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fallenstarcat's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Abandonment and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse
mamaewalk's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
woodsofthebooks's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book took me a bit to warm up to but once i did i was so hooked. this is exactly the kind of cozy fantasy i want to get to read forever and ever. i really hope we get to learn more about the side characters in future books, i'd love one about Dawn especially.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
literarypenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Rival Most Vial was such a pleasant surprise of a book! It was cozy and the atmosphere of the book was perfect for a October month!
The street where this story was set was so magical and whimsical! I adored getting to meet all the people who lived there and see how much they all cared about one another. It was sweet to see them all form this found family and look out for each other. Each of these characters were unique and had their own distinct personalities, I can't wait to get to know more about them when I continue this series. I in particular liked Dawn and Benniker. I thought they were very entertaining and were good friends to Ambrose. I felt like Sherry was such a good mother figure to the rest of the street and took care of the other residents when they needed it.
The romance between Eli & Ambrose was so sweet and so satisfying to see it unfold. I felt like they complemented each other so well. Ambrose out of the pair was my favorite, he was just such an interesting character to learn about. His fear of letting his emotions show, his hesitance to make friends and socialize with people including his fellow merchants. It was fascinating to see how they way he turned out was because of his harsh upbringing and how his mentor might not be as kind as Ambrose made him out to be. Eli was a great character as well though it took a little bit of time before you learned more about his motivations and his own issues that he has to work through. Another thing I loved was that there was no third act fight or problem that caused them to break up, most romances end up doing that in the last half of the book so it was very refreshing to not see that here in this one. The development and evolving relationship of Ambrose and Eli starting off as rivals to lovers was so sweet. It was nice to see them start off hating each other then becoming friends where their attraction started to blossom between each other.
The themes of finding purpose and doing what you love was lovely, that no matter what you can find something you love and do what would make you happy. Even better when you find someone that would support what you do and encourage you to pursue that dream.
This was such a delight to read and I honestly can't wait to continue this series with the next book! I look forward to more cozy and magical vibes. To see what our merchants get up to in the next book.
The street where this story was set was so magical and whimsical! I adored getting to meet all the people who lived there and see how much they all cared about one another. It was sweet to see them all form this found family and look out for each other. Each of these characters were unique and had their own distinct personalities, I can't wait to get to know more about them when I continue this series. I in particular liked Dawn and Benniker. I thought they were very entertaining and were good friends to Ambrose. I felt like Sherry was such a good mother figure to the rest of the street and took care of the other residents when they needed it.
The romance between Eli & Ambrose was so sweet and so satisfying to see it unfold. I felt like they complemented each other so well. Ambrose out of the pair was my favorite, he was just such an interesting character to learn about. His fear of letting his emotions show, his hesitance to make friends and socialize with people including his fellow merchants. It was fascinating to see how they way he turned out was because of his harsh upbringing and how his mentor might not be as kind as Ambrose made him out to be. Eli was a great character as well though it took a little bit of time before you learned more about his motivations and his own issues that he has to work through. Another thing I loved was that there was no third act fight or problem that caused them to break up, most romances end up doing that in the last half of the book so it was very refreshing to not see that here in this one. The development and evolving relationship of Ambrose and Eli starting off as rivals to lovers was so sweet. It was nice to see them start off hating each other then becoming friends where their attraction started to blossom between each other.
The themes of finding purpose and doing what you love was lovely, that no matter what you can find something you love and do what would make you happy. Even better when you find someone that would support what you do and encourage you to pursue that dream.
This was such a delight to read and I honestly can't wait to continue this series with the next book! I look forward to more cozy and magical vibes. To see what our merchants get up to in the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Moderate: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexual content
corsetedfeminist's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is a fun book.
The plot is straightforward, but in a comforting way. It reminds me of a DnD campaign, both in the actual worldbuilding and in the generally chaotic vibes of the characters. I realize those two things seem contradictory, but somehow both are true.
I loved the found family, especially Dawn, and how gently they cared for Ambrose both with and without his notice.
Ambrose is such a grumpy teddy bear, and I loved the slow reveal of his terrible childhood throughout the book interspersed with his slow realization of the love of his found family.
Eli, on the other hand, is a lot, in the best way, and I enjoyed his struggle between energy and boredom and his reckless love of life and his friends and family.
Their relationship is predictable, but nonetheless very tender and soft, and I loved watching the progression from rivals to begrudging friends to more.
My only complaint was that the plot surrounding Eli’s job at the end seemed a bit rushed and ended feeling a bit unsolved, but since the romance had properly bloomed I can’t really hold that against him
The plot is straightforward, but in a comforting way. It reminds me of a DnD campaign, both in the actual worldbuilding and in the generally chaotic vibes of the characters. I realize those two things seem contradictory, but somehow both are true.
I loved the found family, especially Dawn, and how gently they cared for Ambrose both with and without his notice.
Ambrose is such a grumpy teddy bear, and I loved the slow reveal of his terrible childhood throughout the book interspersed with his slow realization of the love of his found family.
