In the high-stakes world of filmmaking, where egos clash, budgets spiral, and creative visions collide, Susannah Erwin delivers a romance that feels both authentic to the industry and emotionally resonant. “Love and Other Hollywood Endings” centers around Sutton Spencer and Xavier Duval, who share a complicated history that begins in a college screenwriting seminar and reignites a decade later on a movie set in the Arizona desert.
What makes this romance particularly engaging is how Erwin weaves their professional tensions with their personal attraction. The central conflict isn’t merely whether they’ll overcome their past, but whether Xavier—someone who crafts stories for a living—can believe in his own happy ending after experiencing profound loss.
The Characters: Complex, Flawed, and Real
Sutton Spencer: A Production Executive with Dreams Deferred
Sutton begins the story as a production executive at Monument Studios hoping to be promoted to VP. She’s efficient, capable, and willing to make the hard calls, including potentially shutting down Xavier’s film for going over budget. Yet beneath this polished exterior lies a woman who once dreamed of being a screenwriter before a crushing grade and romantic disappointment led her to choose a more stable path.
What makes Sutton compelling is her journey toward reclaiming her creative voice. When she writes an alternate ending to Xavier’s film—one filled with hope rather than cynicism—she’s not just trying to change a screenplay, but demonstrating her deeply held belief that love is worth fighting for, both onscreen and off.
Xavier Duval: The Director Who Can’t Direct His Own Heart
Xavier presents as the stereotypical brooding artist, but Erwin quickly subverts this trope by revealing his vulnerabilities. His sister’s sudden death and his subsequent guardianship of his nephew Erik have shaped him into someone who prioritizes stability over risk, especially in relationships.
His character arc is particularly satisfying because his reluctance to pursue a relationship with Sutton isn’t merely fear of commitment, but a misguided attempt to protect both his nephew and Sutton from potential pain. This adds depth to what could have been a standard commitment-phobic hero.
The Romance: Tension, Chemistry, and Growth
The chemistry between Sutton and Xavier crackles from their first reunion, but what elevates their romance beyond physical attraction is their intellectual connection. Their debates about film, particularly whether movies should have happy or ambiguous endings, serve as perfect metaphors for their differing life philosophies.
Some of the most charming scenes involve:
- Their impromptu camping adventure during a desert thunderstorm
- A romantic dinner orchestrated by Xavier’s meddling but well-meaning nephew
- Their professional collaboration that gradually brings them closer
However, the romance occasionally suffers from pacing issues, with Xavier’s emotional walls coming down a bit too quickly during certain scenes, only to be rebuilt just as rapidly. This creates a frustrating push-pull dynamic that sometimes feels manufactured rather than organic to the story.
Strengths: What Works Brilliantly
The Hollywood Setting
Erwin clearly knows the film industry, and her depiction of life on a movie set feels authentic without getting bogged down in technical details. From the hierarchical structure of a film crew to the political maneuvering of studio executives, the setting provides a backdrop that enhances rather than overshadows the romance.
The Supporting Cast
Erik, Xavier’s nephew, steals every scene he’s in with his precocious attempts at matchmaking. Contessina, the film’s star actress, provides comic relief while still having her own substantial arc involving online harassment. Even minor characters like Jay the cinematographer and Ilsa the housekeeper feel fully realized.
The Film-Within-a-Film
“The Quantum Wraith,” the sci-fi movie being filmed, serves as more than just a backdrop. Its plot about a warrior woman fighting against an empire, and the debate over whether she should find love or remain alone, perfectly mirrors Sutton and Xavier’s personal journey.
Weaknesses: Where the Story Stumbles
Pacing Issues
The middle section of the novel drags slightly, with repetitive conversations about why Xavier doesn’t believe in happy endings. By contrast, the resolution feels somewhat rushed, with Xavier’s change of heart happening primarily off-page. We learn he’s incorporated Sutton’s happier ending into his film, but don’t get to fully experience his emotional journey to that decision.
Underdeveloped Antagonists
The villains of the story—Pauley the embezzling producer and Zeke the nepotistic executive—feel more like plot devices than fully realized characters. Their motivations remain somewhat murky, serving primarily to create external obstacles for the protagonists rather than meaningful challenges.
The “Big Misunderstanding”
The revelation that Xavier left Sutton a letter explaining his sudden departure (which she never received) feels like a convenient plot device rather than an organic complication. In today’s world of multiple communication channels, their ten-year separation stretches credibility slightly.
Themes: Hollywood Dreams and Real-Life Love
Art vs. Commerce
Throughout the novel, Love and Other Hollywood Endings, Erwin explores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success. Xavier initially disdains happy endings as unrealistic, while Sutton argues they’re what audiences crave. Their debate reflects a larger industry conversation about whether films should challenge or comfort their viewers.
Risk and Reward
Both protagonists must decide whether love is worth the risk of potential heartbreak. Xavier’s reluctance stems from losing his sister and wanting to protect his nephew from further loss, while Sutton fears returning to the creative pursuits that once left her vulnerable to criticism.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
Perhaps the most compelling theme is how both characters have crafted narratives about their own lives that don’t allow for happy endings. Xavier tells himself all relationships end in pain, while Sutton has convinced herself she’s content with corporate success rather than creative fulfillment.
Verdict: Romance That Finds Its Footing
“Love and Other Hollywood Endings” is a solid contemporary romance that blends industry insider details with emotional depth. While it occasionally relies on convenient plot devices and suffers from uneven pacing, the core romance between Sutton and Xavier remains compelling throughout.
Erwin’s most successful achievement is creating protagonists whose professional conflicts genuinely inform their personal growth. By the time they reach their happy ending, it feels earned rather than inevitable—much like the films they debate throughout the story.
For Fans Of…
If you enjoyed this novel, you might also appreciate:
- “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee for its exploration of a romance in the entertainment industry
- “Beach Read” by Emily Henry for its central couple who debate the merits of different literary genres
- “The Wedding Date” by Jasmine Guillory for its balance of career and romance
Final Thoughts
In her debut novel, Susannah Erwin delivers a romance that—like the best films—balances emotional satisfaction with realistic challenges. While not perfect, “Love and Other Hollywood Endings” offers enough heart, humor, and insight into the filmmaking process to leave readers eagerly anticipating her next work.
Just as Xavier eventually incorporates Sutton’s hopeful ending into his film, Erwin crafts a conclusion that acknowledges life’s messiness while still delivering the satisfying resolution romance readers crave. It’s a balancing act worthy of applause, even if there are a few stumbles along the way.
