Beautiful photo by @elenathereader!
Hello fairies!
I hope that you’re all loving Divine Rivals so far! It’s now day 3 and things are really getting interesting!
Before we start reading, we have our secret giveaway! What’s that? Oh, just a chance to get your next FairyLoot for free as a reward for reading! Doesn’t really get better than that! And your chances are so good too! We don’t really announce this anywhere else as we truly want the person from the readalong to win! If you’d like to try your luck, all you need to do is follow these steps!
- Take a photo of our edition of Divine Rivals
- Include the hashtag #DivineFairies (very important!)
- Do all of this by the end of June 29th
- Mention down below in your comment that you have entered and include your Instagram handle (also super important!)
Good luck!
Today we’ll be reading from Chapter 21 to the end of Chapter 29, let’s jump in!
Please be warned, the following section will include spoilers for Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, from chapters 21 to 29. Please only read on if you’ve finished this section!
-!SPOILERS!-
Roman seems distraught. He can’t deal with not knowing if Iris is safe, if she’s hurt… and how he would ever find out.
I LOVE Roman’s nan, she seems to know exactly what he’s up to, it was her typewriter first after all. She seems to be telling him to follow his heart and find Iris. Listen to her Roman! She has more sense than your father ever will!
Iris gives Roman the perfect opportunity to tell her who he is. She asks for his name, but he tells her to call him Carver.
It’s all happening. Roman has to have lunch with Elinor, Attie is off to the front lines for a week. On his way back from meeting Elinor, he finds Iris’s first article. He’s proud of her.
Attie returns from the front, and she’s in one piece, but clearly troubled by what she saw on the front lines.
Interestingly, Iris receives a letter from Roman that hints of him going away… I think we’ll be seeing our rivals reunited soon enough!
When the sirens ring, they’re signalling that they have two minutes to get to shelter before the eithrals reach Avalon Bluff. Before she can finish her routine of blocking up the windows though, she notices someone strolling towards Avalon Bluff. She knows it’s Roman. She launches herself out of the house and drags Roman to the floor. They lie there, Iris knowing the eithrals are coming, and Roman trusting that Iris wouldn’t act like this without good reason. When it’s all safe, she asks him if she’s out of his mind and his only reply is that it’s good to see her too.
I think this is showing Iris a different side of Roman if that wink at the table was anything to go by – even I’m flustered. Then invitations to run with him? Roman Carver Kitt is pulling out all the stops I must say.
It’s Iris’s chance to head to the front lines, but Roman wants to go too. He just wrote her a very important letter and I think he wants to go to try and make sure she doesn’t read it at the wrong time? Either way, Iris obviously knows none of this, and is absolutely livid.
FORCED PROXIMITY everyone. It’s HAPPENING. Iris has to sit on Roman’s lap all the way to the front lines. Eek. So awkward, so tense!
When they arrive everything is terse orders and fast paced. Iris finally settles down to read Carver’s letter… but Roman manages to disrupt her every time… Interesting. ?
What do you think is in the letter? Do you think Roman admits it’s him?
How do you think Iris will react when she finds out it’s been Roman all along?
Who’s your favourite character?
I cannot WAIT to hear all of your thoughts, theories and faves! I’ll catch up with you tomorrow!
Love,
Shannon
Wow! What a jam-packed chunk! I’m absolutely living for this book in all its dramatic and angsty glory. The tension is divine and certainly keeping me in suspense!
I think Carver’s letter has something pretty big in it for Roman to be trying to delay Iris’ reading of it. It must be revealing his identity- after all, he was asking Iris for help writing something so maybe that will give it away? Or else maybe he states it more obviously. I also think that it’s bigger than just an identity reveal for him to be panicking the way that he is. Maybe the letter also alludes to his feelings towards her? I’m super keen to find out what it contains!
If the letter does contain what I suspect, I imagine Iris will be shocked and won’t know how to react. If she’s in shock it could create very bad consequences if she’s on the front. Otherwise maybe something will happen that separates them and she won’t have time to process everything beforehand, and will then be out if her mind with worry about his safety that she kind of forgives him? Either way, I can’t see her holding a grudge for too long, she’s too compassionate for that.
