At First Spite: A Harlot's Bay Novel
A Library Journal Romance Pick of the Month
Bestselling author Olivia Dade welcomes you to Harlot's Bay in this delightfully sexy rom-com about a woman who buys the town's famous Spite House, only to realize the infuriating man she can't stand lives right next door--and their unwilling proximity might spark something neither can ignore.
When Athena Greydon's fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex's home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third--AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her--is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.
If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?
Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he's kind of...hot? Dammit.
Matthew may not regret ending his brother's engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He'll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly steamy story hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much...well, nothing can come of it. She'll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth--that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?
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Olivia 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.
"Olivia Dade shows once again why she's a favorite. Charming, witty, and heartfelt, At First Spite is not to be missed!" -- Kylie Scott, New York Times bestselling author
"At First Spite is one of the most romantic books I've ever read. True love exists on these pages in the form of beautiful, gentle care when it's needed most. Breathtakingly poignant. Warmly funny. With its delicious pastries, erotica book club, used bookstore complete with emotional support chicken, and surplus of kind, sexy residents, Harlot's Bay is my dream town. Olivia Dade gives us another remarkable, essential addition to the modern romance canon. A slow burn that delivers in spades." -- Rosie Danan, author of The Roommate
"Olivia Dade never fails to make me laugh, blush, and feel like I'm being wrapped in a warm blanket. Cannot recommend enough!"
-- Katee Robert, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author
"With the sublime launch of her new Harlot's Bay series, Dade once again dazzles and delights readers as she delivers a heart-meltingly romantic, sensually steamy love story that also embraces body positivity and thoughtfully explores such real-life issues as clinical depression and grief. Wielding a devilishly wicked sense of wit...Dade deftly demonstrates her mastery of love and laughter." -- Booklist (starred review)
"This swoony contemporary romance is well-written and paced, but what really makes it shine are the intricate characters that Dade has brought to life. Readers will connect emotionally with Athena and Matthew, laughing at their witty banter and tearing up when they're vulnerable. Buy multiple copies of this title, because it won't stay on the shelf." -- Library Journal (starred review)
"The adorable opener to the Harlot's Bay series from Dade delivers all the laughs of a well-crafted rom-com while gracefully portraying characters struggling with mental health issues. ... Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this charming love story will have readers clamoring for another visit to Harlot's Bay." -- Publishers Weekly
"Dade's romances...routinely show that people contain multitudes and that life is about offsetting personal pain with things that bring joy, and this one is no exception." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Dade challenges love story norms in Ship Wrecked with a wonderfully complex relationship that's years in the making. Sexy and delicious from page one!"
-- Nisha Sharma, author of Dating Dr. Dil
"Dade's book is a sparkling jolt of fangirling, body-positive swoons." -- Entertainment Weekly on Spoiler Alert
"If you're a fan of romances that feature nuanced protagonists, whip-smart dialogue, scorching chemistry, and sidesplitting humor, look no further than Olivia Dade's books. This author is an absolute gem!" -- Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author of The Worst Best Man
