A review by noellelovesbooks
Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

  I received an ARC, through Netgalley, ahead of release in exchange for an honest review. 

Content Warnings: Loss of parent(s), crippling depression, anxiety, panic attacks, fatphobia, sexism, abandonment, cheating [off-page by one of the MCs exes], and years of foster care.


From the moment I saw Olivia tweet that we were getting another book, in the Spoiler Alert universe, I have been waiting for a chance to get my hands on it…so when I got the email Friday giving me access to the Netgalley ARC I hit download real quick!


I should have known this one was going to hit me harder than the other two books…just based on the beautiful dedication in the front.


What’s fun about Maria and Peter’s book is that we get to see them before, during, and after the show, GODS OF THE GATES. Both Spoiler Alert and All the Feels were set after the show had finished filming so it was fun to see a couple that worked so closely during the filming of the show.


Maria lost her parents at a young age and spent several years being bounced around the foster care system before finally having a family that was in it for keeps. Having the experience she did with foster care Maria is always apprehensive about relationships because in her experience, aside from the family that adopted her, everyone leaves. When Maria sees a handsome man at the sauna she’d determined to have a good night in his company but nothing more…so things get a little awkward the next day at her audition when he’s also there auditioning.


Peter grew up watching his mother battle depression and then losing her at a young age due to a stroke. Peter’s father always made him feel like he was not enough and never understood the passions that drove Peter to act rather than follow a “traditional” career path. All Peter wants to do is prove to his father that he made the right choice so he’s determined to “make it big” so his father finally recognizes all his years of hard work.


Maria and Peter are the first, romance novel, couple that I’ve deeply connected with, individually, on an emotional basis. Normally, when I read, I’ll connect with one and empathize with the other but I’ve never felt so deeply connected to both partners. Maria’s feelings of abandonment and Peter’s feelings of inadequacy are things I’ve struggled with since childhood and it made this a very emotional read for me.


I loved getting to see both Maria and Peter open up to each other and really work on understanding where the other was coming from. The way they both made it six years before finally giving in to their attraction again is just a testament to their individual strength…and stubbornness.


If you’re a fan of romcoms I highly suggest pre-ordering this fantastic book. I love how much care Olivia puts in to create each and every character. No matter the hardships they’ve been through they’re all determined, strong, and beautiful souls and I can’t wait to see what other characters Olivia crafts. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings