Thank you, NetGalley for this arc!

3.5 stars

The Romance Rivalry is my first introduction to Susan Lee. I thought this book had a very interesting concept. I liked how each chapter was titled with a romance book trope and was concurrent with the story, and was followed by an epigraph of a review from our MCs about the trope. Irene was a completely relatable FMC and worthy of rooting for. Aiden was a great MMC and I too love his dimples.

This felt like a K-Drama in book form which I am not upset about. I did love the mentions of various K-Pop groups/songs.

I did not love this book. The main reason was that I really didn't like the female lead. I felt she was immature, self-centered and kind of callous. I liked Aidan a lot and found it a bit hard to believe that he would put up with Irene. So this story did not work for me.

Loved the use of the tropes-as-catalyst-for-romance throughout the book. She manages to include fanfic and even a/b/o!

The little inside jokes between the characters were great, given they both are romance readers. Their friends were so supportive and great comedic relief. It was definitely kind of predictable, but very heartfelt.

Irene & Aiden.

Or, as I like to think of them, teen fictional characters who embody the “grumpy and sunshine” trope. But, wait, there’s more. Tropes, that is.

The author uses the romance readers favorite tropes to develop a budding relationship of the FMC and MMC. Cute and sweet moments abound throughout the read.

Would’ve elevated this to a five star read had the author developed more of who Irene was in high school ( though cheered her friendship with Charlotte). There was a nod to the parentals and siblings but they seemed more surface level.

Still, wanted to see why Irene did not have any close connections and was more invested in her relationship to the public via social media. You actually understand more of Aiden’s background and frustrations with his flashbacks than hers.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

#TheRomanceRivalry #NetGalley

actual rating: 1.25. you can tell the author is trying to be relatable and quirky by name dropping all these reader-related buzzwords and tropes, but it just comes off as cringe. like so incredibly cringe that i have to give up on the book. there has to be a way to write a book about niche internet book reviewers that does not have to be having constant “haha, you see what i did there? i just broke the fourth wall! isn’t that so quirky and silly of me?” moments. the only reason this book is getting an extra .25 is because of Jeanette. she fucking carried this book!

This book.... 🫠🫠
This book has my heart. It's like....a giant love letter to bookish romance readers and I was HERE. FOR. IT! 😍
If I could give this 10 stars I would! Haha
In the book the characters, INCLUDING our delicious MMC, talked heavily on tropes, so I want to list a few that our MCs cover lol
We get a bit of college romance, rivals to lovers, forced proximity, fake dating, & opposites attract , among a few 🤭
Irene can't stand Aiden at first because of their online rivalry. He never seems to agree with her book assessments and their followers seem to always send her mean comments. So of course, she isn't exact thrilled when they end up in the same school lol
It's adorable how hard Aiden both pokes her buttons while also tries to get her to work with him on their project. From "enemies", to class partners, to friends, their gradual grow in their relationship was sweet and fun and I couldn't get enough of them!
Susan was also genius on her chapter title and incorporating both Aiden and Irene's "online presence" while not taking too much out of the main story line.
Their mutal friends/roommates were also such a riot! Love them even more when all 4 were on the page!
Yes, the chapters were kind of long but I was enjoying the banter and literary references and Bookish fun SO much I didn't even feel it 😂😍
This is a MUST READ for anyone into Bookstagram, BookTok, Book blogging, or into the romance genre. I could relate to this so much and I honestly can't wait for more people to read this and laugh along at all the Bookish inside jokes 😂
Absolutely loved it and can't wait to add this to my book trophy shelf 🤭

This book is a love letter to romance readers and while it was a little cheesy at times I was sucked in and looking forward to the outcome of the main character’s competition. Told in a college setting I felt those aspects were pretty realistic in terms of friendships and workload demands.

4 stars

Why is Irene literally me? I felt her love for romance books and internal struggles on a personal level. Her and Aidan are so cute together. This may not be the best written book in the world, but it’s still super cute and perfect for YA romance readers.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

This book feels like a love letter to romance readers. We're talking popular tropes sandwiched between an adorable cover and a heartfelt plot. I bookmarked sooo many pages, and I already know I'll be rereading this book again and again. 4.25 stars and one of my favorite YA romances of the year!

