, I swear I will spend the rest of my life proving that I am capable of being the man you deserve."

"I’m so sorry, Grey. You were right. Everything you said that night. Everything I can remember, anyway. I've got a list of regrets a mile long at this point, but getting out of that cab is right at the top."

She paused. She'd left the door cracked open, not not on purpose. He'd turned the television off as shed left the room, leaving him sitting in silence. There was no way he hadn't heard her. She willed him to appear in the doorway, ready to help her finish the job. 

She heard rustling, then: the unmistakable sound of a zipper opening. Her breath hitched, her fingers circing faster. She could hear his breathing, too, hard and labored. The sound of flesh moving against flesh.

"We can't do this," he said through gritted teeth. 

Grey was incensed. "Why not? she asked in a tone that would have been dangerously close to whining, if not for the thread of anger pulsing through it. "We both want to. We're not allowed to do it with anyone else. Everyone thinks we're already doing it anyway. It's just sex, it's not a big deal." 

She nuzzled her face into his neck. "I'm not done celebrating. 

His breath was ragged, shallow. "This is a bad idea." 

She sat back up so they were face-to-face. 

"Why? Don't you want me?" She skimmed her fingers over her breasts, her torso, her nipples already straining for attention through the thin fabric. 

His eyes followed the path of her fingers, transfixed. 

"You have no idea how much I want you," he breathed.

"I’ll behave. I promise.” She kept her tone light, teasing. His his response was instantaneous. 

Her words seemed to affect him, though. He closed his eyes and nodded, just once. Suddenly, she felt like they would both die if she didn't touch him. Without letting herself second-guess the impulse, she leaned over and took his hand in hers. He looked down at their joined hands in surprise, then back up at her. Without breaking eye contact, he brought her hand to his lips, kissing it with devastating tenderness.

"I don't want to hurt you," he said suddenly, his words thick, sounding like they were choking him.

He was going to pay for that moment of weakness forever, probably; tormented by the intimate knowledge he had of her, tempted by the prospect of what was still left to discover.

As they swept out of the bar, the pressure of his hand sending tingles up her spine, a thought emerged in Grey's mind with alarming clarity. She felt like an idiot for not realizing it sooner.

 He wasn't being difficult because he disliked her. 

He was being difficult because he liked her a little too much.

"So what you re saying is, you re the best thing that s happened to me in the last five years?" 

She shrugged, taking another sip of wine, seemingly relieved that her attempt had worked. "Unless I missed something. He shook his head slowly, his eyes never leaving her face.

His featherlight touch on her hips nearly made her jump out of her skin. She shivered. Fuck. There was no way he hadn't seen that. He stilled, but didn't move his hands away. She might have been imagining it, but it felt like his pressure increased, gripping her tighter for a split second, before his hands disappeared. 

Ethan held the door open for her. As she walked by him, he leaned over her. She froze. All of a sudden, she had the irrational thought that he was going to kiss her. He did smell faintly of ciga- rettes, it was true, but it wasn't the sour, overpowering stench of a chain-smoker. Somehow it just enhanced his natural musk, which was clean and spicy and masculine. 

He didn't kiss her, of course. He just brushed his lips against her ear and murmured, “You're cute when you blush."

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

I actually really liked this one. It was also darker than I expect with the issues the characters had in the book. Which was the complete opposite of the cover. Personally, I love fake dating so I was excited for that part. It was an age gap where she was a fan of his when she was younger and now are fake dating each other to help the others career. It was fun and exciting throughout. Kind of repetitive at some points but overall I enjoyed it. I think he could have groveled a bit more but because of those heavier topics how it was done made sense to me as well so it didn’t affect my rating on the book. 

Priscilla Stanfield

Claudia Sinclair.

Apparently, this book kinda reminds me of Hollywood celebrities who doing some kind of fake dating for PR on their new projects. But sadly, I didn’t notice and see any chemistry in them. Well— even tho I still got a kick out of it, but their chemistry for this fake dating is falling flat.

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 chemistry-filled 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?

A sensational fake-dating romance

How to Fake it in Hollywood

carolreadabook

How To Fake It In Hollywood no #roleliterariodacarol 💕

✍🏽 Ava Wilder

⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⚠ Leitura Indicada para +16.

Talvez eu tenha ido com muita sede ao pote e esperava uma comédia romântica em 75% do livro e o que eu encontrei são personagens tentando lidar com decepções, vícios e muitas questões que levamos a terapia. 

Depois de varias temporadas, Grey e sua agente recebem a proposta de um relacionamento de fachada com recluso ator, Ethan. Ele já está longe dos tabloides desde a morte de seu amigo próximo Sam e da separação Nora. Para beneficiar ambos, eles aceitam fazer o PR stunt e era quase que visível o quão explosivo esse casal seria.

