**Thank you to Wednesday Books for this free digital review copy.**

Emma Lord's YA rom-com's have been a hit for me in the past, and The Rival was no exception. The characters' snappy sarcasm and comedic timing entertained me from start to finish (and this is coming from a person who notoriously doesn't care for comedy, much to my husband's chagrin). I highlighted lots of lines that make me chuckle, such as, "My carefully chosen floral blue first-day-of-college dress has pit stains deeper than most emotions." Sadie's desperation to make her mark and fit in as she begins her college adventure is what every freshman feels, on some level, and watching each of the characters come into their own was a happy little adventure. I appreciated how the book was able to explore Sadie's relationships with her parents and sisters, her best friend, her new college friends, and Sebastian without it feeling like too much.

There was real, believable conflict, but also a happy ending — exactly what you want from this type of book. The results of the back-and-forth between Sadie and Sebastian was never truly in question, but it wasn't annoying (mostly — I had a few moments of complaint, and a few guesses that I completely missed the mark on). It was actually sweet seeing them fully realize their feelings and want to face them maturely instead of just diving into something without giving it appropriate thought. But it probably helps that everyone around them, both new and old friends, expected the inevitable and was all for it.

This would be a great fall read, but really fun for any time of the year!

A late bloomer, coming of age story about two childhood rivals who continue their rivalry into college to compete for the only slot at the school paper.

Another miss for me. This was a college romance that was (1) too self aware that it was a RomCom, and (2) had almost no relatability for me. The whole thing was quite hyperbolic. I found the conflicts to be petty or nonsensical. I found it required a lot of suspension of disbelief for some plot points, which is hard for me in contemporary stories. The late bloomer aspect was actually kind of sweet, but the take away was weird.

Content : kissing only romantic content, characters are diverse and LGBT+ forward (straight FMC, bi MMC, a married lesbian couple, and a they/them character), quite a bit of profanity.

Thank you for the advance digital copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for making it available.

My review is currently up on Goodreads.

Sadie and Seb have lived next door to each other for their whole lives. When they were little, they were the best of friends, until a prank went wrong. Then they became the biggest rivals in school, with Sadie coming out on top with the coveted spot at her dream college with a chance to be a staff reporter for their zine, Newsbag. But this wouldn't be a romance if things went the way Sadie wanted, so Seb ends up off the waitlist and competing with her for the writing position...and of course, sparks fly!

This was a great rivals to lovers, frenemies to lovers, forced proximity, boy/girl next door story...pick your favorite trope. The book gets right to the Sadie/Seb rivalry, and doesn't slow down. The pacing was great, and the story was somewhat predictable (what romance isn't?) but it also had an interesting plot. There aren't a lot of college-age romances featuring writers (that I know of, anyway). I really enjoyed this book, it was different from other romances that I've read recently. Sadie and Seb having to work together while also competing against each other played well on the page. They had great chemistry and banter.

I also want to note that there was LGBTQIA+ representation. Seb is bisexual, although it's not a main plotline, only referenced to a few times. There's also a nin-binary character and a lesbian couple, so if that's something you're looking for, this has it.

All in all, this was an excellent read focusing on finding yourself, family, friends, and being a team. If you enjoy a good rival romance with frenemies or a nice boy/girl next door will-they-won't-they story, then this one's for you!

Sadie is finally free of her nemesis, Seb, the boy next door who has been challenging her since birth, as she embarks on her freshman year at Maple Ride University. However she is shocked to find him off the enrollment waitlist and once again competing with her for a coveted spot on the prestigious college zine staff. With a plot that has very few surprises–one could see the enemies to lovers ending playing out from page one–this story dragged in several places, but ultimately left me feeling positive about the book as a whole. It’s worth noting that this ranks about a zero on the spicy scale, so give this to teens who are after a clean rom/com.

I enjoyed Emma Lord's The Rical, but not as much as Tweet Cute. I felt like the protagonist was a bit too whiny in this novel. She was a bit overly focused on the rivalry - it was just too extreme to be believable. Recommended for large romance collections.

Emma Lord does it again! The Rival is another sweet YA romcom with some deep topic relative to young adults (this time, college-aged), crazy situations, and descriptions of food that make your mouth water.

