It was such a light and sweet read!!
I loved the writing
It's the kind of books you read when you want to feel at peace you know? It's an easy read that makes you forget for a little while the outside

Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the advanced reader copy.

When Mo writes what could be her best novel yet--an adaptation of her favorite book from childhood--she's excited when presented with the opportunity to pitch the idea to the author's estate, held by the author's elderly daughter. What she doesn't expect is that this presentation is a competition against Wes, another author who's also written a novel adaptation of the book. Mo immediately resents Wes for all his connections (his famous mother is neighbor's with the elderly daughter) and wealth and polish. But she's also intrigued by him and maybe the best rivals also make the best lovers.

I thought the premise of the novel was interesting and a fresh take on writing about writers. But, I ended up doing a lot of skimming to finish this. The book did some things that irk me as a reader--too many characters with names that start with the same letter (Mo/Maureen, Mackenzie, Morgan) and flipping back and forth between Maureen's full name and her nickname, Mo, indiscriminately. These might seem like small things, but when all of this is happening in that opening chapter it kept me from being able to settle into the story. The comps to Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood also felt misleading (which isn't a fault of the writer, but of the publishers) and set up false expectations. Both of those writers are known for steamy romances, with everything on the page. RIVALS TO LOVERS is a half-open door romance, more sweet than steamy. The characters of Mo and Wes didn't feel fully developed, so I never really felt like I was rooting for them.

For someone who likes a sweet, rivals to lovers, writing about writers romance, this could be just the thing.

Rivals to Lovers is out August 12, 2025.

I’ve heard great things about Elise Wayland, so I was excited to get an ARC of Rivals to Lovers. This book fell flat for me. It was very slow, and the characters were not very interesting to me. Maureen “Mo” and Wes are writers who have written adaptations of a classic novel, and are competing against each other to obtain the publication rights. Wes is also a literary agent who had read and admired Mo’s work before they met.

Mo and Wes spend a stressful weekend auditioning for Estelle Morgan, who controls the rights to publish an adaptation of her mother’s classic novel. Initially, they are just competitors, but they spend a lot of time together and are very attracted to each other. I didn’t feel a lot of chemistry in their interactions, beyond slight physical attraction. Their banter fell flat with tension from Mo about Wes’s wealthy background as the child of a celebrity. Their relationship transitions from rivals to lovers quickly, so I felt the title and the idea of them being rivals was not completely accurate. Steamy scenes are mostly closed door, so fans of Ali Hazelwood’s style will be disappointed.

Mo and Wes have completely different backgrounds, but their love for writing and books draws them together and it was interesting to see how two authors live and work together. I liked the ending, particularly Estelle’s letter which explained more of her thought process as she evaluated their books. I felt uncomfortable about some of the events in the book, particularly the stalking. The pacing of this book was very slow, and I found myself picking it up and putting it down over several weeks. I never felt truly drawn in to the story or the character arcs.

The dual point-of-view narration was entertaining and I liked getting to know both main characters through their own words. This novel has great disability and LGBTQ+ representation. Ms. Wayland dedicates this book to English teachers and romance authors, who taught the author to love books and love stories. The reader can feel the author’s love for books and the writing process throughout the story. Her descriptions of Mo and Wes’s writing process, and their love for a classic novel make this book a tribute to both books and love stories.

Thank you to Elise Wayland, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I really liked Mo's part of this story! Despite how she feels, she has a good idea of what she does and doesn't want for her writing life. Wes's part of the story didn't quite hit for me, but their competition with Estelle had clear stakes!

Elise Wayland’s Rivals to Lovers is a delightful take on the rivals-to-lovers trope, with a refreshing departure from the more intense enemies-to-lovers dynamic that’s so common in romance novels. Instead of bitter animosity, the story leans into professional competition, which creates a more natural and believable progression between the leads.

The novel follows Mo and Wes, two competing authors vying for the chance to publish a modern retelling of a beloved classic. Mo, a small-town underdog with a deep love of books and a touch of self-doubt, is an easy character to root for. Wes, on the other hand, might initially seem a bit too polished — but as the story unfolds, his complexity becomes more apparent and ultimately endearing. Their banter is sharp and entertaining, and the dual perspectives help bring both characters fully to life.
Supporting characters add richness and diversity to the narrative, with several standout moments that are both heartwarming and hilarious. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ representation, bookish references, and even a few library science jokes gives the book a warm, inclusive feel that’s especially enjoyable for fellow bibliophiles.

