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Rivals
Art is the beast between reality and insanity. You either feed it or let it kill you.
Lachlan
I chose not to let it kill me by making my own way against the wishes of my father and his empire. The meaning of love changed when he decided I no longer exist.
But I learned a new definition the moment I was forced to work with my rival. She saw the shattered little boy alone in the dark, and I saw a woman born in it.
Revna
I chose to let it consume me. I had nothing and no one. Art is the one thing that is mine. Life is full of choices, sometimes we don’t know the good from the bad, and I couldn’t tell the difference through my drug colored glasses. I survived in the dark for so long I had forgotten to look for the light. But everything changed when I had no choice to work with the man that had become my rival. Ive never used the word Love towards anyone because no one had ever deserved it. And I never thought I would give it to the man I hate the most.
But together, we would find a way to walk to the light.
Lachlan
I chose not to let it kill me by making my own way against the wishes of my father and his empire. The meaning of love changed when he decided I no longer exist.
But I learned a new definition the moment I was forced to work with my rival. She saw the shattered little boy alone in the dark, and I saw a woman born in it.
Revna
I chose to let it consume me. I had nothing and no one. Art is the one thing that is mine. Life is full of choices, sometimes we don’t know the good from the bad, and I couldn’t tell the difference through my drug colored glasses. I survived in the dark for so long I had forgotten to look for the light. But everything changed when I had no choice to work with the man that had become my rival. Ive never used the word Love towards anyone because no one had ever deserved it. And I never thought I would give it to the man I hate the most.
But together, we would find a way to walk to the light.
- GenresForced Proximity
580 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2024
5 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Myel
12 books58 followersJessica was born and raised in the Midwest. After acquiring a bachelor's in Marketing and a Masters in Biblical Studies many years later, she realized her calling was writing.
Her passion for words and finding her voice creates deep and emotional writing in various romantic subgenres. When she's not writing, she's drinking matcha, coffee, or both with her head buried in a book.
Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok! @jessicamyelauthor
Her passion for words and finding her voice creates deep and emotional writing in various romantic subgenres. When she's not writing, she's drinking matcha, coffee, or both with her head buried in a book.
Follow me on Instagram and Tik Tok! @jessicamyelauthor
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 30, 2023
Doesn’t art make you fall in love? Bring out your deepest desires?
You will fall in love with Revna and Lachlan. Their passion will burn you up! From enemies to lovers. These two are 🥵.
In a Brooklyn community college where these two study art lies a competition that will test them both. Gothic architecture is the inspiration. A trip to Italy and getting their art recognized is the prize. Will they make it?
From financial freedom, mental stability, and passion are all laid out on the line. When you’re stuck, the weight of the world is heavy and you are falling is there someone to pick up your pieces?
This was such an easy read for me. Heavy, but easy. I flew through it and ate up every word! Maybe it’s because I’m an empath but I felt every emotion between these two characters like I was experiencing it right along next to them.
If you’ve ever struggled with drug abuse, depression, or maybe both check those triggers!
You will fall in love with Revna and Lachlan. Their passion will burn you up! From enemies to lovers. These two are 🥵.
In a Brooklyn community college where these two study art lies a competition that will test them both. Gothic architecture is the inspiration. A trip to Italy and getting their art recognized is the prize. Will they make it?
From financial freedom, mental stability, and passion are all laid out on the line. When you’re stuck, the weight of the world is heavy and you are falling is there someone to pick up your pieces?
This was such an easy read for me. Heavy, but easy. I flew through it and ate up every word! Maybe it’s because I’m an empath but I felt every emotion between these two characters like I was experiencing it right along next to them.
If you’ve ever struggled with drug abuse, depression, or maybe both check those triggers!
December 30, 2023
Thank you so much Jessica for this ARC!
This book was so beautiful 😭
Lachlan and Revna start as rivals at an art school, conscious of each other and their work while keeping their distance because they recognize they're each other's real competition. As the story progresses, we see their struggles, their darkness, while also seeing their talent and what it costs for them to get where they are, both together and in their personal life situations.
I was sobbing with them, falling in love, hurting, angry, frustrated, everything you can think of 😭🖤
Can I get a Lachlan for myself in real life? I want to be somebody's muse 🖤
📚 Rivals to Lovers
📚 He Falls First
📚 Touch Her and Die
📚 Dark Romance
This book was so beautiful 😭
Lachlan and Revna start as rivals at an art school, conscious of each other and their work while keeping their distance because they recognize they're each other's real competition. As the story progresses, we see their struggles, their darkness, while also seeing their talent and what it costs for them to get where they are, both together and in their personal life situations.
I was sobbing with them, falling in love, hurting, angry, frustrated, everything you can think of 😭🖤
Can I get a Lachlan for myself in real life? I want to be somebody's muse 🖤
📚 Rivals to Lovers
📚 He Falls First
📚 Touch Her and Die
📚 Dark Romance
April 22, 2024
Rivals... words are hard to find. Ending 2023 with Lachlan and Revna is something I am so grateful for. This story is raw, deep, dark but also beautiful and full of love, of hopes and sweetness. Lachlan and Revna are two lost and broken souls fighting to find their peace and light at the end of the tunnel. A light they so deserve to find.
This book isn't sugarcoated, it's what real life can be made of. I shared with these characters tears, soft smiles, sweetness, heartaches and happiness. It's the kind of book, of story, that hits your soul in the worst and best way possible. It's a story i'll carry close to my heart and soul forever. Lachlan and Revna deserve love and happiness. These characters felt so real. They are someone we all can relate to somehow.
This book talks about mental illness and how dirty and dark it can get but also how important it is to fight for yourself through it. It talks about drug uses and addictions, suicide attempt, rape, terrible things that the world is unfortunatly made of but it also talk about getting through it, getting better step by step, knowing you deserve to get better and heal and getting there with its ups and downs.
It also talks about art and how it can own your soul and how when you find that one person in the world that is made for you it's okay to start over and build your own family from the ground up.
It's about taking everything ugly, beautiful and in between and getting through life with that.
Lachlan and Revna are worth meeting. I loved meeting them and feeling all the things with them, every bit of it.
Lachlan and Revna shows you that no matter how dark it gets, how heavy things get and how hard it can sometimes be, you're not a vilain for struggling through life, you're just human and you are worth of so much love and softness through it all.
Thanks Jessica for this book. Can't wait for the next one 🤍
This book isn't sugarcoated, it's what real life can be made of. I shared with these characters tears, soft smiles, sweetness, heartaches and happiness. It's the kind of book, of story, that hits your soul in the worst and best way possible. It's a story i'll carry close to my heart and soul forever. Lachlan and Revna deserve love and happiness. These characters felt so real. They are someone we all can relate to somehow.
This book talks about mental illness and how dirty and dark it can get but also how important it is to fight for yourself through it. It talks about drug uses and addictions, suicide attempt, rape, terrible things that the world is unfortunatly made of but it also talk about getting through it, getting better step by step, knowing you deserve to get better and heal and getting there with its ups and downs.
It also talks about art and how it can own your soul and how when you find that one person in the world that is made for you it's okay to start over and build your own family from the ground up.
It's about taking everything ugly, beautiful and in between and getting through life with that.
Lachlan and Revna are worth meeting. I loved meeting them and feeling all the things with them, every bit of it.
Lachlan and Revna shows you that no matter how dark it gets, how heavy things get and how hard it can sometimes be, you're not a vilain for struggling through life, you're just human and you are worth of so much love and softness through it all.
