QSR: At First Spite by Olivia Dade
On This episode of a Quick Shot of Romance Amanda joins Becky to review At First Spite by Olivia Dade. This is book 1 in the Harlot’s Bay Series.
The synopsis
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?
Release Date: February 13, 2024
Trope: Neighbors, Ex’s Brother, Forbidden, Small Town, Nerdy Heroine, Rivals to Lovers, Close Proximity, Plus Size Heroine, Virgin Hero, Rom Com
Series Name: Harlot’s Bay Book 1
Type of Series: Series of Standalones
POV: 3rd Person
Put out percentage: 72% (window scene)
Audio narrators: Joy Nash
CW: depression, grief, loss of young brother off page in the past
Is there a 3rd act break up: Yes
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Music by Cambo
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