Well, i didn't hate it?

I don't quite know how else to put it. I respected what the story was doing. I even liked the characters a fair amount. I'm just not sure this one wasn't Women's Fiction instead of a Romance... I think the issues of depression and mental health are important. Of course I do, but this first 60% and more of this book felt SO heavy to me.

Athena is dealing with so much all at once. Like so often happens in our life, it can all come down when we least expect it. So I don't think anything in here is impossible or even improbable. In fact, some of her situations felt *too* real for me. I feel like the topics were handled well and if this had been marketed as Women's Fiction was a good romance favoring it, it would be very successful.

But as it is... I need a bit more of an escape in my romance and as stated.. this just felt to raw and real for me. Though it may hit just right for others.

My favorite bright spot in this tale is Matthew. Our MMC is so sweet, caring, deep, and thoughtful. We may have a poor thought of him at the start. He does put his foot in his mouth a few too many times. However, as we get to know him, I just think he feels so much.. and has to repress it to take care of others. The way he tries to right his wrongs with Athena is heartwarming. When she finally is able to come out of her haze of depression and bias against him... she can see it too.

So while this was a mixed bag for me.. Mostly because I just wanted more romance and happy parts of the book. I still think it's worth the read. Just be prepared to suffer a bit with our characters first.

I couldn’t put this one down; I couldn’t stop gushing about it to my friends.

The set-up is slightly complicated: Athena is engaged to Johnny. Athena meets Johnny’s older brother, Matthew, for the first time at their engagement party—which leads to a “moment.” Fast forward and Johnny dumps Athena a week before the wedding, at Matthew’s strong urging. But too late, Athena bought a house that is mere feet away from her ex-fiance…and the dreaded older brother, and she’s already quit her job and sold all her stuff so she’s stuck there.

What happens next is at times hilarious, heartwarming, sad, and depressing. At First Spite is so much more than a romcom; it goes into depth about depression, insecurity, the ramifications of parentification, and how grief can have a lifelong effect. It just made it feel all that more real.

Matthew is one of my favorite heroes ever, and even though he has a major misstep along the way, his grovel and legitimate apology secured my love. He was such a giver; he just adored Athena, his friends, and his brother. I just want to wrap him in a comfy blanket and make sure he’s okay. And Athena was the perfect, dorky foil to him. They just really fit together.

At First Spite was really just full of love…and potatoes.

Thank you to Avon Books for the review copy.

At First Spite is the brand new start to the amazing Harlot's Bay series by Olivia Dade.
Being in the charming small town of Harlot’s Bay was such a fun time.
The female MC, Athena, was just lovely, smart and beautiful. I adored her personality.
This couple was so much fun watching them together. Athena and Matthew are realistic, relatable and endearing individuals.
They were so loveable, their relationship and dynamic is entertaining and adorable.
I honestly didn't want to say goodbye to them at the end.
I smiled so much while reading this book. It was the kind of book that just makes you happy to read.
I have yet to devour a book written by Olivia that I just didn’t love!
And her newest title was no different.
A satisfying rom-com that was utterly delightful.

Thank You NetGalley and Avon for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

AT FIRST SPITE – Olivia Dade
Harlot’s Bay, Book 1
Avon
ISBN: 978-0063215917
February 13, 2024
Contemporary Romance

Harlot’s Bay, Maryland – Present Day

Athena Greydon is happily engaged to Dr. Johnny Vine and they’re currently at an engagement party she helped arrange in Harlot’s Bay where Johnny and his family and friends live. She has yet to meet Johnny’s brother, Dr. Matthew Vine, but it doesn’t take long to figure out who he is when she overhears Johnny talking to another man. Johnny is being told to not get married to Athena. Stunned, she didn’t know what to say, especially since she thought everything was perfect. But a month before the wedding, Johnny breaks it off. However, Athena now has a problem. As a surprise wedding gift, she’d poured all her money into a big wedding gift for him: she bought the house next door to him. With no fiancé and no money, plus no job after she quit to get married, she has no place to go. Athena ends up moving into the house. Johnny is currently in Hawaii using the vacation that was planned for their honeymoon. But Athena soon learns that Matthew is the one living in the house next door. How will she react when she realizes the man responsible for breaking up her engagement is living so close?