Thanks Jessica for this book. Can't wait for the next one 🤍
January 16, 2024
Oh wow this is a hefty book it's long but honestly such a good story!!! The story was so so beautifully written it just drew me in 100%
Lachlan and Revna wow where do I start with these two! They are rivals at an art school, they know they both have so much talent and they are very aware of each other's work but keep their distance. Only when their world collides it goes off big time and you are caught in the middle of it. As the story progresses you find yourself just feeling more and more pain for them and their struggles, their darkness, both their personal lives are not the best. I was actually full on sobbing in some places whilst reading this book, the way they fall in love whilst still hurting and being angry at the world was just urgh!!!! This books talks about Mental Health in all its ugly glory and boy does it hit in some places as I suffer myself it just hurt reading the emotions that these two go through, it never ever sugar coats this is what real life is and what people with mental health go through daily and honesty I was so sucked in at times I knew I needed to just take breaks while reading this. Honestly so beautifully written it's stunning.
Again there are triggers in this book such as rape, suicide attempts, drug use, and drug addictions, so please be aware. These two show you that no matter how dark it gets and how life can just be so heavy on your back that you're not alone and you never are a bad person for just struggling with daily life it shows that we're all human and that you're worth so much more and that you're worthy of love ❤️
Lachlan and Revna wow where do I start with these two! They are rivals at an art school, they know they both have so much talent and they are very aware of each other's work but keep their distance. Only when their world collides it goes off big time and you are caught in the middle of it. As the story progresses you find yourself just feeling more and more pain for them and their struggles, their darkness, both their personal lives are not the best. I was actually full on sobbing in some places whilst reading this book, the way they fall in love whilst still hurting and being angry at the world was just urgh!!!! This books talks about Mental Health in all its ugly glory and boy does it hit in some places as I suffer myself it just hurt reading the emotions that these two go through, it never ever sugar coats this is what real life is and what people with mental health go through daily and honesty I was so sucked in at times I knew I needed to just take breaks while reading this. Honestly so beautifully written it's stunning.
Again there are triggers in this book such as rape, suicide attempts, drug use, and drug addictions, so please be aware. These two show you that no matter how dark it gets and how life can just be so heavy on your back that you're not alone and you never are a bad person for just struggling with daily life it shows that we're all human and that you're worth so much more and that you're worthy of love ❤️
December 31, 2023
📕 ARC Review of 𝑹𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒔 by Jessica Myel @jessicamyelauthor
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book quickly become one of my top reads of 2023. It’s a hauntingly beautiful love story between Lachlan and Revna that gripped me from the start. Jessica has done a brilliant job of taking issues with mental health and drug use and creating characters that make you feel everything they’re going through. It’s definitely heavier than most books I’ve read but I couldn’t get enough of these two, their story just felt so real.
Lachlan and Revna start off as enemies in the art world but have to come together to work due to circumstances. Once stuck with each other they start to discover maybe the other isn’t as horrible as they originally thought. However both are dealing with past issues that make it hard to move forward.
I honestly could feel the pain these characters were going through and how difficult their struggles were … but I could also feel the love they shared and how they were each others light out of the darkness.
Lachlan ♥️ most definitely stole my heart in this story, even though he was dealing with so much he was always there for Revna. I love it when he falls first, and his nickname for her “little bird” 🫠I will admit I started this book because I was looking forward to the spice but in the end it was Lachlan and Revna’s story that had me turning the pages.
Please read the TW first as there is talk of drug use, depression, child abuse, self loathing, and abandonment issues.
Favourite Quotes:
“Let go for me, little bird. Give me all of you. I know you want to. I can see it in your eyes. Let me give you what I know you need.”
“And I don’t care if I have to carry all your pieces. You are mine. I refuse to let you go, even if you want to run from me. Because I will chase you to the ends of the Earth for the rest of our lives, if I have to.”
“Together or not at all, little bird. I need you.”
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book quickly become one of my top reads of 2023. It’s a hauntingly beautiful love story between Lachlan and Revna that gripped me from the start. Jessica has done a brilliant job of taking issues with mental health and drug use and creating characters that make you feel everything they’re going through. It’s definitely heavier than most books I’ve read but I couldn’t get enough of these two, their story just felt so real.
