Reviews with content warning for Child death - At First Spite

Hi my name is Monica and I am a very big fan of Olivia Dade and literally broke my buying ban to get this book. The concept I was not fully sold on but I knew Dade's writing would be enough for me to enjoy it and it WAS!

Athena and Matthew were both so complex individuals and together were able to fit into the little spots left by their lives and the people around them. I wanted more of their journey but excited to see who else comes into Harlot's Bay and earns a place in my heart.

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gemin1reader's review against another edition

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2.0

I just…didn’t think this was very good. Way too many pop culture mentions and a hero that was just a complete caricature of the ‘perfect’ man. It was weird because I liked the plot and the actual concept of the romance but it was all just way too cringe.

Also

the hero turned out to be a virgin despite being a hot paediatrician who presumably had been away to college? And was 37? Baffling. And the grovel in this book was never ending which may be your thing but I’d prefer it if characters stopped doing dumb shit they needed to apologise for.

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purplepenning's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I was iffy on this one until an emotional support chicken made an appearance in a used bookstore. Then I was somehow all in.

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nanacai's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

2.5

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lowkeymarie's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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libby1776's review against another edition

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emotional funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

If Olivia Dad has one fan it’s me, if Olivia Dade has no fans I’m dead. Olivia Dade has quickly become my favorite contemporary authors, and in my options has revolutionized the way fat bodies are portrayed in the romance genre. First Spite in now firmly in my number #1 position of favorite Olivia Dade book. I’m a sucker for a small town romance but the community of Harlots Bay is a place that I would kill to leave in. It’s filled with a fleshed out and interesting history, (I loved seeing Dade put to use her MA in History… perhaps one day she will venture into historical romance?) and a lovey diverse cast of characters. And reading about how this community really help support a love story between two lonely and lost people was so touching and I can’t wait for more in this universe!

Dr. Matthew Vine the third is not the perfect man, but he is perfect to me. He is so loyal and devoted, and I can’t get over the way he was OBSESSED with Athena. Like the scene where he tore off his shirt and gave it to her so she could hold the chicken had me squealing. I’m was also really pleasantly surprised to see that he was a virgin. I’m this genre there are very few male main characters who are virgins or lose there virginity later in life, and I felt like this was great representation.

Although I do love Olivia Dades unapologetically fat characters, her Spoiler Alert series talked a bit about fat phobia and fat bias which makes sense since the tv/movie industries is full of it. But I thought it was so refreshing that this book had Athena living in a setting that was much more body neutral. There are the moment where Athan struggles to fit into the tight spaces in her home, but no one ever makes her feel less then for her size. Athena is a smock hot babe and everyone knows it.

Another thing that really stuck to me was the mental health representation I thought the way this book dealt with both grief and mental health was so gentle and made me as a reader who has struggle with anxiety and depression feel seen and not shamed.

Overall this book 10/10 would recommend to lovers of competmory romance, plus size representation or any romance reader who wants a sweet funny story which has some deep moments.

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