AT FIRST SPITE had a stop-me-in-my-tracks scene that I am still thinking about a week after finishing the book. Despite that emotional impact, this book ended up being just an OK read for me.

On the positive side, I love that Olivia Dade hits all different notes when she writes plus size/fat lead characters. In AT FIRST SPITE, Athena's weight is mentioned indirectly, but is otherwise a non-issue. While a lot of romances rightly spend time exploring the complexities of body positivity both within the MC and those who come in contact with them, it was refreshing reading a romance where this body type just....was.

This book also hit a perfect and very respectful, but unvarnished look, at what an episode of Depression looks like. Just like the writing on weight. this writing had no heavy-handed or strong definitive value judgement on a bout of depression. It just...was. I loved that a lot.

Now, to the rest of the book, I found the writing style really odd. It read like a Classic Lit novel in language and structure. And while that's not necessarily a bad thing, it felt really disparate to me. I'm sure some readers will really love this aspect of the writing style, but I failed to connect with it.

And while these main characters had really likable moments, I struggled to like either of them for most of the book. Athena seemed incredibly immature throughout the entire story and Matthew was frustratingly bland to me.

But the spicy scenes were fantastic! Can't end a book review without discussing the spice. Despite the great chemistry and spice, I couldn't get past her previous relationship. Again, maybe just me, but romances with i-had-lots-of-sex-with-your-brother-now-i'm-sleeping-with-you just make me feel a bit icky. Not sure there's even a way to write it that wouldn't skeeve me out a bit.

AT FIRST SPITE is a good book that just didn't resonate with me, but I am certain a ton of other readers will love it.

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: Rated R / 2-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: past death of sibling, depression, parent estrangement
𝗙𝗘𝗘𝗟𝗦: 4/5 - Tackled some seriously tough topics.

I don’t know why “ex-fiance’s brother” hooks me every time, but it’s so entertaining (see: The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa). Athena Graydon impulsively bought her future husband a brick townhome before he broke up with her, leaving Athena with a property dubbed the “Spite House” and a major heartache. Even worse, her ex’s snooty brother Dr. Matthew Vine (the THIRD) lives right next door. Convinced Matthew is the one who broke up her engagement, Athena decides to get him back with not-so-neighborly antics. Of course, he’s actually pretty kind and like…super hot. I can’t wait to see where Dade takes this new series.

4.5 stars. Dade really excels at creating quirky small towns where secretly wounded birds find each other. Matthew and Athena are no exception. Their love story is funny and sweet and surprising. This book was a little long, but I was also disappointed when I finished because there was no more book to read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the ARC to review. All opinions are my own.

💖 Happy Release Week At First Spite! 💖

As someone who has had a lifelong obsession with Spite Houses this was the absolute best read for me! The second I saw the blurb I knew I had to read it ASAP!

Olivia Dade has a beautiful way of writing that incorporates serious topics into swoony romances that perfectly balances out with hilarious laugh out loud humor. At First Spite is full of love, loss, new beginnings, healing, strength, self-reflection, character growth, spice, quirky characters and is one heck of an emotional rollercoaster!

🗣️ Banter
🎃 Halloween Decorations
💖 Swoon Worthy
🧳 Starting Over
🏡 Small Town
🧠 Mental Health Rep
😹 Hoot & a Half
🏘️ Community
🌶️ Spice
🫶 Lovable Characters

10/10 recommend and I can’t wait to see what book 2 of the Harlot’s Bay series will bring!

Method Read: 📖

Thank you Avon Books for the ARC!

At First Spite is quite the read and it has so many qualities and elements interwoven within it that make it such a heartfelt novel. First off, this book is a beautifully written, especially in the way it handles mental health and the journey of finding oneself through complex situations. While reading, the synopsis provided me with some insight into the book, but it’s so much more and it has an entirely different approach to romance and comedy within its pages.

Synopsis:
When Athena Greydon's potential fiancé ends their engagement because of his meddlesome, older brother, she has many unfortunate events happen in her life. After, she quits her job, sells her condo, and makes a terrible purchase (AKA the house next to her ex and his brother), Athena goes through a series of ups and downs that change the trajectory of her life. With the ex’s brother trying to make amends for his actions and helping her get through her hard times, he becomes a bigger part of her life.

