What do you think?
Rate this book
Love Unscripted #1
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea
They're pretending. Until they aren't.
Thomas McKinney has never wanted a woman the way he wants Callie Adesso. Since she started working alongside him at the Colonial Marysburg Research Library, he's spent his desk shifts fumbling pencils, tripping over his own feet, and struggling to remember both the Dewey Decimal System and the existence of her inconvenient boyfriend. Now, however, Callie is suddenly single--and in need of a last-minute faux-boyfriend for an episode of HATV's Island Match. Thomas is more than happy to play the part...and in the process, convince Callie that a week together isn't nearly long enough.
Callie has never found a man as irritating as she finds Thomas. He may be brilliant, kind, and frustratingly handsome, but the absent-minded librarian also makes every workday an anxiety-inducing exercise in stress. Even seven days in paradise by his side won't change her opinion of him. Really. No matter how attentive he is. And gentle. And sexy.
One plane ride later, the two of them are spending long, hot days under the sun and on display, pretending to be in love for a television show. This may be a vacation, but it's also an act--as well as Thomas's last chance to persuade the woman of his dreams to include him in hers. And soon, the island heat isn't the only thing steaming up HATV's cameras...
Thomas McKinney has never wanted a woman the way he wants Callie Adesso. Since she started working alongside him at the Colonial Marysburg Research Library, he's spent his desk shifts fumbling pencils, tripping over his own feet, and struggling to remember both the Dewey Decimal System and the existence of her inconvenient boyfriend. Now, however, Callie is suddenly single--and in need of a last-minute faux-boyfriend for an episode of HATV's Island Match. Thomas is more than happy to play the part...and in the process, convince Callie that a week together isn't nearly long enough.
Callie has never found a man as irritating as she finds Thomas. He may be brilliant, kind, and frustratingly handsome, but the absent-minded librarian also makes every workday an anxiety-inducing exercise in stress. Even seven days in paradise by his side won't change her opinion of him. Really. No matter how attentive he is. And gentle. And sexy.
One plane ride later, the two of them are spending long, hot days under the sun and on display, pretending to be in love for a television show. This may be a vacation, but it's also an act--as well as Thomas's last chance to persuade the woman of his dreams to include him in hers. And soon, the island heat isn't the only thing steaming up HATV's cameras...
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2019
119 people are currently reading
2962 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Dade
28 books5,945 followersOlivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her delightful family and their ever-burgeoning collection of books.
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
*******
If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
July 22, 2019
This is even shorter than the listed 133 pages because a preview kicks in right around 80%. So this is very short and probably over priced for the length. And for the quality, too, frankly.
All of the real action is in the past. That's when the two initially got to know each other. And when Callie started freezing him out because certain work habits annoyed her. And we eventually learn that's when he fell for her. So all we really get is a bit of a coming to understanding and a setback that would have been a dark moment in a longer work. But at least they talk it out which is good because her core issue is an anxiety disorder that prevents her from talking things out (like the work issue). So she's growing as a person, I guess.
But here's the thing that hung me up and made it hard for me to engage with the story, even as short as it is. Everything in this story is about how Thomas is so attentive to her needs and how patient and kind he is. Callie finds it incredibly comforting and I can see why. I mean, she gets to tell him stuff and he takes it seriously, asks for details, and gives her his full attention. He's perfectly content bending himself into whatever form she wants/needs and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. I mean, what's he getting out of this relationship, again? He gets to be told exactly what she needs, but when does she ever ask what he needs or wants? It's a given that he wants her, because we know he fell in love with her off-page. But I can't see any reason why he would.
So this feels like so much female wish-fulfillment with a needy sub-strata where the woman gets to be as high maintenance as she "needs" and he gets to provide that safe harbor and a listening ear and helpful hands and kind understanding. Oh, and she'll tell him what he needs to change to be a better match for her. So yay, her?!?
I'm giving this 2½ stars that I'm rounding down because the plot was obvious, Thomas is a milquetoast weenie, and I never got any indication of what he sees in her.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance for how long it was. I frankly skipped it because it was completely gratuitous. I'd say it felt pro forma but I seriously skipped the entire thing so the pro forma bit is having one at all. It may have been brilliantly well-written and I wouldn't know. But I kind of doubt it.
All of the real action is in the past. That's when the two initially got to know each other. And when Callie started freezing him out because certain work habits annoyed her. And we eventually learn that's when he fell for her. So all we really get is a bit of a coming to understanding and a setback that would have been a dark moment in a longer work. But at least they talk it out which is good because her core issue is an anxiety disorder that prevents her from talking things out (like the work issue). So she's growing as a person, I guess.
But here's the thing that hung me up and made it hard for me to engage with the story, even as short as it is. Everything in this story is about how Thomas is so attentive to her needs and how patient and kind he is. Callie finds it incredibly comforting and I can see why. I mean, she gets to tell him stuff and he takes it seriously, asks for details, and gives her his full attention. He's perfectly content bending himself into whatever form she wants/needs and it made me incredibly uncomfortable. I mean, what's he getting out of this relationship, again? He gets to be told exactly what she needs, but when does she ever ask what he needs or wants? It's a given that he wants her, because we know he fell in love with her off-page. But I can't see any reason why he would.
So this feels like so much female wish-fulfillment with a needy sub-strata where the woman gets to be as high maintenance as she "needs" and he gets to provide that safe harbor and a listening ear and helpful hands and kind understanding. Oh, and she'll tell him what he needs to change to be a better match for her. So yay, her?!?
I'm giving this 2½ stars that I'm rounding down because the plot was obvious, Thomas is a milquetoast weenie, and I never got any indication of what he sees in her.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene putting this in the middle of my steam tolerance for how long it was. I frankly skipped it because it was completely gratuitous. I'd say it felt pro forma but I seriously skipped the entire thing so the pro forma bit is having one at all. It may have been brilliantly well-written and I wouldn't know. But I kind of doubt it.
January 8, 2020
This book is "advertised" today as being on "sale" for 2.99. I bought it for ordinary price on November 23rd 2019. And guess what? I paid 2.99 for it then.
