National BestsellerOlivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who’s secretly posting fanfiction of his own. Marcus Caster-Rupp has a secret. The world may know him as Aeneas, star of the biggest show on television, but fanfiction readers call him something … biggest show on television, but fanfiction readers call him something else: Book!AeneasWouldNever. Marcus gets out his frustrations with the show through anonymous stories about the internet’s favorite couple, Aeneas and Lavinia. But if anyone discovered his online persona, he’d be finished in Hollywood.
April Whittier has secrets of her own. A hardcore Lavinia fan, she’s long hidden her fanfic and cosplay hobbies from her “real life”—but not anymore. When she dares to post her latest costume creation on Twitter, her plus-size take goes viral. And when Marcus asks her out to spite her internet critics, truth officially becomes stranger than fanfiction.
On their date, Marcus quickly realizes he wants more from April than a one-time publicity stunt. But when he discovers she’s Unapologetic Lavinia Stan, his closest fandom friend, he has one more huge secret to keep from her.
With love and Marcus’s career on the line, can the two of them stop hiding once and for all, or will a match made in fandom end up prematurely cancelled?
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Spoiler Alert is a love letter to fandom, and as an enthusiastic participant in fandom and a writer of fanfiction myself, I truly appreciated the author’s obvious deep knowledge and understanding of what fandom is. I absolutely bought into the character of April, professional geologist by day, fanfic author and cosplayer by night. I loved the premise, of an actor on a big TV show seeing a cosplaying fan being fat-shamed and saying he’d like to take her out to dinner to spite the haters. I was delighted by the idea of the actor turning to writing fanfiction himself due to his frustration with the storyline – it’s known in some fandoms that certain actors do read fanfiction, some have even credited it for helping them to get a deeper understanding of their characters.
Both Marcus and April have major issues to address – not least in that they both have awful parents who are unable to accept them for who they are. April is fat and Marcus has dyslexia and they both experience prejudice and cruel behaviour. Marcus has major secrets to keep, too, with high stakes and serious consequences for his career if the truth comes out, which cause serious conflict in his relationship with April when, of course, it does eventually come out. There’s an intriguing exploration of when and why some secrets need to be kept, and when and how exactly trust in a relationship is breached by secrets being kept too long. I definitely enjoyed the romance arc between the two.
Where this fell down for me was that it was too thinly disguised. There are too many parallels to Game of Thrones, from the cast and fan reactions to the final seasons’ storylines to small things like the showrunners pulling out of con appearances to avoid facing angry fans. If you’re going to write RPF, you need to keep it in fandom spaces, because this got decidedly uncomfortable – and, frankly, a bit close to slanderous, considering the way that the showrunners were depicted.
I get the desire to pay homage to the fandom and the actors and characters you love, but I think it was a mistake not to file the serial numbers off properly. The fictional TV show worked, and the small ‘clips’ from terrible movies Marcus had acted in were absolutely hilarious, but far more of the GoT parallels needed to be removed and especially, those which made Marcus far too obviously Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, or a fan’s idealized version of him. I winced far more than I smiled.
There is a second book in this series based on Marcus’s co-star Alex, and I’m definitely looking forward to reading that one as I don’t think he’s based on anyone specifically, and therefore his story may be less wince-inducing. There’s a lot to love about Spoiler Alert, especially if you’re in fandom and will get all the references – but I think the author needed to work harder to create a new fandom and new characters rather than relying too heavily on existing ones. Four stars for an enjoyable read which had a bit too much cringe factor for me really to fall in love with it.
Tropes: Fanfiction element, Neurodivergent, Plus size heroine, Heroine in STEM field, Friends to lovers, Famous partner – Hollywood
Content Warning: Fat shaming and fatphobia, anxiety, Shaming and ableism around dyslexia, Parental estrangement and toxic parenting
I love epistolary elements in books. Something about the need to fill in gaps and make connections really appeals to me. Olivia Dade brings that into the 21st century with a fanfiction-inspired romance.
April is a geologist who just took a new job in the Bay Area. She’s also a dedicated fan of the Gods of the Gates, a TV show based around a series of books. In addition to cosplaying her favorite character, April writes fanfiction featuring her favorite OTP, Lavinia and Aeneas.
