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.

4.5 - “Once the part you expected to follow vanishes beneath you, it can take a while to decide where you want to go next.”

I’ve always enjoyed Olivia Dade’s writing, but this is by far my favorite of hers. It’s sexy and sweet, while also dealing with incredibly heavy topics so well.

Athena is moving into a spite house after her engagement falls apart right before her wedding. She’s next door to her fiancé’s older brother, Matthew. They have chemistry from the very start, and we get that from the prologue when they meet at her engagement party. Matthew comes off as a jerk, but we find out how much more there is to it.

I love Athena and how curious she is about the world. She wants to learn and grow, and she’s so intelligent but feels like a failure because she never stays in one job for too long. She gets burnt out or bored, and seeks something new. Her failures moves to depression, and when Matthew comes to take care of her it’s such a beautiful moment. It also depicts depression in a way that feels delicate and caring. Sometimes it can feel like depression is used as a cheap plot point, but here it feels like an integral part of Athena's journey.

It’s also great to see that Athena has such supportive parents, who understand how she is as a person and are so proud of her despite her continual changes. And Matthew is so supportive as a partner, though he doesn’t come without his own issues. He carries this guilt over the death of his youngest brother and feels responsible for Johnny, who was engaged to Athena. He struggles with his feelings for Athena as well and views it as a possible betrayal of Johnny,

The late conflict isn’t my favorite, but the resolution is down so well that it didn’t take too much away from story. All of the characters involved in the conflicts have mature resolution. It doesn't feel petty, despite the premise of the story being that Athena buys a spite house. The conversations are thoughtful and show that each of them complete their arc.

In At First Spite, Olivia Dade sets up a perfect storm of a romcom. We have Athena, her ex-fiance, and the ex’s brother (who contributed to the breakup in a massive way) all living literally side by side in a small town. It was funny and engaging and I had to pace myself to keep from reading it straight through.

In addition to the romance and the humor, however, Dade has written the most heart-achingly realistic depiction of clinical depression I’ve ever seen in a work of fiction. I’m someone who deals with depression and anxiety, and I could see myself so clearly in Athena. Dade treats the subject of depression with dignity and compassion, and the response that Matthew and the entire tight-knit community has to Athena’s depressive episode is uplifting and heart-warming.

Athena and Matthew were wonderful together, and I truly enjoyed watching them dance around one another in the beginning. The way Matthew cares for and eventually grows to love Athena is beautiful, and the depiction of his grief and the way it has affected him over the course of his life is also well written.

This book deals with some heavy subjects, but it is also funny, lighthearted, and beautifully written, and it was well-worth the read. I can’t wait for more by this author!

I am in a love/hate relationship with this book. There are so many parts of this book that are just so much fun, but also instances where I was rolling my eyes. A great pick me up that actually didn't have me freaking out over that third act no-no.

I loved that we had plus-size and depression rep!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review*

DNF at 35%

I really wanted to like this book because it is a plus-size romance and you don't often get to see that representation. It also sounded like it would be super petty and I loved the sound of that.

However, I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I found the characters to be stiff and superficial. The way Athena was written made it feel like a poor attempt to make her seem to be on the spectrum. Matthew is just written to be weirdly obsessed with Athena and her boobs. I'd like him to think about Athena once without thinking about her boobs.

I went into the romance with an open mind because I was unsure how the ex's brother thing would work out, but it didn't seem realistic at all. The instalove that Matthew felt for Athena despite trying to break her and Johnny up was so off-putting. And the fact that Athena so openly and willingly would sit and flirt with another man at her engagement party didn't sit right with me.

There is some sort of mystery floating around about the way Johnny and Athena broke up and that's really the only thing that kept me reading until 35%, but I don't care enough to make it through the book.

I do not think I was the target audience for this book, so everyone who thinks the book sounds good should still give it a chance. This could be exactly what some people are looking for, it just wasn't for me.

