Rivals to Lovers

by Elise Wayland

One classic novel. Two adaptations. A competition that shakes up everything.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, this steamy rivals-to-lovers romance set in Manhattan features two writers fighting to sell the adaptation of their favorite classic novel.

Mo Denton has been obsessed with the classic feminist novel The Proud and the Lost for as long as she can remember. When Mo puts everything she has into writing a modern adaptation of her all-time favorite book, her agent Yuri loves it—but can’t pitch it anywhere. The original author’s estate must approve any adaptation, and so far, it has never allowed one to go forward.

The agent who represents the estate—Wes Spencer—is also working on an updated version of the beloved story. Promoting Mo’s project would go against Wes’s own interests, and he’s reluctant to bring it to Estelle Morgan, the elderly daughter of the original novelist. But when Yuri contacts Estelle herself, Estelle invites Mo and Wes to her home for a weekend where they will pitch each book to her and let her decide whose book will be approved–and whose work will be destined for deletion. 

Soon, Mo and Wes realize that they have more in common than just their love of the original book. As they grow closer and wait for the estate’s decision, will the secrets Wes is keeping ruin the bond between them, or can they find their way to a happy ending?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary Romance, Audiobook, Books About Books

336 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[chan ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovers of Emily Henry, especially her newest release, will eat this book up. People uninterested in the publishing industry or the intricacies of retelling a classical novel? Might be less impressed.

I think I fall somewhere in the middle. The basic premise here is that the hero and heroine of the book are trying to get their respective retellings of a classic novel published (which proves challenging since the book is not in the public domain and they have to pitch their books to the estate of the classic novel's author). They've run into each other before in the past, but now they're going head to head with their passion projects.

I didn't think I'd care much for the story within a story situation, but I admit I really liked hearing about the hero and heroine's different approaches to the classic novel. The hero was going for a queer but I believe still a historical setting. Heroine did a modern feminist retelling. And their perspectives also kind of feed into how they interact with each other.

The thing that was a little meh for me was the romance. I feel like we went from rivals to pawing at each other very very quickly. And despite learning more about each other's upbringings and trauma, I didn't feel a lot of connection here. I almost wanted these two to just stay friends as I learned more about the books they were writing.

Overall, this was solid. Not a new favorite, but a pretty good debut.

[TheConnieFox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rivals to Lovers novel is a must read book for all romance lovers out there! It was an exciting enemies to lovers trope read. It is extremely well written and easy to read! I enjoyed the characters, the suspense, the romance and the mystery of what was to come next! The novel kept me on my toes and gave me whiplash, in a good way of course.

This book started out slow, which is the only reason that I did not give it a five star rating. I give it a strong four stars! Overall, I am happy and smitten by this book!

The novel is about two authors named Mo and Wes who live in New York. Both of these characters wrote their own adaptations of a classic and well beloved book. However, only one of their books will end up being published and sold in stores.

This is where the rivalry begins between them. As the story goes on, they start to get to know each other better and a bond starts developing. This bond confuses them and excites them at the same time. However, things happen between them that ultimately tests their bond.

This book is an adult read, due to explicit sexual content.

Thank you to NetGalley for this advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of this novel!

#Netgalley
#RivalstoLovers

[elizabeth rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

One book. Two rival adaptations. And a whole lot of unresolved tension...

Rivals to Lovers is a clever, heartfelt tribute to the stories that shape us. I adored how the novel explores the intensely personal relationship we form with books—how the same story can mean entirely different things to different people. For Mo, the feminist classic she read at thirteen wasn’t just a favourite—it was formative. From her hair colour to her cat’s name, the book helped define who she became. That kind of literary love—the kind that alters your lens on life—is something every reader will recognise.

The writing is witty and emotionally resonant, with the right mix of banter, tension, and heart to keep the story moving. Mo and Wes are brilliantly layered, and watching their dynamic shift from wary competitors to something deeper was a joy. But what stayed with me most was how this book celebrates being a reader. If you've ever been changed by a story, this charming rom-com is for you.