Sabe quando duas pessoas vivem no mesmo ambiente, recebem as mesmas pressões e expectativas e consequentemente criam uma conexão única? Ethan e Grey transpassam isso para nós. Há um entendimento mútuo do que significa ser famoso e as coisas boas e ruins que traz. Uma empatia e uma vontade de equilibrar a pessoa pública e a privada. 

O que não é possível, pois em vários momentos da histórias somos apresentadas questões, momentos e situações que tu pensa “cara, isso é um assunto particular. ninguém tem o direito de enfiar o nariz”. E o que acaba comigo é que algo privado vai a público e acaba causando conflitos no privado e tu se envolve demais com o final porque os personagens são super complexos e tu quer que eles tenham um final feliz depois de tudo, mas ai tu lembra que como qualquer ser humano, nem nos livros algumas coisas se resolvem de maneira simples. 

Momento confissão: li esperando um livrinho nível Tessa Bailey e na verdade me causou efeitos TJR e Sally Rooney. Eu diria que é uma vibe muito mais Evelyn&Daisy encontra Pessoas Normais e a a gente fica no meio tentando resolver traumas e problemas externos que desgastam os relacionamentos e acabam magoando a pessoa que está disposta a te ajudar e a ficar ao teu lado.

É um livro bom, mas tem que ter cuidado como ele vai ser panfletado, por isso eu recomendo e por isso das 4 estrelas.

Mia Caven

Similarly to the last romance I read, it’s an easy read and I was definitely into it. It had its faults, the girl, again like the last book I read, was kinda personality-less compared to the main guy and the obstacles felt a little forced. Aside from that though it’s well written and I really liked the story overall, it was unique to other romances!

Ava wilder really knows how to write celeb romance! 

Abigail

Ava wilder really knows how to write celeb romance! 

TW for alcoholism 

disappointed and hated the third act breakup like it ruined the relationship for me

Petaco

No good. Talk about two toxic people. This is the second book I have read about famous actors finding love and I think these are my last. Wayyyyy too much drama. So much negativity and toxicity. I hate to keep using that term but it's true. There was no chemistry. The book was a downer.

Initially, she was against him smoking and make it part of the contract... But then why did she bring in a joint (where did that come from??? She didn't even hint at it the whole book.) And then turn around and offer it to him... Even after seeing he was trying to quit??? He even had a patch on. I felt like that part was just added to... I don't know... make it "cool". She never hinted at smoking herself prior to that.

Oh and what in the world? (view spoiler)[ This man gets out of 18 months of rehab for DRINKING and one of the first things you ask him is "do you want to go to a bar"??? So enabling! So terrible.  (hide spoiler)]

I did like the agent and the ex wife. I thought they were good and positive characters in this otherwise angsty, depressing drama. He is lucky he had someone like Nora and her husband to take care of HIS kids and make sure they were being raised right. It saddened me that he (view spoiler)[ didn't really make them a priority (you barely see them in the book) and that they are not a reason for him to get better. He barely talks about them or mentions them.  (hide spoiler)]

 I was mislead by the cover and that is my fault. I don't normally read synopsis' so I had no idea what I was getting myself into... also my fault. I still didn't like it though.

Joana da Silva

Hello, is this a great romance? Yes, it is! It had all my favorite tropes: fake relationship in Hollywood, age gap, grumpy-grumpier. The story was great, the characters developed and had depth. A great palate cleanser in between all the other sad and serious books.

bella <3

I wasn't sure of this one at first. I picked it up expecting a light, fun fake relationship romance with the backdrop of Hollywood. Instead, I get an emotional read about two people's character growth and a deep exploration of grief and alcoholism and how that impacted everyone around them who loved and cared for them.

When the book began it was obvious Grey was going to be a likeable character you were easily charmed by. She was a young woman who had been acting for most of her life and was good at it but had been stuck in smaller roles and roles which paid the bills but didn't allow her to truly demonstrate her talent so she was just looking for that step up and chance to really bring her to the spotlight which would allow her to pursue projects she was actually excited by, like her personal project she and her best friend had going on which they had written the script for and wanted to star and direct. Then there was Ethan who was wallowing in grief after the sudden death of his best friend and colleague 5 years previously. We first meet him getting drunk in a bar and that really showed the struggles he had. He was a massive star, an oscar winner and he had direct and written things as well. He was an actual superstar and it gets proposed he pretend to date Grey to clean up his image a little and to help boost her star. 

That was the sweet element, their romance was actually very sweet and charming but it was Ethan's struggles with alcoholism and the deep grief he was stuck in over losing his best friend and associated guilt about the events which proceeded that which was the true focus of this book.

