A review by bzliz
At First Spite by Olivia Dade

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

4.25

This book was like a mirror to the past, looking at myself in the true depths of clinical depression and not knowing how to climb out of that hole, and that made it rough to read at times. I teared up at multiple points which doesn’t happen to me often. If only my past self would’ve had a Matthew to help make everything feel a little more bearable, it might not have taken so long. 

The emotional weight is nicely balanced by bouts of silliness that take some of the edge off. Olivia Dade is so good at getting me to care about her characters. She even got me to feel for Johnny by the end. 

The only reason this wasn’t a five star read for me is that I wish there had been even more healing between the Vine brothers. I don’t believe Johnny fully grasped how much Matthew gave up to raise him and continue to support him after he was grown. 
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