Quite surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve been in a reading slump most of this year and most books are taking several hundred pages before I even begin to care about the characters… this book hooked me right away and I finished it in a few hours.

Iris Winnow is working for her local paper in competition with her rival Roman C. Kitt for a columnist position. The paper is essentially hiding the truth about the ongoing god war. Her brother is fighting in the war and hasn’t been heard from in months and her mother dies suddenly. She gives up her position at the paper to work as a war correspondent. All the while she is magically exchanging letters with someone she knows as Carver… but is actually her rival Roman. Roman is 100% aware of who she is and is in fact so into her he follows her to the front lines.

I will always be a huge sucker for enemies to lovers and especially when the grumpy dark haired man falls first. What can I say I’m simple woman.

When a war between the god Dacre and goddess Enva breaks out, Iris Winnow is trying to find her way as a columnist for a major newspaper. To get the job, she has to beat out her rival, a wealthy boy who has it all, Roman Kitt. She has no idea that the letters she's typing to her brother at the front are making their way, by magic, to the guy she's trying to beat.

Rebecca Ross does a great job of building such interesting worlds filled with magic. I was immediately interested and Iris and Roman's story and appreciated how she built in the background of the two gods at war. There was a brief period during the romance where the story's pace slowed, but overall I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to the next book!

Amazing historical fantasy, great plot, Characters were interesting and very relatable, Great storytelling, love the romance . The story feels fresh and unique, definitely will recommend

Thank you Macmillan and NetGalley Wow! What an amazing read. I really fell in love with this book. The writing was just absolutely enchanting. The author writes emotion so beautifully. You could honestly feel the grief and sorrow that Iris was feeling. I really felt immersed in a part of the story as I was reading it. I have this great on an affection for all of these characters. That ending I can’t. This book is definitely one of my new favorites, so glad to have the opportunity to listen to early. I literally can’t wait to read the next one.

An emotional rollercoaster of swoon-worthy love in a time of heartbreaking war, Divine Rivals is a classic romance perfect for historical romance lovers looking to add a little magic and mythology to the mix.

Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin’s Press & Wednesday Books for a complimentary copy of this e-book. I am leaving a voluntary review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own

Included as a top pick in bimonthly April New Releases post, which highlights and promotes upcoming releases of the month (link attached)

“𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣. 𝙎𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙤𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢; 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙞𝙣, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙛 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙛𝙩 𝙮𝙚𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙮. 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣, 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙡.“
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This was my first Rebecca Ross book and it won’t be my last. While I had some trouble getting into this story, once I did I was thoroughly engaged. The world building was really beautiful and poetic. I loved the letters between Iris and Roman and how it allowed them to come to know each other without their rivalry between them. I also really appreciated all of the lovely friendships in this story. Overall, a satisfying read.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. My thoughts are my own.

Two rival journalists are vying for the spot of columnist. Iris, down on her luck, sees this position as a way to make ends meet as her mother deals with her own demons and her brother is off to war. Roman, born into life of privilege, wishes to make his father proud. But when one day a letter appears in Roman’s room, presumably from Iris, he writes back as an alter-ego and they begin to converse regularly.

This story is truly breathtaking as it weaves into it so many serious subjects. From war to loss to substance abuse, the writing conveys these topics with a delicate yet raw touch. The main characters are well-developed and the story is well-paced. Frankly, I’m shocked I read it as fast as I did!

I thought that the ending was a bit rushed — and left a lot to be desired as it set up the next book in the series. Despite that, I look forward to reading the next installment in this series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for the ARC. All thoughts in this review are honest and my own.

Thank you St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book kept up a wicked pace throughout the novel, as should be evident that I started it on a Monday and finished the book on a Wednesday. It was rather impressive how Ross was able to maintain a rather breakneck pace in the story, but also build out the character's personality even as they shifted through incredibly emotional and life changing experiences.