Part of the book was about Grey putting herself out there and letting herself open up to get that control over her career and her life which she wanted, but this book really was more about Ethan's journey to acknowledge that the way he was living life wasn't right. Grey was the first person to truly break through to him in a long while and he placed too much of his self worth and belief in himself upon her like she was the magical cure for all the wrongs in his life which was unfair to her and incredibly unhealthy and would only hurt them both in the end. Ethan obviously spiralled until he eventually went to rehab and cleaned himself up and spoke to a therapist. I liked that the books acknowledged that to truly help himself Ethan needed to choose that and getting professional help was the way forward.

I don't think I expected such an emotional book with an exploration of grief and addiction going in but I appreciated it. Weirdly, the book reminded me of A Star is Born in that it was older man seasoned in his career and younger up and coming star. but whilst that film enraged me and I refused to watch it again (despite knowing what would happen) this book did it right in that Ethan got help and didn't try and place his actions at Grey's feet and that he was trying to save her from him. Just high, I hate that film, and most of this book doesn't reflect the film at all but it was something which came to mind as I was reading. 

Becky

I wasn't sure of this one at first. I picked it up expecting a light, fun fake relationship romance with the backdrop of Hollywood. Instead, I get an emotional read about two people's character growth and a deep exploration of grief and alcoholism and how that impacted everyone around them who loved and cared for them.

When the book began it was obvious Grey was going to be a likeable character you were easily charmed by. She was a young woman who had been acting for most of her life and was good at it but had been stuck in smaller roles and roles which paid the bills but didn't allow her to truly demonstrate her talent so she was just looking for that step up and chance to really bring her to the spotlight which would allow her to pursue projects she was actually excited by, like her personal project she and her best friend had going on which they had written the script for and wanted to star and direct. Then there was Ethan who was wallowing in grief after the sudden death of his best friend and colleague 5 years previously. We first meet him getting drunk in a bar and that really showed the struggles he had. He was a massive star, an oscar winner and he had direct and written things as well. He was an actual superstar and it gets proposed he pretend to date Grey to clean up his image a little and to help boost her star. 

That was the sweet element, their romance was actually very sweet and charming but it was Ethan's struggles with alcoholism and the deep grief he was stuck in over losing his best friend and associated guilt about the events which proceeded that which was the true focus of this book.

Part of the book was about Grey putting herself out there and letting herself open up to get that control over her career and her life which she wanted, but this book really was more about Ethan's journey to acknowledge that the way he was living life wasn't right. Grey was the first person to truly break through to him in a long while and he placed too much of his self worth and belief in himself upon her like she was the magical cure for all the wrongs in his life which was unfair to her and incredibly unhealthy and would only hurt them both in the end. Ethan obviously spiralled until he eventually went to rehab and cleaned himself up and spoke to a therapist. I liked that the books acknowledged that to truly help himself Ethan needed to choose that and getting professional help was the way forward.

I don't think I expected such an emotional book with an exploration of grief and addiction going in but I appreciated it. Weirdly, the book reminded me of A Star is Born in that it was older man seasoned in his career and younger up and coming star. but whilst that film enraged me and I refused to watch it again (despite knowing what would happen) this book did it right in that Ethan got help and didn't try and place his actions at Grey's feet and that he was trying to save her from him. Just high, I hate that film, and most of this book doesn't reflect the film at all but it was something which came to mind as I was reading. 

This was 80% romantic drama and 20% romantic comedy. Not really what I was looking for, but I’m not necessarily mad about it! This is a decent, interesting story about Hollywood insiders trying to figure out what they are to each other while wrestling with their emotional demons. Bonus points for the very clear “you can have love AND therapy!!” message, especially when many romance authors are eager to sell the idea that love can ~fix~ everything/everyone. -50000 points for the TS slander, obvi. 

Sharanya Sharma

“That’s great! That’s what we’re here for. So…what do we think? Do we have something here?” Audrey waggled her index finger back and forth between the two of them. Grey forced herself to look back at Ethan.

He inclined his head toward her, not breaking eye contact.

Okay this was a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be. This is not a romcom but definitely a slow burn, adult romance book.

I loved how honest the portrayal of all things Hollywood felt. I enjoyed the pining, the banter and character development as well. I appreciated how Ethan’s character was written specifically because it felt authentic, even when it was difficult to read. He was unlikeable in my eyes, which made the impact of any growth weigh more. 

I did get confused with the narrative switching often (but I did read this after many long work days so take that as you will 😂). 

I think it’s a great debut but go in knowing you are going to FEEL with this one. At times it was hard to read about how things were unfolding but I’m glad I read it. 

