The 3 Books I’ve Read So Far
1. These Violent Delights. I started this book at the end of November but didn’t finish it until January 1st. I had various things going on (finals, graduation, holidays), but I did think the pacing was a little slow. Really intriguing book though!
2. You Deserve Each Other. I listened to this as an audiobook of the course of two days and it was okay. It’s not one of my favorite books I’ve ever read, but the plot was new to me and the narrator was pretty good.
3. Divine Rivals. Let’s just say that this book is hyped up for a reason haha. The romance was so sweet and I was a big fan of seeing Iris work as a writer and then see how she got involved with the war. I’m also a sucker for a good penpal trope, and this book exceeded my expectations!
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Okay, bookworms, let's talk about Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, because seriously, the hype is REAL! I'm still swooning over this book, and a huge part of why it resonated so much with me is how brilliantly it executes some of my all-time favorite tropes. If you're wondering what kind of magic and war historical fiction awaits you, let me break down the romantic elements that made this a five-star read for me. First up, let's gush about the penpal trope. Oh, how I adore it! There's something so incredibly intimate and pure about two people falling in love through letters, unaware of each other's true identities or rivalries. In Divine Rivals, Iris and Roman's epistolary romance is just *chef's kiss*. Their letters start off as a way to cope with the horrors of war, but quickly evolve into a deep, soul-baring connection. I loved watching their understanding and affection grow with each shared word, creating a slow-burn tension that had me racing through the pages. It's a testament to the power of communication and finding solace in unexpected places. It made me wish I had a magical typewriter to exchange letters with someone across dimensions! Then, we have the enemies/rivals-to-lovers trope, which is expertly woven into the narrative. Iris and Roman begin as fierce competitors at the Gazette, vying for the same prestigious columnist position. Their initial interactions are sharp, witty, and full of underlying tension, which is exactly what I look for in this trope! But as the story unfolds and they're thrown into increasingly perilous situations, their animosity slowly melts away, revealing layers of respect, vulnerability, and undeniable attraction. What makes it even better is the delicious irony that they're unknowingly falling for each other through their letters while still being rivals in real life. The forced proximity and shared experiences during the war truly accelerate their journey from rivals to something much, much deeper. And let's not forget the captivating backdrop of magic and war historical fiction. This isn't just a romance; it's a beautifully crafted world where gods clash, war rages, and ancient magic permeates everything. This setting elevates the tropes immensely. The urgency and danger of the war add stakes to Iris and Roman's relationship, making every moment of connection feel precious and hard-won. The magical elements aren't just window dressing; they're integral to the plot and the characters' journeys, influencing their decisions and shaping their destinies. It’s not often you find such a perfect blend of high-stakes fantasy, historical context, and a swoon-worthy romance. The world-building made their story feel epic and unforgettable. Honestly, Divine Rivals is a masterclass in combining beloved tropes with a fresh, compelling setting. If you're a fan of emotional depth, intricate world-building, and romances that make you believe in fate, you absolutely have to pick this one up. It truly exceeded all my expectations!
