Thank you to Harlequin Audio and Susan Lee for a listening copy of this book!

This was a very cute YA romance! As a micro-bookstagrammer myself, I appreciated that part of the story where Irene feels pressed to both keep posting in general and also keeps things positive on her account. Meanwhile, we see a bit of an opposite in another account that’s talked about that brings up more negative points in their online reviews. I also loved how different romance book tropes were used as the ways Irene was trying to get a boyfriend and fall in love! Like many of us readers, those tropes are what we know and are comfortable with.

I also thought this story does a good job incorporating the feelings of going away for college and really being away from home for the first time, along with trying to make friends, join extracurriculars, and keeping up with studying.

While I was lucky to have parents supportive of whatever I wanted to do, I had plenty of friends growing up where their parents were either strict “doctor or lawyer” or even if they were open to other occupations, they pressured a lot about becoming the best/top in that field. As an outsider to those dynamics, it seemed like both of these types of parents were well represented in this book.

As for the narration, I thought it was very well done! It was easy to listen to, and I especially appreciated that the texts and social media posts switched between narrators. That made those parts much easier to follow for me.

I loved this book so much. I couldn't stop reading. I finished it in one listen at 2 in the morning. It was so good. OBSESSED. I will DEFINITELY be looking for more books by this author. The audiobook was fantastic narration. Zero complaints about any of it. This book felt like a love letter to romance book lovers.

Wowowow obsessed! I consumed this so quickly omg I loved all of this so much. The characters, storyline, and the banter had me kicking my feet and giggling. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I recommend for anyone wanting a new adult romance with literally every single trope roped into the story. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators were👩‍🍳💋

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this 🎧 ARC.

The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee 4⭐️! This was a cute romance. Irene is an online romance book reviewer. Even though she reads so much romance, she doesn’t have any experience falling in love in real life. She starts her freshman year of college and runs into her online rival Aiden. Aiden challenges her to see who can find love first.

The idea of them being “enemies” as people who just review books didn’t make a lot of sense to me. You could tell it was all in Irene’s head. The people who would criticize Irene’s reviews by saying she definitely had no real life experience felt very fake lol I could never imagine someone in the book community speaking to someone like that.

Irene was kind of cringey but I had to remind myself that she is still pretty young. The characters are 18 and freshmen in college, so as a YA some of the things mentioned were absolutely not for all young adult readers. I don’t usually like pop culture references but I enjoyed the ones included in this and was glad I knew all of them, but I don’t know how well they will age.

The narrators did so good! I didn’t have any issues with the audio.

Some of my favorite tropes: fake dating, forced proximity, grumpy x sunshine, and he falls first. This book has them all!

While I enjoyed this story and found myself laughing a lot, I did not like the main characters equally. Aiden was my favorite and he is a total cinnamon bun! The way he speaks, his outlook on life, and the way he treats Irene; all this makes him a great book boyfriend. Irene on the other hand I found insufferable at times. She is a book influencer and completely fake! She constantly talks about not sharing her true opinions when she dislikes books and only putting forward a certain image for likes and followers. That is not a true community and I found it to be the type of behavior I would never put up with and she became instantly unlike able to me. No matter how much growth she had in the book, I could not forgive that unauthentic behavior. Honestly that was my main major issue with this book, but I understand that it is an important conversation that should be discussed in books. I did appreciate that Susan wrote a book influencer as her main character and that is what first drew me to this story.

With all of that said, I would still recommend this book to anyone who also loves the tropes previously listed, if you enjoy YA, and if you are just in the mood for a fun, quick, and cute college rival romance.

The Romance Rivalry speaks to all of the Romance readers and bookish influencers.
Irene Park is an online romance book reviewer with over one million followers. However, Irene has no dating experience and feels she is not qualified to talk about romance books. When Irene goes to college she decides to start dating using all of the romance tropes she reads in books. At college, Irene finally meets her online rival Aiden, and they end up making this dating experience into a game. Between college classes, and all of the romance tropes real feelings start to come to the surface.

I adored this book. I loved that each chapter started with a romance trope and how both Irene and Aiden used these romance tropes to go on dates. Irene and Aiden had such good chemistry throughout the story and they were giving enemies-to-lovers vibes. The narrators for this book captured the essence of both characters and amplified the chemistry between both of these characters. I love Susan Lee as an author and I will continue to read more of her books in the future. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for allowing me to review and listen to this audiobook.

This was such a beautiful take on the change from high school to university, to finding oneself and figuring out what they're meant to be doing instead of just following along with how others perceive you. The narrators really brought Irene and Aiden alive, and it felt like I was in the room with them, taking part in their conversations about the trope challenge. I was invested in each character's life, but I just kept internally screaming at Irene to stop and see that Aiden is totally interested in her from the beginning and to Aiden to go read the comments and see how his fans are treating her, but of course if they did that there wouldn't have been as much tension there and I wouldn't change a thing in this book 💕

This book is just so full of love. I suggest it for fans of dramas and sweet, unapologetic love stories. I loved The Romance Rivalry now, and as a teen, especially around the time I was going to college, I would have really loved this fun, trope-forward YA Romance.

How was our cast of MCs? Irene was a great main character, Aiden was the perfect leading man, and the side characters were so darn lovable. Honestly, if this were a kdrama, I’d immediately rewatch it.

Irene is going into her freshman year of college. She loves romance novels so much that she’s already started a career as a reviewer with a massive following. Her experience with romance IRL, on the other hand? None. With a mission to gain credibility and find romance for herself, Irene sets one goal: to find love this year. When Irene realizes her online nemesis and fellow romance reviewer, Aiden, goes to the same college, they launch a competition to see who can find love first, using nothing but romance book tropes to guide who they go out with. How perfect is that for romance fans?? Fake dating, age gap, fated mates, one-bed? Susan Lee thought of it all! Not only does it encapsulate the tropes we all know in love, but she made it fun for that elder YA age range and above in a way that feels really realistic for the emotional maturity and realistic nature of a pair of college freshmen.

This is Irene’s first year on her own. Can she handle the stress of college, making real friends, and a deadline on finding love? Happily Ever Afters seem easy on page, but finding her own means she must step away from the romance books and finally be the main character in her own story.

Audio notes: The narrators were enjoyable and fit the overall vibe of the book. I enjoyed that both MCs had voice actors. I would recommend this versions to audiobook fans.

The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee is a captivating contemporary romance that expertly weaves humor, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry into a story about love, rivalry, and unexpected second chances. The plot centers around Irene Park and Aiden Jeon who find themselves thrown together in a high-stakes competition that forces them to confront not only their professional ambitions but also their personal feelings. Lee’s writing shines through witty dialogue and vivid character development, making it easy for readers to become invested in their journey.

What stands out most in this novel is the authentic portrayal of the characters’ emotional struggles. Lee delves into themes of trust, vulnerability, and the complexity of modern relationships without resorting to clichés. The push-and-pull dynamic between the leads keeps the tension alive throughout the book, balancing romantic moments with relatable conflicts. The pacing is well-executed, ensuring that each chapter builds anticipation and delivers satisfying emotional payoffs.

Overall, The Romance Rivalry is a delightful read for fans of romance novels that combine humor and heart. Susan Lee has crafted a story that feels fresh yet comfortingly familiar, with memorable characters and a plot that keeps you hooked until the last page. Whether you’re a longtime romance enthusiast or new to the genre, this book is sure to entertain and leave you smiling.

The Romance Rivalry has some good things going on; fun characters, a nice set up, and a fairly satisfying ending. I enjoyed the use of romance tropes as a framework for the narrative, although at a certain point it begins to feel a little like lampshading a potentially cliched romance. I liked the emphasis on Irene's family and other aspects of her life, rather than just on her romance troubles. The narrators did an excellent job, and this was a pretty relaxing listen. The list of definitions at the beginning was a bit irritating in an audiobook, but in the end, necessary. I did feel like the end of the book went on just a little too long. It became clear pretty quickly that all would be well, so I feel like some of the last few chapters could have easily been edited down.

THIS WAS THE CUTEST!!

“Rival” online book reviewers to reluctant love interests forced to work together when happenstance makes them college classmates. The Romance Rivalry is a fun and cheeky little nod to book lovers but especially romance readers. It’s a lighthearted wink and a nod to readers who are in online spaces and have found community there - Susan Lee gets it. And she makes a loving little poke at us because she’s kind of in on the joke. It added to the joy of this!

I loved the banter and chemistry between the main characters. These are 18 year olds and they have those same first year of college growing pains that I remember, and have tried to forget. And listen, some of the college aspects are very “romance reasons” only, and I can understand the need for these plot peculiarities in the overall scheme of character development and driving the narrative forward. But…they feel a touch dated and that’s my only complaint.