Lachlan and Revna start off as enemies in the art world but have to come together to work due to circumstances. Once stuck with each other they start to discover maybe the other isn’t as horrible as they originally thought. However both are dealing with past issues that make it hard to move forward.
I honestly could feel the pain these characters were going through and how difficult their struggles were … but I could also feel the love they shared and how they were each others light out of the darkness.
Lachlan ♥️ most definitely stole my heart in this story, even though he was dealing with so much he was always there for Revna. I love it when he falls first, and his nickname for her “little bird” 🫠I will admit I started this book because I was looking forward to the spice but in the end it was Lachlan and Revna’s story that had me turning the pages.
Please read the TW first as there is talk of drug use, depression, child abuse, self loathing, and abandonment issues.
Favourite Quotes:
“Let go for me, little bird. Give me all of you. I know you want to. I can see it in your eyes. Let me give you what I know you need.”
“And I don’t care if I have to carry all your pieces. You are mine. I refuse to let you go, even if you want to run from me. Because I will chase you to the ends of the Earth for the rest of our lives, if I have to.”
“Together or not at all, little bird. I need you.”
January 15, 2024
Arc Review ⭐️ I’ve just finished rivals which is an enemies to lovers dark romance. Lachlan and Revna are two artists that are enemies in art school, this book deals with heavy subjects such as Depression and drug use so be conscious of the triggers that are ahead. It was such a beautifully written book
March 20, 2024
4.5 Stars - Some books you just feel the love the author put into the research and characters. I was completely engrossed in the art creation and appreciation throughout the book. I absolutely burned through this book despite its length. However, it's not all sunshine—there are serious topics like mental health and drug abuse included, so check TWs before delving in.
January 1, 2024
I truly have not read a book quite like Rivals. Lachlan and Revna are beautifully wounded people. Two different people who grew up with two very different life styles but share the similarity of wanting to leave there version of a legacy in the art realm. The artistry in the book was fascinating, I was able to feel the emotion when they were creating and learn about different artisty things. Lachlan and Revna are true rivals and I think that is what made them coming together as partners that much more toxic and fueled there art and compassion. Then when feeling for each other come along it all has an obscured beauty about it that makes there story such a intriguing journey to read. My favorite thing about Lachlan and Revna is the mental health representation reading them both have the struggle of depression and anxiety felt so relatable and it was prevalent through the whole book they both weren’t magically cured by there love for each other it made there story more real. And in all the darkness there is beautiful moments and wonderful places that Lachlan and Revna travel to and share with each other. They get a HEA that is so fitting for them so I encourage you to read their story always check your triggers and enjoy the artistry that is RIVALS.
January 15, 2024
2.5⭐️
Rivals by Jessica Myel is a dark romance, artist rivals, which sounds interesting. While the plot is unique and never seen before, something about it didn’t hit the mark for me. I really don’t know what it was. The book layout in itself is beautiful. All the artwork within the book was gorgeous, and it’s one of the first things you see when starting the book. This book was also incredibly long to the point I started skimming, so I feel like it could’ve gone through some more edits to cut it down. Revna and Lachlan were definitely enemies to lovers. I will give the author that! Lastly, this book reads like a wattpad book. This is not an insult, trust. But, the mannerisms and inner dialogue/ descriptions read like a wattpad book. At times, it did make it easier to read, but it threw me off. There were certain times like when the characters would get dressed, and it started to almost be overly described. Not overly, but it was just a bit too specific. I really don’t know how to explain it but the way the book read was throwing me off. I think at time it became too repetitive. But, according to Goodreads, a lot of the authors' other books have a 4.0 average rating, so I might try those!
