A Rivalry of Hearts is the newest fantasy rom-com from Tessonja Odette and a standalone book in a series of interconnecting standalones. I always know I’m in for a lot of fun with Tessonja’s books and this one was no different, I loved it and already can’t wait for her next book!

Edwina is a human and a popular romance author and when she goes on a book tour that takes place on a Fae island, she definitely doesn’t expect to be forced to compete for a publishing contract with William, a handsome Fae and poetry writer. Being rivals forces them to be close to each other and one drunken night leads to a bet: whoever seduces more people gets the contract. But what seemed to be an easy win soon proves to be more difficult than they imagined especially when they realize the only one they want to seduce is each other.

A Rivalry of Hearts was everything I hoped it would be and more, it was interesting, it was funny, it was swoony and spicy and I loved every single page. While the plot, the world building and the magic system were really fascinating, I definitely loved the romance the most. Edwina and William had such a beautiful relationship with a great banter that had me laughing out loud and root for them and I loved all their conversations and scenes together and when they finally gave in to their attraction, the spicy scenes were *chief’s kiss*. They were truly amazing main characters and it was difficult for me to choose who I wanted to win their bet because they both had their reasons but the way it was resolved was really great. I also liked all the secondary characters, especially Monty, Daphne, Zane and Cassie and I can’t wait to see them in the next books in this series.

A Rivalry of Hearts was an amazing fantasy rom-com with interesting plot, incredible characters and beautiful romance that I really enjoyed and definitely recommend to everyone. The next book can’t come soon enough!

— 4.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 407 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Tessonja Odette
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Crystal Moon Press
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 12 June 2024

What you can expect:
— Adult Fantasy RomCom
— First Instalment In An Interconnected Standalone Series
— First Person X Dual POV
— Academic Rivals-To-Lovers
— Hate-To-Love
— Forced Proximity
— Reverse Grumpy X Sunshine
— Found Family
— Fae Bargain Of Seduction
— Slow-Burn Romance
— Open Door Spice

𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: sexually explicit content (including public displays of sexual activity and voyeurism), alcohol and substance use, adult profanity, death of a parental figure (past, mentioned), chronic illness with poor prognosis, intended sexual assault of an inebriated person (non-explicit, perpetrator is stopped before the attempt).

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬:
A Rivalry of Hearts is the first instalment in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series by author Tessonja Odette. Two rival writers. One prestigious publishing contract. A bargain of hearts and seduction. They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands. Now she's trapped in a magic-fueled bet she barely remembers with a man she’d be happier to forget. The terms? Whoever can bed the most lovers during their month-long dueling book tour wins a coveted publishing contract. The win should be easy for Edwina. She’s known for penning scintillating tales of whirlwind romance. There’s just one her imagination vastly exceeds her bedroom experience. But when failure means plummeting her career back into obscurity, losing isn’t an option. Her handsome fae rival, William Haywood, poses an even greater challenge. Not only are his looks as aggravatingly perfect as his track record behind closed doors, but he has his own reasons for playing to win, and he won’t go down without a fight. Unless, of course, it’s a different kind of going down. In that case, he’s fair game. Edwina and William clash in a rivalry of romance. But what happens when their objects of desire…turn out to be each other?

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
A Rivalry of Hearts is giving 'Divine Rivals meets Emily Wilde's' in the best possible way. Featuring a grumpy heroine with a compelling narrative voice and a dashing Fae rival that will get reader's heart racing... this is not a romantic Fantasy romcom to be missed in 2024. I went into the tale ready to be swept into a funny and banter-filled dialogue, and I was not left disappointed. This book delivered in everything that I hope it would, and I swear there is not better feeling as a reader. Author Tessonja Odette delivers on the whimsical and romantic setting which was further supported through the narrative of our heroine, Edwina, as she discovers the isle of Faerwyvae for the very fist time. A Rivalry of Hearts felt well-paced as it fairly balances the authentic relationship development with the sexually explicit content, and as this is my introduction to the author I look forward to going back and reading their earlier works. The story read with ease and before long I realised how quickly I had devoured its contents, and I look forward to the continuation of this standalone series with Daphne and Monty's story.

