This book was super cute & cozy!

I like the mix or otherworld with old times.

Whitty banter
He falls 1st
Funny size characters
Competition

Overall a good time!!!

A Rivalry of Hearts was an overall fun, entertaining and flirty story.

I loved the rivalry between the main characters - very much in the way of Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables. Their chemistry was undeniable and they formed an unexpected and entertaining, sweet pair.
I liked the tenderness in the way William expressed his feelings towards Edwina.

The different side characters added so much to the story, contributing to the outcome of Edwina and William’s “cat-and-mouse game”.

I very much enjoyed Tessonja writing style and the way she described the various settings of the different courts of Faerwyvae.

The spice felt appropriate and added to the overall tension and chemistry between the characters.

✨💫Book Review💫✨A Rivalry of Hearts by @tessonja was such a fun, quirky, and refreshing read. I found myself squealing and giggling nearly every page. This is a cozy romantasy/fantasy romcom (yes, a fantasy romcom, folks!) with fun banter and spicy spice. I absolutely loved this book and I am so excited for the second book in the series to be released. I think you will enjoy this book if you love:

💫Spice 🌶️🥵
💫Found Family
💫Only One Train
💫Rivalry/publishing competition
💫Sassy and witty banter
💫Cozy and sweet world building

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Highly recommend!


#theromantasylibrary #romantasy #fantasy #Arivalryofhearts #netgalley #ARCreview #tessonjaodette #readersupportingauthor #fantasyromcom #rivalrytolovers

Anyone wanting to read a spicy enemies to lovers with bridgerton vibes? 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️

Join Edwina, a shy yet quirky human author with a penchant for writing spicy novels involving fae. When she receives the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Faerwyvae, home of the fae, on a book promotion tour, she is beyond ecstatic. Unfortunately, weather delays her crossing, and she arrives to find her tour taken over by a stoic yet incredibly sexy fae poet with a secret.

As they compete for the same publishing contract, I bet is made of the spicy variety, and tempers and and pheromones will flair!

Check out “A Rivalry of Hearts” by @tessonja released today! Available on KU and Amazon.

#faecore #faebook #bridgertonvibes #momswhoread #spicyfaeromance

I absolutely adored this book, it was so much fun, dare I say a perfect read for me, yes, I’m saying it. A perfect blend of shenanigans, charm, wit and steamy slow burn, this book ticks all the boxes.

To say I’m obsessed with William and Edwina is probably an understatement, I love with all my heart how weird Edwina is (and I mean that as a complete compliment) and how she gets so inside her own head sometimes. Her passion for writing and her love of smut honestly made me love her so much more. She is the perfect combination of confidence and timidness, and watching her find her and William find their way throughout this story is amazing.

The antics and shenanigans were incredible and made for the most amazing humorous aspects of the story. Beneath this is all there is at the heart of the the most beautiful steamy love story of two individuals whose bet to try and win a writing contract gets so in the way of their feelings for one another. I feel like Tessa really put it all into these characters and it shows, and this include side characters like Monty and Daphne.

There is phenomenal world building, having the characters travel as part of the book tour through the different areas of Faerwyvae means that you get to experience the nuances of each location bringing an absolutely charming aspect to an already amazing story. The pacing was excellent and the story felt so fluid it flew by, this book made me cry, gasp and grin like an idiot.

I really enjoyed this cute rom-com fantasy. It's the first book I read by Tessonja and I loved discovering the fae world through the eyes of Edwina the romance writer. She's one of the two authors competing in the tour of Hearts to win a very coveted contract. William, a fae poetry writer is the other author competing for the contract. Queue a rivalry with some amazing banter, or is it flirting?
This book was so cute and makes me want to read the rest of her books.

I was quite disappointed by how average this book turned out to be. It was supposed to be such a cute and original idea, a fae romance but between two authors, who also compete with each other and the attraction to one another, all in Victorian-like universe. It delivered exactly that plus some spice. A OK love story, some expected open doors scenes, third act breakup drama where both characters (but especially FMC) are insanely unreasonable, few unnecessary characters added to the mix and we have a bit mediocre novel. I spend a pleasant evening with A Rivalry of Hearts but it was not very memorable read. It didn’t stand out enough for me.

3,5/5 rounded down

Oh my goodness, I loved this book!

It read like a RomCom but is definitely a fantasy novel. It was so fun to read. The obnoxious nicknames were purposefully obnoxious. There was pining and longing. There was banter and Fae deals. There was some spice (open door and explicit) but the plot and characters reigned supreme. I was giggling, cringing, and shrieking on almost every page. This was a delight to read.

This might be my favorite Odette novel yet. This novel sparkles with wit and banter. And did I mention a magical fairy bet?

DNF - 72%, full Review on my blog!

“His proximity to the bookstore suggests he’s either a shop patron or perhaps a clerk out on his break. Or…maybe he’s here to see me? That is my purpose at Flight of Fancy; I’m here to sign books and meet my fans.”


What in the Wattpad did I just read?

The pretty cover and the concept of rival writers on a book tour immediately intrigued me. While I appreciated the plot idea, the writing style and world-building didn't quite work for me.

I REALLY struggled to get into this. I've had this ARC for over a month, and I wanted to give it a shot, but I couldn't get past the first 13% due to the overwhelming cringe. Despite my efforts, I mostly skimmed through it. The plot quickly became boring, and the lack of chemistry between the characters... was bad. Their attraction to each other was almost non-existent as the author told rather than showed their connection. I absolutely HATED every time William called Edwina “Weenie”—it was beyond cringy for me. The third-act conflict was frustrating—it felt stupid and unnecessary, just.... WHY? They could have resolved it like mature adults. Most scenes were incredibly cringeworthy, and the characters' novels seemed so poorly written that it was hard to believe either of them were popular. By the time I got to the spicy scenes, I was just completely over the book.

Also the name of the fae realm??? Faerwyvae , I mean cool, original ig? but I really don't like it

Overall, I feel like this has a lot of potential, but the execution fell short for me.


Thank you for the ARC, Tessonja!

THIS BOOK WAS FANTASTIC!! I had never read this author before, and now I want to read every book on her backlist.

I still have to catch up with quite a few Tessonja Odette books, but all the books I've read so far were amazing. She tells the kind of stories I want to read and she writes them the way I liked to read them. So, this book was on my pre-order list for ages already. And then I was browsing Netgalley and all of a sudden I saw this book. Of course I had to request a copy and I'm insanely thankful that the author granted me one.

This book was everything I had hoped it would be and so much more! From the very start I fell in love with Edwina. I think partly because she reminds me a little of myself. The dreaming of becoming an author, getting distracted by story ideas and looking at things from a different perspective compared to everyone else. But underneath everything we find a woman who just wanted to be appreciated, seen and most of all loved.

She also has one of the most amazing co-stars in book history. William is everything a bookboyfriend could and should be. He has a touch of confidence bordering on arrogance. He's not terribly great at flirting, but he's always always there when he has to be and once he loves someone he fights for them with his entire heart and in whatever way possible, no matter the cost and no matter how terribly it might hurt him.

And basically we, the readers, are privileged to watch them fall in love. It's not easy. Especially because the rivalry part of the title is quite serious and the author does an amazing job explaining why both these characters terribly need this contract and why losing really isn't an option. But there are so many funny, heartwarming, touching, beautiful and wonderful moments in this book. And luckily there are a lot of other characters deserving their own stories. I hope the author will write them all!

I had so much fun reading this book! It is the first to an interconnected standalone cozy historical romantasy series. In this book we get fae bargains, rivals to lovers, amazing banter, heaps of spice, and a HEA!

I think my favorite part of this book was the banter, it was SO GOOD. The quips that the main characters would throw at each other had me giggling and kicking my feet the whole time!

I thought that the build up for their relationship was so natural which I really appreciate. It wasn’t rushed or dragged out too much either. It flowed perfectly in my opinion! The characters on their own seemed very real to me and I was rooting for them as individuals throughout the book as well.

If you loved The Hating Game or even Beach Read and want to pick up something similar but with a fantastical twist, I definitely recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc! My review has been posted on my GoodReads page as well on Amazon.

A Rivalry of Hearts is the first part in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series by Tessonja Odette. This book will take place in the same world as The Fair Isle trilogy and the Entangled with Fae series. I was really excited for a new series by this author and couldn't wait to dive in. Will this book meet my expectations?

Edwina is a human author but is now published in Faerwyvae. She is supposed to do a book tour, but has arrived a little bit to late. This fault has big results, she has to share her book tour with William Haywood and her contract balancing on a thin edge. After a drunk night she ends up in a spicy bet. Who will win the publishing contract?

Both Edwina en William have a good reason to win the contract. Their bet soon leads to some tense nights. However William didn't make the bet to make fun, he wants something more. I really loved the two of them. They are real enemies to lovers, which is really awesome!

I did like the fact Gemma, from A Curse of the Wolf King, was featured in this story as well. It connects the stories even more to the Faerwyvae world. Tessonja Odette has a nice writing style which is easy to read. This book is one of her spiciest yet and I can't wait to continue in this series. I really enjoyed reading A Rivalry of Hearts and give it a 4 star rating.

🩵A Rivalry of Hearts🩵
By Tessonja Odette

Review posted to Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, TheStoryGraph, and Instagram on 6/12/24

~~

“I no longer have the luxury of denial. I’m attracted to the weirdest woman I’ve ever met, and just acknowledging as much opens a chasm in my chest, one painful and pleasant at once.” 🫠🫠

Excuse me while I crawl out of my dark romance hole to shout my praise for the most adorable and cheeky read of the year thus far 😍 Tessonja, whatever magic you sprinkled all throughout this cozy, rivals to lovers fantasy, pretty please keep serving, girl! I’m so smitten and in desperate need of more!