Marcus Caster-Rupp is finishing his final season playing Aeneas. He has perfected a Himbo exterior, but underneath he is a deeply intellectual and thoughtful artist. To work out his frustrations around the changes made to the TV show from the books, Marcus started writing his own fanfiction. Marcus and April are best online friends but meet in real life when some horrible people troll April’s cosplay photo.
While the cover and story could make you think this is a simple romcom, Dade takes you on an emotional journey that brought me to tears at times. I loved Marcus and April’s journeys to embrace their true selves. Overall I continue to love Olivia Dade’s writing and can’t wait for All The Feels featuring Alex and Lauren. The Cupid pegging scenes were laugh out loud hilarious. I had to explain the scenes to my husband because I couldn’t stop snorting and he was seriously worried.
So I’m at last joining the legions of people who thoroughly loved this book. Speaking as someone who wrote fanfiction about ongoing TV shows for a number of years, this book was both my greatest daydream and my worst nightmare come to life – imagine, if you will, actually meeting the celebrity portrayer of your favorite characters. Imagine, worse, that they’ve been your best online fandom friend all along.
That’s the story. Every word was an utter delight. I was thoroughly invested in the get-go, and even when I wanted to take the characters and yell at them, I loved them all the more for it, and rooted hard for their happy endings. (Which, of course, they got.)
I am very much looking forward to more from Olivia Dade.
A fun, modern day story based around cosplay and fan fiction. This story has positive body messages along with a strong, independent female main character. Marcus, the main male character also has his own secrets and struggles which Olivia Dade shows the reality of and not sugar coated. If you like “Geekerella”, this story is for you!
Olivia Dade is an absolutely lovely writer, and Spoiler Alert is a fabulous book, especially for fans of pop culture, shipping, and fanfic! I actually almost put this book down in the middle, despite the fact that I was loving everything about these two characters and their delicate dance of sharing their most intimate vulnerabilities. (Getting naked is almost easier than letting someone learn about your emotional soft spots, right?) I have serious trust issues, and the ultimate conflict between these two involves a betrayal of trust that in the hands of a lesser writer would not have worked for me. But Olivia is a powerhouse writer of emotion and honesty and doing the work to make up for the harm you’ve caused. Gah. She’s so good. And now I’m absolutely dying for the sequel! Highly recommended.
Loved the characters. Really enjoyed this one.
If you love fandom and dream of one day meeting your celebrity crush, this book is definitely up your alley.
April is a geologist by day but writes fanfiction by night for Gods of the Gates, a popular fantasy series based on a book series of the same name. Her fellow fanfic writer and online friend is none other than Marcus, one of the actors of the series. He becomes aware of her fanfic identity when he sees a picture of her cosplay online but chooses to keep his own identity a secret from her.
There is so much I love about this book – the positive plus-size rep, the unabashed passion April has for fanfiction that any of us who has indulged in fandom can recognize. She’s a fantastic, independent, talented woman who is confident and easy in her own skin and it is just such a refreshing depiction.
I was also excited to see the dyslexic rep in the person of Marcus, the gorgeous lead who doubles as fanfic writer about his own show (it sounds insanely cool, doesn’t it?). Marcus is easy to admire and these details provide complexity for his characterization.
I am a sucker for fanfiction and have been indulging in fandom for decades. The references to fandom in this novel are really little gifts to those of us who have ever been so committed to a story that they can’t help but consume everything about it and are even compelled to create art around it. April and Marcus are so lovely – there’s nothing better than a partner who shares your passions and doesn’t judge you for them. These two are relationship goals, and this novel is romance novel writing goals. Excellent read.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A fair preface would be that I don’t typically read romances and am not a huge fan of them in general. I try not to let my disinterest in the genre stop me from picking up a book with a good premise though, and I loved the synopsis of Spoiler Alert. The not-so-veiled criticism of the last seasons of Game of Thrones was hysterical, and I got the sense that writing this was very cathartic for the author.
The romance was sweet, and the story as a whole is a love letter to Fandom and the people who build, create, and encourage fan communities. Many have mentioned the fat positivity, but the nerd positivity is upfront and center just as much, and all the characters are incredibly non-judgemental and encouraging of each other’s interests.
