4.5 stars from me. This book was so good! Totally fed the Bridgerton feeling I’ve been craving but was also very different. I loved both the mcs, and just fell in love with this world and the characters. I can’t wait for the second one! I will be forcing all my friends to read this and definitely recommend to anyone who loves regency type things but also fantasy. This was such a great combination of them!

Edwina, human is delayed on her seavoyage to a Fae island for her booktour, only to discover that they have filled her spot with an attractive Fae poet with whom she now has to share her book promo tour.
William seems arrogant and flirty and, considering there is only one contract with the publisher to be won at the end of the tour, scarily popular with the people who come to their signings.
So when they get drunk after their first signing, Edwina and William make a bet: the deal goes to the person who is the most successful at pulling.

So we have a road trip around a fairy island with different magical locations, rivalry and - of course - growing att action between the rivals, fae, and of course different backstories why they each need the contract and won't stop fighting for it.

Thank you NetGalley and Tessonja Odette for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I adore the Entangled with Fae series so I knew I was excited to read this! A Rivalry of Hearts is set in the same world, but focused on the competition between Edwina (a human author) and William (a fae poet). I would describe this as a cozy fantasy historical romance and I need more books in this genre! The banter is fantastic and the character development is well done. The spice to plot ratio is perfect, which Tessonja always does really well. I’m looking forward to more books in this series!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I’d like to thank the publisher and net!galley for granting me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

If you would like to enjoy this book as much as I did, it gets published June 12th.

✨it was a Novel of Smut and Drivel✨

I had a little bit of a hard time getting into the story. Due to some words I didn’t understand at first, English isn’t my first language. But once I was fully into it, I enjoyed it so much!

I had to get used to the old-English kind of way, Tessonja Odette wrote the number in her book, it was very similar to how we say them in Dutch/Flemish. Which made me a little confused, but nothing Mr. Google couldn’t solve.

I have to be honest, the way Bretton made me feel was not very pretty. Tessonja Odette didn’t write a whole lot about it but sentences like
“I’d undoubtedly be forced to marry, for women in Bretton are considered the property of their parents, brothers, or husbands well into adulthood.” made my hair stand up.

I really loved the character development of Will.
Whereas he starts off as an ultimate A-hole, he slowly falls for Edwina without realizing. (Oh my heart, you found my weakness Miss Tessonja)
He who closed his heart off, being afraid his love wouldn’t be enough to keep someone. Falling in love with “the weirdest woman ever met.”
A man who would sacrifice everything for those he loves.

Then we have our lovely Edwina, Ed, Weenie, Ms Danforth. How much misfortune can one have to get to one place?
But i got to be honest, her spirit, fire, stubbornness,… made me really love her character. A woman who wants to make it as an author, without accepting to be anything less than herself for the sake of sales. (F-you Bullard and Sons.)

Every character had a wonderful pacing during the book.

I loved Daffy, how she kinda learned to love her Seelie form.

Monty who had a soft spot for Daffy without knowing it, but also hurting her because not knowing.

Zane who pops up as Will’s best friend from college and then just hangs out/ travels along with the heartbeats tour.

Jolene who kinda went after Will but at the same time rooted for Edwina and Will.

My emotion went through the roof with this one.
And excuse me, I NEED to read the next book! What’s going to happen to Daffy and Monty?! HELLO?!

I really liked it because it took my mind off of the real world for a while and took me on a trip to Faerwyvae.

A little suggestion to add to the book or provide in some way. Is a dictionary, I had to look up quite a few words that I didn’t understand.
Such as a sprite and a sylph.

Not for me.
I am a big romantasy fan and I couldn’t wait to read this one as It had a lot of tropes that I love. But… nope, they were all poorly written. I did not love the characters (except for Edwina, untile the bet) and I did not enjoy how the two protagonists became lovers, their relationship and their feelings were just so fast and I was not invested in them. So sad!

