Rivals to Lovers war genau das, was ich mir von einem Enemies-to-Lovers-Roman erhofft habe – voller Spannung, bissiger Dialoge und dieser ganz besonderen Chemie, die von der ersten Seite an knistert. Elise Wayland schafft es, die Rivalität zwischen den Figuren glaubhaft aufzubauen und gleichzeitig die leisen, verletzlichen Momente nicht zu kurz kommen zu lassen.

Ein kleiner Punktabzug, weil sich einige Szenen etwas vorhersehbar angefühlt haben – aber das wurde durch die emotionale Tiefe und den charmanten Humor definitiv wieder ausgeglichen.
Ein echter Wohlfühl-Roman für alle, die gerne mitfiebern und sich in langsam entflammende Gefühle verlieren wollen!

rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Overall... it was okay! I really liked the setup—two writers battling it out to adapt a feminist classic? Yes, please. And the banter between Mo and Wes was fun at times, especially in the earlier chapters. You could definitely feel the tension and competitiveness between them.

But somewhere along the way, I started to lose a bit of interest? The pacing dragged for me in the middle, and I didn't feel super connected to the romance (maybe it just didn’t hit as hard as I wanted). I was hoping for a little more chemistry or emotional depth idk

Still, it had some really cute moments and I think fans of slow burns and bookish rivals might still enjoy it! but it's a solid 3 stars from me.

Honestly, reading this book was a real struggle. I fell asleep multiple times in the first few chapters — literally nodded off while trying to get through them. The premise sounded great: two writers working on rival adaptations of the same classic novel, competing for a publishing deal. But the tension fizzled out way too early. The characters started warming up to each other so quickly that the “rivals” part felt like an afterthought.

Mo and Wes had potential, but I never really connected with them. The third-person narration made everything feel a bit distant and flat emotionally. I kept waiting for that spark — something that would pull me into their relationship — but it just didn’t happen. Their interactions were polite, maybe even sweet at times, but lacked real chemistry or emotional stakes.

The whole book had a kind of bookish, Pride and Prejudice-lite vibe — which might be great if you enjoy that sort of literary tone. But I don’t really love Pride and Prejudice, and that probably explains a lot of my disconnect. Wes is the broody, polished type with a famous mother; Mo is a big-hearted small-town caterer hoping for a break — all fine in theory, but in execution, I found it dull and predictable. Scenes with Mo’s family, especially the parts in Nebraska, felt like filler. The pacing dragged, especially in the first half, and by the end, I just wanted to be done with it.

I nearly DNFed more than once. In the end, this book just wasn’t for me. I can see it resonating with readers who enjoy soft, introspective romance with bookish vibes and quiet characters, but I’m clearly not the intended audience. Rating: 2 out of 5.

Thank you to the author Elise Wayland, the publisher Alcove Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.


This romance is the perfect mix of rivalry and tension. Suspance and ambitions.

Mo and Wes.
She comes from a small town.
He comes from the big city and wealthy family.
Two worlds ready to collide.
Two hearts ready to beat in sync.
Two souls bound by destiny.
Two writers ready to compete to have a published adaptation of a classical novel they both love.
As their competition heats up, so does the tension and trust me, you’ll love every second.

This book was everything I was looking for: sweet, enjoyable yet heartfelt and deeply relatable story.

I would have preferred if there would be more “competition suspance/tension” but overall I enjoyed the book.
A perfect read for summer, for a book club read and for those who love romance novels and literary references.

This book comes out on 12th August 2025, make sure to grab a copy!

📚Rivals to Lovers ARC review📚

A cozy rom-com, Rivals to Lovers follows two aspiring authors Mo and Wes as they compete to see whose adaptation of a classic novel will be chosen to be published.

I have mixed feelings about this one. There wasn’t necessarily anything wrong with it— it had cozy vibes, good representation, a bit of spice…. But it just didn’t hit right.

