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shailydc's review
3.0
*Netgalley ARC*
Spoilers ahead: While this book is advertised for fans of [b:Beach Read|52867387|Beach Read|Emily Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589881197l/52867387._SX50_.jpg|67832247] and [b:The Unhoneymooners|42201431|The Unhoneymooners|Christina Lauren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548201335l/42201431._SY75_.jpg|65813986], I don't think it's an accurate comparison. I love the concept of the book and it does start off light, but it quickly takes on heavy topics and doesn't really feel like a rom com. The initial attraction between Ethan and Grey makes sense, but we never really get any idea of why there's anything more meaningful between them. They flirt but hardly know anything about each other beyond the surface but they're madly in love. The author does too good of a job making Ethan incredibly unlikeable and I wasn't really rooting for them as a couple - Grey deserved so much better. Overall, it was a very easy book to read but definitely not light as advertised and not a couple that most will want to cheer for.
Spoilers ahead: While this book is advertised for fans of [b:Beach Read|52867387|Beach Read|Emily Henry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589881197l/52867387._SX50_.jpg|67832247] and [b:The Unhoneymooners|42201431|The Unhoneymooners|Christina Lauren|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548201335l/42201431._SY75_.jpg|65813986], I don't think it's an accurate comparison. I love the concept of the book and it does start off light, but it quickly takes on heavy topics and doesn't really feel like a rom com. The initial attraction between Ethan and Grey makes sense, but we never really get any idea of why there's anything more meaningful between them. They flirt but hardly know anything about each other beyond the surface but they're madly in love. The author does too good of a job making Ethan incredibly unlikeable and I wasn't really rooting for them as a couple - Grey deserved so much better. Overall, it was a very easy book to read but definitely not light as advertised and not a couple that most will want to cheer for.
isabellamariew's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy with this book.
Okay, imagine this, you're struggling to climb the Hollywood ladder so you're asked to fake date your preteen crush. That's exactly what happens to Grey In How to Fake it in Hollywood as she is asked to date former Hollywood heartthrob Ethan Atkins, now known recluse who is suffering from (trigger warning) substance abuse issues.
Grey is absolutely living my dream, like what I would give to even be in the same room as my celebrity crushes, but alas I can only live vicariously through her which was easy when I fell in love with her on page 1. The characters in this book are so raw and relatable. I was able to relate to their struggles and pain and it helped to remind me that while we see celebrities as these unattainable figures they're as human as the rest of us (well maybe not the Kardashians haha). I will say I was not expecting this book to delve so heavily on substance abuse issues and the impact of grief, but I think it really benefited from it rather than being bogged down like it can do to some books. So, if you are looking for a light, fluffy read this is not the one for you. That being said, I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see more from Ava Wilder in the future and I really hope that it involves Kamilah and Andromeda (iykyk).
Okay, imagine this, you're struggling to climb the Hollywood ladder so you're asked to fake date your preteen crush. That's exactly what happens to Grey In How to Fake it in Hollywood as she is asked to date former Hollywood heartthrob Ethan Atkins, now known recluse who is suffering from (trigger warning) substance abuse issues.
Grey is absolutely living my dream, like what I would give to even be in the same room as my celebrity crushes, but alas I can only live vicariously through her which was easy when I fell in love with her on page 1. The characters in this book are so raw and relatable. I was able to relate to their struggles and pain and it helped to remind me that while we see celebrities as these unattainable figures they're as human as the rest of us (well maybe not the Kardashians haha). I will say I was not expecting this book to delve so heavily on substance abuse issues and the impact of grief, but I think it really benefited from it rather than being bogged down like it can do to some books. So, if you are looking for a light, fluffy read this is not the one for you. That being said, I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to see more from Ava Wilder in the future and I really hope that it involves Kamilah and Andromeda (iykyk).
annaks17's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
goodreadswithamila's review against another edition
4.0
First of all- FAKE DATING TROPE! Immediate love. This story is about two actors who need a little bit of a PR stunt to boost their status again, but for different reasons. Grey Brooks is kind of falling off due to her show ending, and Ethan Atkins.. well.. he’s a bit of a mess to put it lightly. Both of their publicists agree that what they need is this fake relationship.
No spoilers but we ALL know how fake dating tropes go- right?
I enjoyed this book- but was it like swoon worthy and something I will rave about to everyone? Probably not. But what I really liked was the character development- especially Ethan. I can always appreciate when a man can recognize an issue and fix his shit. The books ending was very unpredictable to me- but I think that is what I liked best. It was original in its own way and not your typical romance ending. I think the main reason this was not a 5 star read was because I just couldn’t connect with either character that much. I didn’t find them too relatable to me- but I didn’t want that affecting my overall enjoyment on this book
Just want to say thank you to @netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
No spoilers but we ALL know how fake dating tropes go- right?
I enjoyed this book- but was it like swoon worthy and something I will rave about to everyone? Probably not. But what I really liked was the character development- especially Ethan. I can always appreciate when a man can recognize an issue and fix his shit. The books ending was very unpredictable to me- but I think that is what I liked best. It was original in its own way and not your typical romance ending. I think the main reason this was not a 5 star read was because I just couldn’t connect with either character that much. I didn’t find them too relatable to me- but I didn’t want that affecting my overall enjoyment on this book
Just want to say thank you to @netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
pintsizekim's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
bookishdutchie's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
libraryforspooky's review
3.0
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the story arc in return for an honest review!
I rarely, if ever, give a romance 5 stars. This book wholeheartedly deserves it though.
How to Fake it in Hollywood is a captivating and charming romance novel. On the trope of fake dating and partly in the public eye, Grey and Ethan must navigate unknown territories that will make them uncomfortable and deeply in each other’s arms.
Grey is a d list celebrity who recently finished the wrap up on her teen drama. She hasn’t worked in a year and is yearning for her next role, to pick up the momentum on her career and her manuscript. She’s witty, cunning and alluring. The perfect protagonist to make you laugh, but also make you cry. A celebrity that’s so humble, she feels more like a friend. Also her first name is Emily, so we have something in common!
Ethan is an a list celebrity, not working on any projects for the past five years. He’s mysterious and bewitching. He’s broken and trying to pick up the pieces to see if they still fit.
This story contains the multitude about loving somebody with an addiction, it’s what I think gave this an extra star. Nobody wins when you love somebody with an addiction, it was beautifully written to reflect that. It can be hard to grasp and put into writing.
Spice level was a few scenes and I liked that! It’s nice to not read a book full of attraction to sex, a very nice love story between two celebrities that shows the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s nice to compare the book and how so much of our generation being online idolizes celebrities when they are their own people.
I rarely, if ever, give a romance 5 stars. This book wholeheartedly deserves it though.
How to Fake it in Hollywood is a captivating and charming romance novel. On the trope of fake dating and partly in the public eye, Grey and Ethan must navigate unknown territories that will make them uncomfortable and deeply in each other’s arms.
Grey is a d list celebrity who recently finished the wrap up on her teen drama. She hasn’t worked in a year and is yearning for her next role, to pick up the momentum on her career and her manuscript. She’s witty, cunning and alluring. The perfect protagonist to make you laugh, but also make you cry. A celebrity that’s so humble, she feels more like a friend. Also her first name is Emily, so we have something in common!
Ethan is an a list celebrity, not working on any projects for the past five years. He’s mysterious and bewitching. He’s broken and trying to pick up the pieces to see if they still fit.
This story contains the multitude about loving somebody with an addiction, it’s what I think gave this an extra star. Nobody wins when you love somebody with an addiction, it was beautifully written to reflect that. It can be hard to grasp and put into writing.
Spice level was a few scenes and I liked that! It’s nice to not read a book full of attraction to sex, a very nice love story between two celebrities that shows the good, the bad and the ugly. It’s nice to compare the book and how so much of our generation being online idolizes celebrities when they are their own people.
thebookishbrewnette's review against another edition
3.0
I knew this book had a fake dating element to it, and due to the cover expected a "light-hearted, smile and laugh throughout the book experience", and while there were moments, this was a little heavier and more angsty than I anticipated. I honestly have to say I did not know how the story would end as this book does a nice job of making us think that HEA isn't something that everyone gets. The author spotlights grief and what can happen to someone when they don't get the help/support that they should in the aftermath of tragedy while also showcasing how the actions of one person can change another - whether that be for better or worse is up to the other person.