I really wanted to love this book. There was a lot of buzz for it on my side of social media and I absolutely loved the cover/premise, but something just didn't click for me. I consider myself someone who enjoys fanfiction and participating in fandom, but this book took it a little too far for my taste. The references to the characters reading smutty RPF fanfiction about themselves was too much for me, to the point that I actually had to put the book down.

On the plus side (pun intended), I loved how the heroine promoted body positivity and fat acceptance in such a confident way. She is never in doubt about her self-worth, even when others try to provoke insecurity. It was really refreshing to read a plus size heroine like that.

Overall, this just wasn't the book for me, but I would consider reading this author again in the future.

If I have not made it clear before, I LOVE the Spoiler Alert series. Every single book in the series thus far has NOT MISSED. I was lucky enough to get an ARC from NetGalley for the newest installment of the series and once I allowed myself to read it I devoured it.

Ship Wrecked is the story of Peter and Maria and it starts with a bang....literally! After their first encounter they become co-stars spend 6 years filming on a small island and all the swoon worthy goodness that Olivia Dade does so well ensues.

What I loved:
- Maria, when I grow up I want to be her, she knows who she is and what she deserves and she fights for herself and the people she loves just an overall badass
- Banter, my love language/only language is sarcasm and this book was just full of amazing sarcastic banter between Peter and Maria
- Past Characters, as Peter and Maria were cast on the same show featured in Spoiler Alert and All the Feels there are moments with characters from the series that I just loved
- Nicknames, they each give each other nicknames meant to piss each other off and eventually turn into the cutest signs of endearment
- Body positivity, both Maria and Peter are not the more traditional body type a.k.a. not a skinny mini and I just love having the two main characters be stars of a main TV show and not letting anyone make it a thing

I cannot say enough good things about this book and this series as a whole. If you like contemporary romance, with famous people, amazing banter, spice, character development and overall great story arc, you have to read this book! I am hoping this is not the last in the series but if it is I'm looking forward to whatever Olivia Dade decides to write next.

This had so much potential but had to DNF it at 44% - slow burns just don't do it for me. The first half of the book was them shooting a show on an island. I did enjoy the first few chapters as they immediately hooked me in, but after that, it fell flat for me.

(3.5/5) I enjoyed this book, I thought the characters had more depth than I am used to reading in a romance novel, and I appreciated the body positivity that was shown, but I think at times this book fell on the wrong side of the line between character growth and repetitiveness. How many times can I read about Peter knowing he's lying to himself and saying that maybe one day he won't? I did not know that this was the third in a series, and I think I would probably enjoy the other two as well; I liked Dade's writing style, although I could have done with fewer text threads/articles/etc. breaking up the storyline.

Happy publication day to this delightful read, and thank you to the author and publishers for the opportunity to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series (and have yet to read the second - oops! Slight spoilers in this 3rd book for the second book, my mistake!), but I think I enjoyed this one even more. The protagonists were both entirely lovable, though not without flaws. The romance was sweet and the sex scenes were healthy and swoon-worthy, my two favorite things in a romance novel's sexual elements. I will say at times, the large cast of secondary characters got a bit lost, since it had been so long since I'd read the first book (I could not remember if I was supposed to know who MacKenzie was, or if she was introduced in the second book I missed). But overall, this book was a great time and a lovely read. I think Olivia Dade has made it to my list of go-to romance authors!

Ship Wrecked is the third book in the Spoiler Alert series by Olivia Dade that follows the cast of a wildly popular fantasy TV series as the show is mismanaged by the showrunners and slowly goes off the rails.

This book follows Maria and Peter, two plus-sized actors who's storyline has them crashed on a deserted island. The book starts with Maria and Peter having a one-night-stand because they don't know they'll be working together for six years. I love a book where the couple gets together immediately, but unfortunately they make a pact not to sleep with each other while working together.

I loved the beginning of this book. I loved the plus-sized rep for both men and women, I loved them working on a lonely island and navigating the dynamics with the locals and crew. I loved the animosity between Maria and Peter due to misunderstandings and their own insecurities, and by the time the six years was over, I was ready for the book to end. Unfortunately, this is only 1/3 of the way through, as they now have to do press for the show and see if they can work as a couple.

This book didn't work for me because it's two books in one, the time on the island where they are not working through their issues and the time off the island when their issues finally surface. Since Peter and Maria spend the first part of the book frustrated, they were continually pushing each other's buttons but not dealing with any of their issues. By the time they told themselves they could get together, I didn't want them to. The second part of the book dragged for me because they were already together, so where's the story?

I really enjoyed the characters in this book, but the story was not for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon for access to an advanced copy of this book.

These Spoiler Alert books are not only funny and hot, but the main characters are real people with real issues. Well, they aren’t really real, of course, but when you’re reading these novels you totally identify. Peter and Maria were no different than Spoiler Alert’s Marcus and April and All the Feels Alex and Lauren. They aren’t perfect people, but characters with real people’s problems and I loved them all. Peter and Maria definitely had a hot start to their relationship. Whew! After that first chapter though, the book slowed down to more of a slow burn novel with their engaging banter and friendship driving up the anticipation. I felt like one of the Gods of the Gates fans who desperately wanted their tv characters to get together, I did too! Peter and Maria were the darlings of their show and very sweet in real book life, although they had real issues that each of them had to work through. It was totally worth it to have them finally get together.

I wish this Gods of the Gates show was real. A mix of Games of Thrones and author Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles, it sounds right up my alley, fantasy meets Greek mythology. How fun! Olivia Dade’s writing helped me visualize all of the scenery on that Irish shoreline and those fun fan fic chapter openings were laugh out loud funny. I’m so glad that we got to have a bit of fun with the other characters as well. This was a fun book all around and I’m looking forward to listening to it soon. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review and it was honest.

The third book from the Spoiler Alert series!

Like the other books in the series, the book cover is fantastic! I love it so much. While Ship Wrecked can be considered a standalone book, I highly suggest reading the first two books before delving into this one. It will give you more insight into characters that occasionally popped into this book, their personalities, and how intertwined the series are with one another.

So, I genuinely like this book. There’s excellent pining between Maria and Peter. They had a great night together, only to bump into each other once again during the Gods of the Gates series audition – and found themselves working for six years on a remote island. The sequence of their relationship is excellent, from animosity to friends and then to lovers. I love the moments when one of them does something for the other without trying to be magnanimous about it; they just want to do something for the other’s happiness. I find it lovely, and it shows some top-notch yearning! And just like all the previous books from the author, this one is such a body-positive book. It also handles the complexity of love beautifully, especially between two people utterly confused about how to deal with ideals so different from themselves.

Overall, it still feels a little underwhelming, given how solid the first two books were from start to finish, especially All the Feels. That said, I love the author very much and look forward to more of her works.

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for the eARC.

SYNOPSIS: Maria and Peter have a one-night stand which Peter hopes that it will turn into more. Maria disappears by the next morning without a word which leaves Peter heartbroken. Peter gets a job as an actor in a TV show which he is hoping to be his big break but his costar is none other than Maria. Peter swears he won't take his relationship any further with Maria while they are making this TV Show but all bets are off when they wrap the show.

THINGS I LIKED

One thing I loved about this book is that the main female character had more confidence than the male character which we don't get to see as often in books. The female character was positive, strong and confident. She stood up for herself despite what repercussions could have happened.

Another thing I enjoyed was the sex positivity in this book. I love reading about women taking control of their own sexuality, especially with this character being plus size. The steam rating in this book overall is about average.

The story also includes how childhood traumas can shape a person into their adulthood. I like how Dade doesn't shy away from realistic issues such as grief and mental illness in this book. Incorporating real life situtations made it easier to connect to the characters in the story.

THINGS I DID NOT LIKE

The only thing I didn't like about this was that it tended to get slow at certain times. There were some extra stuff that for me I didn't need and could have been left out to make the pacing go a little bit faster and to be more engaged in the storyline.

