Ship Wrecked

Returning to the world of Dade’s Spoiler Alert, this hilarious but clunky rom-com brings together two polar opposite actors both in need of emotional healing. Gregarious Swedish stage actor Maria Ivarsson doesn’t expect her relationship with reserved Wisconsinite character actor Peter Reedton to last beyond the steamy one night stand that opens the book, but Peter is furious when Maria sneaks out before dawn, feeling rejected. Tensions run high when they’re reunited at an audition for the hit TV show God of the Gates—and their undeniable chemistry lands them roles opposite each other. During filming, Peter thaws to Maria’s charms, and she reciprocates his feelings, but Peter insists their relationship remain platonic while they work together and they repeatedly clash over whether to prioritize their emotional health or their professional success. The meandering plot covers six years of filming and “repressed lust” and, once the show wraps, the pair still struggle to balance their competing priorities. It’s a bumpy ride full of contrived reasons to keep the couple apart, but some laugh-out-loud running gags—like Peter’s phobia of cows—will keep readers engaged. Though not as successful as it could be, there’s a solid emotional core here. Readers will want to pick this up for the laughs alone. Agent: Sarah Younger, Nancy Yost Literary. (Nov.)