That’s good right? Well… I have to admit, I was a little underwhelmed with the language overall and just how positive it was. The way the characters talk to each other is just so… healthy. There’s so much attention paid to how they communicate and empathize with each other to the point that it didn’t always feel real. It felt genuine in the sense that it was all in-character, but as a reader I kept thinking along the lines of,
“People don’t talk like that…”
Which I’ll admit is sad. It would be nice if they did because empathy and healthy communication should always be the norm in any relationship, but I just never really found April and Marcus to be that believable. Their struggles as a couple never felt all that important because they’re just so damn nice to each other!
Not sure what that says about me and my own relationships, but hey, I’ll worry about that later. At the end of the day this is a nerdy feel-good romance, and if that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll love it! And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even like romances 🙂
For a winter challenge I had to have a librarian make a choice of book for me. I took a survey and this was the only book that interested me in the list. I did not realize until I had already started reading it, and was a little ways in, that this would definitely not be a clean book. So, along those lines, there were quite a few comments and scenes that are of that bent. Those things aside, this really was a good romance. There are definitely strong characters. There were some themes along the body shaming Spectrum and other issues both in and outside of the workplace. The movie star plus an incognito online presence in fanfiction was a fun and unique trope. It was definitely unique to me coming into it, but I enjoyed it more than I expected. There are some play scripts in between the chapters for things mentioned during the chapter and those kind of threw me off a bit and I wasn’t even quite sure what they were doing there, but on the whole it was an enjoyable read.
THIS. BOOK. IS. SO. GOOD. The writing jumps off the page from the very first sentence. It’s like you’re right there, immersed in the scene with the characters. Like you’re breathing right along with them, feeling everything they feel. Like you’re not actually reading at all, just living the story.
Plus it’s got the Cinderella aspect that makes it extra fun if you like that sort of thing. (I like that sort of thing.)
This is my first Olivia Dade book, but I will read everything she writes from now until forever.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC I received.
April, in her private life, is engaged in an online community of fans. This group dedicates their time to correct the wrongs done by a television adaption of their favorite series through fanfic. When a new career opportunity presents itself, April sees this as the perfect time to improve herself. April is very passionate about what she loves, the God of the Gates novels especially. With a new job comes a determination to open herself up to her friends and colleagues. April shares her love of God of the Gates by introducing her cosplay tribute to the world, voluptuous body type, and all.
When April’s tribute on social media inspires negative feedback, Marcus Caster-Rupp, a lead in the series God of the Gates inspired, gives April his full support. Pubicly inviting her to dinner for all the fans to see, Marcus quickly recognizes April from the online fanfic community. Marcus then does what he can to convince April he is not just a pretty face.
Spoiler Alert takes April and Marcus down a path to self-worth and love. They learn from each other that they are more than what is on the surface. It is heart-warming, frustrating, and utterly engaging. I adored them both through the good and the bad. Not to mention everything about this story resonates with me. I can easily say this is one of the best modern romances I have read.
This is the second book I’ve read this month that has the hero lying to the heroine throughout the book. Which is difficult to do, but Olivia Dade gave him a serious reason that worked for me. It also featured an intelligent, creative, fat heroine (that shouldn’t be a derogatory term, as both the author & character point out), and the world of fan fiction, that, although I knew existed, opened my eyes on how close the community is. Which was an unexpected and fun feature of the story. The characters both bring family baggage to their relationship, which added depth. Highly recommended and I’m sure so many readers will be so happy to see a strong, independent character who resembles themselves who’s the main character, and not the more typical best friend.
Wow! Great characters and story. First time reading this author and I can’t wait for Alex’s story. I so feel April’s angst and pain. One of the best stories I have read in 2020.
This is a charming and very inventive romance that draws on the world of fanfic and fandom in ways that feel really genuine — all to say something about fat phobia, ableism, and true love. If you’ve ever been a fanfic writer (my alter ego Alelou raises her hand), you’ve GOT to read it if only for the excellent representing. Dade also seems to know her way around TV and movie production (or at least critiques thereof) in ways that are really funny. Oh, and there are plenty of spicy love scenes, too.
I absolutely LOVED this book. It gave me all the feels with its themes of found families and being accepted for who and what you are. The snippets in between chapters (of online conversations in fan chats, of fan fiction, or truly HORRIBLE screenplays, etc.) made me smile every time. Marcus and April are two characters who will be staying with me for a long time–I read an ARC to review for Library Journal and absolutely cannot wait to read my print copy when it comes; I can definitely see myself re-reading this again in the future after that. Many times.
