Reviews

At First Spite by Olivia Dade

rickireadss's review against another edition

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5.0

THIS WAS SO GOOD!!! i cried like a baby, y'all. the depression rep was PHENOMENAL, the plus size was rep was FANTASTIC. the emotional intimacy that olivia wove into so many of the scenes really hit me in the chest. it was one of those books where i'm like "this!! this is how i want to be loved." i loved athena and matthew so much individually and together, and i can't wait for more from this series!

representation: Plus Size FMC, Depression rep

content warnings:
mental illness (depression), grief, child death, abandonment, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks/disorders, medical content, medical trauma, self harm, blood, emotional abuse

tearbear418's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful fast-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

4.75

sheilajsn's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

hehkhatea's review against another edition

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1.5

Genuinely believe I was reading a different book from everyone because this was Not Good. Literally could not suspend my disbelief for a second, this was so ridiculous.

kathygotpugs's review against another edition

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funny medium-paced

3.25

imma_koi's review against another edition

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emotional 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

3.75

Athena hit the jackpot. They dont make men like Mathew anymore😔
If i was in her shoes i would 100% propose to the man. 
I also love how the author tackled on depression. A lot of the times i find myself in Athena's state. But Unlike her, i dont have a lovely partner who would give me a mere hug.
Overall, this was a nice book✨

kkpj's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

intostarlight's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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 was very intrigued by the premise of this book. A woman who is about to marry but her fiancé breaks up with her one month before the wedding, because his brother convinced him she isn't a good fit. Now she has to move in the house she bought as a wedding present and live close to both brothers who she naturally despises. Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with any of the characters and couldn't understand why they acted they way they did in many occasions. Also the writing style was a little clunky and the plot felt forced and improbable.
The triangle with both brothers was completely lopsided. Why even bring Johnny back at the end? Why would he suddenly want her again after months apart? The author spends no time on his character or their relationship despite the 400 pages to even make it viable. Dating the other brother is usually a fun taboo to read about but this wasn’t done right. The angst at the end came out of nowhere.
However, the depiction of depression and mental health is carefully and authentically done. And the audiobook narrator was great too. 

mlottermoser's review

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adventurous emotional lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

5/5 spicy level (Monster erotica bookclub)
Big focus on depression. 
Hate to love. Small town. 

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literarylover37's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5