Library Journal
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Molly and Karl were best friends in high school. They were edging toward something more romantic, until Karl's on-again, off-again girlfriend came between them. As an adult, Molly moved to Los Angeles, got married, and became an audiobook narrator, while Karl went on to open a successful bakery in his hometown of Harlot's Bay. Twenty years later, Molly reads Karl's obituary in the Harlot's Bay newspaper. Grief-stricken, she hops the next flight out for what she assumes will be his burial. It turns out that Karl is actually still alive, and he's even more attractive—and cranky—than Molly remembered. Karl never forgot Molly either, and she is still the only girl he's ever loved. Now she's back, and it's his chance to win her heart. However, Molly's past has left her with major trust issues, and Karl won't communicate in full sentences. These former friends could still be more, if only they would open their hearts and trust each other. Dade's (At First Spite) grumpy/sunshine, second-chance romantic comedy features delightful protagonists who are believable, relatable, and sympathetic. Their chemistry is instantaneous, and the slow-burn plot keeps their sexual tension buzzing just beneath the surface. VERDICT Readers will be unable to put this book down.—Heather Miller Cover

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Soon after arriving in Harlot’s Bay, Molly Dearborn discovers the rumors about Karl Dean’s death are greatly exaggerated. After processing the fact that her old high-school friend is very much alive, Molly realizes they still have some unfinished business to resolve. Twenty years ago, a misunderstanding between Molly and Karl prompted her to ghost him. Now, Karl will do anything to not only prompt Molly to regain her trust in him but also convince her that they should be more than just friends. Dade (ZomComRom, 2025) is in fine fettle as she once again celebrates body positivity while taking readers on another joyous jaunt to Harlot’s Bay (after At First Spite, 2024). From the book’s combination curmudgeonly/cinnamon-roll hero with a penchant for swearing and its endearing heroine, who finds love and a caring community of friends she desperately craves, to sizzling love scenes that are as hot as the oven in Karl’s bakery, Dade handles everything with perfect panache. The icing on this scrumptious literary confection is Dade’s delicious sense of humor, which extends down to the smallest of details, like the Harlot’s Bay romance book club’s current choice: Bedded by Beelzebub.

Publishers Weekly
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Dade returns to quirky Harlot’s Bay (after 2024’s At First Spite) with this amusing rom-com. Molly Dearborn and Karl Dean crushed on each other all throughout high school. Their timing finally seemed right after graduation, but a miscommunication foiled their chance at love and Molly left town heartbroken. Twenty years, one divorce, and a semi-risque career as a monster erotica audiobook narrator later, Molly sees an obituary for Karl in Harlot Bay’s newspaper and returns home for the funeral. But the piece was a misprint; Karl is very much alive and now the foul-mouthed owner of the area’s best bakery. He’s pined for Molly all that time, becoming the number one fan of her audiobooks just to hear her voice. Overjoyed to be reunited at last, Karl is determined clear up past misunderstandings and win her trust with an eye toward forever. Dade peppers the narrative with abundant humor from Harlot Bay’s residents; there’s even a running bit about the town’s dueling sex shops expressing their animosity for each other by commissioning elegant but insulting cakes. Series fans who met Karl as a colorful side character in book one will be especially glad to uncover his hopeless romantic streak. This is a charmer. (Nov.)

Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A woman reunites with her high school crush due to an accidental obituary. Molly Dearborn and Karl Dean were high school friends who harbored crushes on each other. Nothing happened between them and then a big misunderstanding drove them apart, and they haven’t spoken in 22 years. Molly moved away and wound up married, while Karl stayed in their hometown of Harlot’s Bay, Maryland, and opened a bakery. Now Molly makes a living as an audiobook narrator for steamy monster erotica, not realizing that her old friend and crush is her biggest fan. He diligently listens to all of her work as a way of being close to her, which is an adorably sweet secret given his outwardly gruff demeanor. When Molly hears that Karl’s obituary has run in the hometown paper, she immediately flies back, only to find Karl very much alive and well. Dade’s romances are always a mix of exaggerated humor and body positivity, and this one is no different. Both main characters have major issues vocalizing their feelings, which is exactly what led them to cut contact after high school. With more than two decades apart and Karl still very much in love with Molly, you might expect things to have improved. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen—they’re still just as emotionally stunted as ever. Molly is guarded and slow to trust, while Karl is borderline monosyllabic. The characters’ chemistry feels described, rather than seen. Harlot’s Bay, previously seen inAt First Spite (2024), is alive with quirky characters, and their shenanigans tend to take over the spotlight. Fans of the series will rejoice at returning to town, while readers starting here may be overwhelmed by the tweeness of it all. A paper-thin conflict is partially saved by a chaotically cute cast and cozy setting. Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.