Charming, smart, and deeply bookish—this is rivals-to-lovers with soul. 💖

[Elise Wayland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is mine! Some specifics:
-3rd person, 2 POV
-bantery
-open-door
-bi MMC absolutely gone for this straight FMC
-he falls first, very hard
-Fiyero MMC, former fanfic writer FMC
Non-spoilery Content Warnings: Please note that Rivals to Lovers includes mention of off-page death, and includes on-page and off-page bi-erasure and bi-phobia. Rivals to Lovers includes both on-page and fade-to-black explicitly sexual scenes. Take care of yourself, and enjoy!

On a personal note, I wrote this book while digging myself out of the worst depression I've ever experienced because I wanted to live in a funny story for a while. I'm grateful to these two doofuses I made up for falling in love, and I'm grateful for you for giving it try. I hope you like it, and if you do, there's a book club guide on my website.

[lami ♡ [eyes on sudan]]

Just got accepted for an arc of this, yipee! 😋

[Heidy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, another debut author. The concept is really cool: Adaptation of a story, kinda plays out like story within a story within a story. I had a hard time finding MMCs story compelling: Nepo baby, silver spoon fed, and parents divorce your biggest struggle? Felt like that character could have spent some more time in the oven. The FMC is a little on the insecure for my liking. And listen, if the book title has “Rivals” I’d expect there to be more actual rivalry, this was not it.

The semi closed door was annoying…their first (kinda) sexy time scene I was confused, cuz we jumped from one backdrop to another and all the sudden they are naked, but we didn’t get any build up or release. A cock tease of confusion. If your book description says “for the Emily Henry, Ali Hazelwood lovers” I’m expecting some bone tastic scenes.

Once I got past some of my annoyances, it was cute enough, but I struggled to keep picking it up and finishing it.

Thank you Net Galley for the ARC, this is my honest review

[amarachireads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read i like the aspect of the two main characters being rivals when trying to compete to get a novel adaptation. I love books with bookish plots so i liked that aspect of the book. I think the author did a great job immersing the readers into the publishing and book aspect of the story. The dual pov was good and i love the good rivals to lovers banter and back and forth. The romance was cute but there was so much back and forth and the pacing of the plot at times felt off. The romance between the non main characters was also cute and overall this was a fast paced romcom. Thanks to the publisher for this arc.

[Leonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐️

“Unspoken: how lucky that Gary had been with her. Although it hadn’t really been luck. It had been love.”

The quote is not related to the main characters in this book but came from the same story and I thought it deserved a little extra attention because I think it’s beautiful.

This story follows Mo and Wes. They are both writers. Both writers who wrote an adaptation for their favorite book. Which just so happened to be the same book. Now the question is, whos adaptation will be chosen? And what are they willing to give to have it be theirs?

I thought the book was very fun! It took me a little bit to get into but once it gets going it’s very easy to read and quick to finish! I felt like it was very insta lovey. I am really not a big insta-love fan, so unfortunately that lowered my rating a little bit. I really liked the idea and the setting of the story though! The male main character is bi and there is a lot of lgbtq representation in this book which I always appreciate!! I also really liked the way it’s definitely a modern day book, but gives the vibe of like bridgerton, little women, pride and prejudice, that kind of stuff. That’s definitely not the way it’s set out but that’s how I felt reading it! It was overal just a very fun and easy book to read! It’s a perfect palette cleanser after finishing up a series or a big book.

I also really really liked the little side romance. As you can probably tell by the quote in the beginning of this review, I feel like those characters really for well together and share a love so pure that it melted my heart! Just for them I would reread the whole book!

A huge thank you to NetGalley, Spotify Audiobooks and the author of this book Elise Wayland, for allowing me the opportunity to listen to this ALC!!

[Brandi Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maureen (Mo) and Wes are both authors that live in New York, both competing for their adaptation of a beloved novel to win, in this enemies to lovers romantic comedy.

Wes and Mo were two of cutest characters. I will admit that Wes was a bit hard to like in the beginning of the book but he redeemed himself quickly.

Wes and Mo, although competitors, are instantly attracted to each other and their romance comes along very quickly. I missed some of the back and forth banter that came with their instant attraction.

I love books about books and this novel was the perfect romantic comedy for me. I felt that this book had a little bit of a slow start or I would've given it the full five stars.

This book is told from both Wes and Mo's point of view, which I always enjoy in a romance.

Overall, I really enjoyed this medium paced rom com!

Expected Publish Date: August 12th 2025

Thank you to both NetGalley and Alcove Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own.

[Ambriehl Khalil · Rating 2 out of 5]

zero chemistry between these characters unfortunately and the plot just didn’t hold my interest at all. ty libro fm for the ALC

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute romance with a creative, interesting concept. Maureen (Mo) and Wes are each pouring their heart and soul into their own adaptations of their favorite classic novel, The Proud and the Lost. The author’s estate has agreed to consider one of their projects to move forward with - but only one. When they’re both invited by the author’s aging daughter to visit the estate and pitch their adaptations, the rivalry and tension starts to feel more like chemistry.

I love books about book people. This was such a fun look into the world of authors, agents, and publishers. I really enjoyed reading about the process of writing, editing, finding representation, and trying to sell and publish books. What made this one special for me was getting to know the plot and characters of the original story, and then hearing about Mo and Wes’ specific interpretations, inspirations, and reasoning behind their individual adaptations. I thought the story of The Proud and the Lost, as well as EJ and Estelle’s life stories, were really interesting and added a lot to the book. The competition aspect reminded me a little of Emily Henry’s Great Big Beautiful Life, especially in the beginning when they both travel to the estate to pitch their novels to Estelle. I think fans of that book would enjoy this one as well!

For me personally, the romance didn’t fully land. I was rooting for them, but I didn’t feel particularly connected to either Mo or Wes. Wes made a bad first impression on me and never fully dug himself out of the hole, and Mo sort of lost me as the story continued. Mostly, however, I think I can put it down to personal preference - I prefer more of a slow burn, with lots of tension and build up. Mo and Wes got together pretty quickly, and when that happens, I feel like all I do is await the dreaded third act break up. Again - that’s just me. Some people loathe a slow burn and will eat this right up!

To summarize, this one is for the books about books lovers! Great insights into the publishing world, and an interesting “book within a book.” Rivals to Lovers is out on August 12!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my review, and congratulations to Elise Wayland for a great debut!

[Savannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rivals to Lovers is exactly as it sounds, a rival to lovers romance. With captivating imagery throughout and undeniable chemistry between our FMC and MMC, Elise Wayland has crafted a contemporary romance that is not only a fun read but a narrative that will constantly have readers self-reflecting at any given moment.

Maurine "Mo" Denton is a wedding caterer who has adapted her favorite classic novel, The Proud and the Lost, hoping to bring a fresh light to the story with a modernized setting. Wesley "Wes" Spencer is a literary agent who has also adapted The Proud and the Lost, just from the male main character's perspective. The two are pitted against each other, by Estelle, the daughter of The Proud and the Lost's late novelist. as only one adaptation will be published. Spending a weekend at Estelle's estate, "The Hill", Mo and Wes realize that while they had vastly different upbringings, the two have shared passions.

After the weekend, Mo and Wes navigate their rivals to lovers situation in the ways they each know how. Teetering between friendship and something more, lies and secrets start to drive a wedge between the two, only they can't write themselves out of this one.

Narrators Patti Muran and Grayson Owens are very articulate, capturing the energy of the story, bringing the characters and their respective anxieties to life. Even at faster speeds (1.5-2x), they are still very clear and easy to listen to.

Thanks to Spotify Audiobooks and NetGalley for the advance listener copy.

[Jonas Backer · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy through Netgalley and the publisher, this in no way affects my review*

So, when you see this cover, you expect a cute, light romance novel, and while it was that at certain points, I found it to be on the heavier side at certain points as well. It also had a lot of the elements that make up a great romance novel, but it felt like they were just put there because they had to be.

Essentially, we have Wes and Mo competing to earn the rights to publish an adaptation on a widely known book, but of course, they start to fall for each other. My main issue with the book was that the romance felt way too underdeveloped for me, and there were talks of feelings and ‘i love you’ way too soon.

The side characters were very interesting, but faded to the background a bit by the end of the book, so I feel they could have had a bigger role instead of just being there when the author needed a set of secondary characters for that particular part of the book.

I really liked the main characters and their constant banter with each other. I really laughed out loud reading Wes’s thoughts.


3.5 stars!

