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Ruled by Rivalry
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26THE ASHWOOD EMPIRE: RIVALRY, LUXURY, GLAMOUR — AND A WHOLE LOT OF TENSION.
Straight out of Hall Beck University, Maeve Peterson lands an internship at Adeline Ashwood, the most powerful luxury house in the world, and her dream of working in fashion seems closer than ever. She shouldn’t be surprised: through hard work and determination, everything always works out for Maeve. Until she walks into the Ashwood offices. Spilled coffee, interrupted meetings, and worst of all, getting into it with Elliot Ashwood — youngest heir to the empire and the one person standing between her and everything she’s worked for. Competing for the same job should keep their rivalry strictly professional, but it’s hard to maintain when she keeps finding him in disarmingly intimate situations in their shared apartment.
Straight out of Hall Beck University, Maeve Peterson lands an internship at Adeline Ashwood, the most powerful luxury house in the world, and her dream of working in fashion seems closer than ever. She shouldn’t be surprised: through hard work and determination, everything always works out for Maeve. Until she walks into the Ashwood offices. Spilled coffee, interrupted meetings, and worst of all, getting into it with Elliot Ashwood — youngest heir to the empire and the one person standing between her and everything she’s worked for. Competing for the same job should keep their rivalry strictly professional, but it’s hard to maintain when she keeps finding him in disarmingly intimate situations in their shared apartment.
- GenresRomance
400 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Selina Mae
5 books476 followersAs a writer of romance and reader of (you guessed it!) romance, Selina Mae has been compensating her lack of meet-cutes by writing them into her rom-coms. When she’s not writing, you will find her rereading her comfort books or crying at happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ꘓ ׄ ୨୧
3.75 stars
ⳍ
there’s simply nothing i love more than a pretty cover paired with a good story. maeve and elliot’s banter was so engaging and i was constantly swooning over all the sweet things elliot did for her 🥹 their relationship was paced well, though i personally would’ve enjoyed more domestic scenes instead of smut.
i absolutely loved the fashion plotline and thought it was such a unique addition! it tied in nicely with the romance and maeve’s design being brought to life was the perfect culmination of everything 🎀
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and lyx for the arc!
there’s simply nothing i love more than a pretty cover paired with a good story. maeve and elliot’s banter was so engaging and i was constantly swooning over all the sweet things elliot did for her 🥹 their relationship was paced well, though i personally would’ve enjoyed more domestic scenes instead of smut.
i absolutely loved the fashion plotline and thought it was such a unique addition! it tied in nicely with the romance and maeve’s design being brought to life was the perfect culmination of everything 🎀
ⓘ thank you to netgalley and lyx for the arc!
Want to Read
April 16, 2026°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
pre-read : another case of pretty book covers that reeled me in ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ♡ thank you for the arc copy, LYX ❀
pre-read : another case of pretty book covers that reeled me in ପ(๑•ᴗ•๑)ଓ♡ thank you for the arc copy, LYX ❀
2026-releases
April 23, 2026WHY IS THIS COVER SO CUTEE.. 😭❤️??
May 28, 2026
Oh my gosh, I simply ADORED this book. Elliot and Maeve were so cute, and there story was so real and raw. I cannot wait to see what comes next.
In this novel, he falls first. Billionaire heir to a fashion line, Elliot is interning at the company his Grandmother started, per his father’s request. Enter Maeve. A recent college graduate who has dreamt of being a designer to honor her late mother. She is also interning at the Ashwood fashion company…and her and Elliot are competing for a permanent job post internship. Who will prevail?
Elliot was so sweet. Maybe a little spicy/sour at the start, but he always had Maeve’s back and just wanted to get to know her. I loved how he treated her to different Ashwood fashion items he knew she coveted but could never afford. I loved how he worried about her running and walking home at night, so he had his security team keep an eye on her to ensure she got home safe.
Maeve was a fiery little redhead. She definitely surprised me at the beginning when she tried to sabotage Elliot. Like a sour patch kid, she eventually turned sweet on him and found herself thinking about him all the time. I think she truly fell because Elliot cares about her and really takes pride in showing off her designs and creations. Love them together!!!
This book was a fun read. I’m hoping we get Roman’s book next!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel, he falls first. Billionaire heir to a fashion line, Elliot is interning at the company his Grandmother started, per his father’s request. Enter Maeve. A recent college graduate who has dreamt of being a designer to honor her late mother. She is also interning at the Ashwood fashion company…and her and Elliot are competing for a permanent job post internship. Who will prevail?
Elliot was so sweet. Maybe a little spicy/sour at the start, but he always had Maeve’s back and just wanted to get to know her. I loved how he treated her to different Ashwood fashion items he knew she coveted but could never afford. I loved how he worried about her running and walking home at night, so he had his security team keep an eye on her to ensure she got home safe.