From the onset, the rivalry from Roman and Iris is witty and ultimately is what keeps you reading. There is a LOT of truly saddening situations in Iris' life and yet someone the reader doesn't get as bogged down through those scenes. However, Iris can be a trouble protagonist at times. Through the snippets of her writing she is incredibly logical while balancing an emotional effect in the reader; but then she is a bit to reluctant to see Roman as anything more than a two dimensional rival in her life. It was incredibly satisfying to prove that her love interest was consistent in his actions despite the character arc he embarks on.

Overall, the biggest request for the story was to slow down the pacing for a few chapters in particular so the reader can experience more joy than just the sadness, fear, depression of the narrative. Additionally, there were about three to four different typos across the chapters that need editing.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is the first book in her new Historical fantasy romance, Iris at the Front series. I am a big fan of Rebecca Ross, as I have read and loved her previous books. We meet Iris Winnow, our heroine, at the start, when she watches her brother leave to fight in the gods' war, with a promise to write to her. The setting of this story had the feel of WW1. Iris, who is 18 years old, becomes a reporter for the Oath Gazette, with a possible promotion, knowing her competition is her rival, Roman Kitt. Both of them started out as not liking each other, with both trying to best each other’s columns to have a chance at the promotion. Iris started sending out letters to her brother, who never responded.

In this slight element of fantasy, her letters are mysteriously magically rerouted to Roman, as both had a special magic typewriter. Neither one knew who was sending or receiving these letters, with both using different names; in a short time, their feelings for each other will change. Through the letters, both Iris and Kit start falling in love, though she still thinks she is in love with Carver (his middle name).

After Iris’s mother dies, and the war of the gods escalates, she quits her job at Oath Gazette and becomes a war correspondent, leading her into the dangers of war, including the front lines. Worried about Iris, Kit decides he needs to join her, help protect her during this war of the gods.

This was a very emotional and heart-wrenching story, but most importantly was the amazing romance between Iris and Kit; they were so great together. I loved Iris, as she was a strong and independent heroine, who was always ready to help others in need. Kit was also very good, especially when he realized he was falling in love with Iris, and gave up everything to join her as a war correspondent; his love for Iris was so beautiful.

Divine Rivals was a story filled with grief, tragedy, death, with humans fighting in the midst of this horrible war; a war started with two gods, Enva and Dacre, who were enemies. Divine Rivals was well written by Rebecca Ross, that was heart wrenching, with so much heartbreak, horrors; but the wonderful sweeping love story between Iris and Roman was fantastic. I will say that the ending was a surprise and somewhat mixed. I am happy that Ross will have more books in this series.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

At 75% done, I started feeling this horrible sense of foreboding and just couldn't shake it. Now I'm left dangling from this horrible cliff for almost a year (if the expected publication date of book 2 is correct). Wish me luck sleeping tonight, as I cannot get over the ending. That said, I am awarding this book 5 stars with the hope that the sequel doesn't disappoint me.

I love, love, love the whole idea of this book. Think You've Got Mail/The Shop Around the Corner + magical typewriters + rival reporters + rival gods + WWI/WWII vibes + a missing brother, and you've got this book. You've Got Mail is one of my favorite romantic comedies ever, so I knew I'd like Divine Rivals when I discovered it had a similar feeling. Iris (18) and Roman (19) are absolutely wonderful together. I love how they challenge each other and then soften each other. Attie is another character I liked right away--she was feisty.

Previous to this book, I had listened to Queen's Rising duology, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, this series outshines that one (at least so far--I'm holding out hope here, so please don't let me down). Her writing flows very well, and the dialogue comes across naturally. I could vividly see what was happening and feel what the characters experienced.

The second book cannot come into my hands quickly enough. If I like it as much as this one (more, because it had better end well), then I will definitely be purchasing this series.

Note: Minimal swearing. One mild sex scene between a married couple. Two supporting LGBT characters.

In a world where a battle between gods created the foundation of society and magic runs rampant, a new war is going on. I love the world the author created, with just the random touches of magic set in this almost roaring 20's vibe (but with modern things like equality). I was instantly sucked into this story and enjoyed the journey. This was very much a character driven story, which is kind of interesting since the story focuses on a big war and a magical world, but getting to know the two main characters was the point of this book. I would have liked to know more about the war and the magic (connected typewriters are super fantastic and I want to know what other kinds of magic exist) and the world, but maybe the next book will fill in some of my world building gaps.

