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Hollywood Hookup
A former movie star is thrust back into the celebrity life where she finds herself competing for a date with her longtime crush in this funny and heartwarming rom-com about second chances and rediscovering your true self.
Once a teenage TV star, she’s reinvented her life. Now her very public celebrity crush has put her back in the spotlight.
Josie Days has worked hard to forget who she used to be. Once upon a time, she was one of Mexico’s favorite bilingual teen stars—until one disastrous decision ruined her budding career. These days, Josie’s happy to keep things very off-camera as a makeup artist. That is until her best friend ropes her into a charity game show where the prize is a date with her forever celebrity impossibly charming Irish “It” boy Sean O’Sullivan.
Josie has no interest in winning. In fact, she’s trying to lose—and fast. But Sean is interested in more than a game. The problem? Josie isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the cameras start rolling and her past is exposed, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready for the spotlight again—or if her second act never should have started.
Once a teenage TV star, she’s reinvented her life. Now her very public celebrity crush has put her back in the spotlight.
Josie Days has worked hard to forget who she used to be. Once upon a time, she was one of Mexico’s favorite bilingual teen stars—until one disastrous decision ruined her budding career. These days, Josie’s happy to keep things very off-camera as a makeup artist. That is until her best friend ropes her into a charity game show where the prize is a date with her forever celebrity impossibly charming Irish “It” boy Sean O’Sullivan.
Josie has no interest in winning. In fact, she’s trying to lose—and fast. But Sean is interested in more than a game. The problem? Josie isn’t who he thinks she is. And when the cameras start rolling and her past is exposed, she’ll have to decide if she’s ready for the spotlight again—or if her second act never should have started.
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Published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
February 8, 2026
I listened to Hollywood Hookup on audio with a full cast, and honestly, the production was the standout , it was lively, immersive, and genuinely fun to listen to. Unfortunately, the story itself didn’t quite land for me. I enjoy quirky romances, but this leaned so far into zany, kooky territory that it started to feel like a caricature of a celebrity rom com rather than a grounded love story. There were moments that made me laugh, and I can see how the silliness might work for the right reader, but the emotional depth and romantic chemistry were missing for me. The connection between the leads felt thin and off, which made it hard to invest beyond the wackiness. If you’re looking for something truly over the top and silly, this might be your vibe, it just wasn’t mine.
February 23, 2026
Hollywood Hookup by Christy Swift
Contemporary diverse NA romance. Rom-com. Connected to prior book Celebrity Crush in world building. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Josie Day moved to California and became a makeup artist to help hide from her past television persona. Getting cast as a candidate on a dating show wasn’t in her plans but it sets her up with Sean O’Sullivan, an actor from a famous television show.
One date. With publicity. What could go wrong?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ecopy and audiobook. The narration was a full cast performance (mostly) with Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo and Megan Tusing. Love a full cast which makes it easy to differentiate between characters, especially when accents are part of the process. This recording helped highlight Josie’s past and language skills. All the players kept the energy high and entertaining.
Felt more young adult than new adult. Josie is hiding from her past and most of this story is directly about or attempting to find that past. Angsty.
Sean is amusing in his disbelief that Josie doesn’t want a date with him. I liked his careful persistence and loved his ultimate altruistic vibe.
HEA which is what I want in a romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Forever, and Hachette Audio.
Contemporary diverse NA romance. Rom-com. Connected to prior book Celebrity Crush in world building. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Josie Day moved to California and became a makeup artist to help hide from her past television persona. Getting cast as a candidate on a dating show wasn’t in her plans but it sets her up with Sean O’Sullivan, an actor from a famous television show.
One date. With publicity. What could go wrong?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ecopy and audiobook. The narration was a full cast performance (mostly) with Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo and Megan Tusing. Love a full cast which makes it easy to differentiate between characters, especially when accents are part of the process. This recording helped highlight Josie’s past and language skills. All the players kept the energy high and entertaining.
Felt more young adult than new adult. Josie is hiding from her past and most of this story is directly about or attempting to find that past. Angsty.
Sean is amusing in his disbelief that Josie doesn’t want a date with him. I liked his careful persistence and loved his ultimate altruistic vibe.
HEA which is what I want in a romance.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher Forever, and Hachette Audio.
February 7, 2026
✨ALC provided through NetGalley for an honest review✨
Hollywood Hookup is sweet, but a little all over the place. The blurb for this says it’s a former child star that gets put on a charity game show to win a prize date with her Hollywood it boy crush. I thought the book would mostly be that plot like a reality show thing, but it was only a small part at the beginning of the book. There were a few questions between the 3 heartthrobs and the contestants, and then they picked the winners. That’s it. For the most part, this book was about a child star that had an accident on her tv show and it turned into a small scandal, and she’s been in hiding ever since. She then starts having romantic feelings between her and her celebrity date Sean, but is so scared about being in the limelight again. Sean is enamored with Josie though and wants a relationship with her, even finding out about her supposedly “huge” scandal.
It seemed like the story didn’t know where it was going for a bit. Like it didn’t know its main focal point, and it kept coming up with issues all the characters had to deal with. It was a romantic comedy, but then it had serious moments that didn’t fit into the flow of story. I did think the romance was sweet between Sean and Josie, and the persistence Sean had to make Josie realize they could be together ❤️
The audiobook was a full cast narration, but only in certain parts. The main characters chapters were dual narrated, so I was disappointed it wasn’t duet. But the narrators did a fantastic job with their performances and I loved the different accents they portrayed! If listening or reading this book, don’t expect too much from it. It was a little kooky and off the wall without much depth, but it was sweet ❤️
Hollywood Hookup is sweet, but a little all over the place. The blurb for this says it’s a former child star that gets put on a charity game show to win a prize date with her Hollywood it boy crush. I thought the book would mostly be that plot like a reality show thing, but it was only a small part at the beginning of the book. There were a few questions between the 3 heartthrobs and the contestants, and then they picked the winners. That’s it. For the most part, this book was about a child star that had an accident on her tv show and it turned into a small scandal, and she’s been in hiding ever since. She then starts having romantic feelings between her and her celebrity date Sean, but is so scared about being in the limelight again. Sean is enamored with Josie though and wants a relationship with her, even finding out about her supposedly “huge” scandal.
It seemed like the story didn’t know where it was going for a bit. Like it didn’t know its main focal point, and it kept coming up with issues all the characters had to deal with. It was a romantic comedy, but then it had serious moments that didn’t fit into the flow of story. I did think the romance was sweet between Sean and Josie, and the persistence Sean had to make Josie realize they could be together ❤️
The audiobook was a full cast narration, but only in certain parts. The main characters chapters were dual narrated, so I was disappointed it wasn’t duet. But the narrators did a fantastic job with their performances and I loved the different accents they portrayed! If listening or reading this book, don’t expect too much from it. It was a little kooky and off the wall without much depth, but it was sweet ❤️
February 7, 2026
I want to first thank NetGalley and Forever for the opportunity to read this book.
Now let’s get into it. There was a lot happening in this book. Like a lot and honestly it just felt like too much. From the puppet storyline to the stolen prop from Hamilton to the random moments with characters from another book that just kept popping up to the way the book desperately needed us to feel like cosplay was weird, especially as a hobby for an actor!!
There was just a lot happening and most of it wasn’t very good. The main characters really had no chemistry together. The podcast segments were honestly grating after a while. There was just a lot about this book that didn’t really work.
I will say that there were some good things. There were some solidly funny moments in the book. The writing was pretty funny. But those moments kept getting overshadowed by the very overstuffed plot.
Thank you again, NetGalley and Forever.
Now let’s get into it. There was a lot happening in this book. Like a lot and honestly it just felt like too much. From the puppet storyline to the stolen prop from Hamilton to the random moments with characters from another book that just kept popping up to the way the book desperately needed us to feel like cosplay was weird, especially as a hobby for an actor!!
There was just a lot happening and most of it wasn’t very good. The main characters really had no chemistry together. The podcast segments were honestly grating after a while. There was just a lot about this book that didn’t really work.
I will say that there were some good things. There were some solidly funny moments in the book. The writing was pretty funny. But those moments kept getting overshadowed by the very overstuffed plot.
Thank you again, NetGalley and Forever.