Athena bought a house called the Spite House. It was named because two rival brothers built houses next to each other on property so small that the houses are around ten feet or so in width, plus are close together. Athena can literally see into Matthew’s house. Things are uncomfortable at first, mainly because she hates the man and gives him death stares whenever she spots him. But he turns out to have a kind heart—though he might be heartless—after he helps her out a few times. As the deep freeze thaws between them, Matthew finds himself increasingly attracted to Athena. How can he explain to her that the reason he didn’t want Johnny to marry her is because he felt his brother wasn’t ready for marriage? As the weeks go on, Athena finds it hard to get a permanent job after taking a couple of temporary ones. She needs money for the mortgage, and she doesn’t want to tell her parents her predicament because she feels that makes her a failure in their eyes. In the end, it is Matthew who comes to her rescue in a big way that doesn’t necessarily mean money. Will this give them an opening to find love together?

AT FIRST SPITE has its funny moments but it also tackles some serious issues that I won’t spoil for readers. But it means that between the laughter you will also realize that life isn’t always easy. One can understand Athena’s initial dislike of Matthew, and soon you will see why he felt Johnny wasn’t ready for marriage. Matthew has always looked out for his younger brother and thought he was doing it again when he told him to not marry Athena. But the more Matthew gets to know her, he starts to like her and regrets the pain he caused her. There was no way he could have known she would quit her job and put all her savings into the Spite House. He tries to soothe the pain he has caused but she is still hurting from what she sees as his rejection of her sight unseen. Despite all this, a romance soon blooms between them.

A tale that is not only tender and funny but filled with sizzle, don’t miss the fun in AT FIRST SPITE.

Patti Fischer
Romance Reviews Today

Genre: contemporary romance
Maryland, present day

Athena Greydon leaves her job in Virginia and pours her savings into buying the “Spite House” for her now ex-fiance Dr Johnny Vine as a wedding gift. See, Johnny’s older brother Matthew has convinced Johnny that Athena isn’t right for him, but now Athena owns the narrow house that abuts Johnny’s in Harlot’s Bay, Maryland, away from her old life in Virginia. While Johnny takes their honeymoon without her, Athena tries to settle into a new life and find a new job. But finding a new job is harder than it should be for someone with two master’s degrees. In fact, everything feels hard, except tormenting Dr Matthew Vine the Third. What Athena has always attributed to personal laziness turns out to be a blend of insatiable curiosity for the world paired with a lack of motivation from depression, Matthew is the only one there to see her.

Olivia Dade writes special books. They aren’t usually as bananas as I like in contemporary romances, but they more than make up for it with the bawdy humor and explicit nature paired with really heartfelt and deeply caring expressions of love. Athena is smart and witty, but she can’t hold down a job for more than 3 years or so, which at 37 years old feels like failing. What I loved so deeply about this book is that while there are depressing (and sometimes depressingly relatable) moments, it is a beautiful story about learning to love yourself, and learning how to let someone else fully love you. Also with a healthy side of monster-fucking audiobooking and pranking. There’s a lot of silliness to bolster the darker sides of the story.

Matthew Vine is one of my favorite types of heroes: caring, competent, and head over heels without even realizing it. He raised his younger brother from the age of 8, with absent parents. He co-owns a pediatric medical practice, he helps out those in need (but in a gruff sort of way, since he’s never been allowed to be anything but gruff). And with any hero with this kind of makeup, it’s a delight to see him melt in the arms of someone he falls for. The cautious and caring, and yes, a little bit forbidden, romance is perhaps the most gentle enemies to lovers I’ve read recently. Yes, there are incendiary sparks, and some expert level orgasms, but it’s somehow still so soft underneath the barbs.

