Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment, 1)

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Book Evaluation: Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️ World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎 Cover:📔📔📔📔 Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻 Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️ Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥 Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒 Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞 Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂 Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖 Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧 Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨ 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! 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

🦇 Divine Rivals Book Review 🦇 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ❝ I think we all wear armor. I think those who don’t are fools, risking the pain of being wounded by the sharp edges of the world, over and over again. But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it’s that to be vulnerable is a strength most of us fear. It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are. ❞ ❓ #QOTD Have you ever had a pen pal OR what book do you want to read before the end of the year? ❓ ❝ Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them; you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince. Perhaps that is how you learn to be soft yet strong, even in fear and uncertainty. One person, one piece of steel. ❞ 🦇 For centuries the gods have slept, only to drag mortals into their feud upon waking. After her brother leaves to fight, 18-year-old Iris Winnow strives to support herself and her mother. She'll need to win the columnist position at the Oath Gazette to do so. Only one problem: her rival, Roman Kitt, who seems to have everything handed to him. In her brother's absence, Iris drafts letters to him on her nan's old typewriter. After slipping them under her wardrobe door, they vanish―unknowingly, into the hands of Kitt. As they write back and forth to one another, they forge a connection stronger than any war. Can the kindled hope between them survive this world? 💜 The mingled scents of black tea and smeared ink, the clatter of an old typewriter, and the vulnerable longing left by loss. Add a dash of magic, wailing sirens, the echoes of bombs exploding...it all seems like a recipe for disaster, not an enemies-to-lovers romantasy novel, and yet, these key ingredients set Divine Rivals apart as one of the must-read novels of the year. Rebecca Ross has crafted a clever, enthralling love story that perfectly balances whimsy, fear, longing, and mystery with this deeply emotional, spellcasting first installment. The shared heartache for those they miss and lost unites Iris and Roman in ways they don't even realize from the start. The magic of their typewriters and the vague mythology behind the war mix well with the historical setting. It's the almost-lyrical, poetic prose of their love letters that is perhaps most striking. With each letter, they both shed a bit of the armor they hide behind, revealing scars and vulnerabilities underneath. What starts as an enemies-to-lovers romance full of sass, wit, and charm becomes so much more. By the last few chapters, this story will take grasp of your heart, seep into your bones, and trigger intense feelings of longing until the second novel is in your hands. 💜 Iris is a heroine you can stand behind and root for from the first page, but it's Roman who holds the cards in the first half of the novel. Watching him fall first (initially through the love letters), while struggling with guilt, grief, and his familial debt was a beautifully painful experience. I've experienced part of Iris' journey, falling for someone through pen and page; Ross captures that enamorment perfectly. For the most part, the story is more historical fiction than fantasy. The magic seeps into the roots of the story, adding bewitching elements without stealing from the star of the show: the growing feelings between Iris and Roman. They find love in the dark, a spark of happiness in moments of fear and despair. Iris experiences so much loss, only to gain a found family (also, sapphic ship alert!). I rarely, rarely say this, but this is the type of story I'd love to see on screen. 🦇 Since this is a slow-burn romance, the pacing does drag at times, especially in the first half. While Ross' choice to sprinkle hints of the mythology and magic throughout the story leaves readers to focus on the character development and romance, it does keep us entirely in the dark. Though the rivalry between the gods started centuries ago, it seems strange that there's little known about its origins. Even the snippets Roman finds (which paint Darce and Enva like Hades and Persephone) feel incomplete. The world-building holds us at arm's length from the fantasy side of the novel until the very end, causing the final chapter to feel nearly out of place. It seems the mythology was restricted only for the shock value of that final chapter. 🦇 Recommended to fans of VE Schwab, Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, Lore, and Fourth Wing. ✨ The Vibes ✨ 🖋️ Rivals to Lovers/Dual POV 💌 Found Family 🖋️ Love Letters/Witty Banter 💌 Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Romantasy 🖋️ War Setting 💌 Magic, Myths, and Gods 🖋️ He Falls First 💌 Slow Burn

Rebecca Ross has quickly become an author that I will read sight unseen. Her writing style is so romantic and rich. The way she captures emotion is so nuanced and incredible. The premise of this book is so unique. Two writers who end up with enchanted typewriters become correspondents during a a god-war? Never would have imagined how intriguing and wonderful that storyline could be. Can’t wait to start the next book!

I had high expectations for this one. While it was an enjoyable read I do feel the romance was mediocre at best. This was my first war story and perhaps those are just not for me. I was disappointed by the ending and all the holes in the plot. I found the writing pleasant but some parts I felt the author tried to sound too technical and complex. I don't think I will be continuing this series

Listen, for a book that has so many reviews and reads I’m going to share my subjective thoughts based off of a few things I guess. First, someone with a masters in creative writing and who is tasked to write a fictional piece to some length I will never understand how authors have the capability of writing books to such a caliber as this. there are so many moving parts, so many different plot lines, so many major characters, so many minor characters, so much movement. It truly astound me that people are able to produce good work like this. Second, as somebody who is not a fantasy girly as I would say lol this book was decent. I felt like there was more of a magical realism outlook than fantasy. I liked that there was such a focus on the power of writing on the power of words and how love intercedes in all of the things as magic flows from the mouth. I loved the element of the magical typewriters and how they connected to people. And third, some thing I struggled with was the incomplete thoughts revolving the relationship between iris and Roman. I wanted so badly for their story to be longer and not to be rushed. I think at one point I even said this is the fastest enemies to lovers trope in history lol I guess not taking into account Romeo and Juliet but still I enjoyed this book I look forward to reading the second!

I can’t believe that no one told me this book end in a cliffhanger !!!! OMGGGGG !!! I don’t think I have absolutely nothing to say about this book beside perfection !!! I am so in love with them and their love story !!! Can Roman be more perfect ???? The way he knew that he would have to come to her and make her love him outside the letters is so daring, swooning!!! He would die for her and when she realize that … it clicks to her that he is the one that she couldn’t denied anymore. Iris and Roman are competitors at a Gazette journal where both want the spot for columnist. Their banter and chemistry is amazing since the beginning… the enemies to lovers is perfect trope for this two that can’t take their eyes of each other but justify with the “I can do better” mantra they carry at this one dream job they are seeking. Iris is a 18yr old girl but her level of maturity is top notch. She is a very poor girl that since the war and her moms alcohol problem start, she is all over the place. With no money, no mean to any end she is trying to keep “the family boat” for drowning while drown with it. Nothing gives me more pleasure than read about strong women/ girls that no matter how hard life throws at you and how deep your sadness or depression try get to you, they simple don’t give up without a fight. Her life is falling apart cause of the war and she never been more alone and still holding on tide for her dreams and for be the person her brother and her mom would be proud of. Roman is the sight of perfection. Rich, handsome, with not a wrinkle at sight but he is a pawn at his fathers high society desires and he always do what he is told cause he lives with the guilt about don’t have his lil sister with them anymore. But when the price for his dads demand is losing the love of his life … that’s it for him !! He leave everything behind and go after her cause not only he can’t live the life his father demand without her but he can’t live without her at all and she is in a dangerous place and he need to make her safe. Their love story is beautiful and on point. The chemistry is there since the very beginning and it’s simply delicious to read it. The sweet, careful, swooning is so worth it. Impossible not fall in love with their love. They are so into each other that they barely can hide it even trying with the opponent situation that all their co-workers cheer and bet for them. Roman is not afraid to show his caring and worrying no matter how he try to mask it and when he don’t want to mask anymore it’s even more amazing to see him showing all his love for her. It’s absolutely beautiful the develop of their relationship and their romance, their love is pure and transparent and real !!! The world building that they live in is not a difficult one for you to dive in !! Has magic in their world at year 1800 and something and the war of between two gods Envra and Dacre that woke up after centuries and are just back to their dispute just like before. The pacing of this book is simply amazing, her writing is perfection. The construction of the story is so easy and good. The support character all gets to you in their own special way. Their letters are so easy for you to read and the develop of the characters and the story is just one of the best I ever read. One of the most important and underrating details would be how good the feelings are deal with in this book. War, lost of life, grieving, love, pain, guilt is so raw, genuine, true that was so beautiful to read. Sentiments, feelings and struggles that is heartbreaking and uncomfortable but it’s part of live and of their lives and make you feel together with them. Characters that barely appear still going to break your heart and make you cry. It’s an emotional book that will stir a reaction from you and force you to deal with it. Just perfection !!! The end completely broke me !!! I cried like a baby making my family question my sanity specially cause I am not a person that cries with the books. I knew something would go on when was getting that close to end and I realize the next book would be a sequel not a series but i couldn’t imagine that the cliffhanger would be this brutal. I cried all over again with the epilogue and just to think about right now. I highly recommend this book !!!! I am counting the days for book two gets out. I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t stop at all. Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spicy : 🚫 Darkness: 🖤 Range of emotions : 🥺😊😳😍😭 Ending : cliffhanger 😩 POV : 👫 (Dual)

I love the character development and world building. I really enjoyed this series and couldn't put it down. Just the right mix of fantasy and romance.

