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The Rival: A Novel
Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again!
At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.
But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one.
At long last, Sadie has vanquished her lifelong academic rival — her irritatingly charming, whip smart next door neighbor, Seb — by getting the coveted, only spot to her dream college. Or at least, so she thinks. When Seb is unexpectedly pulled off the waitlist and admitted, Sadie has to compete with him all over again, this time to get a spot on the school’s famous zine. Now not only is she dealing with the mayhem of the lovable, chaotic family she hid her writing talents from, as well as her own self doubt, but she has to come to terms with some less-than-resentful feelings for Seb that are popping up along the way.
But the longer they compete, the more Sadie and Seb notice flaws in the school’s system that are much bigger than any competition between them. Somehow the two of them have to band together even as they’re trying to crush each other, only to discover they may have met their match in more ways than one.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2025
216 people are currently reading
30622 people want to read
About the author
Emma Lord
10 books4,596 followersEmma Lord is an NYT bestselling author of rom coms for teens and adults, a BuzzFeed senior writer, and dessert gremlin living in New York City. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. Her sun sign is Cancer and her moon sign is whatever Taylor Swift song is about to pop up on shuffle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,057 reviews
October 9, 2025
There's something truly poetic in writing a book that’s the complete opposite of the one you published around the same time last year and, somehow, making them about the same thing: the arduous path of finding yourself.
If The Getaway List is about following your dreams and not being crushed by external expectations, The Rival is about what is like to live the college experience and understand you’ve been wrong all along about (basically) everything.
Being young and approaching the world thinking there's a solution for anything is, after all, a common I’m-finally-out-of-high-school experience.
Also, there are no enemies here — just another misleading synopsis.
Sadie and Seb have known each other all their lives and, because of one prank too far, they became academic rivals in the things the other did too, otherwise they just didn't care.
BUT that's not even the point of the book, because it's pretty clear from the beginning — and to everybody too — that these two are in love with each other. Reason why there's a lot of will-they-won’t-they for most of the story that does get annoying but, since we're blessed with Sadie’s pov and her latest discovery, pretty fast it becomes a journey of understanding her feelings and the reasons behind her fears and if she shouldn't just kiss him already.
In perfect Emma Lord’s style, it's a story about self-discovery and the ups and downs that it’ll lead to.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
If The Getaway List is about following your dreams and not being crushed by external expectations, The Rival is about what is like to live the college experience and understand you’ve been wrong all along about (basically) everything.
Being young and approaching the world thinking there's a solution for anything is, after all, a common I’m-finally-out-of-high-school experience.
Also, there are no enemies here — just another misleading synopsis.
Sadie and Seb have known each other all their lives and, because of one prank too far, they became academic rivals in the things the other did too, otherwise they just didn't care.
BUT that's not even the point of the book, because it's pretty clear from the beginning — and to everybody too — that these two are in love with each other. Reason why there's a lot of will-they-won’t-they for most of the story that does get annoying but, since we're blessed with Sadie’s pov and her latest discovery, pretty fast it becomes a journey of understanding her feelings and the reasons behind her fears and if she shouldn't just kiss him already.
In perfect Emma Lord’s style, it's a story about self-discovery and the ups and downs that it’ll lead to.
↠ 3.5 stars
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.
January 31, 2025
Emma Lord reigns as the queen of sweet YA romcoms! She has created another adorable enemies-to-lovers and opposites-attract love story set in college, where rivals compete for the college newspaper's staff writing position while uncovering administrative secrets. The plot is well-executed, and Sebastian and Sadie are lovable characters from the start, despite their differences. Their palpable attraction and forced proximity since childhood make reading their story a delight.
The story begins on Sadie's first day at Maple Ridge College, as she rushes across campus to her first meeting at the Newsbag to meet the editorial staff. However, disaster strikes when she collides with someone carrying a large smoothie, staining her entire dress. That someone turns out to be Seb Adams, her high school nemesis and biggest rival – the same boy she's had to endure for years because their families are best friends who do everything together, including Sunday confetti-sprinkled pancake breakfasts.
By choosing Maple Ridge, Sadie thought she could escape her loud, expressive, extensive family dramas and leave her arch-nemesis behind, who was supposed to attend a different university for an engineering program. But fate has other plans – Seb is no longer waitlisted at Maple Ridge. Not only is he attending the same college, but he's also competing with her for the staff writer position at the Newsbag.
Sadie curses her luck as she faces competing with him on three assignments. With his charm, Seb already begins attracting large social circles, just like in high school. Meanwhile, Sadie harbors a dream of comedy writing, having secretly written columns under a pseudonym throughout high school alongside her position as school newspaper editor. She must channel her inner sarcastic voice to focus on her tasks, but her complex love-hate feelings for Seb break her concentration. To complicate matters further, they discover corruption in the school system and must reveal the truth, potentially risking their futures for the greater good of all students. Can they trust each other enough to team up? Of course! But can they trust each other with their hearts? Well, that's a trickier question!
Overall: This is an entertaining, incredibly cute, and heartwarming read you shouldn't miss!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this sweet romance's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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The story begins on Sadie's first day at Maple Ridge College, as she rushes across campus to her first meeting at the Newsbag to meet the editorial staff. However, disaster strikes when she collides with someone carrying a large smoothie, staining her entire dress. That someone turns out to be Seb Adams, her high school nemesis and biggest rival – the same boy she's had to endure for years because their families are best friends who do everything together, including Sunday confetti-sprinkled pancake breakfasts.
By choosing Maple Ridge, Sadie thought she could escape her loud, expressive, extensive family dramas and leave her arch-nemesis behind, who was supposed to attend a different university for an engineering program. But fate has other plans – Seb is no longer waitlisted at Maple Ridge. Not only is he attending the same college, but he's also competing with her for the staff writer position at the Newsbag.
Sadie curses her luck as she faces competing with him on three assignments. With his charm, Seb already begins attracting large social circles, just like in high school. Meanwhile, Sadie harbors a dream of comedy writing, having secretly written columns under a pseudonym throughout high school alongside her position as school newspaper editor. She must channel her inner sarcastic voice to focus on her tasks, but her complex love-hate feelings for Seb break her concentration. To complicate matters further, they discover corruption in the school system and must reveal the truth, potentially risking their futures for the greater good of all students. Can they trust each other enough to team up? Of course! But can they trust each other with their hearts? Well, that's a trickier question!
Overall: This is an entertaining, incredibly cute, and heartwarming read you shouldn't miss!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for sharing this sweet romance's digital review copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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August 28, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
I'm not apologizing anymore. I'm done. Let it be known, I love Emma Lord, her stories, her characters, her wit and the themes she chooses to explore in her books.
I've never walked away disappointed. They're silly, cutesy and so dang full of heart and humor. I'm a fan. A big, big, huge, unapologetic fan.
In this story we follow Sadie, who is excited to shake off the constraints of her small town and family, as she starts her first year at Maple Ridge College.
She's most excited to focus on her writing, as she competes for a spot at the college's famous zine. What she wasn't expecting was to have to compete against her lifelong academic rival, Sebastian, for the spot.
Sadie and Seb's parents are best friends, and thus they've been shoved into each other's orbits their whole lives. Unfortunately, it seems they are always trying to out-do one another, so the relationship has been contentious.
Traditionally, Maple Ridge has selected one student from their high school to attend, so Sadie thought she was golden. Apparently, Seb worked his way off the wait list though, probably just to be the bane of Sadie's existence.
