40-Love (There's Something About Marysburg Book 2)

Olivia Dade writes characters that are catnip that I hadn’t even realised I craved. For a long time, I thought fat representation in Romance isn’t done well and I have read more than enough of those kind of books that either fetishised or pitied a fat character.So I steered far from them as a fat woman. When I read the first of this series (Teach Me) I went in without any context and I’m so glad for it. I love books that write characters you would meet in real life, and Dade does it once again with 40-Love.Tess Dunn, an almost 40-year old, Principal-to-be is on a 2-week vacation where she meets a 26-year old, flirtatious former tennis pro and realises quickly that she likes this flirtation. When her best friend signs her up for private, evening lessons, Lucas has two weeks to show her that he wants her and Tess has two weeks to admit that she wants him too.From the first interaction when a topless Tess is plastered to Lucas’ back in the ocean; I knew this book would be amazing. Unlike the first in the series, the pairing is what would traditionally be considered unlikely (‘normal’ fat woman and hunky man) but the matter-of-fact manner in which this is handled is answer enough to any concerns of that sort. Tess especially, is such a great character. Recognising her size but not apologising for it, confident in what she feels and what she wants but still a little vulnerable because of her past. And Lucas proves to be a great counterfoil to her personality.I love Lucas, the sweet swede, so much. Not just in how he interacts with Tess but also the vulnerability he tries to hide, the patience he shows in his growing relationship with Tess and the immediate understanding of her concerns and fear.Dade shows that relationships come in all forms and sizes and cliched as it sounds, love transcends all. This is a perfect summer read while in quarantine, when we can only dream of beaches, until we can go to one.

Review originally posted on amyjanealice.comWhen I picked up 40-Love, I was in the mood for a feel good and fun smutty romance. What I didn’t expect to find was a new favourite read of 2020, a love interest I’m still not able to stop thinking about months later, and representation that made me feel SEEN.I loved how quickly we got into the story. The book opens with Tess in the ocean, who experiences a wardrobe malfunction and tries to figure out a way she can get back to shore without flashing herself to her fellow holidaymakers, concerned about how the accident might tarnish her reputation as an assistant principal. Enter Lucas, a handsome and attractive “bro”, as Tess sees him at first, who swiftly comes to her rescue.I immediately fell in love with the two characters, as individuals and as a couple. The banter and chemistry between the two of them from the beginning was electric and this was especially clear due to the story being told in dual perspective. I was so happy that we got to dive right into their story… no pun intended!Olivia introduced us to the characters, their personalities and pasts in a way that didn’t slow down the story or come across as info-dumpy; we got to know them as the story developed which felt organic and seamless.As a plus size young woman who has started to come to terms with her body over the years, it was so refreshing to read a book where yes, the main character was fat but it wasn’t the main plot. Tess acknowledges how people perceive her and that yes, she does struggle with some things because of it. But that was… it. It was “yes I am fat, that’s that, and I’m not mad about it.” Everyone has different struggles and I’m not disputing or belittling that, but this particular fat rep just made me feel seen.Lucas is the kind of love interest we need more of in romance. He’s attractive (tall with green eyes, hello!), charming and cheeky, and sure he could be a little angsty and grumpy. But more importantly, he was attentive, considerate and HE BLUSHES. An ex-professional tennis player with injuries and a past of loneliness, he was more complex than initially made out to be. He encouraged Tess and championed her, never once thinking that “he knew best” or acting as though he were better or more accomplished.It also worked the other way around too. Tess never belittled Lucas for being younger than her. Yes, there is some angst between the two as they work to overcome the difference in age and prospects for the future, but these things are handled so well with care. No miscommunication as a plot device here pals! I really enjoyed the tension between them as they explored their mutual attraction; the banter and teasing were everything.40-Love was also laugh out loud hilarious. My personal favourite scene had to be where Tess decides to distract Lucas as they play tennis, and well, she succeeds. Aaaaaand he subsequently gets hit in the face by a tennis ball. Reader, I was HOWLING.Something I just had to mention was also how period positive this book is. The guy goes and buys freaking microwave slippers for Tess’s cramps because he couldn’t find a hot water bottle and stocks up on chocolate! They had frank conversations about periods and it was just so matter of fact and not a big deal of all. WE WANT MORE OF NORMALISING PERIODS PLS.Yes it was sweet and funny and fluffy but wow… the smut was gooooood *chef’s kiss*. It was super sex positive, as the couple discussed their expectations of each other and how they felt before anything happens which I found so refreshing, making sure to take care of each other’s injuries.Funnily enough, I’m not the sportiest person. I literally never anticipated that tennis could be sexy but wow, Olivia’s writing (aka. LUCAS) had me wanting to limber up and chuck on a white sports skirt.Not only was this hella romantic and hot, there was also a lot of deeper meaning and substance to the book. The couple talk about their careers, their futures and their passions. Tess is working on initiatives to improve the school, as she sees the discrimination towards her students of colour and she says it “it’s not right, and I won’t allow it to keep happening.” Lucas wants to coordinate a foundation that helps under privileged children get into sports and help fund free school meals. I really enjoyed seeing this side to the pair and it made me love them all the more.As I think you can see, I loved this book. It had everything I look for in a romance and Olivia Dade became a new favourite author of mine in one book alone. It was hot, it was heartfelt and it was hilarious. There was no power imbalance despite the age gap, the two really did work as a team. Their strengths complemented each other and there was enough care and love between them to help when it was needed. I couldn’t put it down and I’ve even been pushing it onto my friends too.

Loved it, read it in one day as I couldn’t put it down. Sizzling, sexy, snort inducing banter, genuine romance and connection, three dimensional, likeable characters and just enough angst to keep it interesting without being too heavy. A completely delightful romantic romp with a relatable and feisty plus size heroine. Highly recommend.

I read this book in one go. A sweet tale of an older woman and younger man. What's not to like

I loved this book so much! The characters felt very real to me. Real bodies, real insecurities over past relationships, real friends. It was just a breath of fresh air. I loved Tess and Lucas' relationship and the care and respect they have for one another. There is laughter, angst, lots of swooniness from Lucas. This book just made me smile.

If you like grown-up characters who grow and learn, and stories where the conflict is realistic, with lots of communication to solve problems, then this is one for you. Add into the mix an older heroine, career-focussed and ambitious, supported by the wonderful hero, and you have a great read. This is one of those stories that stay with you long after you read it - the characters are so alive. The fun, sass and joking all add to the enjoyment. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!