Thank you to the publisher who gifted me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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. This 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 attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third (aka the uptight, judgmental jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her) is living on the 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 the 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.
Prior to reading At First Spite, it had been a while since I last picked up an Olivia Dade book and I won’t be leaving it that long ever again. This was an absolute joy to read. It is an enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance story which I would highly recommend.
When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the house she bought him as a wedding present. This is a problem for a few reasons. Her ex’s house is attached to hers and Matthew Vine (the uptight man who convinced his younger brother to leave her) is living on the other side, a mere four-foot away.
If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she may as well have some fun with the situation with a few silly pranks. Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her, he listens and he is quite attractive.
I adored Matthew and Athena! They make excellent main characters. Both of them are going through their struggles but each continues to be resilient whilst trying to better themselves. I liked that we get to see the story for each of their perspectives as it allows us to learn more about each of them individually and then together.
I do wish the romance’s pace was slightly faster but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the overall story. Their relationship is very tender and full of affection. I loved watching them grow to respect one another throughout the story too. Plus, their support for each other warmed my heart!
At First Spite discusses some serious issues throughout the book. These include depression, anxiety, grief and fatphobia amongst other things. Each of these issues is discussed in a raw and honest way which was refreshing. That being said they are also discussed with care and understanding.
Olivia Dade is an amazing romance author whose books I will be reading more of in the future. I love the way she writes her stories. They are emotional whilst also being witty and hilarious. She is certainly an author to pick up if you haven’t already.
Overall, At First Spite is a tender romance with moments of hilarity and I would highly recommend giving it a read! If you are looking for an enemies-to-lovers, small-town romance story then this is the one for you!
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