Olivia Dade discusses the emotions of feeling lost and hopeless with life and the situations that can come with it. I saw myself in Athena and her struggles, but specifically in how important it is to have someone with you when things are too much to handle by yourself. That’s where I started to connect with the mmc. He handled Athena’s struggles with care and attentiveness that reassured Athena, but also me and my thoughts about what I’m looking for in a partner. This is a smart and self-aware book that has so many complexities. It was heartwarming, hilarious, inspiring, and silly. It’s definitely a long book that takes a while to get into, but it’s worth it to get to the core of its meaning and inspiration.

At First Spite is another wonderful romance by Olivia Dade!

Athena moves into the aptly named Spite House, a ridiculously narrow house which shares a wall with her now ex-fiance, after he abruptly ended their engagement. What she doesn't realize until it's too late is that she's essentially made herself the filling in a Vine brothers sandwich--because her ex-fiance's brother owns the house across the alley from her. The brother who convinced her ex=fiance to end things less than a month before the wedding. THAT brother.

Shenanigans ensue, but through it all, she can't help but notice that Matthew Vine the third is NOT as evil and terrible as she had believed him to be, despite his role in the failure of her engagement. In fact, he's proving to be surprisingly nice. Like, really nice. And helpful. And remorseful. And hot. Really, really hot.

This is a delicious slow burn romance between two people who shouldn't have fallen for each other, given her connection to his brother. This book deals with depression and caregiving and working through things in therapy. I honestly loved every bit of it. Oh, and there's a steamy romance book club, a grumpy baker who listens to monster erotica, a bookstore with an emotional support chicken, and so much more.

I've never read a book by Olivia I didn't love, and At First Spite is no different. Some might think the heroine is immature, given that she's in her mid-thirties and can't stick with a job for longer than three years. Honestly, she reads as a character with undiagnosed ADHD. (This is never addressed in the book and is only my opinion--as someone who was diagnosed with ADHD in my mid-thirties.) Athena is who I probably would have been if I hadn't gotten married young and started popping out babies. Left to my own devices, I think I'd probably operate in much the same way, and I know I've definitely felt the same feelings she has--feelings of failure and letting people down and not being worthy of love and good things. But Matthew is committed to combatting those feelings with the truth and gentle encouragement. We could all use a Matthew in our lives (I have one, and his name is Daniel).

If you love "enemies" to lovers, slow burn romances, and books with a whole heck of a lot of heart, At First Spite is a must read. It was hilarious. And earnest. And made me cry. So yeah.

4.5 angsty, awkwardly funny stars

In the spirit of using pop culture references, occasionally this story can be as awkward as Elaine Benes dancing. And just as funny. If you’re gen z, look it up.

I need to structure my thoughts about this story because there’s several things that I absolutely adored and some things that I didn’t but the good far outweighs what I may not love so let’s suss this out.

The Sitch: Matthew and Athena meet and immediately click, like two awkward folks finding each other at the exactly wrong time since, you see, she’s already engaged. To his brother. And that is not the end of the awkward that happens throughout this story, but romance also happens.

The Good: Ms. Dade really handled the subject of depression and (off page) child neglect and death with a deft hand, a lot of sensitivity and painful authenticity. Taking a story premise of a FMC falling for her future brother in law would usually be a hard pass for me but it actually works here. Humor’s always subjective but there’s a lot of silly, lighthearted moments of chemistry between Matthew and Athena to balance out the serious moments that made me laugh….

The Bad(ish): And occasionally, cringe a wee bit too much. The setup for the third act breakup and the eventual grand gesture were the things that I struggled mightily with. I mean, I understood it to an extent even if it was a close thing…

The Bottom Line: but at the end of the day, this made me laugh and it made me cry, so I have to give this its proper flowers for the keeping me invested in their HEA. Instead of stars, Here’s two jerky thumbs up 👍🏼 👍🏼 and painful side kick 🦵


**ARC provided in exchange for honest review**

🫠😂😁

At First Spite is the first book in Olivia Dade’s Harlot’s Bay series. The title comes from the fact she bought a Spite house for her fiancé and then decides to live in it, out of spite, when he breaks up with her.

