Thank you Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the DRC of The Rival. All opinions in this review are my own.

I usually love Emma Lord but I had such a hard time getting into this one. Although the main characters are supposed to be Freshmen in college, they read so much younger, especially the FMC. Even the side characters seem more like caricatures than actual people. I'm hoping this is just an isolated incident because I usually love her books.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for this e-ARC of The Rival by Emma Lord in exchange for an honest review. I'll be honest, I REALLY wanted to like The Break-Up Pact by this author and I did in the beginning, but then it went downhill. I was hoping this one would not do the same, and while I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I really loved it. I would probably read Emma Lord again, but I think her romances are just mediocre or miss for me, unfortunately. But this was an easy and quick read for anyone looking for that!

This was such a hilarious story! I loved Seb and Sadie's rivalry, and the funny different ways they adjusted to their location/audience. Their relationship was so complex and well written, and it changed and developed so much throughout the story. I did think some of Sadie's inner monologues got a bit repetitive, but overall she was a great narrator. There were lots of great side characters, and the ending was great.

Content: some swearing (including F word), references to intimacy (not graphic).

Emma Lord books are nearly impossible to write reviews for. Why? Because they are full of such heart, such masterful writing craft that it’s difficult to come up with any critiques for her writing. “The Rival” is no exception to this.

I received the ARC a long while ago but was finally able to pick up the audiobook recently (and, yes, I am kicking myself for waiting this long to read it). Sadie and Seb accompanied me on many outdoor walks, and I was sad when the novel came to an end. Not only was their story inspiring, but it also proved to be a story I wish I had when I was in my later high school/early college years. Emma Lord has a fantastic capacity for capturing the high school or college experience with incredible detail. So much detail, in fact, that it feels like you’re walking through these schools or campuses right alongside her characters.

I admire Emma Lord’s deft control over voice. She makes writing young adult voices and characters appear effortless and easy when it’s anything but. Sadie felt unlike any of her other characters, while also supporting a thorough characterization arc. I enjoyed seeing Sadie’s flaws presented on the page and how she worked through issues on campus (and in her personal life) to embrace her true self. After all, isn’t that what college is all about? Chasing that pursuit of knowledge and discovering new facets of yourself along the way?

The plot! The subplots! The rivals-to-lovers, slow-burn romance! (It’s not enemies-to-lovers, as the synopsis presents.) The layers of this novel had me in utter awe. I don’t know how Emma Lord manages to balance so many moving pieces in her stories, but it’s yet another thing she makes appear effortless. And the main plot presented another timely reminder: that when we work together, we can make change happen.
As I move past my high school and college years, I find it more difficult to pick up young adult novels—especially the contemporary kind—and relate to the story on the pages. Yet, I never have that issue with Emma Lord books. Her books help me tap into my younger self and are a reminder that people can always change and always fight to uncover a better version of themselves.

Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This was a sweet romance featuring new adult, college aged characters. Sadie and Seb have been both friends and rivals, with rivals as the most recent. Sadie heads off to college to form a new identity and grab a spot at her new college's literary magazine, a dream job for her. However, Seb shows up unexpectedly, going for the same job and thwarting her plans. This cute rom com is a friends to rivals to lovers situation as the reader--but not the characters--can easily see that they are meant to be together. Overall, it was a fun read with not too much complexity. Perfect for summer and any Emma Lord fans or those who like an uncomplicated romance!

I love Emma Lord’s writing and the premise of this one sounded so good. I loved that she set this one at college. Slightly older main characters suited the plot more.

I loved the banter and the references in this book (as I do with all of Emma’s books) but this one was a little frustrating because the FMC was pretty selfish and oblivious at times. I feel like she was almost unrealistic with some of her decisions.

I can get behind unrealistically witty banter and improbable settings for young people but really poor decision after decision but also being described as really bright didn’t make sense.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Emma Lord has truly mastered the YA contemporary! There’s truly so much to love about this book—the friendships, the romance, the pacing, the writing style… I could go on and on (and I will).

THE RIVAL follows Sadie, who’s starting her freshman year at her dream college, which is especially sweet because her neighbor and academic rival, Seb, was waitlisted. To her surprise, on her first day, Sadie discovers not only was Seb taken off of the wait list, but he’ll be competing with her for the coveted staff writing job at the school’s famous zine.

A common complaint I have for YA novels is how quick and unsatisfying the endings can be, but Lord always nails the pacing of her books and knows how to give a satisfying, genuine ending.

I also have to give a shoutout to the audiobook narrator, Jesse Villinsky; I read this book via audio and really enjoyed it!

I love how Emma Lord writes friendships as well. Sadie and Christina’s friendship felt so genuine, and I adored Christina’s character as well. I really appreciate how her friendships are written as well as her romances are.

Speaking of the romance—Sadie and Seb truly had me kicking my feet and squealing. Enemies to lovers? Slow burn? Them both being WRITERS? Obsessed.

My one critique with this book was Sadie’s drama with her family. In theory, the idea of having a main character who has to keep her family from falling apart/being too outlandish/abrasive/etc. makes a lot of sense, but with Sadie’s specific family, I didn’t understand it as much.

They seem to be perfectly loving and kind and accepting, just a little loud. So I sometimes struggled with suspending my disbelief that Sadie felt the need to be the glue in her family so strongly… when they really weren’t doing anything wrong?

Aside from that, I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend! For an extra treat, give the audiobook a try.

Even as I find myself drifting from YA, I will always pick up an Emma Lord book. The vibes are simply immaculate every time.

Thank you to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this book. This was a fun read outside of my normal genre. I found it fun all the way through with likeable characters. Can't wait to read more by this author!