I truly never expected to fall head over heels for a book in this genre. In fact, I typically shy away from sweeter reads all together, but something about the blurb hooked me and my goodness, I am so grateful. A Rivalry of Hearts follows Edwina, a quirky romance writer, and William, a charming actor and poet, as they battle to win a publishing contract following a joint book tour across the fae lands. Forced proximity lovers, add this gem to your TBRs right away!

The banter between Edwina and William is golden and left me positively giddy! Their story gives total romcom vibes with endless laugh out loud moments and tons of swoony interactions. Tessonja’s writing is so lush and vibrant, I could picture every setting, every scene, every conversation as it all played out like a movie. The world she created is such a treat, I devoured every single page like slices of the sweetest of confections.

I can’t recommend A Rivalry of Hearts enough. In fact, I’ve already convinced myself to reread it whenever I need a break from the dark and depraved worlds I usually fall prey to (willingly of course 😉). The wit, the charm, the fun and poetic take on enemies to lovers, it’s all a breath of fresh air. Incredible!

Why you’ll love A Rivalry of Hearts
🩵 Cozy Fantasy with Spice
🩵 Dual POV
🩵 Forced Proximity
🩵 Enemies with Benefits
🩵 Academic Rivals
🩵 Fae and Humans
🩵 Found Family
🩵 Magical Bargains

What a wonderfully cozy fantasy romcom! This was my first book by Tessonja Odette, and the author managed to describe a really wonderful world, which made me long to live there.

A Rivalry of Hearts is a cozy, low-stakes romcom featuring a human "author of smut and drivel" who ends up competing for a contract with a handsome but broody and arrogant fae poet. Rivals at first, then maybe something more. Sweet, funny and spicy, and thoroughly enjoyable.

It took me a while to get pulled into the book, but once I did, I was engrossed. This book made me squee with delight, audibly say "aww", and giggle. I do not giggle, I'm a grumpy Finn. William had me swooning and Edwina cackling on multiple occasions.

The writing flows nicely, it's witty and enjoyable. The spice wasn't overly spicy, but had a few fun scenes. Side characters were really great, and I'm very excited for the next book in the series.

What do you get when you take a gaslamp fantasy, add Anne and Gilbert vibes, a smut author and an arrogant fae poet? You get an entertaining steamy, enemies with benefits that will have you smiling all the way.

The moment I saw "Anne and Gilbert vibes", I was completely sold. The romantasy part is a bonus, and the vibe of this book delivers in every way. I love the book tour and the bet between Edwina and William. This was an entertaining bet between a human and a fae and wait until the steam starts. The banter between these two is so good, and Edwina and William's nicknames for each other cracked me up every time.

After the first chapter, I knew this book would be a favourite and an instant recommendation. The rivals-to-lovers trope is done so well and I found the idea of a human author living in a fae world so entertaining. While reading certain scenes, where Edwina was intent on doing 'research' for her 'smut and drivel', my facial expressions gave me away.

The first few chapters are a bit slow, but believe me when I say it adds to the slow burn and the tension. That one specific scene where William did the tower over her with both arms to the side of her head, I'm sure there's a better way to describe this, had me swooning.

If you need more convincing to read this book, the tropes below will have you running to get this on KU.
- Bargain with a fae
- Smut author
- Fae poet
- Rivals to lovers
- Fantasy Romance
- Dual POV
- Unusual nicknames

I am so ready for the next book!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I eat up rivals to lovers every time and A Rivalry of Hearts is exactly what I love. Easy to read, low stakes and at times had me giggling and blushing. Felt like a very cosy read and helped pull me out of a heavy fantasy slump I'd been having. Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-Arc!

This was such a fun read!! I absolutely loved all the snark and banter. An interesting story line, a little bit of misunderstanding and miscommunication, which I'm
not a huge fan of, but otherwise good. Cannot wait for book two!

Sexy and adorable.

Edwina is a 29 year old human trying to compete for a publishing contract with a 26 year old fae, William Haywood. It is hate at first site for Edwina and confusion/attraction for William. After getting drunk on fae spirits William and Edwina make a bet, whoever can sleep with the most people get the publishing contract. Can either of them bring themselves to do it or will their attraction for each other win over?

While this book is a technically part of a series, it works well as a stand-alone. I didn't feel like I was missing any information. The characters are adorable, funny, and sexy. I loved seeing a short, curvy, small-breasted human woman older than the fae love interest. Odette did an amazing job creating a world that fell new, but comfortable. The writing was immaculate, flowed well, and correctly did a dual POV. I will for sure be jumping back to the rest of the Fae Flings and Corset Strings Series.

Tiktok review will posted June 11 on @jackireadsthings