There are so many characters that I really love and connect to, Rebecca Ross is a mastermind! Iris would have to be the standout for me though, she’s suffered through so much loss and adversity, losing contact with her brother, giving up her education to support herself and her mother, having a racing relationship with her mother who was suffering from addiction and poor mental health, living in almost poverty, losing her mother, and leaving her job. However she is such a strong person, always finding a way to push through while remaining kind and compassionate, often putting others needs before her own. I just really hope she gets a good ending, she deserves the world.
Entered on Insta as @readbycaitie
I finished the book, so skipping questions 1&2!
My favourite character is probably Iris, I have a soft spot for characters who are trying to hold all the parts of their life together and dealing with that struggle.
I can’t believe I’ve never noticed the sneaky giveaway instructions before (I must be too keen to answer readalong questions HAHA). But I edited a photo I posted yesterday to include the hashtag for my entry! My IG handle is @booktineus.
Now, questions.
I’ll be vague since I’ve since finished, but at the time I FOR SURE thought Roman had admitted the secret pen pal was him, or at least said something that gave away his identity.
I didn’t have a single favourite character. They were all so interesting!
I’ve also finished the book, so skipping the first two questions! I l think Roman is my favourite character – his worry/care for Iris was so lovely to read.
I’ve entered the giveaway on insta as @onsophiesshelf
Hello! I will be entering the photo challenge. My insta handle is @mangapenguin
What do you think is in the letter?
If he does not expressly say it’s him he does give a large hint that would let Iris know Roman is Carver.
Do you think Roman admits it’s him?
Yes! And I think that’s why Roman keeps paying attention to her reading the letter.
How do you think Iris will react when she finds out it’s been Roman all along?
I think she will be angry and upon thinking she may quit talking to him but something will pull them back together.
Who’s your favourite character?
I like Iris. And I like Roman. They both are unique characters. Who compliment one another really well.
This was an amazing chunk today I new roman would follow her there I said yesterday that would happen it’s so cute how much he likes her I’m wondering whtas in the letter has he revealed who he is as he really doesn’t want her too read it I’m wondering when she is asleep in the trench weather he will take the letter back I think she will be angry when she finds out it is him that’s writing the letters at first mainly because he’s lied too her but I also think in time she will be happy about it because I really do think she likes him alot this is such a good book I can’t believe this is my first fairyloot read along I will definitely be doing more In the future I’m really enjoying it
I have entered the fairyloot readalong on instergram also my instergram handle is
@Relax_with_a_good_book
@lulu.james2712
I am falling deeply in love with this book. I am obsessed. No idea what I am gonna do when it is finished. This section was great, Roman following her to the front was to be expected, I am glad he went out but I wonder what his plan is to communicate when they share a wall. Didn’t he worry about her getting suspicious? I bet in the most recent letter he told her who he is and she is not going to have a chance to read it for a while…. especially with him interfering. And now that they are on the front it could easily be lost.
I am also so excited for their little runs, he is slowly changing her mind about him one forced proximity event at a time! Also the Bonus chapter (Collision) from his point of view was super fun to read right after her pov. That whole time I was wondering what his thoughts were and then the book Gods answered my thoughts.
I am worried she will find out his is her type writer love after something terrible happens, it all feels a little to happy and fun right now….
I have entered the give away my handle is @read.ingbee
I’ve entered the giveaway with the handle @sammyiztrash
I don’t necessarily think he states it is him but maybe he says something that more or less gives it away. He said he wanted to tell her in person.
I feel like she is torn between Roman and Carver so either she gets annoyed at him for not telling her when he was reading such personal letters or she falls harder for him. No in-between.
So far I can’t really decide who I like more out of Roman and Iris as I think the way they interact is so charming.
I’ve read beyong chapter 29 because I couldn’t help myself, despite the heavier topics there is something so conforting and lovely about this book, the subtle magic, the characters, the relationship.
That scene whem Roman arrives as the siren was blaring had me at the edge of my seat. It was sooo good.
Got the giveaway post scheduled for tomorrow on my insta @23sleeplesshours
I’m not sure what could be in the letter but it has to be something based on Roman’s behavior. I think Iris is going to be mad but maybe it will help her since she thinks she feelings for both.
I really like Iris and Roman. Also want to hear more about Roman’s Nan!
I will participate in the giveaway and insta handle is @aleinaaareads.
I could not put the book down and finished last night! ?
My favorite characters are Iris and Roman ?
Photo posted on Instagram: @sophiaheartsbooks
I entered the giveaway. My instagram handle is @stardancer2014.
I might have binged and finished this book last night. So I don’t want to comment much on questions 1 & 2.