March 1, 2026
Josie’s (FMC) snark stole the show, or in this case, the book. Josie is a former TV teen star. Formerly, due to an unfortunate circumstance that ended her career early in Mexico. Her friend pushes her to do this celebrity dating game show, which happens to feature her crush, Sean. The thing is, Josie, doesn’t even like having any attention on her. The things she does to disguise herself are hilarious. I also enjoyed the banter between her and Sean. The dialogue flowed quite smoothly. It was a fun story.
Thank you to Forever Books and Author Christy Swift for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Forever Books and Author Christy Swift for the gifted e-copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
DNF @ 41%
The plot didn't really make sense and statyed in the middle of a scene and kinda made you feel like you accidently started book 2 of a series. There's no chemistry between the characters and ots a little too kooky to be endearing
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
The plot didn't really make sense and statyed in the middle of a scene and kinda made you feel like you accidently started book 2 of a series. There's no chemistry between the characters and ots a little too kooky to be endearing
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
January 25, 2026
This was a highly anticipated release for me after loving Christy Swift’s debut rom-com Celebrity Crush, and I’m happy to report the sophomore novel avoided the dreaded “second book slump.”
While this is technically another rom-com set in the same world, it works perfectly well as a standalone. It’s also a delightful genre mashup—romance with a side of low-key mystery. Not who committed murder mystery, but what secret is about to explode mystery.
First up: our FMC and her big secret—one she’s determined to keep… while the universe aggressively works against her. Then we get a truly ridiculous (in the best way) subplot involving the theft of George Washington’s hat from Hamilton: The Musical. Yes. That sentence is real.
And then there’s the puppet.
Ah yes. The puppet.
You’ll understand when you get there.
Overall, this book is quirky, geeky-reference fun with a capital F. It makes plenty of nods to Celebrity Crush, and while you don’t have to read it first, doing so will definitely enhance your enjoyment of Hollywood Hookup.
I did this as an immersion read with the full-cast audiobook from Hachette Audio (Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo, and Megan Tusing). I couldn’t tell you who voiced whom, but everyone brought their A-game. The pacing was a little sleepy at 1x speed, but easily fixed—because audiobooks have buttons for a reason.
Bottom line: this is a fun, slightly unhinged, theater-kid-adjacent rom-com with mystery vibes and Valentine’s Day energy. If you want something light, quirky, and different from your standard romance formula, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio and eARC from Forever Publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
While this is technically another rom-com set in the same world, it works perfectly well as a standalone. It’s also a delightful genre mashup—romance with a side of low-key mystery. Not who committed murder mystery, but what secret is about to explode mystery.
First up: our FMC and her big secret—one she’s determined to keep… while the universe aggressively works against her. Then we get a truly ridiculous (in the best way) subplot involving the theft of George Washington’s hat from Hamilton: The Musical. Yes. That sentence is real.
And then there’s the puppet.
Ah yes. The puppet.
You’ll understand when you get there.
Overall, this book is quirky, geeky-reference fun with a capital F. It makes plenty of nods to Celebrity Crush, and while you don’t have to read it first, doing so will definitely enhance your enjoyment of Hollywood Hookup.
I did this as an immersion read with the full-cast audiobook from Hachette Audio (Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo, and Megan Tusing). I couldn’t tell you who voiced whom, but everyone brought their A-game. The pacing was a little sleepy at 1x speed, but easily fixed—because audiobooks have buttons for a reason.
Bottom line: this is a fun, slightly unhinged, theater-kid-adjacent rom-com with mystery vibes and Valentine’s Day energy. If you want something light, quirky, and different from your standard romance formula, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary ALC from Hachette Audio and eARC from Forever Publishing via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
January 4, 2026
Thank you to Forever for sending me an e-ARC. I had a great time reading this laugh-out-loud romcom by Christy Swift.
This romance doesn’t take itself seriously at all. It leans into the ridiculousness of having the chance to date your celebrity crush and satisfies every fantasy you may have had too.
No part of me expected the reason they couldn’t be together (IYKYK) but it only added to the madness and chaos of this book.
There is depth in the found family and learning to accept the weirder parts of yourself <3
It was a fun book and would be a fun movie.
This romance doesn’t take itself seriously at all. It leans into the ridiculousness of having the chance to date your celebrity crush and satisfies every fantasy you may have had too.
No part of me expected the reason they couldn’t be together (IYKYK) but it only added to the madness and chaos of this book.
There is depth in the found family and learning to accept the weirder parts of yourself <3
It was a fun book and would be a fun movie.
January 27, 2026
Easy, simple read. I didn’t really like the stereotypes. I just really didn’t like the story that much. This one wasn’t for me.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for an advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, I did enjoy this, especially since it had named chapters and not just numbered chapters (why have numbered chapters become the norm?!? They're the worst). It was unusual and quirky, think sci-fi, dancing, musicals, nerds, theater kids, and cosplay (also featuring loads of references to geek culture, like mentioning owning a brown coat and then having a scene based on playing a Firefly themed board game which had been a set wrapping gift from Nathan Fillion).
I have not read the other book, Celebrity Crush, that is set in this same world, but this does work as a standalone read, although some portions did seem to reference the other book in way I could not fully understand, but did not takeaway from the current story.
There was a lot going on in this, I feel like a sequel was being set up for Sean's brother, Seamus, so a lot of time went towards that. Although everything was from Josie's or Sean's POV they seemed to spend nearly as much time including Seamus and Josie's friend, Emmy (who was a main character if Celebrity Crush).
Some parts of this story were quite exaggerated, like literally running away from something that happened 12 years prior. If Josie hadn't made it into a big deal I doubt her new story would have gotten as much attention as it did. Josie was also a terrible liar, so a lot of things she said were entirely far-fetched and ridiculous to the point of being comically exaggerated.
Overall, I did enjoy this, especially since it had named chapters and not just numbered chapters (why have numbered chapters become the norm?!? They're the worst). It was unusual and quirky, think sci-fi, dancing, musicals, nerds, theater kids, and cosplay (also featuring loads of references to geek culture, like mentioning owning a brown coat and then having a scene based on playing a Firefly themed board game which had been a set wrapping gift from Nathan Fillion).
I have not read the other book, Celebrity Crush, that is set in this same world, but this does work as a standalone read, although some portions did seem to reference the other book in way I could not fully understand, but did not takeaway from the current story.
There was a lot going on in this, I feel like a sequel was being set up for Sean's brother, Seamus, so a lot of time went towards that. Although everything was from Josie's or Sean's POV they seemed to spend nearly as much time including Seamus and Josie's friend, Emmy (who was a main character if Celebrity Crush).
Some parts of this story were quite exaggerated, like literally running away from something that happened 12 years prior. If Josie hadn't made it into a big deal I doubt her new story would have gotten as much attention as it did. Josie was also a terrible liar, so a lot of things she said were entirely far-fetched and ridiculous to the point of being comically exaggerated.
February 10, 2026
Hollywood Hookup is such a fun, quirky, and hilarious romance! It brings together Josie Days, former child star hiding from her embarrassing TV tantrum turned Hollywood makeup artist, and MMC, Sean O'Sullivan, current lead on Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe with a secret passion for cosplay and Hamilton. From their forced meet-cute on Date Your Celebrity Crush to the very end, I loved Josie and Sean's romance journey! I found myself laughing out loud, beaming as they each leaned into their inner weirdos, and kicking my feet at their sweet romance. I loved the way things came together at the end and how Josie and Sean are able to embrace themselves and each other.
This is a perfect book for folks who are looking for something sweet, nerdy, and a little goofy!
The audiobook was great. It was dual narration for Josie and Sean's point of views. It was full cast and duet narration for some of the gossip column/interview interludes. Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo, and Megan Tusing did fantastic jobs narrating these characters. It made it a really fun listen.
Thank you to Forever and Hachette Audio for the eARC and ALC to review! This review reflects my own opinions!
This is a perfect book for folks who are looking for something sweet, nerdy, and a little goofy!
The audiobook was great. It was dual narration for Josie and Sean's point of views. It was full cast and duet narration for some of the gossip column/interview interludes. Andy Garcia, Will Damron, Bradley Ford, Stefanie Kay, Ramon de Ocampo, and Megan Tusing did fantastic jobs narrating these characters. It made it a really fun listen.
