Why is it when the two main characters are bound to be enemies but will soon be lovers, and I know I have to devour the book? Is it the snarky banter? Is it me screaming? Oh, get a room, you too, or do I want to ensure the author gets it right? I think it all these things, but this story has more than just the brimming romance to cheer about. There are magical buildings that can sense how rich or poor you are. There is a mansion that takes care of the male paramour. There are connected magical typewriters and a wardrobe that whisks away your correspondence to the matching owner of the typewriter.
We have Kit and Roman, two aggressive, competitive journalists who end up on the war front as war correspondents trying to share a neutral story about the war. Kit is there hoping to locate her brother, who is fighting in the war, and Roman is there to protect Kit. There is a deep connection between these two, and with the war in the background, you may need a tissue or two at the end. I love this book so much; I think it was expertly woven, and I am eager for the sequel.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our list for order next year and will recommend it to students.

Absolutely LOVED. Flew through this charming, magical, high stakes, and romantic book in two days. Everything worked well here. This was my first Rebecca Ross novel and it won't be my last. Need the next one immediately.

This book filled me up and made my heart swell. I loved the subtle magical elements, the epistolary details, and vintage feel of it all. Yes I took about a 2-month break from it after getting to the 50% mark, but that was definitely a me and my mood thing at the time and not the book. When I picked it up again, I inhaled the remaining pages within a day.

Ross's stories always feel so effortlessly magical and exceptionally unique. I thoroughly enjoy getting lost in her writing style and world building, and Divine Rivals held that same special- and one-of-a-kind-ness. This time through a story of two young, rival journalists who find love by way of a magical connection and must face the perilous intricacies of a resurrected and long-waged war among the gods.

The love story made me feel light and happy and joyous and full. Roman C. Kitt has my whole heart. It was emotional at times, gripping and devastating at others, and simultaneously fun and lighthearted all at the same time with banter to boot. The story pace allowed for significant character development, story growth, and a solid foundation to start a series with. And, let me tell you, I am SO glad this is the first in a series!! The writing flowed smoothly and was easily digestible. Every scene stood out vividly in my mind's eye. It also feels like there's a story within a story here and I can't wait to find out more about the gods and their ancient war!

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
- dual, shifting POVs
- gods, myths, legends
- war x 1920s-40s feel
- historical fantasy vibes
- rivals to lovers
- letter writing x magical artifacts
- journalists x war correspondence

Rebecca Ross has done it again! I really enjoyed the last YA book I read by her, Dreams Lie Beneath. I think Divine Rivals is my favorite book by her so far. Beautiful writing that automatically kept me engaged. A unique, but familiar world with an interesting history. I loved and hope to learn more about the Gods and Goddess of this world in the second book, Ruthless Vows.

Both main characters stand well on their own and have excellent banter with each other. Within the first few pages of them interacting I knew that I was going to love them as a pair. They have a great rivals to lovers arc. The magic and monsters were also a nice touch in the world.

The last third of the book is pretty devastating and makes me want the second book now, but I'm also a little scared of how everything will play out. I highly recommend this book for those who love young adult historical fantasy. I can't wait to see where this series goes!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Divine Rivals

“ Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them, you like the light stream in, even if it makes you wince. Perhaps that is how you learn to be soft yet strong, even in fear and uncertainty, one person, one piece of steel.”

I think this was advertised as a fantasy, which it was, but oh my goodness was this a romance!!

Not only is there a romantic notion throughout the novel , but it also highlights familial bonds. Most notable is the importance of the family we have in the family and the family we choose for ourselves. There is also overarching themes of grief loss, overcoming uncertainty, and resilience.

The story kept a slow and steady pace, which doesn’t always work for all novels, but definitely did for this one. It was a beautiful slow burn. this when you definitely have to add to your radar and also as proof that you need to try an author out more than once. I did not like her debut, but I really loved this one!!

5⭐️

This was one of my favorite reads of the year. I love how the author developed Roman and Iris's relationship throughout the book, it wasn't to fast but wasn't to slow. I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.

Really really loved this story. Went in not expecting anything and this was so beautifully written with the sweetest love story.

