A review by fossilreads
At First Spite by Olivia Dade

emotional funny hopeful sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Raw, heartbreaking, and funny all at once!

When their eyes met, he was back at that cool museum with white marble floors, contemplating the history of potatoes. Researching the topic on his phone, to their mutual pleasure and satisfaction. Hoping for more non-potato-related pleasure and satisfaction to come.

As the name suggests, there is a handful of spite and petty revenge. I had so much fun with Athena's pranks, especially the audiobook one!

I loved Athena teaching Matthew internet culture and their banter. The Rickrolling and Tolkien connection were fun additions! The spice was steaming and I just loved their connection there.

As much as I don't usually like a 3rd act breakup, this time it worked. The breakup made sense, even if I didn't want it to, given their life experience and trauma. I really loved how the characters work through their issues and show that they're ready to do the work to be better.

Athena's depression was realistically depicted, all the messy and devastating parts of it were in there, not just a romanticized, clean version. I appreciated how her depression wasn't just 'fixed' by love and your partner helping take care of her, but was shown as a long-term issue (as it is). Athena was a full person WITH her depression, not just despite it. I loved how Matt supported her through a rough patch, ensuring people knew what Athena wanted them to know. I also really appreciated how the friends were there for her in their own ways, as much as they were allowed to.

I loved seeing the peek into the couple's future, and seeing how they made it work long-term. They're a couple I can believe working out after the book.