At First Spite never loses sight of its core message: you can be a lot of things at once, including depressed and loved, smart and lost, funny and sad. Check the content warnings on this one, because there are some sensitive topics!

Kind of mixed feelings on this one! Between a 3.5 and a 4 star. It started very slow (I took like a month off reading it which I'm sure did not help) and then I got really into it -- only to reach a part where the FMC had a major depressive episode that I forgot was mentioned as a TW. Then the ending was rushed. But despite all that I did enjoy the book.

Olivia Dade always treats her characters with so much care, even Athena's ex fiancé that a lesser writer could've just made a horrible guy. Athena is lost with her career and life in general and it was nice seeing a character in their late 30's who was just as lost as a character who is 23. I loved seeing Athena grow and figure herself out. I cried when she talked to her parents and they all got on the same page.

I did think Matthew was a bit too perfect and a lot of his development happened towards the end. I think if there had been a bit more build up the third act conflict would've worked a bit better for me. Instead I was left a bit confused by his actions, but Olivia Dade was able to explain them in a way that made sense -- I just wish it had been set up a bit more. But as an oldest child -- yeah I got him LOL

I love a small town and cannot wait to see these characters again in the next Harlot's Bay book. The monster romance book club?? That was so fun and I loved seeing it woven into the plot.

Overall I enjoyed this more more than I enjoyed her last book, but wish I had been more prepared for some of the more serious content bc it hit a bit too close to home at times which wasn't exactly what I wanted in a romance.

5 STARS!

I loved "At First Spite" by Olivia Dade so, so much. This book is an utter delight. It is sweet, smart, sexy, deep, intricate, poignant, and laugh-out-loud funny. Dade balances serious mental health struggles with over-the-top sunshine-y-ness and zaniness as she introduces us to her new series that takes place in the fictional town of Harlot's Bay.

I adored the main characters, Athena and Matthew. Athena is pure plus-sized sunshine on the outside, but has a lot of doubt and self-questioning/self-loathing on the inside. She has struggled to find her place in the world and frequently gets bored with work and school, so she is really good at a lot of different things and possesses many varied skills. Dr. Matthew Vine the Third is an innocent, virgin, caregiver pediatrician who is ignorant when it comes to pop culture, internet slang, and memes. He is headstrong because he has always had to be. He doesn't show emotion, is as grumpy as can be, is severely judgmental, and just so happens to have fallen head-first for Athena in just a couple of minutes, only to realize that she is his brother Johnny's fiance, the one he has been trying to get him to dump since getting engaged. When Athena moves to Harlot's Bay to live in the "Spite House," the wonkily built home situated next door to her fiance's house and was purchased for him as a wedding present, she seems to run into Doctor Matthew Vine the Third quite a bit. Running into the guy who broke up your pending nuptials is a tough, tough thing to deal with. They both live in the same town but remain as lonely as ever. Dade treats depression, mental health, and loneliness with tenderness, care, and heartbreaking accuracy, never once chastising Athena or Matthew despite the wrongs they may have done in their lives. I clung to each and every word of this well-written, thoughtful, wonderful novel. Please read this unputdownable, lovely book!

Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Dade, and Avon and Harper Voyager for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.25⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: Contemporary romance 📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Overall, I enjoyed this one once I got over the fact that she was dating her ex fiancés bother

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Grumpy/sunshine
Slow burn
Romances that discuss heavier topics
Small town
Confident plus size rep
He falls first
Ex’s brother
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity (neighbors)
Monster erotica bookclubs
Great banter

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
Emotional support chicken
Mental health and therapy rep
All the Google searches were relatable- I also google all my random questions lol

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
Some parts felt a little awkward to me

When someone told me there's no good romance in library books-they read all their love stories on AO3, I almost squealed. out loud. I spent the next 10 minutes fan-girling as I introduced this person to the books by Olivia Dade. When I adore a series as much as I did All the Feels, I always feel apprehensive when I start a new series by the author. Thankfully Dade has created a series that feels fresh but maintains all the things that we love about her writing. I look forward to future books in this series.

