If I was perhaps in the mood for a romance, I would have enjoyed it more but alas i think this leans too much into cozy romance than cozy fantasy. definitely recommend it to romance readers. It's more apt to that genre than fantasy in how it is written.

I freaking love this book! It is utterly adorable! I love Edwina “weenie/Ed.” With her wistful up do and wire rimmed spectacles!

It’s so cute, with a side of magical and fanatical.

And what better to read about than a romance/smut author finding romance!

It’s funny, it’s witty and a must for anyone who loves a regal, romantic, fantasy story.

Romance author Edwina Danforth and her fae rival William Haywood enter a magical bet to win a prestigious publishing contract by seducing the most lovers during a month-long book tour. Despite Edwina's inexperience, the competition heats up as their rivalry intensifies, complicated by their growing attraction to each other. "A Rivalry of Hearts" is a standalone spicy fantasy romcom featuring enemies-to-lovers dynamics, quirky characters, and work place romance.

Tessonja is an auto buy author for me, so I was really looking forward to this book. Plus, I loved the cover – it was giving regency or bridgerton vibes to me. This book was a cute romansty book that was also light and funny. I really enjoyed this book! I can’t wait for Daphne and Monty’s book.

Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This story served as a much-needed palette cleanser from all the dark and brooding romance books I typically read. But, as much as I love a good dose of angst and drama in my reads, sometimes I need a break from all the heavy stuff.

Edwina Danforth, romance author extraordinaire, finds herself in a bit of a pickle. Cue the magical mishaps and the fae wine-induced escapades! Next thing you know, she's in a wager with her arch-nemesis, William Haywood, to see who can bed the most lovers during a book tour.

Edwina is like a tornado in a teapot… William is the charming fae with a smirk that could charm the pants off a statue.

The banter between Edwina and William is pure gold. It's like watching a rap battle between two wordsmiths, but with more flirty vibes. Their chemistry will have you hooked faster than you can say "publishing contract."

We've got rivalry, desire, and self-discovery—all set against the backdrop of the magical faelands. Edwina's journey from prideful to introspective is something we can all relate to, and it's what makes this book so darn special.

And don't even get me started on Odette's writing style. The dialogue crackles with wit, the humor almost had me snorting my drink out of my nose (hey, it’s a hazard of the trade.) It's "The Office" meets "Pride and Prejudice," with a sprinkle of fae magic thrown in for good measure.

So, if you're like me and find yourself craving a change of pace from all the doom and gloom, then "A Rivalry of Hearts" is the perfect palate cleanser. Sometimes I have to remind myself that sometimes, it's okay to just sit back, relax, and enjoy a good old-fashioned romp through the faelands.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the gifted ARC.

This was a super cute and fast read for fans of Jane Austen or Charlotte Bronte who want a fantasy spin!

Edwina is living her dream—her book is super popular in the land of the fae, and now she’s off to lead her very first book tour. But when she gets delayed due to travel complications, she’s forced to share her tour with William. Who happens to be the worst and thinks her books are “drivel.” If you’ve read Pride and Prejudice, you know where this goes.

This was a pretty standard romance novel with the story following predictable paths and an HEA is given. But the first half of the book was super fun for me, and I was very invested in the “bet” Edwina and William end up making.

But after that halfway mark, the story fell off for me. The bet was introduced just to be made moot, and the whole idea of Edwina doing “research” was abandoned immediately—even as a pretense. I was starting to get bored by the end, especially knowing where the story was going to go. But I definitely still enjoyed it overall, and am looking forward to the next installment!

Thank you, Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book ahead of publication!

Cute and witty. I absolutely loved the banter between the characters in this. I loved their relationship and the progression they made to get to be with each other rather than it feeling like it was an instant love thing. I'll definitely be going to read the other books in the series and looking forward to the next one!

Defenetly 5 stars read for me.
I've got an ARC from NetGalley of this book and here is my review.