I’ve loved everything I’ve read from Olivia Dade, so I was excited she was coming out with a new series. I really enjoy the humor and writing style that comes with each of her books. As a plus-sized woman, I also love that all her FMC’s are plus sized women and this was no exception.

This book had me laughing out loud A LOT. Athena blames Matthew for the end of the relationship with his brother, so there’s a lot of banter and pay back in some creative ways, but then it becomes sweet because it’s hard to be mad at someone who actually treats you well. It was also emotional at times. Matthew is still dealing with things that have come from the death of his parents when he was a kid. He’s become used to taking care of everything and everyone, including his brother. There is also a focus on depression and the ebbs and flows that come with that, and I think it was handled with care. If you like the caretaker micro-trope, you’ll really love this one. It also has a unique and satisfying grovel at the end.

Overall, I really enjoyed it. I’ve been a fan of Olivia’s for a while and will continue to be.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series that will focus on Karl, our cranky, monster romance loving baker.

Thank you to Olivia. I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
4.5 Stars

I really wanted to love this book but it was just too much for me in a time where I had similar drama going on in my life. Other than my own personal issues affecting this book, I wasn't a fan of the immediate hatred between the two that would be love interests.

While I greatly appreciated the chance to read it, I did DNF this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Olivia Dade (and team) for an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Let's start by the good-
- great mental health rep.
- amazing chemistry when either of them weren't at each other's throats.
- loved loved loved how Matthew started caring for Athena from the very beginning ans started to realize how wrong he was regarding few things.
- again with the caring- I adored how Matthew created a safe space for Athena physically, mentally, and economically.
- the murder dolls. Obviously.


The not so good things-
- I'm still very unclear of the reason why Matthew decided to break up Athena and Johnny. Doesn't make any sense at all.
- the love triangle thing was too messy and childish.
- a lot was going on in this book at the same time which made it chaotic at times.

Overall I'd say I enjoyed it.

Thank you Netgalley & Publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 rounded up.

This was a steamy enemies to lovers, forbidden, dual POV romance that sees Athena, a plus size woman's wedding falling apart when her fiance Johnny's older brother Matthew implores him to dump her right before they are about to get married.

In a weird twist of fate the Athena moves in next door to judgy pediatrician, Matthew forcing the two to see each other daily. After her failed engagement and a series of missed job opportunities sinks Athena into a deep depression, it falls to Matthew to notice and help bring her out of it with therapy and medication.

I loved the amazing mental health rep in this book, how Athena and Matthew moved slowly from enemies to friends to lovers and the fact that Athena finds her calling as a small town librarian. An added bonus was the quirky older bookstore owner with an emotional support chicken who helps Matthew with his epic grand gesture!

Great on audio, this is a new favorite from an auto-buy author. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!

I previously read Olivia’s Spoiler Alert series and really enjoyed it, so when I saw she had a new series releasing, I was excited to check it out! This book was definitely different than the previous series, but enjoyable still the same. The book was a bit slower than the other series I had read from her, but the second half definitely picks up and the spice was worth it in the end.

The plot of this one did take me a bit of time to get into. There isn’t really a plot or much that happens storywise, it has a lot more to do about character growth, so I think this was what made the book drag at first for me. It was entertaining with the character antics, but it was a little over the top and I wasn’t expecting that out of the gate, so it took me a bit to orient myself. After the 50 percent mark, things changed pace in the book, and while the zanniness died down, the heart of the characters amped up and I was able to really settle into the book and enjoy it more. The last third really had me enjoying it and brought up my rating a lot!

The characters themselves also took me a minute to get used to. Again, the FMCs life is so ridiculous that I just had to accept it and roll with it. The MMC was written as someone who was so focused on work and raising his brother that he had no life and got 0 social cues or popular references. This worked fine for me, but got to be a little old for some of it and I wish there weren’t quite as many moments written in for laughs about that. He was at his best when in his caretaker role, and the audio book at the end had me DYING. Overall, they had a lot of fun banter and quirks together, and once I got used to their characters I had a good time with them. It just took me a bit to get into them as they were both pretty extreme in their perspective quirks.