While the story doesn’t always hit perfectly — some scenes feel rushed, and the tone occasionally straddles the line between YA and adult fiction in a slightly awkward way — it remains engaging throughout. The pacing might not be flawless, but the charm of the characters and the wit of the dialogue more than make up for it.
Overall, Rivals to Lovers is a cosy, clever romance that will resonate with readers who cherish books, banter, and characters who feel like people you’d want to know. It’s a lighthearted yet sincere read that’s easy to recommend.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This was a really enjoyable read, the two rival adaptations of the same story was an interesting concept, it was a great romance and the banter was top tier. The connection and development between Mo and Wes was interesting to read and I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

Did I cry? Yes.
This story was the best mix of cozy, heartwarming, emotional and funny moments. I felt like I was going through all the hadships with our main characters; both very mature and reasonable, both trying to navigate their lives towards happiness. If you ever feel like you need a cozy book to read while it’s raining both outside and in your heart, this is the best option.

ARC Generously provided by NetGalley & Alcove Press

This story had an extremely interesting premise- two authors vying for the opportunity to impress their favorite author's estate, in order to get their adaptations of a classic novel approved. To decide, the author's elderly daughter invited both to spend the weekend at the family home to pitch their ideas.

I loved the main characters being a little non-traditional. Mo, our female lead was a classics-loving, closet LOTR fanfic writing struggling author, whose entire life (down to her hairstyle) was shaped by the story she adores. The male lead, Wes, was a charming, yet privileged semi-nepo-baby working in the publishing industry, hoping to finally break out as an author.

This story also had great LGBTQ+ and disability representation both in our main and side characters that felt very intentional and genuine.

I did find the story a little long, and oddly paced. Our characters are only really "Rivals" for a veryyyy brief period before becoming "Lovers." The decision regarding the adaptations was out of their hands very early on in the story, with Mo and Wes both having made their presentations and gone home. This led to a significant portion of the book just spent in limbo, as the MCs tip-toed around each other, still calling each other rivals, yet actively choosing to spend time together and becoming close friends (and, naturally, hooking up). The push and pull was a little confusing.

Additionally, the side-plot of Mo's sister's wedding didn't feel like it added a lot of value, and mostly felt like a way to extend the story. While it did act as a catalyst for Mo to make some changes in her life, it felt like a bit of a strange side-quest that didn't contribute much to the story as a whole.

The ~spicy~ scenes were also a little strange in their approach, as though the author couldn't decide on open- or closed-door intimate scenes. Definitely a good option for readers who don't like extremely explicit romance, but might be confusing to those who take the Ali Hazelwood comparison at face value!

Overall, I did enjoy the story, and would recommend it to any romance and book lover!

This is a story about two rival writers trying to get their modern take on a classic story published. It is an easy read, it is a good palette cleanser between harder reads. I enjoyed it. If you are a fan of the classics you will like this book. Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove press for ARC.

3⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This romance novel is truly made for book lovers - set in the publishing world, it focuses on two writers competing to publish an adaptation of a classic coming of age novel.

I definitely enjoyed this more than I thought, and it’s such a perfect summer read - definitely recommend!

Maureen (Mo) and Wes are both authors that live in New York, both competing for their adaptation of a beloved novel to win, in this enemies to lovers romantic comedy.

Wes and Mo were two of cutest characters. I will admit that Wes was a bit hard to like in the beginning of the book but he redeemed himself quickly.

Wes and Mo, although competitors, are instantly attracted to each other and their romance comes along very quickly. I missed some of the back and forth banter that came with their instant attraction.

I love books about books and this novel was the perfect romantic comedy for me. I felt that this book had a little bit of a slow start or I would've given it the full five stars.

This book is told from both Wes and Mo's point of view, which I always enjoy in a romance.

Overall, I really enjoyed this medium paced rom com!

Expected Publish Date: August 12th 2025

Thank you to both NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

I really adored this book! Rivals to Lovers is a fun, heartfelt story with just the right mix of tension, banter, and slow-burn romance. Mo and Wes felt like real, relatable people, and I loved watching their connection grow from wary competition to something deeper. The literary premise was clever and engaging, and the bi male lead was a refreshing and thoughtful touch. Not overly spicy, more of a tender, slow-build romance with great chemistry and mutual respect. A charming read I’ll be recommending to friends!

A smart, bookish romance set in Manhattan, this story brings together two rival writers—Mo and Wes—vying for a career-making adaptation deal… and unexpectedly, each other’s hearts.

Enemies-to-lovers fans, this one is for you! The banter? Sharp. The chemistry? Off the charts.
Plus, there’s a nod to classic feminist lit that adds an extra layer of depth.

If you’re into witty dialogue, messy emotions, and literary love stories, add this to your TBR ASAP!

dnf
I decided to put this book down because I just couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. The plot felt slow or uninteresting to me, and I didn’t feel engaged enough to keep going. For a book to truly captivate me, I need to care about the characters, their struggles, and their journeys. Unfortunately, the characters in this book didn’t resonate with me.