Original review:
Ugh, read like super cheesy fanfiction
Original review:
Ugh, read like super cheesy fanfiction
Read
July 23, 2019Wow, Olivia Dade really is on a roll. Another terrific release hot on the heels of the cracking Teach Me (and with another terrific cover as well).
This is a really sweet story. Heroine with anxiety gets on a reality TV show to score a free Caribbean beach holiday, but ends up bringing her really annoying coworker for Reasons, just go with it. The great thing here is Thomas isn't the usual Annoying Romance Hero (ie smirking borderline sexual harasser). He's extremely focused and basically oblivious to his impact without ever meaning to be a dick, and the fact that he is a nice person who nevertheless has had a massively negative impact on the heroine without ever meaning to is really well handled. In effect we see he's perfectly capable of doing emotional labour, actively wants to, and yet manages not to see it needing doing when it's in front of his face. There's a lot to unpack here but it's handled lightly and beautifully, with understanding of human failings.
Fat heroine who's happy with her body and stands up for herself despite anxiety, hero who wants to learn and actually changes his behaviour, terrific setting. Summer reading par excellence.
This is a really sweet story. Heroine with anxiety gets on a reality TV show to score a free Caribbean beach holiday, but ends up bringing her really annoying coworker for Reasons, just go with it. The great thing here is Thomas isn't the usual Annoying Romance Hero (ie smirking borderline sexual harasser). He's extremely focused and basically oblivious to his impact without ever meaning to be a dick, and the fact that he is a nice person who nevertheless has had a massively negative impact on the heroine without ever meaning to is really well handled. In effect we see he's perfectly capable of doing emotional labour, actively wants to, and yet manages not to see it needing doing when it's in front of his face. There's a lot to unpack here but it's handled lightly and beautifully, with understanding of human failings.
Fat heroine who's happy with her body and stands up for herself despite anxiety, hero who wants to learn and actually changes his behaviour, terrific setting. Summer reading par excellence.
March 9, 2026
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade
Love Unscripted series #1. Contemporary romance novella. Fake dating and forced proximity troupes. Plus size heroine.
Callie Adesso is all ready for her reality style island vacation when her boyfriend walks out. She’s fumbling for an answer when she sees Thomas McKinney across the library. His vacation time always matches hers so she knows he’s not working next week. Can she convince him to be her fake boyfriend while they island hop on an all expenses paid retreat? Thomas is all in. He’s been in love with Callie for years. Maybe he can convince her that he’s the right man for her.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Joy Nash. The performance is entertaining with specific voices for Callie and Thomas and their POV. Emotions were clearly evident and timing perfect. The audiobook brought the two characters to life and I was happy to listen along the way.
Callie expects a lot from Thomas while they are on the various islands, including mind reading. She’s ready to take their relationship further or hopes he’s still in bed when she wakes, but she doesn’t actually express those thoughts out loud. Fortunately Thomas wants Callie happy and he takes the time to ask and say what he wants.
A romance where spending forced time together, on an exclusive, all expenses included island, pays off in love.
The audiobook wins the preferred format with a wonderful performance.
3.0 for the story. The audiobook performance pushes it to a 4 for me.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
Love Unscripted series #1. Contemporary romance novella. Fake dating and forced proximity troupes. Plus size heroine.
Callie Adesso is all ready for her reality style island vacation when her boyfriend walks out. She’s fumbling for an answer when she sees Thomas McKinney across the library. His vacation time always matches hers so she knows he’s not working next week. Can she convince him to be her fake boyfriend while they island hop on an all expenses paid retreat? Thomas is all in. He’s been in love with Callie for years. Maybe he can convince her that he’s the right man for her.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Joy Nash. The performance is entertaining with specific voices for Callie and Thomas and their POV. Emotions were clearly evident and timing perfect. The audiobook brought the two characters to life and I was happy to listen along the way.
Callie expects a lot from Thomas while they are on the various islands, including mind reading. She’s ready to take their relationship further or hopes he’s still in bed when she wakes, but she doesn’t actually express those thoughts out loud. Fortunately Thomas wants Callie happy and he takes the time to ask and say what he wants.
A romance where spending forced time together, on an exclusive, all expenses included island, pays off in love.
The audiobook wins the preferred format with a wonderful performance.
3.0 for the story. The audiobook performance pushes it to a 4 for me.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
March 9, 2026
Got the audiobook arc from Netgally.
Very sweet and heartwarming read. It cheered me up on a bad day. The novella includes communication issues but it worked for this couple, didn't feel annoying at all and I loved how they slowly got closer. Want to pick up more books by Olivia Dade again.
Very sweet and heartwarming read. It cheered me up on a bad day. The novella includes communication issues but it worked for this couple, didn't feel annoying at all and I loved how they slowly got closer. Want to pick up more books by Olivia Dade again.
Read
February 28, 2026A cute romance novella with librarians fake dating on reality TV! Callie is all set to go on a show that will give her a free vacation when her terrible boyfriend breaks up with her. In need of a significant other for the trip, she convinces her annoyingly competent co-worker at the library to come along and pretend to be her new boyfriend. Except as it turns out, he has had feelings for her for a long time. It's a novella, so things are a little rushed but it was fun and a cute romance. Love Olivia Dade! The audio narration is dual narrated for the different perspectives and done really well. I received an audio copy for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 2, 2019
The Good
-Mad skills by Ms. Dade to take a novella length romance, something that is NOT easy to do well, and make it sing. Pacing is critical and the time flew by while reading. It’s not a long story, it left me wanting more, and best of all? There wasn’t a time where I was watching the clock or ready to put it down. I read it late one night (ok, super early morning because I just stayed up), and I regret nothing.
-I was so impressed with the way she established the personal relationship and central conflict so quickly and believably. Thomas and Callie have chemistry, but it isn’t rushed and their emotional development and growth shines through, which again, is such a feat in a novella.
