Such a lovely read, really cheered me up. Highly recommend giving this a go as its a real feel good story. You wont be disappointed xx

This book took me a minute to get into, and even after I did, I still couldn't connect with the characters in a big way. Midwest girl moves to NYC to become a writer. Privileged boy uses privilege to write a book. They fall in love reading their prospective books. Lots of miscommunication and not enough tension to be rivals.

Everything about this book is just PERFECT. From the plot to the banter to the meet-cute, everything is just so on point. The writing is easy and swift that makes it easier to read. I finished the book in two days alongside having a full time job so you can understand HOW GOOD THE BOOK IS. I highly recommend it for all those romance girlies who love romcoms, handwritten letters, flowers, coffee, literature and everything in between…this one’s definitely for you.

A huge thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

What a sweet and easy read this was. It started a bit slow, but as the pace picked up I started to get more and more into the story.
Love that the MC's are writers and in a rivalry about who is going to release an adaptation of a classic. The fact that they are both in the book industry, made the story even better.
The rivalry they had going on was amazing. I love myself a good enemies/rivals to lovers, and this was it!
The development of their romance was just right.
If you love romances and enemies/rivals to lovers... I recommend this!

Thanks to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the ARC and trusting me to write my honest opinion about it.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

I requested Rivals to Lovers as on paper it ticks a lot of the boxes I enjoy; romance, slow burn, professional rivals. writers, classic literature etc.

The book follows two writers, Mo and Wes, who have both written their own adaptation to a classic novel 'The Proud and The Lost. One problem, the writers estate has never allowed for an adaption to be published! The two writers are invited to 'The Hill' the family estate, to get to know the writers and their stories in an informal setting, and evaluate if either or any would be approved for publishing.

The two writers come from differing backgrounds, Wes is a book editor and the son of a celebrity, with many opportunities and privileges open to him, Whereas Mo is from a farming family in the midwest, who has to work in hospitality to support herself and her writing. Other than the obvious competition over the book rights, the two also clash due to their differing backgrounds.

I did enjoy the presence of Ulla, who I felt was a great secondary character, the others fell flat for me. I also enjoyed hearing the excerpts of the writers novels. I felt that if the book had centered more on the highs and lows of writing and being published, and less on the romance, family wedding and other side plots, it would have been more enjoyable.

To be honest. I wanted more from this book. I felt that I struggled to stay interested, there were long periods of the book that felt dragged out while others felt very skipped over. I also felt that the romance started far too early on, and it would be more effective if they had felt to be 'rivals' for longer. Both characters had their flaws, but the MMC specifically did some things that I found to just make him unlikeable.

Overall, this was a cozy read, but it wasn't 100% for me.

Thank you so much NetGalley for this gifted copy. This was a cute romance but I had a hard connecting with the MMC and struggled overall staying interested

This was a cute little enemies to lovers book. I liked the banter and love books about books!! Always! There were times where I really didn't care for the male character but overall, it was cute.

I thoroughly enjoyed this ARC. It’s one which would typically appeal to me, but with it being based around the publication of a book, it was even more interesting.

The story follows two individuals competing to have their adaptations of a well know story published. After spending a weekend at The Hill, the characters are not only wanting to sign the publishing deal.

I enjoyed learning more about the book world and the insights to publishing all while accompanied by a love story.

I found the book a little slow to start, hence why the 4 stars. However, from around 25-30% (kindle reader) the book really picked up the pace. I was keen to keep reading, invested in the storyline and characters outcomes. I found I was thinking about the plot when the kindle was not in my hand.

I would recommend this book to any other romance book lovers, a real easy read with relatable topics.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the amazing opportunity to read this ARC. I recommend definitely picking up a copy when it’s released! 👏🏼

Wayland’s sharp writing and strong character development make their slow-burn romance engaging and heartwarming. A fun, witty read perfect for fans of contemporary romance.