Thank you to Forever and Hachette Audio for the eARC and ALC to review! This review reflects my own opinions!
February 16, 2026
This was an interesting read. The two main characters were certainly quirky but I just did not connect either them nor did I find that I cared. Josie was constantly freaking out about something that happened so long ago. Sean seemed very immature and high on himself. Since I don’t know any largely famous people and that the other characters in the book don’t respond to his ego in the way I did, maybe it is expected behavior for that caliber of fame? I’m not sure but I couldn’t find any appeal with him. I did get a copy of the audiobook from NetGalley and Hachette Audio. The audio was 5 stars. There was a cast of people for this book and they are all very talented. The interview chapters made me chuckle, they were ridiculous.
February 23, 2026
This was such a fun and romantic story! I loved the premise! I got to listen to the full cast audiobook, and it was wonderful. Having a full cast really rounded out the narrative and added an extra level. I enjoyed the little quirks of all of the characters. I especially loved Sean. He was so sweet and romantic. I'd love to find someone like him IRL. There was a lot going on in the book, so it did take a bit to keep track of. There were definitely a variety of moments: cute, romantic, funny. I had a great time and enjoyed the journey between the two characters. I recommend this book!
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2026
This book was funny! I enjoyed the mention of Hamilton. It was tastefully done and not just thrown in to check the “pop culture reference” box. The synopsis was little misleading. I thought the whole book was going to take place on the dating show, but only the first few chapters did. The story was entertaining and the Josie was funny. The narrators also did a good job. Overall I enjoyed the book! So happy I was able to be an ARC listener.
The book comes out tomorrow, so make sure to check it out!
The book comes out tomorrow, so make sure to check it out!
February 22, 2026
I just finished this book and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the writing and the story were better than book one! I’m honestly surprised by the more negative reviews on here.
Celebrity romance is not my favorite trope personally but I really enjoyed it. There are some laugh out loud moments and the characters are lovably flawed. I appreciated the reappearance of the possessed doll from book 1 😂
Overall a solid 4 stars.
Celebrity romance is not my favorite trope personally but I really enjoyed it. There are some laugh out loud moments and the characters are lovably flawed. I appreciated the reappearance of the possessed doll from book 1 😂
Overall a solid 4 stars.
February 23, 2026
This cute romance has the friends to lovers trope. There is a Hollywood element with movie star Sean falling for make-up artist Josie. There are so many funny quirks like a stolen hat from Hamilton and a damaged puppet. There is no spice in this book. I highly recommend this on audio. It has a full cast. You feel like you are listening to a movie at some points and a gossip show at others.
February 14, 2026
ALC copy provided by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook was fast-paced, immersive, and well-produced. The story was interesting at first, but a bit later, the plot took a turn, and it wasn’t as enjoyable. I had a good time, and this book has a place in someone’s TBR, just not all groups of readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Hacette Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Since I was fortunate enough to have both the Kindle version and audio version of this title, I will be reviewing both at the same time.
While I love audio books that have many narrators when the title is an actual production (like a dramatization), I find it hard to follow a book with multiple narrators when it is not. This book has 6 narrators and for the life of me I could not tell you which person did which character. Six narrators is a lot in a romance book and it honestly made it hard to follow along. The narrators on their own were well done enough, though, again, hard to say who was who and who did the best job. I wasn't a fan of the narrator for the MMC, Sean. His Irish accent was subtle, yes, but often times not even there so I wasn't sure if he just wasn't trying or if that was actually supposed to be how the character's voice came across. Overall, I found the multiple narrator idea overwhelming and it took away from any enjoyment I may have gotten out of the audio.
While it doesn't seem this book is billed as a series, there are many characters who appear from the first book, Celebrity Crush. As a person who likes to read books in order, you will absolutely be spoiled for the couple from that book if you read this one first so I do suggest reading them in order.
While I didn't love Swift's writing in the first book, I wanted to give her another try in the hopes her craft may have grown and blossomed. But that was not to be the case for me. As with her first book, the characters came across as stilted to me. They don't grow, change, and develop as I would hope in a romance story such as this. The FMC, Josie/Savannah, comes across as whiny and scared of her shadow. Plus she's just so self-centered, never worrying about anyone but herself. She's so worried about being outed for who she truly is, her character never has a chance to evolve. And for the age of the character, she is very immature. The MMC, Sean, comes across as a bit snobbish and quite full of himself. I just found it totally unattractive and didn't see what the FMC saw in him at all. And he was just all around weird with his obsession with props from movies and plays. It didn't lend anything at all to the story or his relationship with the FMC.
If we're going to discuss romance and chemistry, this couple is not the standard by which I would judge a rom-com. I didn't find either endearing. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, even when it may have had a chance to grow. It's unclear what either even sees in each other. They suddenly like each other with no background whatsoever. I didn't believe in their connection at all.
There are a ton of side characters in this story. I did understand the author bringing in characters from the previous story and it was fun to see some of them again. But overall the side characters just didn't add anything to the story or move it along. Plus there is a ton of name dropping in this book that just made no sense.
One of the things I remember from the first book in this series was how much telling the author did. I was hopeful that would not be the case with this title, but, alas, it was not to be. And the plot, it just didn't make enough sense for the story to move forward and let me believe in the characters. The banter felt forced throughout the book. I didn't find myself laughing or even giggling. For a book billed as a rom-com, it totally missed that mark.
I really had to push myself to finish this book. I just did not find it interesting and found myself speeding up the audio or skimming the eARC just to get through it all. I was never fully immersed or invested in the story of the characters.
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing with future stories from this author as I just don't feel her style is for me.
Since I was fortunate enough to have both the Kindle version and audio version of this title, I will be reviewing both at the same time.
While I love audio books that have many narrators when the title is an actual production (like a dramatization), I find it hard to follow a book with multiple narrators when it is not. This book has 6 narrators and for the life of me I could not tell you which person did which character. Six narrators is a lot in a romance book and it honestly made it hard to follow along. The narrators on their own were well done enough, though, again, hard to say who was who and who did the best job. I wasn't a fan of the narrator for the MMC, Sean. His Irish accent was subtle, yes, but often times not even there so I wasn't sure if he just wasn't trying or if that was actually supposed to be how the character's voice came across. Overall, I found the multiple narrator idea overwhelming and it took away from any enjoyment I may have gotten out of the audio.
While it doesn't seem this book is billed as a series, there are many characters who appear from the first book, Celebrity Crush. As a person who likes to read books in order, you will absolutely be spoiled for the couple from that book if you read this one first so I do suggest reading them in order.
While I didn't love Swift's writing in the first book, I wanted to give her another try in the hopes her craft may have grown and blossomed. But that was not to be the case for me. As with her first book, the characters came across as stilted to me. They don't grow, change, and develop as I would hope in a romance story such as this. The FMC, Josie/Savannah, comes across as whiny and scared of her shadow. Plus she's just so self-centered, never worrying about anyone but herself. She's so worried about being outed for who she truly is, her character never has a chance to evolve. And for the age of the character, she is very immature. The MMC, Sean, comes across as a bit snobbish and quite full of himself. I just found it totally unattractive and didn't see what the FMC saw in him at all. And he was just all around weird with his obsession with props from movies and plays. It didn't lend anything at all to the story or his relationship with the FMC.
If we're going to discuss romance and chemistry, this couple is not the standard by which I would judge a rom-com. I didn't find either endearing. I didn't feel any chemistry between them, even when it may have had a chance to grow. It's unclear what either even sees in each other. They suddenly like each other with no background whatsoever. I didn't believe in their connection at all.
There are a ton of side characters in this story. I did understand the author bringing in characters from the previous story and it was fun to see some of them again. But overall the side characters just didn't add anything to the story or move it along. Plus there is a ton of name dropping in this book that just made no sense.
One of the things I remember from the first book in this series was how much telling the author did. I was hopeful that would not be the case with this title, but, alas, it was not to be. And the plot, it just didn't make enough sense for the story to move forward and let me believe in the characters. The banter felt forced throughout the book. I didn't find myself laughing or even giggling. For a book billed as a rom-com, it totally missed that mark.
I really had to push myself to finish this book. I just did not find it interesting and found myself speeding up the audio or skimming the eARC just to get through it all. I was never fully immersed or invested in the story of the characters.
