This book genuinely got me out of my reading slump! i love enemies to lovers, especially when I like both characters!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. The book was exceptional! I should have expected a Tessonja Odette book has to have a combination of different ways of stories and creates a unique genre of her own. The romance was a balm to nerves-kind of sweet and I loved it. Writing was excellent as always. Thanks

DNF’d at 14% because I can not handle his nickname for her being “weenie.” It gave me the instant ick.

This was a lighthearted and sweet rom-com, with two rival authors who make a silly bet for high personal stakes at the heart. I enjoyed the characters and their banter, and found them relatable. For me, there were some sections in the middle that felt a bit slow.

I really enjoyed the first and third "acts" of this book. The characters and plot were compelling and entertaining. I felt like the middle dragged a bit, although it wasn't ever flat. I loved the secondary characters. I felt that they added a nice richness to round everything out.

I was so excited for this book; however I thought the plot line was lacking in true development, and I couldn't form a connection with any of the characters. I ended up not finishing it, but have considered giving it another try because I do think it would get better and that I would enjoy it.

OMG this book was EVERYTHING!!! ✨✨ I laughed, I swooned, I kicked my feet like a total dork because the tension and banter were just that good!!! Edwina and William had me giggling and blushing from page one. Like… academic rivals + fae magic + a very spicy bet?? YES PLEASE!!!

I seriously couldn’t stop smiling — the vibes were immaculate. Cozy fantasy meets enemies-to-lovers perfection. And the side characters?? So sassy, so unbothered, so ICONIC. The fae world was magical but still had that cheeky, modern romcom feel I love.

Also, Tessonja Odette?? Instant fave author status. I need every book in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series immediately.

If you want something flirty, hilarious, and heart-squeezingly romantic with ✨spice✨ and sparkle, A Rivalry of Hearts is a must-read. I’m OBSESSED!!!

5/5 stars, 100000/10 recommend!!!
Screaming, crying, fae wine drunk, throwing glitter!!

Read it. Love it. You’ll thank me later.

Now excuse me while I go reread my favorite scenes… again.

PS: William Haywood, you cheeky fae menace… I see you.

PPS: I want to live in this world foreverrrrrrrr.

An historical rom-com with a mix of enemies-to-lovers, drama, and flirty tension what could go wrong? It totally nailed the vibe—it's playful, a little chaotic, and just the right amount of swoon.

The chemistry between the leads? Chef’s kiss. You know exactly where it's going, but it doesn’t matter because the ride is so fun eventhough at times it felt a bit too rushed.

It’s a delightful escape and perfect for fans of flirty historical romance with a modern twist.

A Rivalry of Hearts: Fae Flings and Corset Strings by Tessonja Odette
Enchanting and brimming with romance, A Rivalry of Hearts blends fae magic, Regency-era charm, and irresistible tension. Tessonja Odette crafts a world of witty banter, high-stakes competition, and slow-burn romance, making this a must-read for fans of fantasy with a touch of historical flair. Perfect for those who love courtly intrigue, magical rivalries, and heroines who refuse to back down!

Tessonja Odette weaves a fun lighthearted romantic tale full of frustratingly familiar characters that keep you reading. Edwina finds herself constantly falling out of the moment and into her fictional world (who hasn't) and she is incredibly lovable and charming. She has such kindness for everyone in her heart. William is more reserved and presents a false front as an actor, but he is witty and so soft under the hardened exterior. I love this pairing and the story of them fighting for a publishing contract!

I struggled to get into this one. I am not sure if I wasn't in the mood or the writing felt slow. The cover and the concept sounded cute but I've read about 10% but then dnfed it.

This book has amazing world building. I feel the story was unique. The characters were fun, loveable and well written. The competition rivalry and banter was fun to read.
The overall story was enjoyable and the descriptions made it easy to be transported to the fantasy world.

I now own a special edition of this book - I enjoyed it that much.

I will definitely be reading more books by Tessonja Odette

A very cozy, fantasy romcom! For lovers or lighthearted books with cozy vibes and great banter! I would definitely recommend this book to lighthearted fantasy readers!

“I’ve always maintained that a woman in possession of a vast imagination would want for nothing in life. She’d be superior to those with such fleeting virtues as wit, beauty, or accomplishment. The richest woman in the world, if only in her mind.”

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Pride & Prejudice meets Divine Rivals. A fae historical fiction rom-com between a romance author and a trained actor, this story had so much going on and was so entertaining! This is a good read for a romance reader who isn’t wanting *too* much of a fantasy world. The characters were all likeable and I’ll look forward to book two in the series!
💘 enemies to lovers
💘 magical world with fae
💘 historical romance
💘 witty banter

Was drew in by the cover and was not disappointed! This was funny, cute and made me swoon. I love a good historical romance and this was just that. Definitely recommend!