This story has such a cute (and messy!) setup. It follows Irene and Aiden, two romance reviewers who attend the same college. They're competing for the same sponsorship deal and come up with a challenge: whoever finds true love first using book tropes wins. I think that's such a cool idea, and it leads to sooo many funny situations! Irene's grumpy/sunshine date and Aiden's shifter romance date (don't ask) had me giggling. The book is set up so that each trope gets its own chapter. There's small-town romance, forced proximity, fake dating, and more! I love that Irene and Aiden are as obsessed with book tropes as I am.

I'm also pleasantly surprised by this book's depth. "The Romance Rivalry" is about so much more than two people falling in love: it's an ode to figuring out your future, following your passions, and finding the courage to show your true self. I think this book will resonate with readers who value a strong plot and positive character growth.

I also have to say that the witty banter between Irene and Aiden is *chef's kiss*. Some of their conversations had me laughing out loud. I love it when I can see the characters together outside the confines of the plot. I feel like a lot of YA romances fling the love interests together for the sake of the story without establishing any depth between them. "The Romance Rivalry" does a great job showing how Irene and Aiden are stronger together. I felt so invested in their relationship!

The only reason I'm not giving this book 5 stars is because I don't like how Irene constantly takes things out on Aiden. I understand it's necessary to show her character growth, but I wish she'd stop to consider things from his POV. Other than that, I really like this book! I love the dating-by-trope idea and think it's a great setup for the story. 4.25 stars and a solid recommendation!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Netgalley; all opinions are my own.

This book was just what I wanted! It is a great rivals to lovers in school romance and I enjoyed the building romance a lot!

📝review:
A book that takes the beloved rivals-to-lovers trope(it packs plenty of other reader-favorite tropes too) and gives it a literary twist. If you’re into stories about fierce rivalries, a sprinkle of mystery, and a satisfying slow-burn chemistry, this one’s for you. It's filled with everyone's most favorite romance tropes, bookish banter, and a rivalry so intense and fun, it’ll have you flipping pages like your life depends on it, rooting for these two to find their way to each other.



📝characters:
We’ve got Irene Park, a die-hard romance reader who lives for happily-ever-afters—on paper, at least. In real life? Her love life is as silent as an empty library. But when she starts college, Irene decides it’s time to stop reading about romance and start living it. And because Irene’s a romance connoisseur, she’s got a plan: find her soulmate through tropes, obviously.

Enter Aiden Jeon, her snarky online book rival. He’s just as passionate about books as Irene but with a slightly annoying knack of challenging her opinions. Surprise surprise, he is now in the same college as Irene. When Aiden throws down a challenge to see who can find their trope-tastic love first, it’s game on. But the real fun starts when they’re forced into the ultimate trope: fake dating. Yep, the very thing Irene’s been dreaming about turns out to be her worst nightmare—and maybe her best dream come true?



📝Irene and Aiden:
Watching Irene tackle the highs and lows of college life, friendships, and her dreams—both romantic and academic—adds so much depth to her character. She grows from someone caught up in doubt and fantasy to a person who knows her worth and understands love beyond fiction.

And Aiden? Beneath his confident and outgoing exterior lies a deeply caring soul. Despite his own struggles (which I can’t spoil for you here!), he constantly prioritizes Irene. He’s the kind of book boyfriend who will make your heart race and leave you swooning faster than you can say "fake dating". His moments of vulnerability, paired with his unwavering attention, support, and care for Irene, make him unforgettable.



📝them and their friends:
Chemistry between Irene and Aiden is pure chef’s kiss. From the very first in-person interaction to the very end of the book, the chemistry and tension between them was off the charts. Their rivalry? hilarious, their banter? electric, the brief jealous moments and the slow realization that maybe they see each other as more than mere rivals/enemies? PERFECT.

