THE RIVAL, by Emma Lord, Wednesday Books, Jan. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $24, Paperback, $14 (young adult)
High school academic rivals find themselves at it again in college in The Rival, a YA rom-com by Emma Lord.
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. —Synopsis provided by Wednesday Books
There are so many rivals-to-lovers books out there, they feel like copycats. When something is so predictable, there has to be something to set the story apart. And that’s what Emma Lord does with The Rival. Her bright prose and interesting characters make The Rival stand out.
Lord’s pacing is steady, and her passion for writing is mirrored in Sadie and Seb. The duo’s relationship evolves against the backdrop of a college campus. Campus life is highlighted from all the angles — classes, sports, extracurricular activities, and local haunts. And each of these angles comes with great imagery and supporting characters.
The Rival is a sweet, slow burn romance that will excite readers for the future while offering enjoyment in the present.
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