I’d give this 4 1/2, but rounding up to 5. I thought this book was so fun, so sweet. I absolutely adore William and I think this was one of the funnest dual POV’s I’ve read. I love that Edwina was a different FMC than we normally see. She was determined, very stubborn, but she was a breath of fresh air. And Edwina and William’s tension and steam and vulnerability all mixed together was soooo fun to read, I seriously enjoyed this book. I think sometimes when a book is making a point of values and female expectation and/or male expectation it can sometimes feel a little preachy. I did feel that a little bit, but I don’t think it took me away from the story. Overall, I loved the ride.

This book is one big SWOON! I loved their story so much and it’s only partially because enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. The rest is allll the story telling! There were so many parts I caught myself smiling at the banter and I fell in love with all of the characters. I already started book 2 and it’s just as sweet!

Tessonja Odette’s A Rivalry of Hearts is a dazzling romantic romp set against the lush backdrop of a fae-tinged Regency-inspired world. This standalone novel combines the enemies-to-lovers trope with the charm of historical fantasy, creating a delightful mix of wit, whimsy, and slow-burn passion.

The story follows Edwina Danforth, a headstrong human romance author, and William Haywood, a brooding fae poet, as they embark on a competitive book tour in Faerwyvae. The stakes are high: only one of them will win the coveted three-book contract from their publisher. Their rivalry takes an entertaining turn when they make a reckless bet fueled by fae wine—whoever seduces the most people wins. Naturally, their escalating competition brings them closer in ways neither anticipated, sparking a sizzling romance filled with banter, mischief, and tender vulnerability.

Edwina is a fiercely determined heroine who leaps off the page with her cleverness and ambition. Her curiosity often lands her in hilarious and compromising situations, but her growth as a character is deeply rewarding. William, on the other hand, is the epitome of a guarded yet secretly yearning hero. His poetic heart and layered personality shine through as his façade crumbles in Edwina’s presence. Their chemistry is electric, their dynamic a perfect blend of fiery clashes and heartfelt moments.

The novel’s world-building strikes a balance between the elegant restraint of Regency fiction and the colorful eccentricities of fae lore. Faerwyvae is vividly imagined, from its opulent bookshops to its magical societal norms. Odette also skillfully incorporates modern sensibilities, including diverse characters and themes of acceptance, into this fantastical setting.

What truly elevates A Rivalry of Hearts is its humor and charm. The dialogue sparkles with sharp wit, and the banter between Edwina and William will have readers giggling and swooning in equal measure. The playful yet intimate scenes—such as their “acted-out” romance exercises—are as delightful as they are steamy.

The pacing is brisk, though the middle section occasionally meanders as the characters’ personal and romantic stakes build. However, this time is well spent deepening their emotional connection and fleshing out the richly drawn side characters, like the irrepressible Daphne and the enigmatic Zane.

The story culminates in a satisfying blend of humor, passion, and personal growth, with just enough tension in the third act to keep readers on edge before delivering a heartfelt resolution.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5 stars)
A Rivalry of Hearts is an enchanting read that seamlessly blends historical romance with cozy fantasy. With its charming leads, sparkling dialogue, and swoon-worthy romance, it’s a must-read for fans of romantasy and whimsical rivalries. Perfect for readers who crave stories that are equal parts magical and heartwarming.

First and foremost, thank you to Tessonja Odette, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Netgalley for giving me an advance readers copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Rating: 4/5

Summary
Edwina Danforth, a romance author with a devoted fae readership, is determined to secure a lucrative publishing contract in Faerwyvae. Standing in her way is William Haywood, a dashing fae poet and her fiercest rival. When a drunken bet binds them to a high-stakes competition, their professional rivalry takes a surprising turn as simmering attraction complicates their determination to win. Told primarily through Edwina’s perspective, with glimpses into William’s, this enemies-to-lovers tale is as witty as it is steamy.

Short Opinion
This steamy enemies-to-lovers romance surprised me with its depth and slow-burn tension. While the pacing felt uneven at times, the witty banter and dual POVs made for an enjoyable read.

In-depth Opinion
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed A Rivalry of Hearts, especially as someone who doesn’t typically read regency-era romances. The enemies-to-lovers trope was executed well, with a slow-burn progression that allowed the tension and chemistry to simmer beneath the surface. I particularly appreciated William’s banter and how the dual POVs gave insight into both characters' thoughts, adding layers to their relationship. However, the pacing occasionally dragged, making the book feel longer than necessary. For me, some of the regency-era terminology made it challenging to fully immerse myself, but that’s more of a personal preference, as the world building was minimal but effective. I am excited to see more of the world that Odette has created. Overall, this steamy romance was engaging, witty, and worth the effort to push through slower sections.

Tessonja Odette can literally do no wrong, she's an auto-buy author for me. I've read every single one of her books and they always exceed expectations and A Rivalry of Hearts was no exception. I love the tension and banter between these two, and the rivalry to lovers was so well done. They had me kicking my feet and giggling the whole way. This one was more spicy than her other books and I'm not complaining! I'm so excited for the next book in this series!