Characters: 4.5⭐️
Plot 4.25⭐️
Writing style: 5⭐️
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐️
Overall a 4.5⭐️!!

Rebecca Ross knows how to expertly write an interesting world and captivating romance full of longing and tension. We follow a goddess named Matilda who was recently born between an Underling goddess and Skyward god, something that has never happened. The main part of this story involves 13 year old Matilda reading about dreams from a fellow mortal boy her age, Vincent. Matilda appears in his dreams despite them never meeting before and they develop a connection through these dreams. Fast forward to when they’re both the ages of 26 and have been separated for some time, they reconnect and undergo a variety of challenges and threats to them both as individuals.

The writing in this book, like with Divine Rivals, is outstanding. Very descriptive, flowery, full of symbolization so maybe stay clear of this book if that isn’t for you. I will say that this type of writing I felt prevented me from fully connecting to the characters, but I still loved Matilda and Vincent so much as individuals and seeing their relationship (as friends, lovers, comrades, EVERYTHING) flourish.

I felt the plot was very ambitious with this book. I loved learning more about this worlds magic system and gods, it definitely expands a LOT beyond the information we got in Divine Rivals. A lot happens and there wasn’t a singular climax; as one ends, another begins. While still interesting, the plot definitely had me questioning at times “where are we going with this?” and “what could possibly happen now?”. Ross had a lot of loose ends to tie up by the end and while I still have some questions about how this magic system works/the logistics of everything, I felt to overall conclusion to be quite satisfying.

If you loved Divine Rivals (as I did), I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by this newest book set in the same world. While this takes place before the Letters of Enchantment, I don’t believe the reading experience would change depending on if you read this before or after the duology (i.e. neither book spoils the others). The epilogue of Wild Reverence does however centre around the main enchanted objects in Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows which I thought was a nice way to explicitly tie these two together.

*thank you to SMP and netgalley for the ARC 🫶🏼*

This book is phenomenal. I read the book and listened to a sneak peek of the audiobook (part 1 of the book) and both were must read/listens. If you are a romantasy fan you will enjoy the lore and character/story development in this story immensely. The main character is strong and learni n how to navigate the world she was born into and sheltered from within a constant barrage of challenges and changes happening around her. This book was well written, detailed in world building and character development, and creative.
The narrator did a fantastic job with the audiobook and really brought the story and world to life.

First of all, let me say how beautifully written this book was. My heartstrings were being pulled left and right. Based on the blurb, I thought we would jump into certain things quicker, but now, after completing the book and knowing the whole story, I realize how important Act 1 is to the plot and the entirety of the story. I feel that the pacing was pretty seamless, every chapter flowing effortlessly into the next. I never found myself reading unnecessary detours or in a lull. Even though there were some moments where I didn't know where things were headed or I was unsure how a certain thing would be tied into the story, I was rewarded with a perfect answer and solution. My opinion is that each scene served a purpose and added more depth to the narrative, again going back to the seamlessness of it all. Without spoiling anything, I just want to say that the epilogue and third Act as a whole were making me heart skip a beat. The epilogue in itself was making me teary-eyed, even though at first glance one may think crying is excessive lol. All that to say, this book was very meticulously crafted, and I can tell hard work and a lot of brainstorming were put into it.

p.s. - I can't believe how many times I thought someone was dead or how many times I audibly yelled the word "NO!"

Thank you Rebecca Ross, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC!

I absolutely loved Divine Rivals, so I was so excited for the chance to read this arc. I thought that this story started off a bit slow, and the main part of the story seemed to be really drawn out even though it only lasted the course of a few days. Despite the pacing issues, I did enjoy reading more about the gods and their mythology. It was so interesting to read more about the way the gods and their magic functions.

My other qualm with this book was the relationship between Matilda and Vincent. I didn't quite understand Matilda and Vincent's chemistry and their connection until the last 20% of the book and I was much more invested in Bade and Adria's relationship.

3.5 Stars

I did not enjoy this and ended up DNF. Thanks for the opportunity to read! I think the characters weren’t very deep however I did enjoy the vivid imagery that was used to write this !!!!

