Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade (2020)

This book was fricking amazing. One of the best of the year and it's only March.

Wait, you say. What made it so fantastic?

1) Its maturity in how it handled complicated emotional issues. 

Just like me, the OTP -- April and Marcus -- have rocky relationships with their parents. They recognize their parents' shortcomings but still get hurt in spite of that awareness. Just like me, they know that random people's opinions don't determine your self-worth, but old wounds unexpectedly crop up when least expected. Reactions and hurts are analyzed afterwards, instead of simply taking them as the truth of that moment. The pair are mature enough to admit they were wrong, to consider someone else’s emotions, and to use that consideration to temper their own. I could relate to both in their doubts and insecurities. In making your friends your family. In not wanting to hide anymore and being brave enough to go through with taking off the protective mask.

2) It was hilarious. 

I can’t remember the number of times I guffawed. Especially as we get to know Marcus and then read some of the drivel he has to act. I can’t decide which is my favorite. Maybe the kelp. But good grief, craggy sponges indeed. It was hilarious in an intelligent way, where some of the humor came from paying attention or not taking yourself too seriously.

3) Its reflection on fat shaming. 

This isn’t a book that preaches or is treacly. It’s not a tragic tale or a finger-wagging epistolary. It’s a vulnerable look at how society’s condemnation of the imperfect can hurt, even when it’s well-meaning people who care. Even though I didn’t struggle with this issue growing up, there were other ways where I was ‘wrong’ and needed fixing. Reading this made me catch places where I’ve fat-shamed unintentionally and how I’ve subconsciously absorbed those messages. Times where my family has tried to be ‘helpful’ but was hurtful instead. Health challenges have meant weight gain and now I sometimes resent it when I hear that more exercise or a better diet would solve my problems, when vacuuming my living room or making my bed now is enough to make me feel exhausted. Why do I care if other people might decide I have a muffin top? Why do I worry about making sure I ‘hide my flaws’ when I’m in pictures?

4) Its vulnerability helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin. 

Reflecting on ways I’ve let well-meaning messages hurt me and make me afraid. Seeing the courage to confront that pain and to decide that your own opinion is the only one that matters and is enough. Seeing Marcus’s struggles because of how his parents handled parenting challenges and made him feel less rather than more.  Seeing how those wounds made him hide behind a golden retriever facade and lie to his best friend out of fear that she’d treat him just like they did. Experiencing/empathizing Marcus and April’s challenges helped me heal from some of my own.

5) Its fantastic OTP. April is someone I would be friends with. And Marcus is a brother from another mother. 

April is a strong, confident, capable female who excels at a STEM job. She’s the kind of woman you can admire and are proud to call your friend. She doesn’t define herself by men (relationship status, what would please them) and she isn’t afraid to embrace her intellect or her femininity. She’s the kind of protagonist and the kind of woman we need to see more of. Marcus is... the kind of guy that more people should write. Marcus is someone who is more than a pretty face. He’s what toxic males aspire to be in their puny ideas of masculinity (he’s ripped, handsome, could have any woman he wants), even though he’s so much more. He’s proof that being in touch with your feelings doesn’t make you effeminate or [insert derogatory descriptor here]. It also doesn’t make you a wuss (even though he might argue with me about his bravery) or someone to disrespect. He’s also not perfect nor does he always have the answer. And even though he’s wounded, he doesn't use that as an excuse to behave like the bad boy jerk. Neither of the OTP tries to change their partner or is focused on the superficial aspects of a relationship. 

6) It’s a love story about people who aren’t in their 20s and instead are finding *that person* (the 1 and only) later in life. 

And it’s a *love story* about people who *aren’t in their 20s.* Let me repeat that. They aren't in their 20s. They’re still single, not because something’s wrong with them, but because they hadn’t found the right one. It’s rare to find a rom-com/romance about people their age, especially one where being single was just life rather than being their fault or a tragic result of someone dying.

I can’t recommend it enough. Enthusiastic 5 stars.

I know I’ll be doing a reread- it was that good. Especially right before Alex and Lauren’s story comes out. Can’t wait!!!