-Thomas is the cinny roll hero I’ve come to adore from Ms. Dade, but he’s not immune to a certain obliviousness and tendency towards making unilateral, frustrating decisions in his quest to be accommodating and sweet. You could just say he’s a beta hero, but honestly, Thomas is more than his archetype and I dig that.
-Callie is strong, smart, relatable yet doesn’t stand up for herself nearly enough and the way she addresses her issues in a really substantial way? *chef’s kiss* So, so good.
-Excellent fat rep in my BBW romance. I love heroines who are big, bold and honestly not obsessed with it. So often, the way a BBW heroine is written tells me much more about the author than it does about that character and Ms. Dade gets it - she gives me heroines I can relate to physically, but I never feel “less than” while reading it. If nothing else, I will always adore her for that.
The Bad
-*thinks for a bit* Nope, nothing.
Everything in Between
-The little tease for future story is killing me because I want it now.
I loved it. Alot. It’s a character-driven romance with that mix of humor, heart and heat that I always want. Highly recommend, and I cannot wait for Ms. Dade’s next book. I know I’ll be reading it.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
March 4, 2026
3/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
I’m always here for a good fake dating setup, and the premise had so much potential: coworkers, secret pining, a tropical reality show backdrop. On paper, it checked all my boxes.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me.
The biggest hurdle was Callie’s motivation. I never quite understood why she chose Thomas to be her faux boyfriend for the show beyond the fact that she found him attractive. For six months, she’s been consistently frustrated by his absent mindedness at work, to the point where being around him causes her stress. It was hard for me to reconcile that level of irritation with her decision to spend an entire week in paradise pretending to be in love with him.
It also stretched believability that she never once addressed her frustrations with either Thomas or their supervisor during those six months. And we are supposed to believe she had no idea he was intentionally requesting the same work schedule as her? That felt like a leap. When her best friend Tess calls her out and basically says, “what do you mean you’re suddenly together with this man you have done nothing but complain about?,” I found myself firmly on Tess’s side. If Callie had feelings for Thomas at any point, it seems unlikely she would have hidden that from her best friend while actively venting about him.
Olivia Dade is known for writing plus size or curvy heroines, and I’ve appreciated that representation in her previous books. Here, though, Callie’s choice to invite Thomas seemed rooted primarily in physical attraction, which made the emotional development feel a bit shallow. I struggled to believe that someone who genuinely found a coworker so irritating would voluntarily sign up to share a hotel room and play happy couple on national television.
That said, the audiobook experience itself was a highlight. Joy Nash absolutely shines as the narrator. Her voice is expressive, warm, and she creates clear distinctions between characters that make the listening experience engaging and easy to follow. Even when I found myself questioning character motivations, I was still happy to keep listening because she brought so much personality and energy to the story.
Overall, this novella had a fun concept and a narrator I adore, but the emotional arc and character logic did not quite land for me. If you are a die hard Olivia Dade fan or love reality show settings and fake dating tropes, you may still find plenty to enjoy, especially in audio format.
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC.
1/5 🌶️
I’m always here for a good fake dating setup, and the premise had so much potential: coworkers, secret pining, a tropical reality show backdrop. On paper, it checked all my boxes.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t fully work for me.
The biggest hurdle was Callie’s motivation. I never quite understood why she chose Thomas to be her faux boyfriend for the show beyond the fact that she found him attractive. For six months, she’s been consistently frustrated by his absent mindedness at work, to the point where being around him causes her stress. It was hard for me to reconcile that level of irritation with her decision to spend an entire week in paradise pretending to be in love with him.
It also stretched believability that she never once addressed her frustrations with either Thomas or their supervisor during those six months. And we are supposed to believe she had no idea he was intentionally requesting the same work schedule as her? That felt like a leap. When her best friend Tess calls her out and basically says, “what do you mean you’re suddenly together with this man you have done nothing but complain about?,” I found myself firmly on Tess’s side. If Callie had feelings for Thomas at any point, it seems unlikely she would have hidden that from her best friend while actively venting about him.
Olivia Dade is known for writing plus size or curvy heroines, and I’ve appreciated that representation in her previous books. Here, though, Callie’s choice to invite Thomas seemed rooted primarily in physical attraction, which made the emotional development feel a bit shallow. I struggled to believe that someone who genuinely found a coworker so irritating would voluntarily sign up to share a hotel room and play happy couple on national television.
That said, the audiobook experience itself was a highlight. Joy Nash absolutely shines as the narrator. Her voice is expressive, warm, and she creates clear distinctions between characters that make the listening experience engaging and easy to follow. Even when I found myself questioning character motivations, I was still happy to keep listening because she brought so much personality and energy to the story.
Overall, this novella had a fun concept and a narrator I adore, but the emotional arc and character logic did not quite land for me. If you are a die hard Olivia Dade fan or love reality show settings and fake dating tropes, you may still find plenty to enjoy, especially in audio format.
Thanks to the author, their publisher, and NetGalley for the ALC.
October 13, 2021
3,5 Sterne
July 8, 2019
I love romance novellas, I love fake-dating stories, and for some reason, I REALLY enjoy reading stories set in the context of reality TV shows. So in other words, it was an absolute given that I would enjoy this story about a stressed-out librarian who has to fake a romantic relationship with her most annoying co-worker in order to keep her place on a reality TV show about the very best island resorts...
...until, of course, they're not really faking any more. ;)
I love the moment when Callie is first asked to tell the TV show producers about her new "boyfriend" and actually can't stop talking, because for all of her long-simmering irritation at Thomas as a coworker, in fact she has noticed EVERYTHING about him and loves so much of it. And I love Thomas's sincere kindness and how well they matched in all of their interests - even as they realistically struggled to reconcile some of their issues. Callie's anxiety is SO well-written, and it's kept her from being honest with Thomas about a lot of her feelings and frustrations. Meanwhile Thomas is an intensely smart and caring and attractive guy with a *really* hard time picking up unspoken social cues. (He's never diagnosed on-page, but my guess as I read was that he's on the ASD spectrum.) So they both have to work to learn to communicate well with each other - but they're so good for each other that it's absolutely worthwhile.