However, my favourite character….I think it’s Marisol. She’s just so caring and giving. She reminds me of my mom.
I finished this book last night and it was so good! I can’t wait to read the second book! I need to know what happens next. I have entered the giveaway and my instragram is @figthecav
I don’t know if he outright says it’s him or if he leaves her with a hint/clue that she needs to puzzle out [perhaps using her word choice of “divine” heavy-handedly?], but it’s definitely revealing in some way, I think!
I think it’ll be betrayal, at least at first, as she’s likely see it as a lie or manipulation on his part, maybe even go so far as to think he’s doing it as a way to distract her so he can “beat” or “outshine” her. I don’t know if we’ll see her change her mind in this book or the next!
Attie, I think, although I /love/ the banter between Iris and Roman, too!
Forgot to add that I entered as @SeaFox.Adventures!
I adore this book more and more!
Roman either right out writes his full name or gives plenty of hints in the letter to his real identity that he knows Iris will figure out its him as soon as she reads it. Sir has impeccable timing, trying to rip that bandaid off only to be carted off to the front. I am proud of him for finally taking the steps to let her know she has been writing to him. They are just too precious together, in person and letters.
I feel like Iris will be shocked and embarrassed. Depending on where she is when she finally finishes the letter it could lead to a dangerous situation. I pray she doesn’t finish reading it in the trenches and potentially spiral but the drama would be lovely. Hopefully she can reconcile Roman and Carver as the same person since she has been falling for them individually already.
I love everyone, but Iris is the little engine that could. I want her to have all the sunshine and good things!
Entered on insta @ramble_reads
Oh my my…I firmly believe we’re at a crossroads, and shall we say, bring the popcorn over because the drama is about to unfold. In the form of a LETTER. I cannot WAIT.
1. Roman definitely wrote the word “divine” in his letter at the end. I hope he actually uses the phrase “Your divine rival” and my life is complete, and Iris will know, and her conflicting feelings are going to merge into one.
2. And sure she’ll be angry for a bit, but that’s how Roman GETS HER IN THE END. And it will be beautiful. And I might cry with happiness. Until things go sideways, as things are wont to do.
3. Honestly, I love both of the main characters, and that’s not always the case in romances. HOWEVER, my favorite character outside of the MCs is definitely Attie. Attie is great and brave and smart and funny, but I love her because of how petty she is. I literally cackled when she saw her headline feature article and went straight to rubbing her accomplishments in on her disbelieving professor.
Anyway, I definitely snuck in a picture of my Divine Rivals book! My IG handle is @sakuramae
1) I’m guessing that he doesn’t admit who he is but he does admit that he knows her. I feel like he (or the author) wouldn’t give it all away at once.
2) Hopefully by the time he admits it, she’ll have gotten to know Roman as well as she knows Carver and it will just be a relief to know they’re the same person vs having a crush on two people. This is the part of the trope I dislike, when it’s starts to get into one person having all the answers and the other being totally in the dark.
3) Iris wins for me because Roman is being motivated by Iris, but Iris is out there making her own decisions with no backup plan. She’s so incredibly brave!
I’ll be entering the giveaway as @sonata_ix.
Inkridden Iris — nice! Roman! Did he really break his engagement? I knew he’d follow her (eventually). Everyone can see what’s happening between them even if she’s stubbornly in denial. Lol. Both volunteering to go to the front lines to keep the other safe, awe. I love their back-and-forth.
Daily Q&A:
Q:
1.) What do you think is in the letter? Do you think Roman admits it’s him?
2.) How do you think Iris will react when she finds out it’s been Roman all along?
3.) Who’s your favourite character?
A:
1.) It sounded like, if not an outright admittance, he was worried it would give him away *enough* which it’s why he didn’t want her reading it yet.
2.) Probably betrayed, at 1st, but it should also relieve the guilt she felt about thinking certain things about Roman when she also feeling things for Carter as they’re the same person.
3.) That’s tough. I actually like both main characters (Iris is perhaps more relatable, but Roman/Carver is still up there). So far, we’ve not had many side characters. Sarah was growing on me before they both quit working with her. Attie is promising, but there’s not that “I loved this side character above everyone” yet.
*I’ve already posted my #DivineFairies photo under @TupaKitty_Reads ????*
The story behind the type writers is so sweet.
I love both main characters. I cannot pick one.