I think my biggest issue is with the MMC. The classic novel that is being adapted is described as a groundbreaking piece of feminist literature, written by a woman about a woman’s role in society…. And the male main character re-writes it from the man’s perspective. And that just doesn’t sit right with me. The MMC is bi and he makes the main character in his adaptation bi as well and I think that is supposed to fix the fact that he is a nepo baby taking something centred on a women’s experience and making it all about the man. I couldn’t make myself like him.

That being said, the rest of the novel was cute. Both main characters had solid friend groups, the banter was cute, and the romance progressed at a believable rate.

I really wanted to like it and you definitely might!

I absolutely loved the characters. The spicy scenes were well-written and very good. This book was such a fun read. Especially when it's about books and rivals to lovers. I very much enjoyed everything about this book.

Enemies to Lovers (I think may be more like competition than full on dislike), forced proximity, workplace romance

I enjoyed the story. I had a hard time staying connected to the characters, and sometimes I felt the humor was a little forced or didn't flow as well. But the story is sweet, I liked the characters and the work they wanted to put to grow their connection despite the obstacles and their flaws.

Thank you Netgalley and Alcove Press for this advanced copy.

I don't think any book lately has left me more indifferent than this one. The stories of the two characters never interested me, their chemistry was nonexistent, and the plot, while not standard, lacked that certain je ne sai quoi. As much as the enemy to lovers trope is one of my favorites then, this one also lacked any kind of spark this time. In short, this book is not for me.

Non credo che ultimamente un libro mi abbia lasciato piú indifferente di questo. Le storie dei due personaggi non mi hanno mai interessato, la loro chimica era inesistente e la trama per quanto non standard, mancava di quel certo je ne sai quoi. Per quanto il tropos enemy to lovers sia uno dei miei preferiti poi, anche questo stavolta mancava di qualsiasi tipo di scintilla. In breve, questo libro non fa per me.

I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

First and foremost, I’m grateful for the chance to read this cozy story before its official publication. Rivals to Lovers is a charming tale set in the world of publishing, where two rival authors, Mo and Wes, compete for the opportunity to publish a retelling of a classic.

From the very beginning, I was drawn in by the main characters. Mo, raised in Iowa with a country upbringing, and Wes, a wealthy Greenwich “nepo baby” with a background in publishing, had intriguing yet polarising backstories. I eagerly anticipated their relationship to unfold.

The supporting characters were also enjoyable to read about. The inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly Wes and his friend Ajay, was refreshing and made me realise that I haven’t encountered enough representation in contemporary fiction.

The premise of a book deal competition intrigued me. I’m fascinated by the world of publishing, so I’m always drawn to stories set in that realm. Early in the story, I found myself rooting for Mo, the underdog with no connections, relying solely on her talent to secure the deal.

I must admit that my primary concern was that it seemed unsure about its intended audience. While adult themes aren’t essential for compelling fiction, it felt as though the author was struggling between a YA closed door romance or more of an adult theme, which led to some scenes feeling clumsy.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend this to my reader friends in the future.

Enemy to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, so maybe that’s why I’m being a little harsher than usual. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this book. I made it about halfway through, but I just didn’t feel any real connection to the characters. The beginning was pretty slow, and overall it just didn’t pull me in the way I was hoping. I think the book definitely had potential, but maybe a stronger storyline or a little more chemistry between the characters would have helped. It wasn’t for me, but I’m sure others might enjoy it more!

One weekend is what decides if Maureen and Wesley can turn writers. With differing perspectives and timelines, both have adapted their favourite work. But are they all that different? Can they protect their hearts while learning to embrace their flaws?

General Thoughts
> Character development
I found Wesley's character extremely guarded. Even as the author wants to give the back story, the character is holding them back, not trusting the reader to understand their choices. This is cleverly written.

> Pacing
The book has 2 sections - The Proud and The Lost. The deciding weekend in The Proud is smooth sailing without any subplots or emotional melangerie. The Lost completely loses the control and plots fly at break neck speed.

> Tropes
Typical enemies to Lovers, though the enemies part of it seems to be subdued.

> Setting
I gobbled the mansion architecture for it is rare to get an in into a legendary writer's home. It felt apt for E.J.'s life. The setting of Wesley and Ulla's interactions were noteworthy.

