Book Review – How To Fake It In Hollywood

I was really REALLY excited when I got approved to read an advanced copy of HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD, Ava Wilder’s debut. So many people were talking about how fantastic it was, so naturally I NEEDED it, as I need all books (it’s a problem, what can I say).

And it is SO GOOD. SO GOOD. However it is not the lighthearted rom com you might expect when you hear about two Hollywood actors fake dating. It’s definitely darker and deals with some heavy topics – grief, addiction. And while it wasn’t a fun, frothy read it was absolutely an “I can’t put this down” read!!

Grey Brooks is looking for her next big break. After her long running teen drama ends and no luck finding work, Grey is desperate for a decent part.

Ethan Atkins is a reclusive Hollywood starlet, who spends his time drinking the days away at home. Still reeling from the death of his best friend and creative partner Sam and his ugly divorce, Ethan has become a hermit who rarely sees anyone other than his very inner circle.

Brought together by their mutual publicist, Grey and Ethan agree to fake date for their careers- to elevate her status and to get him back in the spotlight and clean up his image. Even with a rocky start, the two are drawn to each other, and the line between what’s fake and what’s real because very blurred.

I think when I read the description for the book, the fake dating + Hollywood combo just automatically went to fun rom com (like AMERICA’S SWEETHEARTS) but it is so much more! It touches on some really deep topics and shows what a struggle they are each going through with not only their careers but also their personal lives. The way they connect with each other even though neither is very good at letting people in.

I really can’t even describe how much I LOVED THIS BOOK. In my head, Ethan is a likable Ben Affleck if Matt Damon had died (they have that kind of relationship). Even though Grey is a good 10+ years younger than Ethan, she isn’t a pushover and she tells it like it is. She’s feisty and fun, but she’s also a nose to the grindstone hard worker.

TW: I don’t do a lot of these but I do feel compelled to mention alcoholism and substance abuse for this.

HOW TO FAKE IT IN HOLLYWOOD comes out June 14th, so make sure to check it out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC!