thank you netgalley & the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!!

I still can’t believe how lucky I was to get my hands on this early — and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with Ross’s writing in Divine Rivals, and while Ruthless Vows wasn’t my favorite, Wild Reverence more than made up for it.

The story follows Matilda, a herald goddess from Underling and Skyward, and Vincent, a mortal lord who might just be one of the best male leads I’ve read in years.
“Anything my wife wants, my wife gets.”

This man was hopeless for Matilda, and I couldn’t help but root for them — even when you knew it was doomed.

The plot is so well done — layered, emotional, and it hits hard when it needs to. There were times I thought Ross wouldn’t actually go through with the heartbreak she hinted at BUT SHE DID.

We gain so much in this story, and we lose just as much, making the whole journey bittersweet in the best way. Her writing is gorgeous and addictive, and I was hanging onto every word. And I did cry in some chapters, which almost never happens to me.

“He may be irreverent toward all of us, save for you. I think he desires to worship you.”
“I do not want him to feel like he must worship me. I do not want to change who he is, or what he believes.”
Rowena smiled. “Oh child, you are still quite young, aren’t you? He longs to worship you, but not in the way you think.”

The epilogue had goosebumps rising on my skin — the way it ties into Divine Rivals is nothing short of beautiful. This is how you do a prequel. I didn’t even know I needed it, but it was such a treat.

Also, the side characters!! Bade and Adria deserve their own book — I would read their love story in a heartbeat.

At its core, this is a story about hope and love and letting go.

It can absolutely be read as a standalone, and I think the romantasy readers are going to eat. this. up.

From someone who adores divine rivals/ ruthless vows but thought we needed more, thus is exactly what I felt was missing from divine rivals/ ruthless vows. The way that this story explains the relationships between the gods, how their magic works and how mortals interact with the gods is so breathtaking. And Believe it or not Dacre is still (I I guess was always) a dick.

Matilda is such a cool and well written female protagonist. Her relationship with the other divines as well as mortals is so interesting. I found her powers to be fascinating. Being a herald for the gods allowing her to come and go as she pleased allowed for her to give us so much needed perspective. Her and Bades relationship was so perfect I’m glad that she saved him and that she stuck around.

Vincent is definitely Roman Kitt coded. Matilda is quite Literally the girl of his dreams and he acted like it. I liked that they met at a young age and interacted through dreams, yet they didn’t really get to know each other until they were older. That boy yearned for her and I was here for it. I both love and hate the way that he had to be willing to let her go multiple times but he really never gave up hope.

Their story together both filled and broke my heart. These too went through so much this story. I do love that no matter what kept them apart they found each other in the end. It makes this story so tragic yet hopeful.

I would love to see more of the gods stories. Like Bade and Adria, or even Matilda’s parents.

The epilogue although predictable was so satisfying. To learn where the typewriters originated and to see Enva making moves alluding to the events of divine rivals.

Literally the most perfect prequel to one of my favorite stories. So happy that I was able to read the ARC!

This book was such a beautiful return to the magic of the Letters of Enchantment universe. Having read Divine Rivals (4 stars), Ruthless Vows (5 stars), and Dreams That Lie Beneath (3 stars), I had high hopes going into Wild Reverence, and it absolutely delivered.

Matilda and Vincent’s story was heartbreaking in the best way. I loved both of them from the start, and watching their relationship unfold felt like an achingly heartbreaking dream. Rebecca Ross's writing is as beautiful and emotional as ever. I flew through the pages and felt totally swept up in the world again.

My only (minor) complaint? I would have loved to see just a little more from Vincent and Matilda at the end. I get that the epilogue was meant to set the stage for Divine Rivals, but I really wanted one last POV from Vincent for a stronger sense of closure.

That said, Wild Reverence is a wonderfully unique prequel that makes the Letters of Enchantment duology hit even harder. I'm already missing these characters, and I am already mourning the loss of their story.

If you're a fan of emotional, romantic fantasy with beautiful prose and high stakes, this one’s a must-read!

Thank you St Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for the eARC!
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I adore Divine Rivals and I was eager for a backstory on the warring gods.

Unfortunately, I think my expectations were misplaced going into this. It is not actually the story of Dacre and Enva, and it doesn't feel anything like Divine Rivals. That doesn't mean people will dislike this, but I think this being marketed as a prequel or backstory wasn't the best strategy.

What it is: a story of a lesser god and her mortal love. We do see more of the gods realms, but not necessarily how it ties in to the war happening in Divine Rivals. I do like that there was a small tie-in to DR in the epilogue.

Overall, this feels more like Rebecca Ross's A River Enchanted duology. I know a lot of people love those and they will probably like this book too. I liked some of the characters, but the plot of this book meanders a bit too much for me. It was hard for me to get through.

Ultimately I don't think this book is bad, and I think a lot of people will like it. It's just not for me.

Book Review – Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was pure magic ✨ Rebecca Ross has such a beautiful way with words — the story felt like a poem wrapped in fantasy. I adored the slow-burn romance, the emotional depth, and the way the world came alive on the page. It’s about love, loss, healing, and finding your voice again. Heartfelt, haunting, and honestly… I’m still thinking about it.

If you love books that make you feel everything — this one’s for you. 💛

Thank you, thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

There’s something magical about Wild Reverence—not just in its myth-infused world of warring gods and fate-touched mortals, but in the way Rebecca Ross tells the story. From the first page, it reads like a fable: lyrical, intimate, and timeless. The writing reminded me at times of Juliet Marillier, with its reverence for love, magic, and sacrifice.

The story follows Matilda, a messenger goddess born in a brutal realm where gods kill to gain power and prayers are devoured like currency. Her journey begins at birth, but truly takes shape when she’s sent on her first mission as a young teen—and the story gracefully follows her into adulthood. Matilda’s strength isn’t in flashy power but in devotion, kindness, and an aching vulnerability she tries to hide from a world that sees softness as weakness.

And then there’s Vincent. Mortal, haunted, once a dreamer, now a guarded river lord. Their connection—born in dreams, broken by silence, and rekindled years later—is deeply romantic but never rushed. When Matilda crashes back into his life with a letter in hand, it sets off a slow-burn story full of aching tension and emotional reckoning. This is not your standard romantasy which relies on the shock value of over the top spicey scenes. Instead it is full of yearning and desperation and the sacrifices one makes for love.

I was enthralled by the rich mythology—gods with constellations etched into their skin, magical territories with their own rules, a realm of shadows ruled by a mercurial Hades-like figure. I flew through the pages, both desperate to know what would happen and reluctant to read on and have the story end.

Without spoilers: yes, I cried. Yes, my heart broke a little. But it ends with satisfaction — sweet and beautiful.


For fans of lyrical romantasy, myth-inspired storytelling, and slow-burn love stories that cut deep. I loved every word.

As a prequel to Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows, this gave me everything I didn’t even realize I was missing. I was completely immersed in the setting and so intrigued by the gods. I loved watching Matilda come into her own, the dream connection was such a standout, and while the romance wasn’t quite as swoony as in Divine Rivals, I still really loved it.

It was so magical and beautifully written, and I’m already missing spending time with Matilda and Vincent. And that epilogue? Seeing the typewriters tied in had me feeling some type of way.

If you’re a fan of the Letters of Enchantment duology, you’ll want to add Wild Reverence to your TBR!

This was breathtaking and tender, romantic yet tragic, passionate and brutal. Rebecca Ross is a talented writer, so skilled with her prose and characters. This book felt like a gift to anyone who likes to, well, read.

I’m not quite sure I’d classify this as a love story – not to say that it doesn't have one because it definitely did. Matilda and Vincent had an epic, achy love story spanning across decades full of yearning that I can only compare to Orpheus and Eurydice (in the sense of, well, we know there's only one ending a pair of epic, doomed lovers would get, but isn’t it human in us to root for them to somehow overcome all of it anyway?)

But their love story just felt like just one piece of the puzzle to me, and it became evident to me very soon that this was not why I was flipping through the pages, heart lodged in my throat. I thought the real, epic story was Matilda. We follow her through her literal birth story until the end. Her quiet strength, her grace, her heartbreak and capacity for devotion really solidified her character. Every decision she had to weigh and make, every circumstance she finds herself thrown into, every win and every loss, every ally and every foe felt real. Her entire story is what makes or breaks this novel, and I loved her so much.

Truly, kind of a masterpiece.

It took me awhile to remember the gods part of the story of Divine Rivals before diving completely in the deep end with this one.

Rebecca creates such amazing worlds and brings such a depth to her characters. I will continue to read anything she writes, however I could have used a bit more development of the characters at the very beginning instead of trying to remember who they are and what they did.

First I’d like to thank St. Martin’s Press and Saturday books for providing me this e-ARC! It truly means the world to me and it was such an honor to get to read this novel early.

5 stars!

I’ll preface this review by saying that Divine Rivals is my favorite book of all time. I have a tattoo for it, and I do not think there is a book out there that can take its spot (at least for right now), so this is coming from someone who is already in love with the characters and the world Rebecca Ross introduced in the Letters of Enchantment duology.

With that being said, this book was a refreshing and beautiful extension of the world the original duology takes place in. The way Rebecca Ross writes is so eloquent and lyrical, and I truly felt like I was in the story, watching it unfold. The attention to detail and world building were developed so well, and I adored getting to learn more about the Underlings and the Skywards and how their magic is created and practiced. It felt like I was reading fairy tales about the gods and their lives, but I still felt connected to every character that was introduced, and I was invested in their stories throughout the entire novel.

The character work in this novel was also breathtaking. I felt connected to Matilda from the second I met her, and her character development was done so well. I loved watching her grow and change, and I feel like Ross was able to create such a vivid, beautiful character that I know I will continue to think about. I also really loved Vincent’s character. His connection with Matilda was palpable, but he also went through so much development as the story progressed, and I think he was a refreshing mmc to read about. Their love story was captivating, and I appreciated how it was a depiction of a softer, more vulnerable type of love, just as Divine Rivals was. I love how Ross is able to create such strong characters, yet still expose their soft sides and show the reader that it is ok to feel weak and scared sometimes. I smiled, cried (many times), yearned, and loved alongside them, and don’t think I could ever forget them.

While this book was on the slower side, especially in the beginning, I could not stop reading, and when I was not reading all I wanted to do was dive back into the story. I will admit that I struggled for the first 5% or so, just getting used to the world building and Ross’ more dense writing, but once it clicked for me I was so invested and wanted to do nothing but consume myself in the story. I am just in awe at the talent and time you can tell Ross puts into her books, and as a reader I feel so grateful that I am able to read her stories.

Overall, this was a phenomenal book. I loved everything about it, and I know I will continue to think about this story as time goes on. The characters, writing, world building and fantasy elements, and attention to detail all made this book magnificent, and if you have been looking for something to scratch the itch Divine Rivals created for you, then this is the perfect book for you. I cannot wait for this book to be out so I can talk to others about it and share the love I have for it!

P.S. There are some incredible easter eggs you will pick up on if you have read the Letters of Enchantment duology, and finding them made me so happy! (and may also make you cry)

I couldn't put this down -- I thought the pacing was really good, the plot was interesting and clever, and the love story was heart wrenching. You don't need to have read Divine Rivals to enjoy this by any means, and I do think that this adds richness and context to Divine Rivals. If anything, I would have liked a bit more time with the two main characters (Vincent and Matilda) together.

I've read both of Rebecca Ross's duologies and found myself wishing they were standalones -- I thought this was really good as a standalone, and I hope for more like it in the future!

If there is one thing Rebecca Ross will do in each book, it is stir my heart with how beautiful she writes. Wild Reverence is truly a work of prose in the best way. She has once again illustrated how truly powerful words can be with this beautiful, heart-wrenching story of love between two people whose lives were tied in the tapestry of fate and death. Everything was so incredibly detailed and vivid. The story itself provides more lore behind the Skywards and Underlings, with the easter eggs (and the truly touching epilogue), creating some beautiful full-circle moments. It felt so good to be in this world again, and I'm so glad I got this ARC.

Wild Reverence is a breathtaking prequel that expands the world of "Divine Rivals" with a passionate, destined romance. The gorgeous prose and rich world-building are as enchanting as ever, creating a story that is both epic and deeply personal. It's a truly unforgettable read.

After reading Letters of Enchantment, Rebecca Ross became in stant buy/download author for me. Wild Reverence just hammered the final nail in the coffin of that sentiment.

This book was so beautifully written and everything i was hoping for. I loved getting to dive back into a familiar world and see the beginnings of storylines from Letters of Enchantment.

The world building was poetic as I expected. Having aphantasia can make it overwhelming on occasion, but the way Rebecca has with words makes her stories and world building easy to follow, even with the many gods/goddesses and astrologies related to them.

AND LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT A MAN THAT YEARNS. I thought I loved Roman Kitt, but Vincent went so above and beyond. The yearning for Matilda, the love for his people, the devotion to all of them, UGH. I just cant imagine a better MMC for a book of this caliber. The dynamic between Vincent and Matilda, spending so many years waiting and wanting and the constant pull toward but also away from each other. She was the perfect pairing for him.

This book really makes you feel all the emotions in a full 360, and I'm so glad I got to experience it from . I cant wait to see what Rebecca Ross gives us in the future.

Okay, I don’t see how the title matches the story, but WOWZA! This book was amazing! It was the story I didn’t even know I needed. The prequel that I didn’t think could exist. I LOVE it!! Letters of Enchantment is my favorite series by her and she did not disappoint. It took me approximately 2 seconds to DEVOUR this book. She is such a talented author. This story follows the life of a goddess, how she loves and matures, and grows into her powers. The epilogue tied a lot of strings together. Highly recommend!

Favorite quote: “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.”

Which do you prefer…to be feared or be loved? This is hands down my favorite Rebecca Ross book to date. If you love mythological fiction with lush worldbuilding and powerful prose, Wild Reverence should be at the top of your TBR. This novel swept me away with its ethereal settings, unforgettable characters, and lyrical writing style. The story centers on Matilda, a goddess who serves as a herald and has the unique ability to travel between nearly all realms. The story begins with her childhood and is interwoven with another main character, Vincent, a mortal whose perspective adds depth and humanity to this sweeping tale. The magic system in Wild Reverence is fascinating and a new take on how to give and take power. Power can be lent temporarily or permanently taken through death, which adds a constant undercurrent of tension. While there is violence and death throughout the story, it’s handled with care and not overly gratuitous, but essential to the lore and structure of the world. The setting is beautifully drawn and you are fully immersed within the setting and story. Rebecca Ross is amazing with her descriptions that make you see what’s unfolding in vivid detail. Although it’s set in the same universe as Divine Rivals, you absolutely don’t need to read that duology to fall in love with this book. There are small connections and overlapping characters, but Wild Reverence is very much its own story, and a stunning one at that.

5 ⭐️ an enchanting journey you need to read!

I enjoyed Divine Rivals, but really did not like Ruthless Vows at all, so I was curious to see how this prequel would stand up.

I did find it a little intimidating in those first few chapters when Rebecca was laying down a lot of new world building of the gods and their magic/power systems, but pushed though and reaped the rewards. The whole book was an enchanting masterpiece. I was completely captivated by Matilda’s journey and her growth throughout the story.

The pacing on this book was great and didn’t feel at all rushed **cough** looking at you Ruthless Vows **cough**. Rebecca definitely redeemed herself with this one and even, dare I say it, topped Divine Rivals.

This book is definitely one of my favorite 2025 reads and I highly recommend it.

Thank you NetGalley, St.Martin’s Press, and Rebecca Ross for this chance to read an early copy. 🩷

Brutal. Passionate. Epic.

These are the words I’d describe Wild Reverence by sheer attempt. Not only has Ross written another masterpiece, I believe it may be one of the most beautiful pieces of literature I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

There are no words that can describe the amount of love I have for this world and series, somehow it grows to incomprehensible measures. From how real Ross’ characters always feel, to how magical her worlds are, I’m always impressed by the talent she has as an author.

Matilda and Vincent were so very romantic in ways barely touched in most stories written today. Their undying loyalty and love for each other was always so inspiring and strong. I enjoyed seeing their love blossom, be challenged, accepted and fought for. There were so many lines in this book that I would have written out in little pieces of parchments because I thought they were too beautifully romantic and passionate to ever possibly be forgotten.

The world of Divine Rivals has grown on an epic scale with the addition of Wild Reverence. Time, a long history of it passes through this tale. The magic of constellations, gods, goddesses, life, death, and so much more was always so captivating, yet never overwhelming. I never wanted to stop reading, but whenever I had to and I’d return, I was completely immersed right back into the story immediately.

Matilda has become one of my favorite characters of all time, most notably female heroines. Her strength to endure such brutal challenges and heartbreaking moments, yet grace and love for so many . . . It’s powerful, if there’s even a right word to encapsulate how great she is; how great Wild Reverence in its entirety is really.

And Vincent, an excellent example of masculinity. His heart was not only his strength but I also believe his greatest weapon and softest haven. His everlasting hope, loyalty, and love for Matilda, brotherhood kinship to Nathaniel, and quality of leadership both to something as large as his kingdom to something as singular as his adopted nephew . . . Also powerful. Also perfect.

I could quite literally go on for ages about praise for Wild Reverence, but how many times can I say something is perfect, and so is every little detail about it that I could name? The volumes in this series are beloved pieces of treasure I’ll always love for all my life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC (Advanced Readers Copy). This review is based off of an uncorrected proof.

This book, the love story, and the story were perfect!! I was captivated through the whole thing. Matilda was so mature when she was young without even realizing it. She was determined, strong, loving and feared all in one. Her story opened up this world even more for me. I didn’t want to leave the world at all. Everything about this was just perfect… I don’t even know how to put it in words.

Even better than DIVINE RIVALS!! Rebecca Ross' writing is spectacular (as always) and the yearning (the yearning!) between Matilda and Vincent was electric. Loved this one!