*Thank you Jessica Myel and her team for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
Rivals by Jessica Myel is a dark romance, artist rivals, which sounds interesting. While the plot is unique and never seen before, something about it didn’t hit the mark for me. I really don’t know what it was. The book layout in itself is beautiful. All the artwork within the book was gorgeous, and it’s one of the first things you see when starting the book. This book was also incredibly long to the point I started skimming, so I feel like it could’ve gone through some more edits to cut it down. Revna and Lachlan were definitely enemies to lovers. I will give the author that! Lastly, this book reads like a wattpad book. This is not an insult, trust. But, the mannerisms and inner dialogue/ descriptions read like a wattpad book. At times, it did make it easier to read, but it threw me off. There were certain times like when the characters would get dressed, and it started to almost be overly described. Not overly, but it was just a bit too specific. I really don’t know how to explain it but the way the book read was throwing me off. I think at time it became too repetitive. But, according to Goodreads, a lot of the authors' other books have a 4.0 average rating, so I might try those!
*Thank you Jessica Myel and her team for an arc in exchange for an honest review*
January 15, 2024
Lachlan and Revna start as academic rivals who are competing for MoMA.
They both struggle emotionally in their way. Revna has insecurities that no one wants her because her parents don't want her. She deals with that trauma of her life while focusing on the competition. Unfortunately, she gets paired up with her academic rival Lachlan whom she hates.
Lachlan, whose family disowned her because he chose art as his career and wanted to win this competition badly. When Revna and Lachlan end up together, they are forced to spend time together to win the competition. The lines blur between them and unexpectedly they fall in love with each other.
They both struggle emotionally in their way. Revna has insecurities that no one wants her because her parents don't want her. She deals with that trauma of her life while focusing on the competition. Unfortunately, she gets paired up with her academic rival Lachlan whom she hates.
Lachlan, whose family disowned her because he chose art as his career and wanted to win this competition badly. When Revna and Lachlan end up together, they are forced to spend time together to win the competition. The lines blur between them and unexpectedly they fall in love with each other.
February 7, 2024
I was given the chance to get to know Revna and Lachlan from their conception to the published final version and there are no words to describe how painfully romantic their love is! It's twisty, it's dark, and its fueled with passion. This book is beautiful and was such a labor of love!
January 3, 2024
This story is raw and dark but in the most beautiful way possible. Overall this story was real and I really connected with the MCs, I was invested from the beginning 🥲 where I usually struggled to imagine book scenes I feel like this book came to life for me I was able to visualize the artwork and scenes perfectly!
Rivals includes academic rivals, enemies to lovers, he falls first, forced proximity, mental health rep. Make sure to check TW before going in !!
Rivals includes academic rivals, enemies to lovers, he falls first, forced proximity, mental health rep. Make sure to check TW before going in !!
December 31, 2023
This book was given to me as an arc so this is my honest review!
What I liked: i absolutely ate this book up from the beginning. Both characters have such a personality. The smut is good and the author can definitely paint a scene for the reader. The enemies to lovers trope is very much present and i loved that as well!
What I didn’t like: I don’t have much criticism besides one thing, and that is that I simply feel like the book did not need to be as long as it was. I dont typically like 500+ page books and in this story, I feel like it could have been shortened a bit.
What I liked: i absolutely ate this book up from the beginning. Both characters have such a personality. The smut is good and the author can definitely paint a scene for the reader. The enemies to lovers trope is very much present and i loved that as well!
What I didn’t like: I don’t have much criticism besides one thing, and that is that I simply feel like the book did not need to be as long as it was. I dont typically like 500+ page books and in this story, I feel like it could have been shortened a bit.
March 11, 2024
Review!
The Rivals!!!!!!
As I embark on an emotional rollercoaster with Lachlen and Revena! 💖 Their story captivated my heart, evoking tears and indescribable emotions. The author's dedicated effort shines through, weaving a mesmerizing plot and enchanting scenes that will linger in your soul. Get ready to be swept away by a tale that transcends words. 📖✨
Thank you author Jessica Myel for this lovely novel 🥰
#BookLove #EmotionalJourney #MustRead
The Rivals!!!!!!