This is such a kind, sweet and gentle romance novella - a perfect little escape-read. I was really glad to get an e-ARC!
...until, of course, they're not really faking any more. ;)
I love the moment when Callie is first asked to tell the TV show producers about her new "boyfriend" and actually can't stop talking, because for all of her long-simmering irritation at Thomas as a coworker, in fact she has noticed EVERYTHING about him and loves so much of it. And I love Thomas's sincere kindness and how well they matched in all of their interests - even as they realistically struggled to reconcile some of their issues. Callie's anxiety is SO well-written, and it's kept her from being honest with Thomas about a lot of her feelings and frustrations. Meanwhile Thomas is an intensely smart and caring and attractive guy with a *really* hard time picking up unspoken social cues. (He's never diagnosed on-page, but my guess as I read was that he's on the ASD spectrum.) So they both have to work to learn to communicate well with each other - but they're so good for each other that it's absolutely worthwhile.
This is such a kind, sweet and gentle romance novella - a perfect little escape-read. I was really glad to get an e-ARC!
May 19, 2021
This novella was exactly what I needed to read! I’ve been in such a weird reading mood lately but I basically inhaled this one. Callie and Thomas snuck right into my heart and I loved watching Callie see Thomas in a new light and work through her anxiety. Thomas made some important realizations about the way he goes through life and I enjoyed seeing his thought process for that. I had to suspend disbelief with a few of the reality TV aspects but such a fun read overall.
Character notes: Callie is a white fat librarian. Thomas is a 35 year old white librarian. They live in Marysburg, VA and visit fictional islands.
CW: anxiety, alcohol, gendered insult, ableist language, character reading book about influenza pandemic
Character notes: Callie is a white fat librarian. Thomas is a 35 year old white librarian. They live in Marysburg, VA and visit fictional islands.
CW: anxiety, alcohol, gendered insult, ableist language, character reading book about influenza pandemic
March 4, 2026
A short and sweet novella that is PERFECT as an audio. I really do stand by saying most novella's are better in audio format. (Not all but most)
Callie is a "fat" FMC, and yes its stated and then its moved on... Which we love. She did not have body issues and for that I love it! Honestly with the small mentions you would forgot because of how confident and fast the story was moving.
And our MMC is just a marshmallow with good intentions but BAD execution. I don't get how Thomas could be that unaware of his surroundings. I guess his major red flag is he cant "read the room." However, he does have some good communications skills when he actually gets talking.
Add this to your work playlist, walking playlist or a 3 hour car ride, you will be entertained.
Favorite Line: "I feel like were at risk for being sacrificed to some parrot overlord or Stepford wives... or parrots." -Too funny, truly cause parrots taking over would be scary.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️
🎧 Single Narration (3h 19m at 2X)
Novella
Workplace Romance
Fake Dating
Reality TV
Forced Proximity
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, and author Olivia Dade, for providing me with the ALC of “Desire and the Deep Blue Sea”. Joy Nash did a wonderful job narrating this book.
Callie is a "fat" FMC, and yes its stated and then its moved on... Which we love. She did not have body issues and for that I love it! Honestly with the small mentions you would forgot because of how confident and fast the story was moving.
And our MMC is just a marshmallow with good intentions but BAD execution. I don't get how Thomas could be that unaware of his surroundings. I guess his major red flag is he cant "read the room." However, he does have some good communications skills when he actually gets talking.
Add this to your work playlist, walking playlist or a 3 hour car ride, you will be entertained.
Favorite Line: "I feel like were at risk for being sacrificed to some parrot overlord or Stepford wives... or parrots." -Too funny, truly cause parrots taking over would be scary.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Level: 🌶️
🎧 Single Narration (3h 19m at 2X)
Novella
Workplace Romance
Fake Dating
Reality TV
Forced Proximity
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, and author Olivia Dade, for providing me with the ALC of “Desire and the Deep Blue Sea”. Joy Nash did a wonderful job narrating this book.
August 31, 2019
4.5 stars, rounding up
I stayed up all night to finish this wonderful novella in one sitting because it made me smile so much. There is a lot to love about this story but here are the highlights for me:
-The heroine, Callie, is a librarian who has anxiety and the anxiety rep in this was so good. Like, for example, the way her anxiety manifested itself sometimes as a belief that she was “too much” and the assumption she was bothering other people with her behavior really rang true to me as a person who has anxiety. Callie is also fat and the fat rep in this was really great, too. I love how the author writes characters who *just happen to be fat* and it’s not a plot point at all.
-The hero, Thomas, is SO. SOFT!!!! He’s so smitten with Callie and he really shows how much he cares about her. He’s not perfect, either. For one thing, he has no idea that he’s caused Callie a lot of distress at work by unintentionally leaving a lot of the workload with customers up to her while he hyperfocuses on one thing. When he finds out how much this has affected her, instead of getting defensive, he listens to her and basically says, “You’re right and I’m sincerely sorry for my behavior and I will do better.” This book has NO toxic masculinity at all and it was so refreshing!!!
Also this book has fake dating, one of my favorite tropes!
With this book, Olivia has written two of my favorite romances of 2019 and I can’t wait to read what she comes out with next!
(Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
I stayed up all night to finish this wonderful novella in one sitting because it made me smile so much. There is a lot to love about this story but here are the highlights for me:
-The heroine, Callie, is a librarian who has anxiety and the anxiety rep in this was so good. Like, for example, the way her anxiety manifested itself sometimes as a belief that she was “too much” and the assumption she was bothering other people with her behavior really rang true to me as a person who has anxiety. Callie is also fat and the fat rep in this was really great, too. I love how the author writes characters who *just happen to be fat* and it’s not a plot point at all.
-The hero, Thomas, is SO. SOFT!!!! He’s so smitten with Callie and he really shows how much he cares about her. He’s not perfect, either. For one thing, he has no idea that he’s caused Callie a lot of distress at work by unintentionally leaving a lot of the workload with customers up to her while he hyperfocuses on one thing. When he finds out how much this has affected her, instead of getting defensive, he listens to her and basically says, “You’re right and I’m sincerely sorry for my behavior and I will do better.” This book has NO toxic masculinity at all and it was so refreshing!!!
