I will admit that I was a little worried that this wouldn’t live up to the divine rivals duology for me. But boy was I wrong. I absolutely loved this, The plot, the story, the characters, and the writing were all phenomenal. So beautifully written. Rebecca Ross has done it again with Vincent and Matilda in this book. And I loved the epilogue, how it all tied in the end to divine rivals and the typewriters. Especially because I could not remember what they said about who made them only that a God did. I will definitely need the physical copy when this comes out. Thank you so much for this arc!

In the wise words of Chappell Roan, “Godddddd what have you done?” But no seriously. The gods and goddesses in this book were NEXT level.

Knowing this book takes place in the same universe as Divine Rivals had my heart all happy. I really enjoyed seeing the complex relationships between all the divines and how the fight for power is not a mere mortal issue. Matilda being a goddess with so much empathy and compassion in a world of jealousy and betrayal honestly gives that feeling of hope ya know? Especially with today’s political climate.

I loved all the relationships in this book, both good and bad. Matilda and Vincent with their slow-burn romance, Matilda and daddy BADE <3 love you king. Vincent with his brother. Although there were SO many characters which did have me stressing for a bit trying to remember everyone’s names and powers, character and relationship development were done very well.

Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for a honest review. Only 2 more months till this baby is OUT. 9/2/2025 <3

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this e-ARC!

The first chapter had such a weird pov that was difficult for me to understand but I notice that’s sometimes how a prologue or first chapter will be and it didn’t continue so that’s good.

I definitely feel like there was a lot more magic explained in this compared to Divine Rivals which made it feel slower for awhile and a little more difficult to digest but eventually I was very invested, and that was the point obviously to give context to the gods and their magic. I’d really like to reread Divine Rivals after having read this now and having more context/information on the gods/the past.

I didn’t expect the FMC’s pov as a child to last as long as it did and for a while it felt kind of slow, but I also think that living through that with her really made everything else later make more sense and during that time, the way the magic worked was explained as well.

The romance was nice and the connection built with them was pretty, just a warm feeling kind of love. I do kind of wish there was more shown after certain events happened at the end instead of just kind of ending there. I wanted to know more.

I think if some things were explained more/elaborated on, there was just a little more depth to some things and other things came around full circle, this could’ve been a 5 stars, but because those things didn’t happen, i’m sticking with a 4.

I plan to pick up a physical copy of this when it comes out though, because I really did start to feel very immersed regardless of some things I felt should’ve been elaborated further. I was able to picture a lot of this book very well and it felt vivid in my mind. I really liked this.

Gods and mortals alongside Ross’ gorgeous prose? I knew I was a gonner.

The YEARNING. Vincent’s POV?

“We were doomed, she and I. One day, I would perish, and she would live on, endless as the stars. But if we were doomed, then let us fully embrace it.”

Ross is an all time favorite author, and I think this one just topped my list. BRAVO

I really wanted to like this, because Divine Rivals is such a good duology, but this was just not it. There was so much background and history that it made it hard to follow (yes, it is a prequel of some sorts) but I also couldn’t get behind the two main characters, they didn’t have anything that made me really connect and sympathize with them until about 80% of the way through and by then it was too late. Also, I wanted more of Dacre and Enva from DR, because they are interesting to me and I feel like they were hardly there. While I love her writing usually, this one felt flat and too wordy for no reason. Typewriter tie in was cool. 85 chapters seemed a bit excessive.

4.75 stars. Thank you to Wednesday and Netgalley for the eARC opportunity. Spoilers below!! I adore Rebecca Ross’s writing style. I can picture the scenes so clearly and am immediately transported to the world of her characters. I loved Elements of Cadence and this book was reminiscent of that for me. I loved Matilda and Vincent’s story, how their love unfolded across their lives and the realms. The yearning, the love, the devotion, the joy, the sorrow. As a reader I went through all of that with them and loved seeing them grow as people throughout the book. The side characters were also not only important to both Vincent and Matilda’s story and development, but, they also shine in their own way. I was rooting for Bade, Adria and Nathaniel throughout as well. The lore and relationship between the gods was set up and explained perfectly. The pacing of the story was great - there was no point where I felt the story dragged, I wanted to keep reading to finish it in one sitting. Overall, this was a deeply romantic story that made me smile, laugh and cry and has stuck with me since finishing. What more can you want from a great read? I only wish we got more of Vincent and Matilda’s peaceful life together at the end.

