REVIEW: Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin finds indie filmmaker Xavier Duval directing his first sci-fi blockbuster. All is going well, until studio executive Sutton Spencer shows up on set, announcing that his film is way over budget and is about to be shut down. Worse? Xavier and Sutton shared a moment ten years ago while she was a student in his class, then he suddenly took off, leaving Sutton confused and heartbroken.

As the pair work together to discover what happened with the money and to find cost-saving ways to save the movie, the truth about what happened that day all those years ago is revealed. Sutton and Xavier are left to decide if their budding relationship is temporary, or if it could survive despite their past together and their different jobs.

I was left with mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I really enjoyed getting to see what happens behind the scenes on a movie film, and I thought the secondary characters were well-written. But on the other hand, the story felt rushed. Because of that, the relationship between Xavier and Sutton wasn’t as flushed out as it could have been, and the chemistry between them suffered for it. I found myself much more interested in what was happening with the movie than their relationship.

There was enough that I liked about the story to keep me interested, but not enough to make me love it. If you enjoy second chance and workplace romances, this may be a book for you.

Book Info:

Publication: February 27, 2025 | Afterglow Books |

It’s a perfect beginning: upbeat screenwriting student is mentored by genius-but-grumpy indie filmmaker, they argue over movies and share one secret kiss. But then comes the gut punch Sutton Spencer didn’t expect… Xavier Duval skips town and ghosts her completely, right after savagely critiquing her screenplay.

Fast-forward ten years, and Sutton is now a movie exec vying for a VP position. To prove herself, she offers to travel to a remote shoot and oversee Xavier’s new sci-fi blockbuster, which has gone way over budget. This time, she’s in charge. And Xavier? He’s as talented, gruff and hot as she remembers—and still convinced there are no happy-ever-afters in real life.

Xavier knows he messed up with Sutton, but he had his reasons. Now, seeing the way she combines sweetness with nerves of steel to get his production back on track, he almost wishes he believed in romance. Instead, they agree to an on-set fling, one that will fade to black when shooting stops.

On paper, it’s that simple. But life, and love, has a way of going wildly off script…