The Rival is a perfect enemies to lovers trope, except that the "enemies" have been forced friends since birth due to their parents being best friends. Sadie and Seb have been pushing each other's buttons and ambitions for years, but it all ends when Sadie gets into Maple Ride College and Seb doesn't...until Seb shows up on campus and threatens Sadie's chances at getting the single spot at Newsbag, the college newspaper. What ensues is a series of delightful antics wrapped around several serious topics, including the pressure of college sports, biased school funding, homesickness, sexuality, and trust. Lord knows how to deftly weave fun and sweetness around more somber, weighty moments, and the back-and-forth between Sadie and Seb perfectly hits the "academic rivals fall in love" itch. Add to that the Random Acts of Chaos Club, funfetti pancakes, and Sexy Shrek, and this read was a lot of fun.

The Rival has Lord's signature cute "will they or won't they" energy, perfect for a screen adaptation. Even though it's a university setting, it still has high school energy. A couple of f-bombs but otherwise a nice little YA that I'll be recommending we order for our library and to some of my students I know will love it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday books for the early copy!

The Rival Review

This was my very first Emma Lord book and it was a good introduction to their writing style and see if it aligns with what I currently love reading.

Trope: Rival to Lovers (enemies to lovers)

I won’t lie the little bits of banter between our two characters did make me laugh here and there. Our two characters are Sadie and Seb who was childhood friends turned to rivals. Sadie thinks she finally got rid of Seb and there ongoing off going rivals ship when she gets into a college he doesn’t but atlas that changes when she bumps into him on her way to Newsbag meeting (where of course he’s heading as well) They both competing for the only spot on the Newsbag team. We follow a course of feelings as the book goes on to the end. The beginning had me hooked and through out it I had to keep a bit of forcing myself to read it but atlas I did it. It was overall well written and good.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

The Rival was everything I hoped for and more—it was absolutely delightful! From start to finish, I found myself fully invested in Seb and Sadie’s journey, cheering for them every step of the way. he perfect mix of witty banter, emotional depth, and insightful reflections on the college experience made this book truly stand out for me.

A huge thank you to the publisher for providing the eARC in exchange for my honest review!

thank you to Wednesday Books + Netgalley for the arc!

this is Emma Lord at her absolute best! she knows how to write the YA rom com like no other, but also talk about things that might feel more vulnerable.

One thing I liked about Sadie which is different from a lot of YA I read —she’s thriving. Especially for a college setting. I feel like they are always struggling to find where they fit in, but in this one Sadie is still learning about herself, but she is having a great college experience.

I did also love the rep. Seb is a bi hero which we always love to see. And the open talk about mental health and relationships was so so sincere. I would’ve loved to read this when I was younger.

I will read anything Emma Lord writes, including her adult romances, but her YA has a super special place in my heart

This is out 1/21 so check it out then!!!!

5/5

Emma Lord does not disappoint when it comes to YA romance. This has all my favorite things:

* enemies/rivals to lovers and their uber-competitive ways
*witty banter
*a fun supporting cast (her BFF, Betty & her pancakes, the Newsbag staff, etc.)
*coming of age
*college life

Sadie thought she got away from her next door neighbor turned rival Seb for college, but at the last minute he was accepted to the same university. Now the two are vying for the same writing spot on the school's prestigious zine. Can the two make it through the competition without fighting dirty and without crushing their hearts.

This was a cute novel that I never truly got into. All of the elements were there, but I never fully found myself invested. I think some of the conflicting drama didn't fit the story and seemed to feel like drama for drama's sake, but in a way that didn't fully mesh with the overall plot.

THE NOSTALGIA.

Emma Lord does an incredible job of making me feel nostalgic for my college aged years. Where things are confusing, live has a lot of new turns and you’re just trying to find out where you want to be and the goals you have to achieve to get there. I adore this setting so much and love that it’s set in college but still YA appropriate.

I loved the dynamic between Sadie and Seb. The banter was fantastic. The quips and pranks back and forth really sold me on how much they care about each other even though they have been ignoring those feelings for so long. The cute pancake dates and tender quiet discussions were sweet and impactful for the storyline.

It’s a genuine and fun read. I also adored the complex family relationships. That there was support and love but issues too. It’s not all sunshine, yet you know who’s in your corner. I love the authentic nature of these kinds of plots.

If Emma writes it, I’m going to read it and this is no different. Another gem and one I am so grateful I got my hands on early.

