The Rival

Rivals-to-lovers gets an academic send-up in this charming and irresistible romantic comedy from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of Tweet Cute and Begin Again.

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.

"If you haven't read a novel by Emma Lord before, you've been missing out on something spectacular." - Paste

Author: Emma Lord
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Published: 01/21/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.60lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.30w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9781250904041
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2024
School Library Journal 01/01/2025 pg. 64

About the Author
EMMA LORD is a digital media editor and writer living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn't writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, a whole lot of love, and copious amounts of grilled cheese. She is the author of Tweet Cute, You Have a Match, When You Get the Chance, Begin Again, The Getaway List, and The Break-Up Pact.