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
The overall plot in A Rivalry of Hearts was a lot of fun whilst leaving room for suspense and a keenness for more. The bet itself was a bit ridiculous in a quirky and comical way, especially in which the circumstances of the bet is established. Following Edwina and William as they traverse around Faerwyvae for their joined book tour created a beautiful and immersive setting for the plot as the reader is granted a deeper insight into the lifestyle of the fae and the differences to their courts. Rivals-to-lovers is a timeless-feeling trope and is one of my absolute favourites to explore across all genres, and it felt written to perfection between our two main characters. The best way I can summarise the plot is that it felt like a feel-good story with its themes of ambition, sense of found family and character growth. What's not to love about following two stubborn rivals who are determined to be come out on top as the declared winner, who in return find an unexpected love along the way with a guaranteed happily ever after?

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
I cannot begin to articulate how much I adored both main characters in A Rivalry of Hearts, and I'm beyond thrilled that we were granted an intimate insight into the inner workings to their thoughts in this dual-POV tale. Edwina felt raw and relatable as we follow her on her journey as a struggling and ambitious woman in a male-dominated field. Her unwillingness to publish under a male pseudonym, regardless to the fact that it would serve to further her career, was commendable as she continued to challenge a woman's role and ideals in society. Edwina writes sex-positive romances in a world where human woman are still expected to maintain their propriety and become dutiful wives, mothers and homemakers. She continues to challenge those ideals simply by her way of life, and I found myself riveted by Edwina's passion and determination to make a name for herself as she truly is. Her flaws made her a raw and relatable character, and I was proud of Edwina's growth as she held herself accountable whilst acknowledging the luck she has in life by being born into a wealthy family. Edwina's ambition success is entirely her own, but that doesn't disregard that her awareness that she has a life to fall back on which is more than what many can relate to. Her prickly, prideful and quick-tempered wit around her nemesis was a delight to follow, as was her inner turmoil as those feelings of resentment gradually developed into something more. Edwina Danforth was a wonderful main character to follow, and I'm happy to end her tale with a sense of gratification and pride for her overall development.

Edwina's first impression of William Haywood is not the best as he came across as arrogant, all-knowing and boastful. I found it really interesting to learn about the multiple layers that William possessed as we divulged past the façade he presents and got to know the 'real' Will. At his core, William is a family-orientated driven character that will go to any lengths to protect those that he loves, which is trait that is as admirable as it is formidable. His flirty persona and dedication to riling up Edwina was hilarious, and it was far too easy to fall in love with him as a reader. Will's protective instincts towards Edwina was everything and frankly, very much needed. Edwina's often displays a lack of consideration for herself in an unfamiliar setting, so despite their rivalry and original dislike towards one another, William often stepped up in defence of her when it was required. I enjoyed getting to know Will's character in a more intimate nature as the story progressed, especially the limitations he faced and the detrimental impact that had in his original career choice. I felt really bad for him, however I admit to enjoying those limitations as they worked in the favour of his relationship progression with Edwina. William's steamy lines and willingness to please as a lover made him the ultimate book boyfriend, and I couldn't love him any more.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The development between Edwina and William in A Rivalry of Hearts was written to perfection and is what makes this story what it is. Their rivalry was immediate as they were quick to discover the high-stakes that was placed upon the success of their joined tour, and it was a lot of fun following the chaotic pair as they scrambled to best one another during their bet. Tensions were high, academic and sexual alike, and I really enjoyed following our two main characters as they develop from dislike to friends to... more amdist their rivalry. The longing and tension was had me screaming in delight as I eagerly awaited the 'first move' during their slow burn romance, and I definitely found it worth the wait. I adore how author Tessonja Odette navigated the spicy scenes and their underlining intimate nature. The emotions that surface during these moments added an emotional vulnerability that helped to further the romantic development, and I adore how well Edwina and Will compliment one another despite being opposites. Will's understanding and unwavering acceptance of who Edwina is was such an important distinction, as growing up Edwina constantly felt under pressure by her peers to conform to societal standards. His willingness to work with her when her creative mindset took control and his gentle approach to bringing her back to the present... this man can do no wrong. Edwina's keenness to learn about the way of the fae was endearing and enriching as the reader is also on this journey of learning along side her. Her main want being to know the real Will underneath the 'roles' that he plays, and her dedication to showing how treasured he is. Edwina and Will are so perfectly matched, and whilst they are faced with their struggles surrounding the impending contract and secrets, I was thrilled to see them prioritise communication and better as a couple in return.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
I adored the first instalment to the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series, and I couldn't recommend it any more. It was fun and slightly chaotic. Unbelievable in a humorous way with a strong cast of endearing side characters that I cannot wait to explore in future instalments to this series. This is my first Tessonja Odette read and it will absolutely not be my last.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.

