Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review

This was adorable. A cute cozy romantasy with fae and a romance-writer. Moreover a romance-writer who gets entangled in a bet where her skills in the bedroom is far poorer than her writing. It was funny, sweet and spicy. Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope and this didn't fail me! Would highly recommend!

⭐ 5 !

This is adorable. I do not usually enjoy rom-coms but the charm of this book is undeniable. I found the main couple and their banter together so cute, I couldn't put the book down. William surprised me with how truly swoon-worthy he was! Now, that being said, the premise is unrealistic and a tad silly but that comes with the genre. If you think you can suspend your disbelief, you'll really enjoy the character interactions and the sugary-sweet world they live in. If you're in need of an easy and romantic book in-between a darker, more intense fantasy series, I highly recommend. I will definitely pick up more of this author's work!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

A Rivalry of Hearts was a very cozy and light-hearted read, and something I am very not used to. I think with this book I discovered that low-stakes books are just not for me.

The premise is simple, a human girl writes a fiction book about fae, the book is super popular in the fae world but not as popular in the very stuck-up 1950's-esque human world. She goes on tour in the fae world to promote the book only to find out that she's been paired with a fae poetry writer. Then they both discover that there's a writing contract for whoever has the better sales, so they take things into their own hands and form a bet. Whoever loses the bet has to turn down the contract if offered so the other one can take it. The terms are whoever was "intimate" with more people behind a bedroom door at the end of the tour wins the bet.

I think this book was well-written, I felt characters experienced growth, although since it was so low-stakes it wasn't much. I found that Edwina annoyed me a lot of the time but it was more because I hate being late for anything and she was late for literally everything. The one big negative of this book was that I felt the fae part of the book was completely unnecessary. If you're looking to dip a tippy toe into fantasy, this is a great place to start, but I didn't think it was even needed in this story. Otherwise, I wish the magic system had been beefed up a little bit. There just wasn't any kind of story-changing element that them being fae altered except for the effect fae have on humans' lives and the fact that they can extend a human's lifespan just by being important to them. It also wasn't really explained, you're just kinda made to accept it with no reason behind it.

All-in-all I think this was a pretty decent read. I did have to push through to finish it but that had nothing to do with the writing or the pacing and everything to do with the fact that I like higher stakes books. I would recommend this to people for sure, but wouldn't continue the series myself.

Thank you very much to the publisher and the author for an opportunity to read such a cute story as an ARC reader.

My rating: 3.5⭐
Read if you enjoy:
- Cozy fantasy
- Jane Austen inspired Regency romance
- Real world mixed with fantasy world
- Rivals to lovers
- Drunken bets with fae
- Open doors spice
- Mysterious secondary characters

My thoughts:
Regency romance isn't usually my type of go-to genre but I wanted to try something different for a change, and I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book.

First I'd like to highlight how impressed I am with the beautiful mashup of real and fantasy the author has crafted, and the depths we're gifted in terms of world building, magic systems, societal constructs and cultural references.
That alone deserves all the praise.
And the little easter eggs and nods to Jane Austen's works? They had me smiling all the time.

Sadly, there were certain parts I found were dragged for too long and made me lose interest. Also, and unfortunately, by the end I was a little annoyed with Edwina and I'm afraid it didn't improve in the final chapters but turned into full eye-rolling.

In general I did enjoy the story and the author is clearly talented. However, I believe I might had enjoyed it more had I been younger or had had a more romantic view of life.

4 Stars!

This book is a fun mix of humour, fantasy, and steamy romance that keeps you hooked the whole way through. The story—two writers in a magical bet—puts a fresh spin on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Super entertaining!

Quirky...Cute...Chaotic...

Someone bring me a plate of crackers because this was delightfully cheesy and I ate. it. up!

Okay before you come in you're going to have to leave your serious shoes at the door. Seriously, unserious vibes only! Now that that's out of the way...

This was the first book of Tessonja's that I have read but her catalog has been on my radar, it definitely won't be my last. This was cozy, steamy, and had me cackling! This fluff was just what I needed to get me out of a reading slump!

