At First Spite

A Harlot's Bay Novel

By: Olivia Dade

Narrated by: Joy Nash

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?

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 ❤️❤️❤️

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.

So thankful I found Olivia Dade!

Got this for a credit after reading someone rave about it on the romance books subreddit. Was NOT disappointed! I loved the writing, and found myself chuckling often. Also loved the portrayal of mental health - running to find the next book of hers to read!

nice story but has a few major meh plots

possible spoilers, but I really didn't like the whole 30+ y.o man child thing - he did develop by the end.
the ending was kinda rushed in my opinion, they get together after months, only to break up too soon and then the apology wasn't enough to mee

Humor and great characters

I loved the great characters who stood out as real, funny, heartbroken, struggling, and strong all in a world full of hopeful and fully interactions. Olivia Dade never disappoints.