Thanks to Net Galley and Saturday Books for an advanced readers copy of Wild Reverence, out September 2nd!

Wild Reverence, while a prequel to the Divine Rivals duology, will stand as a story for the ages all on its own. While there are threads for fans of Divine Rivals woven into the core of the story, the world is so immersive that anyone would be able to jump in and fully enjoy it.

Rebecca Ross crafted one of the most beautifully written, deeply romantic - in the purest form - stories I have ever read. For those who know me, Divine Rivals has a very special place in my heart as one of my favorite stories I’ve ever read. Only a very special tale can compete with my favorite story ever, and Wild Reverence might be just the story to do that.

The thought and detail put into every sentence flushes the plot so fully, that there isn’t single line or sentence that doesn’t mean something. The writing, almost lyrical, weaves together such detailed imagery. The characters jump off the page and are easy to develop attachment to.

Once my copy comes in, I will immediately be picking it back up for a reread!

this was so beautiful. I loved this so much, I could read 1000 more pages about Matilda and Vincent. The setting was so lush and the storytelling was so well done. I loved how the story was written even though it made my heart ache. One of the best books I’ve read all year!

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross

Thank you, Saturday Books, for the early copy!

Dual POV, fake marriage, found family, interesting world building, gods and unique power setup, slow burn, light spice, god and mortal

Matilda is a young goddess, and not a terribly strong one, but one born from two different factions. The gods are vicious and constantly on guard as powers can be stolen by a god who slays another. When Matilda meets Vincent in his dreams, they are instantly drawn to each other. But tragedy strikes in both their lives and Matilda flees to live with her father where she cannot be reached by Vincent. Years later, Matilda and Vincent's paths cross again, but this time Matilda is in a position to help him by pretending to be married to him as she helps to defeat his uncle who is attempting to overthrow him.

This was such a beautiful and interesting world! The setting and the power system of the gods raised the stakes in the story so there was a lot of tension between the gods as they watch their own backs. Rebecca's writing is engaging and I found myself flying through the book. Definitely had the heart wrenching and victorious moments for the full emotional impact. I really enjoyed Matilda and Vincent's story and Matilda's journey through discovering her powers.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7479545981?book_show_action=false

'Wild Reverence' is an exciting leap into a world of lush mythology, evocative imagery, and enchanted objects. The plot carefully follows Matilda and Vincent as they grow up navigating similar obstacles. That development sets the stage for the strength, loyalty, and passion that they find in each other.

The worldbuilding is immersive and detailed, referencing 'Divine Rivals', while also standing on its own. Familiar characters from the original duology also have small roles. The concept of constellations dictating people's abilities was fascinating. It was also interesting to delve deeper into godly politics and the ways that they make everything difficult. In the end, the threads of this book weave together perfectly, creating something beautiful and emotional.

Some parts of this story loosely reminded me of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Most fans of Rebecca Ross or 'Divine Rivals' should be very happy with this prequel. It might also be of interest to those who enjoyed 'The Shepherd King' duology by Rachel Gillig.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

(Actual: 4.75⭐, rounded up) Stories utilizing the "Immortal x Mortal" relationship trope always make me CRY and this one is no exception 😭😭 I love Rebecca Ross and I loved this book! It was magical and moving and filled with so much of her signature stylistic flair; AND— while yes, I did initially come for the tie-in to the DR universe, I 1000% stayed & was enraptured by everything else this novel had to offer! Beautiful writing, well-rounded characters, and an evenly-paced plot.... I don't want to give away any spoilers since we still have several more months until pub day, but would definitely [highly] recommend and implore you all to check this one out/add it to your TBRs if you haven't already!!

Trying not to cry in public after finishing this was a real challenge. It was such an amazing read and so eloquently written. I loved the parallels between Matilda and Vincent and Iris and Roman. The epilogue made me cry (or try not to cry in public as previously mentioned). I loved the Divine Rivals duology so I was really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint! It was really interesting to get some background into the Divine Rivals universe after reading the book. This was such a wonderfully magical read.

Thank you to Macmillan, Saturday Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Wild Reverence is another beautifully written novel by Rebecca Ross! It’s a deeply emotional story, full of heart. Matilda’s journey from uncertain God-child to powerful Goddess reminded me of Circe (from the novel of the same name by Madeleine Miller)—so empowering and moving. The romance with Vincent? Swoon-worthy. Soulmates, truly.

If you loved The Letters of Enchantment series, this is a must-read. It dives deeper into the lore and expands the magical world in such a meaningful way.

Highly recommend for anyone who loves a lush, romantic fantasy with strong character growth and gorgeous prose!

Thank you to the publisher for the E-ARC!

This book cracked open my heart, stitched it together with poetry, longing, and magic—and somehow made it feel whole again. I didn’t think I could fall any deeper into this world after Ruthless Vows, but Ross brought me back with a story that is not only stunningly written, but soul-stirring in every possible way.

Matilda and Vincent have claimed me. Their story is full of aching vulnerability, divine tension, and the kind of yearning that feels like it stretches across lifetimes. Matilda—fierce, quiet, and secretly brave—completely swept me off my feet. And Vincent? That brooding, irreverent lord of the river? I’ll never recover. Their connection, born in dreams and sealed in fate, felt cosmic and inevitable, and every moment between them carried the weight of a love too big for the mortal world.

Ross’s writing is lyrical and laced with power—each sentence flows like a prayer, a spell, or a love letter. The world she expands here is richly mythological, dark and dazzling, and full of secrets just waiting to break your heart. The lore of the gods, the fragile alliances, and the quiet rebellion brewing within Matilda made this a book I wanted to live in forever.

Wild Reverence is not just a companion—it’s a crown jewel in the Divine Rivals universe. A story about surviving divinity, choosing vulnerability, and believing—against all odds—in a love that can rewrite destiny. There’s no higher praise I can give than this: I feel full. Fulfilled. And utterly wrecked in the best way.

Having read (and adored) Rebecca Ross’s previous eight books, I will be the first to admit that my expectations for this book were HIGH. This book is absolutely nothing like I predicted it would be when first announced, and yet, the depths of emotion it contains are exactly what I look forward to every time I open a Rebecca Ross book. The magic system based on constellations was extremely intricate and original, and it kept me engaged from the very beginning. The world building is exceptional, though admittedly, I did feel at times that this came at the expense of exploring the relationship evolution between the two main characters. To me, Matilda and Vincent’s story does not have the romantic growth of Roman and Iris’s story (or of the relationships found in the Elements of Cadence duology), but rather centers more on Matilda’s coming into her own as she struggles with belonging. The tie-ins to the original Letters of Enchantment duology are there (starting even with the chapter titles), but this book makes the world feel new, in the best way. Overall, this book left me with an aching feeling – and with excitement to return to this world soon for a reread.

Rebecca Ross is one of my favorite authors so I was SO FREAKING EXCITED to get my hands on an eARC early! I loved Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows and couldn’t wait to step back into this world.

Wild Reverence was a great read, it felt so good to be back in this world. I did struggle a bit with the beginning but once I hit the 20% mark I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.

I also spent the last 15% or so bawling my eyes out.

This book was so, so good and this was a great addition to the Letter of Enchantment world!

There actually are no words; this book has left me speechless. Rebecca Ross takes storytelling to new levels with Wild Reverence. Matilda is my favorite FMC of all time—her bravery, her humanity (despite being born a goddess), her ingenuity and courage and heart. I adored her and was truly on the edge of my seat for this plot which masterfully unfolded as a love story but also something else I wasn't expecting. Almost bildungsromanesque in the hero's journey. This book gave me EVERYTHINGGG and yet I want even more! Bade unexpectedly stole the show for me and their story moved me as well. Big thanks to Saturday Books for letting me read an eARC- I will be buying this when it comes out as I hope to read it again and again. Gorgeous prose and I cried many times. 10000/10 READ THIS!!

She wrote this book for me. Vincent and Matilda will have my heart forever. This book was perfect in so many ways. I have zero critiques.

Rebecca Ross can do no wrong. This book was EVERYTHING I loved about Ross’ storytelling and so much more. The lyrical writing, the ways she will fast forward and dead stop to force you to love right alongside a moment with her characters, regardless of whether or not that moment is heart wrenching or heart warming, is so powerful. I was fucking enraptured throughout the entirety of this book. I am so deeply in love with Matilda and Vincent’s story and felt every emotion right along with them. & the EPILOGUE, ugh. This read broke all the rating scales. Rebecca Ross, the story teller you are.

When I finished Ruthless Vows, I was so devastated that my time in this world was over. Then Rebecca Ross decided to take my heart, shove it back in my chest, and although tattered and taped, it feels whole again after finishing this book.

I don’t know what to do with myself. Words can’t describe how beautiful this book is, and how fulfilled I feel after reading it. A perfect addition to this enchanted universe, with poetic and rhythmic writing that built upon a world we already know and love.

This solidified Ross’s title as my favourite author, and I’m not sure how to move on, knowing no book this year will top this. Guess I’ll just have to read it again when it’s released 🤷🏻‍♀️

6⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sharing this ARC!

Wild Reverence is Rebecca Ross' new adult novel set within the Divine Rivals/Ruthless Vows world, focusing primarily on the world of the gods and how it intersects with the mortal world. I love Rebecca Ross and I wanted to love this book, but it pains me to say that it didn't do it for me. Rebecca Ross is a beautiful writer - we wouldn't have all devoured Divine Rivals if she wasn't. But much like Ruthless Vows, the plot is there for the taking but the execution left much to be desired.

This book is incredibly slow. So slow that there were multiple instances that I almost DNF'd. The majority of the plot/conflict doesn't even begin until 60 or so percent through. I didn't feel as strongly about the relationship between the two main characters as I did in her other books. I still give this three stars because despite my lack of enjoyment, I feel that this book will hit with the right audience. It just wasn't for me.

If you like Ruthless Vows and you enjoy lyrical writing and gods/divine beings, you may enjoy this. Just go into it knowing that it will be a slow start.

Every Rebecca Ross book I read just reminds me of how much I love her work. Rich in atmosphere and gut wrenching in yearning, Wild Reverence was the perfect follow up to the perfection that was the Letters of Enchantment duology. Set in a mix of the real world (or the version of it introduced in Divine Rivals) and the divine world both above and below, it’s a story of godly power meeting human tenacity with a beautiful love story to guide the way. I absolutely adored Matilda - her headstrong stubbornness, how soft she was towards those she cares about and her commitment to doing what’s right. Vincent was equally as refreshing. Their romance was as angsty and slow burn as I’ve come to expect from Rebecca’s writing, and needless to say I loved every second. Would Reverence is more meandering and introspective than its predecessors and really lends itself well to a slow, thoughtful reading. In short, it’s everything Rebecca Ross does best!

Oh my. My heart wasn’t ready.

When I saw this story was set in the same world as Divine Rivals I knew I was going to eat it up!

Although we see peeks of the goodness Enva and god Dacre they are not the main gods and goddesses that we focus on. If you have read Divine Rivals you will get some insight on them but you don’t need to have red that duet to still appreciate this story.

If you have read Divine Rivals you will get some insight on them but you don’t need to have red that duet to still appreciate this story.

Wild Reverence is set well before Divine Rivals. We focus on Matilda a young goddess and Vincent a boy she met in his dreams. I was completely enamored by their story, how their paths converged and everything they had to fight through to meet again. There are some darker times for both Matilda and Vincent but you are also met with such tenderness and heart achingly beautiful moments too. Rebecca writes in such a way that you feel every ounce of emotion that her characters are feeling. You are not only reading about Matilda and Vincent you are experiencing Matilda and Vincent.

I am a sucker for a good supporting character and Bade, the god of war, he stole my heart! He is the father figure that Matilda needed growing up and watching their relationship grow was just as beautiful as watching her relationship with Vincent.

This is a must read for those that love fantasy romance!

Man, Rebecca has such a beautiful way to write her stories. Almost as though it were poetry, and there is just so much heart in it.

I will say there is a lot of world building and it can seem daunting at first. Just hang in through it because I promise it is worth it.

Beautiful story of devotion and love. These characters just stay with you as if you are there with them and know them so well.

Loved it.

Thank you so much Netgalley, and Saturday Books for allowing me an e arc. I devoured this.

Be on the lookout! PUB Date: 09/02/25

Tjank you St Martin's Press for the early copy in return for mu honest opinion.

Tjis story takes place 600 years before divine rivals. It dives into the dynamic of the divines and the power system. Within the story is Matilda who is a divine. The Herald of the gods. From the beginning of her life she shares a beautiful connection with a human boy.. why tragedy strikes she needs his help. . There are battles between gods and power plays within them and Matilda us just another pawn... but she is smart and cunning. She decides when enough is enough. Matilda uses her power to help the mortals while giving her heart over. I truly loved this book and was so excited to read about the Easter eggs referring back to the divine rivals..

Wild Reverence is a stand alone new-adult novel set 600 years prior to the happenings of Divine Rivals. Though absolutely able to be read without first reading The Letters of Enchantment Duology, it was an enhanced and rich experience for me having done so.

Quick thoughts:
First off, my undying gratitude to Saturday Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest thoughts. I still remain absolutely floored that I get to read some of my most anticipated books early - thank you thank you thank you.

Guys, I want to live inside of Rebecca Ross’ brain. I want to snuggle under a blanket, sip on a cup of tea, and hibernate there. Rebecca is not only a writer, she is a poet. Her prose is lyrical, lovely, deep, and immersive. I took my time with this book, savoring it and enjoying every step of the way. I cannot wait for you all to get your hands on it.

I love that we get to revisit the world of Divine Rivals and get more backstory of the gods. It’s truly as if Rebecca had all of this in her beautiful mind while she was writing Divine Rivals. Like, the gods and their backstories had her in a vice and would not loosen their grip on her. She had to once again dive into this world. And I am so glad she did.

I loved the intertwining of the mortal and the immortal. Ross has woven quite the beautiful, awe-inspiring story. Readers of The Letters of Enchantment Duology will recognize some familiar faces, enjoy some hidden easter eggs, and feel a deep satisfaction and awe with the epilogue (OH MY GOSH).

This is an intricate story that will take you on an epic and moving journey. We get the coming of age story of a goddess, a rich celestial magic system, a family steeped in war over birthrights, power struggles, and a love story between a goddess and a mortal man for the ages.