There is something about a Rebecca Ross book...even in the most harrowing moments her voice always imparts a sense of serenity to me. This doesn't take away from the tension or conflict though, it just eases the reader through it as though she's holding your hand on your journey. I wasn't sure what to expect going into this, I was only sure I would likely love it given the author. Rivals at a newspaper in a magical world where gods and goddesses play? Yes please! I was not disappointed at all! I loved the found family aspect, the magical typewriters, even the wartime scenes were exquisite. My only gripe, if I had to pick one, is that the main relationship was SUPER insta-love when it came to be. I can see the logic in it but it still felt a tad abrupt. But that's a very minor complaint and I still swooned away. If you love Rebecca Ross pick this one up!

What a fantastic book!

The WWII feeling mixed with fantasy was so perfect for this read. I also loved the characterization, world building, subtle magic system, and romance. Ross's writing is stunning and was a truly magical experience to follow these characters through their journey.

I cannot wait for the next book and found myself thinking: This book is so good I hurts to read it!

If you enjoy YA fantasy you're going to LOVE this book!

My rating: 5*
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Thanks to NetGalley for an early review copy via audiobook. All opinions are my own.

I enjoyed Rebecca Ross's previous books and this was no different! I loved the rivals to lovers and the fantasy world with two gods, it all came together well.

5 Beautiful Stars

Ever find an author who just speaks to your soul? Rebecca Ross is one of those for me. I have read just about every single book she has written and I have loved every one of them. Divine Rivals was no exception. The story was brilliant from start to finish. And now mere months after reading it, I still think about it. Still dreaming about what is going to happen next. The ending utterly broke my heart into a thousand pieces. So the wait for the sequel is going to be pure torture.

Iris and Kitt's love story is far from over but I need Ruthless Vows asap. I never want this series to end. That would be my one complaint, the Letters of Enchantment is only a duology. It should be a trilogy or longer.

Cannot wait for the next book!!

I'm more of a fantasy reader than romance, so I'm surprised how much I liked this book. It's got magic typewriters, enemies to lovers, and such atmosphere. The writing is sublime. I didn't realize this is part of a duology, so I'm planning to listen to the audiobook when the conclusion comes out next year.

This is an excellent read, and further proof of Rebecca Ross's consistency as a strong voice in the fantasy genre. Her protagonists are as real and believable as her fantastic worlds are unique and inventive. The theme of writing that its power and transporting nature is handled beautifully, and the rivalry-turned-romance of the main characters is endlessly endearing. Another 5-star Rebecca Ross book.

I am getting angry at authors that think making my heart squeeze in agony is a sign of good mental health, BECAUSE IT IS NOT.

Rating: 3.7

Hello, I'm not well, so I'm writing this in hopes that it will get BETTER. That I'LL get better, know what I mean?
So to make this as short as possible, so let's mention the things that I loved and let's GET MOVING Y'ALL. THAT TUB OF ICE CREAM WON'T EAT ITSELF OKAY

I honestly wasn't expecting to get so immersed into the story, so like the smart and gorgeous human that (i'm not) I am, I started it when dawn was starting to arrive and my eyelids were burning themselves at the stake AND MY EXAMS WERE PILING UP (amazing decision on my part, really) and I finished it a few hours later.

Being a 'human' was above my entry level at that point, and I attribute the feelings of numbness after finishing this book to the following things:

The descriptions were beautiful! The magical typewriters, the lush writing that transported my entire being to this whole new world (ahem, Aladdin hi), the action, the intrigue, the romance, the pacing the BEAUTY of this book was engraved in every page. Yes, I believe that the romance moved a little too quickly for my liking, but PSHHH WHO CARES, GIVE ME THE DRAMA. Seriously though, I gravely enjoyed the journey this book took me in and the second book??? WHERE, WHERE IS THEE

Find me hidden under a cave when it's announced, thank you and goodbye.

4.5/5 stars!

