Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Divine Rivals

A captivating story that can easily be read in one setting. Ross has a poetic lyrical prose writing style that was magical to read.
Aesthetic and Tropes:

Dual POVs
War - in the trenches
Gods at war & magic
Letters/pen pals
Workplace rivals -> lovers
He falls first
Found family

The letters were my favourite part of the story as they were intimate and raw and showed how two people can form a connection through vulnerability, sharing their feelings of loss and grief with one another.

I adored the found family aspect of this story, the array of characters that we meet on Iris and Roman’s journey was special and I loved the bond they all formed.

My only negative is that I would have liked a bit more of an in depth explanation of the world building and magic system as I found it lacked depth at times.

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katiekaiser's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense 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? Yes

5.0

Almost immediately, I knew this was going to be a 5-star read. Rebecca Ross’s writing style immediately drew me into this world. I loved Iris and Roman. The book was so well-written. I felt like I was there with them. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the second book and find out what happens.

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kennedyasdfghjkl's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

I knew there was a lot of hype around this book, which can make it a little daunting to pick up at first. But once I fully dove into Iris and Roman's world, I was in love. Their journey became more complex and immersive as it went, and took me to levels I did not expect! Even though I had an inkling where their love story would go, I never imagined the depth and connection I would feel to it. From banter to beautiful confessions, I was squealing constantly. The world building and magical system is so fascinating, and I can't wait to learn more in the next book. The way gods and magic interact with the universe is subtle, yet clearly embedded. Totally something I'd never seen before, and absolutely loved.

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julells's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I absolutely adored every single bit of this book and now I can't wait to read the second one (because the ending left me weeping and with way too many questions). Also, the writing style was just perfection.

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micaelamariem's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Ahhhhh! I’m so glad I finally got around to reading this! It was a slow start for sure but that made me appreciate the characters for who they were and the writing style as well. I love the “you’ve got mail” type of concept (but make it ✨ magic ✨). I also appreciated the World War Two parallels—the propaganda, the banning of music, the bombs and bunkers, the sirens. It was like looking at history with a fantasy lens in a fantasy world. The friendships were heartwarming and the romance adorable.
And the cliffhanger plot twist ending??? I need more omg. I’m so nervous for these cinnamon roll characters and there are still so many questions I have about the war and the myths and the impeccable Worldbuilding. I need the sequel now.

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stormeno's review against another edition

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emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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abrielleemory's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I’m mad at myself that I chose to wait so long to read Divine Rivals.

It was… so easy to read and had excellent plot. I loved Iris, Kitt was a little annoying but so sweet, Marisol is a bada** b*tch, Attie gives me suspicious vibes, and Keegan is fine.

The time in the trenches had me on the edge of my seat. The sirens? EEK!

I can’t wait to dive in Ruthless Vows and find out WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

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rhall19's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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