What I loved about this one, and like her previous series, Olivia writes plus size FMCs who are confident in their skin, and its a refreshing take to read about these women and have them to relate to. This book deals a lot more with mental health than previous books, with the FMC dealing with some pretty serious clinical depression. It was written in a very authentic way, and I loved how the MMC helped her through it (without making everything magically better). The moments in the book that dealt with them working through this, and the growth of the character, really helped me to connect with the FMC and embrace the character.

As I said, there were definitely some things about this that were cheesy and over-the-top, but I just learned to roll with the absurdity of the book and enjoyed the ride. If you’re looking for a romcom with heart, filled with ridiculous pranks and some tender moments, I suggest checking this one out!

Read if You Like
-Small Town Romance
-Ex Fiance’s Brother
-Forced Proximity
-Plus Size FMC
-Ridiculous Pranks and Witty Banter
-Mental Health Rep
-He Takes Care of Her

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful little gem this was. I was so infatuated with so many different aspects of this story. The idea of the stars hollow-esque little town. The spire house itself. The mental health struggles addresses. THE ROMANCE. Everything about this story did it for me….minus 1 star because I desperately wish it would have been more clear cut, alternating pov chapters in first person.

Heat Factor: A slow burn, and then lots of eating.

Character Chemistry: Instant connection, even before there should be one.

Plot: Athena—broke, jobless, and single—moves into the spite house next door to her ex-fiancé. Oh, and his brother who broke them up lives on the other side.

Overall: What I was expecting based on the first few chapters is not at all where this book went.

I gotta say it. I was tempted to DNF this book very early on. It felt very twee and was just chock full of internet memes (that I am ashamed to admit I mostly understood, which is a sign that I am Too Much Online). Now, all these memes do serve some function in the text, because Matthew doesn’t understand a single solitary reference (since he has been taking care of his baby brother since the age of eight, he never had time for pop culture of any kind). This felt a teensy bit overdone. I’ll use my husband as a point of comparison, because he, like Matthew, would have no idea what I was talking about if I said, “Sure, Jan” to him.

Marcia from The Brady Bunch movie saying "Sure, Jan."
(My husband’s internet literacy ends in approximately 2003, so while he does know who Trogdor the Burninator is, he, also like Matthew, doesn’t know what rickrolling is. I confirmed this with him.)

Dragon with a muscled arm, named Trogdor the Burninator

From Homestar Runner, Strongbad Emails #58

https://homestarrunner.com/sbemails/58-dragon
However. Even if Matthew lived under a rock and had only one single solitary friend and was really afraid of horror movies, I find it hard to believe that a 38-year-old in the Year of Our Lord 2024 would think that Freddy Krueger was maybe a grocery store.

Freddy Kreuger costume
Kroger grocery store
These are not the same. My husband, who also lives under a rock and hates horror movies, knows this.
My husband—also a 38-year-old man in the Year of Our Lord 2024 who would never voluntarily watch a horror movie—tells me that he remembers Freddy Krueger being a topic of playground conversation when he was in elementary school, that Krueger was just part of the zeitgeist of the early 90s. (This sparked my own memories of Jason being talked about on the playground, but don’t worry, Matthew doesn’t know who Jason is either.)

If nothing else, Matthew raised a brother who, like, would go bar hopping, and presumably said brother talked to him about his interests, which, maybe, sometimes, included a movie?

Anyways. It was a lot. All the while, Athena and Matthew are sort of becoming friends (ish). They have some nice moments, and then Athena gets mad again, and starts stepping up the revenge (hence the rickrolling) (and also playing monster erotica audiobooks loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear). For his part, Matthew feels responsible for Athena being in the truly shit position she finds herself in, and is trying to help her without letting her know that he’s helping her. There’s a lot of push and pull here: desire and tamping it down. Recognizing kinship and not accepting it. Moments of connection followed by spectacular failures in communication.

