Reviews

At First Spite by Olivia Dade

mschaub2's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed this! Matthew is an unrealistic fantasy of a man but honestly, what else am i reading romance novels for?!

potzak's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

One of the best romance novels I have read. 

If you enjoy stories of characters showing up for eachother, taking care of one another this is your jam. If you ever battled depression, or had a loved one go through it, this might be a great fit for you! 

aishaambre's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.5

This book isn't for everyone.
Third person view, really different to a typical love story enjoyed reading love happy endings 

thenlking50's review against another edition

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  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

kholtsb's review against another edition

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Why is a contemporary romance more than 13hrs?! And the hot older dr is a virgin?! What is happening 

nettiereadsromance's review against another edition

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4.0

ARC REVIEW- AT FIRST SPITE
Stars- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice-

smercado4586's review against another edition

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hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

allis0n's review against another edition

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funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

aluhrs's review against another edition

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4.25

As someone is who also at a juncture in their career and figuring out their next step, this book really resonated. 

agrippinaes's review against another edition

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5.0

I just really loved this. I’m a sucker for a messy FMC and a starchy MMC who just wants to take care of her despite himself. The chemistry between Athena and Matthew was delicious and the book managed to feel like a warm cuddle. The writing is very pretty and flows so well, and the plot completely surprised me. It was heavier and deeper than I expected, but perfectly handled.

I loved the characters. Athena was a lovely main character, and the way that the book handled her depression and mental health was beautifully done. It was very realistic. I wasn’t actually in the mood for reading that sort of subplot at that point in time, but I really had to admire how it was constructed. It maybe wrapped up a bit too quickly, but Olivia Dade handled it so sensitively – just beautiful.

The thing that charmed me most about the book was actually Matthew; he was a lot softer and sweeter than I expected and the way he took care of her was just gorgeous. He was so careful and gentle with Athena, but my heart also broke for him. He was a very vulnerable character with his need to balance his desire to protect his brother with his feelings for Athena – but his quiet strength also shone through. A truly lovely, lovely character.

The romance between them was just lovely, too. It was good; the chemistry was so hot, and I loved how coquettish and naughty she is with him in contrast to his stiff, stern demeanour. They were both so desperate with each other. The love scenes were so hot and sensual and beautifully written.

The other thing I thought this book did well was the way it handled Johnny. His relationship with Matthew was messy and complicated, frustrating at times, but very real in its depiction. I also liked that his relationship with Athena was real; they, at one point, genuinely loved each other, even though there were good, legitimate reasons for their relationship to end.

The most impressive thing about this book was how the contrast of light and dark was balanced. There was a lot of hard, heavy content in this book; mental illness and grief are major themes. But the book also managed to be a lot of fun! It’s cute, it’s sweet, there was a delightful found family dynamic between Athena and all of her new friends. It really put a smile on my face, despite the heaviness. I personally could have done with less monster f*cking jokes (for me, the joke got old quite quickly), but it’s such a small gripe to be honest!

It was just the sort of book I wanted to devour. I easily could have read it in one sitting. There’s some absolutely beautiful writing in it. The book made me ache in the best sort of way. The romance is just gorgeous; a truly delightful romance novel, through and through. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

Content Notes: Hate-to-love, brother’s ex / ex’s brother, forced proximity, plus size FMC.

Warnings:
SpoilerDeath of a sibling when children (in past), mental illness, depression (major episode, on-page), suicidal thoughts / suicide ideation, anxiety, grief.


Other:
SpoilerOn-page sex, virgin MMC, oral sex, major OM drama throughout
SpoilerThe novel starts with the FMC engaged to the MMC’s younger brother. They break up off-page by the second chapter, but the younger brother features heavily in the book even when he isn’t actually there. How he will react to their relationship colours a lot of the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Later, when he does discover their relationship, he guilt-trips the MMC into ending the relationship. He does later accept the relationship.
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