Short Synopsis:
Iris and Roman work together at the newspaper. They are both competing for a promotion. All while there is a war with the gods and magical typewriters.

Thoughts:
After Ross’ A River Enchanted duology quickly became a favorite fantasy read, I had high expectations for this one. Divine Rivals started off slow for me, but it quickly picked up. The enemies-to-lovers romance was sweet. The magic was beautiful. And the war was heartbreaking. I really enjoyed this one, and will be impatiently waiting for book two of this duology.

If you’re a fan of YA fantasy, you’ll definitely want to read this one!

This book is a wonder. The WWI setting combined with the magical elements and gods at war completely drew me in. Then I became completely enamoured by the love story between Iris and Roman (I love me a You’ve Got Mail-style romance!) and Iris’s development through her loss. Ross writes both of the horrors of war and tender/funny moments between characters so fluidly. Currently my heart is broken over this book and I can’t stop thinking of the characters—I’m sitting on my hands waiting for the next book so it can hopefully break my heart some more and mend it together again.

Definitely a new favourite book for me!

Thank you to Wednesday Books/St. Martins Press/NetGalley for an e-ARC!

4.5 stars

At this point Rebecca Ross could write a to do list and I will probably read it. I was a little hesitant in picking this as I don't tend to favor romance focused books. I love romance in my books, but I don't prefer them to be the driving focus and Divine Rivals is very much romance focused - but done oh so exquisitely well. The way Ross can write a character's background, emotions and how it feeds into a growing relationship is just beautiful. Torin and Sidra have my heart, but Iris and Roman had me giddy like a school girl and my heart on the edge of my seat.

I think my only real complaint, which was a surprising one, is that I had trouble with the setting initially. I didn't quite pick up on the 1920s vibe until later as we do spend a good amount of the time focused on Iris. Its a small complaint and starts to show itself later on, so I'm not too pressed on it. The fantasy elements are very light. It is an intricate part of this world, but because the war is so removed from the city of Oath you don't feel it as much. We don't even learn too much about the Gods until half way through the book, but there are some important fantasy aspects within the main story itself that solidifies Divine Rivals as a romantasy. And judging by the ending I think we will get more fantasy vibes in the sequel.

I also really appreciated how well the characters' grief and guilt were dealt with. It was all very emotional and relatable, and woven into the story so well I could feel my heartbreaking for these characters.

In terms of pacing, the first half of the book is slower. We're really getting to know the characters and their lives. Mostly their hatred for each other and just inkling of perhaps.. something more. The second half, however, flies by. It is a rollercoaster of emotions that does not stop until the book does. I only meant to read a couple of chapters and ended up finishing the book at 3 AM, haha.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC to review!
Rating (on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being excellent)
Quality of writing: 5
Pace: 3
Plot development: 4
Characters: 4
Enjoyability: 4
Ease of Reading: 4

Overall rating: 4 out of 5

Rivalry? Romance? Gods?
This books hooked me from page 1. This is my first book from this author and its certainly not my last. I love her beautiful writing style, it's very light and ethereal.
The characters were easy to connect with. I love Iris and Roman! The world building was kinda hard to follow but other than that I really enjoyed this book. And I can't wait for more.

I want to thank #Netgalley for letting me read the phenominal eArc of #DivineRivals by #RebeccaRoss.