Kathryn

“That’s great! That’s what we’re here for. So…what do we think? Do we have something here?” Audrey waggled her index finger back and forth between the two of them. Grey forced herself to look back at Ethan.

He inclined his head toward her, not breaking eye contact.

“If she’ll have me.” 

Okay this was a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be. This is not a romcom but definitely a slow burn, adult romance book.

I loved how honest the portrayal of all things Hollywood felt. I enjoyed the pining, the banter and character development as well. I appreciated how Ethan’s character was written specifically because it felt authentic, even when it was difficult to read. He was unlikeable in my eyes, which made the impact of any growth weigh more. 

I did get confused with the narrative switching often (but I did read this after many long work days so take that as you will 😂). 

I think it’s a great debut but go in knowing you are going to FEEL with this one. At times it was hard to read about how things were unfolding but I’m glad I read it. 

3.75/5⭐️

Abigail Joyann

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.*

Heather

5 Stars ⭐️
I just loved this book so much. It definitely wasn’t a light and fluffy romance. It dealt with very real issues. Addiction and grief being the prominent ones. Ethan and Grey (main characters) had so much heart. I really felt the chemistry between them and felt their connection. I found myself cheering them on multiple times throughout the book. The last few chapters were so good. They brought a lot of closure, and I felt like it tied together perfectly. If Ava Wilder writes any more books in the future, I will definitely be reading them💁‍♀️. 

Read if you like: 
Romances with heavier themes 
Fake dating 
Dual POV
Celebrity couples 

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Ava Wilder for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

sydney

** spoiler alert **
           I enjoyed this book but I just felt as though something was missing. The beginning was done well but by about the halfway point it lost me a little bit. I think that the love confession should have come right at the end before they break up, it would have meant more and made more sense. Besides the premature love confession(in my opinion), I really liked the book.

I received an arc through netgalley.

ingrid

it was a cute book but the last few chapters were a bit rushed, i feel like the events that took place could’ve happened a bit sooner or the author could’ve made the book a bit longer. other than that, i enjoyed the relationship between the two characters and the fake dating aspect was fun, but i would’ve liked a bit more of it. overall, it was an enjoyable book and really easy to read! 
i received an arc through netgalley

Aditi

Trigger Warnings: addiction, alcoholism, death of a loved one

I'd started to think I didn't actually like the fake dating trope but I loved how it was done in this one. I liked both the main characters and the first half was really fun. There was too much going on and I felt like the second half was much heavier in tone which was handled well but just wasn't to my liking.

Abby Frey

This book wasn’t really what I was expecting. I was mostly expecting a fluffy fake dating rom-com but make it celebrity’s book but it really wasn’t that. Yes it had those elements but it had so much more. It covered addiction and the trauma of being in Hollywood. Through Ethan you see pitfalls of fame and the journey of forgiving yourself and recovery. Ethen and Grey are an amazing couple that you will 100% want to read the journey of through their ups and downs. Was I surprised by the direction of this book? Yes. Did I like it despite this? YES!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing for an eARC of this book

caly

”so what you’re saying is, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me in the last five years?”
“unless i missed something.”

hollywood actors fake dating ?? unmatched

Hannah

jordan mcnair

i read this bcs tiktok told me it was giving emily henry but it was high key just giving fanfiction

Sarah Crouse

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc.

I just found out this is the author's first book? It's so good! 

This book is filled with some of the best, most-loved tropes, such as actor/actress romance, fake dating, and more. I felt like the entire point of this novel was character growth, and it did a fantastic job at showing that. 

There are some triggers, as this book isn't as light and fluffy as I thought it would be going into it (and personally, I'm okay with that). The book deals with sexual assault, grief, harassment, and addiction. 

The characters were wonderful, and I enjoyed their backstories. The author handled the difficult subjects with care, and I'm excited to see more from this author.

Heather Harrington

My biggest takeaway from this was that I kind of love the celebrity romance trope. I haven't read much of them, but what I have, I've enjoyed. I liked the characters and thought they had great chemistry. I liked getting a little peek behind the scenes of Hollywood, and how the characters handled what was thrown at them. At times, this felt less about the romance and more about someone knowing they've reached rock bottom and deciding to get help. I liked watching Ethan realize it was finally time to face his grief and addictions, and Grey supporting him was sweet. That said, I think there was a smidge too much drama in here that led to way too many conflicts. One would happen, and you'd think that was it, but then you'd get hit with another, and then another. It made the story feel a lot longer than it is. Aside from that, I enjoyed it.

Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder

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Genesis (@whisperingchapters) &
How to Fake It in Hollywood by Ava Wilder