I really enjoyed this book! I found Tessonjas writing to be quick witted and full of humour. I definitely want to read more books by this author. She was able to perfectly execute a romantic comedy in a fantasy setting which I personally have never read before. I found it interesting how she built the world without overwhelming me. Although I am concerned how a person who has never read a fae book would picture the different cities and more contemporary setting. That truly is my only critique. Very excited for more people to get their hands on this one!

I am thoroughly, completely DELIGHTED by this book!! This cozy and slightly spicy lil historical fantasy was everything I wanted and MORE!!

Edwina, a human romance author, and William, a fae poet and actor, have to share a book tour across the land of Faerwyvae. Whoever sells the most copies of their books across the tour, wins a prestigious contract- which for Edwina means her chance to move to the isle and support herself doing what she loves, and for William means he can pay for his sister's dreams while she's still alive to reach them. The circumstances change on a night out where a new bet takes precedent- and the game of seduction and sabotage takes over.

The world of Faerwyvae is so vast and beautiful, and getting to see the different seasonal, elemental, and sky-powered courts was such a treat- it felt a little Zootopia as they traversed borders and entire climates shifted around them.

Edwina and William are two incredibly fierce, sarcastic, and bold characters. Watching them orbit around each other before realizing what they were actually feeling for one another was like watching a really really good tennis match. The way we got William's first POV of like "oh my god is she dumb is she really not picking up what i'm putting down" got me GOOOD and then it just continued to get better and better as the story progressed. My guy was down bad, and my girl was too lost in her own world to even realize. Seeing Edwina be so fully herself, completely losing focus of things around her when she gets an idea to write, and then getting to see someone be like hey, thats not your fault, I'm not doing what I should if I can't retain your attention, rather than shaming her for it was so LOVELY!!!

I truly cannot wait to see this world continue in the next book following Monty and Daphne!!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Tessonja Odette for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

3.25 ✰

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book! :)

This was such a fun and cozy fae regency romance! I really enjoyed Tessonja Odette’s writing and the world of Faerwyvae.

Our main character Edwina is a romance author that navigates the faelands for the first time to attend her book tour alongside William—a rival author. The instant banter between the two characters gave the book such a great start, and the bet they make to decide which of them will win the publishing contract at the end of the tour was a fun addition.

The progression of both the bet and their budding romance was entertaining, however I would’ve preferred more of a slow burn romance. The two characters’ feelings quickly escalated, giving us less of the banter and animosity that was present in the beginning.

Despite this, the novel was extremely amusing, and I look forward to continuing the series! Very excited for Monty and Daphne’s book.

This might be one of the best ARCs I have ever had the fortune of reading. Tessonja Odette has been on my TBR list for literal years, and this was the book that finally got me to read her work. Let me just say, after reading this book, I went and grabbed quite literally every single other novel she has ever written (can you say fixation?).

I LOVED this book. The banter, the yearning, the way he fell first AND harder, the literary theme, the adorable side characters, the immersive world. I loved it all. Knowing that this book is its own standalone but exists within a preexisting world that I can dive into with Odette’s other books also adds to the sense of this fully complete world that I am just so eager to be within! The author paints such a beautiful universe that makes you want to just jump into it and live there forever.

On the whole, I have nothing bad to say about this book. I was kicking my feet and giggling at Will and Edwina (sorry, Weenie), and their romance was adorable, believable, and steamy (!!!), just the way I liked it. I found the more tender parts, about Will’s past, Cassie, and the uncertainty of their future, to be really well-written, and I never felt like any character acted in a way that was unrealistic or infuriating to me as a reader. And don’t think I am not already on the edge of my seat for the romance teased to be in book 2 (I see you Daph and Monty!!!!!!!!). Ugh. I have no more words. It’s perfect. Cozy. Romantic. Funny. Go read it, 5⭐

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Read via netgalley and I'm so happy I got to read this book!! I will be checking out the authors backlog now.
A fae/human love story
He falls first!!!
Academic rivals, a bet of seduction and a touch of hate to love (on her part)
Dual POV but less of his than hers unfortunately
Loveable side characters
A beautiful setting
Sooo much tension. Cute moments and banter.
I really enjoyed this authors writing style and the way the story unfolded. She created really great characters and tension filled moments.
I loved this book and I hope everyone else does too.
If you loved divine rivals and enjoyed Emily Wilde: then this book is for you

I LOVED THIS BOOK!

An enemies to lovers about the book publishing world with fantasy ánd regency themes? Sign me up! I loved the fae worldbuilding and am now very interested in reading more of Odette's world, because it sounds absolutely amazing.

The romance was very well done, the third act break up actually didn't make me angry for once and I NEED THAT STORY OF DAPHNE AND MONTY NOW!

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions!

The main characters in the story are Edwina and William. 
Edwina is an author of spicy romance books. She’s human but in the stories she writes the characters are also fae. William is a fae and he's an author of poetry books. 
Edwina’s book tour doesn’t start in the way she expected and she discover soon not only that she has to split it with another author, William, but also that, at the end of the tour, there’s the possibility for one of them to win an important contract. 
The rivalry between Edwina and William and the final prize will lead them to make a very special bargain. But things are not going to evolve the way they think.

Firstly, I liked so much the world in which the story is set. All the locations, the descriptions of the different places and cities, the differences between the isle where the fae live and the human world. These differences are visible also in the way the think, dress, etc. and it seems that fae are much more evolved in mentality while, in some case, humans behaviors and ways of thinking reminds me the regency epoch.

I loved Edwina and William. I really enjoyed their interactions. I laughed a lot, I was very excited and I felt a lot of emotions. I liked that the story has the POV of both of them. It’s something that gave me the possibility to empathize and to understand better their feelings. Their story engaged me a lot and I also cried.

I know this is a romance, that the final should be predictable but it entertained me so much and made me have a great time. I wouldn't change anything in this book. I loved everything from the beginning to the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the eARC.

3.7 Stars
One Liner: Lighthearted but could have been shorter

Romance author Edwina Danforth needs the book contract from a publisher in Faerwyvae. After all, her books have a greater readership in the fae land than in the human world. However, William Haywood, a handsome fae and poet, popped up as her rival.
Drunk on a fae substance, Edwina manages to make a bet with William. Whoever loses will have to give up their claim for the publishing contract. Both are determined to win but turns out there’s a lot more at stake. What happens when the rivals fall for each other?
The story comes in Edwina’s first-person POV with a few chapters from William’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
As the original blurb suggests, this is a steamy romance with enemies-to-lovers trope. It has a historical fantasy setting with a human FMC and a fae MMC. I’d put it somewhere around the Regency and Victorian eras, though the rules in fae land are different.
The book starts with a short note and a list of content warnings. I appreciate this. The themes have been handled with a light touch, but still, a list would help some readers.
Now, the first section is solid. I loved the introduction of the characters and the banter between the lead couple. We also get two colored illustrations, which makes it easy to visualize them. They are not perfect and continue to make mistakes. But they also realize and acknowledge the mistakes, so that’s nice.
The last section is again quite good despite the third-act breakup. There’s one conversation between two women which I liked a lot. It’s evident that the character arcs have been planned with care to not bring sudden and contradictory changes.
However, I wish the book was tighter in the middle. After the initial 30%, the pacing dips drastically until about 70%. Though we get new insights about the main characters, it feels like the story is going nowhere. There’s only so much banter and sexy talk one can read.
Still, I like that the characters take time to jump into ‘action’. There is still steamy talk and some scenes (with other characters). Some of it is almost presented in a clinical approach, which is fun to read.
I like it when the MMC also gets a POV. However, here, it is limited to his feelings for the FMC. The POV could have added more depth to his personality. A lost chance, IMO.
The side characters are fun. Daphne, Monty, Zane, and Cassie add to the story’s charm. They have distinct personalities and some depth.
The setting gives mixed vibes. It is not detailed enough to imagine everything but manages to paint a decent picture. Apparently, the setting is from another series (and a couple of characters have been in other books). Kinda standalone with a bit of crossover stuff. This may not work for everyone.
The ending is cute. There’s a bonus epilogue which is actually a teaser for the next book. For a change, I don’t mind this as I want to read their story.

