Berls
Written on Aug 15, 2022
That said - this book outdoes all the others I've read thus far by Olivia Dade. The characters, their personal demons, their growth trajectory, their romance, their dialogue and the humor are all just PERFECTION.
First and foremost Maria. Maria is a goddess y'all. She's a stage actress coming to Hollywood from Sweden for the first time to star on God's of the Gates (the same show as the other two book's characters). She's a foreigner, new to TV acting, and plus size and none of that phases her for even a minute. She radiates confidence and intelligence. She's just so fierce and knows herself. She's also so warm and outgoing, like a sunshine that just pulls everyone into her warmth. All this is even more amazing when you learn her history. The cherry on top? She's fucking hilarious.
Then there's Peter. He does not make you fall for him immediately like Maria. In fact, quite the opposite. Which makes sense because in so many ways he is her opposite. He's closed off and introverted. His insecurities have shaped him in many ways. But over the course of the 6 years (yes 6 years) that they are filming together, we see that those insecurities we initially saw are not who he is, but they are just preventing him from being vulnerable. And once you learn his history, you fully understand.
The best part is watching them both grow - personally and together. It's so easy to love them individually and as a couple. You couldn't help but cheer for them at every victory, worry for them at every obstacle, and adore them as they reach their HEA.
I buddy read this with Lenore and we both were blown away, giving it 5 stars each. I listened and the narration only added to my enjoyment. Kelsey Navarro equally brought Maria's vivacious personality, complete with a believable accent, and Peter's reserved personality to life. I would readily listen to her narration in the future.