[Shannon Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

{3.75/5 Stars}

As the author mentions in the acknowledgements, this is absolutely a book for book lovers. It is a love letter to classic literature, an adorable romance, and a fascinating exploration of human character all in one.

Maureen “Mo” Denton and Wesley Spencer are competing, each with their unique adaptations of a classic work of literature, The Proud and the Lost. They are invited to read selections of their manuscripts to the daughter of the author and her two children. Over their weekend visit, a rivalry blossoms into something more, and they must navigate a combination of factors if they want to make it work.

There are several elements in this story that work really well. I loved Mo’s journey of accepting her desire for both love and ambition, and how she comes to understand that having big career goals is not a bad thing. Additionally, the tributes to classic literature and English classes brought me so much joy while reading.

Unfortunately, other elements weren’t for me. Wes’s internal monologue focuses a bit too much on the physical side of their relationship for my taste. I have no problem with descriptions of their desire and explicit scenes, but the verbiage and timing of Wes’s spicy thoughts made me uncomfortable. Additionally, a few of the plot choices that felt significant to me are brushed over in descriptive paragraphs without accounting for the characters’ emotional reactions.

I did enjoy the writing style for the most part, and the characters do grow as the story progresses. This is an entertaining, quick read, and I’d recommend it if you enjoy modern romance books with an element of classic literature.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Celeste Raine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story centers around Mo and Wes and their love for one classic novel that altered their lives. They both have adaptations to written and they’re desperate to convince the estate owner to let them publish. But only one can win the opportunity. Thus enters these two writing rivals.

This book was brilliantly written and incredibly insightful. You can tell that this has been written with an in depth knowledge of the writing and publishing scene. The writing was lush and dimensional and the author took care when writing about nepotism, privilege, queerness and the patriarchy. It was ambitious, yet it felt incredibly effortless.

I only have one issue with this story which I almost hate to write down… but I almost wish it was closed door entirely or open door entirely. Explicit scenes were always referred to and showed promise to exploring these characters further, especially in their romantic dynamic. But we were never IN scene with them. It almost felt like a reader promise was made but never delivered and I felt disappointed by that. I must make it clear! It’s okay if there are no explicit scenes in the books I read. But it does feel like an odd choice to talk about power dynamics in the bedroom, or very erotic scenes without ever being there. Just a whole lot of telling.

But otherwise… LOVED

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was SUCH a cute and easy read!! I really don't have any substantial criticism — I enjoyed it thoroughly, it made me smile, laugh, tear up a little, and warmed my heart. The characters were endearing, very relatable, and they had such good, well-written chemistry and banter. The rival to lover trope was done well, and the plot was good and interesting (and new to me!). I liked that the MMC was bi, and I loved that he was called out for his privilege being from a rich, well-connected background. Also looved that the characters weren't teenagers or young, young adults, but my age :).

Perhaps my only criticism is that the spice stood between closed-door and descriptive in a vague sort of way, which I'm not sure is the type for me but might be quite good for others!

Loved the edgehog too haha! The ending and epilogue were super cute. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who's looking for an easy, flirty modern romance with an interesting bookish plot!

[Megan Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read, perfect for book lovers like me!

The two main characters each wrote an adaptation of an old classic and are in competition to see which one is chosen by the estate to move forward. Of course the line between rivals and lovers is very thin, and sparks fly between them right from the start.

I always enjoy books about books, and this one was no exception. I thought both main characters were very sweet and I enjoyed seeing them fall for each other. They had excellent banter, but I wanted more of it! I also felt like they crossed the line from rivals to lovers quickly and I wished for more time where they were rivals because that's where the best tension and yearning were.

I was happy with the way the story unfolded, and honestly wasn't sure whose book would be chosen. That kept me turning pages quickly! There was a third act conflict, which I never mind, and it was resolved pretty quickly. (Though again, I wouldnt have minded more tension during it.)

Ultimately I will say that I recommend this one for anyone who wants a cute, sweet romance and loves reading books set in the world of writing and publishing.

Thank you to Netgalley and Alcove Press for the e-arc of this book!