Unfortunately, I won't be continuing with future stories from this author as I just don't feel her style is for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hollywood Hookup by Christy Swift.
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), thank you for my gifted ARC, and thank you to NetGalley for putting this delightful chaos in my hands.
Reading Hollywood Hookup felt like settling into a warm, oversized sweater that occasionally crackles with static and shocks you on purpose just to keep things interesting. Josie Days, once a beloved bilingual teen star in Mexico, has rebuilt her life brick by quiet brick. Now she works as a makeup artist, living a low-key existence with the determination of someone who has absolutely no desire to trend on the internet ever again. So naturally her best friend signs her up for a charity game show that throws her directly into the path of Sean O’Sullivan, her long-time celebrity crush and walking Irish heartthrob.
From page one, Josie’s voice pulled me in. She narrates her life the way someone does when they’ve been embarrassed enough times to stop flinching. Her dry humor, survival-level sarcasm, and absolute refusal to be impressed by fame make her feel real. Sean, on the other hand, is charming in a way that made me suspicious at first, like a golden retriever who knows exactly how handsome he is. But he quickly earns his place, offering the kind of gentle persistence that makes you root for him even when he trips over his own charm.
The book leans into awkwardness with the confidence of a person who has decided embarrassment is a hobby. The charity game show sequences are exactly the right amount of chaotic, and the growing connection between Josie and Sean feels warm and slow, like a kettle heating on the stove. Their banter is quick, their chemistry hits that soft-but-swoony note, and their quiet moments have surprising emotional depth.
Swift handles Josie’s backstory with care. What happened in her childhood career isn’t treated as some cheap twist but as something that shaped her, something she’s still learning to unpack. When her past inevitably resurfaces, the fallout feels honest. It’s not melodramatic chaos, but the painfully familiar heaviness of being misunderstood by people who think they already know your story. Sean’s support during these moments lands softly and sincerely.
Of course, there’s also the puppet. The puppet isn’t just a puppet. It becomes a recurring presence, a bizarre symbol, and a running joke that sometimes made me laugh, other times made me whisper, “Please no,” into my pillow. But the absurdity fits the tone. Hollywood Hookup is a romcom that knows when to poke fun at itself.
The real heart of the story belongs to Josie’s growth. Watching her reclaim parts of her identity she thought she had to bury is genuinely moving. As someone who has tried to reinvent myself a few too many times, her journey hit close to home. At the center of it is one line I highlighted so hard my e-reader froze for a moment: “You don’t have to hide who you were to become who you are.” That sentence sums up the soul of this book.
Sean also carries emotional weight of his own, and while he doesn’t always make the best choices, he learns. His arc complements Josie’s without overshadowing it. By the time they reach their final moment, it feels earned, sweet, and hopeful.
Is Hollywood Hookup perfect? No, but that’s part of its charm. It’s messy, funny, heartfelt, and occasionally confusing, just like real love and real reinvention. It’s a romcom that doesn’t try to be deep but sneaks up and gets you anyway.
If you want a cozy romance with humor, celebrity shenanigans, emotional healing, and characters whose flaws make them lovable, this one belongs on your list.
Rating: 4 stars
#HollywoodHookup #ChristySwift #RomComReview #RomanceBooks #BookReview #ARCReview #ForeverPublishing #NetGalleyReads #CelebrityRomance #CozyRomCom #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #FictionReview #BookishLove #SlowBurnRomance #SecondChances
Forever (Grand Central Publishing), thank you for my gifted ARC, and thank you to NetGalley for putting this delightful chaos in my hands.
Reading Hollywood Hookup felt like settling into a warm, oversized sweater that occasionally crackles with static and shocks you on purpose just to keep things interesting. Josie Days, once a beloved bilingual teen star in Mexico, has rebuilt her life brick by quiet brick. Now she works as a makeup artist, living a low-key existence with the determination of someone who has absolutely no desire to trend on the internet ever again. So naturally her best friend signs her up for a charity game show that throws her directly into the path of Sean O’Sullivan, her long-time celebrity crush and walking Irish heartthrob.
From page one, Josie’s voice pulled me in. She narrates her life the way someone does when they’ve been embarrassed enough times to stop flinching. Her dry humor, survival-level sarcasm, and absolute refusal to be impressed by fame make her feel real. Sean, on the other hand, is charming in a way that made me suspicious at first, like a golden retriever who knows exactly how handsome he is. But he quickly earns his place, offering the kind of gentle persistence that makes you root for him even when he trips over his own charm.
The book leans into awkwardness with the confidence of a person who has decided embarrassment is a hobby. The charity game show sequences are exactly the right amount of chaotic, and the growing connection between Josie and Sean feels warm and slow, like a kettle heating on the stove. Their banter is quick, their chemistry hits that soft-but-swoony note, and their quiet moments have surprising emotional depth.
Swift handles Josie’s backstory with care. What happened in her childhood career isn’t treated as some cheap twist but as something that shaped her, something she’s still learning to unpack. When her past inevitably resurfaces, the fallout feels honest. It’s not melodramatic chaos, but the painfully familiar heaviness of being misunderstood by people who think they already know your story. Sean’s support during these moments lands softly and sincerely.
Of course, there’s also the puppet. The puppet isn’t just a puppet. It becomes a recurring presence, a bizarre symbol, and a running joke that sometimes made me laugh, other times made me whisper, “Please no,” into my pillow. But the absurdity fits the tone. Hollywood Hookup is a romcom that knows when to poke fun at itself.
The real heart of the story belongs to Josie’s growth. Watching her reclaim parts of her identity she thought she had to bury is genuinely moving. As someone who has tried to reinvent myself a few too many times, her journey hit close to home. At the center of it is one line I highlighted so hard my e-reader froze for a moment: “You don’t have to hide who you were to become who you are.” That sentence sums up the soul of this book.
Sean also carries emotional weight of his own, and while he doesn’t always make the best choices, he learns. His arc complements Josie’s without overshadowing it. By the time they reach their final moment, it feels earned, sweet, and hopeful.
Is Hollywood Hookup perfect? No, but that’s part of its charm. It’s messy, funny, heartfelt, and occasionally confusing, just like real love and real reinvention. It’s a romcom that doesn’t try to be deep but sneaks up and gets you anyway.
If you want a cozy romance with humor, celebrity shenanigans, emotional healing, and characters whose flaws make them lovable, this one belongs on your list.
Rating: 4 stars
#HollywoodHookup #ChristySwift #RomComReview #RomanceBooks #BookReview #ARCReview #ForeverPublishing #NetGalleyReads #CelebrityRomance #CozyRomCom #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #FictionReview #BookishLove #SlowBurnRomance #SecondChances
February 21, 2026
Let me begin by saying that this book is not trying to be serious at all, and that’s exactly why it works so well. Swift dives right into the fantasy: imagine actually dating that celebrity you’ve been dreaming about in a full-on, live-your-dream way.
We meet Josie Days, who has a very relatable story. She was a child star until a public meltdown on TV (the kind that never disappears from the internet) led her to avoid the spotlight. Now, she’s a makeup artist in Hollywood, close to fame but comfortably in the background. Then we have Sean O’Sullivan, starring in Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe. Unlike typical leading men, he’s secretly into cosplay and has a quirky love for Hamilton.
They meet on a show called Date Your Celebrity Crush, which is exactly the kind of chaotic fun you’d expect, setting the story in motion. Their first meeting could have been awkward, but instead, it turns into a charming dance as they figure out if their feelings are real or just for the cameras.
Swift writes with such energy that I found myself genuinely laughing out loud. The humor works because it’s character-driven rather than forced. Both Josie and Sean are quirky, and watching them embrace their inner nerds together was exactly what I hoped for in this story.
The dual perspective adds depth. Seeing inside both their minds reveals how they handle their own issues—Josie with her past embarrassment and fear of scrutiny, Sean with the pressure of his public image. Their understanding of each other’s struggles feels genuine, forming the basis of something real amidst Hollywood chaos.
Swift also handles media intrusion well. The reporters and tabloid drama aren’t just background noise—they complicate things realistically, raising stakes for Josie and Sean’s relationship without dragging down the lightness of the story.
The romance hits the right balance of cute and satisfying. The chemistry between them is undeniable, making you smile at the book like a goof (which suits the characters). Swift knows how to create those heart-flipping moments without being overly sweet.
