Emma Lord’s latest YA romance, The Rival, proves that she’s mastered the art of crafting stories that are both heartwarming and genuinely funny. Following the success of Tweet Cute, You Have a Match, and Begin Again, Lord delivers another winning combination of sharp wit and authentic emotion in this enemies-to-lovers tale set in a college freshman environment.
Plot Summary
Sadie Brighton and Sebastian Adams have been next-door neighbors and academic rivals since childhood. When Sadie finally beats Seb by getting into their dream college, Maple Ride University, she thinks she’s won at last. But fate (and the waitlist) has other plans. Now they’re both competing for a coveted spot on the school’s famous zine, Newsbag, while discovering that their rivalry might be masking deeper feelings.
Writing Style and Voice
Lord’s writing shines brightest in her dialogue, which crackles with wit and personality. The banter between Sadie and Seb is particularly well-crafted, managing to be both clever and natural. Her prose style is:
- Fresh and contemporary without relying on trendy slang
- Rich with humor that feels organic to the characters
- Emotionally resonant without becoming melodramatic
- Skillfully balanced between light moments and deeper themes
Character Development
Sadie Brighton
The protagonist’s journey from “responsible sibling” to “authentic self” is beautifully rendered. Her struggle with showing her true personality, especially her humor and creativity, feels genuine and relatable. Lord excels at showing how family dynamics can shape our behavior and self-perception.
Sebastian Adams
Seb evolves from seeming antagonist to complex love interest with careful attention to detail. His journey with parental expectations and finding his own path adds depth to what could have been a standard romantic lead.
Supporting Characters
The secondary characters, especially Christina (Sadie’s best friend) and the Brighton family, are well-developed and serve the story without overshadowing the main plot. Each has their own arc that complements the central narrative.
Strengths
- Authentic College Setting
- Realistic portrayal of freshman year adjustments
- Well-researched campus dynamics
- Believable academic and social pressures
- Complex Family Relationships
- Nuanced parent-child dynamics
- Realistic sibling interactions
- Impact of family roles on personal growth
- Strong Character Growth
- Both protagonists undergo significant development
- Side characters have meaningful arcs
- Relationships evolve naturally
Areas for Improvement
While the novel is strong overall, there are a few areas where it could be stronger:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows
- Some of the zine-related plot points feel slightly contrived
- A few side plots could have been more fully developed
Themes and Messages
The Rival by Emma Lord explores several important themes:
- The tension between family expectations and personal identity
- The courage required to show your authentic self
- How competition can both help and hinder growth
- The importance of finding your voice
- The complexity of first love and friendship
Romance Development
The enemies-to-lovers progression between Sadie and Seb is particularly well-handled. Their history as childhood neighbors adds depth to their dynamic, and their transition from rivals to something more feels earned rather than forced. The romantic tension builds naturally through their competitive interactions and shared history.
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of contemporary YA romance will find familiar elements handled in fresh ways. The academic setting and rivalry theme might remind readers of books like Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon or Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, but Lord puts her own unique spin on these tropes.
Technical Elements
The novel’s structure, alternating between present events and crucial moments from Sadie and Seb’s shared past, works effectively to build both the romance and character development. The pacing is generally strong, though it occasionally loses momentum in the middle sections.
Impact and Resonance
What sets The Rival by Emma Lord apart is its thoughtful exploration of how we define ourselves and how those definitions can limit us. The competitive academic setting serves as an effective backdrop for exploring larger questions about identity, ambition, and authenticity.
Target Audience Appeal
This book will particularly resonate with:
- Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers romance
- Anyone who’s struggled with family expectations
- College students and recent graduates
- Fans of witty dialogue and slow-burn romance
- Those who appreciate stories about finding your voice
Final Verdict
The Rival by Emma Lord is a charming addition to the YA romance genre that offers both entertainment and emotional depth. Lord continues to prove herself as a reliable voice in contemporary YA fiction, delivering stories that balance humor and heart.
Recommendation
While perfect for its target YA audience, The Rival by Emma Lord has enough depth and sophistication to appeal to older readers as well. It’s an especially good choice for:
- Fans of contemporary YA romance
- Readers who enjoy academic settings
- Those who appreciate complex family dynamics
- Anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers story
Reading Experience
The book is engaging from start to finish, with enough emotional depth to make you care about the characters while maintaining a light, enjoyable tone. Lord’s signature humor shines through, making even serious moments digestible and relatable.
Conclusion
The Rival is a testament to Emma Lord’s growing strength as a writer. She continues to develop her voice while maintaining the charm that made her previous books successful. This novel proves that romantic comedy can be both fun and meaningful, offering insights about identity and relationships while keeping readers thoroughly entertained.
What sets this book apart is its ability to take familiar tropes and make them feel fresh through authentic character development and genuine emotional stakes. It’s a worthy addition to any YA romance collection and further establishes Lord as a go-to author in the genre.