As I embark on an emotional rollercoaster with Lachlen and Revena! 💖 Their story captivated my heart, evoking tears and indescribable emotions. The author's dedicated effort shines through, weaving a mesmerizing plot and enchanting scenes that will linger in your soul. Get ready to be swept away by a tale that transcends words. 📖✨
Thank you author Jessica Myel for this lovely novel 🥰
#BookLove #EmotionalJourney #MustRead
December 30, 2023
Hi Y’all! Come in and grab a blueberry muffin or bagel while I tell you about this book I just read.
The title is Rivals by Jessica Myelle.
The cover is intriguing. Then I read the blurb and it really got my interest because enemies to lovers, dark romance sounded good.
Who’s my favorite main character ? Hard to choose here since this is very character driven and deep into both characters. For me Lachlan took a slight edge. Yeah I like a dark broody but caring male MC. ( Was there another character I loved and why). Not really. This story focus on the two main characters mostly and other characters are just small glimpses. I did like Betty, Revna's boss.
The story has a couple settings. At first college, the mostly Lachlan's apartment, a museum, a few buildings for architecture and Italy. each setting is very important to the artistic side of the story.
The story is a gripping dark romance with lots of heat. There is lots of hatred and anger, and selfloathing.
Were there significant plot twists and turns? Some but the story is more character driven than it driven but it does keep you on your toes.
My only issue is this book is very long. The length doesn't bother me that much I just felt a little could be skimmed and not hurt the story as especially towards beginning there was some repition. Tightening would help and wouldn't shorten it a lot but I think would made the story a little smoother.
I loved the ending. It was a hard win and satisfying HEA
If you like dark stories, enemies to lovers, art, forced proximity and lots of heat this is for you.
There are some trigger warnings mentioned so if violence, drug use, rape ( off page and more attempted and not by MC), graphic attempted suicide and rage ( me ruined off page child abuse) bothers you, skip this one or read with caution( read authors warnings carefully before beginning)
January 16, 2024
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, first love, hurt/comfort, academic rivals, he falls first, touch her & die, mental health rep
𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Lachlan chose not to let it kill him by making his own way against the wishes of his father and his empire. The meaning of love changed when he decided Lachlan no longer existed. But he learned a new definition the moment he was forced to work with his rival. She saw the shattered little boy alone in the dark, and he saw a woman born in it. Revna chose to let it consume her. She had nothing and no one. Art is the one thing that is hers. Life is full of choices. Sometimes, we don’t know the good from the bad, and she couldn’t tell the difference through her drug-colored glasses. She survived in the dark for so long that she had forgotten to look for the light. But everything changed when she had no choice but to work with the man who had become her rival. She's never used the word love towards anyone because no one had ever deserved it. And Revna never thought she would give it to the person she hated the most. But together, they would find a way to walk to the light.
This was a story close to my heart. Both main characters' struggles with the dark sides of life really spoke to me. The dark aspects are places I know quite a bit about. The author wrote an emotional journey between two people made for each other. They didn't make it easy, and their ending was a hard fought HEA. My issues boiled down to length and repetition. It was so long that I had to skip pages, and I hate having to do that. Other areas were repeated too much. I have no trouble recommending this book despite it not being a five-star read for me. It was a solid, entertaining book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ❌️
Do I recommend it? ✔️
Tropes: dark romance, enemies-to-lovers, first love, hurt/comfort, academic rivals, he falls first, touch her & die, mental health rep
𝗔𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗹𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂. Lachlan chose not to let it kill him by making his own way against the wishes of his father and his empire. The meaning of love changed when he decided Lachlan no longer existed. But he learned a new definition the moment he was forced to work with his rival. She saw the shattered little boy alone in the dark, and he saw a woman born in it. Revna chose to let it consume her. She had nothing and no one. Art is the one thing that is hers. Life is full of choices. Sometimes, we don’t know the good from the bad, and she couldn’t tell the difference through her drug-colored glasses. She survived in the dark for so long that she had forgotten to look for the light. But everything changed when she had no choice but to work with the man who had become her rival. She's never used the word love towards anyone because no one had ever deserved it. And Revna never thought she would give it to the person she hated the most. But together, they would find a way to walk to the light.