The ending ties everything together in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. It’s about finding someone who not only accepts your weirdness but celebrates it, making you feel free to be yourself. Swift understands what makes romantic comedy work: characters you cheer for, a mix of absurdity with emotional truth, and pacing that keeps you hooked. This is her debut in this genre, and I’m already eager to see what she does next because if this is her start, the future looks bright.
For readers who like:
If you loved the celebrity craziness in The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or found solace in the layered characters of Beach Read by Emily Henry, this is for you.
Final Verdict
Christy Swift has put together a genuinely enjoyable tale with Hollywood Hookup—a romance that embraces the fantasy at its heart and delivers on that promise. If you’re looking for something sweet, nerdy, and delightfully silly—something that will make you laugh out loud and grin at your book—this is the perfect choice. Swift has made her mark as a writer who can create romantic comedies that are both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling.
Grateful to NetGalley, Forever, and Christy Swift for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
We meet Josie Days, who has a very relatable story. She was a child star until a public meltdown on TV (the kind that never disappears from the internet) led her to avoid the spotlight. Now, she’s a makeup artist in Hollywood, close to fame but comfortably in the background. Then we have Sean O’Sullivan, starring in Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe. Unlike typical leading men, he’s secretly into cosplay and has a quirky love for Hamilton.
They meet on a show called Date Your Celebrity Crush, which is exactly the kind of chaotic fun you’d expect, setting the story in motion. Their first meeting could have been awkward, but instead, it turns into a charming dance as they figure out if their feelings are real or just for the cameras.
Swift writes with such energy that I found myself genuinely laughing out loud. The humor works because it’s character-driven rather than forced. Both Josie and Sean are quirky, and watching them embrace their inner nerds together was exactly what I hoped for in this story.
The dual perspective adds depth. Seeing inside both their minds reveals how they handle their own issues—Josie with her past embarrassment and fear of scrutiny, Sean with the pressure of his public image. Their understanding of each other’s struggles feels genuine, forming the basis of something real amidst Hollywood chaos.
Swift also handles media intrusion well. The reporters and tabloid drama aren’t just background noise—they complicate things realistically, raising stakes for Josie and Sean’s relationship without dragging down the lightness of the story.
The romance hits the right balance of cute and satisfying. The chemistry between them is undeniable, making you smile at the book like a goof (which suits the characters). Swift knows how to create those heart-flipping moments without being overly sweet.
The ending ties everything together in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. It’s about finding someone who not only accepts your weirdness but celebrates it, making you feel free to be yourself. Swift understands what makes romantic comedy work: characters you cheer for, a mix of absurdity with emotional truth, and pacing that keeps you hooked. This is her debut in this genre, and I’m already eager to see what she does next because if this is her start, the future looks bright.
For readers who like:
If you loved the celebrity craziness in The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren or found solace in the layered characters of Beach Read by Emily Henry, this is for you.
Final Verdict
Christy Swift has put together a genuinely enjoyable tale with Hollywood Hookup—a romance that embraces the fantasy at its heart and delivers on that promise. If you’re looking for something sweet, nerdy, and delightfully silly—something that will make you laugh out loud and grin at your book—this is the perfect choice. Swift has made her mark as a writer who can create romantic comedies that are both entertaining and emotionally fulfilling.
Grateful to NetGalley, Forever, and Christy Swift for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2026
thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the audiobook ARC.
I really wanted to like this but it just really didn't click for me.
The romance itself was inoffensive. Pretty basic, insta-lovey, nothing especially exciting or sweet or boring or disturbing.
The most interesting part of the plot was the challenges where she was competing for a date but that only lasted a couple of chapters. It was more like a promotional game show their studio threw together in a couple of hours than a proper dating show like the bachelor or love is blind or something. It basically served to get the couple speaking and then it was done and the rest of the book was focused on them both hiding the most embarrassing thing about themselves from each other. I won't spoil what those are but the fact they were working so hard to hide them was more embarrassing than the things themselves IMO. everything was played up to be this massive deal the whole time when it was really not that serious.
I think I really expected this to be more of a proper dating show with some peek into production's side of things, and it ended up being more of a workplace romance, kinda. It was giving the dad's tv set from Jane the Virgin if you've seen that. Loved that show, and if this book had hardcore leaned into that vibe maybe it would have worked better for me.
For the audiobook, I actually really enjoyed the little breakout sections where the reporters would be speaking on their shows. That was fun. And I'm always a fan of an Irish accent. I thought the voice actors did a good job bringing their characters to life. Some of the accents were rought at times...
The things that lowered this from a general 3⭐ to a 2⭐ for me were:
- speaking of accents, the female narrator's attempts at an Irish accent sounded like Skyrim NPCs, which are Norse I think. I don't really blame her because I've seen narrators online say they don't get notified of required accents when booking jobs, but it threw me off every time.
- WAY too many food references when thinking about each other. Apparently that's an ick for me and I discovered it in this book. Things like "my perfect Irish cream pudding parfait", "peel her like a mandarin orange" and like 3 more I didn't write down.
- he straight up calls her "my manic Pixie dream girl" and if it was meant to be ironic it DID NOT come across that way
- there is a jumpscare birthing scene. I think it mostly happens off page but I couldn't be sure because I zoned out for that entire section. I'm a pregnancy trope hater but I can deal with it as long as the birth happens completely off page, ideally during a time jump.
If the romance or characters or plot were really good, none of these things would have been an issue, especially on their own, but it was all pretty mediocre so these things really stood out and drag it down for me.
I really wanted to like this but it just really didn't click for me.
The romance itself was inoffensive. Pretty basic, insta-lovey, nothing especially exciting or sweet or boring or disturbing.
The most interesting part of the plot was the challenges where she was competing for a date but that only lasted a couple of chapters. It was more like a promotional game show their studio threw together in a couple of hours than a proper dating show like the bachelor or love is blind or something. It basically served to get the couple speaking and then it was done and the rest of the book was focused on them both hiding the most embarrassing thing about themselves from each other. I won't spoil what those are but the fact they were working so hard to hide them was more embarrassing than the things themselves IMO. everything was played up to be this massive deal the whole time when it was really not that serious.
I think I really expected this to be more of a proper dating show with some peek into production's side of things, and it ended up being more of a workplace romance, kinda. It was giving the dad's tv set from Jane the Virgin if you've seen that. Loved that show, and if this book had hardcore leaned into that vibe maybe it would have worked better for me.
For the audiobook, I actually really enjoyed the little breakout sections where the reporters would be speaking on their shows. That was fun. And I'm always a fan of an Irish accent. I thought the voice actors did a good job bringing their characters to life. Some of the accents were rought at times...
The things that lowered this from a general 3⭐ to a 2⭐ for me were:
- speaking of accents, the female narrator's attempts at an Irish accent sounded like Skyrim NPCs, which are Norse I think. I don't really blame her because I've seen narrators online say they don't get notified of required accents when booking jobs, but it threw me off every time.
- WAY too many food references when thinking about each other. Apparently that's an ick for me and I discovered it in this book. Things like "my perfect Irish cream pudding parfait", "peel her like a mandarin orange" and like 3 more I didn't write down.
- he straight up calls her "my manic Pixie dream girl" and if it was meant to be ironic it DID NOT come across that way
- there is a jumpscare birthing scene. I think it mostly happens off page but I couldn't be sure because I zoned out for that entire section. I'm a pregnancy trope hater but I can deal with it as long as the birth happens completely off page, ideally during a time jump.
If the romance or characters or plot were really good, none of these things would have been an issue, especially on their own, but it was all pretty mediocre so these things really stood out and drag it down for me.
February 10, 2026
Imagine ,your best mate gives you a push when she knows all about your celebrity crush . She wants you on the list of one hundred hopefuls vying for a date so because Josie Days is dumb ,insane or more she acquiesces to go on the show . Oh no what has she done ,she made the top fifty and with nifty footwork she’s outta that place and on the run when a Mexican tv crew show up . What’s the next thing to happen? Yup .She’s caught in the closet having just kissed the face of her crush .That’s right she just laid one right on his mush. And it was outta sight, lush…
Except the part when her hopes of lying incognito away from anyone who remembers her shame. She’s only herself to blame…. Having taken on the role of playing a part only in real life . She used to be Savannah Bateman back before things went amiss with her half sis . …
He loves play acting roles . Good for his soul playing dress up on a whim feels good to him. But although she caught him in an embrace and he has fallen hook line and sinker. She pulls out of the show . Oh no! And not even because he’s a stinker! Can his heart take anymore . Maybe she will give him an encore ?