I always love me and rivals to lovers book! This book was funny, cute and really had me entertained the entire time!! I absolutely LOVED that this was a book for book lovers because how often do we get books like that ?! I liked that the MMC was openly bi and had such amazing friends. I know people aren’t going to like that he was a “fed by a silver spoon” and came from a lot of wealth but he also made a name for himself away from his mom’s limelight. He was doing what he loved to do, so what if he came from a wealthy family, they have problems too and he did what was best for him. People also may hate the FMC nervousness and fear of love and other things throughout the book but I actually loved it because it was more relatable than not! I also LOVED that the characters weren’t really young like in a lot of romance or romcom books, which made it even more relatable for a lot of people. There was a lot of closed door romance/spice scenes , which some people require to have spice in their book, while I just love seeing the romance that blossoms in the book. If there’s spice great and if there isn’t that’s okay to! I don’t personally think that makes or breaks a good romance/romcom book. I loved the book all the way through and how the love of reading and writing really bound the main characters and really is as readers together. I also loved the freaking hedgehog!!!

I give this a 4.5/5 stars, only based on my dislike of Estelle’s daughters (I know the point) and my wish for MO’s family to be alittle closer toward the end of the book, after everything. Thank you NetGalley and Alcove Press for giving me the ability to read and review this book!

pretty fun and well written book about two rivals to get their book settled, although i feel like both of the characters could have used a minute or two more in the oven. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

Wanted to love it, ended up feeling kinda meh. Marketing of the book says it’s great for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood—I’ve only read one of Ali’s books and none of Emily’s so maybe readers who love those two authors will appreciate this more. Also — 3rd person pov! Not my fav so definitely affected my feelings towards it.

I started this read hoping for some solid banter and romantic tension since “rivals” is in the title, but it didn’t really deliver on either (at least in a way I wanted). The “rivalry” felt more like minor annoyance than actual sparks flying. I want heat with rivalry not just small spats and eye rolls.

Wes (MMC) came off a bit watered-down and just overall lacking for me to have more complex feelings about him. He’s rich, broody, and vaguely sad about his parents’ divorce, but that was about it. I felt more emotions with Mo (FMC) and definitely related to her obsession with a book that feels like it truly transcended everything and shaped you into the person you are today. But her insecurity kinda took too much of a front seat role to where I started to get a little annoyed with her.

The main part that pushed me to 3⭐️ was that it felt like the author couldn’t seem to decide what kind of romance she wanted this to be. It tiptoed toward being spicy but then pulled back on details every time things started heating up. Like, if you’re gonna go there, go there. Maybe it was just the transitions in scenes, but it definitely pulled me out of the story.

Overall, I found myself putting it down a lot and having to remind myself to go back to it because the characters and rivalry just wasn’t holding my attention as strong as I had wanted. There were cute moments and a fun concept with the whole story-within-a-story angle, but overall it just didn’t click for me. Not a bad book, just not one I see myself revisiting or raving about unfortunately.

Aspiring writer Maureen has just gotten the best news ever: an invite to pitch her novel, an adaptation of a beloved American classic, to the author’s estate. Included in this invitation is a stay at the mansion belonging to the author’s heir for a weekend.

However she soon finds out that she faces formidable competition. Wes, a wealthy and well connected literary agent is also staying for the weekend and vying for his retelling to be chosen. It doesn’t feel like a fair fight to Maureen, who makes her feelings known to Wes.

But as they read each other's books, their rivalry transforms into mutual admiration then into a sensual and tender affair. But it’s all threatened by the impending and life-changing publishing decision, and by the secrets Wes is keeping from Maureen.

This sweet novel features a dual point of view, a vibrant cast of characters, and lgbtqia+ representation against a fun New York backdrop. Fans of bookish love stories like the ones found in Emily Henry’s novels, and emotional romances like Kate Clayborn and Tarah DeWitt will flock to this debut.

Thank you to Netgalley the publisher Alcove Press for providing me with a complimentary advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC copy of this book.
I think this book should fall under the friends to lovers more than enemies to lovers. While yes they were competing against each other. It was never really anything brutal or cutthroat. And the we’re friendly to each from the start.
It was a sweet light read. I do like how they both had different takes on the story they were doing a retelling of. And it just shows how books can have different impacts on our lives as we age and the environment we are in at the time of reading it.

I really dislike the daughters in this story, while their parts were small in the book, I still had a bad taste for them.

It was a simple read about two aspiring writers competing to write the adaptation of the same book. I liked the character development both the characters had. I like the FMC a lot more that the MMC. Mo felt a lot more relatable probably because I’m trying to write my own book too and I could understand her passion. The characters chemistry was alright but could have been better. It was missing a little something. Overall it was a good read.