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

Olivia Dade’s Spoiler Alert series never misses, and Ship Wrecked is another hilarious, insightful, heartwarming installment. We’ve known Peter and Maria as side characters, costars of the previous books’ MCs, but they more than hold their own as leads. The book is six years of slow burn between characters we know have chemistry and should be together, but the fun is in watching them realize they could actually work long term.
There is so much I love about this book. Peter and Maria are self-described “fat actors,” and it was wonderful to see that representation. They lead full lives, are complex and interesting characters in ways that have nothing to do with their weight. Just like the characters Maria wants to play, the stories we deserve to see told. And the chemistry between these two is So Good. It’s lovely to see their hearts catch up with their lust.

As always, the Gods of the Gates cast and crew are incredible supporting characters. They help show reserved, grumpy Peter that family is what you make it. They help Maria combat homesickness for Sweden during filming. And their group chats are the most hilarious use of the text message format I’ve ever seen.

I loved this book a lot, and I only have minor quibbles. The time jumps worked for the story, but particularly the moment I realized we’d jumped from season two to season six was a bit of a shock.

And I’m not sure the third act conflict worked for me. We spend six years seeing how close Maria and Peter are, how well they know each other, how they can intuit what the other one needs. I’m not sure I really buy that they could be so wrapped up in themselves and shocked that the other one might be unhappy with their choices, when they’ve spent so damn long doing the hard work to keep each other happy and safe. It’s not that I think either of their feelings were wrong. Just that I felt like two people as close and mature as the two of them having that blow up argument felt jarring.

This was a fun read and I loved the whole premise of two actors on a TV show. The tension, the spice, and the plot were all so great and I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author. I liked that topics such as representation, rejection, emotional neglect, depression, and more were covered- and covered well. Very much recommend this book!

It’s a servicable story, and I appreciate the author’s commitment to making sure people who are not usually leads in rom-coms get the spotlight, but I didn’t really care about either of these characters.

After an incredibly steamy one-night-stand, Peter and Maria discover that they have been cast as costars on the hit TV show Gods of the Gate. Their character arc has them stranded on a remote Irish island to film with a small crew and no other actors for the next 6 years. They both decide to keep things professional, even though it is clear to everyone on the island and their fans alike that there are feelings between them. Once their final scene is a wrap, they must decide if they can make a committed relationship work, especially since Peter lives in Hollywood and Maria is from Sweden.

There are so many themes in this book, from body positivity, childhood trauma, and found family, to name a few. All wrapped up with Olivia Dade's signature witty banter and steamy chemistry between her characters. Unlike other series that follow a linear timeline with the cast of characters, The Spoiler Alert series takes place around the same time, so this book has little Easter eggs and overlapping storylines from the first two books, which I love!

Thank you Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review. Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade is out November 15, 2022.

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
SPICE: 🔥🔥🔥

This book definitely kicked things off with a bang.

Literally.

It did not take long for Maria and Peter to get it on, book-wise and life-wise. These two met while hanging out in a sauna, and the connection was immediate...and scorching. They definitely had a physical connection that had Peter hoping for more...until Maria left him without a note or farewell.

It did not take long for them to meet again at an audition for two enticing roles in a highly profiled show. Peter was not too pleased with Maria, but would eventually have to deal as her co-star in an enemies-to-lovers paranormal TV show.

It did not take long for them to get on the same page on set. Maria may be a TV-acting novice, but she quickly wins over the cast and crew's hearts, including the grouchy Peter, with her unapologetic confidence and kind, outgoing personality. Their on- and off-screen chemistry was filled with unresolved tension.

What did take long was for their romantic arc to complete, given that they agreed to be friends only while filming the show for six tension-filled years. It did not feel like it for this reader, however, because Olivia Dade did a great job of building a deep connection and creating sizzling chemistry between our two main characters.

Did she give us an insta-lust only to follow it with a slow burn? Absolutely, and the wait was worth it.

This is the third book in the Spoiler Alert universe, but as a newbie to the series, the book did well in briefly introducing characters from the previous reads and can be read as a standalone.

** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Olivia Dade, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for providing an ARC. **

This is probably the most complicated 3.5 🌟 review I've ever written.

📚𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲: Enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, Hollywood romance

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Maria and Peter have a one-night stand he is hoping will turn into more. But not only does she disappear without another word, she also turns out to be starring next to him in a show that's both of their big breaks. Peter swears he won't take things further, an act that could ruin heir careers. But when filming is over, all bets are off.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I can totally see why Olivia Dade's work nets out to under 4 stars on Goodreads. As I was personally balancing my thoughts on this book, it's where I netted out, too. There are plusses and minuses, times I wanted to DNF the book and times where I was wrapped up in the story.

As a reader, it's incredibly confusing and leads to these warring contradictions.

I love reading long, pining love. But Olivia Dade totally mishandled the passage of time in this book. I love when art imitates reality. But this series centers around a show that's exactly like Game of Thrones, so much it made my eyes roll. I love a good side cast of characters. But there were so many in this book, and they were so big in attitude, it felt like I could barely concentrate. I love plus-sized representation. But I can't stand when a plus-sized heroine makes being fat her entire personality.

It was a hard read for me, and I didn't really love the FMC here. I also wasn't a fan of Olivia Dade punctuating chapters with drafts of fan fiction and text threads... it really broke it up for me. But I did adore the spice - it was top notch - and I did love the third-act grovel, which had me pretty swoony.

And I can't simply ignore the fact that this book, and all of the others in the series (which I considered reading to see if I was missing out) are $10.99 ebooks. In my opinion, there's better ways to spend your money.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 3.5/5 🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

4✨
I don't think I've read a single Olivia Dade book that I haven't devoured in a single sitting.
Is this my favorite out of the entire series? Not quite. Was this another absolute banger? You bet your sweet bippy it is!

Ship Wrecked continues following members of the God of the Gates cast— this time Peter and Maria, who, while essentially trapped together on a remote Irish island, must fight their real-life feelings in order to remain professional on set after a steamy and passionate one-night stand. Once filming wraps however…😏😏

The spice was on the milder side of things but the tension/banter and overall pining was absolutely perfect and i enjoyed all the references to the previous books too 💕💕

This is a story about knowing yourself to know what you want from others.  Peter and Maria have an incredible one-night stand, not knowing much about each other or, in the case of Peter, even her name.  So imagine both of their surprise when they encounter each other the next day at an audition to be co-stars for Gods of the Gates -- an incredibly popular fantasy television show about to enter its second season.  Peter and Maria are both cast in the show, which means they will spend the next six years together on a largely isolated island filming their scenes.

For Peter, the show is an opportunity to prove, after years as a character actor, that he has what it takes to be a leading man -- and to achieve the financial security he has long wanted.  For Maria, who has largely been a theater actor in Sweden, where she is from, the show is an opportunity to show that people with different body types can be television stars.  Despite their strong attraction, Peter worries that any attempt at a relationship with Maria could end in disaster, making it hard, or even impossible, for them to continue filming together.  So he is committed to being nothing more than friends with Maria while they are filming, even if his desire for her is palpable.  

When they wrap their last night of filming, Maria and Peter can't resist anymore, and they are together again for the first time in six years.  But even with one obstacle behind them, another looms -- Peter is returning to Los Angeles and Maria to her native Sweden.  Even apart from the physical separation, Maria is convinced that Peter cannot give her the commitment she needs given his dedication to his work.  Peter is determined to not let the opportunity to be with Maria pass him by -- but, given all their history, will it be enough for a happy ever after?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It combines a topflight romance with insightful explorations about childhood trauma, body image, and wealth -- all in the context of a story that will often have you laughing out loud.  The author did an excellent job of revealing over the course of the story the ways that Peter and Maria's respective childhoods have shaped their adulthoods in profound respects -- everything from how they approach romantic relationships, to their ability to make friends, to their relationship to financial security.  The chemistry between Maria and Peter jumps off the page, but, thanks to the author's deft touch, the barriers that make a lasting connection a challenge come across as quite authentic.  Similarly, the book's exploration of body positivity -- Maria's commitment to it in her life and art, the obvious and subtle ways she is challenged on it, and how far she is willing to go, both for her own health and for the example she sets, in service of her commitment -- is very well done.  Finally, the peek behind the scenes of a prestige cable drama that seems to draw on real-life counterparts is a fun dimension of the story.

Highly recommended!

Coming out of a bad relationship, Maria just moved to the states to try and make it in Hollywood. After a steamy one night stand, she sneaks out without leaving a note, only to have her lover show up unexpectedly at her audition for the Gods of the Gates tv show. To make things worse, they both get the parts of shipwreck survivors on an isolated island, forced to live and work together along with a small crew for the next six years. Peter, surly and reclusive, is still attracted to Maria, but he can't risk a relationship with her at the expense of his career, after all, she already left him once. But after the last episode wraps, he can't stay away any longer. But with him looking for another job in LA and her family in Sweden, will he be enough to convince her to stay?
This book can technically be read as a standalone, but I took the advice of a fellow reviewer and started with book 1. The whole series is hilarious and the castmates have such great relationships with each other throughout, so I'm really glad I read them in order. I like that all of these characters had different issues they had to overcome, from fat-shaming, ADHD, domestic violence, depression, etc. These books all have a positive and uplifting message to accept people as the are.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

**Thank you to Olivia Dade, Avon and Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC of Ship Wrecked in exchange for an honest review!!** I LOVED THIS BOOK. I definitely did a double take at the beginning but I very quickly got into this book. I could NOT put this book down. I have not read any of Olivia Dade's work before so I was very excited when I was able to read this book. I had heard good things about her other novels and I completely get the hype! The characters in this are so fun yet well developed. I also enjoyed being able to tell that some of the characters had their own novels in the series while still allowing their portions of the story to be concise enough that it didn't cause the plot to drag on. I will admit there was one portion of this book that I found frustrating, but I loved it overall! Maria is the coolest and Peter is just amazed by her (as he should be!!). I really enjoyed the aspect of their filming taking place on a semi-remote island. It definitely added to the ambiance of the group feeling like they were stranded together. I did love how body-positive this book was and it was really nice to experience. I loved how much Maria stood up for herself and others and I think we could all stand to be more like her. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to going back and being able to read the rest of the series. This was a beautiful ending to the series and I already want to reread this book.

What can I say, but I’d give this book 5,000 ✨ ⭐️s and you should all go read it? But I’m sure you’d like a little more from a review.
Olivia Dade knows how to start a book with a bang! 🔥🔥🔥 Sexy, funny, and emotional, with the best character writing, this book has my whole heart. Maria and Peter as a match could not make me happier and what a wonderful way to round out the finale of the Spoiler Alert series. As the third couple to star in their own book from the Gods of the Gates series, Ship Wrecked opens with a one night stand between Peter and Maria. When the two find themselves vying for the roles of Cyprian and Cassia, their chemistry read test could not be stronger. Set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland with a tiny film crew, how can these two deny their past hook up, while also having to work side by side professionally for upwards of 6 years?

Maria Ivarsson is my favorite type of heroine. She’s strong, extremely confident, a sexy plus-sized Swede, and knows who she is and what she wants. I loved that Maria is never willing to compromise her feelings or beliefs for anyone, but can also be unbelievably soft and feminine at the same time. You can tell just how much Olivia Dade enjoyed writing Maria’s character because she is so pro-women and self-assured and just loved by everyone on the cast. Maria is very self-assured and is willing to walk away from the show if it means compromising her values or altering her body to fit a more traditional appearance, and I loved how vocal she was in her intentions (amazingly without sounding cocky). Of course to complement her, Peter Reedton is the perfect bearded hulking man who at first gets off on the wrong foot with Maria. His shyness and quietness comes off as broody and jerk-like to Maria who doesn’t understand that Peter is completely enamored with her, but just afraid of getting hurt again. Maria is able to coax Peter out of his untrusting shell and allow him to make connections to the crew and herself.
The journey these two MCs go on is beautiful; we get to se them as themselves and also as cast members struggling with how to live in their desire for one another while performing as lovers. This book is so tender and gentle in the way it allows Peter and Maria’s relationship to unfold. It sometimes felt like a slowburn, but the intimate scenes are off the charts. I found myself laughing at poor Peter when he has to engage in a sex scene for the show with Maria; it is funny, and spicy, and wonderful seeing each MC’s reaction when they are both still secretly vying for each other! And the moments later in the novel where we get to see each of them around the other’s family…it just helped to bind them closer together as two people who really want to love and understand one another. Maria sharing her photo album in the chair with Peter is possibly one of the most revealing and tender moments in the book; it is why romance readers fall in love with characters.
Of course I would be remiss to not mention the infamous GOTG message group where we get to see how each of the past series characters are doing. It’s hilarious and heartwarming to read their interactions and I’m so glad that readers are left with a sense of finality for each of the original cast members and their loves.
Olivia Dade has written something so special and she just keeps getting better and better with each book. As sad as I am to see this series end, I am excited to see what comes next. I always know I’ll get amazing romance and sexy scenes, emotional connections, fat rep, humor, and BIG FEELINGS with each of her books. And if you don’t believe me, just look at the gorgeous cover by Leni Kauffman delivering all of that in an illustration! Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Collins along with NetGalley for this wonderful advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

Okay after much thinking and questioning - Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade is my favorite of the “series”.

The way that these characters are incredible and are such a significant presence throughout the entire book is startling. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest while I read Maria and Peter’s ongoing banter.

This is such a slow burn and literal years pass by but the wait is so worth it. There is work that both Maria and Peter need to put in to be truly fulfilled and watching them do so is awe-inspiring.

You know what also happens a lot throughout this book? Communication between two grown-ass adults. Like that is so hot! Just sit down and talk about your problems, and share your feelings!!

I just love these two so much! Maria and Peter are incredible characters who take up all the space and it makes my heart so happy. And let’s give a huge round of applause for our two plus-sized characters who were proud and absolutely unashamed of their bodies

I want to thank Netgalley for giving me an ARC of Ship Wrecked in exchange for an honest review.

I don't know what it is about Olivia Dade's writing that pulls me in. I devoured the first two books in this series in hours, and both times it was a really pleasant read. It might have to do with how deeply she has engrained fandom into her novels, but it's such a fun twist that her characters are actors in a show that they wholeheartedly love. I jumped at the chance to read this novel, and it didn't disappoint.
I will admit, it did take me longer to get into the story this time around because I wasn't vibing with Maria in the same way I did with Marcus and Alex, but once the story captured me I came around. (I think this is because I am not one for a lot of pining. It stresses me out so much.)
Ship Wrecked is a great addition to the Spoiler Alert series. I love that Dade has stuck to her formula of plus-sized characters, body positivity, and the idea that everybody deserves love. I also love that she doesn't shy away from real-life issues like mental health and losing loved ones.