I absolutely savored this book. It was something I could pick up, read a few chapters and find comfortable places to set it down. Yet I was always eager to pick it up again. The writing style was lush and immersive. It tugged on my journalism heartstrings, and our main characters continuously had me rolling through tidal waves of emotion. Our rivals to lovers relationship development felt inevitable, but I couldn't help but cheer enthusiastically when Roman and Iris finally get there after so many "will they-won't they" moments. With all the angst finally out of the way, identities revealed, our duo was explosive in the most adorable PG way. Discussions of death and grief were excruciating, yet sweet. I teared up so many times as I worked through emotions in what felt like real time with Iris. This story works well at holding space for both grief and joy within its pages. As it states, there can be room for both in everything. The mythology woven into this is a unique twist on a Hades/Persephone style, and I'm excited to see what comes next for these gods. I'm picking up book 2 immediately. Highlights/Tropes 🖊️Iris is struggling to make columnist to survive while coping with the loss of her family to war and to grief 🖋️Roman is trying to figure out his own voice as his guilt from family tragedy combines with his father's demands to create weighty burden 🖊️ Rivals to lovers 🖋️ He's receiving letters from Iris via magical typewriters and a wardrobe 🖊️She has no idea it's her rival who's gotten all her letters 🖋️very sweet, completely PG but I live for those kisses

Iris und Roman haben ganz klamm und heimlich mein Herz gestohlen, genau wie Rebecca Ross mit dieser unglaublich schönen Geschichte. „Divine Rivals“ ist ein kleines Meisterwerk und gehört von nun an zu meinen Lieblingsbüchern. Iris Winnow, 18 Jahre alt, musste ihren älteren Bruder Forest an die Front verabschieden, wo er im Krieg der Gottheiten Enva und Dacre kämpft. Sie schreibt ihm Briefe, die jedoch bei Roman Kitt landen. Dieser ist ihr Rivale bei der Zeitung, denn beide kämpfen um die gleiche Stelle. So entspinnt sich eine zarte Beziehung zwischen beiden. Während Roman von Beginn an weiß, von wem die Briefe sind, die unter seinem Schrank erscheinen, weiß Iris nicht, dass ihr magischer Brieffreund ausgerechnet Roman ist. Durch eine Verkettung von Ereignissen verschlägt es Iris als Kriegsjournalistin an die Front, was einiges an Bewegung in ihre Beziehung mit Roman bringt. Ich gestehe, ich habe alles an diesem Buch geliebt. Diese Geschichte fühlte sich absolut natürlich an, es passierte immer das, was man sich insgeheim gewünscht hat. Iris ist zwar noch jung, besitzt jedoch eine alte Seele. Ihre Sicht auf die Welt ist manchmal eingeschränkt, doch sie nimmt ihr Schicksal selbst in die Hand. Roman ist ein sanfter Mensch mit dem Herz am rechten Fleck. Er und Iris necken sich, ergänzen sich auf ganz und gar perfekte Art und Weise. Magische Schreibmaschinen und Briefe, Rivalen, Zeitungen, Götter und Krieg. All das spielt eine Rolle. Es war spannend, diese fantastische Geschichte mit historischem Setting zu lesen, das an den ersten Weltkrieg erinnert. Natürlich geschehen nicht nur schöne Dinge, immerhin begeben sich die Protagonisten an die Front. Wer Filme wie „1917“, „Abbitte“ oder die Serie „Downton Abbey“ gesehen hat, erahnt, was passiert. Ross verwebt das Historische mit dem Fantastischen auf einzigartige Weise. Man verliert sich vollkommen in ihrer Welt und ich wäre am liebsten dort geblieben, um sicherzustellen, dass am Ende alles gut wird. Ich fiebere der Fortsetzung sehnsüchtig entgegen und kann eine Leseempfehlung von ganzem Herzen für diesen tollen Roman aussprechen.

one of the best books i've read in a while. would recommend for ages over 15, though.

Wow what a GREAT book!! I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the sequel 😭😭. A river enchanted was my favourite book of January and this hands-down was my favourite book of February (technically I finished it in March but was over 50% complete in February so I’m counting it there!(. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of the book at the beginning, even though like always I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful prose, imagery, setting and of course the characters. Naturally I fell in love with Iris and Ronan and the magical story being weaved, but i didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. While there was a small slump in the middle of the book or 2/3 through (hello calm before storm), the end was jam packed with action, intrigue and a great setup for a sequel! I have all kinds of theories about who-is-who and what will happen next and am positive I will be ready and waiting preorder in hand for book two. Can’t wait! Highly highly recommend although check out the trigger warnings as it’s a more serious novel.