However, the book undergoes a major shift in tone and content at around the midway point. Thankfully, this shift in the relationship between Matthew and Athena means that the name of the game is no longer so heavily focused on the running gag of “Matthew knows nothing about pop culture.”

Athena becomes clinically depressed—doesn’t leave her house for days levels of depression—and because he’s worried, Matthew breaks into her house and helps her. This includes a scene where he gives her a bath.

Special alternate cover for At First Spite, featuring naked Athena in a bathtub, being held by Matthew.

Tagline: "She swore revenge–then surrendered to tender passion in the arms of her worse enemy!"
Based on this gorgeous alternate cover for the book, you might think that this is going to be a sexy scene, and it’s really not, at least not in the way that people generally talk about “spicy books.” Rather, it’s a stunning moment of one person showing care for another person. And the rest of the book builds on that same dynamic of careful consideration growing into love (lust is definitely part of the equation, though I would call this a slow burn).

In fact, this reversal of reader expectations set up by the first bit of the book occurs in several areas of the book. For example, readers who are extremely frustrated about the dynamic between Matthew and (little bro the ex-fiancé whose name is not important enough to remember) will be happy to note that yes, the text does address this, and how messed up it is, and how awful everything was when they were kids, and these guys make some small changes to improve their interactions. (For serious, Matthew, WHY ARE YOU PAYING YOUR BROTHER’S STUDENT LOANS??? WHY ARE YOU PAYING FOR HIS HONEYMOON??? HE HAS A JOB!!! AND A HOUSE WITH NO MORTGAGE!!! This casual acceptance of Matthew’s outsize caretaking for his brother was one reason I was tempted to put the book down, and I’m still a bit salty about it.)

A bigger reversal is the portrayal of Matthew himself. When we initially meet him, he comes across as a standard alpha (but make him nice) hero. He’s taciturn (read: emotionally constipated). He’s good looking, but not pretty. He’s a doctor—actually, a pediatrician, which adds the extra swoon. While all these things remain true, we learn that he’s easily scared—by thunderstorms, by murder dolls, by heights. He’s so so lonely. And he’s a virgin, because he gave up literally his entire life for his brother.

In the end, I was so glad that Athena and Matthew had come together and each had someone to care for them, above all else. Mutual care might not bring the same swoon as a good grovel, but my face was wet for the entire second half of this book.

Gif of Flight of the Conchords singing "I'm Not Crying."

#I've just been cutting onions#
PS: I did love the Southern Maryland setting, which I have decided, based solely on looking at Google maps, must be inspired by Cuckold Creek.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review (with images added) is available at The Smut Report.

✨ Review ✨ At First Spite by Olivia Dade
Series: Harlot's Bay #1

I've been an Olivia Dade fangirl for YEARS and this might be my new favorite! This book reminds me more of the Something about Marysburg series than the more recent Spoiler Alert series, but also somehow blends both together in what felt like an absolutely perfect book.

The setup of this is A++ where Athena's fiancee Johnny dumps her right before their wedding with encouragement from his brother Matthew, and she ends up moving into a 10-foot-wide house known locally as The Spite House, AND IT'S RIGHT BETWEEN JOHNNY AND MATTHEW'S HOUSES (also they're both pediatricians at a local and hilariously named practice)! Johnny and Athena were clearly not compatible, and we start out with an enemies-to-lovers sort of plot between Athena and Matthew, and it is a total delight (creepy murder dolls in the windows?! yes please!).

Quickly though we see that Matthew's personality and care run much deeper than she saw during her brief engagement with Johnny, and Matthew goes above and beyond to make sure Athena isn't left in the dust after Johnny flees to Hawaii for an extended six-week version of their honeymoon.

The book is light on a plot but digs deeply into mental health and wellbeing, caretaking for those you love, and celebrating your identity. At the same time, while the book was deep and thoughtful, it also heartily made me laugh (the obsession with monster smut audiobooks across the town was AMAZING).

Ultimately, I loved that Athena and Matthew found the best in each other throughout this book. (And that Matthew falls in step with Athena's love for potatoes). It also sets up a great set of supporting characters in local businesses and a book club that I'm excited to see where this series goes next.