3.5⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Rivals to Lovers is a romance book that will have you wishing that you too had a workplace rival. This book follows two writers, Mo and Wes, as they go head to head for the chance to have a published adaptation of a classic novel that they both love. He’s read her work previously as an editor and loves her writing style - the issue? Promoting her work will hinder his own chances at success.

When I tell you I could feel the tension between this characters I mean it! Knowing that Wes knows Mo and his history of loving her previous work made this story all the more juicy. Watching their relationship turn from rivals to lovers was so satisfying!

Overall I loved the representation of sexuality in the book as Wes’ character highlights the lack of openness regarding the topic in the publishing world. Mo was an absolute gem and I loved her from the start!! This book is perfect for anyone who loves the classic rivals to lovers trope with extra books thrown in there!

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted eARC of this book. I leave this review honestly and voluntarily.

Thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for this ARC. This was a cute and heartwarming read, perfect for a comforting escape. I loved the premise of two people in love with the same book—it was charming and fun. However, I found some parts dragging, and I occasionally skipped pages.

Thank you to the author Elise Wayland, the publisher Alcove Press and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rivals to Lovers is a contemporary romance standalone with bits of comedy and filled with literary conversations and rivalry that sets the main characters to compete for one book publishing deal. One classic novel, two authors. Just one adaptation. Mo Denton and Wes Spencer has been working on their respective books, two different reimagined versions of the famed feminist classic 'The Proud and The Lost'. Only one will be approved to publish their book - if Estelle Morgan, the author's only daughter, gives it the green light to do so.

Estelle invites them over to the Hill, her house, to get to know both in a more informal way, and to pick - or not - the manuscript that will make it to be published and adapted. She seeks for them to tell her more about their manuscripts, to get to the roots that lie within each book and their visions and work.

"Literary Hunger Games situation. How's your archery?"

They quickly engage in deep literary conversations and slowly start hanging out more despite their rivalry.

But will they be able to keep their distance? To try to not to fall for your rival? To try to not engage romantically with the author you're supposed to be rivals with?

I just adored the characters so much (Mo, Wes, Estelle, Gary,..), and the author writes so beautifully.

The book has such beautiful, sharp and intriguing quotes and messages I would love to talk about them in more detail. It's an easy, enjoyable book for any lover of romance books with doses of literary references, fun and a sweet romance. If I'm to be honest, it made me tear up a bit in some moments throughout the journey of this novel. That's the magic of books - it makes you feel everything if it's crafted right.

Two bright minds that resonated and understood so well the work of Estelle Morgan's mother, both fighting for an adaptation as feelings get in the way and something that started as mutual admiration as well as rivalry blooms into an electric, dazzling chemistry. Would it be so bad if they get a bit burned in the development of this literary competition?


In the middle of their literary competition, something shifts in that weekend. It is undeniable the obvious attraction Wes and Mo have for each other. Since almost the very first moment they meet in person, their characters attract like magnets in every possible way.

If you love rivals-to-lovers romances with witty banter and a dose of literary drama, Rivals to Lovers by Elise Wayland is a must-read! Mo Denton has poured her heart into a modern adaptation of her favorite feminist classic, The Proud and the Lost. But there’s one major problem—the author’s estate has never approved an adaptation, and the agent representing them, Wes Spencer, has his own competing version of the story.

When the estate’s heiress invites them both for a weekend to pitch their versions, the competition gets real. But as Mo and Wes spend time together, their professional rivalry starts turning into something else—something a lot more complicated (and a lot steamier).

This book is perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, with sharp dialogue, sizzling chemistry, and just the right amount of angst. If you love bookish romances with high stakes and even higher tension, you’ll want to grab this one!

This book is tender but scorching and dry, with a sharp quick wit and a delightful slow burn. I had to read it in one sitting it was so gorgeous! Wayland really makes you adore Mo and Wes so completely and utterly, then brings in gorgeous Estelle and Gary. Somehow they manage to tell two stories at once without losing the detail of either and it is so clever. The casual contrast between romantic relationships in this book is extraordinarily well done and I can see myself re-reading this for years to come - I want more of Wes and Mo!