What do we have? We have the Regency era, but without the typical limitations of books in this genre: no strict rules of the ton, no restrictions on men talking to women without an escort, no balls, and no marriage seasons.
So, what do we have instead? Faes in human and non-human forms, a little bit of magic (but not too much), and a traveling woman who writes smut (yes, she's a queen).

I loved how the author explored the topic of smut. Does an author of smut experience everything they write about in real life? Is smut always considered writing for stupid people ("smut and drivel," as Will calls it)? As a reader of smut, I must say - we need to read about these things.

Of course, there is lots of fun. The voyeurism scene is my favorite. Every movement and decision Edwina makes is contrary to what William tells her. And, of course, every scene where we have the words "free pass" is awesome (I still get goosebumps when I see those words). I loved the elevator scene so much!
The book is steamy, with smut, but it also has a very good story and character development. All the smut scenes are a great addition to a perfectly composed plot. I cannot say that you can remove the smut scenes and the book will be the same, because the main heroine is a smut writer, and of course, these scenes should be there. But if you ask me, I would say that the book has a perfect balance of plot and sex scenes.
I also loved that the secondary characters are perfectly developed too. I'll be waiting for Monty and Daphne's book, the second in this series, because I loved both of them. That scene when Daphne arrives in her human form - ooooh, she is so cute and shy. There is just some innuendo for their future interaction, but I cannot wait to read about it.

Now when I've reached the end of this book, I'm buzzing to read every book by Tessonja Odette. She is definitely my author.

This book had a lot of promise and overall it was enjoyable to an extent. It took me a while to get into and the FMC bothered me more than I’d care to admit. I did like William. Overall, I feel like there was too much emphasis on s*x and not enough emphasis on the relationship between the two characters nor the tribulations regarding why they both needed the contract.

Two rival book authors must share a book tour and compete for a life changing publishing contract. One night and a few too many glasses of fae wine lead the rivals to make a bet on a seduction competition between the two of them, winner takes all.

Edwina is romance author from the human world who has moderate success in her home country, enough to pay her bills but not much more, but is actually a household name in the fae world. When Edwina is given the opportunity to go on a book tour in the fae lands she happily excepts. What she didn't know was that she was going to have another author, Willian, join her and that they would be competing head to head for a life changing publishing contract. After one night at the pub, and way too many glasses of Cloud Dive (fae alcohol), the two get into a verbal sparring match that ends in a bargain, "The author who can seduce the most people on tour gets the publishing contract." Easier said than done when the only seducing Edwina does is in her books. Over the course of the tour Willian and Edwina blur the lines between what's part of the bet and what is real.

With part 1 season 3 of Bridgerton dropping this couldn't be a more perfect read to bridge the gap between part 1 and part 2. A Rivalry of Hearts has that perfect mix of regency aesthetic and themes with enough of a modern/fantasy twist that nothing feels too dated or too outlandish. The relationship between Will and Edwina was very sweet and landed in a very realistic and character honoring way that I don't feel like I see a lot in genre fiction like this. My one critique was that during the third act Edwina's character devolved from how her character was built until that point. Selfishly I do wish Edwina had more of a sow your oats moment during moments of the bet but that is just a personal preference.

If I can describe Rivalry of Hearts in one word, it would be delightful. This read was such a beautiful delight.

It’s a cozy, sweet read, that feels like a warm hug, a tickled laugh, and a total swoon!

Edwina and Will were terrific leads, I am very pro dual-pov in romances so I was very excited for both of their chapters. Tessonja Odette does an exemplary job at ensuring each lead’s voice is their own: they stand apart as characters wonderfully.

I admired each, related to facets of both personalities, and rooted for them equally that by journey’s end. I could not possibly root for one over the other in terms of the bet. I only wished the best for them, individually and together. I came to care so very much for them, through their strife, heartaches, and triumphs. Loving them individually only heightened the love I had for their fabulous slow burn triumph.