The characters are likable, their motivations are clear, the pacing is steady, and the world is built out just enough with side characters that have their own distinct voices! It usually takes me a minute to get into the groove of first-person POV and I'll admit the first chapter is a bit bumpy with quirk but it settles down quickly and gets rolling. William's POV in particular had me kicking my feet! Our main characters aren't without their flaws and sometimes they make questionable decisions but it's all a bit of a relatable hot mess and you can't help but to cheer for both of these people and even the side characters.

While this is super steamy and spice is subjective, I thought it was well-balanced. This leans more on the cozy romcom side than a spice-driven book. The slow burn does indeed slow burn even if our characters lust after each other pretty quickly, watching them fall for each other...swoon!

If I had to relate this to something that I'm familiar with I would say it's like if you took Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries, took ALL the dry academic tone out of it, all the danger and the stuffiness and replaced it with a ton of romcom, quirk, and just unseriousness in general. I caution against relating it to that because it's like it but...in an upside-down kind of way.

PS. I'm going to need y'all to take a look at the hardcover edition of this book! It is so stunning!

Big thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC! A Rivalry of Hearts is out June 12, 2024!

"Give me a reason not to go (...). Give me one reason, Edwina. Just one".

It's been quite a while since I last read what I like to call "one of my silly romance novels". And what a way to get back into them. Absolutley every thing in this books is worth it.
The rivalry? Reminds me of my highschool hypercompetitive self throwing shit at my clever friends just for fun.
The "oh shit! I'm in love, what do I do now?" That's William, that's Edwina and that's me now that I've finished the book.
The story is so funny, quirky and brings such a sense of comfort and softness that it was very hard to put it down (I only did so because I needed to sleep). I haven't read anything from this author, but I certanly will read more of her books because they trully are worth the full atmosphere change from my usual horror/high fantasy books.

I really enjoyed this book once it picked up. However the beginning was very slow and I was tempted to not continue. I’m glad I pushed through because I really love Edwina and William. I loved getting character art to start out so I knew what to picture as well. The different courts and how the fae live was a bit confusing I think having a little more description in the beginning would be great. Otherwise I Ike’s this a lot!

In the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series, A Rivalry of Hearts is a fiery stand-alone adult fantasy romantic comedy. This captivating story will appeal to fans of quirky heroines, romantic rivals, and rivals in academia.

Trope: forced proximity, rivals to lovers

Synopsis:
Edwina is experiencing the life of her dreams: she's heading out on her first book tour after her book became an overnight sensation in the realm of the faes. But she's compelled to share with William her tour when she is delayed because of travel issues. Who, incidentally, is the worst and considers her writings to be "drivel." They are in competition for a publishing deal on this tour, which has the potential to transform their lives and provide solutions to their issues. They will do this by making a bet: During their month-long rival book tour, the one who can bed the most lovers will earn the highly sought-after publishing deal. However, what if their luck went beyond securing a contract?

Thoughts:

This was great fun for me! It was the ideal cosy romance, a beautiful fusion of imagination and romance. I genuinely loved the banter and chemistry between the characters because they were so endearing. I liked that their "bet" gave us many scenes with them. I enjoyed the banter between Edwina and William, we could feel the chemistry between them from the beginning.

Up until the midway mark, I was completely engrossed in the plot; after that, it became somewhat monotonous and dragged. Additionally, I thought the resolution of their primary dispute was a little too hasty, especially in light of the extensive build-up that occurred at the novel's start. More, I felt like the primary dispute was just there because it is the structure of a typical romance novel.

Overall, it was a great time, and I'm interested in continuing the series and seeing where the next installment takes us.

Thank you Netgalley and Tessonja Odette for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of its publication.

- Honest review and all mine -

I love Tessonja's stories. They are always packed with fantasy, romance, fun, and so much tenderness; this book was no exception.

Romance author Edwina Danforth finds herself trapped in a magical bet with her rival, William Haywood, during a visit to the faelands. Both authors compete in a month-long book tour to seduce the most lovers, with the prize being a prestigious publishing contract. Despite her reputation for writing passionate romances, Edwina's real-life experience is lacking, while William is infuriatingly attractive and a formidable competitor. As their rivalry intensifies, they unexpectedly become each other's primary object of desire. This standalone adult fantasy romcom features academic rivals, an enemies-to-lovers trope, and ends with a happily ever after.

