Reviews

Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade

courtkh's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

readbooks_eatapples's review against another edition

1.0

I can't finish, and this is a novella. I really liked Dade's "Teach Me," and it is jarring to go from that complexity and depth to this shallow novella that can't decide between tension and lighthearted silliness within a paragraph. I'm giving up, but I will check out any longer books by this author.

dadzpeach's review against another edition

lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

kayla_can_read's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Everyone wants an autistic man,,, just the fictional type of autistic man 

cozyupwithfictionandtea_sarah's review against another edition

emotional funny relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Really loved this one! So I do realize that Olivia’s writing may not be for everyone, however I do feel that she does an excellent job at writing very likable characters who deal with real issues. This is one I found that I identified with both MCs & didn’t feel uncomfortable reading this. Mind you, I don’t consider myself to be curvy in the general sense but I think she really handles her FMCs with care & consideration. I definitely plan on reading more of Dade’s writings in the near future!!

claracavanaugh's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

everydaywithanniemae's review against another edition

Slow and boring

missbreathing's review against another edition

emotional funny relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Desire & the Deep Blue Sea was my first read of 2023. I read it in one sitting, and it was so much fun! I gave it 4⭐️.

Desire & the Deep Blue Sea is a sweet novella involving a fake dating scheme on a reality television show. The hero is in love with the heroine before the novel even starts, which is a trope I absolutely adore! This book has so much pining! Ugh! I love! It manages to be a bit of a slow-burn despite being a novella and despite the fact that there is a little bit of an insta-love situation. There is a bit of info-dumping and exposition in the beginning, but it’s easy enough to look past.
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Overall, this book is cute, quirky, and sweet. It’s also funny! I love a romcom that manages to bring the COM part. It also has anxiety rep, which I really appreciated. And, of course, the fat rep is great. I can always always count on Olivia Dade to deliver in that department! 
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I highly recommend saving this one for your summer reading! This is best enjoyed with your feet in the sand.

melsrommance's review against another edition

3.0

“When you’re worried, do you need me to reassure you? Do you need me to try to fix whatever problems you might have? Or do you just need me to listen?”

3 stars

If you're looking for something quick to read that has fluff, spice, and romance look no further. Desire and the Deep Blue Sea is the perfect book for you. The female MC Callie is an anxious, overweight woman who has a spot on a couple's TV show. Her only problem? Her and her boyfriend broke up. Cue the male MC Thomas. Thomas is an extremely handsome and intelligent co-worker that she brings with her to replace her ex. His secret? He's been in love with Callie since she started working at the library with him. Her secret? She dislikes him and his work ethic.

The romance between Thomas and Callie was incredibly sweet. Thomas isn't the romantic interest that is expected. He is extremely gentle, thoughtful, and he listens to her. He takes what she says into consideration and remembers it. During some points in the story, I didn't think Callie deserved Thomas she didn't, but in the end I feel like she did right by him. The conflict was predictable and solved easily and directly.

Overall, I wasn't so into the book that I couldn't put it down, but it was a nice break between heavier books and themes.

isabelisalright's review against another edition

4.0

Reading the Trope: Fake Relationship

This was just a total delight to read! Callie was very relateable and how anxiety was discussed was insightful. It felt similar to times I've experienced it.

Perfect one sitting read especially right now. If the summary interests you at all I think you'll love it.