At First Spite

A Harlot's Bay Novel

By: Olivia Dade

Narrated by: Joy Nash

Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2024 Olivia Dade (P)2024 HarperCollins Publishers

The story had a lot f humor I wasn’t expecting

The book seemed a little long in the middle but ended very well, I would recommend reading it.

best Olivia Dade book yet

wow. just wow. this story is beautiful. it's a love so strong because it was so well earned and through real trail and tribulation they fall in love so deeply its unbreakable in the end. this will make you laugh and make you sob. it dives deep into depression so if that's a trigger this is your warning but this story is raw and real and that is what makes their love just as raw and real. it's worth every tear and twist and turn. take the journey and fall in love with them. you won't regret it

Book Hangover

I loved everything about this book. I haven't fallen in love with a book boyfriend this hard since the first time I read Pride and Prejudice. it's perfect.

Beautiful, funny, sweet, and a little spicy

My favorite of Dade’s work yet. And the narration was wonderful. 10/10 would recommend. Also has amazing mental health representation ❤️❤️❤️

love loved it

for those that have struggled against the world to find a place you fit in for those that have taken on too much responsibility even when it wasn't yours it might heal a piece of your heart.

for those that enjoy monsters (non of the characters), book clubs, and laughing but need something light hearted its definitely for you😉

My emotions!

Everything, I loved everything. Cute, campy humor, with the times, and the pain felt so good.

Gorgeous writing and narration

Olivia is a beautiful writer - if I could write like her this review would make you cry, laugh, fan your face, and see some part the world in a new way. A diamond book that you absolutely will enjoy. Five + stars. Olivia is a gem and I can’t wait for more!

Dade does it again!

This book was a masterclass in storytelling! Addressing grief, loss, mental health, love, and finding your purpose is such a beautiful way. I was honestly hesitant to read this, not normally a fan of FMC's falling in love with their ex's brother/friend, etc. but I was pleasantly surprised and shown just how much I need to trust Dade's ability to create a story that had my sobbing and laughing within mere pages. So well done, and I am already chomping at the bit for the next book in this new series!

Tear-jerker that cracked me up and delivered on the Romance

If you need to feel seen in a place of deep grief while laughing and swooning, this is the book for you! The characters are so deeply human - like all of Olivia Dade’s characters. I am excited to get glimpses of this world as the next books are available!

Forgiveness, Love, Loss, Adulting and Smut

applause all around! this was such a wonderful story!!! oh I absolutely loved it, Athena an amazing lead and I love how complex Mathew's character is.