The Gods have woken up and war has commenced. Iris Winnows brother Forest has answered the siren call of the Divine Goddess who wakes a hunger in those that hear her call that they cannot resist. Iris can't understand how her brother could just up and leave their struggling famimly but more so how he could just leave her on her own with her alcaholic moither. To do her best to keep her family afloat Iris works hard at the Oath Gazette and earn the promotion that can sky rocket her in her career. To get through the days she writes to her brother using the magical typewriter that her grandmother gifted her years ago. She slips the letters under her wardrobe door where they vanish and she assumes arrive to her brother. After months of writing though she has received no response and finds herself more and more consumed by the thought of finding her brother. Not to mention work has gotten difficult.
Her rival at the Oath Gazette Roman Kitt is gunning for the same position she wants and he has the wealth and luxuary of being able to get to and from work ontime and not haveing to worry about whether or not his lights stay on. However Romn has reasons of his own for desperately wanting this promotion if only that pesky Iris would go away.
Somehow they find themselves becoming sort of friends and spending more time together. Roman finds himself looking forwaard to seeing Iris and being challenged by her. When Iris loses her mother and then her job he finds himself trying to help her. Iris goes to the Oath Gazettes rival and is sent to the front lines of the war as a correspondant. Her life is forever changed by this expierience and she is determind to use it to spread the truth about the war and locate her missing brother.
Eventually Roman finds himself drawn to the front lines as a war correspondant as well and he hopes that in his journey he may find his way to Iris whom he has not been able to get off his mind even though he has spent many nights writing letters to a young woman that thinks her letters are going to someone else.


This book deals with grief, death and war. I truly hope you pick up this book and read it!

I was hesitant at first to request this book as the blurb didn't catch my eye as much but Rebecca Ross has steadily become my favorite author so I wanted to give it a shot. I am so glad that I did. This book is split POV between Iris and Roman as they both work to beat each other at gaining the position as columnist. I love that you get to see some of the character's writing like in the letters Iris hopes reach her brother at war. They sound like separate writing as though it were the character writing instead of Rebecca Ross which was amazing. I'd recommend this book if you like old timey feels along with fantasy, romantic tension, and found family. This was a 5/5 for me and I can't wait to purchase a copy when it releases.

The story follows two writers who meet while competing for a job as a columnist at a local newspaper. A war between two gods is starting, and humans comprise their armies and fight for them. Rivalry between the writers and the gods is a main theme, and it’s so difficult to explain that there’s more to it without giving any spoilers (but there’s more to it!). It’s a fast-paced story that drew me in right from the start.

Rebecca Ross is quickly becoming an auto-buy author for me. While this is technically a YA book, it has many adult themes and I think it will be enjoyed by readers in any of the age ranges on the fantasy spectrum. Ross’s prose and writing style is gorgeous. I love reading her work, even if it has me crying within the first quarter of a book. If you enjoyed A River Enchanted, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

TW// war, death, mention of drowning, alcoholism, grief

Divine Rivals is a historical fantasy romance that follows two rivals who end up writing letters that mysteriously reach other. While in the midst of a war that’s threatening to upend the world, these two rivals forge an unexpected connection that starts to bloom into something more.

This book wasn’t what I was expecting at all, but I honestly think that worked out for the better. This story has only faint fantasy elements and it relies heavily on the historical fiction genre. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to dip their toes into fantasy books. It seems like the sequel will involve a lot more fantasy, so I’m eager to see how all of the fantasy elements will be incorporated into this rich historical world that Rebecca Ross has created.

Iris and Roman are both really strong, solid characters to base this story around. They started off as arrogant and they both shielded who they truly were from each other, but as the story progressed, they began to unlock deeper meanings to each other in a really beautiful way. They were both flawed characters at first and it made me scared that I wouldn’t like the story. However, I grew to absolutely adore them by the end of the book. I was rooting for them to have a happily ever after and I loved how their slow burn romance painted a picture of how much they grew to care for each other. They both went through so much, but they stuck with each other even when times got hard. I’m desperately hoping that the next book will let them have a happy ending because it will hurt so much if they don’t end up together.

I really appreciated how this book dealt with the topic of grief and guilt. These topics were woven into the story really well. It wasn’t forced or awkward when these topics were brought up. I found myself moved to near tears at multiple times throughout this story because of the grief that the characters experienced, and I feel like the grief and guilt themes will really resonate with readers.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I’d recommend it for anyone looking for an interesting historical fiction romance. It starts off slow, but if you stick with it, it’ll get better and I’m sure that everyone can find something to love about this book. I can’t wait to read more of Rebecca Ross’ works in the future and I hope that I like her other books as much as I liked Divine Rivals.

