A review by the_vegan_bookworm
At First Spite by Olivia Dade

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

3.5

Olivia Dade is a really talented writer, and this book is another example of her funny, dynamic voice! The chemistry is great. The characters are loveable. The character growth is really well-done.

This being said, though I liked Athena a lot, Matthew was really intense in a way that I found unsettling. He becomes obsessed with Athena even when she's engaged to his brother. His actions after that only become more troubling, from my perspective.

 
Interfering with her job and sending unsolicited reference letters (for someone he has never worked with...)? Paying her mortgage without her consent (also how would that be allowed when he doesn't have any of the paperwork details? He just called and said "I want to pay Athena's mortgage" and they said "sure buddy"?). Breaking into her house through an open window? All of this is honestly concerning and not romantic. At the end of the story, his goals in life ultimately end in him supporting whatever Athena wants to do, which isn't a healthy foundation for a relationship.

Him also being a virgin but somehow a sex god was boring, too. Let's celebrate small dicks! Let's celebrate learning together and not being immediately amazing at sex with no experience! Sex is more fun that way!


I think this is a fun and lighthearted read, especially for fans of the enemies to lovers trope, but I think the MMC fell flat in so many areas for me.
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