3.5⭐️ The Romance Rivalry is a little tough to review because I think the idea was so creative (a book that is a love letter to the romance genre) but I just wish it was executed better. There were some very cute moments and I really liked the side character best friend/roommate, but the positives were overshadowed by very juvenile dialogue and decisions made by the FMC, Irene. Some aspects of the story felt very unbelievable it was hard to take it seriously.
This is the third book I’ve read/listened to by this author. Susan Lee was such a joy to listen to at an author event I attended a month ago. I wanted to love her books more. I think the pattern I’ve noticed is that she has great ideas but struggles to execute a Young Adult novel that doesn’t feel both too young and too mature at the same time. This one was definitely more upper YA (the characters were freshman in college), but I needed a little more critical thinking from Ms. Irene 😂.
If I remember correctly, Lee’s next release is supposed to be an Adult romance, so I’ll be curious to see if the inconsistency issues get ironed out a little better.
I will say the audio was well done and I enjoyed the narrators. This was an easy listen if you want something quick between heavier books.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for access to the ALC.

Thanks to Netgallery and Harper Collins for the ARC of The Romance Rivarly by Susan Lee.

While the premise had potential, and the writting was ok, I am sad to say this book was NOT for me. I love YA romances, so I was excited to get into this one, but I I grew tired of the constant use of tropes, while trying to be self-aware of the use of them. I understand this is a huge part of the story, I just couldnt find myself to connect in any way to any of the characters. At times Irene (the FMC) got on my nerves and Aiden, just was there. The whole concept of them being "enemies" was also just too cringy for my liking. Again the book had potential and the writing was ok but this was sadly not for me.

The narration and audio production on the other hand was great! I really like the narrators and the life they brought to the characters! Again the problem was just the story, it didn't worked for me.

I will still read more from this author and recommend this to some friends because I know there are aspects of the book they would enjoy more than me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee
Narrated by: Shannon Tyo and Eric Yang
Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Lee, and Harlequin Audio for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

This was an awesome audiobook! Props to both of the narrators. The main narrator’s phrasing, intonation, and pacing were spot on and brought Irene to life in such a vivid, nuanced way. She accurately captured Irence’s often racing thought. I also loved the male narrator voicing Aiden’s reviews and chapters: he blended seamlessly into the storytelling and gave his sections their own distinct feel without pulling me out of the experience.

In The Romance Rivalry, Susan Lee has written a love letter to romance readers. The entire book felt like an inside joke I was lucky enough to be in on, but it is still totally accessible to non-fans. I even listened to parts with my non-romance-obsessed boyfriend, and he could follow along (and secretly enjoyed it!). The nods to classic tropes, online book culture, and fan favorite ships and OTPs were sprinkled in just right…clever and funny without ever distracting from the heart of the story.

From page one, I really liked Irene. Lee doesn’t shy away from her complexity: Irene is passionate, book-smart, and confident online but she struggles with anxiety and self-doubt in the real world. Lee writes this anxiety with such care and compassion that it made Irene incredibly relatable, and I found myself rooting for her, not just in her quest for love romance, but in life as she begins college.

The plot was balanced in a way I really appreciated. It wasn’t just a love story between Irene and Aiden (though their chemistry was spot on); it was also a story of self-growth and learning to believe in your worth beyond likes and follower counts. The tension and unspoken truths kept me engaged. Still the ultimate payoff was in watching Irene come into her own. And get her hea. Obviously.

All in all, this was a feel good, cozy read with just enough angst and swoon to keep me hooked. I’m giving it 4 stars, not because anything was lacking, but because it didn’t quite hit that deep emotional punch I personally need for a full 5.

Still, it’s one I’ll be recommending both to fellow romance lovers and high school students.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.

Sadly, I had to DNF this book at 35%. I couldn’t stand the FMC, Irene. She was immature, bratty, and self-involved. She disliked the MMC, Aiden, for no reason besides the fact that he had different opinions on books than her, and she felt so threatened by him and his presence in the book space. She was also way too concerned with how others perceived her, and while I hope she has some character growth throughout the book, I didn’t feel like I could continue reading it.

Honestly, Irene is so unlikable that it was really hard for me to get behind the idea of her and Aiden falling for each other, especially since I liked Aiden from the moment he was introduced in the story. I will say that I did like the writing style, and the narrative does a great job of bringing the story to life.

Irene Park is a romance expert, making money as a successful online book reviewer with over a million followers. The only problem is she’s never been in love. And if the hate comments are to be believed, it’s starting to show in her reviews. About to start her freshman year at college, Irene creates a plan to reinvent herself and find love using her expertise—romance book tropes. However, her plans change when she shows up at school and discovers her rival book reviewer, Aiden Jeon, goes to the same school. With both Irene’s romantic and professional life on the line, Aiden challenges her to see who can find love first.

This book is so cute! I love the format of each chapter, how it began with a romance trope that was then somehow incorporated into the story. While the author uses a lot of tropes, the story is already campy in a way that feels typical for the genre, so it never felt overly forced or unnatural. The characters had great chemistry that kept me rooting for them throughout the story. I love YA books that take place in college, so this struck the perfect balance of an academic setting and content that is appropriate for its intended audience.

I listened to the audio version of the book, and both narrators, Shannon Tyo and Eric Yang, were excellent. This was a treat to listen to, and I would recommend the audio version to anyone who likes to ear read their books.

Recommended for people who like Fangirl, This Time it’s Real, and Today Tonight Tomorrow.

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

I absolutely adored this book! It's love of romance books and all the tropes that go with them is wonderful. The characters are pretty great too! A lot of growth on Irene's part and Aiden was so amazing it was hard to believe at some points so I could understand Irene's confusion. A book I would highly recommend.

4.25⭐️ Definitely cute. As someone that got very stressed out in college, I complete could relate to Irene. Loved the tropes coming to life in how Irene and Aiden dated. Their relationship built very nicely.

5⭐️ narration from Shannon Tyo and Eric Yang. Given these characters are teenagers, I really felt like they kept the youthfulness of the character in mind. They never sounded super childish. Just very appropriate for an age that is maturing but still is young.

Irene is a well known influencer with romance books. When she begins her first year at college, she is determined to find her HEA. She knows she can find it with the help of her knowledge of tropes. Enter Aiden. Everything Irene has worked for and is working for seems to be ruined by Aiden. They create a competition but will it back fire on Irene. The stress of everything begin to be a heavy weight for Irene. Pretending everything is okay can only work for so long. Can Irene maintain her grades, following, friends, and whatever this is with Aiden.

Thank you @netgalley, @harlequinbooks and Susan Lee for the advance listener copy.

Irene Park is, without a doubt, one of the most insufferable and irresponsible female leads I’ve encountered in a while. It's rare that I actually wish the male lead didn’t end up with the female lead, but this was one of those times.

Irene comes off as a brat, whiny and constantly blaming Aiden for things he can’t control. Aiden is on a scholarship, and Irene doesn’t seem to care about their joint project. She doesn’t do her homework, doesn’t submit her part, and has no regard for the impact on Aiden’s grade. I get it, balancing life, work, and school is tough but failing a group project because you can’t be bothered to contribute is selfish, especially when it affects someone else’s future.

Then, Irene has the audacity to blame Aiden for her failure. GIRL, YOU’RE IN CHARGE OF YOUR OWN HOMEWORK! Her self-pity only deepens when she tries to break up with Aiden because she feels unworthy of his love. Maybe, just maybe, if Irene put in some effort to improve herself, study harder, and become a better person, she’d find the happiness she’s looking for.
I had high hopes for this book, especially since I enjoy the author’s writing, but unfortunately, Irene’s character was a huge letdown. I struggled to keep reading because I couldn’t stand her. The only thing that kept me going was Aiden, he’s the only reason this isn't a 1 star rating for me.

On a positive note, the audiobook was fantastic. Shannon Tyo does an amazing job with the narration, seamlessly switching between Irene and Aiden’s voices. Eric Yang’s contributions were also a nice touch.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC.

This was my first Susan Lee book and I had such a great time!

This book was so cute and had me smiling the entire time. Irene and Aiden are adorable and I loved their besties Jeanette and Charles (with all of their extra side bets, lol). Also, I could never be put in this situation because I would've folded immediately and been down bad for Aiden day one. 🤭

I thought the audiobook was done very well and it was such a pleasant surprise to see the last couple of chapters were from Aiden's POV. My only wish is that it was duet narration instead of dual narration. I think Shannon and Eric brought Irene and Aiden to life perfectly.

Thank you to Harlequin Audio, the author, and NetGalley for the ALC! ✨