Divine Rivals is one of those books that will stay with you long after its final pages. The story has everything—a strong, inspiring female lead, a BEAUTIFUL slow-burn romance, immersive world-building, and a courageous message about fighting for what you care for and believe in.

With an impending global war on the horizon, aspiring writer Iris turns to her old typewriter and begins corresponding heartfelt, vulnerable letters with an anonymous pen pal. As a connection forms between them and the growing war escalates, Iris is forced to make a life-altering decision that will impact not only herself but her infuriatingly handsome office rival as well.

WOW. My heart was captured so vividly by this book and its incredible story!! Ross writes with so much intention and love—and it shines through in every element and detail.

I ADORED the complex relationship and playful dynamics between Iris and Roman. The rivals-esque romance was crafted impeccably with dimension and beauty that with every word written between them, every heated stare, every sacrifice for the other—I fell more and more in love with their undeniable connection. It was such an emotionally charged and gripping romance where you FELT and admired every moment between them as they grew together as a team and battled every hurdle that came their way. It’s such a special connection at its core, and I think every romance lover will be utterly transfixed by these two.

The world-building and plot structure was also multi-layered and seamlessly woven into the development of each character and where their journey would take them. I loved the historical feel paired with a dystopian, mythological setting. It provided an enthralling backdrop to the story, and the addition of otherworldly gods paralleled perfectly with our rivals’ tale.

If you’re looking for a new book to escape into, Divine Rivals is the perfect read for anyone—for romance and fantasy lovers alike. It’s an original tale filled to the brim with love, emotion, and sentiment. Another favorite of the year by Ross, and my heart is still in shambles as we wait for the sequel. (*cue “The Great War” by Taylor Swift*)

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I absolutely loved A River Enchanted and am always so excited to see what Rebecca Ross has coming up next. A big thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this arc!

The minute I saw Divine Rivals I knew I had to read it and I enjoyed it a lot. I would say overall 3.5 stars as I personally didn't get super invested until the last 60 pages or so of the book.

Now I did enjoy a lot of things throughout the book. The main characters, Iris and Roman, are very easily likeable and have some really good chemistry between each other. They're banter is really cute and the lengths that they are willing to go for eachother make my little heart squeal with happiness. I also love Iris's relationship with her brother and mom and the depth that it has. I also really loved the magic system and the mythology throughout the series. The magic system is super interesting with how magic can randomly be imbued into objects and the mythology of Dacre, Enva, and the other gods is super captivating! I could read just an entire book based on the mythology of the series itself it's so good, but I'm also a huge sucker for mythology. I also love Ross's writing style as it's so easy to get into and just kind of sucks you in.

There were also a few things I found that didn't quite work for me in the story. The story is definitely set in the early 1900s and yet at one point Iris tells Roman she doesn't want to "sleep" with him, which I feel is a more modern use of language and doesn't work with the time period. I also find that the pacing was a little slow for me. It feels like most of the action is really packed into those last 60 pages and that is really when the story starts to get interesting. The last four chapters had me completely on the edge of my seat and have me craving the next book despite this one not even being published yet!

Overall, an enjoyable new YA book from Ross with an ending that will leave you begging for the next book as soon as possible!

This book broke me. Something about the magic woven within these pages just pierced my soul and left me utterly spellbound. It had such an unassuming premise: a girl writes letters to her brother, and a different boy reads them. But oh, that is merely the beginning.

Iris Winnow is a sharp, budding journalist who is desperate to win the columnist position at the local newspaper to help her mother make ends meet while her brother is at war on the front lines. Her competition for the job? A handsome, stoic young man from a wealthy family, Roman Kitt. While Iris works hard at the paper by day, she writes her brother grief-riddled letters at night on her nan’s heirloom typewriter. As the letters disappear from her room, Iris hopes that the room’s mysterious ambient magic will somehow transport those letters to her brother.

It does not.