I love enemies turned friends turned lovers and watching it unfold in the slowest of burns that ends up in the biggest fire there can be. If you add to the fact that he falls first, you have a recipe for my favorite romantic read.

I found this book to be quite enjoyable and endearing. However, I must admit that I preferred Tessonja's other stories, and I couldn't fully connect with this one to make it a favorite. Nevertheless, it's an easy read, and I had fun reading it.

Thank you, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Tessonja, for sending me this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I can't wait for Monty and Daph's story.

WHAT A CHARMING BOOK

I love this cozy fantasy adjacent book, is no plot just vibes and seduction. I’m so glad I read this and now I wanna read everything this author has done.

I enjoyed the premise of this story a lot. It was fun to see a fae story combined with a loose interpretation of regency era romance. I do think the story was repetitive, especially in the middle, rehashing the same back and forth. It could have been a bit shorter and still got the point across. I also thought the dialogue felt a bit forced at times, and I think the character voices lacked distinction. Overall if you’re a fan of hallmark movies, steamy regency stories, or books about fae, this story might be for you. 2.5/5 Stars

I loved this novel!!! It was so cute and such a cozy little mystery. The writing was great and the plot moved along well. I was hooked from the first chapter. I cannot wait for the sequel!!

May 21, 2024
- Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this arc! Please be aware this is an honest review -

5 ⭐️

How I hadn't read any book by this author is beyond me!
I didn't know what I was getting into, and it was such a journey. From the beginning of the story, I was hooked. The writing, the characters, the dynamics between all the characters, literally everything!

This will be even more special if you have read the other series by the same author, 'cause some of those characters appear in this novel. I can't wait to read them soon.

It was so fun being in this world for the first time. The imagery of it was perfection!
Now let's talk about the plot. I would classify this as a cozy romantacy (emphasis on romance). It was very low stakes, and the drama had nothing to do with the fantasy aspect of the world.

The characters were amazing, so fleshed out. Since the beginning, I was in love with the dynamic between our main couple. Edwina is adorable, and very me at some points. She is extremely funny and just a sweetheart. (I'm not saying that I'm that, I'm just saying she was me at some point)
Will became one of my book boyfriends. Please make him a real guy. He was sweet and gentle, and overall he was such a golden retriever

Now the romance. What can I say? I love rivals to lovers... This book had some of the most romantic moments ever. The book?! I died, dead! The growth of the relationship, the dynamic, the tension, even the final conflict, it was on point!

I was expecting the ending of this book to ruin it for me, but it was amazing. It felt very real.

I'm so excited for the next novel. I can't wait!!! The author knew so well how to tease the next couple. I just need it, RIGHT NOW!!!!


Troupes
- Rivals to lovers
- Bet
- Forced proximity
- He falls first

Having thoroughly enjoyed Tessonja Odette's "The Fair Isle Trilogy," I was thrilled to be transported back to the enchanting world of Faerwyvae in "A Rivalry of Hearts." Odette's writing is as enchanting as ever in this book, painting vivid pictures of the faelands and its inhabitants. The fae elements add an extra layer of intrigue and enchantment, making Faerwyvae feel like a character in its own right. The author's ability to blend fantasy with romance is evident throughout, creating a world that is both whimsical and deeply rooted in emotional authenticity. Can you tell I love Faerwyvae?

As for the plot, the story follows Edwina Danforth, a romance author who finds herself ensnared in a precarious fae bargain with her rival- the infuriatingly handsome poet, William Haywood. The stakes are high: a prestigious publishing contract awaits the victor of their month-long seduction contest, which quickly turns into a battle of wits, charm, and unexpected emotions.
While the premise of a seduction contest might initially seem frivolous, Odette skillfully explores themes of self-discovery, vulnerability, and the true nature of love. Both Edwina and William undergo significant personal growth, learning to confront their fears and embrace their desires. This character development is handled with care, ensuring that the story remains heartfelt and relatable.

One of the highlights of this novel is the multiple POV. I loved shifting between Edwina and William's perspectives, allowing me as a reader to fully understand their motivations, insecurities, and growing attraction. Also, the banter between Edwina and William is another standout aspect of the book. Their witty exchanges are sharp, clever, and often laugh-out-loud funny, perfectly capturing the essence of their rivalry and mutual disdain-turned-attraction. This dynamic interplay keeps the story lively and ensures that the romantic buildup feels both natural and satisfying!