This was a pure delight! Funny, sexy, and compelling, Dade does it again with characters that make you swoon and think. I loved the history with the Sprite house and how she honestly explores the mental health challenges each character had to work through without it feeling too heavy. So good! Releases 2/13!

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.

What you'll see inside includes enemies to lovers, a plus-sized female main character, mental health representation, he falls first, and a whole lot of forced proximity. I thought the way the author handled Athena's depression was pretty spot on. As someone who has been there I totally related to the isolation and intense negative thoughts. Matthew is such a cute hero. His caretaker personality is so precious but he also loses himself in it all. That being said, he is also extremely unlikeable. His actions are the reason Athena's wedding never happened but can't help but fall in love with her. It's very counterintuitive. The whole scenario was weird. Also, his virginity subplot was not needed and felt very unrealistic. At almost 40 he is a virgin but also knows exactly what to do in the bedroom like a pro, then says oh I'm a doctor, I know anatomy. Ew. I need to say it! Brothers going after the same girl subplot gave me the ICK. Also, the whole "Professor Google" bit was funny in the beginning but got old pretty fast.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review. This book releases 2/13.

At First Spite was one of my most anticipated 2024 reads and I really enjoyed it. I love Olivia Dade’s books and this one really resonated with me. There’s excellent mental health representation in this, particularly depression. I really liked all of the characters and I’m really looking forward to future books in the series!

I have found a new favorite Olivia Dade book, and it's this one. Why? Olivia Dade has a knack for marrying absurd situations, an enjoyment of the ridiculous that comes across in her sense of humor, wonderful depth of emotion, and serious issues like depression, fatphobia, etc. It doesn't seem like a book that includes an in-depth exploration of clinical depression, including a lengthy depressive episode, could also be gloriously sexy and hilarious - but it is.

Honestly not a ton happens plot-wise in the book. The setup for this one is that Athena is dumped by her fiance a week before their wedding, partially at the behest of his older brother, who's argued against their relationship from the beginning. Athena has already left her job, sold her condo, and bought the house next door to her fiance as her wedding gift to him, and she doesn't want to move back in with her parents, so she moves into her new house. Which again, is next to her fiance's house. Oh, and also? It's next to her fiance's BROTHER'S house. (She's the meat in a Vine brother sandwich, as another character puts it, only not very sexy.) She's trying to make the best of things in her new life, but honestly it's rough going. Turns out her fiance's brother, Matthew, MOSLY broke up the engagement because he didn't feel like Athena and the fiance were right for each other, but ALSO because he is ridiculously attracted to Athena. When she moves to town, he's able to get to know her, and realizes that not only is she wrong for his bro - she's perfect for him. And that's kind of it, as far as plot goes.

I just absolutely loved the slow-growing respect, affection, and love between Matthew and Athena. His unwavering support for her is so satisfying to read - especially since he is the reason why she broke up with her fiance in the first place. The caretaking is top tier, as Matthew tries to alleviate the difficulties her breakup put on her, first anonymously, then in person. His sense of responsibility and caring for her are delightful.

I'm talking about the sex now. There are a ludicrous amount of sex tropes that speak to me very specifically. I am going to list some of them, so if you feel like these are spoilers, maybe skip reading this next part:

Athena decides she wants to "put on a show" for Matthew which she DOES (I am obsessed with a solo session!). In addition:
1. Matthew is a virgin hero who
2. Did a lot of research on how to go down on women (Athena, specifically)
3. Finds out he LOVES it
4. Is worried that wanting to do it doggie-style is degrading (but Athena sets him straight).

