<b> <I> Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a free copy of "Diving Rivals” by Rebecca Ross in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.</I> </b>

<b> Overall rating: </b> 5 out of 5 stars

<b> Favorite quote(s): </b> <i>"The days to come will only grow darker. And when you find something good? You hold on to it. You don't waste time worrying about things that won't even matter in the end. Rather, you take a risk for that light.”</i>

<b> My review: </b> I was very wary of this book when I began it because the concept seemed absurd and could have very easily gone badly. But this... I have no words for how much I loved every aspect of it. The quotes in this book is heartbreakingly accurate. Everything the story strikes such a chord in you and I'm so glad I did not read this right when it came out because I will be counting down the days until Ruthless Vows. I need it NOW!!!!!!! The author truly has a way with words and you bet I'll be adding her backlist to my TBR and I suggest everyone else do the same.

<b> If you liked these, you will probably like this book:</b>
- Serpent and Dove
- A Girl of Fire and Thorns
- Grave Mercy
- One Dark Window


<b> Will I finish the series? </b> Absolutely!!!

<b> Notable Themes, Elements, and Tropes: </b>
- Penpals/Letters
- Rivals to Lovers
- Wartorn country
- Found family
- Heartbreaking romance

I know I’ve been very anti-YA for a while. That’s because YA fantasy is usually all angsty love triangles and ordinary people destined to be the One to save humanity. This is none of those things. It’s a gorgeous enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of a war between gods. The writing is gorgeous, the characters feel real, and the story is full of adventure, tension, romance, and heartache. I absolutely loved it. The only complaint I have is that it is not a standalone and I have to wait until at lest December 26th of this year for the sequel.

This book is honestly one of the most amazing books that I've read this year. While I am unsure if Ross meant to, it felt like she took Hades, Persephone and Orpheus and melded them together to get her story for the Gods which made my mythology loving heart sing. Then the idea of magical typewriters connecting our two main humans together, giving them a way to see each other for who they really were past their real world thoughts was epic. The ending though was heartbreaking and made me wish that I had book two right in front of me so I could dive right in.

This book was exactly what I needed, and I absolutely loved the character development, building plot line, and historical inspiration. It is a must-read for 2023 and is still one I talk about all the time.

Five Stars!!!

My first Rebecca Ross
Rivals to Lovers

The letters going to Roman had me kicking my feet up in glee.

I was enjoying it in the beginning but I got pulled in a lot more as soon as it became dual perspective

This was the first book in a bit to break through my aimless mood reading and make me want to continue reading. The prose was great and I did enjoy the story. I normally don’t like the “I have to do as my parents say” trope, especially when the characters are adults, but Roman is was young enough and has guilt keeping him tethered to make the trope work for me. And even then he does try to assert his own choices.

The tension of you the reader and Roman knowing something Iris doesn’t is so delicious when reading from Iris’ perspective. Definitely had me kicking my feet up with glee at times.

I think the last half of the novel struggled with pacing. The war that was such an after-thought at the beginning came to the forefront but not enough to build out the story. The whole time reading it, I just wanted it to be a standalone even though I could tell it wasn’t going to be. I feel like the world building was lacking if this was meant to be a multibook series.

I will read the next book but I do kind of wish it was a complete story and not a series.

Is historical fantasy a category? Because this is how I would label this book. I read this in one sitting and enjoyed the story between two journalists linked by a You've-Got-Mail concept, happening amidst a war between two gods.

I can't wait to see what happens with the next installment.

5 stars! This books was everything! The romance between Iris and Roman was one of my favorite love stories I’ve ever read. The fantasy elements could have been stronger, but they were still interesting and I’m sure they will be explored more in book two. The ending of the book wasn’t my favorite; I feel like it could have been executed a little better. However, I still loved the book and could not put it down!

i knew even before i started this that i would love it. rebecca ross never fails to blow me away, and that definitely applies to this book. the concept is unlike anything i’ve ever read. two rivaling journalists competing for a position where they get to write about a war going on between the gods, only to end up being connected through magical typewriters. with magic being in the book, rebecca ross always laces her words and characters with magic.

i also need to speak to her about the ending. why does she keep doing this? they did not deserve that

Thank you very much for the opportunity to read this book early! I really enjoyed it. I thought the writing was very well done, and the story kept me interested. I believe my students/patrons would also love this book and will be acquiring it for the library!

"Divine Rivals" is a breathtaking journey that seamlessly blends love, mythology, and the extraordinary. From the moment I delved into this enchanting world, I was spellbound.

The story of Iris Winnow and Roman Kitt is nothing short of magical. Set against the backdrop of warring gods, their connection is forged through letters that transcend the ordinary. Iris's quest to hold her family together amidst addiction and uncertainty is both heart-wrenching and relatable.

As the narrative unfolds, the stakes soar to godly heights. The war among the gods, the search for her missing brother, and the columnist promotion all intertwine to create a gripping tapestry of emotions. Iris and Roman's connection, born of rivalry and fueled by their shared letters, adds depth and warmth to the story.

