Book Review: The Rival by Emma Lord – A Rivals-to-Lovers YA Romance with Wit and Heart
- Joao Nsita
- Feb 21, 2025
- 7 min read
Introduction
What happens when a lifelong rivalry turns into an undeniable spark? The Rival by Emma Lord, released on January 21, 2025, is a witty and heartwarming young adult romance that reimagines the rivals-to-lovers trope in a vibrant college setting. With her signature humor, engaging characters, and insightful exploration of ambition and self-discovery, Lord delivers a story that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
The novel follows Sadie and Sebastian "Seb" Adams, childhood neighbors turned fierce academic competitors. When Sadie secures her dream spot at Maple Ride University, she believes she has finally outrun her long-standing rival—only for Seb to be admitted off the waitlist. As their competitive fire reignites, they find themselves vying for a prestigious spot on the school’s literary zine, Newsbag. But as they spend more time together, their rivalry gives way to something unexpected: a growing attraction neither of them saw coming.
Book Summary
Sadie has spent years proving herself, determined to leave Seb in her dust after a middle school misunderstanding turned their childhood friendship into a full-fledged rivalry. When she lands her dream college acceptance, she thinks she has won—until Seb, with his effortless charm and undeniable talent, gets in at the last minute.
The battle resumes as both strive for a coveted editorial position at Newsbag, a fiercely competitive student-run zine. Tensions rise as they push each other to their limits, but as they collaborate on projects and share late-night brainstorming sessions, the lines between competition and connection begin to blur.
As they navigate the pressures of college life, personal insecurities, and their undeniable chemistry, Sadie and Seb must confront their evolving feelings. Can they rewrite their story from rivals to something more, or will their past battles keep them from embracing what’s right in front of them?
Author’s Style and Craft
Emma Lord’s writing is known for its quick-witted dialogue, lovable characters, and heartfelt storytelling, and The Rival is no exception. Lord masterfully balances humor with depth, ensuring that the romance unfolds naturally alongside each character’s personal growth.
Her signature banter is on full display, making every exchange between Sadie and Seb both sharp and endearing. The chemistry between them crackles with every quip and retort, creating a dynamic that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
The novel’s pacing is tight, with well-placed moments of introspection that add emotional weight without slowing down the story. Lord also excels at crafting vibrant settings—Maple Ride University feels like a real, bustling campus, filled with quirky student clubs and academic rivalries that enhance the narrative.
Themes and Deeper Meaning
Ambition vs. Self-Worth
At its core, The Rival explores the tension between ambition and self-worth. Sadie’s drive for success stems from deep-seated insecurities, and her journey forces her to confront whether external achievements define her happiness.
The Complexity of Rivalries
The novel delves into how misunderstandings can shape relationships over time. Through flashbacks and heartfelt conversations, we see how Sadie and Seb’s rivalry originated and evolved, adding layers of complexity to their interactions.
Navigating Young Adulthood
Lord paints an authentic picture of college life, touching on the challenges of adjusting to new environments, making independent decisions, and finding one’s voice amidst pressure and expectation.
Love Beyond Labels
While the book embraces the classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, it also challenges rigid definitions of relationships. Sadie and Seb’s bond evolves organically, showing that love is often about seeing someone for who they truly are, beyond competition and preconceived notions.
Strengths
Electric Chemistry: The back-and-forth between Sadie and Seb is playful, engaging, and deeply compelling.
Authentic College Experience: Lord captures the highs and lows of university life, from late-night study sessions to finding one’s tribe.
Relatable Character Growth: Both protagonists experience meaningful development, making their arc satisfying and believable.
Strong Supporting Cast: Secondary characters add humor and depth, enriching the world without overshadowing the main romance.
Areas for Improvement
Predictability: While Lord puts a fresh spin on the rivals-to-lovers trope, some plot points unfold as expected.
More Depth on Secondary Characters: While the main duo is well-developed, some side characters feel underutilized.
A Slightly Rushed Resolution: The final conflict could have used a bit more space to breathe before the conclusion.
Comparative Analysis
For readers who enjoyed The Rival, here are similar books:
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord (Amazon Link) – Another witty rivals-to-lovers YA romance set in a competitive environment.
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Amazon Link) – A high-stakes academic rivalry that turns romantic over 24 hours.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (Amazon Link) – A rom-com with sharp humor and heartfelt moments.
Target Audience
Fans of Young Adult Romance – Especially those who love banter-filled rivals-to-lovers stories.
College-Age Readers & Recent Graduates – The setting and themes will resonate with those navigating similar transitions.
Readers Looking for Lighthearted but Meaningful Stories – The novel balances humor with emotional depth.
Content Warnings: Mild language, academic pressure themes, and references to past miscommunications that shaped the rivalry.
Personal Impact
Reading The Rival was an absolute delight. Emma Lord has a knack for making characters feel like old friends, and Sadie and Seb’s story was both exhilarating and deeply satisfying. Their journey from competitors to partners is a reminder that sometimes, the people we least expect can challenge us in the best ways. It’s a book that lingers long after the final page.
Conclusion
Emma Lord once again proves why she’s a powerhouse in YA contemporary romance. The Rival delivers a perfect mix of humor, heart, and tension, making it a standout in the rivals-to-lovers genre. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced, and deeply charming read, this book is a must-pick.
➔ Buy the book on Amazon: The Rival
About the Author
Emma Lord is a bestselling author known for her heartwarming and witty young adult romances. Her previous works include Tweet Cute, You Have a Match, and When You Get the Chance. Lord’s books often explore themes of self-discovery, family, and love, making her a favorite among YA readers.
Goodreads Profile
FAQ Section
Is The Rival part of a series?No, it’s a standalone novel.
What age group is this book for?It’s best suited for readers 14+ due to its college setting and themes.
Does the book have a happy ending?Yes, without spoilers, it’s a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion.
Is the romance slow burn?It’s a mix of slow-burn and mutual realization.
What makes this book different from other rivals-to-lovers stories?Its layered character development and college setting make it stand out.
Is there a strong focus on family relationships?Yes, both protagonists have meaningful family dynamics.
Does this book explore personal growth?Absolutely! Both Sadie and Seb undergo transformative character arcs.
Will I enjoy this book if I’m not into academia-heavy stories?Yes! While competition is a key theme, the story remains lighthearted and fun.
Are there any steamy scenes?No, the romance remains sweet and YA-appropriate.
Would this book make a good gift?Definitely! It’s perfect for any YA romance lover.
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Romance Community Resources
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