Maeve was a fiery little redhead. She definitely surprised me at the beginning when she tried to sabotage Elliot. Like a sour patch kid, she eventually turned sweet on him and found herself thinking about him all the time. I think she truly fell because Elliot cares about her and really takes pride in showing off her designs and creations. Love them together!!!
This book was a fun read. I’m hoping we get Roman’s book next!
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
E-arc received through NetGalley.
Funny, loving, and engaging, this story felt like opening Netflix to discover the perfect romcom waiting for you. Not only that, but it IS the perfect romcom, hitting every single expectation I had.
If you loved The Hating Game or The Fine Print, I need you to settle in, get popcorn, and read this book, because both titles remind me of this one.
-Main Characters-
Maeve: She’s a strongly motivated woman, and I’m so glad her goals are clearly defined. Not only does she chase after what she wants (even fighting for her goals with some dirty tactics), but she excels at fashion as well. One thing I always worry books will do is diminish the female lead in favor of the romance, but this book absolutely didn’t. She had a full history and life, complete with skills and independence. Every single one of her choices felt reasonable (at the time, at least…), meaning I was right next to her cheering her on the whole time. She’s a perfect female lead, reminding me greatly of every Ali Hazelwood fmc.
Elliot: The billionaire heir who… might not actually be all that bad. We all know this cliche, when the supposed arrogant playboy turns out to be a great guy. However, Elliot is written in such a way that it doesn’t feel overdone in the slightest. He’s unfairly funny, so even when you think he’s up to no good, you still absolutely love him. There are plenty of twists about his character as well, all of which are perfectly done. Elliot might be from a wealthy family with immense power, but not once does he manipulate it for bad, making him more of a sweetheart than anything else. Where my Elliot??
-Plot-
Immaculate. 5/5.
I mean, it’s exactly what I wanted going in!
Job drama? Check.
Rivalry? Check.
Forced proximity? CHECK!! (There is very little I love more than the fact they have to live together.)
Enemies to lovers? They’re not trying to murder each other, but there is definitely a competition.
A non-overwhelming amount of fashion details? Also check.
Everything between Maeve and Elliot felt so natural. Their chemistry developed great, keeping me rooting for them to get together the whole time. I loved how they deal they made progressed their relationship, as it didn’t make the romance feel forced at all. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t overly slow, and it was simply perfect. If a romance like theirs isn’t in my future, then I don’t want it!
The fashion and internships weren’t sidelined in favor of their romance, which I loved. Oftentimes stories can get too caught up in one aspect, which this didn’t do. We got a healthy dose of their working lives, and were constantly reminded of the job at stake.
If you want workplace rivals to lovers, stop looking. If you want forced proximity, a strong female lead, and a charming male lead, pick this book up right now. This WILL be your next 5-star read.
Funny, loving, and engaging, this story felt like opening Netflix to discover the perfect romcom waiting for you. Not only that, but it IS the perfect romcom, hitting every single expectation I had.
If you loved The Hating Game or The Fine Print, I need you to settle in, get popcorn, and read this book, because both titles remind me of this one.
-Main Characters-
Maeve: She’s a strongly motivated woman, and I’m so glad her goals are clearly defined. Not only does she chase after what she wants (even fighting for her goals with some dirty tactics), but she excels at fashion as well. One thing I always worry books will do is diminish the female lead in favor of the romance, but this book absolutely didn’t. She had a full history and life, complete with skills and independence. Every single one of her choices felt reasonable (at the time, at least…), meaning I was right next to her cheering her on the whole time. She’s a perfect female lead, reminding me greatly of every Ali Hazelwood fmc.
Elliot: The billionaire heir who… might not actually be all that bad. We all know this cliche, when the supposed arrogant playboy turns out to be a great guy. However, Elliot is written in such a way that it doesn’t feel overdone in the slightest. He’s unfairly funny, so even when you think he’s up to no good, you still absolutely love him. There are plenty of twists about his character as well, all of which are perfectly done. Elliot might be from a wealthy family with immense power, but not once does he manipulate it for bad, making him more of a sweetheart than anything else. Where my Elliot??
-Plot-
Immaculate. 5/5.
I mean, it’s exactly what I wanted going in!
Job drama? Check.
Rivalry? Check.
Forced proximity? CHECK!! (There is very little I love more than the fact they have to live together.)
Enemies to lovers? They’re not trying to murder each other, but there is definitely a competition.
A non-overwhelming amount of fashion details? Also check.
Everything between Maeve and Elliot felt so natural. Their chemistry developed great, keeping me rooting for them to get together the whole time. I loved how they deal they made progressed their relationship, as it didn’t make the romance feel forced at all. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t overly slow, and it was simply perfect. If a romance like theirs isn’t in my future, then I don’t want it!
