How to Fake it in Hollywood
How to Fake it in Hollywood is a phenomenal swoon worthy debut romcom that was such a wonderful surprise.
Synopsis: Grey Brooks is on a mission to keep her career afloat now that the end of her long-running teen TV show 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: fake 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, struggles with drinking, and grief over the death of his longtime creative partner and best friend, Ethan has 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?
What appealed to you the most in this story?
EVERYTHING! I’m being serious when I say that this story had it all! It has the steam, angst, witty banter, perfect romantic buildup, strong female lead who stands her ground, real emotion, character you root for as a couple and as individuals, and steam…did I mention the heart pounding steam!?! Put this all together and Wilder has proven that she is already a master when it comes to creating a story that will draw you in from the very first chapter.
I also loved how Wilder tackled the deeper/more serious side in this story dealing with the realities of grief and alcoholism. This really brought so much depth and reality to the storyline.
How was the romance?
Bring on my favorite troupe: fake dating! The push and pull between the lead characters, their witty banter, and steam filled scenes kept me racing through the pages, because I just had to find out when and if they would finally get together. Their chemistry was perfect, and you could just feel their raw emotions coming off the page. What I loved the most about their romance was how it began as a physical attraction but then it gradually became deeper.
Steam Level: This had all the steamy open-door scenes that I love!
How was the pace?
Talk about a fast-paced story that hooks you from the beginning. I could not put this book down and ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours!
Do you recommend this book?
This is a compelling story that you just have to read! It truly has everything you want in a romcom and is perfect for the beach, poolside, or just to lose yourself in during a rainy day.
I read this one with Kaley and all the credit goes to her for this excellent find, and I loved our discussions as we read!
Thank you, NetGalley and Dell Books, for this gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.