Thanks for the ARC! The Rival is classic Emma Lord—witty, warm, and packed with charm. Sadie and Seb’s academic rivalry makes for great banter, and their slow shift from enemies to something softer is satisfying and sincere. The zine competition adds a unique twist, and the book also explores deeper themes of pressure, identity, and fairness in academia. A feel-good romcom with brains, heart, and just the right spark.

Emma Lord delivers again. What I enjoy the most about Lord's stories are that she delivers heart and humor. Sadie and Seb are relatable and endearing characters in The Rival. The competition and "hate" between them provides a lot of opportunities for delightful banter and hard hitting emotions. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to stick it to the patriarchy. This is a beautiful coming of age story set at a college campus. It has found family too that will make you feel at home and cozy. However, the adversity all the characters have to overcome alone and together make the narrative interesting and engaging. If you like a good underdog story then you'll enjoy this one. If you loved Tweet Cute but want something older, The Rival is for you. Be warned that you might want some snacks as your reading this because mouth watering food was mentioned.

A special thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy. This was a sweet rom com with a competition that took me back to my college days. An enemies to friends with competition thrown in.

Emma Lord delivers another delightful enemies-to-lovers story in The Rival. The chemistry between Sadie and Seb is palpable, with their witty banter and shared history adding depth to their evolving relationship. Lord skillfully captures the nuances of college life, from the excitement of newfound independence to the pressures of academic and familial expectations. While some readers may find Sadie's initial denial of her feelings for Seb frustrating, it adds to the tension and eventual payoff of their romance.

Ahhhhh this was just such a great read. I just didn't want this book to end and I was sad to turn the last page. I'm so excited to see what's next from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a cute YA book about Sadie and Seb’s relationship from childhood friends to rivals to friends/lovers. While I did enjoy parts this book there was a lot that felt a little meh. Sadie felt a little immature for being someone that felt like she had to keep her wild family in line. The banter felt a little flat and it didn’t seem like Sadie and Seb really liked each other most the time even after they turned the rival to friend’s corner. I understand I am not the target audience for this book and there will be people that absolutely love this book.

*4.5 stars rounded up.*

<b>ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.</b>

<i>"So where are you headed?"
"Apparently hell, if you're here."</i>

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and Netgalley for a copy of this eARC. Emma Lord is a insta-read author for me, and this is the fourth title I've had the privilege of reading early. It's like the gift that never ends each time she pops up with a new release.

I thought we were entering into our run of the mill rivals to lovers story here, but it felt like more and more just kept revealing itself, and to find out that these two have not only known each other their entire lives, but had parents who were best friends with each other? Who spent every weekend eating pancakes together?

My lord we had some FEELINGS to work out. This was the epitome of "he falls first" and I'm sorry but Sadie girl, you are oblivious. I love them so much. There was so much fun banter, and I swear Emma Lord is the queen of it. I've been obsessed with her writing style since <i>Begin Again</i>, and I will continue to always find enjoyment int it.

When it comes to the story, I was just as emotionally invested, and on the edge of my seat to see events unfold. As someone who had sports ruin quite a bit at her university, I really empathized with their struggle to keep something they loved going.

The book ended in the perfect way, and it has me so excited for whatever Emma Lord is cooking up next.

This took me awhile to pick up and read, because I need to be in the mood for a YA novel but once I did, I loved it!

Enemies to lovers? Check. Academic rivals? Double check. Emma Lord delivers another charming win with The Rival, a college-set rom-com that’s equal parts witty, heartfelt, and bursting with chaotic, lovable energy. 🎓📖

Sadie thinks she’s finally won the lifelong rivalry against her too-clever, too-charming next-door nemesis Seb by snagging the only spot at her dream college. But plot twist: Seb gets off the waitlist… and the battle is back on 😏. This time, it’s not just about grades, it’s about landing a coveted spot on the school’s legendary zine. Cue the late-night writing sessions, campus chaos, family mayhem, and some serious what-is-this-feeling moments. 💌

I adored Sadie’s inner voice, equal parts fierce and vulnerable, and Seb is peak golden retriever energy with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Their banter? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry? Electric. And underneath all the academic tension is a deeper message about self-worth, creativity, and challenging broken systems.

Emma Lord fans will find everything they love here: smart dialogue, warm fuzzies, a relatable heroine, and a love interest who sneaks up on your heart. Think Tweet Cute meets Today Tonight Tomorrow, with a splash of dorm room chaos and zine glory.

The Rival by Emma Lord is a standalone NA contemporary romance and is a clear rivals to lovers story. While it is definitely a romance and has a cute aspect to it, it’s not quite for me. The flow of it is a bit too telly rather than showy. If the information wasn’t as spoon fed, it may have come out a bit smoother.

The overall premise and process of the story are good and have a solid foundation, it’s just not quite at the level to be seamless yet.

This is great for those who love college age stories with enemies to lovers, rom com, and rivals to lovers tropes.

Other books by Emma to check out are Tweet Cute, The Getaway, and The Break-Up Pact

*This was an honest review for a complimentary copy of The Rival from Emma Lord via NetGalley

3.5 stars

This brings back memories of being on a college campus and parties in the best way. It's a lot of fun and has a lot of laughable moments. I liked the rivalry between the characters and how they helped boost each other up in the end. While this is definitely not my age bracket anymore it is still a fun read.

Thank you to Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love Emma Lord and her YA romcoms. This had enemies to lovers, opposites attract and I loved it. I love my spicy books but if you want a sweet romcom without the spice Emma is my go to!

I love a good academic rivals and this one was so good! I've read Emma Lord before and can always count on her for some A+ enemies to lovers. The humor was cute and the love story was heartwarming. The family dynamics were a little frustrating at times, but clearly that was purposeful. Overall, I really enjoyed this one.