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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
If you’ve ever wished your favorite historical romance came with a dose of fae mischief, magical wagers, and a sizzling rivals-to-lovers plot, A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette is the fantasy romcom for you.
Set in the same vibrant world as The Fair Isle Trilogy, this standalone takes us from the prim, regency-inspired continent of Bretton to the enchanting, progressive fae island of Faerwyva. Our heroine, Edwina, is a human romance author who’s struggling to find success in her own country—until she learns her books are bestsellers in the fae world.
When Edwina embarks on a fae-sponsored book tour, she’s forced to share the spotlight—and a carriage—with William Haywood, a smugly charming fae poet. To make matters worse (or better?), a drunken magical bargain pits them against each other in a very unconventional competition: whoever seduces the most lovers during the tour wins the coveted publishing contract. Shenanigans, spicy banter, and emotional sparks ensue.
The romance between Edwina and William simmers beautifully, filled with witty exchanges, reluctant respect, and slow-burning chemistry. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship evolve from rivals to lovers, especially with the chaos of meddling side characters nudging them closer together.
However, one reason this didn’t hit full 5-skein territory for me was that some of the tension between Edwina and William felt a bit… manufactured. At times, it seemed like the story introduced extra conflict just to keep them apart, even when it didn’t feel necessary or fully earned. Still, the charm of the characters and the originality of the world kept me invested until the very end.
The ending was so cute, and I’m really happy with how it wrapped up. There’s also a bonus epilogue—and it’s not just fluff. It’s a teaser for the next book, which has me very excited to return to this world again.
Set in the same vibrant world as The Fair Isle Trilogy, this standalone takes us from the prim, regency-inspired continent of Bretton to the enchanting, progressive fae island of Faerwyva. Our heroine, Edwina, is a human romance author who’s struggling to find success in her own country—until she learns her books are bestsellers in the fae world.
When Edwina embarks on a fae-sponsored book tour, she’s forced to share the spotlight—and a carriage—with William Haywood, a smugly charming fae poet. To make matters worse (or better?), a drunken magical bargain pits them against each other in a very unconventional competition: whoever seduces the most lovers during the tour wins the coveted publishing contract. Shenanigans, spicy banter, and emotional sparks ensue.
The romance between Edwina and William simmers beautifully, filled with witty exchanges, reluctant respect, and slow-burning chemistry. I genuinely enjoyed watching their relationship evolve from rivals to lovers, especially with the chaos of meddling side characters nudging them closer together.
However, one reason this didn’t hit full 5-skein territory for me was that some of the tension between Edwina and William felt a bit… manufactured. At times, it seemed like the story introduced extra conflict just to keep them apart, even when it didn’t feel necessary or fully earned. Still, the charm of the characters and the originality of the world kept me invested until the very end.
The ending was so cute, and I’m really happy with how it wrapped up. There’s also a bonus epilogue—and it’s not just fluff. It’s a teaser for the next book, which has me very excited to return to this world again.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
CUTE CUTE CUTE
This book is sweet and spicy—and if you know anything about me, you know that is the best combo for me!
The banter, the tension, and the RIVALRY. I loved it all.
I loved the author's writing style, and the narrators' accents in the audiobook performance completely made this story. The characters came to life so authentically, and I absolutely gobbled it up.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
This book is sweet and spicy—and if you know anything about me, you know that is the best combo for me!
The banter, the tension, and the RIVALRY. I loved it all.
I loved the author's writing style, and the narrators' accents in the audiobook performance completely made this story. The characters came to life so authentically, and I absolutely gobbled it up.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If you’re in a reading slump and need a cozy feel good book to get you back in? Tired and overwhelmed by the intense over the top epic fantasy books? This is for you.
Now this is not a literary masterpiece that will blow you away, but oh my god was this fun. I genuinely laughed out loud with this one.
I love the characters, i love how real their emotions were, i love how mature and rational they were. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as well and there was even a small surprising plottwist.
Tldr: giggled, laughed, kicked my feet, you should read it
Now this is not a literary masterpiece that will blow you away, but oh my god was this fun. I genuinely laughed out loud with this one.
I love the characters, i love how real their emotions were, i love how mature and rational they were. I thoroughly enjoyed the story as well and there was even a small surprising plottwist.
Tldr: giggled, laughed, kicked my feet, you should read it
Regencyish romantasy! Slow burn! Medium spice!
This was reaaallly cute to me. I enjoyed the banter between Weenie and Willy so much! I also loved our side characters
This was reaaallly cute to me. I enjoyed the banter between Weenie and Willy so much! I also loved our side characters