The fashion and internships weren’t sidelined in favor of their romance, which I loved. Oftentimes stories can get too caught up in one aspect, which this didn’t do. We got a healthy dose of their working lives, and were constantly reminded of the job at stake.
If you want workplace rivals to lovers, stop looking. If you want forced proximity, a strong female lead, and a charming male lead, pick this book up right now. This WILL be your next 5-star read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Recieved an e-arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
How do I begin.
Ruled by Rivalry reads like an early 2000's romcom, with a nyc background and gleaming offices for a fashion empire. I LOVED it. It reminded me of Liana Cinciotti's Picking Daisy's on Sundays, just based on the wistfull vibes and fashion playing such a crucial part. Selina Mae's writing style is so perfect for this too. She really developed these characters so well, and places a lot of personality in them. She made them just so darn likeable.
Maeve, as the main character, is so stubborn and independent, but that balances out by her internal mentions of her family and just WHY she is that way. I was reminded of that line from the Devil Wears Prada, "Okay, she’s tough, but if Miranda were a man…no one would notice anything about her, except how great she is at her job". Granted, Maeve is definitely not Miranda, but you get the same DRIVE and need for success and perfection from her. She knows she's capable of great things, so how can we fault her for trying to push anything out of her way?
Hence the rivalry with Elliot. He is such a SWEETIE! He was giving all the best parts of Nate Archibald in season 1 of Gossip Girl. Mae emphasised that there are so many different sides to him. You get the sense that, yes, he's probably a little too pefect for an MMC, but I just think he's so loving, and craving so much of being loved in return that he's grown into someone who is open, caring, and understanding. Just EXACTLY what Maeve needs to let her finally bring her guard down.
This is just such a sweet, simple, but still so incredibly heartfelt romance. Mae wrote this for all the independent girls out there who need a reminder that it's okay to let someone else help you once in a while. I love that- when it's so incredibly obvious when an author writes because they genuinely have something to say, a message to share, and they do it WELL.
I am such a picky rater, so I am so pleasently happy/surprised to give this 5 stars!
How do I begin.
Ruled by Rivalry reads like an early 2000's romcom, with a nyc background and gleaming offices for a fashion empire. I LOVED it. It reminded me of Liana Cinciotti's Picking Daisy's on Sundays, just based on the wistfull vibes and fashion playing such a crucial part. Selina Mae's writing style is so perfect for this too. She really developed these characters so well, and places a lot of personality in them. She made them just so darn likeable.
Maeve, as the main character, is so stubborn and independent, but that balances out by her internal mentions of her family and just WHY she is that way. I was reminded of that line from the Devil Wears Prada, "Okay, she’s tough, but if Miranda were a man…no one would notice anything about her, except how great she is at her job". Granted, Maeve is definitely not Miranda, but you get the same DRIVE and need for success and perfection from her. She knows she's capable of great things, so how can we fault her for trying to push anything out of her way?
Hence the rivalry with Elliot. He is such a SWEETIE! He was giving all the best parts of Nate Archibald in season 1 of Gossip Girl. Mae emphasised that there are so many different sides to him. You get the sense that, yes, he's probably a little too pefect for an MMC, but I just think he's so loving, and craving so much of being loved in return that he's grown into someone who is open, caring, and understanding. Just EXACTLY what Maeve needs to let her finally bring her guard down.
This is just such a sweet, simple, but still so incredibly heartfelt romance. Mae wrote this for all the independent girls out there who need a reminder that it's okay to let someone else help you once in a while. I love that- when it's so incredibly obvious when an author writes because they genuinely have something to say, a message to share, and they do it WELL.
I am such a picky rater, so I am so pleasently happy/surprised to give this 5 stars!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Selina Mae, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I had a feeling from the cover alone that this was going to be the cute, heartwarming romance I needed, and it absolutely delivered.
At first, I was a little hesitant because I know next to nothing about the fashion industry, but that ended up not mattering at all. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became invested in both the story and the characters.
I love a good close-proximity romance, and Elliot and Maeve were such a great pairing. Their relationship felt natural from the start, and the tension between them was top-tier. The banter was realistic, charming, and had me smiling throughout the book. I found myself staying up later than I intended because I needed to know what happened next.
My favorite part of the story was how genuinely sweet it was. Sometimes romance novels focus so heavily on drama that we don’t get enough truly feel-good relationships. Elliot and Maeve’s relationship felt authentic, complete with moments of passion, vulnerability, and conflict. It unfolded in a way that felt believable and earned.
Elliot was a wonderful book boyfriend, and Maeve was an incredibly relatable FMC. Her struggles with trust and opening herself up to love felt realistic and added emotional depth to the story. When you’ve been hurt in the past, allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone new can be difficult, and I thought that aspect was handled well.
The ending was exactly what I wanted, and it left me hoping for more. Whether it’s a sequel or a spin-off, I would happily return to this world and these characters.
I had a feeling from the cover alone that this was going to be the cute, heartwarming romance I needed, and it absolutely delivered.
At first, I was a little hesitant because I know next to nothing about the fashion industry, but that ended up not mattering at all. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I became invested in both the story and the characters.
I love a good close-proximity romance, and Elliot and Maeve were such a great pairing. Their relationship felt natural from the start, and the tension between them was top-tier. The banter was realistic, charming, and had me smiling throughout the book. I found myself staying up later than I intended because I needed to know what happened next.
My favorite part of the story was how genuinely sweet it was. Sometimes romance novels focus so heavily on drama that we don’t get enough truly feel-good relationships. Elliot and Maeve’s relationship felt authentic, complete with moments of passion, vulnerability, and conflict. It unfolded in a way that felt believable and earned.
Elliot was a wonderful book boyfriend, and Maeve was an incredibly relatable FMC. Her struggles with trust and opening herself up to love felt realistic and added emotional depth to the story. When you’ve been hurt in the past, allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone new can be difficult, and I thought that aspect was handled well.
The ending was exactly what I wanted, and it left me hoping for more. Whether it’s a sequel or a spin-off, I would happily return to this world and these characters.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maeve is super excited for her summer internship at her favorite fashion designer, Adeline Ashwood, but things get messy when she finds out she’s competing for a permanent position against Elliot Ashwood… the owner’s grandson. Cue the tension, banter, and sparks.
This was such a cute rivals to lovers romance! Maeve and Elliot had great chemistry, and their bantering gave me all the early 2000s romcom vibes. The fashion world setting added a fun touch, and the whole story was light, cutesy, and easy to fly through.
Thank you NetGalley and LYX for the ARC!
This was such a cute rivals to lovers romance! Maeve and Elliot had great chemistry, and their bantering gave me all the early 2000s romcom vibes. The fashion world setting added a fun touch, and the whole story was light, cutesy, and easy to fly through.
Thank you NetGalley and LYX for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruled By Rivalry 🩷🪡✨
A 4 star read, thank you so much Lyx Books for the ARC provided via NetGalley
I love discovering new authors that I’m not familiar with and Mae has left a great impression with this one. I don’t usually love a blonde MMC but the world of Elliot Ashwood convinced me. A NYC high society and luxury fashion brand nepo babies, sign me up! And Maeve was such a sweetheart, with her passion for fashion and career driven personality paired up with a zero fucks rival made for such a fun and easy read.
It was giving Dan Humphrey x Blair Waldorf banter and tension when they were doing that fashion internship
A 4 star read, thank you so much Lyx Books for the ARC provided via NetGalley
I love discovering new authors that I’m not familiar with and Mae has left a great impression with this one. I don’t usually love a blonde MMC but the world of Elliot Ashwood convinced me. A NYC high society and luxury fashion brand nepo babies, sign me up! And Maeve was such a sweetheart, with her passion for fashion and career driven personality paired up with a zero fucks rival made for such a fun and easy read.
It was giving Dan Humphrey x Blair Waldorf banter and tension when they were doing that fashion internship
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This gives "How to lose a a guy in ten days" vibes! It would make an amazing movie and I would without a doubt watch it.
This is a should be enemies story in a romcom style. Girl who has worked her whole life for a dream and a rich guy who might take it from her because of mistakes and his family trying to make their image better. I would have loved for this to be duel POV but if it was it wouldn't have the same vibe.
1.5 chili peppers
4 stars
This is a should be enemies story in a romcom style. Girl who has worked her whole life for a dream and a rich guy who might take it from her because of mistakes and his family trying to make their image better. I would have loved for this to be duel POV but if it was it wouldn't have the same vibe.
1.5 chili peppers
4 stars
May 31, 2026
thank you NetGalley and publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
I don’t think Selina Mae is able to write a book I don’t like! The men in her books are always down bad for the fmc. Especially in this book. I thought it was gonna end up being an insta love story but I was proven so wrong. The slow burn, banter, and tension made up for it. The fashion world setting felt refreshing and not like any other corporate culture romance book.
I don’t think Selina Mae is able to write a book I don’t like! The men in her books are always down bad for the fmc. Especially in this book. I thought it was gonna end up being an insta love story but I was proven so wrong. The slow burn, banter, and tension made up for it. The fashion world setting felt refreshing and not like any other corporate culture romance book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
i wouldve rated this a 2, but i hate giving low ratings so this will do...
one of my most anticipated releases 😭
thank you to the author and netgalley anyway
at the end i basically skimmed
i think for me it was the plot and the characters.
one of my most anticipated releases 😭
thank you to the author and netgalley anyway
at the end i basically skimmed
i think for me it was the plot and the characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews