Divine Rivals

This story was about Iris, she is competing with Rowan for a job position at the local paper and her brother just went off to war to fight for the Gods. She needs a way to cope with her brother being gone and to vent about her competition at work, so Iris starts writing her brother letters with her typewriter and sliding them under her wardrobe for safe keeping. But the letters magically disappear. Then one night a letter slides out from her wardrobe, only it's not her letter but a letter from someone responding to her. It's Rowan, her competition, he's the one on the receiving end of her letters but he doesn't tell her it's him. Iris and Rowan develop a friendship and magical connection because of these letters and they lean on each other and become close. He's falling for her and wants to tell her who he is, but is afraid of how she will react when she finds out it's him on the other end of these letters. When she packs up her life to go to the front lines as a war correspondent to try to find her brother, Rowan does the only thing he can think of, he leaves his life behind to follow the woman he secretly loves straight into the war zone. This was such a sweet story, I loved how these two fell in love over their magical typewriters. Their personalities were complete opposite but their connection was so strong and their love was so pure. The narrators for this story were great, I flew through this! And after the way this book ended I am eager for the story to continue in book 2! 🖤📚

This story hit me in a different way because I’m grieving as well and had no idea this book would bring me so much comfort. Being able to connect with Iris and Roman touched me. Such a beautiful story. I loved the found family trope as well. I would recommend this book to anyone who is not an afraid to step out on faith and go after what they want. I gave this book 5 stars because the story was fascinating from beginning to end.

I am emotionally damaged. I loved the romantic story between Iris and Roman. The letters they wrote back and forth were so beautiful and emotional. I was swept away into this world, and I can't wait to continue.

Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca RossI loved this book! From the very first page, Rebecca Ross’s writing pulled me in—it’s so beautiful and lyrical without ever feeling overdone. The romance between Iris and Roman is tender, emotional, and utterly impossible not to root for. Their journey had me completely invested, and the last eight chapters? I could not put the book down!This story is packed with some of my favorite tropes: rivals to lovers, secret letters, slow burn romance, dual POV, and a touch of magic and mythology that adds just the right amount of fantasy. Every element was woven together so well, making this such a rich and satisfying read.If you’re a fan of heartfelt storytelling, emotional tension, and love stories that feel both epic and intimate, I highly recommend picking this up. Divine Rivals is one of those books that stays with you long after the last page.

3.5 rounded upI enjoyed this one enough where it is easier to say less than to think of how to say more.I think it captures a building sense of dread and anticipation. The better things got, the more I found myself looking at how much of the novel was left. At 80% left everything seemed fine at last! An ominous place to be in a novel about war with about 100 pages left. And boy did the last 20% being what I was dreading and more.I liked the anticipation and dynamic of the early relationship. If anything, I almost wanted it to last longer, but with that ending and in the grand scheme of things I think there will be enough strife and drama to make me desperately want the sequel. Will definitely keep reading :) I will say the twist was not what I was it expecting until the second before

Kitt and Winnow are competing for columnist position at the paper where they both work. Kitt has grown up as an upper class men while Winnow has been poor. Great story of a growing friendship during times of war.

I could not out this book down. I was nervous because Gods and fantasy can’t really be hit or miss for me. But I DEVOURED THIS! The cliffhanger at the end killed me… so happy to have the 2nd book already on my shelf or I’d simply die

It was... a book. I liked the "going to war" trope and the setting that felt like WW1 with its electricity and trucks but also like a time long since passed. It was historically modern with a dash of magic. Really did love this. I don't believe in the love story at all, though. It was obvious from the beginning, and the characters did not earn the love they had. A few deaths, one grenade, and a close encounter doesn't sell me on the "life is too precious, we should be together now" trope. I was disappointed that the deaths were bland and only a plot device to stab at the main characters. Felt like a cheat for feels, and it backfired. It just fell flat for me. Neither of the main characters was especially compelling either, but I stayed for the letters and the secret identity romance blossoming.Honestly, by the end, I was over the romance and was fully willing to explore the sudden twist at the last chapter. Yes. Give me more of that because at this point, I felt it was the only thing with a heartbeat. A brother choosing family over his God. Yes. But is it genuine?And does it compell me to read the second book? Ehhhhhhh.Jury is out. I won't regret not reading it.

The Twin flame journey is weaved so beautifully into this book. I adored reading how two souls - mirrored souls- grew together, how they faced the chaotic world of the gods war together. The way things left off though have me moving directly into the next! Kitt and Iris’ story had me smiling and crying… even blushing at the banter and sweet moments. Their connection.. the soul connection …absolutely shows the spiritual journey of twin flames. Let’s see what book 2 brings ! In love !!

“I’m not afraid to be alone, but I’m tired of being the one left behind. I’m tired of having to rearrange my life after the people within it depart, as if I’m a puzzle and I’m now missing pieces and I will never feel that pure sense of completion again.”“And when you find something good? You hold on to it. You don’t waste time worrying about things that won’t even matter in the end. Rather, you take a risk for that light.”“I am so afraid. And yet how I long to be vulnerable and brave when it comes to my own heart.”“you are worthy of love. You are worthy to feel joy right now, even in the darkness. And just in case you’re wondering … I’m not going anywhere, unless you tell me to leave, and even then, we might need to negotiate.”Someone just never giving up on you, always there to push you to be your best, maybe the stupid hopeless romantic in me, but what I wouldn’t give for a love story like this 💔

“I am coming to love him, in two different ways. Face to face, and word to word.”Think “You’ve Got Mail” with magic typewriters and you’ve got the essence of this enchanting fantasy tale by Rebecca Ross. I thoroughly enjoyed this enemies-to-lovers story set in a country caught in the midst of a war between two deities.Iris Winnow inherits her grandmother’s typewriter and uses it to write letters to her brother, even after he’s gone missing in action. But when her letters magically disappear and someone begins to write back, she starts to fall for the mysterious “C”.By day, Iris writes for one of the local newspapers, hoping to make a name for herself in the world of journalism. The only thing standing in her way? Fellow reporter, Roman Kitt, who is a thorn in Iris’ side. Handsome, privileged and a good writer himself, Kitt is also up for the columnist position that Iris is determined to land.But when a series of circumstances changes the trajectory of Iris’ life, she finds herself headed to the front lines as a war correspondent, with Kitt following close behind, much to her chagrin. Faced with the harsh realities of war, an attraction sparks between them. Iris finds herself torn between her burgeoning feelings for Kitt and her emotional (and magical) connection to “C”.With nods to C.S. Lewis (letters through the wardrobe) and Greek Mythology (warring gods, one of which possesses siren-like powers that calls the young men to fight for her), Divine Rivals is an enthralling novel that reminds us to be brave and always strive to “find the words you need to share”.

Excellent read, I would even say Divine.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Iris, by all appearances, is a young girl who can't seem to catch a break while Roman is a young man who seems to get everything just handed to him without putting in any effort. From the start, Iris does not come from a upper class family and her older brother voluntarily enlists in the army of one of the Gods of their world , who is at war with another God of their world. This leaves Iris both proud of brother but also somewhat resentful because her mother becomes an alcoholic and Iris is saddled with the financial burden to keep her and her mother housed, clothed, and fed. To accomplish this Iris starts working at a local newspaper where she meets Roman Kit, who is a constant rival to Iris, considering they are competing for the same open position of columnist. Roman comes from an upper-class family, though the life he wants for himself is not the life Roman's father wants for him. Roman faces an engagement he wants no part of but his father forces on him and meanwhile begins corresponding with a Iris (unknown the Iris at first that the letters she is receiving in her wardrobe are from her rival). Eventually, Iris, dealing with a lot of pain, decides to quit the job at her current newspaper to become a war correspondent for a rival newspaper. She believes the magical letters she was receiving from an unknown young man will stop because she thinks the link between herself and the unknown person is a magical wardrobe in her home but quickly finds out that the thing that links them is having matching magical type writers that they discover were part of a trio once owned by their grandmother's and one other friend when all 3 were young girls. As Iris is still searching for her lost brother and faces the reality of war that she was sheltered from in her hometown she meets Marisol and Attie and is joined by Roman who was inspired by Iris' first article about the war. Roman not only is inspired by Iris' bravery and the words she writes about the realities of war between the Gods but ultimately defies everything his father wants for his life. As danger get everything closer to Iris and Roman, they start to fall for one another and question if there is room for their happiness amongst all the darkness and sadness of war.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~The romance between Iris and Roman is beautifully written but is also frustrating at times because they both make decisions that seem really stupid. There is one fade to black scene towards the end of this clean romantasy and some heated kisses.The lore of the Gods and the three magical typewriters was very interesting. I found myself wanting to know more about the lore of Gods and the backstory that led to the mortals imprisoning the gods prior to the war.Since this is a duology we are left on a cliff hanger where the fate of Roman seems sealed in the worst possible scenario and Iris is reunited with her brother though things seem awfully sinister and Iris is questioning how the brother she once knew has ended up where he is currently.Definitely recommend to romance readers as the world building is very easy to understand while not being too overwhelming to new fantasy readers. For fantasy readers, I didn't find the romance overwhelming, but it was always part of the plot with the main plot being the war between the Gods and how that has affected Roman, Iris, Attie, Marisol and everyone is their world.

How do I even begin to describe the way this book affected me?When I began reading it, I had the starting idea of how I'd probably rate it.(You ever read a book and you just know you're going to love it?)When I was over halfway through, I could just about put into general terms what I'd rate it.(You ever been confident you're loving a book but you can't quite express your love for it in proper sentences yet?)And now having finished it I find myself a blurred embrace of emotions for why I'd rate it the way I'd rate it.(You ever fall in love with a book and it completely wrecked your emotions in the best way possible and you're trying your best to express all the things this book made you feel but you're not sure you're making sense??)I smiled and laughed at the rival antics...I openly cried at the relatable vulnerabilities being shared...I smiled some more knowing what the characters did and didn't know about each other...I ached for the losses and I kept hope to the surface in response to the comfort that was provided...and on and on... I never knew my heart was capable of holding so many emotions at once in a warm embrace.I loved reading the different povs of Iris and Roman! I loved watching their love story bloom throughout the hard and uncertain times of a godly war and reading the secrets they shared through their magic letters and knowing as the reader they were rivals half-unknowingly becoming vulnerable with and falling for each other.The way Rebecca J Ross [as Iris and Roman] wrote of how to cope with pain, loss, and grief was beautiful! This whole story was like a gesture of someone lovingly putting their hands on your cheek and wiping away your tears and telling you everything will be alright, then sealing that promise with a gentle forehead kiss.I felt every ache and comfort and hope offered as Iris and Roman's story unfolded.I didn't want this book to end because I loved it so so much, but at the same time I did want to read to the end just to know that these two would make it out okay... And that ending only added to the blur of emotions I was already feeling! Definitely not what I expected, but I enjoyed it as it fit very well with how the story was blossoming.I will adore this story forever for all the emotions it evoked from me!

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

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!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Divine Rivals" completely captivated me. It didn’t just tell a story; it worked its way into my heart, making it swell to its fullest and then gradually tearing it apart with the fragile hope that it could be pieced together again. I’ve never felt this way about a book before, and now I feel an urgent need to dive into the second one.The writing was stunningly beautiful, almost poetic, and each line felt deliberately crafted to draw the reader in. From the first page, I was hooked—immersed in a world where every action and word from Iris felt genuine, as if she was not just a character but a living, breathing person. Her voice was so distinct that it felt like her writing bled into the narrative, creating an immersive experience that blurred the lines between story and reality. The imagery was rich and vivid, bringing every scene to life and allowing me to feel deeply connected to the emotions on the page.What truly set this book apart was its ability to show rather than tell. The emotions were raw, and every moment was felt rather than simply read, making each interaction feel personal and significant. Roman’s perspective, woven in just enough, was a brilliant touch. His occasional insights allowed us to see the evolving love from two angles, adding layers of depth and warmth to the story that made it even more compelling.As a YA romance, "Divine Rivals" was exceptional, blending realistic emotions with fantasy elements in a way that made the story feel timeless. Despite its touches of gods and magic, it was grounded in a reality that felt relatable, as if I was witnessing events unfold in a bygone era. The characters were all complex and well-crafted, and I found myself constantly shifting my allegiances, loving each of them for different reasons. The suspense kept me on edge, and the unfolding romance was so heartfelt that I was invested in every single moment.This book was an emotional rollercoaster, pulling me through highs and lows, and I loved every second of it. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience that will stay with me for a long time. "Divine Rivals" is truly a five-star read, a masterpiece that I’ll be recommending to everyone.

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 ImpressionsDivine 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 LineCold fog had settled over the depot like a burial shroud, and Iris Winnow thought the weather couldn't have been better.SummaryIris 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 LovedDivine 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 WithThe ending was a cliffhanger, not a fan of this but it didn't change my rating or overall enjoyment of the story.NarrationI 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 ViewI 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 RealismCharacter Types: JournalistsThemes: Angst, Whimsical, Lyrical WritingTropes: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Epic LoveBook PerspectiveDuo POVRelationship Conflict vs Plot ConflictBothSong This Book InspiresThe Power of Love by Celine DionRecommendation For Reading OrderYes

🦇 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