Book Review: Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

Book Review: Divine Rivals & Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

By Annette Dean, Charles City Public Library Director

Wow. These books completely swept me away.

If you're looking for a story of heart-wrenching romance and the sharp edges of war, Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows are your next must-reads.

Divine Rivals kicks off with a unique premise: two rival journalists, Iris and Roman, secretly start writing letters to each other through magical typewriters—without knowing who the other is. It’s part war story, part love story, and all heart. The writing is beautiful without trying too hard and includes a slow-burn romance to boot.

Then comes Ruthless Vows and hold onto your feelings because it takes everything to the next level. More tension, more heartbreak, more hope. The story dives deeper into the war and the personal sacrifices both characters must make. It’s intense, but still has those soft, emotional moments that made the first book so special.

What really makes these books shine is the way they mix magic, love, and real emotions. You genuinely care about Iris and Roman—and by the end, you’ll probably want to hug the book and cry a little. These books are fantasy, but they feel historical. I kept picturing 1920s Chicago when I pictured Oath.
If you love books with a touch of magic and a lot of heart, you need to read these. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, even after you close the cover. Divine Rivals and Ruthless Vows are available for checkout in the YA section of Charles City Public Library or are available in eBook or audiobook through the Libby app or the Hoopla app.