Divine Rivals Series Book 3 Novels & Stories

I honestly don’t think the rivalry is the main driver anymore by the second book—‘Ruthless Vows’. Iris and Roman have gone through too much, shared too many letters, lost each other and found each other again. Calling it a rivalry feels like talking about the first book. The plot continuation is more about them being separated by the war, trying to communicate through magical typewriters across enemy lines, while dealing with bigger threats from the gods.

The real tension isn’t whether they’re rivals, but whether they can reunite when their loyalties are being tested by higher powers. It’s less ‘divine rivals’ and more ‘divine allies against a common foe’, though I suppose the title still works if you consider the gods they’re up against. The letters are still fantastic, but the dynamic has fundamentally shifted.

Just finished binging the whole thing, and I'm still reeling! For 'Divine Rivals' and the sequel, 'Ruthless Vows', the order is straightforward: read them as published. 'Divine Rivals' first, obviously. That's where you meet Iris and Roman and get hooked on their whole rivals-to-lovers war correspondence vibe. It ends on a massive cliffhanger, so you'll be desperate to pick up 'Ruthless Vows' immediately. I wouldn't recommend reading anything about the second book's plot first, because the mystery of where the characters end up is half the tension.

Honestly, I've seen some people suggest reading the bonus chapters or the author's online snippets in between, but I think that just muddies the water. Stick to the core novels. The pacing between the two books is pretty deliberate, and jumping around might spoil the emotional build. The order is simple, but the journey it takes you on is anything but.

Divine Rivals Summary

“Divine Rivals” is the first novel in Rebecca Ross’s Letters of Enchantment duology—a heartfelt historical fantasy that blends romance, war, and magic through the power of anonymous letters.

Set in a world torn apart by a reawakening war among ancient gods, the story follows Iris Winnow, a determined young journalist striving to hold her life together after her brother is drafted and her mother succumbs to grief and addiction. Iris works at the Oath Gazette, where she competes with the aloof but brilliant Roman Kitt for a coveted columnist position.

In a desperate attempt to reach her brother, Iris writes heartfelt letters and slips them into her wardrobe—a magical heirloom that mysteriously delivers them elsewhere. Unbeknownst to her, the recipient is Roman, who responds anonymously. Through their letters, a tender bond develops between them, even as they remain professional rivals by day.

As the divine war escalates and the frontline encroaches on their world, Iris and Roman are forced to confront the consequences of their connection, both personal and cosmic. Their evolving relationship becomes a lifeline amid growing chaos, underscoring themes of love, loss, resilience, and the quiet power of words.

Key Highlights:

Genre: YA historical fantasy with epistolary romance

Themes: Found family, grief, hope in wartime, hidden identities, the influence of storytelling

Tone: Lyrical, emotional, and character-driven

Appeal: Ideal for fans of The Night Circus or The Hazel Wood, combining slow-burn romance with mythic worldbuilding

Divine Rivals is more than a fantasy novel—it’s a poignant reminder of how writing can connect souls, even in the darkest of times.