Roman Kitt does not know why he receives Iris’s letters, but as he continues to read her unvarnished words, he eventually feels compelled to write her back. Out of consideration for Iris (who would be mortified if her biggest rival knew about her mother’s addiction and other sensitive information), Roman leaves his letters anonymous. This also affords him the freedom to bare himself to her in his writing — a stark vulnerability he would never otherwise permit himself or experience in his life. And so, the two share deep personal honesty with one another, and the thread connecting them begins to tighten.

Again, without giving too much of the story away, this is the barest tip of the iceberg. To me, the premise thus far is a gratifying mashup of two of my guilty pleasure comforts: Pride and Prejudice and You’ve Got Mail. From here on, however, Iris blazes a trail that is all her own, straight to the frontlines of a war between gods.

Rebecca Ross does magical realism so well, and this book is no different. Throughout the story, there is such a strong sense of place and time. The stakes feel incredibly real, and her depictions of the dread and terror of war are keenly wrought. This darkness, however, also serves to hone and bring into sharp relief the transcendent love blossoming between Iris and Roman. The extremes and the contrasts of this story absolutely shredded me to ribbons, until I could no longer tell if my tears were from joy or grief. All I knew, by the end, is that this story caused me to feel deeply. And that, for a reader, is a special gift.

Divine Rivals follows two characters- Iris and Roman. They are each other's biggest rival, but bring the best out of each other. These two are meant to be and in the best way possible with the best tropes ever: enemy to lovers, force proximity, and MANY banter moments. Don’t expect it to be high fantasy themes, but definitely have those fantasy elements touched throughout the story. The setting is similar to WW1 but the fighting is actually between two gods?? The gods are not too involved as of yet and expect more appearances of them in book two.
I’m devastated, sad, and grateful all in one because I will be waiting years for the next book to come out. Once it comes out, I’m snagging the sequel!

Will I be continuing this series? Yes!
I gave this book 5/5 stars!
Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the e-arc!

Thank you to netgalley, St Martins Press, and Rebecca Ross for the opportunity to read and review this book early before publication.

I will say I was thoroughly impressed with this book by the end. It took me a minute to get into (which is a “me problem” lol) but about halfway through I found myself completely immersed in this story, with these characters, I found myself wanting to continue reading any chance I got.

“When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.” —- I mean that alone sucked me right in. I mean who isn’t a fan of rivals/enemies to lovers?

The writing was perfection, the world building was absolutely satisfying, the characters were related and just a joy to connect with. I cannot wait to read the next books in the series. Everyone should be adding this book to your TBR!

This book was such a fun read! It was definitely more romance than fantasy - it could have been set in WW1 without that great of plot difference. That - to me - felt like a waste, considering the depth of worldbuilding created! I love an ancient gods warring concept - this one felt particularly reminiscent of Strange the Dreamer, which I loved. I’m so curious as to where this story goes, especially since it seems like the fantasy aspect will be more utilized in the second book. I love Rebecca Ross’s writing and this one’s sure to be a hit!

Divine Rivals is a memorable and emotional feat of a novel. An utterly captivating story of courage, love, and perseverance. This is one reading experience I won't forget.

When I say I could not put this book down, I mean it. I didn't want to part with Iris or Roman or any of the other characters. This was my first book by Rebecca Ross and now I know I need to read her backlist. Ross created a unique and detailed world that I am eager to revisit in the sequel.

The worldbuilding is so interesting. Two gods fighting an eternal war, pitting mortals against each other??? What a concept! The mythology of this world is fascinating. I will say that it took me some time to "settle" into the world and I am admittedly still struggling with some aspects of the worldbuilding, but by the end, I was truly invested in this universe and cannot wait to see where the story is heading.

At the core of the story are the stories of Iris Winnow and Roman C Kitt. They are rival journalists at a prestige newspaper and don't get along as they are after the same journalist job, though through a little bit of magic, are able to form a connection through their typewriters. I don't want to say more here because it's best to experience all of that without knowing any more details, but I will say that I loved their stories, both individually and together, very much. Their letters to one another were perfect, showing exactly who they are at their core. Both characters are wonderfully complex and I am really rooting for them both.