Also this book has fake dating, one of my favorite tropes!
With this book, Olivia has written two of my favorite romances of 2019 and I can’t wait to read what she comes out with next!
(Note: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
July 27, 2019
I've only just discovered Olivia Dade (thank you, Therese!), but she has that quickly become a favorite author of mine. I am very much behind on reading, but the minute this showed up on my Kindle I knew I had to pick it up. Desire and the Deep Blue Sea was just the most precious book. It was sweet, romantic, and had really good rep of what it is like to live with anxiety. Just before she is set to go on a couples reality TV show set in the Caribbean, Callie and her boyfriend break-up. She enlist the help of Thomas, who works at the same library as she does and who also seemingly annoys her. Thomas has a huge crush on Callie so he is more than happy to accept her proposition. The reality show forces them to interact with each other. The relationship arc in Desire and the Deep Blue Sea was really well written. It's hard to even tell that this is a short story because Dade somehow finds a way to develop Thomas and Callie's emotional connection and chemistry beautifully without it seeming rushed. I love how open they were with each other - I especially liked watching Callie pour her heart out about her struggles with anxiety. Thomas deserves an entire paragraph dedicated to him. The man was so patient and sweet. I just loved how devoted and kind he was to Callie. He was just the sort of person she needed in her life to balance her out. He is what the kids call a "cinnamon roll", all soft, gooey and sweet. If you're in the mood for a charming and quick introduction to Olivia Dade's writing, this one is for you!
September 28, 2020
This was a cute one-- I liked a lot of the ideas in it, but thought the execution was somewhat uneven. Still, it hit the spot for me, as I'm a sucker for a fake relationship & a hero-in-pursuit trope
March 25, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook! 5 Stars For Sure!! Joy Nash’s narration is incredible. Very engaging and the kind of performance that makes you want to keep listening to just one more chapter, all night long. The story itself is charming and genuinely fun, with just the right amount of spice! And what really sold me was how real the characters felt. I absolutely adored the male lead beyond belief. He is so kind, steady, and so easy to root for. And the female lead felt deeply relatable, especially in the way her anxiety was portrayed. It really resonated with me. I also loved the TV world angle, which added really fun behind-the-scenes sparkle to the romance. If you like character driven, feel good romance with chemistry and heart, this one is such a treat on audio. I just wish it was longer! I love this couple!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Read
August 22, 2019Sooooo maybe this'll change if I "get over my mad" but ... I'm 75% in and I think I'm done.
I ranted a bit to Wendy ...
Here's the thing - I get everyone was excited that this one was anxiety rep and fat rep and a "cinnamon roll" hero. (I still don't like that term...)
And the hero is great - he's soft, and incredibly attentive and caring. (Almost to an unreal degree...) But apparently supposedly he's also an asshole. Inconsiderate etc at work. I didn't feel those two were reconciled.
Which also - I almost felt he might be on the spectrum? Like - he's not malicious or anything, he's just THAT CLUELESS. And it's written as if his cluelessness/lack of awareness/understanding is a character flaw.
But none of her issues are.
So......
And look - I have anxiety too. (Severe anxiety). Stress hives have been a regular part of my life. So maybe that makes me slightly less sympathetic to the heroine?
I get it. I get being in your head. I do.
[But like, come on?]
I'm mad at how she treats the hero too. How she's all mad at him for avoiding her all day after HE FINDS OUT SHE HATES HIM.
And sure she's "changed her mind" etc etc and was projecting - but she doesn't even convince her best friend. So ... even if he had heard the entire conversation - why would/ should he just be like "oh ok."
Also I felt it was too heavy handed/how insidious/villainous the scheduling thing is made out to be.
Maybe if he were the one who had control over the schedules I'd feel differently.
But also - that's ... like - what happens when you like someone? You want to try to be with/near them. And he WASN'T being creepy stalker/controlling. And she COULD have still tried to go to the social outside of work things to build a rapport.
So maybe this all resolves nicely? But ... 😒
[ETA 2 days later...] OH!! And I forgot this point! THE ENTIRE PREMISE OF THE BOOK. The reality TV show.
... I can't remember the character's names X: which isn't ENTIRELY on the book because it's like 2 AM and this happens but bleh and I had to look it up. Thomas and Callie.
So Callie wants to go on a vacation and can't afford it, so she wants to get on this reality tv show. I absolutely get it.
(Although also what with her nigh debilitating anxiety how's she gonna handle being in front of millions of viewers ... >.>) but anyway - that's not the issue - the ISSUE is ... this doesn't even make sense as a reality tv show. The premise is couples, on their own, get taken to 3 different resorts, then have to pick one they want to spend a few days on, and get to do that off camera.
... That's not a reality show, that's a sweepstakes really.
My point being - that would never fly as a reality show. There's no conflict to it. Why would it REQUIRE the people be a couple?
This is basically a "reality show" that ... airs people's home videos of them on vacation. Admittedly I'm not a reality show aficionado but I know of way too many that exist because I only have network tv and boy do a lot of them exist especially over the summer, and ads for them are inescapable. Anyway - I just don't see that ever flying as a premise. Maybe if there had been other couples, and/ot some sort of competition... So.
:P
I ranted a bit to Wendy ...
Here's the thing - I get everyone was excited that this one was anxiety rep and fat rep and a "cinnamon roll" hero. (I still don't like that term...)
And the hero is great - he's soft, and incredibly attentive and caring. (Almost to an unreal degree...) But apparently supposedly he's also an asshole. Inconsiderate etc at work. I didn't feel those two were reconciled.
Which also - I almost felt he might be on the spectrum? Like - he's not malicious or anything, he's just THAT CLUELESS. And it's written as if his cluelessness/lack of awareness/understanding is a character flaw.
But none of her issues are.
So......
