Ship Wrecked A Novel

Review by Booklist Review

Landing the role of Cyprian on the wildly popular Viking show, Gods of the Gates, would be a career game-changer for Peter Reedton. All he has to do is demonstrate that there is major chemistry between his character and that of the show's costar, Cassia. The moment Peter realizes that the woman auditioning with him is Maria, the very same sexy stranger Peter hooked up with the previous evening and who left the next morning without even telling him her last name, he realizes generating sexual chemistry isn't going to be a problem. But turning that into an actual romantic relationship might be. Dade (All the Feels, 2021) returns with another superbly entertaining, boldly sensual love story that unabashedly champions body positivity and delivers a cast of unforgettable characters, including a heroine who knows her own self-worth and isn't afraid to fight for what she wants in life. Combine this with wit-infused writing and some love scenes hot enough to keep any Viking couple warm during those cold winter nights, and the result is another impactful romantic triumph from Dade.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Returning to the world of Dade's Spoiler Alert, this hilarious but clunky rom-com brings together two polar opposite actors both in need of emotional healing. Gregarious Swedish stage actor Maria Ivarsson doesn't expect her relationship with reserved Wisconsinite character actor Peter Reedton to last beyond the steamy one night stand that opens the book, but Peter is furious when Maria sneaks out before dawn, feeling rejected. Tensions run high when they're reunited at an audition for the hit TV show God of the Gates--and their undeniable chemistry lands them roles opposite each other. During filming, Peter thaws to Maria's charms, and she reciprocates his feelings, but Peter insists their relationship remain platonic while they work together and they repeatedly clash over whether to prioritize their emotional health or their professional success. The meandering plot covers six years of filming and "repressed lust" and, once the show wraps, the pair still struggle to balance their competing priorities. It's a bumpy ride full of contrived reasons to keep the couple apart, but some laugh-out-loud running gags--like Peter's phobia of cows--will keep readers engaged. Though not as successful as it could be, there's a solid emotional core here. Readers will want to pick this up for the laughs alone. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (Nov.)

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Review by Library Journal Review

In the finale to Dade's "Spoiler Alert" series (following All the Feels)--a sexy, funny, heartwarming enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance--Peter has finally gotten his big break. He's been cast in a TV show in a role that could last for years. His character is shipwrecked on a windswept Irish island with only one other person, played by Maria, the sexy Swedish one-night stand who left his bed without leaving him a note. Over the next six years, Peter and Maria become friends, and outgoing, kind Maria pulls the recalcitrant, lonely Peter into a new found family with the quirky crew. But for the sake of his career (a bad breakup would be hell in their situation), Peter keeps their relationship as friends only. No benefits. He doesn't even touch Maria unless it's called for in the script. Six years of building sexual tension. Finally, the show is canceled and so is their restraint. The story pulls readers in with well-developed, likable characters, and an unputdownable plot. Themes of standing up for yourself, self-care, and body acceptance run throughout, creating deeper subtext to character actions. VERDICT Fans of the "Spoiler Alert" series and fanfic readers will adore this book.--Heather Miller Cover

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