A Rivalry of Hearts: A Tale of Love, Conflict, and Redemption
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A realm where love and rivalry collide, where hearts are tested and passions run high. Tessonja Odette’s latest novel, “A Rivalry of Hearts” beckons readers into a world where emotions swirl like a tempest brewing in the sky.
Romance author Edwina Danforth is from the human town of Bretton. When she gains popularity with the Fae, she embarks on a book tour (one she is two weeks late for) to sign books and meet her fans. Finally catching up to her publicist, Monty Phillips. Monty explains to Edwina that she has gained a tour mate just in case she missed any more stops.
Enter William Haywood, a fae rival to put in no uncertain terms that’s an arrogant douchebag! Well, at least that’s the way he opens. He is a poet who thinks of himself as supremely elegant while Edwina is penning scintillating tales that he considers “smut and drivel”. He’s incredibly cocky (and did I mention ARROGANT). And, despite the severely lacking personality, he is incredibly handsome. Edwina can’t overlook this piece of information no matter how much she wants to. It is no wonder that they end up being rival writers.
Title: A Rivalry of Hearts
Author: Tessonja Odette
Genre: Historical Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Star Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice Rating: 2 chili peppers
At the heart of the narrative lies a pivotal moment where William, fueled by his determination to succeed, goads Edwina into a high-stakes dueling book tour contest. With a coveted publishing contract dangling before them. The victor of the book tour secures a three-book deal, earning them a prestigious contract outright.
“Am I fucking swooning is swooning a real thing?”
William ignites a spark of rivalry, challenging Edwina to prove her mettle in a battle of talent and wits. For William failure means plummeting his sister into the workhouses to pay off their debt. For Edwina, it means finally living her dream and standing on her own two feet. As tensions rise and emotions flare, the intense dynamics between these two formidable characters draw readers in, as each character is driven by their ambitions and desires.
I don’t read a lot of romantic comedies (my side of the tracks tends to come with content warnings that will give you pause). That isn’t to say that I don’t enjoy what may be considered light and fluffy romance books, just less often and in other formats like movies. I tend to pick up books based solely on the cover. Needing to go in blind so that it doesn’t skew my reviews. My imagination vastly exceeds what I expected of A Rivalry of Hearts.
It turned out to be the perfect time to start rom-coms when Tessonja sent me an email requesting that I review her latest adult novel, which is part of her Fae Flings and Corset Strings series. side note I own Tessonja’s other series like Fair Isle Trilogy and her Entangled with Fae series, and I have no clue why I haven’t read it sooner. I need to rectify that immediately!
The Isle of Faerwyvae stands as the sole habitation of fae in the world. Fae rule unites the Isle, where humans and fae coexist. Faerwyvae’s protection lies in a barrier of fae magic. Fae never venture beyond the Isle’s borders, while humans are strictly regulated in their crossings.
“It scares me that humans can be so fragile” he whispers, his eyes locked on mine. “I never thought I’d love one-“
It is easy to get lost in the pages of A Rivalry of Hearts, (despite my initial annoyance with William) finding myself devouring the book in a little over a day. The writing was beautiful only aiding in the story being easily consumed. This historical fantasy romance is reminiscent of the great Jane Austen with a fae twist that is standard for fantasy romance novels.
Edwina is smart, quirky, and witty. I couldn’t get enough of her. I love how she has a retort for everything that William says to her. While she is prideful, she knows what she wants and goes after it. She is self-aware realizing when she makes mistakes and owning up to those mistakes without any issue. These traits add to my love for Edwina. That and her contact inner monologue lol (iykyk). Although I would have like more of her backstory then the basics. We know she comes from money and would have something to fall back on if she didn’t get the publishing contract. But nothing more than that.
While I did have a disdain for William in the first few chapters “A Rivalry of Hearts”, I have to admit he grew on me. He is flirty and his smirks have a hold on me. I can just visualize the upturn of the corner of his mouth. As “A Rivalry of Hearts” unfolds, he too unfolds. Learning his backstory, loosening up, and developing into a great character. You see another thoughtful caring side to him. That is different than the character he is constantly putting on.
“I will come back,” I say. “I will always come back. It’s safe to let me go a little, and it’s safe to follow your dreams as well.”
The story itself was layered and complex without being overly so. Setting the stage for a follow-up book throughout the pages and not just in the latter half the way some books do it. It is just so cute. There is a natural flow to the worlds that lends great charm to the story with a romance that you can see coming from a mile away (although they both are fighting it tooth and nail) and plot twists that you don’t see. You spend your time smiling and swooning at the warm and cozy nature of the story.
What stood out to me was how the intensity of William and Edwina’s rivalry didn’t diminish even as their love blossomed. Their unwavering determination to secure the contract persisted, rooted in their individual aspirations and dreams. Despite their deepening feelings for each other, the drive to succeed remained unwavering. Rather than dissipating, their mutual respect and support only strengthened over time. Even when one emerged victorious, there was no hint of animosity; instead, a profound sense of admiration and encouragement prevailed, lending authenticity to their journey and adding layers of depth to their evolving relationship.
“I’m falling for you, That’s my reason.”
So, after talking about the romance you’re wondering if it is steamy? And yes it is, but not overtly so. It has some spicy scenes (at one point William and Edwina are in a sex hall watching everyone *for research lol* But there aren’t a lot of those scenes within the pages of A Rivalry of Hearts. The story feels more about the development of their love versus being a smut book.
Do you have to read this in order with Tessonja’s other series like the Entangled with Fae or Fair Isle trilogy? No, you don’t. This series is all on its own and even those series you can read in any order you want. There’s no overarching plot. Not spoiling anything for any future or previous books in those series.
Overall, I loved the story. It was cute, romantic, and enchanting. With hints of fantasy elements that will entice not only romance readers but fantasy readers alike. A Rivalry of Hearts releases June 12, 2024, and is available now for preorder on Amazon’s Kindle. It will also be available on Kindle Unlimited if you have a subscription. If you are one for enemies-to-lovers romance, a historical setting for a fantasy novel, or an all-around good romantic time, please add A Rivalry of Hearts to your TBR this June!
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