Who knows , it’s gonna be great seeing him trying to close the deal .And the touchy feel? Why not go along and read for yourself. It really is ,top shelf . It’s funny and sunny and hearts and flowers swoon . You’re thinking wow their connection ,the affection you could seeing growing is worthy of an honeymoon!! Really! It’s that sweet and beautiful a feeling while reading and you’re needing to know from the get go. Ya know? No I’m not revealing how it actually does go! Are you mad ?
Let’s just say ,this book of yours Christy Swift did not leave me feeling miffed at all. Every single page ,I had a ball ,was engaged. The storyline is awesome but those great punchlines and the descriptors are divine and then-some….The scenes ,the characters and the premise showed promise from the off. Mighty handsome.
The light and breezy storytelling didn’t half make me laugh and it was uber compelling . So entertaining my ribs are paining ! The puppeteer and oh no I’m outta here ,gotta go… if you know you know. But I’m not complaining, not one jot because this book by Christy Swift has the lot! Thank you girl, I had a whirl reading this. It’s absolute bliss. So much more than the simply divinest love story is this.
.It has finesse and it’s just out in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day . The best news , read the reviews . Maybe your beau might buy you this book . If you show him my review and say look…One never does know and it’s worth a shot ,nothing to lose have you got ,not one buck ,a pound or a dime. It really is sublime
Except the part when her hopes of lying incognito away from anyone who remembers her shame. She’s only herself to blame…. Having taken on the role of playing a part only in real life . She used to be Savannah Bateman back before things went amiss with her half sis . …
He loves play acting roles . Good for his soul playing dress up on a whim feels good to him. But although she caught him in an embrace and he has fallen hook line and sinker. She pulls out of the show . Oh no! And not even because he’s a stinker! Can his heart take anymore . Maybe she will give him an encore ?
Who knows , it’s gonna be great seeing him trying to close the deal .And the touchy feel? Why not go along and read for yourself. It really is ,top shelf . It’s funny and sunny and hearts and flowers swoon . You’re thinking wow their connection ,the affection you could seeing growing is worthy of an honeymoon!! Really! It’s that sweet and beautiful a feeling while reading and you’re needing to know from the get go. Ya know? No I’m not revealing how it actually does go! Are you mad ?
Let’s just say ,this book of yours Christy Swift did not leave me feeling miffed at all. Every single page ,I had a ball ,was engaged. The storyline is awesome but those great punchlines and the descriptors are divine and then-some….The scenes ,the characters and the premise showed promise from the off. Mighty handsome.
The light and breezy storytelling didn’t half make me laugh and it was uber compelling . So entertaining my ribs are paining ! The puppeteer and oh no I’m outta here ,gotta go… if you know you know. But I’m not complaining, not one jot because this book by Christy Swift has the lot! Thank you girl, I had a whirl reading this. It’s absolute bliss. So much more than the simply divinest love story is this.
.It has finesse and it’s just out in time to celebrate Valentine’s Day . The best news , read the reviews . Maybe your beau might buy you this book . If you show him my review and say look…One never does know and it’s worth a shot ,nothing to lose have you got ,not one buck ,a pound or a dime. It really is sublime
November 20, 2025
2.25⭐
LIKED:
- I think the history dynamics of the FMC were intriguing. I like the trope of self-reinvention and her needing to do that in another country, away from the family she grew up with and having to avoid the public eye added a bit of depth.
- I also liked the large village behind her in her new life, from her fellow MUAs to people she had grown up with in Mexico City and so forth. I just appreciate when a FMC has actual friends.
- The cover is cute enough. I like the colors and the papers adding some motion.
LAMENTED:
- I stg if I had to read about Chuy that godforsaken puppet again I was going to through my kindle across the room. It was so absurd in a way that felt so deadly serious and I just did not care about the implications of it. It took all empathy for the character away for me. Also that being the main drama for her was just silly.
- Honestly I only finished this book a few days ago and I’ve forgotten nearly everything about it, which is atypical for me specifically and is usually not a good sign for it’s impact on me. It felt like for most of this book nothing was happening and the characters were just moving in circles.
- I don’t really understand why she liked him besides him being hot. I feel like he learned enough about her to feel a connection but she never really got equal insight on his end.
- There is way too much of a focus on the characters from the previous book who I did not know having not read it (and having to look it up because there was information that definitely seemed to be left out for readers, like me, who hadn’t read the first book). It also doesn’t help that I just…really didn’t like them. She was whatever, but Jason or whatever his name was was obnoxious and I did not want to read about him.
- The interstitials with the interviews were way too many and way too long.
- This book has so little to do with Hollywood that the title makes very little sense.
LONGED FOR:
- Less freaking puppet.
- Less of the interview interstitials.
- The story to feel a little more impactful.
(How Long) Do I Think They’ll Stay Together? : A couple years. They’ll have some fun. Then grow apart.
Will I read the next one? : Probably not.
*Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Similar Books :
- 'It's a Love Story' by Annabel Monaghan
- 'Scandalized' by Ivy Owens
- 'The Roommate' by Rosie Danan
- 'With Stars in Her Eyes' by Andie Burke
- 'Sounds Like Love' by Ashley Poston
LIKED:
- I think the history dynamics of the FMC were intriguing. I like the trope of self-reinvention and her needing to do that in another country, away from the family she grew up with and having to avoid the public eye added a bit of depth.
- I also liked the large village behind her in her new life, from her fellow MUAs to people she had grown up with in Mexico City and so forth. I just appreciate when a FMC has actual friends.
- The cover is cute enough. I like the colors and the papers adding some motion.
LAMENTED:
- I stg if I had to read about Chuy that godforsaken puppet again I was going to through my kindle across the room. It was so absurd in a way that felt so deadly serious and I just did not care about the implications of it. It took all empathy for the character away for me. Also that being the main drama for her was just silly.
- Honestly I only finished this book a few days ago and I’ve forgotten nearly everything about it, which is atypical for me specifically and is usually not a good sign for it’s impact on me. It felt like for most of this book nothing was happening and the characters were just moving in circles.
- I don’t really understand why she liked him besides him being hot. I feel like he learned enough about her to feel a connection but she never really got equal insight on his end.
- There is way too much of a focus on the characters from the previous book who I did not know having not read it (and having to look it up because there was information that definitely seemed to be left out for readers, like me, who hadn’t read the first book). It also doesn’t help that I just…really didn’t like them. She was whatever, but Jason or whatever his name was was obnoxious and I did not want to read about him.
- The interstitials with the interviews were way too many and way too long.
- This book has so little to do with Hollywood that the title makes very little sense.
LONGED FOR:
- Less freaking puppet.
- Less of the interview interstitials.
- The story to feel a little more impactful.
(How Long) Do I Think They’ll Stay Together? : A couple years. They’ll have some fun. Then grow apart.
Will I read the next one? : Probably not.
*Thank you to Forever & NetGalley for providing this ARC!
Similar Books :
- 'It's a Love Story' by Annabel Monaghan
- 'Scandalized' by Ivy Owens
- 'The Roommate' by Rosie Danan
- 'With Stars in Her Eyes' by Andie Burke
- 'Sounds Like Love' by Ashley Poston
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hollywood Hookup is pure comfort reading in the best possible way: warm, funny, romantic, and emotionally satisfying without ever losing its sparkle. Christy Swift has once again delivered a rom-com that feels like a hug, with just enough angst to make the payoff sing.
As a fan of the first book, I loved getting to see familiar faces again. Checking in on Emmy, Jason, and Peyton living their happily-ever-after felt like a bonus gift rather than fan service, and it helped ground this story firmly in the same charming, glittering Hollywood universe.
This time, though, the stakes feel higher. Josie Days isn’t just awkwardly navigating fame: she’s hiding a genuinely life-altering secret, one that could cost her career, her family’s safety, and the fragile peace she’s built for herself. It’s both absurd and deeply serious, and the book balances that tension surprisingly well.