And look - I have anxiety too. (Severe anxiety). Stress hives have been a regular part of my life. So maybe that makes me slightly less sympathetic to the heroine?
I get it. I get being in your head. I do.
[But like, come on?]
I'm mad at how she treats the hero too. How she's all mad at him for avoiding her all day after HE FINDS OUT SHE HATES HIM.
And sure she's "changed her mind" etc etc and was projecting - but she doesn't even convince her best friend. So ... even if he had heard the entire conversation - why would/ should he just be like "oh ok."
Also I felt it was too heavy handed/how insidious/villainous the scheduling thing is made out to be.
Maybe if he were the one who had control over the schedules I'd feel differently.
But also - that's ... like - what happens when you like someone? You want to try to be with/near them. And he WASN'T being creepy stalker/controlling. And she COULD have still tried to go to the social outside of work things to build a rapport.
So maybe this all resolves nicely? But ... 😒
[ETA 2 days later...] OH!! And I forgot this point! THE ENTIRE PREMISE OF THE BOOK. The reality TV show.
... I can't remember the character's names X: which isn't ENTIRELY on the book because it's like 2 AM and this happens but bleh and I had to look it up. Thomas and Callie.
So Callie wants to go on a vacation and can't afford it, so she wants to get on this reality tv show. I absolutely get it.
(Although also what with her nigh debilitating anxiety how's she gonna handle being in front of millions of viewers ... >.>) but anyway - that's not the issue - the ISSUE is ... this doesn't even make sense as a reality tv show. The premise is couples, on their own, get taken to 3 different resorts, then have to pick one they want to spend a few days on, and get to do that off camera.
... That's not a reality show, that's a sweepstakes really.
My point being - that would never fly as a reality show. There's no conflict to it. Why would it REQUIRE the people be a couple?
This is basically a "reality show" that ... airs people's home videos of them on vacation. Admittedly I'm not a reality show aficionado but I know of way too many that exist because I only have network tv and boy do a lot of them exist especially over the summer, and ads for them are inescapable. Anyway - I just don't see that ever flying as a premise. Maybe if there had been other couples, and/ot some sort of competition... So.
:P
July 6, 2019
*A copy was provided by the author for free in exchange for an honest review*
This a light fluffy quick easy read. All good things by the way. I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters. They aren't perfect but its just enough to make them interesting. Callie is a bit of a mess but it's so relatable. I love that she's not insecure over her body, normally that's a journey in any book with a fat character but here it's not even ever an issue. It's so refreshing. Thomas is a cute guy who doesn't really follow (he can understand he just doesn't realize it in the moment) some social norms. So he crosses some boundaries (not in a creepy bad way at least to me), but he definitely gets a talking to from Callie and he understands WHY what he did was wrong. I really found them to be overall a sweet romance and I wish I could've seen more of them back in their "every day" lives.
This a light fluffy quick easy read. All good things by the way. I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters. They aren't perfect but its just enough to make them interesting. Callie is a bit of a mess but it's so relatable. I love that she's not insecure over her body, normally that's a journey in any book with a fat character but here it's not even ever an issue. It's so refreshing. Thomas is a cute guy who doesn't really follow (he can understand he just doesn't realize it in the moment) some social norms. So he crosses some boundaries (not in a creepy bad way at least to me), but he definitely gets a talking to from Callie and he understands WHY what he did was wrong. I really found them to be overall a sweet romance and I wish I could've seen more of them back in their "every day" lives.
July 28, 2022
There’s nothing I love more than librarian romance and this novella nailed it ❤️ I also adored the fat and anxiety rep.
March 9, 2023
*3.5 Stars!*
August 25, 2019
Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade is a sexy and fun novella that explores real life challenges that affect relationships and how important communication is on the path to a happy ever after.
Callie can’t stand her librarian co-worker Thomas. Even though they got along well when he first started and he’s kind and friendly, his work habits have contributed to a lot of stress in her life, increased her anxiety levels and generally made her miserable. On top of that, she recently broke up with her boyfriend. That’s a significant problem because they were supposed to go on a reality show together, HATV’s ‘Island Match’, and her only real chance of a tropical beach vacation for some much needed rest and relaxation is looking farther and farther away.
In a fit of panic, she tells the producers of the show not to worry, she has a new boyfriend already – Thomas! He’s the only person she can think of who would likely not turn down the chance to go check out some tropical island locales as part of the reality show mission, and who she could probably convince to pretend to be her boyfriend. Even though she tries to avoid him at work. Right. She can do this for the beach reward.
Unbeknownst to Callie, Thomas has a huge crush on her. He doesn’t understand why she stopped talking to him but when she tells him her dilemma and asks for his help he is thrilled to be able to assist her. And to pretend to be dating? Heaven! But in the course of their pretense, can they actually find their way to real happy ending?
This is an enjoyable, sexy and fun read with characters who are very appealing and who just needed a chance to have some real conversations outside of a work environment. Thomas is appalled to discover that his absentmindedness at work, and his sometimes singular focus made Callie feel inadequate and pushed her more and more to the sidelines of a job she once loved. Now that he knows her true feelings, he will do everything in his power to make Callie feel listened to, respected and appreciated.
For her part, it’s a weight off Callie’s chest to share her feelings with Thomas, to explain how anxiety affects her and have him be remorseful and apologetic. He’s not the villain of the story, and as she comes to understand him better, they are able to rekindle the friendship they had when they first started working together. She can admit that she’s attracted to him, and since the feeling is definitely mutual, they explore a more intimate relationship while the backdrop of a tropical vacation plays out. Figuring out how to translate that into something more permanent at home takes a bit of work but it all comes together in the end. Olivia Dade writes real characters of all shapes and sizes, with feelings and flaws and makes her happy endings ones that any reader can relate to. I highly recommend her books and look forward to more of this latest series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-de...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Callie can’t stand her librarian co-worker Thomas. Even though they got along well when he first started and he’s kind and friendly, his work habits have contributed to a lot of stress in her life, increased her anxiety levels and generally made her miserable. On top of that, she recently broke up with her boyfriend. That’s a significant problem because they were supposed to go on a reality show together, HATV’s ‘Island Match’, and her only real chance of a tropical beach vacation for some much needed rest and relaxation is looking farther and farther away.