[lunareadsalatte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and fun! I adored the premise of the two MC’s loving a book and being able to create and adaptation for it! I do wish we had a bit more of a backstory for the book but it’s more centered around Wes and Mo. For a book titled Rivals to Lovers they did become lovers FAST so I would’ve loved to seen that drawn out. Some elements were not my favorite like Wes comments were a lil uncomfy at times but I understand the intention.
However besides that, this reads like pride and prejudice: book lovers edition. Wes coming from a good wealthy family, famous mother and Mo a small-town caterer needing her big break. This book did drag and I almost dnf’d sadly but it was worth it for that ending!
All in all good and fun book romance story though!
3.5⭐️ because of the ending 🫶🏼

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to share my honest review!

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mo escribió una nueva adaptación de su obra favorita, The Proud and the Lost y espera publicarla, pero no contaba con que la familia de la autora original aún tuviera los derechos de autor. Entonces, su editora logra conseguir una reunión para convencer a la familia de que le permita publicarla, pero no será fácil, ya que al parecer tiene competencia y Wes quiere hacer su debut con otro libro que también es una adaptación. Ahora tendrán que convencer a la hija de la escritora de que su trabajo es el ideal. ¿Quién ganará? ¿Qué pasará cuando Mo y Wes empiecen a gustarse? ¿Lograrán estar felices el uno por el otro en caso de que su trabajo sea seleccionado, o será el principio del fin?

~


Wes se robo el libro, me cayó muy bien.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophia Menidis · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 20%.

I think this was just a case of wrong timing for me to read it. There was nothing wrong with the book and the writing was good I just really couldn’t get into it! I feel like so many romance books are currently following similar plots of the whole authors competing for book rights etc and so I really needed this one to stand out and it just wasn’t for me. So I’ve had to pass it up but what I did read was well written so maybe one day in the future when it’s a less saturated subgenre in the market I’ll try again and enjoy it more.

[sam! ʕっ• ᴥ • ʔっ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

overall, this was mostly cute and enjoyable enough for a romcom (a genre i am notoriously picky about) -- i enjoyed that both characters were writers and i liked the overarching plot/competition between them, though i wish the rivalry was a bit stronger in a sense? basically i feel like they started to like each other way faster than i wanted/expected for a book called "rivals to lovers." additionally (though this is a common complaint for me for romcoms), so many of their problems could have been resolved by them just talking to each other earlier on, before things blew up/got complicated. otherwise, i appreciate that the author added some elements that (at least in my experience) aren't as common in the genre and it was a pretty easy read, hence my overall rating !

thank you to netgalley and alcove press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[(old.enough.for.fairytales)]

DNF at 35%. Both main characters just got on my nerves.

[Manon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

Merci à l'autrice et à netgalley pour m'avoir fourni un arc audio de ce livre.
J'ai écouté ce livre d'une traite sur un trajet en voiture et ce fut très agréable. J'ai trouvé l'audio très bien réalisé déjà et c'était un plaisir de l'écouter.
En ce qui concerne l'histoire, j'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé le concept et suivre les deux personnages principaux qui passent peu à peu de la position de rivaux à amants. Ils se rapprochent par leur amour de la littérature. J'ai trouvé le personnage masculin incroyable et j'avoue que j'aimerais bien avoir un homme comme ça dans ma vie.
Concernant la fin, j'ai peut-être trouvé les choses un peu faciles mais c'est quand même une lecture que je recommande à tous !

[Alison Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iowa is home to some incredible romance authors, and Elise Wayland’s romance debut is further proof of that.

Her characters are refreshingly imperfect, but also emotionally mature. The romance is fun, but also cozy and believable.

I was grateful to receive an ARC of this wonderful novel, and look forward to getting my hands on a published copy!

[Sarah’s Literary World · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

Such a cute and fun read! This story felt fresh and unique

Mo and Wes are both authors competing to adapt a book, which leads to a weekend full of tension, banter, and eventually… feelings. I love a good rivals-to-lovers story, and this one delivered, but might have been a little too insta-lovey for me.

I really loved how Mo and Wes shared careers. . It feels like they related a lot to one another and made their connection feel more real. It was a super easy and enjoyable read, the perfect palette cleanser!

I adored the Lord of the Rings references, but what really stole my heart? The side romance between Gary and Estelle. It was so unexpectedly sweet it actually made me emotional. Estelle’s daughters, though? Not a big fan…

I listened to the audiobook, and the dual narration was so well done. Both narrators really brought Mo and Wes to life and captured the emotion in all the right moments. It really made the story hit harder.

