Divine Rivals features a world where gods and goddesses battle and recruit humans to their cause. One of those humans was Iris’ brother Forest. With no word from him in months, Iris works as a journalist, competing to become a columnist. Her rival is Roman Kitt- an arrogant and condescending colleague. Iris decides that she must try and cover news of the war that is going unreported. Iris applies to be a frontline correspondent…only to discover that her rival has as well. Luckily, Iris has her penpal Carver to talk to via an heirloom enchanted typewriter. As she gets to know Roman, is he truly as bad as she thought? How far will Iris go to bring news of the war on the front? 

Divine Rivals is a beautiful, magical treat of a book. Rebecca Ross writes in a lyrical way, filling the pages with  sensory details. I loved the creation of the magical heirloom typewriters and how it allowed Iris and her penpal to lay their souls bare while never knowing the real person on the other end. This was such a great creative choice and never feels contrived. Divine Rivals doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war and who pays the real cost when higher powers fight. There is plenty of love, loss, and learning how to live with grief in this book. 

Rebecca Ross writes stunningly vivid scenes and beautiful prose in dire circumstances. Iris and Roman have an achingly heartfelt romance set against the backdrop of a brutal battle between mysterious forces. Iris is a fierce and determined journalist who never stops looking for her brother- it is impossible not to root for her! Roman initially appears cold, but his icy veneer holds secrets beneath. I seriously loved them both and enjoyed seeing them get to know each other beyond the newsroom. Their chemistry was excellent; I couldn’t believe the cliffhanger ending! I can’t wait to see what happens next!! 

I would highly recommend Divine Rivals to anyone. Readers who enjoy authors such as Joanna Hathaway (Glass Alliance trilogy), Rosaria Munda (The Aurelian Cycle), and Roshani Chokshi will enjoy Divine Rivals. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers, magical penpals, and delightfully slow-burn romance with epic stakes- then you need to read this book! 

Thank you so much to Rebecca Ross, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.