THIS BOOK!!!!
I was talking to my friend few days ago about how I want to read something amazing that I don’t have to hesitate to give it 5 stars and then I picked up this book and it’s truly the easiest five stars I have given to a book. THIS BOOK IS FAE-TASTIC✨

Two rival writers.
One prestigious publishing contract.
A bargain of Hearts and Seduction.
A bargain with a fae(William Haywood)

This was a blast to read. What if I say it’s My best read of 2024😭👀 Is it enough to convince you guys?? I don’t think I have actually giggled this much reading a book before.A Historical rom com in fae world, rivals to lovers and steamy romance,the most perfect combination!!

The pining and banter is just chef’s kiss💋
Hateful banter and cute nicknaming to rile up each other😩This book held my heart from the very first page(when I read about all the courts and hierarchy system of faerwyvae) The side characters are amazing. I loved furry daphne and match maker Monty🫶🏻 and can’t wait for their book😭

Okay the Main characters are just so delightful, couldn’t get enough of them. William and Edwina had the most sizzling chemistry. They are witty,funny and hot. Edwina writes spicy romance books where as William writes poetry.They make fun of each other’s work(In a funny rivalry way) William haywood is just so swoon worthy🫠🫠 The things he says and does. I need a academic rival for myself now like William who wants me to USE HIM😭😭

Also there is suspense, of course William is hiding something👀 No man is perfect right?? But he is close to one!! He is just so irresistible🫣

It’s your next fluffy fae rom com✨
PLEASE PICK UP THIS BOOK ON 12th JUNE😭🫶🏻(I’m literally begging💀) but it is that good!!!!!

Remember how sometimes you discover an author and read just one book by them and now you literally want to read everything they have written till now😩yupp that’s @tessonja for me now🫶🏻🥺

This was such a sweet and fun fae rom com!! Plenty of spice, low stakes, and overall a fun read if you like fae and romance.

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette is a cheerful delight of fantasy and romance. It follows human Edwina and fae William, who are both authors, in a fun-filled romcom-esque story of rivalry, tension, longing and perhaps even love. The side characters were additionally delightful and I look forward to learning more about them in this hybrid world.
I do think that the major conflict and tension was solved early on in the story and everything that came after was just to prolong us in this world, which wasn’t a terrible thing. I’d recommend this book to those who would like to indulge in a sweet bout of comedic relief filled with fae and romance.

A romance for romantasy lovers.

Come along with Edwina Danforth, romance author extraordinaire, as she embarks on her first ever book tour, experiences the wonders and dangers of the fae isle, and makes an ill-advised bet with her rival author in a bid for a coveted publishing contract. A bet which relies heavily on skills in seduction which she unfortunately doesn’t possess, but she’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

Edwina is quirky and cozy, and she feels like someone you’d hear about as a friend of a friend or find admiring the crafts in a local bookshop. I think she’d also be friends with Emily Wilde, as they both share an interest in the fae, an appreciation for magic, and clinical calm when immersed in research.

I enjoyed the story’s cheeky self-awareness of romance reading culture. It ponders the question of what the fae would think of their portrayal in human novels, for example. As a prolific author, Edwina knows how to spot an unfortunate trope from a mile away, shows her displeasure by throwing down in a poetry battle, and scrambles for a notebook when writing inspiration strikes at random moments. It’s particularly moving to share in Edwina’s gratitude and awe at meeting fans and being able to share her stories with the world.

Also, special mention to Chapter 22. (Speechless. Stunning. We’re not taking questions at this time.)

Now, my one reservation - this book is very sex positive. Well, duh, we all read the synopsis. Adult encounters are thought about or discussed quite a lot, although the actual situations are more infrequent. I don’t share Edwina’s views on “sexual freedom” but the story has so many other charms that it was still overall a fun read.

(I'm also not a fan of dual POV, in that it spoils mysteries, or men’s ankle pants.)

Like many of the author’s other books, this story takes place in the land of Faerwyvae. However, it can be treated as entirely standalone. This is only my third foray into Faerwyvae and I didn’t feel I was missing anything at all. The end of the book also has suggestions for further reading, including other books with characters who appear in Rivalry.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

This is the cutest fantasy rom-com! If you like low stakes, cozy, and cute fantasy with some spice, this is the book for you. The banter is so fun, the romance is swoon worthy, and the characters are absolutely loveable.

I have never read a low stakes fantasy book before, so I wasn't positive how I would like this book, but it is definitely one of the best books I have read in 2024. I would recommend it to anyone who likes romantasy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with a free ARC of this book in exchange for my review.

Tessonja Odette's "A Rivalry of Hearts" is an absolute gem that masterfully blends romance, fantasy, and rivalry into a captivating and unforgettable story. This novel delivers everything a romance lover could desire, and then some.

The premise is deliciously intriguing: Edwina Danforth, a romance author renowned for her passionate tales, finds herself entangled in a risky bet in the faelands after a night of fae wine. The terms of the bet are both thrilling and nerve-wracking—she must outdo her rival, the infuriatingly handsome William Haywood, by bedding the most lovers during a month-long dueling book tour to win a coveted publishing contract.

Edwina is a wonderfully relatable heroine. Despite her talent for writing steamy romance, her actual experience is limited, making her journey all the more engaging and endearing. The stakes are high for her; failure would mean slipping back into obscurity, a fate she is determined to avoid. Her fierce determination, coupled with her vulnerability, makes her a character you can't help but root for.

Enter William Haywood, her charming and annoyingly perfect rival. William is everything Edwina is not—experienced, confident, and with a track record that speaks volumes. His reasons for winning the bet are as compelling as Edwina’s, and his presence in the story adds layers of tension and excitement. The dynamic between Edwina and William is electric, filled with witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and moments of surprising tenderness.

Odette’s writing is enchanting, drawing readers into a world where magic and romance intertwine seamlessly. The faelands setting is richly described, providing a whimsical and enchanting backdrop for the story’s events. The plot is well-paced, with each chapter bringing new developments that keep the reader eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout aspects of "A Rivalry of Hearts" is the development of Edwina and William’s relationship. What begins as a fierce rivalry gradually transforms into a deep and passionate connection. Their journey from competitors to lovers is beautifully portrayed, filled with moments of tension, humor, and heartfelt emotion.

This book is a perfect blend of fantasy and romance, with a unique plot that stands out in the genre. Tessonja Odette has crafted a story that is both fun and profound, offering readers a delightful escape into a world where love and rivalry go hand in hand. "A Rivalry of Hearts" is a must-read, earning every one of its five stars.

From the very first page, "A Rivalry of Hearts" by Tessonja Odette sweeps readers into a world brimming with magic, rivalry, and sizzling romance. The premise alone is enough to captivate any romance enthusiast: two rival writers, Edwina Danforth and William Haywood, locked in a high-stakes bet that promises passion, intrigue, and more than a few surprises.

Edwina, a romance author with a dazzling imagination but limited real-life experience, finds herself in a precarious position after a drunken bargain with the fae. The challenge? To bed the most lovers during a month-long dueling book tour, with a prestigious publishing contract hanging in the balance. The twist? Her most formidable rival and the man she’s competing against is the infuriatingly perfect William Haywood, whose charm and experience make him a formidable opponent.

Odette’s storytelling is nothing short of enchanting. The chemistry between Edwina and William is electric, their banter sharp and witty, and their interactions laced with a tantalizing blend of rivalry and undeniable attraction. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a whirlwind of emotions, from the thrill of competition to the tender moments of vulnerability and growing affection between the protagonists.

The faelands backdrop adds a delightful layer of fantasy to the narrative, enriching the plot with magical elements and whimsical settings. Odette masterfully balances the fantastical with the romantic, creating a seamless blend that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

What truly sets this novel apart is its characters. Edwina is a relatable and endearing heroine, whose journey from insecurity to confidence is both inspiring and heartwarming. William, on the other hand, is the perfect romantic lead—charming, complex, and ultimately, deeply caring. Their development throughout the story is beautifully paced and deeply satisfying.

"A Rivalry of Hearts" is a delightful read that promises to entertain and enchant. Tessonja Odette has crafted a tale that is not only about the fiery competition between two writers but also about the unexpected ways love can bloom amidst rivalry. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good romance with a dash of magic and a lot of heart. Five stars, without a doubt!

A Rivalry of Hearts was a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy. romance. William, a Fae romantic poet and Edwina, a human romance writer, find themselves on a book tour together through the fairy-world and competing for the same long term publishing contract. Whoever sells the most books gets the deal! It's enemies at first site, until, of course, it isn't, and the journey in between is just delightful!

Full of glorious banter and steam, these rivals can't stay away from each other for very long, and as they find their way to being vulnerable with each other, the tension only increases! This was 100% fun from beginning to end.

3.75 rounded up.

This book is for the ✨vibes✨ hehehe

We follow two rival authors along their book tour, one human and one fae. They journey through different fantastical realms of the Fae trying to see who will win a big publishing contract. After one night of drinking they strike up a bet to see who can bed the most lovers on their journey and THAT will now determine who gets the contract.

This is a low stakes, cozy romantic fantasy. We meet wonderful fae creatures, go along on a book tour through a magical world, see fun banter and wit, and cheer for love to win! There is some spice in this a lot of talk of sex but it is well balanced with the rest of the story.

This was a delightful novel and I’m happy I read it. My biggest complaint is that it was just too long for this type of story. I kept reaching points where I thought it was done but it just kept going.

Vibes:
Rivals to lovers
Two writers
Slooooow burn
Cozy fantasy
Fae
Meddling publicist
A bet
Fun banter

This is an incredibly light and fluffy m/f romcom set in a cozy, effortlessly queer historical fantasy world. It follows Edwina: a human romance author who has, improbably, become a best-seller on the mysterious magical isle of Faerwyvae. Outsiders are almost never allowed to visit, but Edwina is invited for a book tour and a chance at earning an incredible contract. Then her perfectly enchanting experience goes off the rails when she learns she'll be forced to share her book tour with another, rival author: an insufferable poet who insults romance novels and competes with her for that same contract.

I ADORED the first half or so of this book. It's warm, silly, and comforting, with familiar romcom beats, fun banter/competition between the two rivals, and ridiculous shenanigans. In particular, I enjoyed William so much more than I expected to: right off the bat he's introduced as a fairly standard fae love interest, dark and brooding and snarky, but something about the persona seems... false? 👀 It was a lot of fun exploring his character, his secrets and the depth he got to have. I feel like male love interests in fantasy romances are so often unrealistically and inhumanly sexy and perfect and brooding to the degree that it becomes really bland and boring; William, on the other hand, felt like a real person. Also, this is a queernorm fantasy world with a bisexual mmc plus a nonbinary secondary character!!!

The book tour was a brilliant way to showcase the beautiful world this author has dreamed up. The way that the plot kept hopping from one magical city to the next was really engaging and showed off some very fun worldbuilding, and I totally fell in love with all of the enchanting settings. I also really appreciated this book's frankness about sex. I think some people may be put off by how weirdly casual these characters are about flirting and talking openly about sex - particularly when side characters get involved and are also just as casual about it - but I found it kind of refreshing.

I did feel as though this book ran out of steam a bit in the second half. It tries to lean into its stakes and dial up the angst a bit, but it doesn't really work, because the solution to the problem is extremely clear. I also felt as though the bet that the two characters made in the beginning of the book kind of fizzles in a way that felt disappointing, because it didn't really end up mattering at all.

Ultimately, some pacing tweaks would have made this stronger, but it was really lovely, whimsical and romantic.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Thank you to Netgalley and Tessonja Odette for an ARC of A Rivalry of Hearts!
I really enjoyed this fantasy romcom! It was so cosy, and I loved immersing myself in the world of Faerwyvae. I think I've discovered that books with a fantasy/regency mishmash are my new favourite genre, and they are just so fun 😍

I fell in love with fiery, impulsive Edwina, and I loved how her rivalry with William progressed throughout the story.

I loved how fae can take a seelie and unseelie form in this book, which basically means they can choose between a human likeness or one that is animal, spiritual or elemental in nature. Daphne was a great side character, and I loved the descriptions of her in her unseelie form as a pine marten - if you don't know what a pine marten is, like I didnt, it looks like a cross between an otter and a weasel, and it's so cute!

A Rivalry of Hearts was so well written and quick to read, and it is the perfect little snacky romcom if you're looking for a fun book to sink into 😊 I'm very interested in reading more from this author! A Rivalry of Hearts will be published on the 12th of June, 2024.

Rating: 4.5

A Rivarly of Hearts is a spicy standalone fantasy romcom in the Fae Flings and Corset Strings series by @tessonja. It is about two rival writers both competing for a prestigious publishing content, each attempting to sell more books than the other whilst on tour. Unfortunate circumstances make Edwina a few days late to the tour, and therefore far behind William in sales. To make the competition fair, the pair enter a fae wine-induced bargain of hearts and seduction to determine the winner.

What a lovely surprise this one was! This book was so heartwarming and fun, and I had a blast reading it! I absolutely devoured it! This book is heavy on the romance, tension, and spice, and I loved it! It gave me exactly what I wanted and I couldn’t recommend it more.

I loved both Edwina and William, they’re both chaotic messes but they work so well together. Their witty banter and interactions had me giggling 24/7. I enjoyed that whilst this book was really lighthearted, it had the stressful undertone of the publishing contract too - they both needed it for their own valid reasons and I didn’t even know who I was rooting for, I was just hoping it would all work out!

If you’re in need of a jovial, lighthearted, rivals-to-lovers romantasy, A Rivalry of Hearts is perfect for you!

Thank you so much to the publisher and author for the eARC! I will absolutely be reading the other books in the series and checking out the author’s previous releases. SIDE NOTE: the hardcover is to die for and I’ll be needing it immediately!

Just finshed my ARC read of A Rivalry of Hearts. This was definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year! i can't wait to get my hands on my signed copy and hopefully a couple special editions!

#arivalryofhearts #faeflingsandcorsetstrings #tessonjaodette #netgalley #netgalleyreview #arcread

Oh. My. Gosh.
This was my first Tessonja book and it DELIVERED.
We are taken to the isle of Faerwyvae where we meet our adorable, quirky and strong FMC Edwina who is doing her own book tour to promote her smutty romance novels (dream, right?) However, that all gets turned on its head when she learns it’s become a joint book tour with the arrogant, yet handsome, William (our swoonworthy poet MMC.)
Full of witty and cheeky banter, laugh out loud moments, spice and incredible writing, A Rivalry of Hearts captured mine from the very first pages 😍
Fave quotes:
“Use me.” (Um, yes please)
“Bloody hell, it’s a mammoth handful.” (This had me cackling)

With all of my favourite tropes:
💫 rivals to lovers
🌸 he falls first
💫 fae bargains
🌸 forced proximity

Edwina Danforth.
Author of “smut and drivel”

William Haywood.
Poet.

They’re competing for a contract, but they’ve created a game neither once can win without also losing.

“If he wanted me to show restraint, he shouldn’t have tried to stop me.”

“I can’t help but admit his smile is the best work of art here.”

“I no longer have the luxury of denial. I’m attracted to the weirdest woman I’ve ever met.”

“The smell of books is universally loved and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise.”

“I listen to her every word with an idiotic grin on my face.”

“I can’t force her to be anyone other than who she is. Because I love who she is.”

“It crushes my heart that William considers himself inadequate just because he isn’t all-powerful.”