“When he was a kid, his mom had called him a champion grudge-holder, and not much had changed since then.” 

 

Olivia Dade, Ship Wrecked 

 

In this installment of Olivia Dade’s Spoiler Alert series, Ship Wrecked focuses on the new Gods of the Gates actors Maria Ivarsson and Peter Reedton. These new additions to the show portray characters Cassia and Cyprian, but unbeknownst to everyone, Maria and Peter have a past. Before gaining their famous roles, Maria had left Peter in his hotel room after a night of passion. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in Maria gaining an enemy. Peter is furious at how Maria left and decides to keep things professional with Maria no matter how hard she tries to make friends with him. Ultimately, these two are forced to work on a remote island while continuing to live their lives without discussing their past events. This leads to quiet tension between the two actors on and off the screen. 

 

Without realizing it, this book deals with two people struggling similarly, the fear of abandonment. These two characters have other issues they are working through, with Peter suffering from his childhood difficulties and his overbearing father. Whereas Maria’s past results in her needing a support structure around her. As these two characters struggle with their producers, their silent attraction is so angsty. I love it and hate it. Most of the time, Peter tries to ignore his attraction to Maria by remembering her leaving him in his hotel room. Maria is trying to survive in the Hollywood system and struggling with her attraction to Peter as he agrees with the creative liberties of the Gods of Gates producers. 

 

While a great and fun read, the only issue I had with the book was the break-up on a misunderstanding before the happily ever after. Otherwise, this is an excellent romance with a slow burn, pining for love and acceptance while simultaneously trying to manage a new career theme.   

 

Recommended for fans of plus-size main characters, slow-burn romance, and a snarky heroine. 

 

 

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for allowing me to read this e-book in exchange for an honest review.