February 2022 Book Review

 

The Most Unexpected Book This Month.

What I thought I was getting in requesting this How to Fake it in Hollywood by Ava Wilder was a cutesy, fluffy, rom-com.  What I needed up getting was a journey that took me all across the map of emotions.  I fell in love with Grey, Ethan and their story. I rooted for them getting caught up in their romance, I felt anguish for them as things fell apart and ultimately held my breath waiting to see how all the things would align to bring these two characters back together.  How to Fake It in Hollywood was magnificently written to showcase not just a relationship between two famous people trying to rejuvenate their careers but to highlight the insecurities, strengths and challenges that they overcome to love themselves and others.

Grey and Ethan are brought together by their mutual publisict under the guise of fake dating to rejuvenate their careers.  At their first meeting, sparks fly and they sign up for a 6 month commitment.  What ensues is the story of their foray into taking their relationship public, the struggle of past ghosts that haunt them and the journey of making their way back to each other.

Publication Date: June 14, 2022, Pre-order Now!
Rated R: sexual content, language, minor character identifying as non-binary.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballentine for the ARC.

The Book That Made Me Cry and Want to Immediately Reread It.

Have you ever experienced a book that you read it and when you finish it your heart is full and even though you know how it ends you want to re-read it again because you just adored the characters and their story?  Well, that exact feeling is that By Any Other Name gives. 😂 

We are introduced to Lanie, a romance editor who loves her job and her fiancé who met every single one of her nintey-nine items, her list for a perfect partner.  This list was complied after reading her first Noa Calloway novel.  And in Lanie's world, once a Noa Calloway fan, always a Noa Calloway fan! Lanie's editing position is with the publishing house that discovered and works exclusively with Noa Calloway.  Unfortunately for Lanie, Noa Calloway is behind on delivering her newest novel and the deadline is looming.  Through a turn of events, Lanie is tasked with the important job of pulling the next great piece of romantic literature from the mind and heart of Noa Calloway.  If she does this, she will keep the promotion she's always dreamed of!  

If you love...

... New York, this book is for you!

... adorable date-like situations that just make your heart squeeze from the preciousness of it all, this book is for you.

... seeing characters develop into their own and find someone who brings out the best in them, this book is for you.

... an ending that might could possibly bring tears to your eyes in while you're in the bathtub wanting to savor every word {not that I would know from experience 😂}, this book is for you.

Publication Date: March 1, 2022, Pre-order Now!

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group, Putnam