Overall audience notes:

New adult contemporary romance
Language: low
Romance: kisses

In this engaging and witty story, Sadie thought she had triumphed over her academic rival, Seb, by securing the spot at her dream college—until Seb unexpectedly gets in as well. As they compete for a spot on the prestigious school zine, Sadie must confront her growing feelings for Seb while navigating family chaos and her own insecurities, all while uncovering deeper flaws within the school's system that require them to work together despite their rivalry. As a long-time fan of Emma Lord, I eagerly dive into every new release, and this book did not disappoint! True to form, it was filled with all the things I love: Taylor Swift references, delicious treats, and plenty of musicals. Sadie and Seb’s story, especially their shared history of growing up next door to each other, really enhanced the enemies-to-lovers dynamic. Overall, this book was an absolute 5-star read for me—adorable, binge-worthy, and so much fun. I’m already hoping for a recipe book for Betty’s pancakes!

DNF at 29%. I think I’m just not the audience for Emma Lord’s YA anymore (I am excited for her next adult book!). This didn’t feel like rivals to lovers, plus the characters were weird and the plot felt very contrived.

I always enjoy Emma Lord’s books and this one was great. This a childhood (really babyhood) friends to frenemies (rivals) to lovers story and I loved their banter. I loved how it started with Sadie at college, thinking she stepping out on her own only to find her rival Seb is also there. They were funny together and I enjoy that. I also loved her quirky family, and the sister dynamic/conflict, especially when she realized she missed them. Another highlight for me was her friendship with Christina, I loved how she there in the end, learning to be a better friend. And I loved the pancakes. All in all it was a fun and quick read.

Sadie goes off to college thinking she has finally shaken off her lifelong next-door neighbor and nemesis, Seb. She's going out to the first informational meeting for her absolute dream that she's been working toward for years, the student-run zine Newsbag, she has a literal run-in with none other than... Seb. Their rivalry rekindles as they compete for the one open writer spot on the team, but as they're both away from home for the first time and exploring who they are as individuals apart from their families, they also realize that they really are a team of rivals, bettering each other's work, and coming together to fight some flaws in the school's funding system... and maybe they have more feelings for each other than that? It is a rom-com after all! I find Emma Lord's books to be great escape/comfort reading. The YA genre means it's swoony but not steamy, super easy to root for the relationship, and while the characters deal with real feelings and issues, the tone is fun, sometimes snarky, and the settings are kind of idyllic (if not slightly over the top, like a college campus with these amazingly creative things, student clubs like "Starbucks and Target" - cute but feels a bit too cute to be real, not that I'm mad about the escape from reality) and always inclusive. Oh, and there is plenty of Broadway and baked goods too. This particular one is great for fans of her first book, Tweet Cute; it also reminded me a lot of Lynn Painter's Better Than the Movies with this next-door neighbor rivalry turned crush, and the nerdy girl of it all (which I adore). Sometimes the rivalry felt a bit silly/manufactured (something that can get to me in any rivals-to-lovers trope), but I loved being in this world, rooting for this couple, and meeting the fun side characters too. I received an advance copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ★★★.75

I just couldn’t get invested into these characters. I felt no attachment to them or their story, unfortunately.

Emma Lord has done it again! Begin Again is still my favorite Lord novel, but this is a close second. Perfect for fans of Today Tonight Tomorrow and Better than the Movies.

I really enjoyed the use of the rivals to lovers trope, and the banter made me laugh several times. Sadie and Seb are childhood friends turned rivals after a prank gone too far. Sadie thinks she's finally rid herself of him after getting admitted to a college he was waitlisted at. On the way to her first meeting to the infamous NPR meets The Onion style zine called Newsbag, she literally runs into the only person who can cause her to lose her cool. Seb and Sadie end up competing for a spot as a staff member of Newsbag, participating in several writing challenges along the way. Feelings change as they try to navigate being away from home, roommates, questionable dining hall food together. Are the stakes higher than a spot at Newsbag?

From the first page I was hooked and couldn't wait to read more about Seb and Sadie. Lord is fantastic about balancing light hearted topics, while still packing an emotional punch.

thank you to Netgalley for the ebook ARC. I love Emma’s YA books so much! This book is a fun story about two childhood rivals who happen to be neighbors and whose parents happen to be best friends. There’s just no escaping one another until they finally head off to separate colleges because one didn’t get in and one did. Until the other one does get off the waitlist…

Shenanigans, aspiring journalists, enemies to lovers, and a cute YA story!