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A review by loverofromance
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Divine Rivals is the first book in the duo series "Letters of Enchantment" and I wasn't sure that I was going to read this one, but after receiving many recommendations from those that have similar reading tastes as I do, I decided to pick this up. So I first want to say that Divine Rivals was an incredible read. I have no clue why its categorized as YA though, they are adults in this book, most likely for just marketing purposes most likely. I had really high expectations for this one and it definitely lived up to those expectations. I can see why this one is so well loved. My largest impression is that this had some of the most unique world building I have ever read. It had a quality to it that just drew you in slowly and I really appreciated the delicate nature in the author in being able to deliver that aspect to the reader.
First Line
Cold fog had settled over the depot like a burial shroud, and Iris Winnow thought the weather couldn't have been better.
Summary
Iris and Kitt are rival journalists that are both fighting for the same position. Iris is struggling with her brother being missing in the war and her mother is a alcoholic. She needs to win the columnists promotion. Roman Kitt has his own home struggles. His father is forcing him into a marriage he doesn't want and going to use anything to his power to get Kitt the position but he is determined to make his own way without his father's aid. When he starts writing letters with a special typewriter and figuring out its from his work nemesis, he is curious to discover what he can but the more they exchange words, the more intrigued he becomes and determined to be the man that she needs. When their ways keep running into each other, they discover a powerful love. But there is a war happening with an enemy that wants to destroy them at all costs. Will they lose each other just when they find a love worth fighting for?
What I Loved
Divine Rivals is a book I wasn't expecting. I couldn't seem to get enough of and I did this mostly in audiobook and then at the end I physically read it in my kindle. So I absolutely had a blast with the chemistry between Kitt and Iris and it was off the charts. The rivals to lovers aspects was written perfectly. There was such a easy flow from rivals to friends to lovers. They have a powerful connection in their letters and when the truth comes out .....the romance BLOSSOMS in a way that is so epic and beautifully captured. But the angst between them isn't too overpowering either. Its handled with a delicate writ that pulls you further into the story. The atmosphere that is created is so cozy at times but in other times has a more majestic feel to it. It definitely has a 1940's war era type of feel with the technology and clothing and culture of the time. Its a blend of magical realism and historical mythological fantasy mixed together. The magical elements are slowly inforced, so you don't need to worry about being overwhelmed by the world building. The fantastical elements really build in the third act with so much mystery being hinted at in the first half of the story. Rebecca Ross really captured the beauty of love so brilliantly. I was on board with these two as a couple and how they were willing to fight for each other in the third act finale was so precious and captured my complete attention. Its a story of devotion, of healing and redemption and the transcendent beauty of love in the most dangerous of circumstances.
What I Struggled With
The ending was a cliffhanger, not a fan of this but it didn't change my rating or overall enjoyment of the story.
Narration
I absolutely adored the narration. There is a bit of an accent so that took some getting used to. But once you get used to it, it really flows so naturally.
Overall View
I found this to be a journey of mystery, connection and magic that will stir the senses and keep you captivated all the way through!
Favorite Quote(s)
sometimes strength isnβt swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. sometimes itβs found in quiet, gentle places.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Magical Realism
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Angst, Whimsical, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
Song This Book Inspires
The Power of Love by Celine Dion
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: ππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Divine Rivals is the first book in the duo series "Letters of Enchantment" and I wasn't sure that I was going to read this one, but after receiving many recommendations from those that have similar reading tastes as I do, I decided to pick this up. So I first want to say that Divine Rivals was an incredible read. I have no clue why its categorized as YA though, they are adults in this book, most likely for just marketing purposes most likely. I had really high expectations for this one and it definitely lived up to those expectations. I can see why this one is so well loved. My largest impression is that this had some of the most unique world building I have ever read. It had a quality to it that just drew you in slowly and I really appreciated the delicate nature in the author in being able to deliver that aspect to the reader.
First Line
Cold fog had settled over the depot like a burial shroud, and Iris Winnow thought the weather couldn't have been better.
Summary
Iris and Kitt are rival journalists that are both fighting for the same position. Iris is struggling with her brother being missing in the war and her mother is a alcoholic. She needs to win the columnists promotion. Roman Kitt has his own home struggles. His father is forcing him into a marriage he doesn't want and going to use anything to his power to get Kitt the position but he is determined to make his own way without his father's aid. When he starts writing letters with a special typewriter and figuring out its from his work nemesis, he is curious to discover what he can but the more they exchange words, the more intrigued he becomes and determined to be the man that she needs. When their ways keep running into each other, they discover a powerful love. But there is a war happening with an enemy that wants to destroy them at all costs. Will they lose each other just when they find a love worth fighting for?
What I Loved
Divine Rivals is a book I wasn't expecting. I couldn't seem to get enough of and I did this mostly in audiobook and then at the end I physically read it in my kindle. So I absolutely had a blast with the chemistry between Kitt and Iris and it was off the charts. The rivals to lovers aspects was written perfectly. There was such a easy flow from rivals to friends to lovers. They have a powerful connection in their letters and when the truth comes out .....the romance BLOSSOMS in a way that is so epic and beautifully captured. But the angst between them isn't too overpowering either. Its handled with a delicate writ that pulls you further into the story. The atmosphere that is created is so cozy at times but in other times has a more majestic feel to it. It definitely has a 1940's war era type of feel with the technology and clothing and culture of the time. Its a blend of magical realism and historical mythological fantasy mixed together. The magical elements are slowly inforced, so you don't need to worry about being overwhelmed by the world building. The fantastical elements really build in the third act with so much mystery being hinted at in the first half of the story. Rebecca Ross really captured the beauty of love so brilliantly. I was on board with these two as a couple and how they were willing to fight for each other in the third act finale was so precious and captured my complete attention. Its a story of devotion, of healing and redemption and the transcendent beauty of love in the most dangerous of circumstances.
What I Struggled With
The ending was a cliffhanger, not a fan of this but it didn't change my rating or overall enjoyment of the story.
Narration
I absolutely adored the narration. There is a bit of an accent so that took some getting used to. But once you get used to it, it really flows so naturally.
Overall View
I found this to be a journey of mystery, connection and magic that will stir the senses and keep you captivated all the way through!
Favorite Quote(s)
sometimes strength isnβt swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. sometimes itβs found in quiet, gentle places.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Magical Realism
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Angst, Whimsical, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Epic Love
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
Song This Book Inspires
The Power of Love by Celine Dion
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
Steam/Spice Explanations
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.