'Rivals To Lovers', by Elise Wayland [BOOK REVIEW]

Thank you to the author Elise Wayland, the publisher Alcove Press and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Rivals to Lovers is a contemporary romance standalone with bits of comedy and filled with literary conversations and rivalry that sets the main characters to compete for one book publishing deal. One classic novel, two authors. Just one adaptation. Mo Denton and Wes Spencer has been working on their respective books, two different reimagined versions of the famed feminist classic 'The Proud and The Lost'. Only one will be approved to publish their book - if Estelle Morgan, the author's only daughter, gives it the green light to do so. 

Estelle invites them over to the Hill, her house, to get to know both in a more informal way, and to pick - or not - the manuscript that will make it to be published and adapted. She seeks for them to tell her more about their manuscripts, to get to the roots that lie within each book and their visions and work.

"Literary Hunger Games situation. How's your archery?"

In the middle of their literary competition, something shifts in that weekend. It is undeniable the obvious attraction Wes and Mo have for each other. Since almost the very first moment they meet in person, their characters attract like magnets in every possible way. 

They quickly engage in deep literary conversations and slowly start hanging out more despite their rivalry.

But will they be able to keep their distance? To try to not to fall for your rival? To try to not engage romantically with the author you're supposed to be rivals with?

I just adored the characters so much (Mo, Wes, Estelle, Gary,..), and the author writes so beautifully.

The book has such beautiful, sharp and intriguing quotes and messages I would love to talk about them in more detail. It's an easy, enjoyable book for any lover of romance books with doses of literary references, fun and a sweet romance. If I'm to be honest, it made me tear up a bit in some moments throughout the journey of this novel. That's the magic of books - it makes you feel everything if it's crafted right.

Two bright minds that resonated and understood so well the work of Estelle Morgan's mother, both fighting for an adaptation as feelings get in the way and something that started as mutual admiration as well as rivalry blooms into an electric, dazzling chemistry. Would it be so bad if they get a bit burned in the development of this literary competition?

This book comes out 12th August this year! So stay tuned!

#RivalsToLovers #Netgalley