At First Spite
Ratings9
Average rating4.3
15
Ratings9
Average rating4.3
When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third—AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her—is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.
If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?
Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.
Matthew may not regret ending his brother’s engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He’ll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly Steamy Story Hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much…well, nothing can come of it. She’ll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth—that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?
Featured Series
1 primary bookHarlot's Bay is a 1-book series first released in 2024 with contributions by Olivia Dade.
Reviews with the most likes.
2.5 and rounding up.
Many will like this...I was not one of them.
I was on board for a good portion of it and if you love a slow burn this will hit that for you.
With that said....
Miscommunication/assuming what others are thinking/ is one of my biggest pet peeves in romances and this one has it in spades. Also, pet names immediately before or after a hookup always gives me a huge ick. I didn't mine the pop culture references, but it really started to feel very unbelievable that Matthew literally didn't know anything about anything in the that vain. It's not like he doesn't have a brother and best friend and others around him that would have exposed him to those things. It was funny and quirky at first, and then just felt so over the top by the end.
A sweet Christmas Day read!
I liked Olivia Dade's Spoiler Alert series but I think this is even better. Both main characters are flawed but lovable humans and I found her depiction of depression realistic.
4.5 stars.
Loved this book. It had a good mix of humor and handled the topic of depression with care, imo. I also loved how Matthew cared about Athena, and tried his best to help her deal with her inner problems.
At First Spite is an excellent contemporary romance, earning a solid five stars from me. This book not only hooks you in with its unique premise but keeps you engaged with its fun storytelling and dynamic characters. The Spite House concept, a tiny ten-foot-wide home that becomes a symbol of Athena's independence, is not only original but completely captivating. I couldn't help but get caught up in the idea of living in such a quirky and special space, imagining the potential for turning a spiteful purchase into a place of self-discovery and new beginnings.
Olivia Dade's writing is full of detailed descriptions that bring the story to life vividly. From the quirky architecture of the Spite House to the emotional rollercoaster rides of the characters, the story is conveyed with care and detail. The settings and scenes are so vividly portrayed that it feels like you're a nosy neighbour of the Spite House, experiencing the tension and chemistry between Athena and Matthew.
The romance between Athena and Matthew is both intricate and charming. Their journey from adversaries to partners is filled with misunderstandings, personal growth, and witty banter. Dade expertly navigates their relationship, ensuring that their love story feels genuine and well-earned. The steamy scenes throughout the book add just the right amount of passion, making their connection even more exciting. These moments are fun, spicy, and meaningful, adding depth to Athena and Matthew's bond and showcasing their emotional and physical chemistry.
What sets Olivia's writing apart is its ability to blend humour with heartfelt moments, creating a story that is both entertaining and emotionally impactful. The exploration of serious themes like grief and depression is handled with care, adding layers to the characters and their journey together.
Overall, At First Spite is Olivia Dade's finest work yet, a perfect mix of fun, heart, and passion. It's a story that hits home, reminding us of the power of second chances and the unexpected paths to love. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a romance that is as thoughtful as it is exciting.
The cover is perfect, the art style is bang on for the vibe of this story and even includes the strawberry dress.
I received an ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.