Never stop writing, please, Olivia?!?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: contemporary romance
Setting: small imaginary town in Maryland
Reminds me of: Dade's Something about Marysburg series
Pub Date: Feb 13, 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ baked goods and books and potatoes of all kinds
⭕️ jokes using historical words like harlot
⭕️ mental health representation
⭕️ bathtubs and monster smut audiobooks

Thanks to Avon and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

This book may be right up someone else's alley, but for me it was just okay. There were definitely aspects I enjoyed, so it was a solid 3 star read for me.

What I liked:
- plus-sized heroine (without making a "thing" of her being plus-sized)
- Cinnamon roll hero
- really fun supporting characters that make up the community of Harlot's Bay
- Unique aspects - I learned a lot while reading this book --- including the history and existence of Spite Houses.

What wasn't my jam:
- The brothers being in love with the same girl and the girl ostensibly loving both brothers --- falling for the 2nd so soon after the first broke things off. I'm a fan of taboo romance, but something about this setup didn't hit right.
- The monster smut --- again, I am a fan of smutty romance but the abundance of monster smut didn't really work for me --- but it might really appeal to other readers.

Content warnings:
- When the author advises caution if you are triggered by severe depression and mental health struggles (on the page) and loss of sibling (prior to the events of the story but with lasting effects) she is serious! Even taking the warning seriously I was a little surprised by how big of a role depression played in the story.
Grateful to the publishers and NetGalley for this digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

A Delightful Romp through Love, Laughter, and Lust in "At First Spite" by Olivia Dade

Olivia Dade's "At First Spite" is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly blending absurd situations, humor, and serious issues such as depression and fatphobia. The author's unique ability to infuse a narrative with both depth and levity shines through, making this book an enjoyable and unexpected experience.

The heart of the story revolves around Athena, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she's dumped by her fiancé just days before their wedding. Dade skillfully navigates the aftermath of this heartbreak, revealing the complexities of relationships, familial ties, and personal growth. While the plot might not be overly intricate, the character development is masterfully executed, keeping readers invested in the journey of Athena and those around her.

Athena's move next door to her ex-fiancé and his brother sets the stage for a humorous and touching exploration of love and self-discovery. The dynamic between Athena and Matthew, her ex's brother, is the beating heart of the narrative. Dade crafts a slow-burning romance that blooms into a beautiful connection, showcasing the evolution of their relationship from initial attraction to unwavering support and genuine care.

The exploration of serious topics like depression is handled with sensitivity and authenticity, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the overall lighthearted tone of the book. Dade masterfully weaves these elements into the fabric of the story, creating a harmonious blend of humor and emotion.

The intimate scenes in the novel contribute to its allure, providing a sensual and tasteful exploration of desire and connection. The sex tropes, while specific, add a layer of relatability and authenticity to the characters, making their journey even more engaging for readers.

"At First Spite" is a testament to Olivia Dade's storytelling prowess, seamlessly combining elements of humor, emotion, and sensuality. The slow-growing affection between the characters, coupled with the well-executed exploration of serious themes, makes this novel a thoroughly enjoyable read. Dade's ability to balance the ridiculous with the heartfelt creates a narrative that is sweet, funny, poignant, and undeniably sexy. This review, based on a complimentary copy of the novel, offers a sincere and objective perspective on the book's merits.

This book was absolutely amazing! This was my first Olivia Dade book and I have been eyeing her for awhile. Her writing style is so unique. The way she writes had me feeling like I was transported into a period drama but in a modern setting... I love it.

This book follows Athena to Harlots Bay where she purchased the historical "Spite House" as a wedding present for her fiancee. Of course he ends their engagement due to his bother she loathes, and she winds up with the house stuck between both brothers houses..

I think it is funny the house is called Spite House, when her and Matthews foundation for their entire relationship was based on spite..

This book had it all. The characters were lovable, and so were all of the side characters. I absolutely loved all the references to monster smut. It was hilarious. I thought Olivia depicted depression extremely well, and that is said coming from a person who has suffered from depression before herself (me).