Overall, "A Rivalry of Hearts" is a charming and spicy romp through the faelands that fans of Odette's previous work will adore (much like I did!). It combines the best elements of a romantic comedy with the magic and mystery of fantasy, resulting in a book that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant. Whether you're returning to Faerwyvae or visiting for the first time, this novel is sure to capture your heart.

Two rival authors. One publishing contract.
Edwina is a human romance writer who is travelling to a Fae world for a book tour. When she is late to her tour, they bring on a poet- William Hayward, to fill her spot, and they must compete the rest of the book tour together.
Whoever sells the most books will win a 3 book contract.
This was your typical enemies to lovers trope. Throw in some fae magic- and this is my type of book. The banter was great.
I was actually fairly surprised with the level of spice ( I think mainly based off the cover- I have to stop doing that)
I loved both William and Edwina as main characters. Add in Daphne the pine marten intern and the cast is A+.
It gave me Divine Rivals/ Cruel Prince/ Rom Commer's vibes.
If you like a little magic mixed in with romance ( as opposed to romance mixed with magic) then this is for you.
4 stars from me!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion. This title publishes June 12th!

Miss Tessonja! I am new to you, unfortunately for me. But, FORTUNATELY for me, I am now a huge fan! This was ADORABLE. When I say the banter in the book makes you FEEL like you are THERE-I cant imagine anything making it better! I was unsure if I would like it because I truly detest rom-coms in all forms lol but I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!

One of my favorite reads from Tessonja Odette!

Something I loved when I started reading this book is it brought such a sense of nostalgia. We return to the isle of Faerwyvae where the Fair Isle Trilogy and Entangled with Fae series' take place. It felt like coming home after a long time of being away. I instantly dove into the world of Edwina Danforth and William Haywood.

I didn't realize I would enjoy the Rivals to Lovers trope as much as I did. Odette does this SO WELL. Both MC's are in a competition against the other and have something to lose that's very important to them. But, they also have something to gain -- love. As a reader, you feel torn between wanting love to work out but also understanding the depth and reality of what may happen should either lose the competition. Even amidst the rom-com, laughable nature of the book, you feel that emotional tug.

The banter, the tension, the spice -- it was like a cherry on the top (again, SO WELL done!) It felt real, not just thrown together. I was swooning a good 80-90% of the book.

It is the first book in a new series! It is interconnected to Odette's other series in Faerwyvae as I mentioned but it can be read alone. It has closer ties with the Entangled with Fae series than the Fair Isle Triology (specifically the first book in series, Curse of the Wolf King) so, if you do want to read somewhat in order, you can start with COTWK then go into this one. Just a suggestion!

Love the book. Love the author. Can't wait for book 2 already :)

This is a digestible romantasy featuring rivals to lovers, forced proximity, and a bit of spice. Tessonja Odette's writing and worlds are so enjoyable, and this books tours the courts of Faerwyvae, including cozy bookshops! The highlight of this book to me was the declaration of love scene. If you read this book for nothing else, read it for that.

My only real critique of this book is the characters. Overall, I didn't really connect deeply with any of the characters, and actually deeply disliked Monty. I wanted a little more from the love interest, William, specifically about his demisexuality. While it is clear that he has trouble being physically attracted to others, it is not totally clear if it's part of his sexuality or part of his "acting" persona.

Nevertheless, if you want a fluffy, fun romance with descriptive settings and an easy magic system, this is worth your time!

baby's first ARC! thank you NetGalley and Tessonja Odette!

(review from Goodreads)

This one is for those who disliked the slow burn of Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries.

There is less worldbuilding and less innovation in the presentation of faeries, what it lacks in those departments it makes up for in characters. Everyone is entertaining to read about, it constantly had me excited to read.

It felt nice to be so invested in a genre that I normally don't engage with.

The sex positivity of this novel is quite admirable. Even as asexual as I am I still found myself deeply relating to the protagonist Edwina and her personality.

The tension in this is absolutely delectable. I cannot overstate how much Odette delivers on the premise.

Rivalry indeed. This is how you write rivals to lovers. It's just the perfect blend of character decisions spurred by this wholly ridiculous but also wholly entertaining setup.

This review will be going on Goodreads eventually.