Romance Rivalry was exactly what I needed to read this week. It reminded me why I love reading so much and specifically why I love the genre. The characters were so funny and witty, and I loved hearing their inner thoughts and seeing how they great within the story. The way Susan was able to really capture what being a huge reader is like in her work really made me feel seen. This will definitely be a book I suggest over and over at the bookstore. I cant wait to see what Susan has up her sleeve next.

Once upon a time, two popular romance authors end up in the same school, in the same class... and fall in love—just not in the way you'd expect.

This book is a love letter to romance tropes and a perfect pick for any romance fan. It’s a coming of age story about Irene, a romance obsessed young adult who struggles to fit in at school but dreams of finding her one true love. Her brilliant solution? Live out every romance trope she’s ever read all one date at a time.

Next is Aiden, our main male character, who seems pulled straight from the pages of a romance novel himself. With swoon-worthy charm, perfect dimples, and a heart that’s all in from the start, Aiden checks every box: the boy who falls first, the fake boyfriend, the love at first sight moment, you name it, he is it! Also... he reads romance for his guilty pleasure! My favorite scene (which might be a tiny spoiler) was the third act break-up where Aiden uses tropes to try and convince her to stay with him! Saying how they could be any trope she wanted as long as she stayed with him! (HOW FREAKING SWEET!)

“Why go through all the trouble of dating those randoms when you can just date me?” -Aidan

Normally, now I would list the tropes in this book... but unfortunately (or fortunately for you) every single one is in this book! Including only one bed!!

This story is sweet, funny, and packed with references that romance lovers will eat up. It captures the magic of falling in love for the first time and the awkward, messy joy of growing up.