In a fit of panic, she tells the producers of the show not to worry, she has a new boyfriend already – Thomas! He’s the only person she can think of who would likely not turn down the chance to go check out some tropical island locales as part of the reality show mission, and who she could probably convince to pretend to be her boyfriend. Even though she tries to avoid him at work. Right. She can do this for the beach reward.
Unbeknownst to Callie, Thomas has a huge crush on her. He doesn’t understand why she stopped talking to him but when she tells him her dilemma and asks for his help he is thrilled to be able to assist her. And to pretend to be dating? Heaven! But in the course of their pretense, can they actually find their way to real happy ending?
This is an enjoyable, sexy and fun read with characters who are very appealing and who just needed a chance to have some real conversations outside of a work environment. Thomas is appalled to discover that his absentmindedness at work, and his sometimes singular focus made Callie feel inadequate and pushed her more and more to the sidelines of a job she once loved. Now that he knows her true feelings, he will do everything in his power to make Callie feel listened to, respected and appreciated.
For her part, it’s a weight off Callie’s chest to share her feelings with Thomas, to explain how anxiety affects her and have him be remorseful and apologetic. He’s not the villain of the story, and as she comes to understand him better, they are able to rekindle the friendship they had when they first started working together. She can admit that she’s attracted to him, and since the feeling is definitely mutual, they explore a more intimate relationship while the backdrop of a tropical vacation plays out. Figuring out how to translate that into something more permanent at home takes a bit of work but it all comes together in the end. Olivia Dade writes real characters of all shapes and sizes, with feelings and flaws and makes her happy endings ones that any reader can relate to. I highly recommend her books and look forward to more of this latest series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-de...
A copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
July 20, 2019
This was interesting. I liked it, and I liked that both the hero and the heroine had to work to effectively communicate with the other. The heroine had completely legitimate grievances with the hero's behavior at work, even if what he was doing was mostly inadvertent. And I liked that once they actually talked about them, she was completely direct with him about the nature of the problem and what needed to be done to solve it.
I didn't love that she hid how much she thought she disliked him when she tendered the invitation--setting someone up to spend a week with you when you hate them isn't great?--and I really didn't like how little time we got with them. Besides how short a time frame that the book took place in, in some ways it felt like the author was going out of their way to put all the feelings on the page and that meant that you didn't get as much actual action? That might not make sense.
Anyway, I liked this, but not as much as Teach Me earlier this spring, but I am hopeful for the Tiny House book!
I didn't love that she hid how much she thought she disliked him when she tendered the invitation--setting someone up to spend a week with you when you hate them isn't great?--and I really didn't like how little time we got with them. Besides how short a time frame that the book took place in, in some ways it felt like the author was going out of their way to put all the feelings on the page and that meant that you didn't get as much actual action? That might not make sense.
Anyway, I liked this, but not as much as Teach Me earlier this spring, but I am hopeful for the Tiny House book!
August 19, 2020
2019 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: Beach on the Cover
Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Du9lTAL...
🏖Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade🏖
*
*
His thesis statement was simple, but it was powerful. Just five short words.
I could make you happy.
*
*
*
I’m not a fan of the term “beach read,” mostly because 1) I never go to the beach and 2) people should be able to read whatever they want on a beach, so technically everything is a beach read. However, I realized while reading Desire and the Deep Blue Sea that there is a secondary definition to a “beach read:” a book that makes you want to go the beach. 😂 So I do recommend that you read this on a beach, mostly because you will be sad and envious that you are not at a beach. I, unfortunately, am not next to a beach, so I settled for a hammock instead.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Du9lTAL...
🏖Desire and the Deep Blue Sea by Olivia Dade🏖
*
*
His thesis statement was simple, but it was powerful. Just five short words.
I could make you happy.
*
*
*
I’m not a fan of the term “beach read,” mostly because 1) I never go to the beach and 2) people should be able to read whatever they want on a beach, so technically everything is a beach read. However, I realized while reading Desire and the Deep Blue Sea that there is a secondary definition to a “beach read:” a book that makes you want to go the beach. 😂 So I do recommend that you read this on a beach, mostly because you will be sad and envious that you are not at a beach. I, unfortunately, am not next to a beach, so I settled for a hammock instead.
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2019
After reading "Teach Me" by the same author, I went in expecting a bit more depth and plot development than this... I don't even know where to start, so I'll make bullet points.
* The heroine is, apparently, plus sized (though it doesn't say so explicitly, which sometimes makes it confusing to understand) and suffers from an anxiety disorder (though not about her body/size --not very believable in my opinion. I'm not saying she has to be insecure about her body, but come on, who isn't or hasn't been at least in the past?).
* We find out next to nothing about her family/friends. Also goes for the hero.
* The hero seems like a carbon copy of the one in Dade's other book "Teach Me"
* We see only the barest info about the TV show they're supposedly filming
I'll wrap it up: the start was promising (hence why I bought it), but the plot is weak, character development is non-existant and the whole thing feels contrived.
* The heroine is, apparently, plus sized (though it doesn't say so explicitly, which sometimes makes it confusing to understand) and suffers from an anxiety disorder (though not about her body/size --not very believable in my opinion. I'm not saying she has to be insecure about her body, but come on, who isn't or hasn't been at least in the past?).
* We find out next to nothing about her family/friends. Also goes for the hero.
* The hero seems like a carbon copy of the one in Dade's other book "Teach Me"
* We see only the barest info about the TV show they're supposedly filming
I'll wrap it up: the start was promising (hence why I bought it), but the plot is weak, character development is non-existant and the whole thing feels contrived.
Read
August 19, 2019I think I want to reread this before reviewing, but I want to mention that I loved the fat rep & anxiety rep.