Divine Rivals does at times get very dark in tone, and Ross shows all sides of the war and how it is devastating for all parties involved. Ross shows that there are people who pretend like it does not exist, people who have lost everyone they love to the war or because of the war, people who are doing everything they can to help end it, and also the people supporting those fighting in different ways. It is a harrowing look at the inner workings of war. I imagine the sequel will show all of this in further detail, as well, especially a further look into the gods and their motivations. I was very impressed with the writing in regard to the war and how the protagonists face it. All in all, I just devoured this story.

Also, I am still reeling from that ending. Just. Wow. I need the next book yesterday.

All in all, this was an impressive book all the way around. It was truly divine. 4.5 stars.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

A mythical world where gods still exist and they’ve awoke only to carry on a centuries old war that they’ve dragged humans into.

Iris Winnow is a strong female lead that longs for the family she knew before the war. Her brother left to fight at the front and her mother hasn’t been the same since. Iris is a character that you can relate to and I loved her spunk.

Roman Kitt, Iris competition for the columnist position at the newspaper she works for, is the bane of her existence and she takes any opportunity to annoy him in return.

This fantasy novel reads like a historical fiction and I almost forgot it wasn’t real even with all the fanatical elements! It’s definitely an easy world to lose yourself in and that’s all because of the way Ross weaves her stories. Her talent for storytelling is unlike any other and I can’t wait for the next book!!

Content: death of a loved one, battle scenes of war, vague open door romance between a married couple

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC!

They say a book gets boring after two people confess their love to each other. Not this book. Not any other book Rebecca has ever written.
Like all of the books written by Rebecca Ross, Divine Rivals was so atmospheric and gave me such beautiful vibes I was left awed. Thoroughly enjoyed the plot and loved how cleverly unique it was. I don't normally like rivals or enemies to lovers but Rebecca does it so well that I'm always so happy and still surprised. I felt like this book was more sad and brimming with grief but I still loved how the author handled everything. The most amazing thing was how much this book reminded me of my other favourite book The Book Thief and my favourite anime Violet Evergarden. If you're looking for those vibes, this book is it and of course I highly recommend this book and every other book by this author🫶🏻

Rating: 5 stars🌟

Incredible novel! Riveting and well paced, the writing is superb -- there's very little to nitpick and a lot to love. I've never read anything else from Rebecca Ross prior, but now I've definitely got my eye on some of her other books!

I loved how the romance was handled, it wasn't heavy-handed or over the top. And even though I'm usually not a fan of books that take place during active warfare, this might be one of the rare exceptions. The backdrop only added to the urgency of the plotline and illustrated perfectly how war can make things so different, but at the same time, it can't take away some of the most fundamental things in life -- intimacy and connection.

Overall, a brilliant read. Can't wait to read more from her!

Two rival journalists compete for a promotion at the local paper as a war between two Gods tears their country apart. Peace lasted centuries while the Gods slept but now, awakened, a war has begun. Eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow needs this promotion as her mother’s addiction is worsening and her brother is missing on the front lines. Roman Kitt, Iris's handsome but irksome rival, is providing quite the challenge.

Divine Rivals is a fantastic new YA series which combines a historical setting amongst Gods and magic. The novel follows Iris and Roman who are both competing for a columnist promotion at the paper. A war between Gods has broken out and Iris's brother is missing on the front lines. She begins typing letters to him which vanish when she places them under her wardrobe. She hopes that some kind of magic is at play and gets the letters to him wherever he might be. One day she receives a response but it isn't her brother who has been getting the letters. As she begins correspondence with this stranger they quickly become friends, sharing their deepest secrets, and begin to fall in love but fate is not done with Iris yet when she is given an opportunity which takes her onto the battlefield to find her brother. This is novel by a new to me author which was recommended based on my previous reads. I have to say the writing style was wonderful and I really enjoyed reading this novel. I liked many of the characters, the plot was entertaining, and Iris's relationships were all very sweet and charming. It was a bit disappointing that the secret correspondence is revealed early on but overall this is a must read for fans of enemies to lovers romances...a must read for 2023!