This entire series makes me so happy!! I love the god of the gates story AND the made up fandom, AND THE obvious hint of a certain show that actually exists and how crappy the final seasons were being constantly mentioned!

Olivia Dade is wonderful, and I loved these two main characters specifically <3 such a majorly high recommended book!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Olivia Dade for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Ship Wrecked coming out November 15, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Maria Ivarrson has a one night stand with literal Viking of a man, but leaves him without so much as a note goodbye. To her surprise, the Viking Peter Reedton is her new costar for Gods of the Gates. The tv series will have them spending the next six years together on a desolate Irish island. She still wants him…but he doesn’t want her at all.
Peter is working hard to establish himself as an actor. He knows this role could finally transform him into a leading man. He also knows a failed relationship with Maria could ruin things on set and he won’t give up his career for a woman who’s already walked away from him once. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to be her friend and long for something more.
For years, they don’t touch off-camera. But on their last night of filming, their mutual restraint finally ends and they turn to each other. Will they have what it takes to stick it out to the end or will they part ways after the filming ends?

This is my first book by Olivia Dade. I’ve seen her other books and was always wanting to check them out. I haven’t read the other two books in the series. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved that the main plot was a Vikings show. Reminded me of the Vikings series. I loved that they were regular actors trying to make a living. I enjoyed the text conversations and scripts thrown in there. I think the description at times was a little too much. It felt like I was in the characters’ heads and they were overthinking things. I understand why they didn’t want to ruin things because they worked together, but the six years also felt like a long time. So it seemed like something could’ve happened. There was also a little more spice than I’m used to reading. The epilogue wasn’t my favorite. It just seemed like a lot of exposition.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys contemporary romances!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for a review.
After reading the blurb for this book, I was so excited for the chance to read it and was not disappointed. If you love the tropes of one night stand, forced proximity, and frenemies to lovers, this book is for you! As someone who has struggled with her accepting her weight, Olivias books have felt so accepting to read and this one was no different. I do not normally love when books start off with the characters having a one night stand, but I found that I really enjoyed it in this book. I think it added to the tension in a way that made sense and did not feel embarrassing for me as a reader. I loved that Maria was unapologetic about her weight and stood up for herself when she needed to. Peter was an asshole at times, which occasionally turned me off from reading the book, but it was balanced with Maria never taking anyones shit. Eventually, I was able to see Peter's heart and how well made the two characters were for each other.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun romance with a lot of heart!

Ship Wrecked is a breath of fresh air! I appreciate how Olivia Dade is body inclusive in this book and how she describes the main characters Maria and Peter. Their story is delightful and I could not put this book down. The setting of working on a television show in an enchanted setting also made this book so endearing. Peter’s deadpan humor had me laughing from the beginning. I don’t think I’ve audibly laughed so much while reading a book. Maria is strong and smart and the reader can’t help but love her!

This book does contain mature adult content.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advance readers copy. The thoughts expressed in this review are my own.

Olivia Dade did it again!!!

I'm sorry, but a spicy "thick thighed sexy viking of a man"? um what more do you want in a book?? Other than the fact that this beautiful speciman is a broody grump?? (aka the best kind) The cherry on top is that this is a plus sized romance!! The passion between these two costars was visible on every page and the body positivity was a breath of fresh air.

I loved the Spoiler Alert series before and now I'm obsessed. I'm already feeling a full series reread!

Spoiler Alert! This book gave me All the Feels. But seriously, it did. At first I was a little leery, I got mad at the characters and that wasn't fair--because, what they were doing and feeling was authentic, even if irritating. But that's life, and this may be an imitation of it, but the feelings and the traumas/backstories that are worked through are understandable and relatable. We all carry our own baggage. Just because you're on the same page, doesn't mean you're on the same story. But when that moment comes when you find the characters finally, FINALLY in sync with each other--it's magic. Now this is a real, relatable and funny love story.