This was a story close to my heart. Both main characters' struggles with the dark sides of life really spoke to me. The dark aspects are places I know quite a bit about. The author wrote an emotional journey between two people made for each other. They didn't make it easy, and their ending was a hard fought HEA. My issues boiled down to length and repetition. It was so long that I had to skip pages, and I hate having to do that. Other areas were repeated too much. I have no trouble recommending this book despite it not being a five-star read for me. It was a solid, entertaining book. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
January 15, 2024
3.5 stars
Rivals by Jessica Myel was definitely a unique story to read. Reya and Lachlan are both artists at the same school, something I haven't read in another story before, and view each other as rivals in the sense both are talented but think their own work is always better. What starts off as a competition for an art exhibit that Reya and Lach sabatoge each other for, turns into two completely different artists being forced to work as a team, and what follows is quite the journey of personal growth and what it means to let go of fears to rise above and succeed.
I really wanted to love Rivals and I think if the story was shortened up I would have. Reya and Lach on their own were quite a force and putting them together brought out not only the worst but also the best of one another. Jessica Myel also brings to light some heavy topics of drug use and abandonment issues, which brought more of a unique aspect to this book. Although I did feel the writing at times turned repetitive, the final chapters seemed hastily rushed. I would have loved to get more of this couple prospering together in a good light instead of the constant battles they always seemed to have. Overall though I did enjoy Rivals and even though this story is a standalone and completely wraps everything up I would gladly come back into this world and look forward to more stories from Jessica Myel.
Rivals by Jessica Myel was definitely a unique story to read. Reya and Lachlan are both artists at the same school, something I haven't read in another story before, and view each other as rivals in the sense both are talented but think their own work is always better. What starts off as a competition for an art exhibit that Reya and Lach sabatoge each other for, turns into two completely different artists being forced to work as a team, and what follows is quite the journey of personal growth and what it means to let go of fears to rise above and succeed.
I really wanted to love Rivals and I think if the story was shortened up I would have. Reya and Lach on their own were quite a force and putting them together brought out not only the worst but also the best of one another. Jessica Myel also brings to light some heavy topics of drug use and abandonment issues, which brought more of a unique aspect to this book. Although I did feel the writing at times turned repetitive, the final chapters seemed hastily rushed. I would have loved to get more of this couple prospering together in a good light instead of the constant battles they always seemed to have. Overall though I did enjoy Rivals and even though this story is a standalone and completely wraps everything up I would gladly come back into this world and look forward to more stories from Jessica Myel.
January 1, 2024
Rivals was a story that seriously knocked my socks off with the emotion that just surrounded me completely as I walked this couple's walk alongside them. Lachlan & Revna have both been through so much in their lifetime that they're both broken, but they both also have art as an outlet for all the pain. They end up at the same college in the same art program so they're actually rivals from the jump as no one else can touch either of them with any sort of competition so there's an enemy to lovers vibe for real. It's on the dark side with realistic topics that have no quick fix so please please read the trigger warnings before diving in since it's not an easy journey. On top of the competition part of the program, they're drawn to each other as they're very much perfect for each other but again, not an easy path to walk by any means. This story hit me hard in the feels & my emotions were completely raw by the time I devoured it cover to cover, and I couldn't stop thinking about it long after I finished, but don't take my word for it, just experience it for yourselves! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 31, 2023
Lachlan and Revna are both haunted by their pasts, and they are rivals, who are forced to work together in the art world, due to circumstances. Theses two become the light to each other’s darkness.