Who Is This Book For?
Interested in reading about aspiring writers, Perfect Rom-Com fans

Clearly this is a book about rivals to lovers, and I think it was beautifully done. I love books about books and authors. I truly loved their rivalry and tenderness towards each other, and how they were able to be supportive and still competitive. Such a sweet and emotional story.

3.5 stars - this was a cute fun read! I thought it was well written and the writing flowed nicely. I thought the idea behind the story, where our FMC and MMC are both competing to have their stories published was a fun and interesting idea. It literally was a rivals to lovers trope which meant it was fun and kept it interesting. Some parts did drag a little bit however overall I thought it was a fun easy read.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this was super cute and a nice pace/change up from my normal reading genre. Definitely recommend! The characters were amazing and having a Bi representation MC was simply an added bonus for this!

Unfortunately DNF'ed this around 50-60 pages for personal reasons. I don't love reading 3rd person POV especially in romance books- I find it hard to connect to the characters when I'm not in their head.

📚✨ Book Review Time! ✨📚
Title: Rivals to Lovers
Author: Elise Wayland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars)

Enemies? Check.
Sizzling chemistry? Double check.
Witty banter that made me laugh and blush? All the checks. ✔️✔️✔️

Rivals to Lovers by Elise Wayland is everything I want in a slow-burn romance: tension, growth, and that delicious payoff when rivals finally admit there’s more fire between them than fury. 😍🔥

The characters? Iconic. Our leading duo starts off sniping at each other like it’s an Olympic sport, but underneath all the sarcasm is mutual respect—and a whole lot of unresolved tension. Watching them go from “I can’t stand you” to “I can’t stop thinking about you” had me flipping pages like a madwoman. 🫣💕

Wayland nailed the emotional depth, too—it's not just flirty jabs and stolen glances. There’s vulnerability, healing, and that sweet moment when they finally let their walls down. Sigh.

If you love: ✔️ enemies-to-lovers tension
✔️ dual POVs
✔️ smart, stubborn main characters
✔️ a romance that actually earns its ending
This one’s for you. 💌

#Bookstagram #RomanceBooks #RivalsToLovers #EliseWayland #EnemiesToLovers #RomanceReads #BookLovers #BookReview #SlowBurnRomance #ReadingVibes

In this steamy rivals-to-lovers romance set in Manhattan, two writers, Mo Denton and Wes Spencer, compete to adapt their favourite classic novel, The Proud and the Lost. With the author's estate only allowing one project to move forward, they spend a weekend pitching their versions to Estelle Morgan, the daughter of the original author. As Mo and Wes clash and connect, their growing bond is tested by secrets and the fierce competition for their dreams

Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish this book. I made it about half of the way through, but I just didn’t feel any connection to the characters. The beginning was quite slow, and I found myself having to keep rereading because I wasn’t enjoying it at all

I’m genuinely sad I didn’t like this one because the premise is so good, and I really wanted to love it. Hopefully it clicks better for other readers, but it just wasn’t for me

I loved the premise of this book. The dual POVs helped show the conflicting feelings between the FMC and MMC. Although parts were definitely predictable, I really enjoyed the way that the story moved and the way that Wayland tied everything together at the end.

Rivals to Lovers was such a fun, flirty read! The banter between the main characters was sharp and entertaining, and their chemistry totally delivered. I loved the mix of laugh-out-loud moments with just the right amount of emotional depth. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers with heart and heat, this one’s a win. Can’t wait to see what Elise Wayland writes next!

3 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!
This book is for the lovers of literature and the nerds of the publishing world. I enjoyed learning about the world, and the story was fun. I did like the bi representation and the portrayal of the reality of being a writer.
But there were things I did not enjoy. First of all the pacing of the story felt off for me, it was weirdly slow and fast at the same time. Also, I think it's a shame that this book is written in the third person; it prevented me from connecting to the characters at all. They both had their struggles and emotions, but the third-person narration made it feel distant, and I don't think it had any emotional impact on me. The way I can best describe this book is that it was two-dimensional; it was good, but something was missing that would have made it feel more real.
I think I would only recommend this book to a very small niche group of people.