And wow this was romantic! Sure there was war, death, loss, destruction, gods, magic, all kinds of danger- but this was super romantic, like the swoony end of times loves that songs like to focus on.

Warning, this book ends with a huge crazy cliffhanger that will leave you needing more and feel like your heart was ripped out. I am impatiently counting down the days for the sequel (I have no idea how many books will be in this series, could be a duology or a series) but I am 100% here for this series.

#DivineRivals:⁣
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“The days to come will only grow darker. And when you find something good? You hold onto it. You don’t waste time worrying about things that won’t even matter in the end. Rather, you take a risk for that light”⁣
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@macmillan.audio @wednesdaybooks. Thank you so much for my amazing copies. I have very strong feelings about this book and am willing to die on the Divine Rival hill. Give me all the merch, all the special editions, everything. Iris and Roman. A magical typewriter?! A war amongst the gods. A war correspondent. Yeah, this book is my favorite of 2023. ⁣
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The storyline, the LOVE, the so interesting world building, this book is amazing y’all. Also, if you’re going to make your two MCs as writers, they better have words that flow like lava, and Rebecca Ross did just that.⁣
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The audio was wonderful. Alex Wingfield and Rebecca Norfolk are amazing. I cried several times and it was clearly well done or I would have just been sad.⁣
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Do yourself a favor. Grab this one. Savor it. Historical Fantasy? Me? Released yesterday and I need all of y’all to enjoy it with me.

Rebecca Ross has a beautiful way with words.

To young adults competing for a coveted position at a newspaper end up on the front lines of a brutal war between good and evil as war correspondents. Iris is mourning a great loss and searching for her beloved brother. Roman is escaping his overbearing father and an engagement he doesn’t want.

In the midst of chaos these two find solace in words.

As with Queen’s Rising, this book is captivating, full of action and fantasy that feels more real than make believe. There were unfortunate parts of the story I felt the author placed to simply check a box on the list to be culturally relevant but otherwise I don’t have much else to criticize.

3.5/5 - I enjoyed it and will likely read the next book in the series.

I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of of Divine Rivals...and now I am ruined for other books because this is the book of all books for 2023!

First off, I love that this story slowly eases you into the fantasy elements. For readers who are 1) new to fantasy, or 2) apprehensive about fantasy, this is the book for you. There seemed to be fantasy elements, historical elements, and modern elements woven throughout the story to create a. new world. The world building was a bit light, and that really enabled all the elements to blend together seamlessly.

Second, Iris and Roman are goals. I was captivated by Iris' strong, motivated, resilient spirit. Iris never let life's setbacks keep her down, and her spirit pushed her through some pretty tough situations. Similarly, Roman endured some pretty hard knocks in life despite growing up with a lot of privilege Iris lacked. Roman was living a half-life until Iris, and I really feel like they brought the best out of each other. The story is advertised as an ETL story, but it's not an overwhelming ETL. Iris and Roman brought out each other's fire, and I was, quite simply, enamored with their story.

Third, the plot and story pacing was just perfection. Once the plot took off, it held so much detail but didn't overwhelm the reader by being too front or end loaded. The story built in wonderful layers that were woven together so effortlessly that the plot just kept you pulled in! And, that ending...OMG. I'm already waiting on pins and needles for book number two!

I don't think I can properly articulate how much I loved this book. Rebecca Ross has been really hyped to me and this book still exceeded expectations. I was immediately invested in Iris, this world, the main conflict with the gods, and Roman. Roman and Iris' chemistry is delightful. I consider myself fairly well-read in recent fantasy; I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and original I found the magic of world and conflict with the gods.

I loved every moment of this book. I am so glad this series is continuing, and I already can't wait to read more.

Thank you so much for Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an e-arc of this gem. I already can't wait to continue this series.

