Rivals to Lovers - by Elise Wayland

Book Synopsis

One classic novel. Two adaptations. A competition that shakes up everything.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Ali Hazelwood, this steamy rivals-to-lovers romance set in Manhattan features two writers fighting to write the adaptation of their favorite classic novel.

Mo Denton has been obsessed with the classic feminist novel The Proud and the Lost for as long as she can remember. When Mo puts everything she has into writing a modern adaptation of her all-time favorite book, her agent Yuri loves it--but can't pitch it anywhere. The original author's estate must approve any adaptation, and so far, it has never allowed one to go forward.

The agent who represents the estate--Wes Spencer--is also working on an updated version of the beloved story. Promoting Mo's project would go against Wes's own interests, and he's reluctant to bring it to Estelle Morgan, the elderly daughter of the original novelist. But when Yuri contacts Estelle herself, Estelle invites Mo and Wes to her home for a weekend where they will pitch each book to her and let her decide whose book will be approved-and whose work will be destined for deletion.

Soon, Mo and Wes realize that they have more in common than just their love of the original book. As they grow closer and wait for the estate's decision, will the secrets Wes is keeping ruin the bond between them, or can they find their way to a happy ending?

Review Quotes

Praise for Rivals to Lovers
"Rivals to Lovers is a love letter to the power of the written word, and the passion that just the right book--and just the right person--can ignite within us. A love story about and for book lovers!"
--Jen Deluca, USA Today bestselling author of the Well Met series

"This book is pure joy, please inject it directly into my veins. The banter is so cute I read it all with a huge grin!"
--Jesse Q. Sutanto, USA Today bestselling author of Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

"Rivals to Lovers is the perfect romance for anyone who knows what it feels like to fall in love with a book, to have it touch your soul and leave you forever changed. The writing is so immersive, you'll feel as competitive with and captivated by the characters as they are with each other. Filled with sparkling prose, Wayland's romance debut is a warm, swoony, and absolutely hilarious venture into a love story tailor made for the lifelong book nerds. I loved this story from beginning to end."
--Denise Williams, USA Today bestselling author of Just Our Luck

"I adore books about books and this cozy, heartfelt story did not disappoint. This will-they-or-won't-they, rivals-to-lovers story was the perfect slow-burn romance, and a testament to the staying power of a great novel."
--Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You

"Rivals to Lovers is rivals to lovers perfection. Full of not only witty banter and delicious tension, but tender, swoonworthy moments, this is required reading for book lovers!"
--Katie Holt, author of Not in My Book

About the Author

Elise Wayland is a Midwestern writer and humorist, recently published in The New York Times, Electric Literature, The Rumpus, Scary Mommy, McSweeney's, and other outlets.