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Whenever I start a trending new book with a plus sized heroine I go into it with plenty of hope alongside a heaping dose of skepticism. I began Spoiler Alert the same way, knowing that Ms. Dade has received plenty of kudos but, as it was my first book by her, not ready to believe that something like this would work. But trust me when I say it does. And how.
I’ll admit that the whole concept of “fandom” over a tv show or movie was something I did not fully grasp and it took me a minute to understand it. I have heard of fanfic, who hasn’t? But until reading this, I honestly didn’t realize that entire worlds have literally been built by fans around an existing fictional world. And now that I know about it, I can assure you that I will be digging deep into some of my favorites very soon.
The way Ms. Dade expertly wove the story of a woman who was, without a doubt, comfortable in her own skin around the fandom of a well-known television show captured me in ways I did not expect. The way April stood up to the bullies in her life—including her own family—was both exhilarating and enlightening. And her eagerness to simply be herself, without worry over who might mock or belittle it made me smile all the way through.
The concept that one writer (or many) find inspiration and creative motivation by reading or watching something isn’t a new one. But the fact that this author manages to craft lovable, realistic characters in a story that is primarily ABOUT being motivated and finding inspiration by reading or watching something else….well it’s the sort of meta-creativity that I find delightful.
Marcus Caster-Rupp is the handsome, athletic star of Gods of the Gates, a Game of Thrones-style series loosely based on Virgil’s Aeneid. Like GoT, the show has reached its final season, which everyone but the show runners deem a disaster. Dryly referring to himself as a Well-Groomed Golden Retriever, no one imagines that Marcus, who’s considered a valid pretty boy in Hollywood, has been writing Gates fan fiction under a pen name, Book!AeneasWouldNever, for years, reimagining the show as he thinks it should have been presented. If his alter ego was exposed, his 20-year career would end immediately.
April Whittier is an environmental geologist with a serious case of Gates fandom, and in her own words, fat. Not curvy, not chubby, but FAT. She’s outspoken and active in the Gates online fan fiction and cosplay community, adopting the online persona of Lavinia, Aeneas’ wife. When she tweets a photo of herself in full Lavinia cosplay, the cheers and jeers are defeating, but Marcus is floored by her beauty and brains. And, in direct response to a particularly nasty remark by a misogynistic fan, Marcus asks April to dinner via Twitter for all the world to witness.
What he doesn’t tell her is that he’s her long-standing online buddy Book!AeneasWouldNever, better known as BAWN, half of the most famous OTP (one true pair) of Aeneas and Lavinia.
Marcus is immediately attracted to April, but she regards him with a jaundiced eye, fearing his invitation was just a publicity trick, as she’s accustomed to rejection. However, as they tiptoe into the future, they learn how much they have in common, what stands between them, and how, or if, they’ll accommodate those issues.
The novel contains plenty of explicit sex. It also contains plenty of frank discussions about fat-shaming, intellectual snobbery, judgmental parents, public perceptions versus reality, and the breathtaking possibility of true love. Spoiler Alert looks like chick lit, but it deftly addresses — excuse the pun — weighty issues with sensitivity and respect. It’s an excellent read.
This was my first Olivia Dade read, and definitely not my last. SPOILER ALERT was delightful, living up to the hype I’d been hearing on social media.
The messages of self-love and acceptance for both characters were written with such care, and the romance was swoon-worthy (and *hot*)! You don’t have to be a fan or participant of fanfiction to appreciate its role in this story because it is so well-written and integrated into both protagonists’ characterizations. I was impressed!
In many ways, Marcus was a little too perfect—April, too—but it was nice to read something that addressed fat-shaming head-on in a way that felt honest and real. If you’re in the mood for something a little different with a whole lot of heart, don’t miss this one.
P.S. I’m excited this is the first book in a series, with Alex and Lauren’s story next. (Oh, Alex!)
RATING: A- (4½ stars)
I love this book!! Please more fat, fabulous, nerdy, wonderful women!!! I love April so much, and I see myself in her in so many ways!!
I loved this book so hard! The steam was hot! April was amazing! Marcus was dreamy. I loved the story. This was my first book by Olivia Dade, but it will not be my last.