This story about two journalists find love for each other while facing wrath of gods, literal hell and their hatred for each other. It just was so emotionally touching, I couldn’t believe I was feeling all these things; my heart was full and I was slightly sobbing. Both the main characters Roman and Iris are definition heroes. The character arcs are beautifully written and you can’t help but root for them. The story is not only a YA fantasy with magic and entertainment, it also talks about the hard topics of grief, loss and hate. It is impossible to not reason with this book. I loved it so much I want to reread it again soon.

Brilliant and epic historical fantasy!! Hands down one of the best of 2023.

Thank you Wednesday Books for the gifted book.

PHENOMENAL.

I haven’t loved a book this much since I read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I’ve adored every Rebecca Ross book I’ve read - A Fire Endless was amazing. But this was on another level. I was breathless with anticipation, teary-eyed with emotion, hungry for what came next, devastated when I got to the end. I cannot wait to continue this series.

This is also the PERFECT fantasy book for non-fantasy readers. Everyone will love this.

I had no idea what to expect with this story, but I was intrigued nonetheless and pleasantly astounded by what unfolded. "Divine Rivals" was an enchanting story!

Our story takes place within fictionalized boroughs in the very late 1800s, almost a new millennium. The Underling god, Dacre, has woken in a rage and is ready to wage war after being sung to sleep again by the Skyward goddess, Enva.

There’s a lot of exposition to explain how things got to the current state of affairs in the historical fantasy world the author’s created. But it is interesting how the humans react to another war between gods and of the varying perspectives on joining the fight and aiding one another, especially concerning those hearing Enva’s hypnotic music and feeling compelled to enlist. Although war has not reached Oath where our MCs reside, more death and destruction is imminent.

Iris is left adrift following Forest’s (big brother) enlistment. She just wants a normal, stable, life again where everyone stays together happy and she isn’t left behind. Iris wants to use her words to write about things that matter by becoming a columnist for the Oath Gazette and reconnecting through letters with Forest who she believes has gone missing on the front.

Roman seeks the columnist promotion by a will not his own. Born from a wealthy family, he feels obligated to play the role of the dutiful son instead of doing what he desires most. His rivalry with Iris and receiving her letters through the wardrobe, stir the uncertainty, confliction, and hope within him.

I adore Iris and Roman’s relationship. You can’t help but be pulled into their magical love story as they build a deeper connection and fall in love through their exchange of letters. I love how they can’t help feeling charmed by each other’s writing as much as by their begrudging physical attraction. Even as they trade sarcastic barbs. Their relationship develops in so many sweet and delightful ways. *bookish happy sigh*

Writing to each other seemed to be a cathartic release for the two, putting into words everything Roman and Iris couldn’t say or feared to say aloud. A gradual healing process through which they could unload the heavy weight they’ve been carrying on their shoulders. A chance to act freely and be themselves. I think Iris is the first real thing Roman has felt feelings for in a very long time. And for Iris, I think Roman just might be the one constant in her life she longs for.

The author truly paints a picture by invoking such raw emotions of pain and longing and hope in clear, vivid details. The scenes on the front lines and attacks were so haunting. I felt shaken. The many letters and messages we get to read have such strong, distinct voices and are so compelling to read.

That ending and the twist! Oh my stars, I have so many feelings about that. Those last few chapters and epilogue were pure bedlam and an emotional rollercoaster!

"Divine Rivals" is one of my new favorite reads of the year so far. From the pretty cover art to the engaging storytelling to the great character development and spellbinding romance, this was truly a fantastic beginning of a new series. And magical typewriters?! Yes, please times infinity!! I loved "Divine Rivals" and can’t wait to see what happens next and what Iris will decide to do.

CW: war, alcohol addiction, death of a parent, survivor’s guilt

Thanks again Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the eARC to read in exchange for an honest review!

This was a fantastic read for rans of Rebecca Ross. If you're a fan of academic rivals and dark academia, this is going to be a perfect read for you. I do love a well-crafted narrative which is something that Ross always does well.