To summarize, A Rivalry of Hearts is a fluffy, cute, and spicy romance if you want a low-stakes cozy fantasy. Despite the minor issues, I'm excited to read the next book with D and M.
Thank you, NetGalley, Crystal Moon Press, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is everything. How do you describe the most perfect fae romance this year?

When i got accepted for the ARC of this via Netgalley I had high expectations and then when my booksta friends read it before me and hyped it up I knew I was in for a treat. I never imagined I would find a new favorite. Tessonja is now an auto buy author for me.

Edwina is a romance author who is traveling the Isle of Faerwyvae to promote her new book. She is put on the tour with the obnoxious William who is a poet and fae. The two start as rivals, but when they make a bet to find lovers they realize they can't fight the sexual tension between them. They have an electric chemistry that will leave you wanting more.

This is a love story to romantasy. It was perfection. The diversity in this book is so special. This had sex-positive characters with consent and communication during the love scenes. There's a nonbinary side character who uses they/them pronouns, and a disabled character with a chronic illness.

"Position me however you want and I'll make sure it's for more than academic study. I'll let you find out exactly what touch you like best, what position, and then I'll without it from you. I'll tese you, torment you, until you're begging me, whimpering and whining like one of your blushing heroines."

throbbing member


Tropes and reason to read this book
-Cosy cottagecore vibes
-Many different courts which keep the book interesting (I loved learning about the different parts of Faerwyvae)
-Steamy chemistry
-He falls first
-Diverse cast
-Representation
-Fae romance
-Fae bargains
-Dual pov
-Cosy fantasy/historical romance
-Rivals to lovers
-Forced proximity
-Cute nicknames (Weenie and Willy)
-Touch her and

I loved Edwina and William! So so good!
Extremely good and interesting slow burn 🔥 I also love Fae and so that was the perfect fit for me. I enjoyed it so much.

Simply STUNNING!
Rivals to lovers in which Jane Austen meets The Hating Game. It's my perfect combination

***** 5 Stars!

First I would like to thank Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for allowing me to read an arc of this amazing book!

I absolutely adored a Rivalry of Hearts! This was a book that I couldn’t seem to put down, from the moment I started it I was totally charmed and utterly captivated! I absolutely enjoyed the witty banter between the two characters and the instant chemistry that was smoldering between them. Edwina and William were so adorable, I loved seeing how their relationship slowly began to form during the story; it made for a very interesting, sweet and complex romance between the two of them. I also appreciated the Anne and Gilbert vibes the story had!

The world building was another thing I enjoyed about this story; it was all so well written and I felt as if I was able to see the world so perfectly in my mind. It was all so descriptive and well detailed, as were the rest of the characters in the story as well. I can honestly say that I loved every single character introduced into this story.

This is a book I would highly recommend if you’re looking for a sweet and cozy unique Regency/Fantasy romance! I can’t wait to read more books by this author, I’m completely hooked!

This was fun, sexy, and really pulled on all the feels! Edwina is a romance author, and she's late for her book tour due to circumstances outside of her control. William is a poet who has been able to maximize on her misfortune and join this tour, benefitting from starting it alone.

As they get to know one another, they develop a banter that is purely wonderful, despite hating each other at first sight. Their back and forth is fueled by those around them, and they continue to find themselves alone together. Of course, a bet of seduction after a night of debauchery doesn't help that score either.

This was truly witty and heartwarming.

Imagine this: A story that carries all of the charm of Divine Rivals and blends that with the wit and Whimsy of an afternoon strolling around the Ton with the Bridgertons - that is A Rivalry of Hearts. In my opinion, this book was the perfect blend of cozy fantasy and historical romance. I laughed out loud with enough frequency that my husband stopped me to ask what was so funny... the banter was absolutely perfect. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants low-stakes, cozy vibes with lovable characters and easy to follow world building. The writing was flawless. I forced myself to read slower because I enjoyed hanging out with these characters so much.


Details to consider:
- Spicy
- Cozy fantasy/historical romance
- Dual POV
- Witty banter
- Simple world-building
- Rivals to Lovers
- MMC falls first
- Forced Proximity
- Touch her and X
- Magical bets
- Silly nicknames

I received an eARC from NetGalley/Victory Editing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. Thank you for the opportunity to read this early!

Tessonja did it again! I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I finished it!

The book centers on Edwina, a romance author, going on book tour. She finds out when she gets there that she is sharing the spotlight with William, and rivalry and chemistry ensue.

This book blends regency era and fae world together for a magical ride!

first of all, thank you to netgalley and victory editing netgalley co-op for the eARC of this book!

bridgerton meets a fantasy world/divine rivals. enemies to lovers. he falls first. basically everything that i look for in a good rom-com.

i absolutely ADORED this book. this was the first book i had ever read by tessonja odette, but now i’m eager for this series to continue w monty and daphne’s story and to go back and read her previous works. the banter and competition between edwina and william was IMPECCABLE. watching them go from rivals and making their bet together to realizing their deeper, more complex feelings for each other was such a satisfying journey. what started off as a ferocious competition for a publishing contract on a book tour became much more complicated once feelings developed on both ends. both protagonists were forced to grapple with the question of what is more important: a publishing deal (which comes with its own deeper benefits and necessities on edwina’s and will’s sides) or a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime love? can one of them win the contract without severing their connection?

overall, i enjoyed this book from start to finish. if you’re looking for a good romcom that’ll have you giggling and kicking your feet, this is the one for you. five stars!!

Thank you Netgalley and the author for this ARC of A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette.

What a fun rompus read to kick off the summer reading season! The story gives MAJOR Bridgerton meets Cozy Fantasy vibes.

Pick this up if you love reading books about books, enemies to lovers, and cozy fantasy!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Oh my god! I am in love! This book! I feel like I want to go back to the start and re-read it all over again.

Edwina is a romance author who is human and touring Faerwyvae on her book tour. Yet with her journey delayed she discovers the book tour will be shared with smug arrogant poet Fae William. What’s worse is she discovers that both her and William are competing to win a publishing contract. Both have important reasons they need that contract and end up come up with a deal to see who can seduce the most people to win the contract.

This book has everything, enemies to lovers, great humour, great world building and the perfect amount of spice. I adored every minute reading about these two characters. The humour and sarcasm was on point. I loved the fantasy world that is the background to their story and honestly spend most of the time laughing, blushing or kicking my little feet. The book instantly drew me in, I loved the writing style and the dual perspectives made the story even better. Being able to see both point of views added to the story. I am now going to have to go and buy everything this author writes.

I really enjoyed this fun fantasy rom com. Set in a regency style time, with an independent female protagonist that shuns the expectations of the time, this gas light fantasy features rivals to lovers, slow burn spice and forced proximity as some of its key tropes.

This story follows Edwina, a human romance writer, travelling to the fae isles for her first book tour, and William, a fae poet who has been tagged on to the tour. After a rocky first meeting the pair find themselves competing for a life changing book deal based on the sales made in this tour. However, after one too many drinks and not feeling secure in her sales after a less than ideal start to her tour, Edwina enters into a magically binding bet with William - whoever seduces the most people on the tour wins and the other must forfeit the contract if offered it.

The rivalry of the pair is the driving force of this novel, their motivation to get one up in the other, verbally sparring and constant chemistry always driving the plot forward. While Edwina is very much as she seems, never shying away or being willing to compromise her ideals, it is William who we get to learn more about throughout the story, especially through chapters in his pov. Getting to see things from Williams perspective every now and added depth that I enjoyed.

I adored this book. I love anything that takes place in the “writing/publishing” world and this one was brilliantly done. With magical elements, moments that made me literally laugh out loud, and romance, this book was so enjoyable and I flew through it! Edwina and William are such real, flawed characters. This was my first Tessonja Odette book and I’m a fan for life.