There were glimpses of Alex and Lauren in Spoiler Alert, as much of this book takes place on the same timeline. So, I was eager to read about them. But, their book exceeded all expectations! It’s simply brilliant, and special, and I had all the feels. Just wonderful!

All the Feels is the sequel to a book I read earlier this year, Spoiler Alert. The book follows an impulsive actor, whose showrunners assign him a “nanny” to ensure he doesn’t implode before the show's series finale. He has a troubled past and is at odds with some of the show's storylines, but when he meets his “nanny” Lauren, he learns how to communicate and advocate for himself. Along the way, the pair find common ground and learn things from one another. I love unconventional romance novels, and Olivia Dade is great with them. Very few romance novels have fat leading ladies, so I automatically like this book more for the reason that the lead is a fat woman, who does not go through a physical transformation to get the guy. There’s a lot of fun tropes (freezing cold and only one bed) and some twists to go along with them. I didn’t like it as much as the original, but the characters from that book are also featured in this one. Definitely a good book!

How to write a coherent review of this? I don't think I can. Alex is amazing. I want all of Lauren's shirts. The epilogue slayed me. What a wonderful series.

All the Feels by Olivia Dade was so cute! An adorable story with fantastic narration. There are some trigger warnings but overall handled well.

I would die for Alex. Hands down, no questions asked, no hesitation. Die. For. Him. He is the ultimate cinnamon roll but also a preening house cat who thinks its a lion and I just. Guh. So much love. There's a moment when Lauren compares him to a housecat knocking fragile objections off a table for attention, and it's just... so good.

Okay, now that I got that out of my system. Ahem. *clears throat* This book is so great. I really loved the first book in this series/world, Spoiler Alert, and I was already excited while reading Spoiler Alert to read more about Alex and his paid minder.

The things Alex says! He has ZERO filter, and I love him for it. Some of the descriptions of Lauren, especially in the beginning, made me a little uncomfortable as a fat woman myself. I tried to think about how much of that was internalized fatphobia, and it was just rather eye opening. I adore Lauren (and her BFF Sionna, though I wish we'd gotten to spend more time with Sionna!) I want to be part of their Crone Squad, and I'm going to need ALL of Lauren's t-shirts, thanks.

Tropes: forced proximity, road trip, there's only one bed (to Alex's eternal delight, LMAO!)
CW: fatphobia, abuse (side character, off page, past)

This is the second book in the Spoiler Alert series. While I think it can be read as a stand-alone, this book seems to take place at the same time as Spoiler Alert, or at least the first part of this one runs concurrently with the latter half of the first book. You're really going to get the most bang out of this if you read Spoiler Alert first - it does a lot of the work of introducing the TV show Alex and Marcus star in and the world-building.

This was so much fun. I really wasn’t the biggest fan of Olivia Dade’s last novel, Spoiler Alert, but it had promise!

All the Feels was so much better, though I think I’ve found that I just don’t enjoy the pacing that Dade has established as her style.

Dade has created some fantastic rep throughout this book. I really enjoyed how her characters were easily swoonable and lovable, but had real world issues that just made them even more enthralling.

4.5/5 stars. I enjoyed this book even more than Spoiler Alert! I loved the fat rep, non-traditional beauty rep, and ADHD rep. I didn’t always appreciate the type of humor Alex displayed, but he was still more charm than @$$ hole.

I have to admit two things: 1. I didn't read Spoiler Alert. It's been out filling holds in my library system for awhile now and I just haven't bothered putting a hold on it myself when I'm in no hurry to wait for it. 2. I almost didn't finish this one.

I did, and I don't regret the time spent reading, but...gosh. I just had a hard time with "all the feels" of All the Feels. For one, Alex is nearly 40 years old. I get, and can even say that I think his ADHD was pretty spot on for his character, but also...he's 40 years old, and really lacked a lot of maturity. That can only partly be blamed on his ADHD. I had an easier time visualizing these characters in their mid-to-late twenties. I don't recall if it ever said how old Lauren was, but I guess I pegged her (oh god, that is not a double entendre or a pun) at my own age: 32ish. Lauren was much better at keeping it together as an adult.

But at the same time...the woman is how old, a therapist, and still lets people push her around and thinks so little of herself? I found her contradictory at best.

I had a couple of other issues going through the book. One: Ron was awful and it really didn't make sense to me that Lauren would (no matter how much her Mom pressured her) to go all the way to Spain to see him. I also don't understand why Ron, even as a total asshole, would pay her to do this job --other than some weird familial obligation. Suspension of Disbelief, engaged. Second: I have come to really dislike fanfiction. The premise of actors of a popular show (I'm visualizing Gods of the Gates as a Game of Thrones-Meets-Xena/Hercules sort of thing) fills me with this completely irrational irritation I just can't explain. The idea of Alex writing it, literally in hopes of redeeming a terrible final season is just...ludicrous. The man has never, at least not mentioned here, written anything before in his life. And apparently, he's just *good*? As someone who admits to getting their start, writing in other people's sandboxes so to speak, this just makes me mad. Writing is a honed skill; even if you're purposefully being over-the-top and ridiculous. You don't just come out of the gate with an amazing story.