Eli, on the other hand, is a lot, in the best way, and I enjoyed his struggle between energy and boredom and his reckless love of life and his friends and family.
Their relationship is predictable, but nonetheless very tender and soft, and I loved watching the progression from rivals to begrudging friends to more.
My only complaint was that the plot surrounding Eli’s job at the end seemed a bit rushed and ended feeling a bit unsolved, but since the romance had properly bloomed I can’t really hold that against him
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
ritabriar's review
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This delightful book will likely go on the comfort read list.
Events are clear and sensible, with some romance, tropes, such asthe Grand Gesture , co-opted for non-romantic purposes in a satisfying way that fits in with the shop owners on Rosemund Street. Their adventurers' town is beautifully visualized and imaginative, with geology, ecosystem, and history of the place all seamlessly woven into the narrative and plot.
Potion magic is clearly articulated, at first to ramp up the rivalry, then to make the collaboration necessary and juicy.
Each character on Rosemund St. is different and delightful, with their own personalities but united in their love for each other. I count at least four or five kinds of queer in the main friend group and a diversity of skin tones and fantasy races. The main couple is quintessential grumpy/sunshine and introvert/extrovert. One of their challenges is Ambrose's tendency to isolate himself whenever he is stressed or challenged. And boy, does Eli stress and challenge him!
The transitions from Rivals to Friends to Lovers is seamless, with clear motivations for each state. The language use is delightful along the way, such as this quote as Eli is discovering interest in Ambrose: "Eli determined that Ambroseshould have scientific breakthroughs more often. " The spicy bits are covered by confirmation after the fact.
Events are clear and sensible, with some romance, tropes, such as
Potion magic is clearly articulated, at first to ramp up the rivalry, then to make the collaboration necessary and juicy.
Each character on Rosemund St. is different and delightful, with their own personalities but united in their love for each other. I count at least four or five kinds of queer in the main friend group and a diversity of skin tones and fantasy races. The main couple is quintessential grumpy/sunshine and introvert/extrovert. One of their challenges is Ambrose's tendency to isolate himself whenever he is stressed or challenged. And boy, does Eli stress and challenge him!
The transitions from Rivals to Friends to Lovers is seamless, with clear motivations for each state. The language use is delightful along the way, such as this quote as Eli is discovering interest in Ambrose: "Eli determined that Ambrose
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child abuse, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
The child abuse is in one character's past, and the abandonment is short-term but part of a seeming pattern. The fire ismabellene's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Violence and Alcohol
bibliomania_express's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A Rival Most Vial by R.K. Ashwick is an adorable, fun, and dramatic rivals-to-livers, found family cozy fantasy romance. Ambrose runs a famous potion shop, revered by adventurers throughout Laskell. But when Eli opens another potion shop just across the street, the two descend into one-upmanship and jibs. When they're forced to work on a commission together, they each discover more about each other - and themselves.
I cannot say how much I loved this book and how happy I am that it was everything I hoped. Ambrose is so closed up at the beginning, isolated and awkward. He has the tragic backstory of abandonment and isolation. Eli is bright but filled with restlessness, determined to make his large family proud. I loved the slow development of their relationship and how they were able to push aside their own worries and prejudices to actually see each other.
I also really loved the found family. The other shopkeeper on Rosemond Street were so great - Sherry with her grandmotherly charm, Dawn with her drive to succeed and own struggles, Banneker with his card fortunes, and Grim's forthright manner. It was great to see how much they accepted and supported Ambrose (even when he couldn't see it himself), and how they welcomed Eli in.
This book reminded me a lot of Legends & Lattes, with its D&D-inspired world, cozy shopkeeping vibes, and found family. This book has a stronger focus on the developing romance, and there are some dramatic adventure scenes, so a bit less laid back than Baldree's novel.
I laughed, teared up, felt touched, and just enjoyed the heck out of this book.
I cannot say how much I loved this book and how happy I am that it was everything I hoped. Ambrose is so closed up at the beginning, isolated and awkward. He has the tragic backstory of abandonment and isolation. Eli is bright but filled with restlessness, determined to make his large family proud. I loved the slow development of their relationship and how they were able to push aside their own worries and prejudices to actually see each other.
I also really loved the found family. The other shopkeeper on Rosemond Street were so great - Sherry with her grandmotherly charm, Dawn with her drive to succeed and own struggles, Banneker with his card fortunes, and Grim's forthright manner. It was great to see how much they accepted and supported Ambrose (even when he couldn't see it himself), and how they welcomed Eli in.
This book reminded me a lot of Legends & Lattes, with its D&D-inspired world, cozy shopkeeping vibes, and found family. This book has a stronger focus on the developing romance, and there are some dramatic adventure scenes, so a bit less laid back than Baldree's novel.
I laughed, teared up, felt touched, and just enjoyed the heck out of this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Emotional abuse, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
queenpebbles's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
micaelacccc's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I cannot say enough good things about this book! It's so adorable it had me giggling and kicking my feet, I want to read it again and again!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse and Abandonment