SPOILERS AHEAD

I just want to start off by saying thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc of Wild Reverence. It is one of my most anticipated reads of the year and I was NOT left disappointed.


For me it was a five star read. The story and characters left an ache in my heart that will linger for a while yet. This doesn’t come as a surprise though. I’ve read the Letters of Enchantment Duet and Elements of Cadence. Both had a way of weaving a story where the reader feels like they’re in that world. That’s how I felt reading Wild Reverence. The writing was lyrical, moving, and descriptive to the point where I felt like I was running along side, the main character, Matilda through the burrows and over the hills, and riding the winds. The author has a way of creating an immersive and thought out world you just want to be a part of.


What stood out most to me was the clear distinction between what it was to think like a divine and how that differed from being a human. The story delves into the complexities of emotion that both gods and man experience. And then we have Matilda (a divine) who was raised to always be on guard because she could trust no one yet was able to fall back on a mortal who only ever wanted her company without anything in return. She was able to experience the love and care from someone who was not divine and realized it was something worth living for. Worth dying for.


The romance in this book was chefs kiss. The yearning, the longing, the vulnerability, and adoration between Matilda and Vincent was so beautiful to read. It was a soft kind of love that transcended time and space. It was the kind of love that comes once in a lifetime and I feel it is why this book is lingering within me. Because above all else, Matilda and Vincent would always choose each other. And it wasn’t just their love that moved me. It was Bade and Adria’s. Bade as a god of war, brusque and scarred, softened for the human queen. Was willing to part with his vassal, his forge, his weapons, everything that made him the god of war all so Adria could live. The god that stood strong and steadfast through countless wars bended the knee to the one he loved. There is something heartwarming about that.


If you want a book that will have you gasping, squealing, and crying, this is the book for you! The writing was incredible, the romance was addictive, and the characters were compelling! It also ties back to some components in Divine Rivals so if you miss that story, don’t worry, you’ll get your fill with this one!

I should start by saying I didn’t read the synopsis or any publicity about this book before reading it. I love Rebecca Ross, so I dove in. The tie ins to Divine Rivals were an absolute delight.

That being said, this book is everything I’ve come to love about Ross’s writing. It’s lyrical and creative, with the right touch of love, loyalty, and grief. The characters are so real, you feel everything they’re feeling.

And the world building. ::chef’s kiss::

Cannot recommend this book enough. Get it. Read it. Love it.

Not sure when I will recover from this book hangover ….

Wow. I don’t think any words I could come up with will give this book the credit it’s due. It’s the most beautifully written book I’ve read this year. I became so immersed in the slow burn love story between a goddess and a mortal man. The first half of the book builds the world in which we meet Matilda and Vincent and an array of complex side characters. The second half is action-packed and will take you on an emotional ride that will captivate you and leave you wrecked and wanting more.

Bade, the god of war, was hands down my favorite character. I really hope Ross gives us a book that dives further in to his story. 🙏🏻

This is the prequel to Ross’ Letter of Enchantment duology (Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows). It definitely can be read as a standalone.

This breathtaking book is definitely one of my top reads of 2025 and I feel so fortunate being able to read it early. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review. I will post my review on the publication date.

This is EXACTLY what I wanted. The whole time I read divine rivals I just kept thinking I wanna know about the gods! And Ross delivered!! This story is so good and felt like reading real myth! I loved it! Thank you netgalley for the arc

I am a massive Divine Rivals fan, so when I got my hands on this ARC, I was ecstatic. I am happy to say that this book lives up to the hype for several reasons.

First, Ross is just outstanding when writing stories built on selfless and sacrificial love. The love between Matilda and Vincent is luminous and inspiring, not to mention totally tragic. If you are a fan of Iris and Roman's relationship, you will adore Matilda and Vincent's.

Secondly, Ross draws tight connections between the lore in Divine Rivals and where/how that lore starts in Wild Reverence. Everything from the leyline connections, to the importance of writing/words, the powers of the divines, and even the wardrobes are explored here. It offers a fulfilling background to the world that the Letters of Enchantment series is situated in.

Lastly, to go back to the characters--Ross develops strong and endearing characters so well. The protagonists, Matilda and Vincent, certainly have flaws, but these flaws are grounded and relatable, even for Matilda who is a divine. I enjoy reading romantasy books with main characters who are "walking green flags" with good intentions because I feel like it is something that can be lacking with today's popular literary tastes. While I do love morally gray characters too, I find Ross's characters refreshing in all her books.

I only have the highest recommendation for any romantasy lover, especially Divine Rivals lovers, to read Wild Reverence! Fantastic, emotional damage (I mean this in the best way possible) awaits you! (Seriously I will never get over this book).

Thank you Rebecca Ross for writing this masterpiece and thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me read this early.

A BIG thank you to St. Martin’s press for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rebecca Ross, you magical, magical creature.
I am absolutely enchanted by how deeply this story enraptured me. Your writing has an ethereal elegance that feels almost otherworldly and every page left me torn between racing ahead and never wanting the journey to end. To say I enjoyed it would be an understatement.

Ross’s version of classic mythology felt exciting and masterfully woven. It is legend reborn, sharp with treachery but softened by the longing ache of forbidden love and childhood dreams. This tale dangerously unfurls with fate, betrayal, poison, and murder yet slowly simmers into a story brimming with poignancy and depth.

The characters are heartbreakingly whole and full of beautiful humanity. Matilda is fierce and fragile, kind yet ruthless, embodying contradictions that make her unforgettable and full of divine machinations. Vincent, with his quiet strength and unwavering loyalty, is her perfect counterbalance. He is masculine without arrogance and tender without weakness. He is power and subservience meshed together to make a fully dreamy adult MMC. Together, they form a romance so breathtaking it easily ranks among the most memorable I’ve read this year.

5 stars.

TBR: I haven’t yet read Divine Rivals, but after experiencing this, it has vaulted straight to the top of the heap

Way before Iris and Roman, there was a story about a mortal and a goddess. Matilda is not like the other gods. She belongs to both the Underlings and Skywards. A herald of the gods, Matilda’s magic makes her a messenger. But she is so much more than that. As Matilda grow and learns of her magic, she finds herself meeting a mortal in her dreams. Vincent. For years these two find one another again and again in dreams until the day comes where everything changes. It’s a long time until Vincent and Matilda meet again. When Matilda is given a message to save Vincent’s life, she doesn’t hesitate to go. Together, they must face Vincent’s enemy and protect his people. It’s a battle mixed with gods and mortals. But it’s also a love story as Matilda and Vincent. Matilda has always been taught to be strong and protect her weaknesses and she knew she always had a soft spot for Vincent. But she couldn’t tell you what that meant until she is with him again. And while Vincent may have given up when Matilda disappeared, it doesn’t take him long to realize what his feelings for her were. What a great story! It took me a bit to fall back into this world, but it was so interesting to get a better look at the gods and goddesses before we are mortals in the very far future in the middle of a war. I loved getting to know Matilda and Vincent. Their story is longing and passionate and just tugs at your heartstrings the whole way through. Get ready for magic, twists, and turns and a beautiful love story!

From the very beginning, I was immersed in the lush, ethereal world Rebecca Ross created. The gods, the realms of Underling and Skyward, and the magic-stealing politics of divine power felt rich and mythic. It’s a story that expands on the lore introduced in Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, but stands on its own with a grandeur that’s both intimate and epic.

Matilda’s journey—from a child born of rival gods to a goddess navigating realms and purpose—was captivating. Her ability to walk between worlds adds a unique dimension, but it's her emotional evolution that kept me most invested. I loved seeing her grow into her identity and power, constantly under threat in a world where gods can steal one another’s magic—and stars.

But the true heart of the story? Matilda and Vincent. Their relationship is tender, aching, and beautifully rendered. From the invisible thread connecting them to Vincent’s love-laced letters, it all felt so raw and timeless. I was especially wrecked by the quiet heartbreaks—moments where love was present but not enough to keep them tethered. The yearning was unmatched, and yes—the hand flex nearly killed me.