So anyhow, I loved this book, it was sweet, funny, poignant, hilarious, and so, so sexy!!!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

DNF at 40%. I really wanted to love this one and at the start I was really into it but unfortunately the initial spark fizzled and then I was left with a lot of pieces that didn’t fit. I don’t really buy why Athena was ever marrying Johnny to begin with and if we are supposed to think she loved him? And Matthew feels like he time traveled here from the past which could totally work if that was true but it isn’t so just felt clunky. Unfortunately this one just wasn’t for me. Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the free ebook to review.

Olivia Dade is an author whose books I always beg for (no shame) because she is such a gifted writer that can make you laugh hysterically one moment and then cry the next, all within the same chapter. It is hard to choose a favorite, but At First Spite may be her best work yet. This was so different from the Gods at the Gates/Spoiler Alert series and yet Dade’s voice was still so clear. At First Spite is a slowburn that surprised me because it didn’t feel like one and I didn’t even notice or mind that physical intimacy hadn’t happened already (in complete contrast to Ship Wrecked which had a one night stand on page 1).
In the fictional town of Harlot’s Bay, Athena is stuck living in a spite house—I had to use “Professor Google” as Athena would say, and look it up, you should too!—between her ex-fiancé Johnny and her ex-fiancé’s brother, Matthew, the catalyst for their breakup. The forced proximity fuels the animosity between Athena and Matthew resulting in some hilarious pranking and nosy neighbor vibes familiar to small towns. But the closeness of the houses and closeness of the townspeople begin to have an alternate effect that causes Matthew and Athena to learn about each other and their habits, whether they want to or not.
Serious moments first, depression plays a significant role in the storyline without being overdone and feeling extremely authentic. Loss of parents and the death of a child also play a heavy role in shaping one of the MCs, but here Dade takes the opportunity to explore how love can cut through grief and loss, and she is so deft with using her characters to cut through the hurt and belief that they are unlovable. There are such tender moments from both MCs; Athena notices the littlest things that Matthew likes where no one has paid him attention before, Matthew has always been in a caregiver role, and seamlessly knows how to care for Athena when she is unable to take care of herself. The moment Matthew is able to be present for Athena is so heart wrenchingly beautiful and I know I will be thinking about it for years to come. Little touches of love are sprinkled throughout and I loved watching Athena and Matthew fall for one another.
Humor plays a big role, both in cutting through the MCs fears but also Dade is the queen of using humor to balance grief. Comedy artfully enacts “revenge”, breaks down walls, and of course, is used to flirt. I was completely trash for the monster —-cking audiobooks and all the jokes that went with them (you’ll be rolling on the floor), the pranking of ahem, DOCTOR Matthew Vine the Third, who was so sweetly clueless about many contemporary memes and -isms. The way that Dade can balance humor and depression is masterful. It takes a tremendous about of trust for a reader to know that they can read heartbreaking and viscerally heavy moments, but feel confident that an author will deliver them through to the other side where moments of lightheartedness can coexist and a happily ever after is sure to follow.
Ultimately I fell for both Matthew and Athena and know this book will be a seasonal reread. I loved the parts of each of them that fit so well with the other and to read At First Spite is to truly read the romance genre at its best. And also, if you know Olivia Dade, you KNOW she will deliver the juiciest, hottest intimate scenes with nothing held back, and although not many, there’s a reason Matthew is given some, (cough) appropriate nicknames in the bedroom. Oh if we were all so lucky. I received an early copy from the publisher. This review and opinions are my own.

Emotional, the definition of "adorkable," and that classic Dade blend of gripping-yet-cozy concepts. At First Spite is a must-read!

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.

Oh yeah, things are about to get AWKWARD. (And it's already an awkward setup.)

Athena is now penniless, jobless, and friendless in a town holding both her ex-fiancé and his grumpy older brother. And the older brother is constantly running into her in the wild—making an already bad situation that much worse.

Both Athena and Matthew (that older brother) are in for a wild time of coincidences, conversational traps, and hilarious meet-cutes from hell.

So in way, can you really blame them when things start to cross that line from hate to something else...