So...I didn't really read those little excerpts. They felt like a waste of time. I'm here for the main couple: Alex and Lauren. Not whatever these little side trips were supposed to engage. On a similar note: the text messages were pretty "meh" as well. They didn't add anything, other than to confirm that Ian was an asshole and that the rest of the cast was great (even the weird one with the telepathic cat). However, Alex never engaged in those conversations. So...what was the point?

Over all the book was fine, and I might eventually get around to reading Spoiler Alert, but if there's to be another in this series, I'm not sure I'll bother with it personally. While the body positivity was refreshing, Alex struck me as more creepy obsessive about Lauren's size (blegh). The inclusion of an adult with (managed!) ADHD was an interesting move for inclusiveness.I had a hard time not just regarding it as tokenism though. Perhaps sex-on-a-stick Alex being very into Lauren, regardless of her looks and size was supposed to be some kind of a wish fulfillment move, but this plus-sized person wasn't on board for it, and honestly was a bit disappointed.

Jesus. What a punch to the heart! I like the balance of Alex’s overall absurdity and Lauren’s reservation. But Lauren made me so, so sad. And I think it’s because I’m fully aware that her reality is the lived experience for so many fat, not conventionally attractive women in our world. My heart hurt but chasing the HEA was just the balm by bruised black and blue heart needed.

All the Feels was super cute! I liked it a lot as it offered me escapism in a tough time. This book made me laugh and I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. However, I felt that the romance was a bit rushed. I could understand why the two characters cared for one another, but it felt almost instant and with barely any build up. While I didn't enjoy this one as much as Spoiler Alert, I still had a really good time reading it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a cute, quick romance.

This book. My goodness.

I was fortunate to get an ARC of “All the Feels” by Olivia Dade courtesy of Netgalley. This book comes out on October 26, 2021!

Wowowow! This was a slow burn, friends to lover romance. I had never read an Olivia Dade book but I had wanted to and even have “Spoiler Alert” on my shelf (which I will be reading next).

With that being said, “All the Feels” begins with actor Alex Woodroe gets into a fight while in Spain & has been causing issues lately so his producer gets his cousin Lauren Clegg to be his “babysitter”. She is to follow him everywhere and make sure he does not act reckless.

Alex felt very protective of Lauren the longer he was around her. And wasn’t always the best at handle his anger towards any rude commenters. Controlling his rage in general was hard for him. There was a moment where it all came to head and Lauren’s services were no longer needed. But Alex realizes he needed Lauren in his life as more than an employee.

And from there, this book really took off. Alex planned for Lauren to accompanied him on a road trip to his ex’s wedding up the coast of California. During this trip, I will tell you, Lauren’s character really came to life. She was merely so quiet and reserved putting Alex in his place but during this trip, she was bubbly and had more comebacks.

I don’t want to say too much about the road trip and everything else that happened after their trip but I myself fell for Alex Woodroe. And the end made my heart so incredibly happy.

A quote that I loved from Lauren was “I’m not ashamed of my body. It may not be conventionally beautiful, but it’s strong. It’s mine.” As a plus size woman, size representation especially in romance has meant so much to me. So thank you Olivia!!

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

What a delight this book was! I had not previously read Spoiler Alert, the prequel to All the Feels, so I went into this book with no preconceived opinions on the author’s writing style, or the characters and the plot.

All the Feels is a super fun rom-com that follows Hollywood actor Alex and his newly appointed “nanny”, the straight laced and stoic Lauren. After Alex gets into a bar fight and causes tabloid mayhem, he and Lauren are forced to be together 24/7 to make sure he doesn’t stir up more trouble, and while most of the beginning of their relationship consists of constant bickering and needling at each other, they soon find themselves friends. I love seeing character growth in every book I read, but especially when it comes to romance. Alex and Lauren are both dealing with insecurities and demons of their own, and together they encourage the other to open up and work through said insecurities in a healthy way.

On the surface, this novel may seem like an enemies-to-lovers progression. But All the Feels takes bookish tropes to the next level and sort of does a bit of them all, yet in a very meta way (i.e. lots of fanfic references). Aside from loving the sweet romance that blossoms between our two main characters, I really admired how this book tackled themes of mental health, therapy, body shaming culture, domestic abuse, and big body representation, all without feeling like it was trying too hard. If you would like a fun take on the Hollywood romance trope, give All the Feels a shot! I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!

This is the second book in Dade’s Spoiler Alert series but can be read as a stand alone. There is a brief discussion of domestic abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.

Lauren is supposed to be on vacation in Spain when she gets dragged into her cousins world. She’s asked to be a guardian (aka an adult babysitter) for movie star Alex Woodroe after an incident in a local bar. As they spend more time together (hello forced proximity trope 😍), they realize there’s more than meets the eye.