At First Spite (eARC) — 3 ⭐️

𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: February 13, 2024

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 —
📺 Real-Life Pop Culture References
🧠 Mental Health Rep
🔒 Forced Proximity
👫 He Fell First
😏 Witty Banter
🔓 Open Door Romance
📚 Book about Books

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐢𝐟 —
🥔 Potatoes are the way to your heart
💼 You have an impressive resume
📖 You could spend all day reading
🤝 You have a great support system
😈 You’re not afraid of monsters (or dolls)

𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰: I had a lot of hope for my first Olivia Dade book because I’ve only heard good things about her stories. After reading the book’s description, I requested it since it had plenty of things I like in rom-coms — mental health representation, body diversity, witty banter, a fun premise… the list goes on. Sadly, this book came up short for me, and I really wanted to like it more! There were some parts that I enjoyed, but it mostly felt drawn out and too lengthy. The romance felt mediocre, and I felt like the MMC didn’t respect some obvious boundaries throughout the book, even if he said he “had good intentions.” Even though this book wasn’t for me, I do plan to read other books by the author to see what the hype is about.

𝐓𝐖: child death, profanity, sexual content, grief, depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts

Thank you, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, for providing me an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED this book! This was such a real romance. I appreciate so deeply the way the author accurately depicted symptoms of depression. It was also so refreshing to see a main male character that was so in tune with his emotions. Athena was such a relatable character + seeing a body confident plus size character was amazing!

I love Olivia Dade's characters SO much. They are funny, mature, and so darn realistic. Her newest release might be her most intimate and vulnerable book to date.

Athena is in her upper 30's with two masters' degrees yet she cannot seem to land on the career of her dreams. She has sold all her belongings and is planning to relocate to the small coastal town or Harlot's Bay, when her fiance abruptly ends the engagement. Unfortunately for the couple, and her fiance's infuriating older brother who she partially blames for her breakup, she is now stuck as their neighbors living in very TINY 'Spite House' she recklessly purchased as an ironic wedding gift. While her ex gallavants solo in Hawaii on their honeymoon, Athena decides vengence must be served on her new neighbor: Dr. Matthew Vine III. She signs him up for marketing campaigns, messes with his house numbers, and blares monster smut through open windows at top volume. However, ruffling Matthew's feathers in unexpectedly more difficult than she anticipated. Especially when Athena falls into a depressive episode, Matthew keeps helping her! He keeps checking in, connecting her with new friends, putting in a good word for local job openings, and he's an amazing conversationalist. Is it just his guilt over breaking up her and his brother or could there be something more than a spark with her ex-fiance's older brother??

I loved this romance! However, full disclosure, while the initial banter and pranks are hilarious, this book morphs from rom-com to include one of the most on-page realistic depressive episodes I've ever read and it definitely wrecked me/unleashed my own emotions. Dade does this with exceptional care, and Matthew literally needs to publish a manual on 'how to support a loved one when they are depressed'. Additionally, Matthew is also working through the off-page death of his sibling that led to the dissolution of his family and thrusted him into a parent role for his younger brother. That being said, their friendship, and then deeper romantic connection, was hard earned through conversation and consistently supporting each other!! The on-page steam is classic Dade, meaning incredibly hot, but it was a slow burn/occurs late in the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Publishing for my e-arc in exchange for my review. I will be posting my review to IG during pub week!

Another stunning, stellar plus sized heroine romance. Full of forced proximity, sexual tension, and delightful heat, this book will be a great edition to any romance lovers shelf.

I'm loathe to give this review but this book was a mess and not at all consistent with Dade's previous works.

MCs were neither likeable nor unlikeable- I never mustered enough of an emotional investment to really care. The plot had so. many. threads that it was just a knot. Is this enemies to lovers? Is the focus mental illness? Grief? Second chances? There was no satisfaction with the resolution because *nothing* felt fully resolved or explored. The HEA fell flat on its face and had me rolling my eyes.

Olivia Dade is (usually) a very solid writer but I can't even fake enthusiasm for At First Spite.

NetGalley provided the ARC, opnions 100% mine.

First book to land on my Best of 2024 watch list. Olivia Dade's AT FIRST SPITE took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. Anger, hope, heartbreak, joy, snark (Athena, you're a master), sadness, monster erotica (couldn't stop laughing), murder dolls (I feel ya, Matthew), and more. I was snort laughing one minute, mopping up tears the next, and reaching for a fan (the steam...so delicious) in between. I could not have loved Matthew and Athena more. Their flaws. Their fears. Their creativity (so hilariously creative). Their good hearts. Their slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance. By the time I turned the final page I felt like their personal cheerleader. I just wanted to hug both of them.

I've come to expect 5-star reads from this author but this book is special. I'm already eager to experience it all over again.

