Reviews with content warning for Grief - At First Spite

This defied my expectations, and I was initially quite reluctant to read it due to early marketing? discussion? I'm not sure. Whatever I heard made me think it featured a love triangle, then an unredeemable hero, etc. I even heard on a recent Fated Mates episode it featured a virgin hero, which further muddied my thoughts. And I LOVED all of Olivia Dade's books in the Spoiler Alert trilogy. So not exactly sure where my hangups originated, but I wasn't planning to read it until a book club pick made the decision for me.

I LOVED it. It's funny, it's spicy, it's sweet, it's emotionally mature. It has two MCs over the age of 35. No love triangle. The FMC's body size - not a plot point.

The virgin hero thing - not a big deal. It comes up once during their first time.

And it has PINING for days. I cannot wait for more in this Harlot's Bay series (absolutely phenomenal name).

Content Warnings

pie_rogue's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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monicalaurette's review

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emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

No one with a good heart is a failure.

Hi my name is Monica and I am a very big fan of Olivia Dade and literally broke my buying ban to get this book. The concept I was not fully sold on but I knew Dade's writing would be enough for me to enjoy it and it WAS!

Athena and Matthew were both so complex individuals and together were able to fit into the little spots left by their lives and the people around them. I wanted more of their journey but excited to see who else comes into Harlot's Bay and earns a place in my heart.

Content Warnings