Of course, he also wants to write for the zine, even though unlike Sadie, his long-term plan isn't to be a writer. At least, not if his Dad has anything to say about it.
Even though she wants to continue to look at Seb with nothing but contempt, in this new setting, with more on the line and less support, he becomes a bit of a comfort as she transitions to college life.
Before they know it, they seem to be working together in a way they never have before, and also starting to feel things they've never felt before.
This was so cute. It's such an Emma Lord story. She has such a style and formula, and darn it, it works. I find myself becoming completely invested in her characters, no matter what they are going through.
I feel like nobody writes inner-turmoil, or self-doubt, quite like Emma Lord. She makes everything relatable and understandable. It's hard not to root for her main characters.
I love academic rival situations anyway, so this was sort of set-up to be a win for me. There's something so sexy about two individuals battling it out with their big brains.
I also love Lord's side characters. There's never anyone who feels superfluous. Every player has a point, a reason for being there, and a well-developed personality to boot.
In this, both Sadie and Seb have some issues they're working through in regards to their families. I thought those aspects were very well done. There are def some complex feelings to work through as you move out of the family home for the first time, and that was examined in detail here.
I would recommend the audiobook if you have access to it. The narration was so great as a voice for Sadie's perspective. I had such a good time listening to it.
There were moments that I was laughing out loud, and others were I was nodding in understanding. Just a really well rounded YA Contemporary.
If you've loved Emma Lord before, or want to try her work for the first time, you should really check this one out!
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. Keep 'em coming, Emma Lord!
I'm not apologizing anymore. I'm done. Let it be known, I love Emma Lord, her stories, her characters, her wit and the themes she chooses to explore in her books.
I've never walked away disappointed. They're silly, cutesy and so dang full of heart and humor. I'm a fan. A big, big, huge, unapologetic fan.
In this story we follow Sadie, who is excited to shake off the constraints of her small town and family, as she starts her first year at Maple Ridge College.
She's most excited to focus on her writing, as she competes for a spot at the college's famous zine. What she wasn't expecting was to have to compete against her lifelong academic rival, Sebastian, for the spot.
Sadie and Seb's parents are best friends, and thus they've been shoved into each other's orbits their whole lives. Unfortunately, it seems they are always trying to out-do one another, so the relationship has been contentious.
Traditionally, Maple Ridge has selected one student from their high school to attend, so Sadie thought she was golden. Apparently, Seb worked his way off the wait list though, probably just to be the bane of Sadie's existence.
Of course, he also wants to write for the zine, even though unlike Sadie, his long-term plan isn't to be a writer. At least, not if his Dad has anything to say about it.
Even though she wants to continue to look at Seb with nothing but contempt, in this new setting, with more on the line and less support, he becomes a bit of a comfort as she transitions to college life.
Before they know it, they seem to be working together in a way they never have before, and also starting to feel things they've never felt before.
This was so cute. It's such an Emma Lord story. She has such a style and formula, and darn it, it works. I find myself becoming completely invested in her characters, no matter what they are going through.
I feel like nobody writes inner-turmoil, or self-doubt, quite like Emma Lord. She makes everything relatable and understandable. It's hard not to root for her main characters.
I love academic rival situations anyway, so this was sort of set-up to be a win for me. There's something so sexy about two individuals battling it out with their big brains.
I also love Lord's side characters. There's never anyone who feels superfluous. Every player has a point, a reason for being there, and a well-developed personality to boot.
In this, both Sadie and Seb have some issues they're working through in regards to their families. I thought those aspects were very well done. There are def some complex feelings to work through as you move out of the family home for the first time, and that was examined in detail here.
I would recommend the audiobook if you have access to it. The narration was so great as a voice for Sadie's perspective. I had such a good time listening to it.
There were moments that I was laughing out loud, and others were I was nodding in understanding. Just a really well rounded YA Contemporary.
If you've loved Emma Lord before, or want to try her work for the first time, you should really check this one out!
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review. Keep 'em coming, Emma Lord!
December 25, 2024
3.25 stars
Sadie and Seb were best friends, turned rivals. These two had parents that were best friends and grew up together. They are always competing and trying to one up one another. Sadie is now starting her freshman year of college, without Seb, but suddenly, he shows up. He got off the waitlist and now they're both competing for the school paper's one spot.
I enjoy Emma Lord's writing but Sadie drove me a little batty. I thing getting Seb's POV throughout the book would have made it significantly better. As the book went on, she became more tolerable and I did like the ending.
Sadie and Seb were best friends, turned rivals. These two had parents that were best friends and grew up together. They are always competing and trying to one up one another. Sadie is now starting her freshman year of college, without Seb, but suddenly, he shows up. He got off the waitlist and now they're both competing for the school paper's one spot.
I enjoy Emma Lord's writing but Sadie drove me a little batty. I thing getting Seb's POV throughout the book would have made it significantly better. As the book went on, she became more tolerable and I did like the ending.
January 9, 2025
For their entire lives, Sadie and Seb have battled to outshine one another. Finally, Sadie feels like she’s won, landing a spot at their dream college while Seb was rejected. Now she just needs to land a spot at the ultra-competitive student magazine and she’ll be on her way to her dream career in comedy. But when she shows up at the magazine’s orientation meeting, she’s shocked to see that Seb made it off the school’s wait list and is also vying for a spot on the magazine’s staff. The pair of overachievers are back to their old ways, and nothing will stop their quest to defeat each other…except, maybe, for falling in love.
This was a very sweet rivals-to-lovers romance that bridges the YA and NA age categories. I was charmed by the main characters’ banter and the cast of supporting characters. I found this read to be enjoyable as an adult, but it’s also not something I would hesitate to recommend to an actual teenager—especially because there is virtually zero spice. Things between the main characters never go beyond kissing, so clean romance readers will like this one…but I think their crackling chemistry will make this a hit with mainstream romance readers as well.
While there were some moments where I had to suspend my disbelief (if this magazine is such a great launchpad, why are only two students competing for the staff writer spot?), I thought this was overall a very fun and cute read.
This was a very sweet rivals-to-lovers romance that bridges the YA and NA age categories. I was charmed by the main characters’ banter and the cast of supporting characters. I found this read to be enjoyable as an adult, but it’s also not something I would hesitate to recommend to an actual teenager—especially because there is virtually zero spice. Things between the main characters never go beyond kissing, so clean romance readers will like this one…but I think their crackling chemistry will make this a hit with mainstream romance readers as well.
While there were some moments where I had to suspend my disbelief (if this magazine is such a great launchpad, why are only two students competing for the staff writer spot?), I thought this was overall a very fun and cute read.
March 5, 2025
I can always trust and Emma Lord book to be Exactly What I Need 🥞
December 15, 2025
We’ve known each other from the beginning of everything. Who else was going to understand us half as well?
There's not a great deal I have to say about this thing. It was an impulse purchase. The material is light, the cover is colorful, and I didn't really think it through before the unholy transaction. Although, my girlfriend (who was yet to be my girlfriend at that point in time) found it endearing. And found me (of all people) 'cute' for indulging in silly cartoon covers at my big overripe age. So, I guess we can all laugh at the irony and thank Emma Lord for being a solid wingwoman for once.
Who would have thought, right?
I do own the author's other, more famous book, 'Tweet Cute.' It is, if I am not wrong, languishing somewhere on my shelves back at home, far away from this polluted hellhole of a city. And yes. You guessed it right. I haven't read that yet. This is a recurring pattern in all my ramblings, and I'm not even ashamed to admit it anymore. Nevertheless, what I liked and disliked simultaneously about this first impression are our protagonists (and their sorry excuse for a feud).
Hello, Sadie Brighton!
Sadie is talented. Sadie is hopeful. Sadie is a big ol' baby who has a superpower of contriving the most basic of situations through the art of misunderstanding. She's a whirlwind of quirky dialogue. Forced pop-culture references. And stilted emotional dissonance. And, lest we all forget, she hates...HATES...Sebastian Adams with all her glittery, sparkly guts.
*Audible gasps*
There we go. The rival, in a book called 'The Rival.' Huge deal. Right?
Only it isn't. And this is perhaps one of the primary shortcomings of this fluffy pancake of a novel. It latches itself to the enemies-to-lovers trope like an adamant sticky note. Parading it with pride. Updating its Instagram bio. Tweeting about it ceaselessly until you know everything there is to be known about rivalries. But at the end of the day, it's more of a trick. A flimsy social-media gimmick meant to cater to media illiteracy and everything associated with the overwhelming phrase.
Sadie and Sebastian aren't mortal enemies. Or maybe they are, if one considers inconvenience to be the direct synonym for the word "hatred." Like every 'I can't stand him' stereotype, the basis of our rivalry is quite shallow as well. The academic beefing adds structure to it, but only too faintly. And that too, most of it has already happened off-screen. Years ago. Which made me think, perhaps seeing these two go at it back in school over feral math quizzes would have been mildly more entertaining than...this?
I don't mean to sound harsh. That's not my intention here. It's not a bad read as well. I really enjoyed the campus side of things, alongside Sadie's familial turmoil.
But I still feel cheated somehow, mostly at how Sebastian is barely even invested in the apparent 'rivalry.' It's silly and tiringly repetitive at this point. These fully molded, staggeringly perfect Gary Sue male leads, who can never do any wrong. Their purpose mostly being the one to fall in love first, withstand the barrage of emotional mix-ups, and never fuck up (barring two major misunderstandings for the mandatory tension in between!) until the Sadies find themselves at the end, at the expense of all the hiccups.
It's not the end of the world. But a little more balance is all I ask. And that's the book for you. Sadie spiraling. Sebastian orbiting her madness. Sadie finding meaning in all of it. Tada! Voila! Kapow! Maybe there was more to it; maybe there wasn't. Time, unfortunately, is a ruthless editor. I can't remember a lot of it. All it takes is a few months in between, and your brain reboots faster than a dying cellphone. Although, I can guarantee, it will make you want to eat some pancakes first thing in the morning. All garnished with rainbow sparkles.
That's the least a fruity-looking book can do for you. Cleanse your palate and make you hungry. Emma Lord's deceptively sweet prose—the added cherry on top.
Thus, it's very readable. And I liked my time with it. Yes, don't you puff. Even after all this conversational whining, I did like 'The Rival.' There's this entire chapter in the middle of the book where the two idiots just sit across from each other and talk. They talk their hearts out, converse, and touch down on their feelings, personal lives, and everything in between. A refreshing inclusion that automatically takes a bland little book and nudges it up to the upper echelons of a good time.
As such, three stars for chapter 12.
Try it if you have a day to kill.
(2025 || 3/5)
There's not a great deal I have to say about this thing. It was an impulse purchase. The material is light, the cover is colorful, and I didn't really think it through before the unholy transaction. Although, my girlfriend (who was yet to be my girlfriend at that point in time) found it endearing. And found me (of all people) 'cute' for indulging in silly cartoon covers at my big overripe age. So, I guess we can all laugh at the irony and thank Emma Lord for being a solid wingwoman for once.
Who would have thought, right?
I do own the author's other, more famous book, 'Tweet Cute.' It is, if I am not wrong, languishing somewhere on my shelves back at home, far away from this polluted hellhole of a city. And yes. You guessed it right. I haven't read that yet. This is a recurring pattern in all my ramblings, and I'm not even ashamed to admit it anymore. Nevertheless, what I liked and disliked simultaneously about this first impression are our protagonists (and their sorry excuse for a feud).
Hello, Sadie Brighton!
Sadie is talented. Sadie is hopeful. Sadie is a big ol' baby who has a superpower of contriving the most basic of situations through the art of misunderstanding. She's a whirlwind of quirky dialogue. Forced pop-culture references. And stilted emotional dissonance. And, lest we all forget, she hates...HATES...Sebastian Adams with all her glittery, sparkly guts.
*Audible gasps*
There we go. The rival, in a book called 'The Rival.' Huge deal. Right?
Only it isn't. And this is perhaps one of the primary shortcomings of this fluffy pancake of a novel. It latches itself to the enemies-to-lovers trope like an adamant sticky note. Parading it with pride. Updating its Instagram bio. Tweeting about it ceaselessly until you know everything there is to be known about rivalries. But at the end of the day, it's more of a trick. A flimsy social-media gimmick meant to cater to media illiteracy and everything associated with the overwhelming phrase.
Sadie and Sebastian aren't mortal enemies. Or maybe they are, if one considers inconvenience to be the direct synonym for the word "hatred." Like every 'I can't stand him' stereotype, the basis of our rivalry is quite shallow as well. The academic beefing adds structure to it, but only too faintly. And that too, most of it has already happened off-screen. Years ago. Which made me think, perhaps seeing these two go at it back in school over feral math quizzes would have been mildly more entertaining than...this?
I don't mean to sound harsh. That's not my intention here. It's not a bad read as well. I really enjoyed the campus side of things, alongside Sadie's familial turmoil.
But I still feel cheated somehow, mostly at how Sebastian is barely even invested in the apparent 'rivalry.' It's silly and tiringly repetitive at this point. These fully molded, staggeringly perfect Gary Sue male leads, who can never do any wrong. Their purpose mostly being the one to fall in love first, withstand the barrage of emotional mix-ups, and never fuck up (barring two major misunderstandings for the mandatory tension in between!) until the Sadies find themselves at the end, at the expense of all the hiccups.
It's not the end of the world. But a little more balance is all I ask. And that's the book for you. Sadie spiraling. Sebastian orbiting her madness. Sadie finding meaning in all of it. Tada! Voila! Kapow! Maybe there was more to it; maybe there wasn't. Time, unfortunately, is a ruthless editor. I can't remember a lot of it. All it takes is a few months in between, and your brain reboots faster than a dying cellphone. Although, I can guarantee, it will make you want to eat some pancakes first thing in the morning. All garnished with rainbow sparkles.
That's the least a fruity-looking book can do for you. Cleanse your palate and make you hungry. Emma Lord's deceptively sweet prose—the added cherry on top.
Thus, it's very readable. And I liked my time with it. Yes, don't you puff. Even after all this conversational whining, I did like 'The Rival.' There's this entire chapter in the middle of the book where the two idiots just sit across from each other and talk. They talk their hearts out, converse, and touch down on their feelings, personal lives, and everything in between. A refreshing inclusion that automatically takes a bland little book and nudges it up to the upper echelons of a good time.
As such, three stars for chapter 12.
Try it if you have a day to kill.
