By Olivia Dad
Harlot's Bay Book 1
Star rating: ★★★★★
Blurb
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. This 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 attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third (aka the uptight, judgmental jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her) is living on the 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 the 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.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Read if you Like:
🍓 Enemies to lovers
🍓 Depression Rep
🍓 He falls first
🍓 Small town
🍓 Forced proximity
🍓 Plus-sized heroine
🍓 Older MCs (late 30s)
My Thoughts:
At First Spite is funny, heartfelt, and beautifully written. It deals with difficult topics but gives them the care they deserve.
This is by far the best depression representation I have read in a romance book. It is a difficult topic to mix with romance because people who are depressed often withdraw from relationships and romance is about building relationships but wow does Olivia Dade pull it off! I loved how Matthew took care of Athena when she needed it and didn't think any less of her. However, I loved even more that Olivia Dade made it clear that care did not just go one way and that Athena had the capacity to be a true partner.
I will say this is not one to read when you are looking for a light escapism. While it has incredibly funny moments (I won't spoil it but let's just say murder dolls are involved) it also deals with heavy topics and may be hard for some people to read. However, if you are a fan of romance this is a great way to learn about some heavy topics with references to monster smut liberally thrown in. Also, this book may have the best grovel I've ever read and I've read a lot.
I don't think this book will be everyone's favorite but I think it will make up for it by making a lot of people who need it feel incredibly seen. I encourage everyone to read this book but if you find it's not for you please be thoughtful in your reviews and remember not every book is meant to appeal to every person.
Harlot's Bay is everything I want in a fictional small town. It has fun lore, interesting town traditions, and is a supportive community. If it existed, I would need to quit my job and move there immediately. I am so incredibly excited to read more of this series and more by Olivia Dade!
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for providing me with an early version of this book to write my review. All opinions are my own.
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