One can not talk about this book without mentioning Irene and Aiden's best friends –Jeanette and Charles– who were there to help and encourage our main characters at all times, providing unwavering support and some-much needed humor. It was so cute and adorable to see how they start from being supportive friends who end up as a sweet romantic pair of their own-such a delightful sub plot, all while betting on Irene and Aiden's love life.



📝what makes the book stand out:
What sets The Romance Rivalry apart is it's ability to mix the swoony giggly moments with authentic real-life struggles. Susan Lee doesn’t just deliver a fun rom-com; she gives us a heroine who in the beginning, feels like an imposter in her own skin in the start and comes out out as someone who's not chained to the shackles of her insecurities anymore, and is a strong-headed and wise person by the end of the book. She also learns that love isn’t about following a formula.

Aiden’s arc is equally powerful. Behind his charm and wit is a boy navigating the complexities of strict family expectations and personal hardship.

By the end of the book Susan Lee has made it very clear how, Irene and Aiden's journey isn’t just about love—it’s about breaking free from insecurities and embracing one's true self, taking risks, challenging norms, and finding beauty in imperfections.



📚Recommend for:
If you love rivals-to-lovers, fake dating, or books about people who love books, this one’s for you. It’s smart, heartwarming, and laugh-out-loud funny. By the end, you’ll want to grab your favorite romance novel, cozy up, and maybe start plotting you own happy-ever-after.

The Romance Rivalry is a page-turner that will leave you smiling, swooning, and utterly satisfied. Don’t miss it!
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First of all, thank you so much netgalley and the publishers for the arc.
OH. MY. GOD. OH. MY. GOD.
I WAS ACTUALLY PLANNING ON WRITING A BOOKSTAGRAM REVIEW BUT I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK I MIGHT HAVE TO WRITE A BLOG REVIEW AHHHHH BUT I WON'T BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK WITHOUT GIVING SPOILERS.... BRO I'M COOKED!!!!

4.5 stars

so CUTE. had me kicking my feet and giggling all the time, and i could not stop thinking about this book. aiden is so <333 and irene is so relatable (as an eldest daughter). and they're so perfect together. jeanette and charles were cuties too. and taejin was HILARIOUS with this "im premed"

i took the 0.5 off cause aiden's book being about werewolves and using the words alpha and sigma really threw me off. i cringed

but also, AIDEN WAS IN LOVE ALL ALONG?? AND HE ONLY READ BOOKS THAT IRENE RECOMMENDED? WHICH IS WHY ALL HIS REVIEWS WERE ABOUT THE SAME BOOKS AS HER AND WHY HIS REVIEWS ALWAYS CAME AFTER HERS. AND WHY HE ALWAYS COMMENTED ON HER REVIEWS. HE FELL FIRST AND FELL HARDER. I ACTUALLY LOVE THAT. AND HE LOOKS LIKE WONWOO WOW 😭

Two romance reviewers end up in college together. They get involved in a who can win game and fall in love with each other. It’s a super cute coming of age tale. First love impacts and how all it takes is one person, one post to change your life.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I loved the use of tropes to set up every chapter and how they were used in the story in unexpected ways. Aiden for sure made me swoon and they are such a cute couple. And as a book reviewer myself, I loved all the mentions of the industry. I will for sure be recommending this book.

Rating: 4.5 Stars
Irene is uniquely relatable and multifaceted, allowing readers to connect with her passion for romance while facing the complexities of real-life relationships, friendships, self-discovery, college academics, and being true to oneself both now and in the future. Aiden adds depth to the narrative with his rivalry with Irene, alongside his own struggles with guilt and sorrow over choosing what felt right for him over his parents' wishes. Through their shared experiences, readers witness significant character growth. The evolution of their relationship reveals heartwarming and enlightening moments, reminding us that love often unfolds in unexpected ways. The romance is well-paced, realistic, and includes beautiful moments of honesty, reflection, discussion, and themes of expectations versus reality, consent, and intimacy. Beyond romance, "The Romance Rivalry" explores friendship, resilience, and the quest for identity. As Irene builds deeper connections with her peers, the importance of friendship is beautifully highlighted. These relationships enrich the story and showcase the multifaceted nature of college life. From Irene's close bond with her roommate Jennette to Aiden's friendship with Charles, readers experience a sense of friendship, humor, lightheartedness, and even the pranks, bets, and antics that friend groups often enjoy. Susan Lee's writing is warm and relatable, making every moment feel genuine. The balance between humor and heartfelt storytelling keeps readers engaged, following a narrative filled with laughter and true emotion. Ultimately, "The Romance Rivalry" leaves readers with a powerful message: happily ever afters are not limited to fiction. Irene's journey reveals the unexpected paths through which true love can arise, gently challenging preconceived notions and guiding her toward self-discovery.