A Rivalry of Hearts by @tessonja

✨Pre-release ARC review✨

•Rating: 5/5⭐️ (crème de la crop!)
•Spice level: 2.5/5🌶️ (NA)
•Burn pace: 1.5/5🔥 (slow burn)

Edwina is a romance author traveling to Faerwyvae for her very first signing tour. But when she shows up - two weeks late - she finds that she’ll be sharing the spotlight with William: fae, poet, a$$hole, and unfortunately the most ~beautiful~ male she’s ever seen.

What I liked:
•I mean, it’s Tessonja Odette. You literally just can’t go wrong with her books. I’ve never met one I’ve rated below 4⭐️ and I’ve read almost all of hers!
•The writing draws you in so quickly
•I love how forward-thinking her books are, which is again reflected in this standalone
•The PERFECT length
•Fantastic amount of angst. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and had to keep taking deep breaths to relax my body 🤣
•The romantic tension is delicious
•Holy hell y’all, she’s not lying when she says rivals to lovers
•So many Easter eggs to her other books!

What I didn’t:
•The beginning was really similar to Divine Rivals. However, this does change about 25% of the way thru the book!

I recommend this book for readers 17+ who enjoy slow burns, lots of seggsual tension, TRUE rivals to lovers, and PLENTY of romantic angst!

This was cute and fluffy, and loaded with some cheese (fitting for a romcom set in a fantasy world). I had some minor gripes, but I think overall this was great! Looking forward to the 2nd stand alone installment!

I loved this so much! I was so anxious for the mc for the first 20%. Don't worry--you're supposed to be--she was making questionable decisions for pride, but the way it made me squirm is indicative of how quickly I was drawn into the story. The chemistry between these rivals was wonderful, and the second we switched from prideful boasts to starting to see the person behind the bets, I was absolutely hooked. I finished it from 30% forward in a day :)

Sugar, spice and everything nice! What a swoon-worthy book! It has everything I want in a fantasy rom-com with high stakes! I loved all the characters and how everything came along together. The banter, the camaraderie, the tension is just incredible. Tessonja, you have stolen my heart and soul yet again. Edwina and William are made for each other!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publishing company for this E-ARC 🫶🏼

FREE PASS PPL FREE. PASS.
I’m screaming. I loved this book so much. I never once got bored or tired. From the start, this book introduces you to interesting and unique characters in just as interesting and unique situations. If you enjoy historical romance, fantasy, and rivals to lovers, READ THIS. The sexual tension is so good in this book 😭😭😭 I literally had palpitations while reading certain scenes between Edwina and Will. It was so cute, but so nastyyyyy 😏😏 I’m in love.
I CANNOT wait for Monty and Daphne’s story omgggggg. Their characters are so cute and funny; I need their book yesterday.

**Blessed with this ARC by NetGalley**

The writing style of this one just didn't do it for me, I'm not sure why, so I had to put this one down.

If Anne Shirley lived in a Fae world, this would be it! The writing was done very well, and I loved the banter between the main characters. Perfect to read if you are looking for a fluffy cozy fantasy with spice.

My second Tessonja book and I truly enjoyed it. A Rivalry of Hearts was a cute story about two rival authors on a book tour set in Tessonja’s world of Faerwyvae. Our MMC is a Fae Poet who considers our human FMCs book “just smut and drivel”. They make a bet of seduction to win the publishing contract which only brings only the steamy tension between these two. While this was so fun our third act conflicts were a little ridiculous but thankfully resolved quickly. Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/💋💋/🌶️🌶️

With A Rivalry of Hearts, Tessonja writes another splendid chapter in the world of Faerwyvae. This time, the story follows Edwina Danforth, a human romance writer from the town of Bretton who is embarking on her first book tour that happens to be on the Fair Isle. However, upon arriving late due to unforeseen circumstances, the publishing company sends poet William Haywood ahead as an added author to her tour. Not only is William stunningly handsome, but his charm also poses a threat to Edwina when she learns he is to be her rival for an impressive publishing contract.

This story fits well with the others from this universe, even including a few cameos, and I loved the characters in this one. Edwina is a strong, independent main character, and I loved her enthusiasm and her quirks, including how she completely loses herself to her writing. Her storyline is really a love letter to writers, their fans, and book tours. William initially comes off as an arrogant author, but very quickly, he turns the tables on Edwina and us, showing his true colors as an absolute cinnamon roll! I love how protective he is of others and the vulnerability he shows Edwina, not to mention the adorable banter he uses to get under Edwina's skin!

While I loved this one overall, there was one scene involving a voyeurism club that was a bit too much for me personally. That said, the romantic scenes between the leads in the story were well done.

Some other highlights include:
✨ Cozy Fantasy
✨ Rivals-to-Lovers
✨ Enemies-to-Lovers
✨ Close Proximity
✨ Bets and Bargains
✨ Travel to different kingdoms
✨ Theater Experiences
✨ Banter
✨ Spice

Thank you to Netgalley and Tessonja Odette for this ebook ARC!

4.5 STARS

I really enjoyed this book! I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started reading, I only knew this was a fae meet regency kind of romance, but it blew me away.

The tension and the build-up between the two main characters was perfection and who wouldn't love William Haywood!?

It was very smart on the part of the author to create a world where each of the fae courts have wildly different cultures etc. It allowed for there to be moments where the characters had to maintain that overly polite propriety, as well as times where they could be a little more adventurous.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange of an honest review!

I think this book will be absolutely perfect for anyone who loves either romance or fantasy (or both) and finds themselves in a reading slump!
The pacing was great, and it didn't feel like the story dragged more than it needed to. I'm personally a huge fan of banter and the more there is, the happier I am.

I was elated to read about an 'unconventional' beauty (or whatever society thinks that is) like Edwina being at the center of a a passionate love story! I feel like a lot of the times, the female main characters in romance tend to have this unachievable super model look and I loved how relatable Edwina was.

Will is a complex character, which I was also happy to see. I don't agree with some of his choices, but I'm also not the kind of reader than enjoys perfect characters. I'd much rather have them make mistakes, learn from them and go through a development of their character instead.

I'm really curious about Daphne and Monty's story -- he's got a lot of groveling and explaining to do!

4.5/5 ⭐️ (Rounded up)

This was such a delightfully cozy story! It is well thought out and flows so nicely. It has a regency feel to it, but mixed with fantasy elements.
This book was full of exquisite banter between the MCs. The witty quips and stubbornness that went back and forth between the two, had me giggling with delight. The romantic tension was palpable during the first half of the book. I could feel the angst radiating from the pages. The characters were well fleshed and so likable. Edwina, a human romance author, is quite unique, sincere and knows what she wants. There is no question she will do what she must. William, a poet, is her rival. He can be brash and grumpy, but the fact that he falls first is so sweet. I love their relationship dynamic.

This is not my usual genre of books, but I knew if Tessonja Odette wrote it, it had to be good. And, she certainly didn’t disappoint. I look forward to the next book, between Daphne and Monty.

Thank you NetGalley and Tessonja Odette for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I loved Edwina and William's story!

There was so much tension in the first half of the book and I loved every minute of it. I also loved when Edwina and William gave into each other. Basically I just loved all of their interactions with each other throughout the whole book.

Zane and Monty were great co-conspirators and I enjoyed their meddling.

The world building was fun to read about and I can't wait to read the next book to find out more about the Fae.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, the cover for this book is to die for.

A Rivalry of Hearts is a fantasy rom com, and it lived up to its name. It is a lighthearted, cozy read that you can probably read through in one sitting.

I normally don't give romance books more than 3 stars, but I absolutely adored this. The story is very well written and the pacing was great. I didn't feel bored at any point. I'm also not a big fan of stories set in historical or victorian times, but that didn't bother me at all with this one. Tropes that can be found in this book are: rivals to lovers, forced proximity, and found family.

I absolutely loved both Edwina and William as well as all of the other characters in the story. The banter and romance = chef's kiss. I love that there's a build up and you can tell that the FMC and MMC actually got to know each other before diving into any sort of relationship. I hate when they fall in love immediately.

Definitely recommend reading this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ARC! All reviews below are my own.