“And I knew the stars that belonged to her. I had memorized them. I could close my eyes and point in their direction. I could trace them on my palm.”

Goodness, where to begin? Rebecca Ross has such an amazingly poetic way of writing. Wild Reverence was simply beautiful. Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows fans will love this introduction to the gods and goddesses that make up the Underling and Skyward Realm's. Matilda was born a Herald in the Underling Realm destined to carry words between realms. Until she comes into her power, her mother enlists the help of the god of war, Bade, to train her to be strong. You can never be too careful when other divines are concerned, they will take your life to gain your power for themselves. You cannot trust many, even potential allies. Matilda begins to visit the dreams of a boy named Vincent. Through these dreams she is able to help him overcome them, growing their connection from childhood. He trusts in Matilda so much that he prays to her in a very dark time in his life. Unfortunately, giving up after not being answered, Vincent tries to move on. One day, Matilda is reunited with Vincent, this time, it was not in a dream. Matilda has always feared being vulnerable, but she feels safe with Vincent. She is also not used to feeling loved and learns to open up to the only two she can truly trust. It is a story of longing, love and a true definition of soul mates. When souls long for one another and even the passing of time can not break a bond that is formed.

"You are dreaming. Anything is possible here. It is yours to Command."

"She had an uncanny way of making one feel like he was the only one in the world, as if she saw the deeper layers of a soul that no one else could see."

"When one of our kind love something that is mortal...there is always a sacrifice that must be made."

"We are doomed, she and I. One day, I would perish, and she would live on, endless as the stars. But if we were doomed, then let us fully embrace it."

"I would wait a thousand years for you...if you asked me, I would wait for you until only my bones remained upon an altar...but if you must leave again...then let me follow you."


Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books and Rebecca Ross for allowing me the immense opportunity at an eARC for this beautiful book.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The tropes consist of:
Forbidden romance
Friends to lovers
Fake dating
Gods and mortals
Found family
Slow burn

This is a standalone adult fantasy prequel set long before the events of The Letters of Enchantment duology. I appreciated the nods and references to characters in the previous books although this prior knowledge is not required to follow Matilda and Vincent’s story in Wild Reverence.

The basic plot is very simple: a child goddess forms a friendship with a mortal child, they become estranged and years later they are reunited as adults when they become allies against a common enemy. We spend quite a bit of time with them as children so when the time jump happens, I felt their friendship had been well developed and I sensed their deep connection.

The romance is the main focus of the story and this is where the writing evoked pleasure and sorrow in equal measure, most effective because it’s dual POV. I am not ashamed to admit that I did become teary eyed a few times.

I found the opening slow and rather exposition heavy, especially with all the gods to keep track of, and this bogged down the pacing somewhat, but once I got past this, the middle section of the book is where the story finds its rhythm. The worldbuilding was strong and the different realms were distinct and unique from each other. I was invested in Matilda and Vincent outwitting their adversary and the interesting use of various god magics juxtaposed against human limitations in warfare.

There is very little spice or graphic violence, but it still felt like a sweeping and epic romantic fantasy.

4 stars.

My love for The Letters of Enchantment series is VAST. Therefore, when I heard that Wild Reverence is set in the same universe as Divine Rivals, I was thrilled to say the least! Because of this, I was slightly surprised when I was not immediately drawn into the story. This could be due to the fact that I do not often read fantasy, so I’m unaccustomed to the world building experience—which likely contributed to the slow start for me. The beginning of the novel very much dealt with the lore of the Skywards and the Underlings.

However, once Vincent and Matilda came to their agreement on that fateful rainy night, I could not tear my eyes from the story! But be forewarned, Vincent and Matilda’s story is truly slooooooooow burn. At its heart, this is Matilda’s story. The novel centers on the challenges and hard decisions she must face—many of which require great sacrifice. It really was quite heartbreakingly beautiful! The further I fell into the story, the more invested I became. The more invested I became, the more I realized how much I adored Matilda’s story. I admired her sacrifice. I respected her bravery.