Susan Lee's "The Romance Rivalry" is a celebration of love, friendship, and the delightful chaos of college life. For those who cherish romance novels and enjoy exploring their tropes, this book is a delightful read. It reminds us that while finding love may be complex, it can also be filled with joy and meaningful connections. Irene Park's story mirrors the experiences of anyone seeking love in the pages of a book and serves as a reminder to embrace their own narrative. Ultimately, this journey is not just about romance; it highlights the importance of individuality and the adventures that come with it.
Whether you're a devoted fan of romance novels or just discovering the genre, "The Romance Rivalry" offers an entertaining escape and a fresh take on beloved tropes. With its engaging characters and relatable themes, this book is sure to resonate with readers and deserves a spot on your reading list this upcoming spring season. Don’t miss the chance to join Irene on her journey of self-discovery and blossoming romance—it may just inspire you to pen your love story.

This book had all the tropes... literally. Such a cute, feel-good romance about the joys and struggles of growing up. Irene is a middle child in a Korean American family and this part of her identity helps shape the story into what it is. Throw in Aidan, a sweet, dimpled, romance reading boy and you have the cutest rivals to friends to lovers trope (plus a few more). The side characters were a great addition helping make the story more enjoyable! The Romance Rivalry captures the independence being away from home and learning to explore yourself while finding love along the way.

Although this is my first experience with Susan Lee’s work, it won’t be the last. This was such a charming happily ever after romance! It's really lovely to see them go from rivals to friends, and then to something else. If your reading has grown heavy on your shoulders and you need a lighter, more breezy read, this is it, and with the writing style and pacing, it’s a perfect one-night binge read.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

this was a fun, light YA romance with a touch of steam for older kids. VERY silly, but i really enjoyed it! this is one of those YA books where you just wish you could have read it during your actual teen years. lee is an excellent romance writer & understands teen love in particular extremely well. love love loved it!!!

I thought this would be more up my alley, but I realized while reading that I'm not actually the best reader for this. It was a little too cheesy for me at times and the actual fake dating took up less of the book than I expected. Also, in terms of a romance reader, I read more YA, so while I understand the appeal, I didn't really connect as much to Irene as I thought I would. However, it generally does deliver what it promised: a fun romcom full of tropes, hence the high rating. I also liked the discussion of expectations and following your heart. I think this would be a great read for readers who really enjoy romance novels, tropes, and cliches.

Synopsis: Irene is a popular romance book reviewer who loves everything romantic in books, but struggles to apply it to real life. When she starts college, she decides it's her turn to be the main character and fall in love. So she uses the one method she understands, book tropes. To Irene's surprise, she is not the only popular romance book reviewer at her college. Her rival, Aiden Jones, is also an incoming freshman like Irene. He challenges her to a competition: Fall in love by trope first. As Irene tackles love and dating, she also struggles to find her place in college when it becomes clear life is not like a romance novel. In order to get the HEA she deeply craves, Irene is going to have to finally be the main character she always reads about.

This is my first read from this Susan Lee but it will not be my last. While I am not typically a YA reader, the synopsis drew me in right away and I knew I had to try to get my hands on an ARC. This was everything I want in a romance book. The banter between Irene and Aiden is to die for. You can fell the tension on every page.

I love how not only is this book a love story, it is very much a coming of age story. We see Irene ignore her college coursework, and how it catches up to her later on. I love that it deals with the common struggles of being away from home from the first time, and what it means to find your place in the world.