Star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spice rating 🌶️🌶️ In my search for the right words to describe the captivating experience that is Divine Rivals, I find myself overwhelmed by its sheer perfection. This book, undoubtedly one of my favorites of 2023, left me utterly enchanted. Rebecca Ross's writing style is a league of its own; her beautiful prose has won me over as a new devoted fan. Every aspect, from the well-crafted plot to the intricately developed characters and the immersive world-building, is flawlessly executed, making it stand out among other books. At its core, Divine Rivals weaves an enthralling tale of war and the blossoming romance intertwined within its turmoil. I couldn't help but devour the book, yet I found myself deliberately delaying my reading, wanting to savor each moment and prolong the experience indefinitely. The romance portrayed is both tender and emotionally raw, drawing readers in and leaving them addicted to the characters' journey. Despite being a fictional war, the story feels achingly real, mirroring the struggles endured by people throughout history and even today. Rebecca's masterful storytelling truly captures raw emotions and showcases how love can thrive even in the darkest of times. The ending of this tale, though heart-wrenching, managed to hold an element of unexpected beauty, leaving a lasting impression on my soul. In that moment, my heart shattered into countless pieces, leaving me gasping for breath. The weight of Iris's pain seemed to echo within my own chest, creating a connection between us. The characters that Rebecca Ross brings to life are both beautifully complex and highly relatable. Roman and Iris, with their intense dynamics on and off the pages, stole my heart completely. Roman's remarkable growth as a character impressed me, evolving from someone I didn't particularly like to becoming one of my all-time favorite male characters. Iris, after enduring pain and loss, undoubtedly deserved the love and support Roman offered. Their experiences, emotions, and the backdrop of war blend seamlessly into a mesmerizing combination of realism and fantasy. It's simply beyond amazing and Divine Rivals is a book I would love to revisit someday. I must extend my gratitude to Sara Carroli for recommending Divine Rivals on her YT channel, leading me to this extraordinary story. I cannot express how grateful I am to have read it. For those yet to embark on this journey, I urge you to give Divine Rivals a chance. With December too far away, my impatience for the sequel grows, and I eagerly await the opportunity to explore Rebecca Ross's other literary creations. Thank you, Rebecca, for the incredible tale of Roman and Iris. I'm eagerly looking forward to Ruthless Vows.

J’ai commencé Divine Rivals de Rebecca Ross et, honnêtement, j’ai été happée dès les premières pages. On est tout de suite pris dans l’histoire ! La plume de l’autrice est addictive, fluide, presque envoûtante… Ça se lit tout seul, et pourtant chaque mot semble choisi avec soin. J’ai été profondément touchée par la réalité difficile de la vie d’Iris. Sa détermination, sa solitude, sa force silencieuse… tout m’a émue. Et puis Roman… Au début, on ne sait pas trop quoi penser de lui, mais plus on avance, plus on découvre ses propres blessures. Chacun porte sa problématique, chacun lutte à sa manière, et ça rend leurs personnages tellement humains et attachants. Par contre, le père de Roman ? Mais quel homme abject ! J’avais envie de le secouer à travers les pages. Vraiment, je l’ai détesté. La poésie des lettres qu’Iris et Roman s’envoient… c’était d’une beauté incroyable. Ce petit côté magique, avec ces lettres qui voyagent mystérieusement, apporte une touche féerique et délicate au récit. C’était adorable, tendre, presque hors du temps. Ça a fait fondre mon petit cœur. Le contexte de guerre apporte une tension constante, une urgence qui donne du poids à chaque décision, à chaque émotion. J’ai adoré cette ambiance plus sombre, plus grave. Et le côté divinité en guerre, avec toute la mythologie qui l’accompagne, est original et vraiment bien construit. Ça enrichit l’univers sans jamais alourdir le récit. La romance… sincèrement, c’est l’une des plus belles que j’ai lues ces derniers mois. Elle est douce, progressive, pleine de respect et de pudeur. D’une beauté et d’une tendresse incroyable. On ressent chaque émotion. J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé le côté found family, notamment grâce à Marisol et son B&B, ainsi qu’Attie, cette amie précieuse et loyale. Ces personnages secondaires apportent chaleur et réconfort dans un monde en plein chaos. Je ne vais pas mentir : j’ai versé quelques larmes. Certaines scènes ont touché mon cœur fragile en plein centre. Et cette fin… ! Elle nous laisse complètement sonnés. Je suis restée là, bouche bée, avec mille émotions en tête. J’ai tellement hâte de lire la suite. Je veux que Roman et Iris aient leur fin heureuse… mais je dois avouer que j’ai un peu peur pour eux. Bref, un premier tome magnifique, poétique, intense et profondément romantique, qui m’a marqué bien plus que je ne l’aurais imaginé 🤍