Note: Dade tackles some tough topics in this one - including severe depression and grief (death of a child/off page and before the story begins) - and does so in a raw, realistic way that figuratively lays open the character then slowly, carefully, realistically, stitches them back together with love, medical care, kindness, and a gentle hand.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

I loved this book! Olivia is great at writing real characters and this book is no exception! I just reviewed At First Spite by Olivia Dade. #AtFirstSpite #NetGalley

At First Spite is about Athena, who has just bought a spite house that is only 10 feet wide, as a wedding present for her fiance, so he can expand his own house. Unfortunately, the wedding is off, and she now lives between her ex and his brother, Matthew, who convinced him to end the engagement. Naturally, she decides to make Matthew's life as hard as possible while she figures out what to do next.

The premise of this story sounds light, and I was nervous about how that would play out in a romance between a woman and her ex's brother. But even though this book is laugh out loud funny, I wouldn't call it light. Matthew has a very complicated (although loving and close) relationship with his brother Johnny, having essentially raised him after the death of their younger brother. Athena struggles with depression, and her financial situation is somewhat precarious for a large part of the book. These are people with real struggles, but they're also incredibly kind and have an immense capacity for love and fun.

I really enjoyed the way Athena's teasing brought Matthew out of his shell, and the depths of humor and kindness Matthew had. I was half in love with both of them by the end of the book, and I even ended up caring a lot about Johnny, who was struggling to find himself as much as Matthew and Athena. The town of Harlot's Bay and the people in it are incredibly charming. The final grand gesture was dramatic but also really personal and thoughtful, and the epilogue was pure happiness.

I have a love/hate relationship with third-person writing and this one was in the latter category. Also not connecting with the FMC at all. Putting it down for now, might pick up later.

At First Spite by Olivia Dade is about a woman caught between two brothers who both love her. Athena meets Johnny, the younger brother first and falls in love. Older brother Matthew objects to their engagement and eventually Johnny gives in to his brothers warnings and dumps Athena one month before the wedding. Athena had left her job and given up her residence at this point so she is left with nowhere to go except for the "spite house," a sliver of a house built on to the side of Johnny's townhouse and across the alley from Matthew's house. At first Athena is determined to bounce back from this unwelcome situation but money and employment woes contribute to her downward spiral into deep deppression. And who should come to her aid, to help her begin her climb back to health but Matthew. Meanwhile Johhny has been working hard to better himself so that he might be worthy of Athena.

Olivia Dade is magical sorceress who lures us into her books where we soon find ourselves lost and helpless to do anything but keep turning pages as she pulls us along, our hearts torn with sympathy for the characters's travails. This particular book shows us how trust precedes intimacy and is necessary for achieving true intimacy. Other issues explore the far-reaching effects of trauma, the importance of support for people struggling with mental health issues, the pain and joy of personal growth, and deep strength of family ties. All of this is mixed with a healthy serving of humor and an assortment of quirky, easy-to-love characters. My only complaints would be that the language was salty more frequently than I personally like and that the sex scenes, while a beautiful depiction of a joyful and loving relationship, went on a bit long. These are small things that are a matter of taste and not quality. They didn't stop me from reading every minute I could until I reached the happy and very satisfying ending.

Sadly this book is a tad of a miss for me. The premise just didnt call to me - the brothers that is. I couldnt help but get the ick.

Thank you for this ARC!

TW: grief, accidental death of a child (off page), clinical depression

I love Olivia’s Dade’s books! We love plus size rep. But this book is so relatable- who doesn’t read or stay busy 24/7 so that we can’t have a single thought? Just me? Okay anyways, moving on. Athena has just been jilted a month before she was supposed to get married to Johnny and move to a town called Harlot’s Bay. She bought a Spite house as a wedding gift and has no where else to go after quitting her job and using up all her savings. Well guess what? Her ex-fiancés older brother, Matthew, convinced his brother to break off the engagement. And what Athena didn’t realize when moving to Harlot’s Bay was that she would be living in right between her ex fiancé AND his older brother. Matthew feels horrible for his role and ends up spending time with Athena and helping her however he can. But hell hath no fury like a woman scorned! The pranks!!! So funny. Also I want to read every Sally Brazen novel referenced in this book. They made me laugh so hard!

I actually can’t wait for Johnny’s book

Overall rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice rating: 🌶️