I’m not sure what Roman has said in the letter. It’s probably not a confession of his identity.
I’m pretty sure Iris will find out Roman is Carver at the worst possible moment & she will probably initially be upset.
I have posted my photo to my IG Jenthebookishbakernz
So far i love this book! It looks gorgeous and the language in this is setting the mood very nicely. Please more book like this Fairyloot! This one’s been a hit.
I’ve posted an insta post on this acc to join the giveaway: bookish.sundays
Till next readalong!
The letter to be a confession from Roman but he probably realizes that it’s not the right time for Iris to read it because they’re at the warfront. I find it so awkward that Iris had to sit on Romans lab, and the fact that she actually did it because like she can’t stand this guy even if he’s all the way out here where she is too, it’s like she always thought that he was trying to get one over on her. Clearly, she doesn’t hate him as much as she says she does her all she wouldn’t have sat on it for three hours. When she finds out it’s Roman, I think she’s going to have a hard time because she fell in love with the person that she was writing that she could never imagine that it was somebody she knew much less her rival. So she’s probably gonna have a hard time dealing with that since it was her only true source of happiness in the world and finding out it’s somebody that she hates is going to make her question everything. Can my favorite character be the typewriter like a magical typewriter that can open a portal wherever it is to another magical typewriter it’s so cool.
I entered the Instagram contest my handle is @anythingisabookmark
What do you think is in the letter? Do you think Roman admits it’s him?
Yes I think he’s admitting that it’s him but he doesn’t want her to read it in front of him on the frontlines so he’s trying to distract her! Maybe he’ll take it off her while she’s sleeping, although it won’t look too good on his part as she’ll instantly know that it was him!
How do you think Iris will react when she finds out it’s been Roman all along?
I think she’ll have a mix of reactions really! Betrayal, firstly, as he could have told her in person or by letter at any point. The longer he hides it from her, the worse it will be in the long run! But also maybe a bit of relief as she’s feeling so guilty about having feelings for Carver but feeling attracted to Roman! I think she’ll end up forgiving him for keeping it from her eventually.
Who’s your favourite character?
It’s so hard to choose between Iris and Roman as they’re so different! But I seem to be enjoying things from Roman’s POV more, as it makes him seem like less of an idiot! So maybe Roman? I really don’t know! I love Attie as well, and Marisol!
I have entered the giveaway and my Instagram handle is @amzie.reads
I read the whole book before the readalong even started, I simply couldn’t put it down! I loved it and can’t wait for the sequel.
I have entered the giveaway, my insta handle is @lullysbooks
Loving the book so far!
I’ve entered the giveaway and my Instagram handle is @vasundharajayender
Entered the Instagram giveaway as @fully.inked.shelves
I don’t think I took one breath while reading this section. I knew, knew, knew Roman would follow Iris to war, and I’m glad it was as simple as that, the “arranged marriage” plot wasn’t entertaining me at all.
They’re getting closer and closer to each other, and I’m sure that last letter from Carver will play a role in the big reveal, but I don’t think it would be as simple as a confession, Roman Carvel Kitt is way too dramatic for that. I’m not yet sure how Iris would react, but that’s a chunk of the book I will probably want to read multiple times. All of the character’s have grown on me, especially Marisol.
Roman’s nan is an icon. I hope she survives the war, can’t the same about his dad though. I was dying at the lap scene it gave me such Love Hypothesis vibes, except like in a war backdrop. The scene with Roman and his ex-fiance’s lunch was so sad, Roman was so sad without Iris. The scene where Iris runs to him in the field was fantastic. I always get so surprised when I turn the page and see there’s a new part even though I read the table of contents.
I entered the giveaway! My IG handle is @clingingontobooks
my instagram username is @huntresszafira!
What do you think is in the letter? Do you think Roman admits it’s him?
—aghhhh idk. i wish he’d just come clean already, it’s kinda making me upset how hard he’s trying not to be found out?
How do you think Iris will react when she finds out it’s been Roman all along?
—PISSED. reasonably so tbh
Who’s your favourite character?
—iris for sure!!! though i love everyone else too
Entered on insta @michi_outandabout
This book so far is a full hit for me. Bit behind ont he readalong but nightshift is sabotaging me. Hope I can fully catchup today. This is a beautiful edition, probably my favorite edges of the year so far and the redesigned cover is stunning.
I am team iris. She definitly is my favorite in this so far, but it’s a close one. Roman might still win me over in the end haha ?
Oh my gosh, the letters are so romantic <3
Forced proximity ?always has me kicking my feet!
Iris and Roman….they have so many moments in this section that just make me squeal ahhhh
I love how you’re just as flustered as I am while reading through this lol
Yes I do think that Roman admits in his letter that it’s him. He probably confesses his feelings too ahhh. The pining is strong with these two!
Honestly, I think Iris will be pissed when she finds out. But she’ll probably be relieved that Carver and Roman are one and the same.
So far, Roman is my favorite character. He’s really pulling all the stops to win Iris over and his efforts are so endearing 🙂
I’ve also entered the giveaway! My ig is @vivis.readingpages
1. I bet he absolutely admitted it was him! It’s gotta happen soon.
2. I hope she reacts well? But I’d be fairly annoyed and several trust boundaries would have been broken. I think she’ll be upset but after some reflecting I bet she’ll be okay with it.
3. Definitely Iris! She’s been through a lot, but she’s so hopeful and resilient!
I entered the giveaway! My instagram handle is @giggenbach.reads
Entered the giveaway on insta @readbyannie_ !
I think Roman admits its him, using the word “divine” somehow, and doesn’t want Iris to read it whilst she’s on the front line as maybe he admits his feelings as well?
I think Iris is going to be madddd mad at first, as he’s known its her this whole time whilst she hasn’t known it’s been him she’s been opening up to. However, I think she’ll forgive him after some big emotional talk where she admits her feelings.
Iris is my favourite character! She’s been through a lot but has the strength to carry on, and is trying to make a difference in the war through her writing.
I’m skipping questions 1 and 2 because I finished the book.
I think my favorite character is Roman, I think he is so cute and brave to fight for what he wants. Really loved him
I entered the giveaway, my insta handle is @book.storm_
Entered @hayleys.reads
This book so far is AMAZING, I do believe Iris will be mad and Roman is still trying to hide his feelings, but also toying with the idea of coming clean?
I’ve entered to the GA with @rebireads over IG! 🙂
I accidentally, or maybe purposely, finished all of the book in one night. The pacing of this book is incredible and was hooked throughout the whole book. My favorite character is Roman of course. I also entered @littlecreekbookery!
I was so glad Roman joined Iris at the front, so they can go through those tough times together. I definitely think Roman has admitted it’s him in the letter, but he doesn’t want Iris to find out while they’re in the trenches, which is understandable. I really like both of them, Iris is so strong and kind for the soldiers, while Roman is brave enough to defy his family and protect the girl he loves (because he definitely loves Iris).
I entered the giveaway with my IG handle @tales_andtomes.
Wow another great chunk of chapters.I can’t believe they’re actually at the front lines and in the trenches. I love that Roman couldn’t let Iris go alone. I love his protective streak coming out for her. Plus them traveling the whole way with her sitting on his lap!!
I entered the giveaway on Insta under @elfs_bookshelf
1. I think Roman gives a clue away about his identity but doesn’t totally reveal it yet. I think that’ll happen in this next section while they’re on the front lines.
2. Iris is going to be pissed!! But I think she’ll learn it while or after Roman gets hurt protecting her and that will melt her anger very quickly. Ultimately I think she’ll be excited to know who her pen pal is and learn more about her rival.
3. It’s so hard to choose a favorite. I love them both so much! My favorite minor character is Nan she seems like a firecracker who truly cares for Roman and would be thrilled to know he’s in love with her besties granddaughter. (If she hasn’t already figured it all out already which part of me thinks she realized his feelings way before Roman did )
I’m a little ahead because ai’m so invested in the story ??? So I won’t answer question 1 and 2.
My fave characters are both Iris and Roman, I can’t choose!
I’ve entered the giveaway ? my IG handle is @feedmefairytales
I’ve been waiting to see how Iris will find out it’s been Roman ahhhh!!
I also entered the giveaway 🙂
@unprofessional_bookworm
I think Roman admits it’s him, though maybe not directly. He might have written that they would meet soon or confess that he had met her already without actually revealing his name.
She’ll probably feel betrayed and suspicious, thinking he only wrote to her to distract her from her work or to invade her privacy.
Though I really like Roman and Iris, I think my favorite character is Attie. I have a soft spot for astronomy and music, and I admire her for continuing to play violin after the ban. She also seems like a down to earth person who’d be a good listener and make a great friend.