This book also highlights a trope I typically run from: miscommunication. If, like me, it’s not one of your favorites, please don’t let that deter you from this one! This trope is used so incredibly effectively in this book, and it’s not just effective, it’s necessary. The miscommunication at the start of the story is what jumpstarts what’s teased in the synopsis. One lead is trying to convey a certain, ahem, flirtatious sentiment, and the other misreads it so hilariously badly. Rather than clear it up, a game is afoot! And I giggled the whole way through, hehe!

Miscommunication gives way to delicious moments of mutual jealousy, mutual longings, and fabulous romancing.

While much of this book is warm and light-hearted, it’s also deeply moving, and allows each character, primary and secondary, development and wonderful moments of personal growths. I do think I would have enjoyed it a bit more had it been a bit shorter, but at the same time, I came to adore this cast of characters, especially our leads, that I’m glad for all the time spent with each.

This is a delightful, heartfelt book that strikes all the right emotional chords.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the gifted ARC. I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book gives all the tension you can hope for, I found myself wanting to scream KISS ALREADY! I loved all the characters and found myself so invested in them all, the banter between them all really did make me laugh. The bet between William and Edwina was interesting to see what they would do next and the romance was cute and swoony I loved every minute!


Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for
the eARC of A Rivalry Of Hearts via Netgalley

So exited I got to read A Rivalry of Hearts early, I had it on my TBR as soon as I read the premise. Loved this take on work place rivalry. Great banter and slightly absurd scenarios but in a good way once Edwina and William strike their bargain and they try to one-up each other to save their careers. The mix of regency setting with more modern once we enter the fae worlds, add to that a bit of fantasy and spice it makes for a great combination.

I like to read anything that also has to do with books and reading so I thoroughly enjoyed that Edwina was a writer of smut basically. She is a quirky character, that was bit judgmental in the beginning but that at the end she came around to wanting to learn more about the fae and letting herself go. William is your typically cocky, charming and awfully handsome fae character, but once he fell for her he was down bad. They were witty and funny and the line about the one bed had me really laughing. Also even though Monty and Daphne were side characters I was still invested on what was happening with them, can't wait to read more about them. This book definitely make me look up more of Tessonja Odette's works and see what else is there.

Thank You to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op to the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

I LOVED this book! It was just delightful. I was so excited to receive an ARC of this and cannot wait to purchase a copy for my library. The whimsical storytelling and location is reminiscent of the Emily Wilde series and a main leading lady as charming and entertaining as Anne of Green Gables. I adored the two MCs as individuals and in their relationship journey. The side characters were so charismatic, as well, I'm so happy to see they'll be getting a book in this series. The overall writing was funny, easy to read through, and enjoyable. I could not put this down. It was definitely a cozy read, but I didn't feel like the plot dragged on. The emersion into the fae setting here was well done. This is the first of Tessonja's books I've read and I will absolutely be diving into more.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the digital ARC of this book.

I did not finish this book.

The representation of the MMC as being demisexual and further describing this as his "embarrassment" that he couldn't kiss a co star as an actor without vomiting on them was not great.

The writing was a little weak and despite not being repetitive, it felt repetitive due to the redundancy of many lines.

The worldbuilding was quite empty.

This book is pure crack! I could not put it down! I was giggling the whole way through! And THE BANTER!?! I can't. This has been one of the best books I've read all year! And by far my favorite title I've read from Tessonja!

Funny, light-hearted romcom set in a fantasy world we know and love.

Tessonja manages once again to write down wonderful characters in this amusing enemies-to-lovers story. In contrast to her other Faerwyvae stories, this one is a full on romance story, with no prominent fantasy storyline except for the characters being fae. So no big villain to slay or mystery to uncover in this one. Nevertheless it has her characteristic writing style that easily sweeps you up. It also has a really beautiful cover and marvellous illustrations. I'm always having a lovely time when I get to return to Faerwyvae, but you can definitely read this book without having read Tessonja's other books. It's just the world you'd already be familiar with if you've read the Fairisle trilogy, and you'll see two characters from the Entangled books again. But you're not going to miss crucial story elements or such.
It's being told in dual POV, so you get to know both Edwina and William better. I love the depth the author has created in Will's character. The only downside of this book is that I couldn't connect with Edwina properly. Several of her thoughts, actions and motives are not completely believable to me as a reader, thus preventing her from winning me over.