(2025 || 3/5)
February 10, 2025
ALKJFLKDSJFLKSAGHOIJ this was so good!!!! Emma Lord continues to impress me with her YA contemporary romance novels. Her characters are believable and likeable, but not perfect. And the male love interests??!? Always top tier. Seb was no exception!!
Read via audio and I adored the narrator.
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Emma Lord makes me look forward to January every year lol
Read via audio and I adored the narrator.
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Emma Lord makes me look forward to January every year lol
March 4, 2025
⋆☆˚.⋆ the rival ⋆.˚☆⋆
⊹ ࣪ ˖ ·⋆
˚ ⋆.
⋆ .
· ⋆ ₊˚ ˚ ⋆ ˚
⋆ ·
⋆ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · ⋆ ⊹ ࣪
·₊ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ₊˚
spoiler free review
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I’m super into books set in college right now, but specifically books set in college by Emma Lord. She is the college setting writer, and is single handedly saving me from a 4 week long reading drought. Begin Again, her other college YA is SO good and one of my favs so I was super excited for this one.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ The vibe was a little different than Begin Again, so it felt new and different. It starts out super fast paced and high stakes. The Rival leans more into the academic side of college life versus the social side I think Begin Again had. But I’m not here to compare the two, so moving on.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Literally just Seb. No notes. I LOVE HIM. WHAT. He was the most precious boy ever. From the literal second he entered the scene I was like ‘oh man, he is SO in love.’ Poor guy was just so in love. It was actually the sweetest. I was rooting for him so hard. How he would get jealous oh my gosshh. And the little hints he was constantly dropping, their little Sunday pancake days, I need that in my life. Where is my Seb?
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Seb and Sadie had so many adorable moments, I love them so much. Sadie was down bad too guys. The entire book I was just screaming ‘YOU’RE IN LOVE, KISS ALREADY!!’ The way Sadie and Seb interacted was the sweetest, they just fully understood. No explanation needed, even the deepest unspoken worries or fears were completely understood by the other. They were interwoven into each other, all the time, always. It was so endearing watching them grow to depend on each other and realize how much they meant to one another.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Another banger from Emma Lord, she is a go to for me now (excluding the ATROCITY that was You Have a Match…she made up for that…I think). I love her writing style, it's so sweet and swoony, but also has so much emotion and depth. She reminds me a little of Emily Henry, just in a young adult teenager kind of way. I love her, I loved this, I need a Seb, case closed.
⊹ ࣪ ˖ ·⋆
˚ ⋆.
⋆ .
· ⋆ ₊˚ ˚ ⋆ ˚
⋆ ·
⋆ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · ⋆ ⊹ ࣪
·₊ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ₊˚
spoiler free review
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ I’m super into books set in college right now, but specifically books set in college by Emma Lord. She is the college setting writer, and is single handedly saving me from a 4 week long reading drought. Begin Again, her other college YA is SO good and one of my favs so I was super excited for this one.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ The vibe was a little different than Begin Again, so it felt new and different. It starts out super fast paced and high stakes. The Rival leans more into the academic side of college life versus the social side I think Begin Again had. But I’m not here to compare the two, so moving on.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Literally just Seb. No notes. I LOVE HIM. WHAT. He was the most precious boy ever. From the literal second he entered the scene I was like ‘oh man, he is SO in love.’ Poor guy was just so in love. It was actually the sweetest. I was rooting for him so hard. How he would get jealous oh my gosshh. And the little hints he was constantly dropping, their little Sunday pancake days, I need that in my life. Where is my Seb?
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Seb and Sadie had so many adorable moments, I love them so much. Sadie was down bad too guys. The entire book I was just screaming ‘YOU’RE IN LOVE, KISS ALREADY!!’ The way Sadie and Seb interacted was the sweetest, they just fully understood. No explanation needed, even the deepest unspoken worries or fears were completely understood by the other. They were interwoven into each other, all the time, always. It was so endearing watching them grow to depend on each other and realize how much they meant to one another.
ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ Another banger from Emma Lord, she is a go to for me now (excluding the ATROCITY that was You Have a Match…she made up for that…I think). I love her writing style, it's so sweet and swoony, but also has so much emotion and depth. She reminds me a little of Emily Henry, just in a young adult teenager kind of way. I love her, I loved this, I need a Seb, case closed.
February 3, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ I’m a sucker for enemies-to-lovers, and in this case of childhood friends to rivals to lovers as described in the premise, I was pretty much hooked right away from the get-go. I was really excited to see the two MCs’ progress throughout the entire story but for some reason and while it was mostly a feel-good story for anyone looking for witty writing, it didn’t capture my attention the way I was anticipating it to for a few reasons 😔
ೃ⁀➷ One of the book’s main themes was the self-transformation that almost every teenager entering a new chapter of their lives struggles to come to terms with. In this case, our FMC, Sadie Brighton, had internal conflict of feeling like she had to remain the responsible, level-headed person in the family along with the nagging feeling of her wanting to branch out into the world as her own unapologetic self and chase after her own dreams that she never had the opportunity to confide in to her family. She went through a lot of growth in the book of deciding to set her own boundaries, learning to not be afraid to come to terms with who she was in front of her family who she cared for the most, and making her voice heard despite her fears. I thought her character was well-fleshed out and the fact that she was so clever enough to help bring light to the issue of their school not treating student organizations and athletes equally was very important 📝
ೃ⁀➷ Her friend-turned-rival, Sebastian Adams, is also on a similar road as she is. I was really pleasantly surprised with the fact that Seb was introduced as bisexual very early on in the story, yet it isn’t emphasized as his greatest personality trait as some books accidentally tend to do. He’s shown as caring and protective towards those he cares about most, especially Sadie. It was really admiring to read about how much he put his heart and all his hard work into helping expose the truth about the corruption of their school, even if it meant his own future would be in jeopardy. I think he’s a character with a lot of integrity and honesty, which is so refreshing to see in new adult and contemporary romances 🔍
ೃ⁀➷ That being said, I’m a little disappointed that it took me a while to actually get through the story itself. I’m not sure if it was the pacing of the events or maybe it didn’t capture my interest enough to continuously keep reading, but I found myself skimming through almost 50% of the book. I was also frustrated that there was so much miscommunication between Sadie and Seb, and as well with Sadie and her sisters and with her best friend, Christina. It almost felt like they were all stuck in their own little bubbles of what they were so focused on and it didn’t feel like the good kind of chaos that made me want to keep reading. There were so many parts of the book that either felt like filler or dragged on too much 😕
ೃ⁀➷ Overall, my favourite part of this book was the banter and chemistry between Seb and Sadie. There are some quirky comebacks and quips between the two of them that made me laugh out loud 😂 It really did feel like they were each other’s person and that they would always find their way back to each other like magnets attracting and repelling just like Sadie mentions. I think it was really interesting to see them tackle on their school’s corruption issue and expose them for what they were doing to all the students, and to know that they eventually found what they truly needed wasn’t exactly what they wanted was a good ending all on its own. I just wish I really remembered most of the book from the inconsistent pacing and the fact that I struggled to connect with both MCs, but maybe it’s just me.
Thank you to Emma Lord, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes:
- Childhood best friends to academic rivals to lovers
- Slow-burn romance 💘
- University life 🏫
- Found family
- Coming-of-age
- Student advocacy, academic and social issues ⚖️
ೃ⁀➷ One of the book’s main themes was the self-transformation that almost every teenager entering a new chapter of their lives struggles to come to terms with. In this case, our FMC, Sadie Brighton, had internal conflict of feeling like she had to remain the responsible, level-headed person in the family along with the nagging feeling of her wanting to branch out into the world as her own unapologetic self and chase after her own dreams that she never had the opportunity to confide in to her family. She went through a lot of growth in the book of deciding to set her own boundaries, learning to not be afraid to come to terms with who she was in front of her family who she cared for the most, and making her voice heard despite her fears. I thought her character was well-fleshed out and the fact that she was so clever enough to help bring light to the issue of their school not treating student organizations and athletes equally was very important 📝
ೃ⁀➷ Her friend-turned-rival, Sebastian Adams, is also on a similar road as she is. I was really pleasantly surprised with the fact that Seb was introduced as bisexual very early on in the story, yet it isn’t emphasized as his greatest personality trait as some books accidentally tend to do. He’s shown as caring and protective towards those he cares about most, especially Sadie. It was really admiring to read about how much he put his heart and all his hard work into helping expose the truth about the corruption of their school, even if it meant his own future would be in jeopardy. I think he’s a character with a lot of integrity and honesty, which is so refreshing to see in new adult and contemporary romances 🔍
ೃ⁀➷ That being said, I’m a little disappointed that it took me a while to actually get through the story itself. I’m not sure if it was the pacing of the events or maybe it didn’t capture my interest enough to continuously keep reading, but I found myself skimming through almost 50% of the book. I was also frustrated that there was so much miscommunication between Sadie and Seb, and as well with Sadie and her sisters and with her best friend, Christina. It almost felt like they were all stuck in their own little bubbles of what they were so focused on and it didn’t feel like the good kind of chaos that made me want to keep reading. There were so many parts of the book that either felt like filler or dragged on too much 😕
ೃ⁀➷ Overall, my favourite part of this book was the banter and chemistry between Seb and Sadie. There are some quirky comebacks and quips between the two of them that made me laugh out loud 😂 It really did feel like they were each other’s person and that they would always find their way back to each other like magnets attracting and repelling just like Sadie mentions. I think it was really interesting to see them tackle on their school’s corruption issue and expose them for what they were doing to all the students, and to know that they eventually found what they truly needed wasn’t exactly what they wanted was a good ending all on its own. I just wish I really remembered most of the book from the inconsistent pacing and the fact that I struggled to connect with both MCs, but maybe it’s just me.
Thank you to Emma Lord, NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Wednesday Books for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Tropes:
- Childhood best friends to academic rivals to lovers
- Slow-burn romance 💘
- University life 🏫
- Found family
- Coming-of-age
- Student advocacy, academic and social issues ⚖️
June 20, 2024
I think the time has come where I’ve grown out of Emma Lord’s books. I was a massive fan of “Tweet Cute” and “When You Get the Chance” but more and more her recent releases don’t work for me. I assumed it was because I prefer her enemies to lovers novels and was so excited to see that this release would be just that! But I am accusing this book of false advertising.
I understand that “rivals” to lovers isn’t necessarily the same as “enemies,” but I would argue they’re not that far apart in similarities and to their core rely on a degree of animosity and banter between the leads. In the case of this book, I would argue it’s falls more so in the friends to lovers category with a smidge of second chance romance. Think the dynamics of Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation” but without any of the heart or humor. Which brings me to my next issue with this book: it felt a bit soul-less. When I say I’ve grown out of Lord’s books, a portion of that is purely from an actual age standpoint—I know I am not the target audience for this book age-wise. However, I think even a teenaged me would have been dissatisfied with the romance in this book. Our male lead felt extremely one dimensional and I just didn’t buy these characters as interested in each other at all. Furthermore, the conflicts in this book just didn’t make sense. The crux of their supposed hatred of each other relies on a moment of miscommunication that should have been easily resolved given how close these characters are. They spend every Sunday together, yet not once did the male lead ask the female lead why she was so upset?? Finally, the humor. I need authors to stop including comedy writing as character traits if they themselves cannot pull off funny. I hadn’t been worried going into this because I remembered Lord being funny in her past publications; but I was quickly disappointed. A lot of the humor relied on pop culture references (which in my opinion ages a book and hardly ever is pulled off successfully) or on millennial/gen-z “chaotic randomness” that would have been funny to me in 2012, but again comes across as cringe and dated over a decade later.
I found this book difficult to get through purely because I was bored.
I understand that “rivals” to lovers isn’t necessarily the same as “enemies,” but I would argue they’re not that far apart in similarities and to their core rely on a degree of animosity and banter between the leads. In the case of this book, I would argue it’s falls more so in the friends to lovers category with a smidge of second chance romance. Think the dynamics of Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation” but without any of the heart or humor. Which brings me to my next issue with this book: it felt a bit soul-less. When I say I’ve grown out of Lord’s books, a portion of that is purely from an actual age standpoint—I know I am not the target audience for this book age-wise. However, I think even a teenaged me would have been dissatisfied with the romance in this book. Our male lead felt extremely one dimensional and I just didn’t buy these characters as interested in each other at all. Furthermore, the conflicts in this book just didn’t make sense. The crux of their supposed hatred of each other relies on a moment of miscommunication that should have been easily resolved given how close these characters are. They spend every Sunday together, yet not once did the male lead ask the female lead why she was so upset?? Finally, the humor. I need authors to stop including comedy writing as character traits if they themselves cannot pull off funny. I hadn’t been worried going into this because I remembered Lord being funny in her past publications; but I was quickly disappointed. A lot of the humor relied on pop culture references (which in my opinion ages a book and hardly ever is pulled off successfully) or on millennial/gen-z “chaotic randomness” that would have been funny to me in 2012, but again comes across as cringe and dated over a decade later.
I found this book difficult to get through purely because I was bored.
December 22, 2024
Great audiobook from YA romance author Emma Lord. Another in the genre about a first year female student- Sadie- at a prestigious and academically challenging fictional college. This time she is a member of the journalism major and a part of the online news outlet. Her family friend- Sebastian- is competing with her on the journalism award which is semester long and has several rounds. There is also an overarching side story about the university and how they fund extracurriculars.
Sadie and Sebastian are likable characters, great build up and banter between rivals. The inner dialogue of an Emma Lord female main character is always adorable and sweet. If you enjoy a sweet YA story this is a good one. Narrator is engaging and all parts are well acted.
🗞️enemies to lovers
🗞️he falls first
🗞️dads are lifelong best friends
🗞️miscommunication
🗞️third act fight
🗞️LGBTQ representation (he is bisexual, also there are non-binary and queer friend characters)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audiobook ARC. Book to be published 1/28/25
Sadie and Sebastian are likable characters, great build up and banter between rivals. The inner dialogue of an Emma Lord female main character is always adorable and sweet. If you enjoy a sweet YA story this is a good one. Narrator is engaging and all parts are well acted.
🗞️enemies to lovers
🗞️he falls first
🗞️dads are lifelong best friends
🗞️miscommunication
🗞️third act fight
🗞️LGBTQ representation (he is bisexual, also there are non-binary and queer friend characters)
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an audiobook ARC. Book to be published 1/28/25
October 30, 2024
“But you can't go trying to hold the whole world up for everyone, you know? You can just be in their worlds while you're holding up your own. That's enough.”
1 Sentence Summary: Sadie thought she was finally free of her childhood friend turned high school academic rival, but when Seb shows up at the same college as her, their competition starts all over again, for a spot on the school paper this time, and even though Sadie hates Seb, maybe she’s secretly glad to see him…
My Thoughts: This was cute, but not my favorite Emma Lord book. I just didn’t fall in love with the characters or ship them together as much as I normally do. I can’t really put my finger on why I didn’t like it as much. I actually found myself getting secondhand embarrassment a bit; it was a little too cheesy sometimes.
I enjoyed the journalism aspects, and the subplot of exposing the school’s corruption. And I loved the exploration of Sadie’s family dynamics and her feeling like she doesn’t fit in with them. And as always, Emma Lord is a fantastic writer. I guess it was just the romance that I was less invested in. Also, there was quite a bit of miscommunication, which I’m not a fan of.
Overall, this was an fun and enjoyable read!
Recommend to: Fans of YA college romance featuring academic rivals.
(Warnings: swearing)
***
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review
February 19, 2025
This book was 50% pop culture references and 50% Sadie specifically misunderstanding things
January 17, 2025
It’s rare we’ve ever had a reason to hug, but those moments stick out enough in my mind that I’m already anticipating the way he shifts his arms up slightly, the way he scratches lightly at the base of my neck.
This was so effing adorable and funny!
Keep your friends close and your lifelong academic rivals you’ve imagined kissing multiple times against your will closer. It’s all just a part of our years-long game.
4.75 stars
I actually went into this with like negative expectations. I didn’t like Tweet Cute but I liked the synopsis on this one and I’m auto-approved, so I grabbed it. OHMYGOOOOD I was shook. This was so good!
“If you say one more word, Seb, I swear on all that is holy, I will bury you. I will pretend to look for you. I’ll shed pretty tears at your funeral and die in bed eighty years from now peacefully and without regret.”
We have childhood friends to rivals in high school and now university, competing for the same prestigious job at the school’s newspaper. I love a good rivals competition.
Unfortunately, somewhere in the last thirty seconds I got emotionally invested against my will, and if I don’t walk out with a jar of pickles in my hand and a crown on one of these boys’ heads I will simply not be able to live.
The banter. The whit. The funny comments. Everything was just great! I loved both MCs and it had good reps in here as well (bi MMC, lesbian and non-binary side characters). It also had some good family dynamics and emotional parts, so a well-rounded rom-com lmao
Seb turns and sees me coming toward him, digs his heel into the cement, and runs. “Abso-fucking-lutely not,” I mutter to myself.
But what really stood out was the fact that this was so funny! I know I mentioned the banter and funny comments but this type of back-and-forth is something I love in books and it’s not always done organically, it can be cringe, but this was *chefs kiss*
“So where are you headed?” Seb asks.
Maybe if I just keep walking he’ll disappear. He’s just a panic mirage, is all. The ghost of academic rivals past. “Apparently hell, if you’re here.”
It loses .25 stars because I wish the rivalry lasted much longer than it did.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC!
I’m starting to feel like Sisyphus. Except instead of lugging a boulder up a hill I’ve been trying to shove Seb off a cliff.
This was so effing adorable and funny!
Keep your friends close and your lifelong academic rivals you’ve imagined kissing multiple times against your will closer. It’s all just a part of our years-long game.
4.75 stars
I actually went into this with like negative expectations. I didn’t like Tweet Cute but I liked the synopsis on this one and I’m auto-approved, so I grabbed it. OHMYGOOOOD I was shook. This was so good!
“If you say one more word, Seb, I swear on all that is holy, I will bury you. I will pretend to look for you. I’ll shed pretty tears at your funeral and die in bed eighty years from now peacefully and without regret.”
We have childhood friends to rivals in high school and now university, competing for the same prestigious job at the school’s newspaper. I love a good rivals competition.
Unfortunately, somewhere in the last thirty seconds I got emotionally invested against my will, and if I don’t walk out with a jar of pickles in my hand and a crown on one of these boys’ heads I will simply not be able to live.
The banter. The whit. The funny comments. Everything was just great! I loved both MCs and it had good reps in here as well (bi MMC, lesbian and non-binary side characters). It also had some good family dynamics and emotional parts, so a well-rounded rom-com lmao
Seb turns and sees me coming toward him, digs his heel into the cement, and runs. “Abso-fucking-lutely not,” I mutter to myself.
But what really stood out was the fact that this was so funny! I know I mentioned the banter and funny comments but this type of back-and-forth is something I love in books and it’s not always done organically, it can be cringe, but this was *chefs kiss*
“So where are you headed?” Seb asks.
Maybe if I just keep walking he’ll disappear. He’s just a panic mirage, is all. The ghost of academic rivals past. “Apparently hell, if you’re here.”
It loses .25 stars because I wish the rivalry lasted much longer than it did.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC!
I’m starting to feel like Sisyphus. Except instead of lugging a boulder up a hill I’ve been trying to shove Seb off a cliff.
Read
June 6, 2025I LOVE YOU EMMA LORD. anyways this was everything about begin again, but somehow more developed and like maybe even better? (maybe bc i love childhood friends to lovers tbh)
Read
September 19, 2024This is an interesting sort-of YA novel aimed precisely at college freshmen. It deals a lot with leaving family for the first time, about sibling relationships as teens begin to emerge as young adults, and about beginning relationships. That aspect was thoughtfully handled, amid the fast-paced chaos of the rest of the book.
I do wonder if Emma Lord has not been in a college dorm for a long time; at least I'm told by various young people that the old saw about terrible dorm food is a generation out of date, and that nowadays most dorm food caters to a variety of dietary requirements--and that national chains are often present. (Also, considering the truly disgusting food combos the characters come up with, it seems a kettle and pot situation, but I digress)
That aside, though the slow burn romance (the rival is more of a frenemies situation that resolves very, very rapidly) could lead one to assume this is a "clean" romance, yet the frequent F-bombs and the casual references to underage drinking don't usually fit with what I understand to be a part of clean romance.
That said, I really enjoyed the main characters. Sadie definitely has plot armor, but I think wish fulfillment is a huge part of romance. Accept that in a year, she's going to cram in ten years of insights about love, relationships, and friendship, and that everything she touches will turn to gold, with admiration on all sides, including of course her love interest. Sadie is full of heart, her boy as well, and the diverse representation added to the charm for me.
I do wonder if Emma Lord has not been in a college dorm for a long time; at least I'm told by various young people that the old saw about terrible dorm food is a generation out of date, and that nowadays most dorm food caters to a variety of dietary requirements--and that national chains are often present. (Also, considering the truly disgusting food combos the characters come up with, it seems a kettle and pot situation, but I digress)
That aside, though the slow burn romance (the rival is more of a frenemies situation that resolves very, very rapidly) could lead one to assume this is a "clean" romance, yet the frequent F-bombs and the casual references to underage drinking don't usually fit with what I understand to be a part of clean romance.
That said, I really enjoyed the main characters. Sadie definitely has plot armor, but I think wish fulfillment is a huge part of romance. Accept that in a year, she's going to cram in ten years of insights about love, relationships, and friendship, and that everything she touches will turn to gold, with admiration on all sides, including of course her love interest. Sadie is full of heart, her boy as well, and the diverse representation added to the charm for me.
February 17, 2025
maybe 1.5 idk bc i kinda liked it at the very beginning
it had promise but did not live up to it
will be reading tweet cute because i'm holding out hope
please i need people to stop butchering tropes
-was not rivals to lovers (like at all)
-she had no emotional intelligence
-ending was too convenient
-they needed to stop kissing in public places it was too much pda
-her sisters were so immature for what? like to make her seem like a better person? she didn't
-it was a sob story for no reason she had a support system of people who loved her
-also she was lowkey rich and could do whatever she wanted
-i didn't like sadie (is that even her name i forgot) at all bc why did she hate her family sm
-they didn't even do anything wrong they were just exuberant
-wanted to cry when it talked about tiktok and stranger things
-ughhh i hated sadie she made no sense and made me mad
-only thing i liked was betty she deserved so much better
-and maybe some of the other characters but i just could not
-seb was never even that bad?
-i mean the article thing wasn't okay but her whole backstory of why she hated him fell flat
-also i had trouble believing that sadie was at all academic
-like they were co salutatorians or something (absolutely unbelievable) (seb was kinda smart but not sadie no way)
-she did not have an informed thought once in the whole book
-she did not strike me as the kind of person who could keep a secret at all
-christina(?) shrek girl deserved wayyy more
it had promise but did not live up to it
will be reading tweet cute because i'm holding out hope
please i need people to stop butchering tropes
-was not rivals to lovers (like at all)
-she had no emotional intelligence
-ending was too convenient
-they needed to stop kissing in public places it was too much pda
-her sisters were so immature for what? like to make her seem like a better person? she didn't
-it was a sob story for no reason she had a support system of people who loved her
-also she was lowkey rich and could do whatever she wanted
-i didn't like sadie (is that even her name i forgot) at all bc why did she hate her family sm
-they didn't even do anything wrong they were just exuberant
-wanted to cry when it talked about tiktok and stranger things
-ughhh i hated sadie she made no sense and made me mad
-only thing i liked was betty she deserved so much better
-and maybe some of the other characters but i just could not
-seb was never even that bad?
-i mean the article thing wasn't okay but her whole backstory of why she hated him fell flat
-also i had trouble believing that sadie was at all academic
-like they were co salutatorians or something (absolutely unbelievable) (seb was kinda smart but not sadie no way)
-she did not have an informed thought once in the whole book
-she did not strike me as the kind of person who could keep a secret at all
-christina(?) shrek girl deserved wayyy more
May 11, 2025
3.5!
this was super cute! nothing revolutionary but if you're in the market for academic rivals to lovers, then I would definitely recommend :)
this was super cute! nothing revolutionary but if you're in the market for academic rivals to lovers, then I would definitely recommend :)
October 10, 2024
Well, I think I’ve outgrown Emma Lord’s books and that sucks to admit. I really enjoyed her older releases, but her recent ones have completely missed the mark for me. I’ve only graduated college two years ago, but her books make me feel so old. I’m just cringing at the dialogue and the shortened words. It takes me out of the story because I can’t imagine someone actually saying this in real life. I had a hard time relating to the characters as well because everything felt one-dimensional. The romance also was not rivals to lovers at all. The rivalry was one-sided. I would classify this book as having the friends to lovers trope instead. All in all, this book didn’t work for me at all.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
February 16, 2025
The Rival is a wonderful coming of age romance between two friends who have known each other since early childhood. Best friends from the start, something happens early on which in some ways changes their dynamic, but not their love for each other, although they don't see that back then. What it does do is make them rivals in everything. Even bond they feel towards each other. The story is beautifully "Emma Lord" told as only she knows how. Most important, the positive messages enforced as these two friends must learn so much that they never knew about each other and themselves in order to move ahead in each other's lives.
The story, filled with family expectations, versus their own beliefs and wants, changing friendships, but more importantly, learning on how to become an adult and accepting the fact they aren't in high school anymore.
Sadie has just started college. She and her best friend are rooming together in a dorm, and she knows this is the beginning of her new life! She's free to do what she chooses for the first time, and she does...by cutting her very long hair very short! Her first grown-up decision made by herself. She also feels free to explore other areas of her life as her best friend Seb decided to go to another school. The first time they have been apart since they were in diapers...well, practically. As rivals in everything Sadie wants to blossom on her own. Until she sees Seb walking towards her! This is a dream. It can't be happening.
Now Sadie and Seb will once again have to breath the same air and yes, like it or not again compete with each other by no choice but their own. And the first competition will be for the only slot on the highly regarded school newspaper and sot after privilege. Sadie is already beginning to get depressed. But she decides she will fight to the bitter end to get what she knows she deserves.
As they both write their stories for the newspaper, a crisis arises on campus. Sadie begins to shine with some very avant-garde ideas which impress many on campus, including Seb. As they work together to fight the good fight, Sadie and Seb begin to realize it's nice to work together, rather than trying beat the other.
But unfortunately, life is never that easy. They both have family issues which need to be sorted out and as they grow closer, they also need to sort out what happened all those years ago to make them what they became towards each other.
The Rival is a charming rom/com with many poignant messages about how to let go of insecurities, finally come into your own, decide what you really want to do in life and of course, realize sometimes best friends don't have to always compete. They can actually just be in love.
Thank you #NetGalley #WednesdayBooks #EmmaLord #TheRival for the advanced copy.
The story, filled with family expectations, versus their own beliefs and wants, changing friendships, but more importantly, learning on how to become an adult and accepting the fact they aren't in high school anymore.
Sadie has just started college. She and her best friend are rooming together in a dorm, and she knows this is the beginning of her new life! She's free to do what she chooses for the first time, and she does...by cutting her very long hair very short! Her first grown-up decision made by herself. She also feels free to explore other areas of her life as her best friend Seb decided to go to another school. The first time they have been apart since they were in diapers...well, practically. As rivals in everything Sadie wants to blossom on her own. Until she sees Seb walking towards her! This is a dream. It can't be happening.
Now Sadie and Seb will once again have to breath the same air and yes, like it or not again compete with each other by no choice but their own. And the first competition will be for the only slot on the highly regarded school newspaper and sot after privilege. Sadie is already beginning to get depressed. But she decides she will fight to the bitter end to get what she knows she deserves.
As they both write their stories for the newspaper, a crisis arises on campus. Sadie begins to shine with some very avant-garde ideas which impress many on campus, including Seb. As they work together to fight the good fight, Sadie and Seb begin to realize it's nice to work together, rather than trying beat the other.
But unfortunately, life is never that easy. They both have family issues which need to be sorted out and as they grow closer, they also need to sort out what happened all those years ago to make them what they became towards each other.
The Rival is a charming rom/com with many poignant messages about how to let go of insecurities, finally come into your own, decide what you really want to do in life and of course, realize sometimes best friends don't have to always compete. They can actually just be in love.
Thank you #NetGalley #WednesdayBooks #EmmaLord #TheRival for the advanced copy.
dnf
February 1, 2025"Just trying to decide if it's worth it for me to keep paying for all these streaming services when I'm about to have the world's most ridiculous 'will they, won't they, dear god, just kiss already' show playing out right in front of my eyes."
DNF at 13%
DNF at 13%
January 24, 2025
Engaging, charming, and fun!
The Rival is an amusing, feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romance that takes you into the lives of both Sebastian Adams, a young man who isn’t quite sure of what he wants to do in life but knows he who wants to do it with, and the driven, reliable Sadie Brighton who may finally have got into the school of her dreams and the opportunity to write for the Maple Ridge University zine with the unfortunate twist of having the one boy who has been wreaking havoc on her life since birth also there.