I adored this book! The romance was beautiful, the writing even more so. I absolutely devoured this book and couldn't help the emotional pull I felt when reading about Iris and Roman. I would put the book down for a few minutes, only for my mind to shift immediately back to their story and I would have to pick the book back up again. My only wish was that we saw more of the world building. I felt little was explained about the war and the myths surrounding the Gods. The magic was more of a side plot giving away to the romance. I really hope that Ross will expand on the world-building in the next book and with the way that it ended I suspect she will. This book although different, reminded me a lot of the book Lovely War by Julie Berry. Both books had that same ethereal quality to its writing and I had the same heart and gut- wrenching feelings I felt when reading. Don't know how I'm going to survive the wait for the next book! Go pick this book up right now!

In a world caught between two warring gods, two young journalists just might find true love. At the start of this story, protagonist Iris sees her older brother Forest off to fight in the war between the goddess Enva and the god Dacre. Several months pass, and she has yet to hear back from him. During this time she finds solace solely in her writing. As her world falls further apart, she is given the opportunity to go to the front as a war correspondent, and she accepts this chance to potentially find her brother. There she sees the devastation of war, but also finds an unexpected gift, in the form of romance. Roman Kitt, formerly her infuriating competition at the local paper, just may not be as bad as she thought.

This slow burn fantasy romance was exactly my cup of tea. I need more, please and thank you. The fantasy elements are fairly minor, and I look forward to seeing more of the lore in depth in the future. The magical typewriter is such a fun element. The enemies to lovers trope is always enjoyable, and I really enjoy slow paced romances where the characters find themselves in each other, the way that Iris and Roman do. This ending is killer... I truly can't wait to see what happens next.

A war between gods and two rival journalists turned love interests; Divine Rivals is an addictive new fantasy novel that readers are sure to love!

I realized reading Divine Rivals that I am a BIG fan of the enemies to lovers trope! I absolutely loved the conflict and chemistry between the main characters Iris and Roman. I thought the connection through their letter writing was a magical touch that pulled me into the story early on.

There was an array of topics covered in this novel, from family expectations and grief to first love and found families; I enjoyed seeing the shifts throughout the story and Iris’s journey. This felt like such an easy read because I enjoyed the characters and liked the way Ross crafted the plot. I did want to know more about the magical elements and the gods in the story, but hoping this plays a bigger part in the next novel of the series.

Overall I really enjoyed Divine Rivals and I am really looking forward to the second novel!

"...because sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places. The way you hold someone's hand as they grieve. The way you listen to others. The way you show up, day after day, even when you are weary or afraid or simply uncertain."

Myths, magic, and a multitude of genres are marvelously mixed in this transportive tale of two rivals turned lovers amidst the brutalities of war.

Despite its fictional setting (and war), this utterly enchanting novel was one of the most atmospheric stories I've encountered all year. I was completely invested from the bullpen at the Oath Gazette to the B&B in Avalon Bluff and all the way to the frontlines and back. These characters felt real and relatable, which made me protective and invested in their fates.

Throw in a The Shop Around The Corner/You've Got Mail epistolary subplot and it's easy to see why I was such a smitten kitten.

I'm very intrigued by the concluding chapter's reveals and I believe Ross did an extraordinary job laying the groundwork for a solid sequel. One which I'll be eagerly waiting to read.

I can't say enough good things about Divine Rivals, each time Rebecca Ross publishes a book I say "this one is my favorite". Divine Rivals really is my favorite ..

We get a world building that reminded me of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wordrobe by C.S. Lewis in the sense that it's a bit of a time period piece in the midst of a war and contains hints of magic.

The lore holding this story together was fascinating and kept my attention.

Divine Rivals does have a bit of competition between the main two characters , they were both very likeable in their own ways and had wonderful chemistry..

The end of the story absolutely broke my heart and gave me quite a book hanger. it's a story that lives in the back of my mind and I can't wait to read again.

If you love enemies to lovers, stories about writers, historical , magic , emotional, you'll enjoy Divine Rivals.

I will add that if you have any personal triggers to war or military in general, tread lightly. This one brought back memories of when my husband was deployed and we had no communication except letters. I adore this story but it brought back the past in it's own way.