Oh my goodness! This book had me grasped from the first page. So much tension! Plus all of the topics we love to see in books. Size inclusive, grumpy sunshine, one night stand, coworkers, banter, and so much more. It was so well written I felt like I was in the show with the characters with the added behind the scenes feature.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

This was a super cute, quick read for me. This was my first book by the author. I was a little frustrated at times with Maria and Peter’s communication skills but overall I really enjoyed this!

The cleverness. The fluff. The angst. This book was everything I think I want without any predictability. Except a *SPOILER* HEA. Because if it hadn't had a HEA I would have thrown jars of pickled herrings at Avon's offices.

I received an ARC through NetGalley and received not one thing in return for this review. Not even a single Swedish fish.

I went into this book not knowing it was a series, I thought it looked interesting in Net Galley and wanted to read it. Best compliment to the book is that after finishing and realizing in Goodreads that it was a series I placed holds for them in my library right away (although there is a bit of a spoiler as the two couples in the previous books appear on this book, so maybe read them in order, although once I do that I can give more clear guidance if you should wait or not.) I really enjoyed the body positivity of this book as well as the immersion on the making of the show, as a Game of Thrones fan, Gods of the Gates seemed like a show i would love. The meet cute is also top notch, and funnily enough very similar to one of the other books reviewed in this post, drunk on love. lessons from them all: assume all one night stands will come back to haunt you!

I was blown away by Olivia Dade's Spoiler Alert, set within the fanfic world of the hit (fictional) television show, Gods of the Gates. Then came book two, All the Feels and let me tell you, I felt all. the. feels. How, I wondered, would Dade possibly top Alex and Lauren's journey to love? With co-stars (self-contained, socially-awkward) Peter and (sunny, confident) Maria, with set-the-sheets-on-fire chemistry, intense yearning, emotional angst, hilarity, body positivity, snappy banter, laugh-inducing nicknames, and a hard-won happily ever after, all wrapped up in an immersive story that I could not put down. That's how she did it.

I fell head over heels in love with both Peter and Maria. How could I not when the author's love for these characters she had created was so clear? These are complex characters and the care she took with each of them was evident in their development, layers, flaws, fears, hopes, and dreams; in their subtle - and not so subtle - nuances, and in their significant personal growth. Dade's characters are so very real and relatable.

I have enormous respect for an author who, in a sea of ripped heroes and svelte heroines, chooses to create both a fat leading man and leading lady, embracing them as they are without making their weight a negative facet of their story. Peter is tall and broad-shouldered, with thick thighs and arms, and a soft belly, qualities Maria loves about him. He surrounds her body, makes her feel safe. Maria is a tall, strong, blonde Swede with with a healthy love of her ample curves and the fortitude to stand strong against those who would risk her health for a smaller silhouette on TV. Great body positivity! And she's not the only one who loves those curves. Needless to say, Peter and Maria enjoy an energetic and steamy physical relationship once they make the decision to indulge.

Secondary characters are flawlessly woven in and out of the story, interacting with Peter and Maria in ways that highlight facets of their personalities and move their story forward while also giving fans of the series a look at favorite couples from other books and new favorites to embrace. The relationships from the three books all move in a similar timeline so for those who have read the first two books, it's fun to view certain events from a different perspective. For those new to the series, if you want to avoid spoilers I recommend reading the three books in order. Though you can definitely enjoy Ship Wrecked as a standalone, my own enjoyment was enhanced by having read books one and two first.

A particular highlight of Ship Wrecked for me was Dade's impeccable comedic timing balanced with heart-tugging emotion. In Chapter 16, when Peter and Maria are sent to Stockholm on a publicity trip and stay with her family we are treated to both. There were heartbreaking parts of that chapter where I cried for past experiences Maria finally shared with Peter and other parts where people on the other side of my house were tracking me down to find out why I was snort laughing so loud and often. Pro tip: do not eat or drink anything while reading Chapter 16.

Olivia Dade has secured her place on my must-buy, favorite-author, I-will-never-miss-a-single-book-she-writes, all-novels-go-straight-to-my-keeper-shelf list. I enthusiastically recommend giving her a try.

One last thing: kudos to Avon for a fantastic cover that accurately depicts these wonderful characters!

Top Dish Review

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review