My first Rebecca Ross
Rivals to Lovers

The letters going to Roman had me kicking my feet up in glee.

I was enjoying it in the beginning but I got pulled in a lot more as soon as it became dual perspective

This was the first book in a bit to break through my aimless mood reading and make me want to continue reading. The prose was great and I did enjoy the story. I normally don’t like the “I have to do as my parents say” trope, especially when the characters are adults, but Roman is was young enough and has guilt keeping him tethered to make the trope work for me. And even then he does try to assert his own choices.

The tension of you the reader and Roman knowing something Iris doesn’t is so delicious when reading from Iris’ perspective. Definitely had me kicking my feet up with glee at times.

I think the last half of the novel struggled with pacing. The war that was such an after-thought at the beginning came to the forefront but not enough to build out the story. The whole time reading it, I just wanted it to be a standalone even though I could tell it wasn’t going to be. I feel like the world building was lacking if this was meant to be a multibook series.

I will read the next book but I do kind of wish it was a complete story and not a series.

Is historical fantasy a category? Because this is how I would label this book. I read this in one sitting and enjoyed the story between two journalists linked by a You've-Got-Mail concept, happening amidst a war between two gods.

I can't wait to see what happens with the next installment.

5 stars! This books was everything! The romance between Iris and Roman was one of my favorite love stories I’ve ever read. The fantasy elements could have been stronger, but they were still interesting and I’m sure they will be explored more in book two. The ending of the book wasn’t my favorite; I feel like it could have been executed a little better. However, I still loved the book and could not put it down!

i knew even before i started this that i would love it. rebecca ross never fails to blow me away, and that definitely applies to this book. the concept is unlike anything i’ve ever read. two rivaling journalists competing for a position where they get to write about a war going on between the gods, only to end up being connected through magical typewriters. with magic being in the book, rebecca ross always laces her words and characters with magic.

i also need to speak to her about the ending. why does she keep doing this? they did not deserve that

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

"Divine Rivals" is a breathtaking journey that seamlessly blends love, mythology, and the extraordinary. From the moment I delved into this enchanting world, I was spellbound.

The story of Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt is nothing short of magical. Set against the backdrop of warring gods, their connection is forged through letters that transcend the ordinary. Iris's quest to hold her family together amidst addiction and uncertainty is both heart-wrenching and relatable.

As the narrative unfolds, the stakes soar to godly heights. The war among the gods, the search for her missing brother, and the columnist promotion all intertwine to create a gripping tapestry of emotions. Iris and Roman's connection, born of rivalry and fueled by their shared letters, adds depth and warmth to the story.

What truly sets "Divine Rivals" apart is its ability to blend the fantastical with the human. The characters are compelling, the plot is filled with twists and turns, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It's a story of love's enduring power, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

This book took me on an epic journey, and I couldn't have asked for a more captivating tale. "Divine Rivals" is a masterpiece that will stay with me forever, reminding me of the boundless potential of love and the magic it can bring into our lives. A must-read for anyone seeking a truly enchanting literary adventure.

Divine Rivals is such a well written story. I read part of the author's debut novel and was not impressed. Now I am impressed. She really has learned a great deal in a short time. The writing is fabulous and the story is just beautiful.

Where do I even start? I loved this book and I can't wait to read the second book!

It’s a narrative encompassing adversaries and lovers, celestial beings and mortals, conflict and the pursuit of peace, all intertwined with the enchantment of magical typewriters. It delves into the victories and tribulations of two individuals hailing from disparate backgrounds, whose paths converge in body, mind, and spirit once they discover each other. The pacing may start as a gradual burn but evolves swiftly.

This book undeniably thrives on its characters, with the plot progressing at a deliberate tempo. However, the story’s sheer captivation will compel you to keep turning the pages. Rebecca Ross’ writing exudes lyrical and breathtaking qualities, adorned with numerous remarkable quotes throughout the narrative. There exists an enchanting yet authentically raw essence to this book, making it an experience I can’t praise enough.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Iris Winnow and Roman C. Kitt are rivals at The Oath Gazette newspaper. Both are vying for a columnist position. But when Iris began writing letters to her brother who was off to war against Dacre and posting them via a closet, they instead slipped out under Kitt's door. Thus began a very odd correspondence with Iris revealing herself to Kitt who she knew as Carver and Kitt opening up to Iris. So when Iris up and left The Oath Gazette to become a war correspondent for the Inkridden Tribune and locate her brother, Roman did the same. When secrets came out, love grew only to be cut short with a fresh offensive in the war. A cliffhanger ending provides a chance for a happy ending, but there will be plenty of trials before that may happen. An interesting love story against a magical mash-up of World War I technology and attitudes.

Rebecca’s first adult novel is definitely an amazing one! I have seen it all over Booktok and I am so glad that she is getting the recognition she deserves. It was a little slow to get into, but then the story takes off.

4.5 rounded up to 5 here. Academic rivals to friends to lovers. I loved Iris and Roman together honestly. I tend not to like the rich kid vs wrong side of the tracks relationships but this one worked for me. Also…where can I get an enchanted Alouette of my own?!?! Because I really need some enchanted letters in my life.

The war aspects of this one were brutal but that’s because it was so well done, the portrayal of war from the eyes of a naive & sheltered civilian. That ending though…broke my heart and while I’m sure it will eventually be put back together, the wait until then will be rough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Best book of the season, for sure. It is absolutely worth the hype it’s been getting on social media!

This is a story about a love story hot off the press.

I have to admit; I was taken by surprise when I found myself invested in this! Historical romance has never been my cup of tea & this definitely had that vibe- but it managed to bridge the gap between my usual preferences and historical fantasy so well! I’m very eagerly awaiting book

Thank you so much Netgalley & Wednesday books for the eArc!

Well, it took me long enough, but I loved everything about this book. I can see how it has become so popular and highly rated. I highly recommend this book.

I love Rebecca Ross. She can do no wrong. And with DIVINE RIVALS I really feel a blossoming. She's come into her own with DIVINE RIVALS, in YA. I can't wait to see what she does next. Her voice will forever live in my head. As a writer, a book seller, a publisher, there's nothing about this book that I don't love, nothing about this book that I won't be taking with me for years to come. Iris and Roman will forever be my favourite characters. And their romance?! Just so well done! Six gosh darn stars for this incredible book.

Rebecca Ross is a Queen A QUEEN, she’s an absolute master at her craft and Divine Rivals is the utmost prove of that.

Divine Rivals hooked me in from the very first page. It had me crying, gasping, reeling, and madly in love with its world and characters in a way I’ve never been. The story was beyond fascinating (set in a world torn by warring gods and magical typewriters), so intricately creative, impactful, and completely immersive. When I wasn’t reading Divine Rivals -a bit repetitive to say it was all I could think about but- it was literally playing in a loop over and over again in my mind.

But not only is the world and story remarkable. The extraordinary way in which the writing fluidly pulls and engrosses all my senses is incomparable. I don’t know how Rebecca does it but she captures the depths of a variety of emotions soooooo well (whether it’s grief or love or everything in between) that it feels like the characters and their emotions are a part of you. You can’t help but feel all their sorrows, all their hopes and aspirations so consumingly. I genuinely could not have asked for a better reading experience than being in the Divine Rivals world. This is unarguably one of my favorite books this year and my favorite Ross book to date!

I am in love. Iris and Roman's story is like a ray of light in the darkest of times.
The writing is beautiful and the story is well paced.
Iris is a young girl trying to make it as a reporter with her local newspaper and Roman is her rival coworker. They are both competing for a position as columnist. During this time a war is raging between two gods and their world is changing. Both characters are each strong and resilient and I really enjoyed their growth both separately and together. My favorite things about the story was the secret letters, the banter between iris and roman, the enemies to lovers aspect, and the touch of fantasy/mythology.
I will forever regret that it took me so long to get to this book! Divine rivals was one of the best things I've read this year!
Thank you to net galley and st. Martin's press for the e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

Divine Rivals was a read that took me by surprise. I've never read any of other Rebecca Ross' books before—despite have heard of them—so I couldn't see her shift from adult to young adult fantasy, but this was a solid young adult debut to me. Divine Rivals's atmosphere reminds me a lot of vibes I got from Allison Saft, Erin A. Craig, and Shea Ernshaw books. Actually, I am very confused whether I should give this book three or four stars, because while it wasn't exceptionally great in my dictionary, it wasn't mediocre either. This book made me shed some tears, and Roman's dedications to Iris also made my heart turned into puddle, so that's why I added the last one star from the original three stars. Yes, one bonus star for making my tears falling down. Definitely curious about the next book though because that ending was unexpected!!

Thank you Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the e-arc.

I adored this book. This was a beautifully written historical fantasy novel. I loved the way the author made you really feel what the main character felt. I thought the characters were developed beautiful. I could have gone for a bit more world building, but only because it was so fascinating! The descriptions of war and loss and the internal struggles people face during grief were very moving. I am highly anticipating the sequel.

Well I am BLOWNNN AWAY!

I loved this book so much. Rebecca Ross is a fantasy writing queen!

This beautiful story sucked me in from the very beginning and I am INVESTED!! I need Book #2 asap!!!