Harlot’s Bay, Book 2
From the publisher:
A Heartwarming, Body-Positive Reunion Romance Novel in the Quaint Small Town of Harlot’s Bay
https://amzn.to/4o2kypKIn the second installment of USA Today bestselling author Olivia Dade’s Harlot’s Bay series, a mistaken obituary leads to the reunion of two former high school crushes. Sparks fly in this hilarious grumpy/grumpy romance, packed with Dade’s signature body positivity and a delicious amount of spice.
Karl and Molly were never together. There was a time, right after high school, where it seemed like they might finally cross the line from friends to lovers…but instead, a foolish misunderstanding meant they never spoke again. Molly went to LA and got married. Karl stayed in Harlot’s Bay and bought a bakery.
The only connection the pair has shared over the years is painfully one-sided: Now divorced, Molly narrates monster romance audiobooks, and Karl is an ever-diligent listener, clinging to his only piece of the one that got away.
Still, Molly hasn’t totally left Harlot’s Bay behind. When she hears that Karl’s obituary has run in the local paper, unexpected grief prompts her to hop on the next flight to Maryland…where she finds Karl very much alive, the victim of nothing but an accidental obituary.
As the pair reunite, they finally hash out their missed connection. True, Molly isn’t quite ready to trust again, but Karl is determined to prove himself worthy of her faith and devotion. And as her remaining time in Harlot’s Bay ticks down, Molly, the habitual cynic, just might find that Karl, the cranky town curmudgeon, is impossible to leave behind a second time.
“Dade maintains value and depth in the storyline about a curvaceous, sexy woman and accentuates the humanity in negative emotions common in clinical depression with therapy, laughter, and eroticism.” – Booklist
“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.” – Library Journal
“Harlot’s Bay is alive with quirky characters… fans of the series will rejoice at returning to town” – Kirkus Reviews
“Amusing rom-com… 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.” – Publishers Weekly
Molly is a thriving audiobook narrator in California, best known for her monster romance performances. Once married and divorced, she’s content living independently. Two decades ago, she left her hometown of Harlot’s Bay with no intention of returning, though she still keeps tabs on local gossip through the town’s newsletter. One day, she’s stunned to read an obituary announcing the death of Karl—her closest friend from high school. Heartbroken, she rushes back for the funeral.
Her sorrow quickly turns to shock when she discovers Karl alive and well, albeit a bit grumpy, running his bakery. What Molly doesn’t know is that Karl has long found solace in her audiobooks, treasuring the intimacy of her voice. When she walks into his shop, that imagined bond suddenly becomes real. Persuaded to stay for their upcoming high school reunion, Molly and Karl rekindle their friendship—and soon realize it’s blossoming into something much deeper.
This novel is far from a typical rom-com. It’s refreshing to see plus-size protagonists nearing forty portrayed as romantic leads, with body size treated as a non-issue and their communication handled with genuine maturity. The banter sparkles, the chemistry sizzles, and the emotional connection is irresistible. Karl may be a stubborn grump, while Molly remains cautiously hopeful, but he is determined to prove they deserve their happily ever after. For fans of Olivia Dade, this latest installment—though perfectly enjoyable as a standalone—delivers everything you could want. I loved it!
11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE by Olivia Dade. Avon (November 25, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063215979. 400p.
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