Add this to your TBR if you love:
✨ rivals to lovers
✨ he falls first
✨ dual POV
✨ insight into the publishing world
✨ LGBTQ+ rep

Thank you to Spotify Books and NetGalley for the ALC! This is my honest review.

[Kristy House · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Elise Wayland, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for this Advanced Reader's Copy in exchange for my honest review!

If you recently read Emily Henry's, "Great Big Beautiful Life" and wanted more of the two-authors-working-towards-a-book-deal vibe, then I would definitely recommend this! It's a little different, as this book isn't about a memoir; it's two authors who have created original work that is an adaptation of a very famous novel.

I honestly thought the concept of this was fun, as it was interesting to learn how both Wes and Mo were impacted by the original story to then be influenced enough to add their own inspirations & interpretations for the original characters, and even changing things like their names, their sexualities, and the infamous ending of the original book in order to give it a more modern spin. At one point, Mo identifies that Wes's adaptation still has a spin of classism in it, which is what really made her want to update it to a contemporary context, and I loved that spin.

"I’m always amazed at the hunger that we have to reimagine familiar stories. Look at how many books and movies we have every year that are remakes, or even retellings of folktales. We have an endless need to know again and again that happy endings are possible or that we really shouldn’t trust wolves we meet in the woods. [...] I think having a happy ending doesn’t mean that a book doesn’t have literary merit. If fiction is meant to explore the human condition, which I think is its purpose, it’s okay to tell a story that ends with joy. We experience joy too. We experience freedom from bad relationships and the hope for better ones.”

I do think I was hoping for a little more tension between these two in the sense of being rivals -- I think the beginning of the book was just a little slow for me because they were so quickly friendly and it escalated pretty quickly between them as lovers before I really even felt like we got a glimmer of rivals, hahaha. It felt more like Friends to Lovers to Rivals to Lovers, and even when they were "rivals" I really didn't feel any malice or ill intention or hate towards one another, so the stakes were pretty low. Not to say that I didn't enjoy watching their relationship bloom, but I just felt like the title was a *little* misleading, even if they were technically pitted against each other for the book deal so were indeed *rivals.* But truthfully, I'm a bit more of a slow-burn girl who craves tension, so if you don't care for that, then you'll eat this one up more!

"Be gentle to one another. Gary told me you are friends now, and I’m glad. God only gives us few equals in this life, and rivals which we respect—even fewer."

That note aside, I did enjoy the banter between Wes and Mo, even if I felt like their relationship felt a little undercooked before they were suddenly in love with each other. And honestly, I found myself truly laughing at some of Wes's thoughts when we were in his POV. Hahaha. I thought Mo was a cute character, but Wes had some of the best actions and thoughts. “I am, in fact, a disaster some of the time. Or maybe, more accurately, I am a construction zone and I’m not used to letting someone see the unfinished building.”

Overall, cute story with likeable characters, and I enjoyed the ending. A book within a book for book lovers, with a little look into the publishing world!

Some quotes / favorite parts I enjoyed, SPOILERS, YOU'VE BEEN WARNED:

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• The "ratports" with her roommates lol what a concept.

• "Wes loved his job, he really did, but if he could have done that job in the middle of a forest with no Wi-Fi, he probably would have been a kinder and better person." HAHAHAHA

• "Sloan had once told Mo that Mo looked like if Iowa was a person." okay, but wtf lol who says this to their friend????

• I did enjoy the fact that Wes has known about Mo & her writing for a long time, and he's always been championing her on -- that was a cute element.

• “'And they say Iowa doesn’t have culture,' Wes said. 'It’s butter, not yogurt,' Mo said, before she could stop herself. A pun was better than slamming him for his coastal elitism." HAHAHA

• “But writing my book was important to me, working through the themes of closet culture, especially back in the Roaring Twenties. It’s not like gay people were invented in the 1970s or something. I’ve tried to actively search out projects that talk about gay history in literature, and I hoped my novel—sorry, I’m not trying to sell you on my book.”

• "It was a game he’d played since he was a teen. Hit random, and whatever song came on was your song of the day." Okay FUN, I'm into this idea.

• "'Right. I mean, if people wanted a happy ending, they’d read a different kind of book. Happy books don’t sell.' Wes was about to correct her, explaining that romance novels actually made up a large part of the book market and sold the idea of a happy ending to millions of people a year." HELL YEAH THEY DO

• "Or, more accurately, this LinkedIn-connection-then-rival-fling-now-friend thing." Yeah, basically, this sums that up.

• "He paused, blinked. A sheepish look crept over his face. 'But then you don’t have a reason to come back here.'" OKAY, THAT WAS CUTE.

• “I don’t trust people who aren’t anxious. I’m serious. If someone is too Zen, I assume they don’t pay attention to things.” SAME.

• “Thank you for the insight. I don’t know what my friends would tell someone in some corner about me.” Loris pursed his lips. “Well, I’m not most friends. Figuring people out is kind of my job. Ajay and I adore Wes, but we are pushy in his life about two things: He needs a romantic partner to love, and he needs a dog. Then he’ll be fine.” -- Okay, rereading this was great because it really validates the ending, hahahaha. Wow. I love it, he gets both in the epilogue.

• "He turned to Ulla. “I’ll be back. Need to get a drink.”“Tell the drink I said hi,” Ulla said, not buying his excuse." HAHAHHA

• Wes is honestly a sweetie -- he signs Maureen's name onto the card with his, even though she has zero idea he's even sending it, and he puts her manuscript into the fedex package with his own. Like !!!! looking out for her, okay sweetie.

• "He convinced them, with very little effort, that what they truly wanted was fresh French fish soup fast—say that five times." LMFAO

• "but when he reentered the living room, Wes saw her with his laptop perched on her lap. He couldn’t believe her disregard of his private space. He breathed deeply, willing his shoulders to relax before he said anything. Computers were more private than underwear drawers. Annoyance clenched his stomach." Same. Been with my husband 9 years, and if he's just on my laptop or iPad, I'm like ??? excuse me ?? hahaha, I've got nothing to hide, but... that's mine lol

• "Sex could be good in the moment, like ice cream, but there were few ice cream cones she stayed up at night thinking about. Wes was more than that cold sweetness, those licks of pleasure. That was awful imagery, and this was why she didn’t write erotica." Lol, a Mo quote that made me laugh.

[c in bookland]

I got this book through NetGalley and want to thank them for the chance to read it early.

Tropes:

- rivals to lovers
- enemies to lovers
- forced proximity
- dual POV and third person
- bookish setting
- he falls first

This is a standalone novel and Elise Wayland’s romance debut.

The story follows Maureen “Mo” Denton and Wesley Spencer, two writers competing to get their adaptations of a classic called The Proud and the Lost approved. When the deceased author’s daughter sets up a weekend at her estate to evaluate their proposals, these two rivals end up under the same roof, and what starts as pure professional rivalry slowly turns into something much deeper.

Mo is one of those protagonists who wins you over right away. She’s an aspiring writer from the Midwest who’s making ends meet waitressing in New York, and there’s this genuineness about her that makes it easy to root for her. She’s witty, determined, and completely obsessed with books (and cheese!). She’s not one of those perfect characters who does everything right, which is exactly what makes her believable and likable. Her passion for literature is infectious, and the way she handles financial struggles without losing her optimism is really admirable.

Wes, on the other hand, could easily come across as your typical privileged guy - son of a famous influencer and successful literary agent - but Wayland does a great job digging beneath the surface. He’s bisexual, which is handled really naturally, and has layers that unfold gradually. What strikes me most is his desire to make it on his own merit rather than riding on his mother’s name, and how caring and protective he becomes with Mo. He’s not your typical two-dimensional love interest - he has his own vulnerabilities and secrets.

What I love about this story is how the relationship between these two develops. They genuinely start as rivals, with all the friction that comes with that, but spending the weekend together they discover they have way more in common than they thought. Their dialogue is sharp and full of cutting remarks that gradually transform into something sweeter and more intimate. Sure, there are obstacles - their different backgrounds create some tension and there are secrets that complicate things - but that just makes the story feel more realistic.

Wayland’s writing flows really well and draws you in, with a style that’s both creative and accessible. The literary references and publishing world details are plentiful but never heavy-handed, creating an atmosphere that book lovers will definitely appreciate. The dialogue has personality and strikes the right balance between funny moments and romantic scenes.

Overall, I really enjoyed Rivals to Lovers. It’s a romance that knows how to use classic tropes without ever feeling predictable, with well-developed characters and a story that keeps you glued to the pages. If you’re looking for contemporary romance set in the literary world, with believable protagonists and good chemistry, this book might be right up your alley. It’s a promising debut that left me curious to read more from this author.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I really liked how bookish this book was. As someone who loves reading and studied literature in university, it was fun to see the classical aspects of the story, the publishing side of literature, and all the book references. The setup at the beginning was great and made me excited to dive in.

The characters were… okay. Mo and Wes each had moments that were enjoyable, but overall I didn’t feel a strong connection to them. They had distinct personalities, but I didn’t feel fully invested in their journey as the story progressed.

The pacing definitely felt off. The rivals-to-lovers part was way too short, and I wanted more of the rivalry before any romantic feelings developed. The yearning between Mo and Wes didn’t really hit—it felt more like insta-love, which is surprising given the title. By the time they finally got together, the payoff wasn’t very satisfying.

As for the narration in the audio, it just wasn’t for me. The narrator had a British accent, which I usually enjoy in audiobooks, but I struggled with it and didn’t really connect. That’s totally personal, and the narrator did a solid job—it just wasn’t the right fit for me.

Finally, the book isn’t particularly steamy. I enjoy explicit scenes, and this one didn’t have that level of heat, which is fine. But if you’re looking for a super steamy romance, this might not be your cup of tea.

Overall, it had a fun literary premise, but the romance and characters didn’t quite hit for me, and the pacing left me wanting more.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC and to Libro.fm for the audiobook, both provided in consideration of an honest review.

[Evelyn (S'more Books Please) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Alcove Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Mo Denton and Wes Spencer are two very different people. Mo grew up in Iowa and works at a catering company during the day, while also writing in her spare time. Wes grew up among the rich and famous in New York City and works in publishing, as he always wanted. They do have one thing in common: each has written an adaptation of a classic novel and wants the approval of the original author's family for publication. Both are invited to spend the weekend with the author's daughter, sharing their books. After the weekend, they have another thing in common: their mutual attraction. But how can they start a relationship when they are literary rivals?

This was a fun premise, and I enjoyed the many bookish references. I can certainly relate to both Mo and Wes' love of books. The prose was excellent, and I was able to follow the story easily. I struggled to connect with Wes. Many of his decisions seemed immature, and he relied a lot on his mother. I appreciated his close relationship with her, but to me, he acted more like a teenager in that dynamic than a grown adult. I had some trouble getting into the story, but I did get more invested about halfway through when I knew the characters a bit better. I agree with other reviewers who were confused that the book is marketed as "steamy" - for quite a while, I thought the book was closed-door. I expected more explicit scenes based on that wording.

Follow me @smorebooksplease on Instagram for more reviews!

[Katie Vanderveen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Spotify Audiobooks and NetGalley for the ALC of this book!

“Rivals to Lovers” hits that sweet spot between snappy banter and slow-burn tenderness. Elise Wayland keeps the stakes clear and the friction fun, letting the rivalry fuel the chemistry without tipping into mean. The back-and-forth is quick, the internal monologues feel honest, and the payoff lands right where you want it. I liked how the characters challenge each other in ways that actually matter, not just for a cute premise. It’s competitive, a little messy, and ultimately very warm.

The audiobook makes it even better. Patti Murin brings a bright, expressive energy to the heroine, nailing both the quips and the vulnerable moments. Grayson Owens balances her with a grounded, slightly gruff charm that softens as the walls come down. They keep the dialogue crisp and the tension humming, and their timing sells the flirting. Chapter handoffs are smooth, side characters are distinct without feeling cartoony, and there’s no distracting production stuff to pull you out.

Pacing is brisk, with just enough quiet beats to let the feelings breathe. The rivals setup feels earned, not just a label, and the resolution respects both characters’ ambitions. Spice sits in that “open-door but tasteful” lane, more about connection than shock value. If you like smart contemporary romance with banter, competence, and a satisfying emotional arc, this is an easy recommend. The audio is the way to go.