At First Spite by Olivia Dade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Summary from GoodReads
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.
BUY ON
REVIEW
You can never go wrong with an Olivia Dade book! Her stories are like a bottle of water after walking in a desert for a long while. There is always something beautiful and vulnerable in her stories and characters which stays with you long after the story is over.
Our story takes place at an engagement party where Athena is about to celebrate her upcoming nuptials with her fiance. What she does not count on is the sizzling attraction she feels towards Matthew..whom she later discovers is her fiance's brother, who also does not approve of the wedding.
Fast forward a few months and Athena has bought the house she was supposed to share with her fiance...who also happens to be her neighbor along with Matthew who is also her neighbor! Chaos, comedy, and very funny moments ensue but as Athena tries to navigate the new town she lives in, tries to find a job but also moves through the heartache and growing depression over her life choices, she will realize that she can have far more friends and find love in the most unexpected places.
I loved, no adored her growing attraction to Matthew. That man deserves the world and his backstory was very tragic. He shoulders everything and despite his misgivings, all came from a place of love, despite being taken for granted, especially from his brother.
This story is a delightful tale of healing and going through depression which also something Olivia Dade touches upon with the most respectful way. Matthew did everything to help her, he freaking climbed three stories of a house and he is terrified of heights!
This book is one of my top for 2024 and totally recommended!
About the author:
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.
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If you want to find me online, here’s where to go!
Website: https://oliviadade.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OliviaWrites
Newsletter: https://go.oliviadade.com/Newsletter
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