Man, I am such a fan of Olivia Dade. This latest novel was an absolute joy to read and if you haven't read anything from her before, At First Spite is a great place to start. Great setting and great grumpy/sunshine hook with some subversions to the tropes that I was NOT expecting.

Athena and Matthew's journey toward love and acceptance gripped me for the entire reading experience. In fact, I read this in literally one evening—I couldn't stop!

Come for the one-of-a-kind housing setup hook, stay for the seriously deep emotional journeys these characters go through in their path to love.

However, a word of caution: there are some topics in this novel that I would consider firm triggers for certain readers. Please check out the warnings list at the beginning of the novel before committing to the read.

Olivia Dade, a queen of romance, let me tell ya!

AT FIRST SPITE shares the story of two people, imperfect, who find the missing pieces of themselves in each other. It's a beautiful, chaotic, romantic story that I adored and quite honestly, couldn't put down.

Dade spent time curating the characters and their idiosyncrasies. I loved that she didn't gloss over their mental issues. She delved deep and shared these people's imperfections but in a perfect way. The reader fell in love with the characters first, then with the story.

Dade also does body positivity books like you wouldn't believe. The FMC is plump. We are introduced to her and no one looks down on her, they accept her for who she is and her contributions to society. It's beautiful and what a great romance should be. She's never looked down upon or expected to change.

Loved the story, loved the characters, and love Ms. Dade. Anxiously awaiting the next novel in this series. <3

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Publishing and OLIVIA DADE HERSELF FOR SENDING ME AN ADVANCED COPY!!! SQUEEEEEEE!!!


*Clear throat* I'm an adult, I'm calm. Don't worry, all thoughts and opinions are my own.


So cards on the table, I walked into this one fully prepared to be surprised. While I love Dade's work, I'm actually not a fan of the Sibling's Partner/Ex-Partner trope. I have 4 siblings and our type runs along 5 different shades of red flags, you know? Still, the description and my trust in Dade led me to request it.


Synopsis according to GJ: After getting swept off her feet by her charming fiancee Johnny Vine, Athena Greydon finds herself dumped a month before the wedding. Unfortunately, it wasn't before the purchase of her wedding gift: A 10-feet wide, 4-story spite house that shares a brick wall with her ex's house. The house is also next to Dr. Matthew Vine the Third, Johnny's stoic brother who talked his brother into dumping Athena. It's a real shame too because they seemed to have a special spark the one time they actually met......


Determined to move forward (and to not ask for any help), Athena moves into the Spite House, planning her next steps and annoying Matthew any chance she gets.... Except he keeps helping her. And asking her questions. And making her feel things. It doesn't matter. It's not like that brief spark she felt for him that first time they met actually meant anything and he likes her, right?


RIGHT?!


Review: At First Spite also reminds me of the fantastic Georgie All Along by Kate Clayborne. Both books follow women in their 30s who feel like hot messes right as they're making big changes in their lives. An archetype I simply adore because it's just so relatable to me. Bring on all of the FMC who feel like flibbertigibbets, will-o'-the-wisps, and clowns!


Still, I'm reluctant to compare the two books more because GAA is a lighter read about finding yourself, At First Spite talks about depression and mental health in a way to hits close to home. When we meet Athena, she is actively trying to outrun the burnout and depression that has been trailing her since before the book's first pages. Sure, she smiles, schmoozes and charms. She excitedly tells people of her plans and even gives people suggestions for their businesses but it's still there, slowly gaining on her.


I've often made the joke that the phrase "Falling into a depression" is misleading because it's rarely as quick and clear as a fall. It's more like a meander or floating adrift. A slow progression that you don't notice or think you have managed until you don't. It works the same way while you're recovering. One day, you look up and realize that you replied to that text message without thinking about it. Dade gets this and makes sure to note that even with support and medication, the slow drift happens.