Josie is a fantastic heroine. She’s someone who’s learned how to stay small to survive, but also knows when she has to swing big. Her boldness, even when it terrifies her (and me!), is inspiring. I found myself wishing I had her guts more than once.
Sean is equally delightful. On the surface, he’s the charming Irish “It” boy actor... but underneath, he’s hiding his own truth: he’s a full-on cosplay nerd, complete with a sewing room and an extremely intense devotion to Hamilton. Watching these two dance around each other, clearly smitten but forced to keep their distance, was deliciously painful. Their chemistry is effortless and genuine; they bring out the best in each other in a way that feels earned.
This series is absolutely wish fulfillment, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The characters are so lovable, and the emotional beats so well handled, that I was more than happy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.
Overall, Hollywood Hookup is fun, lighthearted, genuinely funny, and still capable of landing an emotional punch when it wants to. If you’re looking for a cozy romance that will make you smile, swoon, and believe in second chances, this is it.
As a fan of the first book, I loved getting to see familiar faces again. Checking in on Emmy, Jason, and Peyton living their happily-ever-after felt like a bonus gift rather than fan service, and it helped ground this story firmly in the same charming, glittering Hollywood universe.
This time, though, the stakes feel higher. Josie Days isn’t just awkwardly navigating fame: she’s hiding a genuinely life-altering secret, one that could cost her career, her family’s safety, and the fragile peace she’s built for herself. It’s both absurd and deeply serious, and the book balances that tension surprisingly well.
Josie is a fantastic heroine. She’s someone who’s learned how to stay small to survive, but also knows when she has to swing big. Her boldness, even when it terrifies her (and me!), is inspiring. I found myself wishing I had her guts more than once.
Sean is equally delightful. On the surface, he’s the charming Irish “It” boy actor... but underneath, he’s hiding his own truth: he’s a full-on cosplay nerd, complete with a sewing room and an extremely intense devotion to Hamilton. Watching these two dance around each other, clearly smitten but forced to keep their distance, was deliciously painful. Their chemistry is effortless and genuine; they bring out the best in each other in a way that feels earned.
This series is absolutely wish fulfillment, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The characters are so lovable, and the emotional beats so well handled, that I was more than happy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ride.
Overall, Hollywood Hookup is fun, lighthearted, genuinely funny, and still capable of landing an emotional punch when it wants to. If you’re looking for a cozy romance that will make you smile, swoon, and believe in second chances, this is it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Josie, once Mexico's favorite teen star, went into hiding after one disastrous act ruined her life, her career, and turned her family (and the world) against her. Today, Josie lives a quiet life as a make-up artist, with her found family, out of the spotlight. When Josie's best friend begs her to participate in a charity game show, she's ready to turn her down... then Sean O'Sullivan, her celebrity crush, enters the chat. Josie wants nothing more than to fade into the wallpaper, but Sean wants nothing more than Josie. Will Josie sacrifice her new life for the possibility of a future with Sean or will her past keep her from her perfect mate?
I loved Hollywood Hookup! I was hooked from the first page! I adored Josie and Sean, as individual characters and as a couple. I loved Josie's chosen family of Emmy, Peyton, and Jason. The plot was wholly original and super entertaining! I disappeared into the story and time flew by. It's rare to see rom-coms tackling issues like family alienation and scapegoating. Hollywood Hookup struck the perfect balance of seriousness and fun.
While yes, the events in the book were bizarre and very few can say they've dated their celebrity crush, Josie's journey will resonate with most readers. Everyone has an event from their life that is a defining moment, good or bad. Josie's defining moment played out on the world stage, making it harder to escape than ours, but readers will see themselves in Josie. I've always been a person who doesn't forget... a person who catastrophizes every moment I have any regret about. My mom's heard me say time and time again, "I can't just let it go." Even so, a part of me felt like maybe one day, I could be like Josie... like maybe one day, I'll be able to move on instead of dwelling in the past. Hollywood Hookup is a hilarious rom-com with heart and a strong message about being yourself and loving yourself, warts and all. Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I loved Hollywood Hookup! I was hooked from the first page! I adored Josie and Sean, as individual characters and as a couple. I loved Josie's chosen family of Emmy, Peyton, and Jason. The plot was wholly original and super entertaining! I disappeared into the story and time flew by. It's rare to see rom-coms tackling issues like family alienation and scapegoating. Hollywood Hookup struck the perfect balance of seriousness and fun.
While yes, the events in the book were bizarre and very few can say they've dated their celebrity crush, Josie's journey will resonate with most readers. Everyone has an event from their life that is a defining moment, good or bad. Josie's defining moment played out on the world stage, making it harder to escape than ours, but readers will see themselves in Josie. I've always been a person who doesn't forget... a person who catastrophizes every moment I have any regret about. My mom's heard me say time and time again, "I can't just let it go." Even so, a part of me felt like maybe one day, I could be like Josie... like maybe one day, I'll be able to move on instead of dwelling in the past. Hollywood Hookup is a hilarious rom-com with heart and a strong message about being yourself and loving yourself, warts and all. Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, Forever, and Christy Swift for a chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Listen-- this book has a lot of DNF's in the reviews.. honestly- for good reason. The conflicts and issues in this story are so unserious.. until they are serious. It's a little jarring and disjointed. I stuck it through. And now am very torn about how to write this review.
For 75% or more of the book I was going to say in this review: what the heck did I just read? Then when we got to the conflict resolution/third act breakup- SPOILER HERE- the whole story MAY have been saved by a date with an elderly (AND WISE!) former therapist that shed a lot of light and perspective on the struggles of our MMC.
Another thing I loved- but I think I was SUPPOSED to be weirded out by- the Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque Hamilton sing along event! Are those real!? We should make them real.. and for more than Hamilton. I've been singing RENT songs in my head for days and would LOVE to go to one.. but I digress.
But hear me out- if you are going to read this- I think you need to go into this knowing or expecting that it's a bonkers story that would work better on the screen with two slapstick lead actors that you expect and love to bring the weird. Our FMC shows up to a date dressed and covered in blue makeup like an alien. We don't get much buildup to that- and it's like "Wait, what?!"
So if I warn you that this might be better perceived as a Bill Hader and Cecily Strong rom com- maybe your expectations can help you enjoy this more?
Narration was GREAT! Loved the usage of the cast!
Characters 6
Atmosphere/Setting 7
Writing Style 7
Plot 5
Intrigue 5
Logic/Relationships 7
Enjoyment 5
Average Score: 6
CAWPILE rating method used. All credit to creator Book Roast on YouTube!
Does the title make sense to the story? No.
Listen-- this book has a lot of DNF's in the reviews.. honestly- for good reason. The conflicts and issues in this story are so unserious.. until they are serious. It's a little jarring and disjointed. I stuck it through. And now am very torn about how to write this review.
For 75% or more of the book I was going to say in this review: what the heck did I just read? Then when we got to the conflict resolution/third act breakup- SPOILER HERE- the whole story MAY have been saved by a date with an elderly (AND WISE!) former therapist that shed a lot of light and perspective on the struggles of our MMC.
Another thing I loved- but I think I was SUPPOSED to be weirded out by- the Rocky Horror Picture Show-esque Hamilton sing along event! Are those real!? We should make them real.. and for more than Hamilton. I've been singing RENT songs in my head for days and would LOVE to go to one.. but I digress.
But hear me out- if you are going to read this- I think you need to go into this knowing or expecting that it's a bonkers story that would work better on the screen with two slapstick lead actors that you expect and love to bring the weird. Our FMC shows up to a date dressed and covered in blue makeup like an alien. We don't get much buildup to that- and it's like "Wait, what?!"
So if I warn you that this might be better perceived as a Bill Hader and Cecily Strong rom com- maybe your expectations can help you enjoy this more?
Narration was GREAT! Loved the usage of the cast!
Characters 6
Atmosphere/Setting 7
Writing Style 7
Plot 5
Intrigue 5
Logic/Relationships 7
Enjoyment 5
Average Score: 6
CAWPILE rating method used. All credit to creator Book Roast on YouTube!