I don't know how else to sing this books praises from the rooftop but I am singing them, Or screaming them with a background of guppie smut and scary Halloween dolls.

I can't wait for more of Harlots Bay!

Oh, also this def had about a 3/5 on the spice scale which was an additional bonus. :D

At First Spite is the newest release from Olivia Dade. I’ve read a handful of books from this author now and I’ve definitely had some hits and misses. This is a contemporary romance where the heroine moves into a house between her ex-fiancé and his brother (who actively got their wedding and relationship canceled), and her romance with said ex’s brother!

Athena is engaged to Johnny and when the story starts, she is at their engagement party and bumps into a man there who she ends up connecting with pretty quickly. They both love information and looking things up on google and kind of banter and hit it off quickly. Shortly after her fiancé shows up and Athena is introduced to the mystery man who ends up being Matthew, her fiancé’s brother! Athena ends up overhearing the two brothers arguing shortly after with Matthew trying to talk his brother out of the relationship. We cut to months later and Matthew got his way, with Johnny dumping Athena just a week before their wedding.

Things get even more awkward when Athena, who was a highschool teacher but quit her job to move to her ex-fiancé’s small hometown, also has to move into the house she purchased as a wedding gift to her ex…which just so happens to be situated between his and his brother’s houses. His ex isn’t around as she’s moving in because he still left for what was supposed to be their honeymoon trip, but his brother Matthew is there and is super pulled to Athena. We find out he’s been into her for a long time and just didn’t think her with his brother was the right move for either of them. Matthew has always taken care of his brother, they are partners of their own pediatrics practice, and he honestly kind of took the father role to him.

Athena and Matthew start spending time together and both fall pretty easily, there is a scene where he helps bathe her (which ties into the special edition dust jacket cover I saw). I really don’t get why this is described as a romcom, it has a lot of heavy themes going in within the story and deals with depression for a main character for a good bit of the story. Athena struggles with what she wants to do with her life and the choices she’s made, she’s 36/37 and still unsure of a job she wants to have for any length of time (she likes to be able to quit and move around as she wants). Matthew as well has some repressed trauma from his past (from when he was a child), that he has kind of overlooked to take of his brother. I just felt like the vibe of the book was off at times because of these mixed feelings going on in the story.

I did like that we have characters in their upper 30s (close to 40) and seeing the realness of their feelings and emotions. Matthew was sweet and I liked the romance we do get from them (it does get pretty steamy and we have a virgin hero too), even if it felt way too soon after her being with her ex/his brother. I guess if you know what you’re getting into with this book, you could definitely still enjoy it. But for me, it was just okay.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley, all thoughts in this review are my own.

CW: grief and clinical depression, mentions an accidental death of a young child (didn’t occur on page)

I am very mixed on my feelings with this book. I have loved Olivia Dade's previous books and a lot of what I've loved about them is present here. Athena is a fabulous protagonist in a lot of ways and Dade has such a way of writing plus size heroines where it's never a plot point that they are plus size. Also the humor is really on point and for the most part, very welcome. I will say there were maybe one too many pop culture references for my taste? It's one thing to name drop a movie but to talk about memes felt a little... almost dated?

It took me awhile to warm up to Athena. I wasn't really sure why she had made the decisions she did (buying an entire house with ostensibly no job or money? wanting to marry someone just to have a cushion?) and some of her behavior felt very juvenile to me. Ther is a reason why she acts the way she does and there is a very intense period of this book, in the middle, where the character has a major depressive episode. Although Dade warns you at the beginning, I'm not sure I was entirely prepared. It is also possible that a lot of Athena's more grating qualities are some of the things I sometimes see in myself which is why I didn't appreciate reading them.

Either way, once I got passed the first half I got really into the book, Athena's journey and relationship with Matthew. I adored Matthew. Every time he cried, I wanted to cry. At first I was worried that he just wanted to take care of someone but he has his own journey in this book.

Overall, this was a very hot and lovely romance. Just go in a little more prepared for the darker stuff than me.

Thank you so much to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me access to an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.