This book had a really cute storyline but the writing was boring. It dragged on and on so much that I was skipping pages at a time just to get to the point. Cute but just not for me.

🩷 Book Review 🩷
📚 Rivals to Lovers
✒️ Elise Waylwand
🗓 12th August 2025
💫💫💫

Thank you @netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a cute read, it had everything tied up in a little bow and sprinkles on top. But I found it dragging and sometimes I did skip pages... sorry.

The plot is a rivals to lovers, both main characters going for the same book publishing deal but only one can get it.

I did feel like the romance started too early, way too early as there was more than half the book left and it turned into a book about miscommunication.

It was a fun read, I wouldn't call it a romcom but a nice book to curl up in the sun of an afternoon kind of read.

I wanted to love this book. I loved the title and the cover. As well as the overall idea of this book.
It was hard for me to start to read as it begins super slow and felt like a slow burn.
My review is based off of the first few chapters seeming not to go anyone and just dragged as that’s as far as I could read when a book is like that.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me this ARC to review.

If you've ever wondered what happens when two bookish souls lock horns over a beloved classic, Elise Wayland's Rivals to Lovers serves up a delightful answer. This novel pits Mo and Wes, two passionate writers, against each other as they vie for the chance to adapt "The Proud and the Lost." Their rivalry is as intense as a heated debate over Oxford commas, and just as entertaining.

Wayland masterfully crafts a narrative that feels like eavesdropping on a spirited literary debate, complete with sharp wit and undeniable chemistry. The banter between Mo and Wes is electric, making you wish you had a front-row seat to their verbal sparring matches. As their competition heats up, so does the tension, leading to moments that are both swoon-worthy and laugh-out-loud funny.

One of the novel's standout features is its authentic portrayal of the writing world. Wayland doesn't shy away from showcasing the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing a literary career. This insider's look adds depth to the story, making it more than just a romance but also a love letter to the craft of writing.

Readers have praised the book's immersive writing style and the dynamic between the protagonists. Denise Williams, author of Just Our Luck, lauds the novel, stating, "The writing is so immersive, you'll feel as competitive with and captivated by the characters as they are with each other."
BOOKSHOP

However, some readers felt that the transition from rivals to lovers happened a tad too swiftly. One reviewer noted, "I expected a lot more rivalry, but by the time they got together, we still had 70% of the book left."
NETGALLEY.COM

In conclusion, Rivals to Lovers is a charming exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities that arise when both intertwine. Whether you're a fan of the rivals-to-lovers trope or simply enjoy a well-crafted romantic comedy, this novel offers a delightful escape into a world where words are both weapons and aphrodisiacs.

This book is like a coin, it has two very different faces. What I think this author does very well is write a complicated drama. I was very invested in the background motivations of the main characters and their writing on the adaptation of The Lost and the Proud. I loved the snippets we got from their adaptations and the original. Estelle and Gary were great additions to the cast and, apart from Ulla, the only truly fleshed out secondary characters.
I could have read more about all of the above!

What I found more difficult about this book was sadly the MMC and MFC and their relationship as a whole. They started as rivals but that abruptly changed, so much so, I felt like I got whiplash. I found it unbelievable that Mo was so keen on Wes, he didn’t appear to do much to make himself charming. Throughout the book Wes makes a lot of blunders, both personally and with Mo, and while it should make him feel more “real” I actually just found him unlikeable.
I also felt the sections with Mo’s family added nothing and almost felt as if they were laced through the book solely for the wedding scene near the end.
I wanted to root for these characters like I was rooting for their adaptions but for me, I was more in love with the trials and tribulations of getting published.

It should be noted that in no way do I think this speaks to the authors quality of writing. I was hooked to large portions of this story, I just didn’t need Mo and Wes’ love story. It could have been great modern fiction with a slight romantic twist somewhere along the way.