Both of the characters are realistic and I loved that Alex has ADHD and Lauren is plus sized. Lauren’s dry sarcasm pairs perfectly with Alex’s endearing banter. The sex scenes were 🔥🔥🔥!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Olivia Dade does it again with a sincerely heartfelt and heartwarming romance. Most romance novels that include curvy women don’t actually describe an accurate plus-sized woman, but Lauren/Wren was a plus-sized goddess after my own heart. And Alex… who would NOT love such a big-hearted, relentlessly loyal, man? Alex was the champion any woman would adore, and again, Olivia brought REAL people into her characters and story. Amazing story.

I loved everything about this novel!!!! I would change not one thing!

We jump into the novel with a peak of who Alex and Lauren are when they are both unknowingly at their lowest points. Throughout the novel the chemistry between these two characters is hilariously entertaining. The author did an amazing job of building the dynamics between the two characters and creating a journey of self-acceptance for both characters; all while giving us a fandom-style romance novel!

The character development was amazing. I truly felt like I was able to jump into this novel and be part of it. Such great work!

Couldn’t put it down. And it was oh-so-close to 5 stars, just a couple little extras that I had wished for, nit-picky things that I had wished for for Lauren’s character. But the story and characters were absolutely addicting.

I love a good enemies to lovers storyline. The energy and snappy banter between Alexander and Lauren were so much fun. And then the way their relations shifts and morphs and becomes a gradual arc was done so well. I love how Dade writes vulnerabilities and insecurities, with such a realistic hand. When the enmity shifts to deep revelations is my favorite parts of these romances and it was a delight to read.

And Dade doesn’t skimp on the hilarious fanfic and bad script interjections that she introduced in Spoiler Alert. They crack me up so much and create a special energy to her novels.

Again, as with book one, it has some of the things you would expect of a “Hollywood” scenario but it also manages to avoid some of the obvious cliches. Which is great! And there is serious depth to the characters. I enjoy it so much.

It’s funny, it’s sweet, it’s dramatic, it’s sexy… it’s a must read!

* I received a free ecopy from the publisher via netgalley.

This book was undeniably charming. With Dade’s first book in the series, Spoiler Alert, I was instantly enticed and of course sang it’s praises. That being said the whole book I wanted to know about Lauren and Alex. All the Feels delivered, and I mean to the fullest extent. This book is so wonderful, the characters so good and whole that it feels right and just that their story is told. The displays of mental health, guilt, self worth, body positivity and so much more were incredibly well done. I, as somebody who struggles with many of these things, felt very seen by this story and Dade’s writing. This book is an absolute must read follow up hook in this series.

Alexander Woodroe has it all: looks, wealth, and fame. The only issue is that his behavior isn’t doing anything to help his career. Since he is starring in a huge tv show, the showrunners have hired someone to keep him in check the entire time he is contracted to work on the show. His babysitter is Lauren Clegg. She is a former ER therapist and after her cousin offers to pay for her apartment and salary she takes up the job of being Alex’s babysitter. She is to keep him in line and make sure he doesn’t let his explosive emotions land him in trouble with the tabloids and public more than they already have. However another scandal lands in Alex’s lap and this time its going to cost Lauren her job. Now they have to go on a road trip up the California coast together and Alex has to find a way to make Lauren fall in love with him the way he’s fallen for her.

This story revolves around characters from the previous book Spoiler Alert, though you can read it without having read the other one. I absolutely adored Spoiler Alert and unfortunately this one did not work out for me. I didn’t enjoy the characters or story as much as I had with Spoiler Alert. Their relationship seemed a bit force and I couldn’t find the chemistry between them. My real issue was Alex. I didn’t like him even though I had enjoyed his character in spoiler alert. Alex came off as rude, childish, and the first thing he says to Lauren when seeing her is that she reminds him of a bird and that she is ridiculous. They did have a lot of chemistry in Spoiler Alert so when reading this one I was surprised by how much it was lacking. I forced myself to finish this book and was just happy I managed to make it to the end. Overall, maybe this one just wasn’t for me but I definitely loved the first book. I’ll definitely be reading more stuff from this author and maybe the next one will be for me. Definitely give it a try because maybe this one will work for you!

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Right off the bat: I absolutely loved this book. As someone who's been reading fanfic for as long as they can remember, it can sometimes feel a little bit cringey to read books about fanfic or fanfic writers. But the way Dade writes about things like tropes, beta readers, etc, there is this level of love for the thing that I really appreciate. I love the sunshine/grump dynamic and adored this relationship. Getting to see where their relationship built in a timeline concurrently running with Spoiler Alert's plot was also something that was unique, but much appreciated as we got to see more insight into what they were both thinking during those events.

Follow up to Spoiler Alert, you'll meet Alex and Lauren and this unlikely pairing.
It was a fun read but for some reason felt way more unlikely than Spoiler Alert.