This is a well written story which is an enemies / lovers, rivals, dark romance, with intrigue, emotions, danger, suspense, self-loathing, hatred, forced proximity, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining, haunting, thought provoking, twisted, and thrilling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
This is a well written story which is an enemies / lovers, rivals, dark romance, with intrigue, emotions, danger, suspense, self-loathing, hatred, forced proximity, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining, haunting, thought provoking, twisted, and thrilling addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
January 19, 2024
This one took my breath away 🥹 Lachlan and Revna are both a force to be reckoned with just as themselves but once they finally found each other they were unstoppable.
What a read this was, I truely loved the art history intertwined in this story it really made it come alive and it was such a crucial part of developing Lachlan and Revna. This book is heavy and touches on some dark issues but once they come out of the darkness these two were winning forever.
Jessica worked so hard on this book and I’m so proud and happy to see how wonderful it turned out! Be sure to read it!!!
What a read this was, I truely loved the art history intertwined in this story it really made it come alive and it was such a crucial part of developing Lachlan and Revna. This book is heavy and touches on some dark issues but once they come out of the darkness these two were winning forever.
Jessica worked so hard on this book and I’m so proud and happy to see how wonderful it turned out! Be sure to read it!!!
December 30, 2023
I love this book!💛
Lachlan and Revna are just the perfect enemies to lovers.
If you want to read a dark artist enemies to lovers book then you should read Rivals.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭...
✔︎Dark Romance
✔︎First Love
✔Enemies to Lovers
✔Hurt/Comfort
✔Will burn the world down for her
✔Mental Health Rep
✔Academic Rivals
Lachlan and Revna are just the perfect enemies to lovers.
If you want to read a dark artist enemies to lovers book then you should read Rivals.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭...
✔︎Dark Romance
✔︎First Love
✔Enemies to Lovers
✔Hurt/Comfort
✔Will burn the world down for her
✔Mental Health Rep
✔Academic Rivals
January 16, 2024
The characters 💯
The past trauma and pain 💯😭
The artistic atmosphere Always my favorite 🍷
The way this story ended 💯💯 I am really glad that I got the chance to read this one it will leave you with a lot of emotions and I liked it .
It's a DARK romance book so Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
The past trauma and pain 💯😭
The artistic atmosphere Always my favorite 🍷
The way this story ended 💯💯 I am really glad that I got the chance to read this one it will leave you with a lot of emotions and I liked it .
It's a DARK romance book so Check Trigger Warnings ⚠️
January 16, 2024
GREAT BOOK!!! LOVED IT SO MUCH 💗💗💗
Super Angsty 😎😎😎
And badass 😎
It gave me delulu... like always 😌😌😌😌
Super Angsty 😎😎😎
And badass 😎
It gave me delulu... like always 😌😌😌😌
January 26, 2024
𝓢𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓸𝓷, 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓭, 𝓭𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓼𝓽. 𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓶𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓼𝓸 𝓶𝓲𝓷𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓬𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓮 𝓲𝓽.
I practically inhaled this book in one evening. It’s toxic and dark and addicting.. there is nothing easy about this relationship between Lachlan and Revna. Two artists fighting to survive and thrive in their passion. I loved the depth and richness of art and emotions. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.
𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓮.
𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮…
🎨artists
🙎🏻♀️rivals to lovers
🙋🏻♂️he falls first
🗽NYC
🖤mental health rep
😮💨steamy
⚠️check triggers!
I practically inhaled this book in one evening. It’s toxic and dark and addicting.. there is nothing easy about this relationship between Lachlan and Revna. Two artists fighting to survive and thrive in their passion. I loved the depth and richness of art and emotions. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful all at once.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐭.
𝓼𝓱𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓶𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓮.
𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮…
🎨artists
🙎🏻♀️rivals to lovers
🙋🏻♂️he falls first
🗽NYC
🖤mental health rep
😮💨steamy
⚠️check triggers!
October 26, 2024
This is amazing it's everything i love dark romance and enemies to lovers
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