What truly sets "Divine Rivals" apart is its ability to blend the fantastical with the human. The characters are compelling, the plot is filled with twists and turns, and the stakes couldn't be higher. It's a story of love's enduring power, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

This book took me on an epic journey, and I couldn't have asked for a more captivating tale. "Divine Rivals" is a masterpiece that will stay with me forever, reminding me of the boundless potential of love and the magic it can bring into our lives. A must-read for anyone seeking a truly enchanting literary adventure.

Divine Rivals is such a well written story. I read part of the author's debut novel and was not impressed. Now I am impressed. She really has learned a great deal in a short time. The writing is fabulous and the story is just beautiful.

Where do I even start? I loved this book and I can't wait to read the second book!

It’s a narrative encompassing adversaries and lovers, celestial beings and mortals, conflict and the pursuit of peace, all intertwined with the enchantment of magical typewriters. It delves into the victories and tribulations of two individuals hailing from disparate backgrounds, whose paths converge in body, mind, and spirit once they discover each other. The pacing may start as a gradual burn but evolves swiftly.

This book undeniably thrives on its characters, with the plot progressing at a deliberate tempo. However, the story’s sheer captivation will compel you to keep turning the pages. Rebecca Ross’ writing exudes lyrical and breathtaking qualities, adorned with numerous remarkable quotes throughout the narrative. There exists an enchanting yet authentically raw essence to this book, making it an experience I can’t praise enough.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Iris Winnow and Roman C. Kitt are rivals at The Oath Gazette newspaper. Both are vying for a columnist position. But when Iris began writing letters to her brother who was off to war against Dacre and posting them via a closet, they instead slipped out under Kitt's door. Thus began a very odd correspondence with Iris revealing herself to Kitt who she knew as Carver and Kitt opening up to Iris. So when Iris up and left The Oath Gazette to become a war correspondent for the Inkridden Tribune and locate her brother, Roman did the same. When secrets came out, love grew only to be cut short with a fresh offensive in the war. A cliffhanger ending provides a chance for a happy ending, but there will be plenty of trials before that may happen. An interesting love story against a magical mash-up of World War I technology and attitudes.

Rebecca’s first adult novel is definitely an amazing one! I have seen it all over Booktok and I am so glad that she is getting the recognition she deserves. It was a little slow to get into, but then the story takes off.

4.5 rounded up to 5 here. Academic rivals to friends to lovers. I loved Iris and Roman together honestly. I tend not to like the rich kid vs wrong side of the tracks relationships but this one worked for me. Also…where can I get an enchanted Alouette of my own?!?! Because I really need some enchanted letters in my life.

The war aspects of this one were brutal but that’s because it was so well done, the portrayal of war from the eyes of a naive & sheltered civilian. That ending though…broke my heart and while I’m sure it will eventually be put back together, the wait until then will be rough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Best book of the season, for sure. It is absolutely worth the hype it’s been getting on social media!

This is a story about a love story hot off the press.

I have to admit; I was taken by surprise when I found myself invested in this! Historical romance has never been my cup of tea & this definitely had that vibe- but it managed to bridge the gap between my usual preferences and historical fantasy so well! I’m very eagerly awaiting book

Thank you so much Netgalley & Wednesday books for the eArc!

Well, it took me long enough, but I loved everything about this book. I can see how it has become so popular and highly rated. I highly recommend this book.

I love Rebecca Ross. She can do no wrong. And with DIVINE RIVALS I really feel a blossoming. She's come into her own with DIVINE RIVALS, in YA. I can't wait to see what she does next. Her voice will forever live in my head. As a writer, a book seller, a publisher, there's nothing about this book that I don't love, nothing about this book that I won't be taking with me for years to come. Iris and Roman will forever be my favourite characters. And their romance?! Just so well done! Six gosh darn stars for this incredible book.

Rebecca Ross is a Queen A QUEEN, she’s an absolute master at her craft and Divine Rivals is the utmost prove of that.

Divine Rivals hooked me in from the very first page. It had me crying, gasping, reeling, and madly in love with its world and characters in a way I’ve never been. The story was beyond fascinating (set in a world torn by warring gods and magical typewriters), so intricately creative, impactful, and completely immersive. When I wasn’t reading Divine Rivals -a bit repetitive to say it was all I could think about but- it was literally playing in a loop over and over again in my mind.

But not only is the world and story remarkable. The extraordinary way in which the writing fluidly pulls and engrosses all my senses is incomparable. I don’t know how Rebecca does it but she captures the depths of a variety of emotions soooooo well (whether it’s grief or love or everything in between) that it feels like the characters and their emotions are a part of you. You can’t help but feel all their sorrows, all their hopes and aspirations so consumingly. I genuinely could not have asked for a better reading experience than being in the Divine Rivals world. This is unarguably one of my favorite books this year and my favorite Ross book to date!