Some moments in the plot, especially involving Bade later on, felt a little underdeveloped or too convenient. And the pacing occasionally dragged in places. But those were small stumbles in an otherwise sweeping and emotionally rich novel.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the ARC!

~ * "I would wait a thousand years for you" * ~

& I felt like I waited a thousand years to get my hands on a copy of this book! I have been so excited to read this ever since I heard of its release. But let me tell you, it was well worth the wait.

Rebecca outdid herself with this one. It is an absolutely stunning book and I loved everything about it. The writing was beautiful (as always) and the story and characters were perfect. I would not change a thing. Do yourself a favour and go pick this up as soon as it releases!!

Although this is technically a standalone and it is not necessary to read Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows.. I highly recommend that you do prior to reading Wild Reverence. First off, those stories are amazing on their own. Second, I found that Wild Reverence really brought so much more depth and answered a lot of the questions I had from DR and RV. Rebecca did an amazing job of tying everything together.

One of my minor critiques with DR and RV was that we didn't get enough information on the God's/Goddess'. I felt like I needed to know more, and she did just that and so much more with this book!

- Thank you to NetGalley and Rebecca Ross for an eARC :)

If you liked Divine Rivals, this is a MUST read! A sort of prequel focusing on the lives of the gods, this story is magical, whimsical, and fairytale-esque. While the story was told in a way that felt distant, like I was outside looking in on the characters, the imagery and emotions were so vivid. I loved Matilda & Vincent!

Matilda is a goddess born as the first herald between realms. Her story at the beginning goes through her upbringing and how she hardened herself throughout the years. Vincent is a mortal lord who finds himself in a battle with his treacherous uncle over his land. Years ago, he dreamt of Matilda, and she would visit him in his dreams. She becomes involved in his war, and all chaos breaks out between the realms as she intervenes. The only certainty is that he is hers, and she is his.

The writing in this was so beautiful. I savoured it and would reread snippets just to admire the word choices. The characters were all amazing. I love the take on the gods - how it's very Greek mythology-like but also unique. I love the contrast between this world of the gods and the medieval world that is knights, castles, and sword fighting. The world building is so so good!!!

The only reason I am not rating it 5 stars is because it took me a while to get drawn in and really invested. The first few chapters didn't hook me like crazy. But once I was in it, I was obsessed!

✨ Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: mythic fantasy
🎶 Song: a thousand years - christina perri
📖 Favourite Quote: "I would wait a thousand years for you, if you asked me, I would wait for you until only my bones remain upon the altar."
📚 Would I recommend? sort of.
💬 Final thoughts: this was overstimulating to read tbh

In the package:
📦 mortal x immortal yearning
📦 slow burn
📦 divine politics

Plot: Vincent is haunted by dreams of a goddess, Matilda, at a very young age. He finally meets her in the flesh, pulling them both into a slow-burn, star-crossed romance tangled in divine politics.

Thoughts: I realize this may be an unpopular opinion but I wasn't crazy about this book. There was just too much happening at once for me to fully enjoy this book. I also had issues with the pacing. The final 30% of the book was really good but everything before that, I wasn't sure where this story was going. Rebecca Ross’s writing was beautiful as always but I just couldn't get invested in Matilda and Vincent's relationship until the end because it didn't feel like it had an organic growth (again this goes back to the pacing of the book). We don't get to see much about their love story so when the declaration of love finally happens, it felt very insta lovey and out of nowhere.

Thank you Netgalley and Rebecca Ross for an arc in exchange for an honest review!!

Too much was happening in this book and it was overstimulating. I found tropes that I feel the author just threw in for the sake of the readers, which was annoying to read. I also found myself deeply uninterested in Vincent and his relationship with Matilda until the last ten chapters. I think the last ten chapters were beautifully written, and the hints towards Iris and Roman were perfectly done.

This was mid, I didn’t understand what was happening some of the time, but my GODDDDD those last few chapters were so fire.

ll the stars. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but rebecca ross writes in a way that hits me deep in my soul. this is achingly beautiful, the prose is incredibly lyrical, and this story is just plain magical.

I didn’t know going into this that it is a prequel to (my beloved) the divine rivals duology. set in the same universe but many years before, we get to see what unravels before iris & rowan, the beginnings of the story of dacre & enva, & all the gods and goddesses above & below. you absolutely do not need to read this book first, with divine rivals, or after. however, it made the experience so special to me when I was able to make the connection.

as a divine rivals fanatic & a mythology lover, this felt like it was written just for me. honestly, rebecca ross created such a uniquely intricate web of divine gods & managed to capture the essence of a mythological story, all while staying true to her poetical style… I loved every second of it.

this is a story about belonging & how it feels to have roots in more than one place, but not strong anywhere. it’s about the meaning of family, & how blood isn’t always thicker than water. & it’s about love, how fleeting or how permanent it can be, if it is a weakness or a strength, & how profoundly it can affect us in everything that we do.

if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times — I’m a lover girl at heart & always will be. everything in this book cut deep, made me bleed, & throbbed long after it healed. this book is for anyone who loves love. & my goodness, the longing, the yearning, the pining… I felt it down to my bones. no one writes craving like rebecca ross.

a huge thank you to St. Martin’s press & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I will be screaming this book’s praises from the rooftops forever. 🖤

I found myself reading this book at a glacial speed, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wanted to soak in every single beautiful word Rebecca Ross chose to bless us with. If you love stories woven in fate, dreams, magic, heartbreak, and yearning - oh... the yearning, was top tier, this is for you! I admit, I was skeptical about this book because I only just liked Divine Rivals, but now with the backstory I am itching to reread Divine Rivals.

Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press | Saturday Books for the arc!

Thank you so much @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the E-book ARC of Wild Reverence.

I went into this book completely blind, I have not read the Enchanted Letters duology yet and only knew the basic premise. So I was able to read this prequel focusing on the gods and goddesses of the beautiful world Rebecca Ross has created BEFORE jumping into Divine Rivals and the way it was written this book truly stands on its own magical two feet and can be read alone, but I've already placed a Libby hold on Divine Rivals and cannot wait to jump into it!

If you are looking for a book that has a truly rich and unique magical system, meddling and vengeful Gods, a romance subplot for the ages and writing that reads like poetry then definitely check out Wild Reverence!

I fear this book has ruined me for all fantasy romances for the time being. I was finished in under 4 days because I was so obsessed and in love with the characters, the world building and the magical system and everything in this book... Afterwards I was in such a book slump but I dnf'd (for now!) two books off of my physical TBR list because they just were not matching up to the beauty that was Wild Reverence.

The way Rebecca Ross writes made me fall in love with this universe/world that she has created. The world building was so unique and so is the use of powers with the Gods and the way they blend with The Mortals. I felt like it had a good pace, the story it was a little slow at the beginning because it was a building up Matilda and her story and explaining the difference between the gods and goddesses but once everything started rolling I felt like the pacing was just perfect and kept me completely enthralled.

Matilda, the child of a Goddess of the Underlings and a God of the Skywards was a very unique FMC. Even though she was born and raised with the gods of the Under Realm and Skyward, She did not think or act like the gods and it truly made her stand apart and a very relatable character. The slow burn romance and yearning between her and Vincent, the mortal who dreamed of her before he ever even met her, made for the perfect combination and I definitely feel like these two are going to be a couple that will forever be in my heart because their story was so beautiful!

I've already placed a Libby hold on Divine Rivals because I need to know more about this world and the Enchanted Letters duology ASAP!

Favorite Quotes:

"War only makes love flame brighter, defiant. It seems to bloom from the bloodshed you leave behind , unfurling from the most unlikely of places. From the broken seams of the world. From the graves and the anguish and the fear you inspire.”

"She was not mine by spoken vow but something deeper. Something that felt older, stronger, darker, like a language that had been sung centuries ago but had now been forgotten. Something that simmered in the blood, calling to me, calling to her."

"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, Red.”