Something else that struck me about the book is how lonely our main characters are. Usually in romance, we have the best friend characters, the person who pushes our MCs to make big moves, to have emotional breakthroughs, or to add some levity to the whole thing. Athena and Matthew do have those people in their lives but I'm still struck by how lonely the two are. Athena has loving parents and seems to effortlessly make friends wherever she goes and yet, she closes herself off from people. It's unfortunately a common problem, the feeling of needing to perform for others out of fear of their judgment or abandonment.


In the other corner, we have Matthew who despite living in Harlot's Bay his whole life, has only two friends. (Yvonna and Karl, FTW) He spends much of the book putting other's needs above his own and trying to fix things. He was parentified at such a young age and made himself the safe harbor for everyone else. He feels like he has to be there to pick up the slack because people, HIS people failed him. As we go through the book, our view of him goes from arrogant and stoic to this lonely person carrying a burden alone. It's beautiful to see both of them slowly reach out for help, reach out for real connection, and learn that you don't have to be perfect to be loved.


BTW, if you think this book is a heavy read, it isn't. The book is funny, and heartwarming and reminds me of many of my favorite stories. I loved Athena's pranks and the pop culture references were on point. I was skeptical about the ick of our FMC falling in love with her ex-fiance's brother. Not only was I convinced, but I was also convinced by the second CHAPTER! I was fully ready to hold on to this grudge because my new bestie Athena was done dirty!


And yet.....Stupid Dr. Matthew Vine the Third made me love him. He's a chronically offline agoraphobic lobster of a man and I love him. I just want to give him a lecture about self-care while I wrap him up in a soft blanket and make him watch movies. And maybe yell at people on his behalf. How Dade pulled this off, I have no idea.


I give At First Spite 5 stars. I have so much more I could say but if I go on more, it'll end up as a play-by-play of the book and I want you all to read this book for yourselves!


At First Spite comes out on February 13, 2024!!


CW: Parentifacation, death of child (Death is offpage but is discussed), brief use of scene of a patient getting a shot, grief, depression, abandonment, sexual content, including monster erotica

Read if you like:
💋 he falls first
🧍ex’s brother
🏡 neighbors
😡 enemies to lovers
🔀 opposites attract
⚖️ plus size heroine
🧠 depression rep

Despite this book being filled with a lot of heart, steam and humor, I struggled to get through it. I think it was a mix between the writing style and how the relationship started with her ex’s brother.

I did appreciate the author’s realistic portrayal of depression and how she was able to weave in this sensitive topic while still keeping the story lighthearted.

I also enjoyed reading about a plus size main character where the focus was not on her body image but just described in a way so readers can paint an image as they read. Still, this was not my favorite.

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my review!

At First Spite is a captivating novel that showcases the true essence of love through its beautifully depicted moments of tender care during times of utmost need. This book is a perfect blend of breathtaking poignancy and heartwarming humor. Set in the charming town of Harlots Bay, with its delectable pastries, enticing erotica book club, cozy used bookstore accompanied by an emotional support chicken, and a plethora of kind-hearted residents, it truly feels like a dream destination.

Olivia Dade has once again gifted us with an extraordinary and indispensable addition to the modern romance genre. This novel takes its time to build up the romance, creating a slow burn that ultimately delivers an immensely satisfying experience. The author's writing style is impeccable, leaving readers yearning for more.

At First Spite, Dade skillfully crafts a narrative that not only captures the essence of love but also explores the depths of human emotions. The characters are richly developed, each with their own unique quirks and vulnerabilities. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where love triumphs over adversity, and where the power of connection and understanding prevails.

Furthermore, the town of Harlots Bay serves as a delightful backdrop, adding an extra layer of charm to the story. The vivid descriptions of the mouthwatering pastries, the lively discussions at the erotica book club, and the comforting presence of an emotional support chicken in the used bookstore create an immersive experience for readers.

At First Spite is a must-read for anyone seeking a captivating and heartwarming romance novel. Olivia Dade's exceptional storytelling and her ability to create relatable and endearing characters make this book a true gem. Prepare to be swept away by the magic of love and the enchanting world of Harlots Bay.