This book was everything I wanted it to be - we're dropped into plot immediately, as we navigate Edwina finding her way to her own book tour -- 2 weeks late. This gave me so much anxiety, especially after finding out this tour was supposed to be the make-it moment for her and a three-book contract for her smutty fae romance series! We also have a subtle Regency setting, in the sense that the "human" world is still very much entrenched in those ideals, and Edwina, as part of that world, is writing the dirtiest smut to never have been experienced, while learning about real-life fae and what that might mean for her novels. She's up against Will, a poetry writer who's POV we also!! get, and he definitely falls fast and first. We're getting a reformed player who thinks our heroine is special and adorable, and also, is inherently bound into this competition for the book contract!

What makes this book special for me though, is the world and side-characters we get. Daphne is a fae who prefers her marten form (does it help that I was maybe obsessed with martens in my middle school days??) And we get our manager of the tour, a hot fae who's afraid of connection, but serves to poke and rile up William and move along their romance in the best of ways. Tessonja has created this fun fae/regency world that I'm excited to live in - and has done it all with not a dull moment. It feels like the book is missing a piece at the start almost, that bit where author do all the world building -- and to be honest, I'm not mad about it. I felt like this way, I learned just as much as I needed to along the way and never felt like the book dragged. Here's to hoping for more books!! (also, the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!)

A RIVALRY OF HEARTS
By @tessonja
ARC opportunity thanks to @netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

I saw this cover EVERYWHERE and rushed to request to be considered for an ARC from Netgalley. Next day, it was in my inbox! Woohoo!

First of all, the cover is so damn cute. I was so excited to add this to my feed. But it doesn’t end at the cover! Inside, I felt like I was reading a romcom version of Bridgerton and I was here for it. Dualing authors, high stakes, a binding bet, book signing events, a slow burn, cute romance - all sprinkled with some fae magic.

I loved the Dual POV here. Without it, we would have missed a lot of important inner thoughts and feelings from Will.

Monty and Daphne and Zane were really fun side characters as well.

This needs to be on your preorder list! Save the date - June 12th!

Thank you to the publisher, NetGalley, & the nerd fam for the gifted arc! (I accidentally applied for an arc through two different platforms and got accepted for both…oops)
Wow I LOVED this. I was giggling and kicking my feet the entire time. I absolutely adore Edwina and Will. And the side characters?? I cant wait for the next book. This was such a great little standalone and exactly what I was in the mood for—lighthearted and cozy. I was smiling the whole book.
I loved this so much that I now want to read Tessonja’s entire backlog. It was so well-written and the characters were developed perfectly. All of the relationships felt so natural. I was so hooked in the story that I forgot I was reading.
READ THIS BOOK!!!

4/5🧚‍♀️ this book was BEAUTIFUL & everything a romantasy should be! i want to thank tessonja for allowing me to read her ARC- i’ve truly been blessed by this one!

short summary:
edwina and william are rival authors vowing for the same publishing contract. because of some unfortunate circumstances that make edwina late, william crashes edwina’s book tour and takes it over for himself. after two weeks of this, edwina arrives and there are instant sparks…. of hatred LOL they do not get along (but that’s just what makes it SO GOOD 😏). after a night of HEAVY drinking on edwina’s part, a bet is made between the pair on who can have the most intimate moments w/ strangers from their touring cities. whoever wins, wins the contract as well.

things i loved:
🖋️ i love the fae x regency era vibes👗
🖋️bantering with her is his favorite thing (& man does tessonja write some good banter 🤪)
🖋️ Monty is an INSTIGATOR LOL he’s baiting them and I LOVED IT- i love when their friends are meddlers 😉
🖋️ something as small as holding hands is so beautifully written and makes you feel THE HEAT OF A THOUSAND SUNS
🖋️they both have cute nicknames for each other
🖋️THE TENSION IS CRAZY- even though the goal was to get with strangers, almost 100% of the time, they couldn’t go through with it or would use the opportunity to make the other one jealous
🖋️william is himself with her, in the best way possible 🫶🏼
🖋️william was willing to not only fight WITH her but fight FOR her 🥹

chapter notes:
-CHAPTER 16-THE TENSION 😙🤌
-CHAPTER 31 I’m throwing something across the room
-chapter 34- CRYING CRYING CRYING

tropes:
slow burn
enemies to lovers
rivals to lovers
forced proximity
found family

microtropes:
competition (bet)
‘let’s make him jealous’
nicknames
meddling friends
*leans hand on wall, caging her in*

would i recommend? HECK YEAH 😍