Does the title make sense to the story? No.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow, this book was all over the place! There are so many details about so many things that the plot seemed to take a backseat. To briefly summarize, you've got a former child star of a bilingual educational puppet show who left her career under a cloud and is now Hollywood cosmetologist with a strained relationship with her family, an Irish Hollywood star of a weird dancing sci-fi show (that also has a puppet?) who is obsessed with collecting obscure costume pieces and has his own convoluted family drama, and both of these characters end up on a celebrity dating show, after which the famous actor pursues the former child star, all while gossip programs become obsessed with the latter. There's also lots of namedropping of real celebrities, including a board game based on a real TV show. All the while, the romance between the two MCs is pretty vanilla, and it's unclear what they even see in each other. Overall, the excess of information about the numerous TV programs, side characters, and Hollywood in general overshadowed the romance, so I never got invested in Josie and Sean at all, and couldn't care less about Josie's secret being exposed. The fact that the characters were 30-ish (IIRC) made Josie's drama seem pretty childish. I usually love normie/celebrity romances, but this one didn't do it for me.
As for the narration, I was kind of expecting better because there are a number of big name narrators in the cast, but to be honest I found the audiobook to be underwhelming. Sean's Irish accent seemed to drift in and out, and the interludes with the gossip reporters were overplayed. Josie's narrator was probably the best of the cast.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
As for the narration, I was kind of expecting better because there are a number of big name narrators in the cast, but to be honest I found the audiobook to be underwhelming. Sean's Irish accent seemed to drift in and out, and the interludes with the gossip reporters were overplayed. Josie's narrator was probably the best of the cast.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Hollywood Hookup is the second book I have read by Christy Swift and it was another enjoyable one. You can read this book without having read the first one, but it will help with some context on who the main female characters best friend is and also with a few other things that come up.
Josie Days has been working behind the scenes in Hollywood and she likes it that way. She was a child actress in Mexico more than a decade ago and following an incident she left that all behind. Josie is coerced by her best friend to be part of a charity dating game where her celebrity crush, Sean O'Sullivan, is part of it.
Sean O'Sullivan is all about getting a date with Josie. When the woman that he was supposed to be matched with has a medical emergency, he is happy about the fact Josie is his new date. While he is trying to pull out all the stops, Josie is doing everything she can to avoid having to go on the date! While she may be as attracted to him as he is to her, her past and wanting to keep it there is a bigger driving factor for her. Will she finally give in and go on the date? And what will happen in the wake of it if she does?
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded with dual points of view from both Sean and Josie. Both of them have been through things in their lives and they were able to understand one another in ways others cannot. I also enjoyed the parts of the book where the reporters got in the mix. I am already looking forward to what Christy Swift has to offer us next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Josie Days has been working behind the scenes in Hollywood and she likes it that way. She was a child actress in Mexico more than a decade ago and following an incident she left that all behind. Josie is coerced by her best friend to be part of a charity dating game where her celebrity crush, Sean O'Sullivan, is part of it.
Sean O'Sullivan is all about getting a date with Josie. When the woman that he was supposed to be matched with has a medical emergency, he is happy about the fact Josie is his new date. While he is trying to pull out all the stops, Josie is doing everything she can to avoid having to go on the date! While she may be as attracted to him as he is to her, her past and wanting to keep it there is a bigger driving factor for her. Will she finally give in and go on the date? And what will happen in the wake of it if she does?
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded with dual points of view from both Sean and Josie. Both of them have been through things in their lives and they were able to understand one another in ways others cannot. I also enjoyed the parts of the book where the reporters got in the mix. I am already looking forward to what Christy Swift has to offer us next!
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 5, 2026
Thank you to Hachette Audio, NetGalley, and Christy Swift for the ability to listen to this audiobook! I listened to the audio ARC of Hollywood Hookup via the NetGalley app. All opinions are my own, and do not reflect any other parties.
I was pleasantly surprised by this audiobook. When I requested this I had not heard of this title or author before, but the description, cover, and genre caught my attention. This had a six-person cast, and it really brought it to life.
Josie Days is a makeup artist that has put her past as a teen star behind her. She has reinvented herself to avoid anyone connecting her to the terrible moment that ruined her young career. One day, her best friend pushes her into the spotlight; she’s entered Josie into a charity game show. The winner of the show gets a date with their celebrity crush. Cue Sean O’Sullivan, the dreamy star Josie has swooned over while doing his makeup on set. Is a bit of fun with Sean worth being rediscovered? Will anyone recognize her anymore? Does everyone is her old world still hate her?
Josie and Sean had a silly and fun dynamic together. I loved how Josie would show up in costume and full makeup to avoid being seen by anyone who could know her. The interviews throughout used the full cast, and I could picture a talk show getting the juicy details as they always do. Sean comes across as this confident hunk, and it made his character more endearing to learn about his insecurities. Part of what I really enjoyed was all the accents and bits of Spanish in the audiobook. Sean has an Irish brogue to die for, and I always love to hear those rolling rr’s in Spanish.
This was a cute romance with fade to black/closed door spice that made me laugh and smile throughout.
I was pleasantly surprised by this audiobook. When I requested this I had not heard of this title or author before, but the description, cover, and genre caught my attention. This had a six-person cast, and it really brought it to life.
Josie Days is a makeup artist that has put her past as a teen star behind her. She has reinvented herself to avoid anyone connecting her to the terrible moment that ruined her young career. One day, her best friend pushes her into the spotlight; she’s entered Josie into a charity game show. The winner of the show gets a date with their celebrity crush. Cue Sean O’Sullivan, the dreamy star Josie has swooned over while doing his makeup on set. Is a bit of fun with Sean worth being rediscovered? Will anyone recognize her anymore? Does everyone is her old world still hate her?
Josie and Sean had a silly and fun dynamic together. I loved how Josie would show up in costume and full makeup to avoid being seen by anyone who could know her. The interviews throughout used the full cast, and I could picture a talk show getting the juicy details as they always do. Sean comes across as this confident hunk, and it made his character more endearing to learn about his insecurities. Part of what I really enjoyed was all the accents and bits of Spanish in the audiobook. Sean has an Irish brogue to die for, and I always love to hear those rolling rr’s in Spanish.
This was a cute romance with fade to black/closed door spice that made me laugh and smile throughout.
February 11, 2026
A very amusing celebrity romcom with the added hidden identity trope, which had me laughing out loud with its farcical moments, comical situations and quirky characters. The well-written plot is captivating, has great imagery, humor and is more or less sweet and clean (with fade-out love scenes). The protagonists are endearing, and I enjoyed their inner thoughts and turmoil, as well as the chemistry between them.
As for the audiobook, all the narrators did a great job, and I loved their accents and the way they conveyed the characters' personalities and emotions.
Josie Days, aka Savanna Bateman, was a famous teen star until she ruined her career with a rash decision and had to go into hiding as an unhinged puppet assassin. Now she works under a new identity as a make-up artist in Hollywood and has a secret crush on actor Sean O'Sullivan.
When a contestant on her friend Emmy's charity game show drops out, Josie has to step in for her, bringing Josie back into the spotlight, which she wants to avoid at all costs. Worse still, she wins a date with Sean.
Sean O'Sullivan also has skeletons in his closet, including his cosplay collection, which he keeps under lock and key, and he can't understand why Josie is so reluctant to go on a date with him, but he is determined to find out...
I recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes fast-paced, action-packed romcoms with lots of humor and a variety of narrators who bring even more fun and depth to the story with their great performances.
I received a free ALC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
As for the audiobook, all the narrators did a great job, and I loved their accents and the way they conveyed the characters' personalities and emotions.
Josie Days, aka Savanna Bateman, was a famous teen star until she ruined her career with a rash decision and had to go into hiding as an unhinged puppet assassin. Now she works under a new identity as a make-up artist in Hollywood and has a secret crush on actor Sean O'Sullivan.
When a contestant on her friend Emmy's charity game show drops out, Josie has to step in for her, bringing Josie back into the spotlight, which she wants to avoid at all costs. Worse still, she wins a date with Sean.
Sean O'Sullivan also has skeletons in his closet, including his cosplay collection, which he keeps under lock and key, and he can't understand why Josie is so reluctant to go on a date with him, but he is determined to find out...
I recommend this audiobook to anyone who likes fast-paced, action-packed romcoms with lots of humor and a variety of narrators who bring even more fun and depth to the story with their great performances.
I received a free ALC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
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