So whether or not you've already read the other books set in Faerwyvae, if you're looking for a light-hearted romcom with literary rivalries turning into something more and a scandalous bet, I'd recommend this book to you.

5/5

Having immersed myself in the world of Faewyver, I can confidently say this might be my favorite.

Edwina is wonderfully relatable and endearing. Her journey with self-confidence and navigating societal pressures while trying to maintain her independence is something many readers can identify with.

William's character is a beautifully crafted mystery. His struggles with failure and overcoming mental blocks are portrayed with great depth and authenticity.

This story is a true romance in every sense, with Edwina and William's relationship unfolding naturally and tenderly. Their mutual support and understanding are heartwarming and inspirational.

I love a mature FMC (female main character), and that's exactly what we got. I can never get enough of the "he fell first and harder" trope. I love me some pathetically in love men—hot! 🤣😈
I was literally kicking my feet reading this 🥰

Overall, this book is a gem for fans of romance and fantasy alike. If you're looking for a heartfelt, engaging read, this one is definitely for you.

5 ⭐️'s This was such a great mix of cozy and spicy! A Rivalry of Hearts is a bit of a departure from Odette's previous work, but not a complete 180. The setting is the same. The magic is the same. We're just getting stories now, it seems from a more common folk perspective. As her last series of books were more fairytale-based and fantastical, AROH carries more Bridgerton vibes. Upper-class fae/humans that aren't tied to any of the royalty.
I loved this book so much, and I cannot wait to finally read Monty's story!

A funny take on a rivals (to friends) to lovers that's also a story about making dreams come true.

The reason why I picked "A Rivalry of Hearts", to begin with, was the prospect of reading a fairy book that didn't involve the cliche tropes we see with a lot of frequency – realms, war and etc etc (though I do love them, I've got trauma).

Truth is, I don't regret my decision. AROH is, to me, a perfect blend of Divine Rivals (with the rivality and witty FMC) with some of the best rom-coms of our time (and I'll mention Ali Hazelwood here) + fairies.

I won't lie: I spent the biggest part of the book thinking Edwina has the biggest pain in the ass, selfish as hell, and rooting against her on this rivalry (who wouldn't, considering that Will was her rival??). But everything was forgiven as the book followed, and I got the chance to fall in love with her and their relationship.

And what to say about Will? Mister, "I hate smut and drivel" stole my heart from his first line (even though he was speaking ill about my taste in books) and from then on there was no coming back – and I didn't want to. He was such a deep and loving character, and I think that was what captivated me the most – we're so used to harsh MMC's nowadays, and to have one that is vulnerable and sweet is just different.

Tessonja also created amazing (yet maddening) secondary characters, and I must confess I was a bit sad having to say goodbye to some of them (like Jolene) and can't wait to read the stories of others (such as Daffy Dear and Monty.

I haven't read anything Tessonja before, but I can't wait to read everything else she writes!

I adored this! Honestly a perfect mix of romcom, rivals to lovers, workplace romance, and fae magic!
This was my first Tessonja Odette book and I’m so excited to read more! I loved the tension and banter between Edwina and Will and was rooting for them the whole time. The lighthearted silliness of a bet made while drunk kept the plot moving without being too intense. I loved reading about the different courts of Faerwyvae so I’m exciting to get more of that in other books!

Daphne was my favorite so I was so excited to see she will be starring in the next book!

This was the best parts of Emily Wilde, Bridgerton, and Divine Rivals all in one with spice 🌶️

Thank you NetGalley for the arc!!