May 29, 2022
Trigger warnings: anxiety, panic attacks
I had no idea going into this that it was so short! It's not even 150 pages, and I would happily have read a full length novel about these two because it DID feel very slightly instalove-y at times. But this was delightful. I loved the characters. I loved that they were slightly antagonistic librarian coworkers. I loved that a lot of their beef involved desk duty, because OF COURSE IT DID. I even liked the way the miscommunication elements played out.
There is - as you would expect with Olivia Dade - plenty of humour in the story, although here it mostly comes from the resorts that they visit. On the whole? Absolutely delightful.
I had no idea going into this that it was so short! It's not even 150 pages, and I would happily have read a full length novel about these two because it DID feel very slightly instalove-y at times. But this was delightful. I loved the characters. I loved that they were slightly antagonistic librarian coworkers. I loved that a lot of their beef involved desk duty, because OF COURSE IT DID. I even liked the way the miscommunication elements played out.
There is - as you would expect with Olivia Dade - plenty of humour in the story, although here it mostly comes from the resorts that they visit. On the whole? Absolutely delightful.
March 17, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.
Callie and Thomas are coworkers that struggle to communicate. When Callie’s vacation is threatened by a recent breakup, she panics and names Thomas her new love interest for the sake of the couples getaway. They soon find out that behind those miscommunications at work are real feelings and deep attraction.
This was such a fun novella. I love a good fake dating, forced proximity romance. And Olivia Dade’s curvy, smart FMCs always hit home for me. This audiobook was a great afternoon listen without too much spice (don’t get me wrong, there’s still spice). 4⭐️
Callie and Thomas are coworkers that struggle to communicate. When Callie’s vacation is threatened by a recent breakup, she panics and names Thomas her new love interest for the sake of the couples getaway. They soon find out that behind those miscommunications at work are real feelings and deep attraction.
This was such a fun novella. I love a good fake dating, forced proximity romance. And Olivia Dade’s curvy, smart FMCs always hit home for me. This audiobook was a great afternoon listen without too much spice (don’t get me wrong, there’s still spice). 4⭐️
April 12, 2021
I liked but didn't love this novella. The brevity of the story seemed to be both the downfall and a blessing of the story. Major plot points were breezed over fairly brazenly, but both characters developed into far better people within just a couple chapters. I'll read the sequel to this novella because it was enjoyable and quirky, but I wouldn't call it a big winner.
January 27, 2025
Super lyrical and expressive writing which is the usual standard for Olivia dade books. I loved that there were women represented in typically male roles like the limo driver, the club DJ, the boat captain. I thought that the concept of Callie and Thomas being on a TV show while the events are taking place was kind of lost in the story and it could have done with a simpler plot forcing them to share space. Other than that a lovely story, great chemistry and beautiful writing.
June 23, 2022
Ok. I hated this. Spoilers.
The heroine has an anxiety disorder. Relatable. But then she does all these things that would cause a non anxiety ridden person to heave…and she does them with happy determination? So much so that she fakes having a boyfriend to get on a realty tv show.
Besides basic ass interviews, the realty show has very little to do with the story. The premise of the reality show doesn’t even make sense. The idea would have made way more sense if she won a couples vacation and had to find a partner.
The leading man? He’s written sickeningly perfect. His flaws aren’t really even flaws—he gets easily flustered and sidetracked at work and gets clumsy around the leading lady because he’s madly in love with her. Obviously gorgeous. He’s so overly caring and attentive while the heroine pretty much gives him crap most of the way through.
I get that the author wants to write stories centered around larger bodied women (I’m all for it) but it would be cool to make a grown ass plus size woman relatable. She doesn’t have to be self-conscious now, in the moment, but to write something during the love making scene that has her sprawled out across the bed naked—having to put it out there—that though she has anxieties “she has always loved her fat body” just seems flat. I think a lot of us have had to battle for this confidence. We’ve clawed our way though childhood and middle school. Made it through HS. I don’t know a single fat chick, myself included, that has *always* loved our body. We’ve fought for that. So I found it very annoying to be so flippant about it, especially with a character that struggles with anxiety.
But basically, this chick went from thinking the main guy (her coworker) was hot to straight up despising him for his clumsiness and inability to multitask at work. Uses him to get on this reality show because she wants a vacation (🤨). Seems to fall for him only after he reveals how much he cares about her…then tells him all of his flaws that he has to fix which he readily agrees to and they live happily ever after.
On the plus side, it’s short.
But I paid for it. Definitely a negative.
The heroine has an anxiety disorder. Relatable. But then she does all these things that would cause a non anxiety ridden person to heave…and she does them with happy determination? So much so that she fakes having a boyfriend to get on a realty tv show.
Besides basic ass interviews, the realty show has very little to do with the story. The premise of the reality show doesn’t even make sense. The idea would have made way more sense if she won a couples vacation and had to find a partner.
The leading man? He’s written sickeningly perfect. His flaws aren’t really even flaws—he gets easily flustered and sidetracked at work and gets clumsy around the leading lady because he’s madly in love with her. Obviously gorgeous. He’s so overly caring and attentive while the heroine pretty much gives him crap most of the way through.
I get that the author wants to write stories centered around larger bodied women (I’m all for it) but it would be cool to make a grown ass plus size woman relatable. She doesn’t have to be self-conscious now, in the moment, but to write something during the love making scene that has her sprawled out across the bed naked—having to put it out there—that though she has anxieties “she has always loved her fat body” just seems flat. I think a lot of us have had to battle for this confidence. We’ve clawed our way though childhood and middle school. Made it through HS. I don’t know a single fat chick, myself included, that has *always* loved our body. We’ve fought for that. So I found it very annoying to be so flippant about it, especially with a character that struggles with anxiety.
But basically, this chick went from thinking the main guy (her coworker) was hot to straight up despising him for his clumsiness and inability to multitask at work. Uses him to get on this reality show because she wants a vacation (🤨). Seems to fall for him only after he reveals how much he cares about her…then tells him all of his flaws that he has to fix which he readily agrees to and they live happily ever after.
On the plus side, it’s short.
But I paid for it. Definitely a negative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews