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A Rivalry of Hearts is a love letter to all the romance readers out there, this book will make you feel seen. It is the perfect combination of rom com and fantasy. I laughed out loud and swooned my way through this one. The world and writing are beautiful and I was rooting for the characters the whole time. You also get dual POV which is always a plus. As soon as I finished it I had to check and see what other books this author has written because I need more!

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''π΄π‘š 𝐼 π‘“π‘’π‘π‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘ π‘€π‘œπ‘œπ‘›π‘–π‘›π‘”? 𝐼𝑠 π‘ π‘€π‘œπ‘œπ‘›π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘Ž π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘™ π‘‘π˜©π‘–π‘›π‘”?''

Two rival writers: Edwina, quirky, witty, clumsy, she who writes steamy romance & William, arrogant, rude, seductive, he who writes bittersweet poetry. Only one of them who can win a prestigious publishing contract. And then there's a bet, one that becomes so much more than just a bet. A bargain that will have feelings of the heart involved. A clash in rivalry and romance.

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:ο½₯

''πΉπ‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘’π‘’π‘› π‘Šπ‘Žπ‘¦π‘  π‘‘π‘œ 𝐷𝑖𝑒 𝑖𝑛 πΉπ‘Žπ‘’π‘Ÿπ‘€π‘¦π‘£π‘Žπ‘’: π΄π‘Ÿπ‘Ÿπ‘œπ‘”π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ πΉπ‘Žπ‘’ π‘ƒπ‘œπ‘’π‘‘ πΈπ‘‘π‘–π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›.''

This was a very cute read with great chemistry. I couldn't stop reading! I was hooked on the characters, their story, the charm of the book, and the plot twists here and there. I found myself barely being able to keep my eyes off the pages, and while reading I felt all warm and fuzzy while swooning and smiling. 𝐴 π‘…π‘–π‘£π‘Žπ‘™π‘Ÿπ‘¦ π‘œπ‘“ π»π‘’π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘‘π‘  is described as a cosy, low-stakes fantasy romcom and it is. It had a historical feeling with a touch of whimsical fantasy with fae. A concept of Seelie and Unseelie fae, meaning that the fae has two forms: the Seelie form which is their human form and their Unseelie form, which is their animal, elemental or spiritual form. The author also included a list of content warnings which I appreciated.

I found the characters to be very likeable. I usually write down notes on my phone about my thoughts while reading, and around a bit over the middle of the book, I had written down that I thought that the characters didn't have much backstory and felt a bit flat. We didn't know much about them other than some small hints about their past and how they were in the moment, and I wanted to learn more about them. However, reading further and further, I erased that note. There were deep conversations, plot twists here and there, and inner thoughts, that suddenly gave the characters so much more depth and layers. And looking back at that, I admire that. We got to know the characters in such a natural flow, slowly. At first glance, we get to see a quite quirky, clumsy, bit judgemental, curious Edwina, 'author of smut and drivel'. We see William, who writes bittersweet poetry. We see his charm, his arrogance, rudeness, and seductive grins. But later in the book, we get to discover that there's more than what meets the eye. Inner struggles, fears, complications, and so on. And it was beautiful to see how Edwina and William trusted each other with those feelings, how they reassured one another that everything would be okay, that they gave safety and comfort to each other, how careful they were with each other's vulnerabilities.

''𝐼𝑑 π‘ π‘π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’π‘  π‘šπ‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘šπ‘Žπ‘›π‘  π‘π‘Žπ‘› 𝑏𝑒 π‘ π‘œ π‘“π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘”π‘–π‘™π‘’,'' β„Žπ‘’ π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘ π‘π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ , β„Žπ‘–π‘  𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 π‘™π‘œπ‘π‘˜π‘’π‘‘ π‘œπ‘› π‘šπ‘–π‘›π‘’. ''𝐼 π‘›π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘β„Žπ‘œπ‘’π‘”β„Žπ‘‘ 𝐼'𝑑 π‘™π‘œπ‘£π‘’ π‘œπ‘›π‘’-''

''π‘Œπ‘œπ‘’'π‘Ÿπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘œπ‘€π‘’π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ π‘‘π‘Žπ‘˜π‘’ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘–π‘šπ‘’ π‘€β„Žπ‘’π‘› π‘¦π‘œπ‘’'π‘Ÿπ‘’ 𝑒𝑝𝑠𝑒𝑑. π»π‘œπ‘€π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘’π‘β„Ž π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑. π‘Œπ‘œπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘π‘˜, π‘€β„Žπ‘–π‘β„Ž 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑠 π‘šπ‘’ β„Žπ‘œπ‘π‘’ π‘‘β„Žπ‘Žπ‘‘ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’'𝑙𝑙 π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘π‘˜ π‘Žπ‘”π‘Žπ‘–π‘› π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘”π‘Žπ‘–π‘›, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑓 π‘π‘œπ‘›π‘“π‘™π‘–π‘π‘‘ π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘–π‘ π‘’π‘  𝑏𝑒𝑑𝑀𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑒𝑠.''

''𝐼 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘π‘˜,'' 𝐼 π‘ π‘Žπ‘¦. ''𝐼 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑙 π‘Žπ‘™π‘€π‘Žπ‘¦π‘  π‘π‘œπ‘šπ‘’ π‘π‘Žπ‘π‘˜. 𝐼𝑑'𝑠 π‘ π‘Žπ‘“π‘’ π‘‘π‘œ 𝑙𝑒𝑑 π‘šπ‘’ π‘”π‘œ π‘Ž 𝑙𝑖𝑑𝑑𝑙𝑒, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝑖𝑑'𝑠 π‘ π‘Žπ‘“π‘’ π‘‘π‘œ π‘“π‘œπ‘™π‘™π‘œπ‘€ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘‘π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘šπ‘  π‘Žπ‘  𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑙.''

As much as I would love to talk about that all more, I won't, because I don't want to spoil anything, and it's so much better to find that out on your own. But, because of that, the reader gets to see the character in a whole different light, and I liked that, as well as the dual pov's. The side characters were a delight to read as well. I especially really liked Daphne. She often stays in her Unseelie form, a pine marten who often makes snappy remarks, and who struggles with when she is in her human form, the discomfort of it. She piqued my interest and curiosity, so I'm happy she will get her story told in the second book, alongside Monty. And then there was Cassie. I admired her optimism and strength even going through all that she was going through.

The interactions between Edwina and William were so cute. In the beginning, there's tension and rivalry, but then when they get to know each other and see glimpses of one another, there's also angst, longing, pining, lingering gazes, pinkies touching, holding hands through gloves, soft smiles, going over into touches and kisses and giggles, missing each other and loving one another. I loved that all.

''π‘‡π˜©π‘’ π‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’ 𝐼'π‘š π‘€π‘–π‘‘π˜© π˜©π‘–π‘š, π‘‘π˜©π‘’ π‘šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘’ 𝐼 π‘€π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‘π‘œ 𝑏𝑒 π‘€π‘–π‘‘π˜© π‘œπ‘›π‘™π‘¦ π˜©π‘–π‘š.''

''𝐼'π‘š π‘“π‘Žπ‘™π‘™π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’. π‘‡π˜©π‘Žπ‘‘'𝑠 π‘šπ‘¦ π‘Ÿπ‘’π‘Žπ‘ π‘œπ‘›.''

What I liked as well, is that their rivalry didn't suddenly stop with their love. No, their determination to win the contract remained. They didn't give that suddenly up. Both had their valuable reasons to win it, and that feeling didn't suddenly disappear because of their feelings for each other. There was no hatred, also not when one of them won, no, there was respect the whole time for each other and themselves. They supported each other so much, and even were rooting for one another. It made it all feel so much more real.

''π‘‡π˜©π‘–π‘  𝑖𝑠𝑛'𝑑 π‘Ž π‘”π‘Žπ‘šπ‘’ π‘“π‘œπ‘Ÿ π‘šπ‘’.''

''πΆπ‘œπ‘›π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘‘π‘’π‘™π‘Žπ‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘ , π‘™π‘œπ‘£π‘’. π‘Œπ‘œπ‘’ π‘“π‘’π‘π‘˜π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘‘π‘’π‘ π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘£π‘’ 𝑖𝑑.''

The writing style was very whimsical, witty, romantic, and easy to read. And, oh, how I would love Faerwyvae to be a real location! *heart eyes*.

The reason I didn't give this more stars, is related to the steaminess (there was a lot and sometimes a bit too much for me). Some scenes for example that had a deep layer, or deep conversation, then drifted in a rush-like manner into a spice scene. There was a constant undertone of sexual tension and continually spicy remarks were being made that, in my opinion, felt a bit off and unnatural at times. At some point, I felt like all became about sex instead of the loveliness. Also, I didn't feel comfortable with the whole idea of the bet, I was able to get over it though, but this is my own opinion and preference, so if you don't mind all that, then I think that won't be a problem for you. I do however appreciate how respectful the characters were to each other and their boundaries, checking in if what they were doing was okay for the other person and so on. And then, the last thing I found a bit off was the ending. It felt very grand how feelings were declared, so open in public. But also, that's my opinion. I was found the very ending very cute, with how Edwina was feeling and speaking about it all. And I did like the two bonus epilogues! And oh, I didn't see the plot twists coming at all.

So overall, besides that what made me uncomfortable, I found this to be a cute, romantic read with the small enchanting hint of some fantasy elements and with like-able layered characters. I think you'd like this if you'd like a light-hearted historical rivalry-to-lovers romantic read with a quirky heroine and a fae poet who isn't who he seems to be and falls for her first, with delightful side characters, witty banter & dual pov's, and all the cosiness, whimsy, and if you like it, spice. This book made me smile, swoon, and feel warm and fuzzy.

''π‘†β„Žπ‘’ π‘”π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘ , β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 π‘π‘Ÿπ‘–π‘›π‘˜π‘™π‘–π‘›π‘” π‘π‘’β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘‘ β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑠, π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ 𝐼 π‘‘β„Žπ‘–π‘›π‘˜ 𝐼 𝑗𝑒𝑠𝑑 𝑓𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 π‘™π‘œπ‘£π‘’ π‘€π‘–π‘‘β„Ž β„Žπ‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘™π‘™ π‘œπ‘£π‘’π‘Ÿ π‘Žπ‘”π‘Žπ‘–π‘›.''

''𝐼 π‘™π‘œπ‘£π‘’ π‘¦π‘œπ‘’, πΈπ‘‘π‘€π‘–π‘›π‘Ž. 𝐸π‘₯π‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘™π‘¦ π‘Žπ‘  π‘¦π‘œπ‘’ π‘Žπ‘Ÿπ‘’.''

˚ ΰΌ˜β™‘ β‹†πŸ“–ο½‘Λš ❀ I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher, and author, for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review. ˚ ΰΌ˜β™‘ β‹†πŸ“šο½‘Λš ❀

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Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!

This was so much fun; a very cozy rivals (definitely not enemies because they are smitten with each other fairly quickly) fantasy novel. The FMC being a ~*smutty*~ romance novelist was hilarious. Also WILLIAM MY BELOVED!!!

This is my first Tessonja Odette book & I'm a fan now; I'm already dying to read the next book in the series!

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I was really looking forward to this having finally arrived in my romance era.

It had all the right things; authors on a signing tour, strange publishing assistants, fae, woman from a repressive society, a hidden magic island and it was doing all so well until about half way through.

Good characterisation, great banter, he falls first, enemies to lovers, slow build.

But then it all got a bit samey and could have done with probably having a third trimmed as the pace just became like treacle for me.

Good and I know many customers who will love it but it missed a beat for my liking.

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- NetGalley review
This was so damn cute! I loved the pacing of this story and how it effortlessly flowed, the plot was perfect for a cosy romance story! I loved the dual POV throughout making the story feel so much bigger. I had never read a book by this author and it certainly isn’t my last! The way how the story followed the characters with a few twists and comedy woven throughout, this was the perfect book to sit down with after a long day! I’m pretty sad that this book is over because I devoured the plot and the story during my travel and breaks and didn’t want to put it down! A story where he falls first in the perfect magical setting. What a book :)

Thank you NetGalley for the early read!

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Exactly as described…it’s cute, it’s cosy with a sprinkling of spice.

Tessonja is a brilliant writer who continues demonstrating in this book exactly why we love what she does.

It was full of laugh out moments and also dragged my heart along on a string.

Really really lovely. Thank you so much for allowing me to read.

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Thank you for the eARC! I have read nearly all of Tessonja Odette’s books and I have loved every single one! I thought that the overall plot for this was very intriguing, going from a book sales competition and evolving to a bet towards who could seduce the most people. What a wild concept, but in the best way! I have to say, though, as much as I loved Weenie and Will, Monty and Daphne were my favorite parts so I am extremely excited for the next book. I already loved Monty after A Dream So Wicked, so to see him again was so exciting! Thank you again for the opportunity to read this early!

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Perfection from the very first sentence! Pride & Prejudice meets fantasy, with a dash of delicious banter. What more could you ever freaking want?!

Tessonja Odette has created the perfect main characters in Edwina and Will. They give Lizzie and Mr Darcy vibes, but spicy! I loved the banter, the tension, the fighting, the flirting, the talking (Will’s mouth, my goodness), and every single thing about them.

I could not put this down. And I want more!

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Thank you to NetGalley, Tessonja Odette, and the publishers for allowing access to the e-Arc.

4.75 stars

I knew that this book was going to be a fun time. But I love this book so much. I love the way the FMC approaches situations on a more academic level. The chemistry between FMC and MMC was amazing. I also loved all the side characters which makes me want to read their stories. I can’t wait for the next book!

I highly recommend it!

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I have been excited for A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette since I caught a few chapter sneak peeks on their newsletter.

Once I got it, I couldn’t stop reading it. There are certain books where I would be in the middle of eating, watching a show, or at work and think, β€œI rather be reading x book right now.” Or sneak a few sentences in every chance I could get. This book is one of those books. I definitely kicked my feet and squealed many times throughout.

Odette did a great job in bringing me into the world of Faerwyvae, to look around and see, smell, and taste the same things the characters do. I usually prefer books written in the third-person, but the first-person view in this didn’t bother me. In fact, I loved it! Especially since the book is a dual-POV story.

β€œShut up. Things are about to get smutty.” Is probably my favorite line. Not because of the significance of the line, but because of the situation and because of who said it. Absolutely hilarious. And I loved the banter between the main characters.

The FMC’s auction item had my heart. In fact, this whole story had my heart. It was endearing and funny, sweet and sexy, and I can’t wait to get a ticket back into the world of Faerwyvae! And I can’t wait to read the next couple’s book!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Five stars! Highly recommend to anyone who likes fantasy rom-coms, cozy regency-era stories with slow burns, and the rivals-to-lovers trope.

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4.5⭐️

**ARC provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

This book was such a fun read! Despite the maturity of the content, I think it was hilarious. I had a really good time reading it. There were a lot of creative details and unique scenes. I loved that the lightness of the plot didn't diminish the quality of the book itself. Honestly, I can't think of anything bad to say about it. It has encouraged me to read more Tessonja Odette books.

I would describe it as a low-stakes romantasy paired with characters with emotional depth and an enjoyable and amusing plot line.

The review will be published via Goodreads today.

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this was my first book by tessonja odette - and it's safe to say it will definitely not be my last! because holy moly guys this was GOOD. like where to even begin?
this has literally everything i've ever wanted in a book:
~ enemies to lovers
~ he falls first
~ fae/human (and he's not weirdly old!!!)
~ coziness
~ amazing background characters
~ plenty of spice
think regency romance meets fae world (which is so cool and fun and i need to read more books set in this asap) meets work rivals and you have this. and it's just as good as it sounds.
and the writing!! this was so good ya'll. the witty banter was everything i needed and more. i was giggling and kicking my feet the whole way through.
huge thanks to netgalley and tessonja for the arc!

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First, as always, I want to thank NetGalley for providing an electronic ARC of A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette. I binged this story in one sitting, staying up way past my bedtime and have absolutely no regrets.

Let’s layout the characters and quick synopsis and then I can give my thoughts. In A Rivalry of Hearts we meet our heroine; cute, quirky, small, little human weirdo, Edwina. She is a proficient, if not entirely well-known, author of β€˜smut and drivel’ as her rival would put it. Her rival being a very handsome and accomplished fae poet William Haywood who incidentally enough has procured part ownership of her very first book tour since she was inexcusably 2 weeks late for the start of the tour and the publishers chose William as a stand-in. This book tour is taking place in Faerwyvae, a Fae and human land that Edwina has set her newest novel in, though until now she has never actually visited.
Edwina, to her dismay, learns that she and William are being thrust into a competition of book sales during her (now their) book tour and the winner will receive a three book contract and nice monetary advance for the winning author. Both are determined to win, each of them having strong legitimate reasons to succeed, her the acclaim and ticket to in Faerwyvae for at least a year, him the money he needs to help his family out of crippling debt. So begins a charming and moderately spicy rivals to lovers story that made this reader kick her feet and squeal in delight.

-Now for those who love tropes lets list a few found in A Rivalry of Hearts-
Rivals to Lovers (true and ACTUAL rivals to lovers)
Polished hero vs Quirky heroine
Fae loves human
Guy falls first
You’re Mine (subtle and from both characters about each other)
Multiple POV
Spice
Miscommunication trope (though done, in my opinion, very well and moved the plot along)

My thoughts? Loved it. This is my first Tessonja Odette novel and I am so happy to have found this author and this world that she has created. The characters (even the Fae ones) felt fully fleshed out and like they could be real people. They were full of a range of emotions, desires and characteristics that made them relatable yet unique. Not only our main characters but the supporting ones as well. It was delightful to see a budding romance happen as a side plot that is to be the next book! The rivalry was believable and the decisions each of the characters had to navigate that caused tension and angst were not simple nor easy to solve. As a reader, I was torn alongside our protagonists hoping that they would find a resolution that would be satisfying for their careers and their romance. The world building felt natural, the writing well done and not just a bunch of info dumping. I giggled and squealed and like I said at the beginning of this review, I binged this in one night desperate to see William and Edwina find love and happiness together. A perfect cozy romance full of light-hearted wit and charm.

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The perfect cozy fantasy romance to read all year around! I loved the rivals to lovers trope and i'm so glad that as a reader, we got to see a glimpse of what it's like to be part of the publishing industry. All the characters had their quirks and the main love interests were both likeable. We need more cozy fantasies like this!!

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Stunning from start to finish, this book is a masterclass in storytelling. The blend of historical and fantasy elements creates a captivating world that I couldn't get enough of. The characters are richly drawn, with layers that unfold beautifully throughout the story. The main characters, Edwina and William, are a delight to follow, and their journey from rivals to lovers is both heartwarming and thrilling. The side characters are equally engaging, adding depth and dimension to the story. I particularly appreciated the representation of gender identities and sexual orientations, which added an important layer of diversity to the narrative. The romance is beautifully written, with just the right amount of tension and emotion. The bet between Edwina and William adds a fun twist to the story, keeping me on the edge of my seat as I waited to see how it would all unfold. The ending was incredibly satisfying, tying up all the loose ends while leaving me eager for more. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and heartfelt story. Highly recommended!

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I really liked this book! The transition from dislike to love was done perfectly, and I really enjoyed the glances and witty remarks between Edwina and William. They had great chemistry, and the buildup was totally worth it.

Edwina is a bit of an unusual main character, so it took me a few chapters to warm up to her. She can be proud and judgmental, but she's also good at admitting when she's wrong. I grew to admire her curiosity and determination. She's passionate and sassy, which pairs well with William. And William! I was smitten with him right away. His playful attitude and smirks were captivating, and he was also respectful and caring. Even though Edwina annoys him at times, he's always there for her. I just loved seeing them together!

The storyline about the bet seemed a bit strange to me. Why would someone gamble their career on how many romantic encounters they can have? It felt unrealistic, but it was my only complaint about the book.

Overall, I had a blast reading "A Rivalry of Hearts," and I can't wait for Daphne and Monty's story. The hints we got about them... I'm speechless!

Big thanks to the author for giving me an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!

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A charming, low-stakes, rivals to lovers fantasy rom-com that's both steamy and sweet!

This book was such a joy to read. It's delightful and funny, has lovable characters, AMAZING banter, and somehow managed to be both silly and heart warming. It felt like a mix of Bridgerton and Divine Rivals in the best way.

This was my first book from Tessonja Odette, and I am an instant fan.

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oh i loved this, it was so cozy and just what i needed! i think the mixing of different genres works so well here.

all of the characters were so unique and likeable, but they were also flawed and this made them feel very real.

i was so happy with the little cameos of characters from previous books, and it made me so excited for the next book in the series!

thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the arc 🫢🏻

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THIS BOOK WAS SOOOOO GOOD!!!

This is a perfect little cozy fantasy read! Its so hard to find like a cutesy romantasy book, especially a stand-alone. This book was quite everything I could ask for. I am now diving down a Tessonja Odette rabbit hole and reading all her books!

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A Rivalry of Hearts is a spicy, cozy fantasy that hits all the right notes for a truly enchanting read. This book has so many of my favorite things: fae, rivals-to-lovers, dual POV, and a Regency-era settingβ€”what more could I ask for? The banter between Edwina and William is sharp and witty, adding a delightful touch of humor to the story. If you love books that make you giggle and kick your feet while reading, this is perfect!

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