A review by booknerdxo88
At First Spite by Olivia Dade

emotional funny hopeful slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Preface: This really hurts! Olivia Dade is one of my auto buy authors. I absolutely love that she includes characters that are plus sized and/or have mental health issues. However, due to recent events in my life, I am struggling with depression and this book triggered me. I don’t normally get triggered from books, so I wasn’t expecting to hit me like it did.

At First Spite follows Athena, Johnny, and Matthew. In the beginning, Athena and Johnny are engaged when he calls off the wedding shortly before the big day…all because his big brother, Matthew, tells him to. Athena then moves to Harlot Bay into the house she bought as a wedding gift for Johnny, but who ends up being her neighbor? Matthew Vine the Third. 

I wanted to love this one, but in the end, I was frustrated with the choices that were being made by all of the characters. I don’t think either brother deserved to be with Athena. I almost DNFed this one, but I ended up finishing it out only to be disappointed in Matthew’s choice.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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