While the romance was not always at the forefront of the story, I honestly did not mind. This is truly a story of longing and patience. Vincent and Matilda’s bond is so rich and beautiful! I was completely ensnared in the relentless pull of their love story, for it held so much tenderness and depth. The ending warmed me to my very core! I thoroughly enjoyed Wild Reverence, and though it does not quite hold my heart in the same manner as Divine Rivals, it surprised me in the best possible way.

There's something immersive in the words Ross pens on a page. She not only tells a story, she brings the reader into the world. Wild Reverence vividly unfolds as Matilda and Vincent's magically dream of each other, bringing each into each others life. Over years, there's yearning, heartache and love so true neither escape its grasp.

The ending is so beautifully written I didn't want to close book. And, the epilogue foreshadows one of favorite duologies. This book is a must read.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books

Rebecca Ross’ writing is so beautiful and poetic. I’m obsessed with everything she writes, and Wild Reverence is no exception!

Thank you to NetGalley and Saturday Books for the eARC!

Wild Ref­erence by Rebecca Ross is a gorgeously written, heart-wrenching tale of gods, fate, and forbidden love that will sweep you off your feet. Set in the richly imagined world of Divine Rivals, this adult fantasy blends mythic tension with emotional intimacy as Matilda—a young goddess burdened with a dangerous secret—crosses paths with Vincent, a mortal who once called out to her in his darkest hour. Their story unfolds with dreamlike intensity, lush prose, and high stakes, exploring the cost of power, vulnerability, and true connection. If you’re drawn to epic romances wrapped in divine conflict and haunting beauty, Wild Reference is an absolute must-read.

A literal masterpiece. I don't know what Rebecca Ross puts in her books to make them appeal specifically to me each and every time, but I am so so grateful.

This was one of my favourite reads of the year, without a doubt. I loved Divine Rivals, and getting to see the full pantheon of those gods and how they interact and move through the realms was a real treat. Her writing is so magical and beautiful, and it lends her characters and settings so much life. The romance was wonderful, as was the central plot around the battle on the river. I got major Game of Thrones vibes the entire time, but in the best way possible.

Loved every minute of this and I cannot wait for more from Ross!

Thank you for the opportunity to read Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross.

Rebecca did it again, sending me into a tailspin of destinies and life.
Love it.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

No spoilers because I fully believe this is one book you should just buckle up and enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions that it forces you down.

Rebecca Ross is an exceptional writer. She is able to fully emerge you into a world of intense story building and incredible romance.

Reading Matilda and Vincent’s love story gave me flashbacks to Kitt and Iris. Set many years prior, you’re able to see the world as it once was when divine’s roamed the land. Before technology, before the typewriters, when hand written letters were the way.

I loved this book. I loved their love story. I love Rebecca.

5/5 stars. Perfection. Absolute perfection.

Here I am again. A YA author moving into NA. The bones of the story are interesting, however, the amount of similes and metaphors was ridiculous. If I start tracking, them, there are way too many.
I want more story and less cleverness.

I don’t even know what to say. Like I finished it a week ago and all I can think is, wow I loved it.

With it being Rebecca Ross, I knew it would be at least a 4 star read because she just gets me.

This book is so beautiful and full of depth and yearning. I loved, loved, LOVED getting more about the gods and goddesses of this world. I loved the character growth, I loved the romance, and I loved the characters themselves. The way Ross set up Divine Rivals millennia before it takes place: just perfect.

Five stars. Once again.

Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thoughts
I have some mixed feelings about this book. While there some things that I loved about the book (the writing, the overall themes and certain characters and scenes) something about this book felt off to me 🤔 I am definitely am going to have to reread this book at a later date once the audiobook is available and reread this

A fantastic story of love, typical of Rebecca's unique voice. Anyone who loves Divine Rivals will adore this novel set in the same universe.

How lovely to be in the world of Divine Rivals again! I thought the gods were the weakest part of the original duology's sequel--but I was quickly captured by Ross's storytelling in this novel. (I think this is because the gods take center stage in this story, and don't have to fit within a more contemporary setting.) Matilda and Vincent's story was a compelling and riveting fairy tale with plenty of emotional and tragic ups and downs. The one "con" of my reading experience was the uneven pacing, which I understand was necessary at some points due to Matilda's role, but it did feel too stop-and-go at times. Overall, an enchanting and well-crafted read.