The writing is humorous and light. The characters are hardworking, passionate, and lively. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous hijinks, school-place drama, self-discovery, witty banter, friendship, expectations, chemistry, and love.
Overall, The Rival is another sweet, spirited, highly entertaining read by Lord with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a happy-ever-after ending that left me smiling, smitten, and more than satisfied.
The Rival is an amusing, feel-good, enemies-to-lovers romance that takes you into the lives of both Sebastian Adams, a young man who isn’t quite sure of what he wants to do in life but knows he who wants to do it with, and the driven, reliable Sadie Brighton who may finally have got into the school of her dreams and the opportunity to write for the Maple Ridge University zine with the unfortunate twist of having the one boy who has been wreaking havoc on her life since birth also there.
The writing is humorous and light. The characters are hardworking, passionate, and lively. And the plot is a push-pull tale full of tricky situations, tender moments, humorous hijinks, school-place drama, self-discovery, witty banter, friendship, expectations, chemistry, and love.
Overall, The Rival is another sweet, spirited, highly entertaining read by Lord with characters I couldn’t help but root for and a happy-ever-after ending that left me smiling, smitten, and more than satisfied.
September 12, 2024
This was fun,feel good read. Romance was cute and plot, while predictable moved quickly.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2025
I wanted to like this so much more than I did.
While Emma Lord writes beautifully, I found myself unengaged with the plot and characters. I didn’t mind Sadie, but things about her character didn’t make sense for me. For one, she wants to be a comedy writer, yet I didn’t particularly find her funny - but comedy is subjective so I can let that slide. Her qualms and rivalry with Seb felt a little pushed - especially from where their conflict stemmed from, which was incredibly juvenile to hold onto for so long.
While this was quickly paced, I found the plot and subplots to be undeveloped, such as Sadie’s relationship with her family. The way she felt about being the sole one everyone relied on was kind of dropped? Along with the fact that her family knew about her love of comedy writing and there was never really a discussion about it? Or her sudden fight with her sister? It all just felt undeveloped, which just lead me to not fully engage or know our characters and their struggles. Seb was fine, but I found the romance to feel forced.
Overall, a quick read, but not my favourite!
Thank you so much to Saint Martin’s press for the advanced e copy in exchange for an honest review!
While Emma Lord writes beautifully, I found myself unengaged with the plot and characters. I didn’t mind Sadie, but things about her character didn’t make sense for me. For one, she wants to be a comedy writer, yet I didn’t particularly find her funny - but comedy is subjective so I can let that slide. Her qualms and rivalry with Seb felt a little pushed - especially from where their conflict stemmed from, which was incredibly juvenile to hold onto for so long.
While this was quickly paced, I found the plot and subplots to be undeveloped, such as Sadie’s relationship with her family. The way she felt about being the sole one everyone relied on was kind of dropped? Along with the fact that her family knew about her love of comedy writing and there was never really a discussion about it? Or her sudden fight with her sister? It all just felt undeveloped, which just lead me to not fully engage or know our characters and their struggles. Seb was fine, but I found the romance to feel forced.
Overall, a quick read, but not my favourite!
Thank you so much to Saint Martin’s press for the advanced e copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 29, 2025
3.5/5
Such an adorable romcom with the classic cliches and lovable characters! I love Emma Lord’s storytelling and how she develops her characters. The plot was fun and, though predictable, I had such a fun time reading this! Tweet Cute is still my favorite but this is also a pretty close second to me. Sadie and Seb were so good together and I loved that epilogue😭 There were a few things that felt rushed but I liked how the book touched on student life and the common struggles faced by college students as they’re adjusting to new environments!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Such an adorable romcom with the classic cliches and lovable characters! I love Emma Lord’s storytelling and how she develops her characters. The plot was fun and, though predictable, I had such a fun time reading this! Tweet Cute is still my favorite but this is also a pretty close second to me. Sadie and Seb were so good together and I loved that epilogue😭 There were a few things that felt rushed but I liked how the book touched on student life and the common struggles faced by college students as they’re adjusting to new environments!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
January 27, 2025
˚⋆✩٠࣪ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ˚⋆✩
˚⋆ 5 stars ˚
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Omg. I could read this woman’s grocery receipt and be content for a lifetime.
I’m so happy that I finally got to read this!! This is definitely one of my favorites now!!
This book genuinely had me laughing my head off and giggling over the ADORABLE romance!! 😭💗
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¸¸♬·¯·♪·¯·♫¸¸ ¸¸♫·¯·♪¸♩·¯·♬¸¸ ¸¸♬·¯·♪·¯·♫¸¸ ¸¸
˚⋆ 5 stars ˚
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¸¸♬·¯·♪·¯·♫¸¸ ¸¸♫·¯·♪¸♩·¯·♬¸¸ ¸¸♬·¯·♪·¯·♫¸¸ ¸¸
Omg. I could read this woman’s grocery receipt and be content for a lifetime.
I’m so happy that I finally got to read this!! This is definitely one of my favorites now!!
This book genuinely had me laughing my head off and giggling over the ADORABLE romance!! 😭💗
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December 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️.5
Kept me out of a reading slump. Engaged me enough but also made me feel unwell at how in my face it was.
Kept me out of a reading slump. Engaged me enough but also made me feel unwell at how in my face it was.
April 13, 2025
I always love reading an Emma Lord novel, and The Rival was another entertaining and adorable YA romcom from her. While we sense that romance between Sadie and Seb building with lots of tension, I loved that this also focused on the school they were going to and an imbalance in the system. The romance itself really builds around that, and I thought it was a great way to add depth. I also loved the friendship between Sadie and her bestie Christina as well as Sadie’s relationships with her various family members. They all impacted the story, especially as we get towards the end where Sadie has some important conversations and realizations.
The audiobook gave me mixed feelings and it was mostly down to Jesse Vilinsky’s pacing. It felt a little erratic to me, and I struggled to find a speed to listen to her on that didn’t make the audiobook sound weird. That being said, I did love her narration for the characters, especially the tone she used to voice Rowan, and she was certainly very enthusiastic. The themes in the book were really important, and I loved that they were approached with Lord’s trademark charm and humor. The competition between Sadie and Zeb added to the general tension between them, and this was a very approachable read that kept me engaged. I also happen to have loved the ending which left a smile on my face as the credits rolled.
Read this if you are looking for: Hilarious banter, pancakes (IYKYK), and no spice.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook gave me mixed feelings and it was mostly down to Jesse Vilinsky’s pacing. It felt a little erratic to me, and I struggled to find a speed to listen to her on that didn’t make the audiobook sound weird. That being said, I did love her narration for the characters, especially the tone she used to voice Rowan, and she was certainly very enthusiastic. The themes in the book were really important, and I loved that they were approached with Lord’s trademark charm and humor. The competition between Sadie and Zeb added to the general tension between them, and this was a very approachable read that kept me engaged. I also happen to have loved the ending which left a smile on my face as the credits rolled.
Read this if you are looking for: Hilarious banter, pancakes (IYKYK), and no spice.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 10, 2025
It's cute! It's fun! And it's well written! But still, for some reason, I had a hard time actually paying attention, my thoughts kept wandering off the plot. However, the characters were charming, the banter was snappy, and it still made for a cozy, enjoyable read. It also made me really excited to read more of Emma's YA rom-coms!
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