**Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the gifted eARC**

Wild Reverence is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read this year. Rebecca Ross is a wordsmith. The way she paints a picture for the reader is unreal.

I absolutely loved Matilda and Vincent’s love story. There were times when I cried from sadness but also beauty and love. There were so many elements to this story that I enjoyed. Outside of the romance, the myths and magic system with the Gods/Goddesses was unique. I also enjoyed how much I ended up falling in love with some of the side characters and being thoroughly invested in everyone’s wellbeing. I will continue to read stories by Rebecca Ross after this beautiful story.

Wild Reverence is a beautifully written, atmospheric story that blends romance, magic, and strength. I think I am in my romantacy era. Rebecca has a way to pull you in with her detailed world building and in depth character building. I love the intertwining of Mortals and immortals. The slow burn between Matilda and Vincent, the yearning and heartbreak - Rebecca makes sure to keep you pulled in until the end. I just lover her writing style and pace.

Oh, it was just so lovely to be back in the magical world of the Letters of Enchantment duology. Rebecca Ross’s writing is honestly just as magical as the worlds she writes about—so lyrical, so immersive, so emotionally rich. This story was stunningly poetic, and despite most of the main characters being not human, it still managed to encapsulate the entire range of the human experience.

It was such a beautiful exploration of love and loss and everything in between. I didn’t really have crying in a hotel pool on my 10-year anniversary on my bingo card this year, but Rebecca Ross has managed to make that a reality. I guess it was worth it…

And OMG don’t even get me started on the epilogue!! I think I highlighted the entire thing. It was so, so special to see it all brought back together in such a meaningful, emotional way. This one will stay with me for a long long time.

all the stars in the constellations, this was everything I could have hoped for!

Rebecca Ross always has a way with words and weaving a story. Her lyrical prose keeps me captivated, much like Enva compelling with music. It felt so good to be back in this world, to learn more about the gods and their lore. To have my heart ripped out once again!

This story takes us back to Cambria centuries before The Letters of Enchantment duology unfolds. We're welcomed in with the rare birth of a new goddess, Matilda. The first third of this book follows Matilda in her early years and then pauses around age 12/13. This might seem weird for an adult book, but her early development is vital. We watch as she comes into her power, into her own, but also how cruel the divine and mortal world can be. We even watch as she makes some curious decisions as she explores her life as a goddess and tries to atone for unanswered prayers.

There was a soft, magical touch to the Letters of Enchantment duology, I think Rebecca described it perfectly as magical echoes. In the beginning, it left you wondering if the magic and the gods were even real. The story made me crave more of the world before and how things got to the way they were. I wanted to know of the gods and their nature, and how these magical items existed in a world where the gods slept. Wild Reverence scratched that itch, it filled in gaps, it expanded on so much, and I loved seeing these magical echoes turn into a captivating song. There was a great balance of expanding on this world without revealing all its secrets, and not overpowering the main theme of the unexpected love between a divine and mortal. You could read this without having read LoE, but I think it adds such a special layer, especially as you watch a subplot start to take shape.

This story was so full of complex characters. I could read forever about the gods and goddesses she has created- the Skyward and Underlings, the wastes and the mists...I would even read a whole book about the rogue wyvern (😭). Not a single character felt flat or one-dimensional; you find that even a hardened character has a great softness, that even seemingly loyal characters commit betrayals. There are even people who have done horrible things that you almost feel emotional enough to hope for mercy, even if just to avoid seeing a character struggle with carrying out justice. The gods and goddesses also show little glimmers of their mortal 'flaws'. It's clear that they aren't these overpowered beings and have their own set of weaknesses. They get themselves into precarious positions, and while they are quick to act like the mortals are nothing more than blips in time, there's an air of what they would be without the mortal in the midrealm. In the same vein, we see that even seemingly 'weak' powers might be underestimated.

The story starts a little slow but gradually ramps up. I appreciated that we never stayed in one spot too long, and we got to move all over the divine realms, and a bit over the mortal world, and even to the beyond. The main plot of this book takes place over about 2 weeks. After the halfway mark, I could not put this down. I finished it in a day, something I haven't done in years. I think the only thing I could have asked for was more interactions between Matilda and Vincent. They spent quite a bit of time separated, and it is clear that this was about more than just their love story, but I would have loved to see more of just...them 🥰

I could ramble on and on about the things we already know about Rebecca's writing, how beautiful and emotional it is. The yearning, the softness, the fire, and the tender love she weaves. The immersion and the way it can play out like a movie behind your eyes. The complicated feelings of family, faith, and grief. Losing ones that you love. Loyalty and duty. Sacrifice. All of the tapestry of life was woven into her words. Everything I have read from her has been skilled, but I think this even showed growth in her writing!

If you've read the Elements of Cadence duology, I think you'll be prepared for what to expect from this adult novel. I know that duology has some readers questioning if it belongs in the adult section, but I firmly believe it does and will defend that. We've lost the plot when it comes to recognizing what is adult content. It's not just the level of explicit content- it's the themes, the writing style, the complexity and plot points, and the words chosen. Explicit spice isn't something I would expect from Rebecca (not that there is anything wrong with explicit spice, it just doesn't seem to match her writing style). This book had maybe 3 scenes, and they were pretty similar to how she wrote scenes in the Elements of Cadence duology; there was one that might have had a little bit more detail. This also deals with themes of domestic violence (not between our main love interests but a previous courtship between her and someone else).


Big thanks to NetGalley and Saturday Books for the eARC! Wild Reverence will be published on September 2nd, 2025!

I didn’t think it was possible to love Rebecca Ross even more, but this book may have just done it! I loved the slow burn and attention to detail given to the world building and character development.

Rebecca Ross can actually do no wrong.
She has the most beautiful prose in my opinion.
I love her writing style and she weaves a beautiful story that just feels effortless. Amazing, per usual.

This was absolutely beautiful. Rebecca Ross’s writing always gets me. She’s able to pack so much emotion and love into her books. The romance was perfect as well as the backstory for both main characters. I just can’t express how much I loved this book. I wish a 6 star was an option.

Reading the Letters of Enchantment series first made the references mean so much more. Highly recommend reading Iris and Roman’s story before jumping into Matilda’s.

Divine Rivals is quite literally my favorite read of all time, that book is one I truly hold close to my heart...and I think I love Wild Reverence even more. It had everything that I loved from Divine Rivals such as the well thought out world, a relationship that developed over time but was also filled with yearning, but also writing that brought both the world and the characters to life - and it was done even better in Wild Reverence.

One of my favorite aspects of fantasy stories is the lore and the religion that serves as a backdrop for the story, but time and time again I find myself wanting to know more than the bread crumbs most authors give us. If this is you, this book is for you. A book filled with gods and goddesses who are cruel and power hungry but also heartbreakingly loyal. This book can be read as a standalone and I believe it was fully fleshed out with a complete story in it as well.

Our romance follows Matilda, the newest goddess born to the goddess of winter who dwells in the underworld, and an unknown father from the sky region, and Vincent - a human from noble birth. An immortal and mortal. I can honestly say I wasn't expecting the ending, their relationship was so well done. This book is more mature than Ross's YA books but those moments of tenderness felt earned, and not just for the sake of being there. But honestly it was the other relationships in Matilda's life that also pulled at my heart strings, especially with one gruff god of war.

I already cannot wait to do a reread of this one with a physical copy in hand!~

Thank you so much to St. Martins Press, Saturday Books and Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Initial thoughts: this was everything I wanted and didn’t know I needed and so much more, this was amazing. I can’t believe I got a chance to read an ARC of this 🤯

Rebecca Ross has such a gift for storytelling and Wild Reverence might just be my favorite of hers yet.

Her writing is effortlessly lyrical, almost poetic, and in this book, it felt even more refined and immersive. From the very first pages, I was pulled into a world that felt fully formed, with vivid landscapes and a strong emotional undercurrent. While the beginning had a slower pace, it quickly found its rhythm, and once it did, I was all in.

What really stole the show for me was the romance. Matilda and Vincent’s relationship is the kind that unfolds with such quiet intensity that before you know it, you're deeply invested and fully wrecked. Their bond was tender, soulful, and completely unforgettable. The chemistry was palpable, but it’s the emotional depth between them that lingers long after finishing. (and trust me, I was savoring this story towards the end!)

Even though this is set in the same world as Divine Rivals, this story stands confidently on its own. It carves out its own space with a (mostly) fresh cast of characters and a storyline that doesn’t rely on any prior knowledge. You could walk into this world for the first time through Wild Reverence and still be captivated. It honestly provided the background information into the Gods that I wish we had gotten more of in Divine Rivals.

Beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and deeply romantic.... Wild Reverence is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press and Saturday Books for the eARC and the opportunity to honestly review.

I honestly can’t believe it took me so long to pick this up—what a gem. Set in the same world as Divine Rivals, this book pulled me in with its quiet magic and ended up completely wrecking me (in the best way). It’s one of those stories that sneaks up on you with how deeply it makes you feel.

The main character’s journey isn’t just about magic or ancient secrets, it’s about figuring out who they really are and what they’re willing to fight for. There’s so much heart here. The push and pull between love, loyalty, and ambition felt so real, and I got super attached to the characters without even realizing it.

The writing is gorgeous, vivid without being over the top—and the world feels alive in this wild, untamed way. I loved how the story moved between intense moments and softer, quieter scenes that made me stop and think. The pacing felt natural, like the book knew exactly when I needed a breath before diving back into the action.

Even the slower parts felt important, they gave the characters room to grow, and made everything that happened later hit harder. By the end, I didn’t want to leave this world. If you’re into stories that mix magic, self-discovery, and a little heartbreak, you need to read this. It’s honestly one of the most beautifully told adventures I’ve read in a while.

Ross has done it yet again— creating a bewitching story full of godly schemes and longing that transcends to even the most unknown of realms.
This prequel will cause heartbreak while simultaneously stitching you back together. There wasn’t one moment where I wasn’t captivated by Ross’s storytelling. Matilda & Vincent’s journey is one that truly resonated with me, filling even the most doubtful with hope.
If you love stories woven with myths, I know you’ll enjoy this. As someone who has a passion for greek mythology specifically, I loved catching all the small references to it throughout. It truly strengthens the plot when an author knows what they’re writing about.
Matilda definitely holds the gilded crown for being my favorite of all the characters. Her discovery of her capabilities, along with how her life was intertwined with those closest to her, were so intricate and powerful. You truly felt connected to the main character as if you grew up alongside her.
I think it’s easy to say, I will never truly get over this one. It holds its own weight apart from The Letter’s of Enchantment duology, yet it’s just as gut-wrenching and beautiful. Rebecca Ross, thank you for writing another story I instantly fell in love with.

Oh my gosh… This book was so amazing! I love anything myths, gods, and goddesses… But this was above and beyond. This is the wonderful heartbreaking and totally satisfying. Love story of Matilda, a goddess and Vincent immortal. The story takes Matilda through all three realms from the underworld to the overworld to the mortal world.There are wars and murders and betrayals and love and so much more. This was one of my favorite reads, and although I knew it was set in the same world as divine rivals, it is a different time. Period and I didn’t see how it all connected until the very end. When I got to the end and everything came together so perfectly, I stopped and had to reread the last couple of chapters just to enjoy it again. What a masterpiece! I love everything Rebecca Ross… But this may be my all-time favorite! I am praying that we all get to go back and visit this world one more time! Thank you, NetGalley for the digital copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was just absolutely beautifully written. It consumed my interest in such a wonderful way. The writing is almost poetic in parts, the way she weaves words to bring out emotion or paint a picture. The world building is expansive and we learn so much more about the Gods and their world that we didn’t know from DR and RV. Coming out of that duology I had really hoped to know more about the Gods and this book gave so much of what I was hoping for and more. I loved the romance between Matilda and Vincent but there are so many other relationships Matilda has in this book that held a piece of my heart. It was a little slow but I think it works well because this is such an emotionally driven fantasy that you kind of need to slowly take in. Just adored it!

𝒲𝒾𝓁𝒹 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒷𝓎 𝑅𝑒𝒷𝑒𝒸𝒸𝒶 𝑅𝑜𝓈𝓈

Oh to be back in a world written by Rebecca Ross! and the world of Divine Rivals at that!

I was blessed enough to have received an ARC of Wild Reverence, I literally jumped for joy, but I was so nervous to start it. The beautiful world of Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows is so special to me. The story of Iris and Roman stole my heart. 3 years later…the epic love story of Matilda and Vincent has stolen my soul.

✨✨✨✨✨♾ (the stars I would rate this are endless)

We first meet Matilda as an infant, thrust into a world of gods and goddesses. Of which there are two realms, Skyward and Underling. Born in Underling to Zenia, goddess of winter, and an unknown father. She is a herald- a messenger carrying words from one realm to the next. Trained by the god of war himself, Bade, she grows in strength. Secretly reading scrolls of the dreams of mortals, where she visits a dark haired boy…he’s been dreaming of her. Keeping to the burrows, until one day when she opens a door to the mortal world. And her whole life changes. She meets that dark haired dream boy, Vincent, and saves him. This begins the greatest love story, between a goddess and a mortal. One that I’ll be thinking of for years to come.

The writing and world building are simply exquisite. Deep and haunting mythology that feels so real, each scene is painted perfectly in my mind! The characters also feel like they could walk out of these pages. There is humor and light moments along with heartbreak and terror. I wept several times, from both pain and joy! While there is great tragedy, there is also great love and hope. I was rooting for these beautiful characters, until the very last page.

Thank you so much to St. Martins Press, Saturday Books and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross is a beautifully written fantasy with rich world-building and a slow-burn romance. Even though it’s set long before Divine Rivals, you don’t need to read the others to enjoy this one. The characters are easy to connect with, and the writing feels poetic without being overdone. It starts a little slow, but once it picks up, it’s hard to put down. A great choice if you love emotional fantasy with a touch of mythology.

Thank you so much to Rebecca Ross and St Martin’s Press for the eARC copy through NetGalley!

Rebecca Ross never disappoints, and Wild Reverence is no exception. From the very first page, I was completely swept away. The worlds she creates are breathtaking, and her imagery is nothing short of magical. The way she writes feels otherworldly, like poetry woven into story. I was so, extremely grateful to read an early copy of this beautiful book.

Set in the same universe as the Divine Rivals duology, this story follows Matilda, a goddess born of both realms who is learning to wield her magic. Her fate becomes entangled with the mysterious Vincent, the MMC, through his dreams. Despite the years and distance between them, they are always drawn back to one another, bound by something greater than time. The romance is not over-the-top or overly giddy, it’s tender, timeless, and deeply moving. It’s romance at its finest, full of quiet intensity and emotional depth. The kind that is so beautiful it makes you cry (like I most definitely did.)

Stylistically and story wise, this felt like a perfect blend of Ross’s previous duologies, Elements of Cadence and Letters of Enchantment. The writing is whimsical and poetic, dreamlike in the best way. Every sentence is crafted with care, and the way Ross weaves words together always leaves me in awe. Her storytelling plays out like a vivid film in my mind, so clear and full of life. There’s an emotional undercurrent to everything she writes, especially the romance—it’s subtle but powerful, more felt than shouted. And the epilogue? Absolutely perfect. It brought everything together in such a satisfying and emotional way.

Rebecca Ross continues to raise the bar with each book. Wild Reverence is a stunning addition to her body of work, and I truly cannot wait for everyone to experience the magic of this story. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would in a heartbeat.

One of the easiest 5 stars I have ever given. I will read absolutely anything written by Rebecca Ross. This story was melodic and beautiful while also being gut wrenching in the best way. The mortal and goddess combo HIT! 10/10 with no notes.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early release ARC!

Rebecca Ross has done it again — and completely shattered my heart in the best way possible.

This story is one of the most emotional love stories I’ve read in a long time. And I’m not just talking about the romance between the main characters (which was beautiful, by the way). It’s about all the relationships — between the heroine and her parents, her found family, and even the mortal world. Every connection felt meaningful and so beautifully written. I was actually at an author event while reading this, and all I wanted to do was sob... but you know, people were watching.

If you loved Divine Rivals like I did, this book is such a great way to dive deeper into the world — even if you haven’t read Divine Rivals yet! And that epilogue?? Literal chef’s kiss. I’m definitely going to be re-reading Divine Rivals soon (once I tackle a bit more of my physical TBR!).

The gods and goddesses, their powers, the way their society functions, their raw emotions — it was all so vivid and compelling. I adored Bade. His journey absolutely wrecked me in the best way. For me, the first third of the book felt like his story, and then around the 30% mark, it really shifted into Matilda’s story — and that’s when everything took off.

I genuinely loved every minute of this book and feel so lucky to have read it early.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was stunning. The story of Matilda and Vincent was beautiful and poetic. I've read the first book in the divine rivals duology, I was not aware going into this that it was within the same realm. I was pleasantly surprised by that! I can not wait to tell others about this book when it's released because obviously I wouldn't want to spoil anything but just know that this is truly enthralling! Thank you so much for the ARC! I look forward to purchasing this when it's released.

Full of whimsy and yearning, this was an absolutely gorgeous coming-of-age tale set in a world of divines

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️

Wild Reverence was so incredibly gorgeous, I fell absolutely in love with the story and all the characters. Rebecca Ross truly knows how to write lovely prose and I am so appreciative. Set in the world of Divine Rivals (which you don’t need to read ahead of time for this, it works as a standalone), this is a tale about the birth of a new goddess stepping into her power and finding love in a world that considers loving a weakness. Matilda was the perfect goddess for this prequel; as a herald of the gods, she let us meet a lot of different divine figures and better understand some of their motivations and backgrounds.

Every single one of the gods was fascinating, I honestly wish I could read more about all of them as well. Bade, the war god, was such an expected sweetheart and I loved Matilda’s father-daughter relationship with him. Enva was interesting to meet outside of Divine Rivals, I loved how descriptive her music sounded and all the whimsy with the skyward coins playing songs while burning. Also obsessedd with fate and death and their looms! Such gorgeous imagery!!

Vincent, the love interest, was great as well, and even though I know a lot of people will be unhappy there wasn’t a more intense or constant romance going on, honestly I liked that their love wasn’t necessarily the focal point of the story. I know romance is trendy right now, and they are a super cute couple, but I definitely feel like this is more of a coming of age/fairytale feeling story instead of a romantasy (which I loved about it!!). The love of her friends, chosen family, and people are just as prominent and I think that just creates such a lovely story with a stronger message.

Closing thoughts:
Beautiful prose, so many lovable characters, and a deeply rich world and magic system make this all an absolutely incredible book. If you don’t mind really spending time with the characters and getting to know the world at first, then I think you’ll really love this. Highly recommend!!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and not sponsored in any way