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Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment, 1) Hardcover – April 4, 2023

by Rebecca Ross (Author)
Editors' pick Best Young Adult's Books of 2023
See all formats and editions
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When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish―into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross's Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 2
    Letters of Enchantment
  2. Print length
    368 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Wednesday Books
  5. Publication date
    April 4, 2023
  6. Grade level
    7 - 9
  7. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  8. Dimensions
    6.5 x 1.15 x 9.55 inches
  9. ISBN-10
    1250857430
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1250857439
  11. See all details
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From the Publisher

Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross
Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross Shelby Mahurin quote
Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross Shelby Mahurin quote
Divine Rivals Rebecca Ross Adalyn Grace quote
A Rive Enchanted Rebecca Ross A Fire Endless Rebecca Ross
A River Enchanted A Fire Endless
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
5,586
4.6 out of 5 stars
3,917
Price $11.59 $11.66
Also available Elements of Cadence, 1 Elements of Cadence, 2

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Aspiring newspaper columnists at the Oath Gazette, Iris and Roman are competing for the same job. Circumstance has pushed Iris's family away, forcing her to stand alone on the edge of poverty, while Roman's wealthy father pulls the strings to every aspect of his life. When Iris tries to write a letter to her brother on the front lines, it gets magically redirected to Roman, who writes back anonymously. When the final threads tying her to the city of Oath are cut, Iris quits her job and heads to the war front to discover what's really happened to the soldiers who go missing there, including her brother. Ross paints a vivid historical picture with magic adding color to the worldbuilding without overtaking it. Iris is a heroine to root for as she braves the front lines, and Roman goes on his own journey towards independence; their characters are rich and well balanced in the first half of the novel, but once Iris goes to the front, Roman's perspective falls away. The budding romance feels lopsided as Roman holds all the power at the start of their relationship, as a well-educated man from a wealthy, influential family who knows who he's writing to. Reveals and secrets from Iris's investigation add more plotlines to set up the sequel, at the expense of a full arc. VERDICT More historical than fantasy, this is a rivals-to-lovers romance that requires a sequel to be satisfying. Consider purchasing for larger collections.-Emmy Nealα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

"The war may be chaos, but the symmetries of these books are exquisite." - New York Times

"Rich world-building and the poignancy of young love make the first in this fantasy romance duology a wistful and riveting read." - The Washington Post

"An ardent romance and a harrowing exploration of war’s horrors and heartbreaks... with inventive worldbuilding, nuanced characterizations, and prose by turns dreamy and atmospherically tense." - Publishers Weekly

"Divine Rivals is another absolute winner from author Rebecca Ross, who is rapidly proving there’s very little she can’t do in the realm of fantasy fiction." - Paste Magazine

“Rich and romantic―if stories had scent, this one would smell like a mug of black tea, the ink ribbons of a typewriter, and that addictive spice called enemies to lovers.” ―Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author of Serpent & Dove

"A sweeping start to a beautiful and romantic new series. Ross weaves her stories in such a vulnerable and delicate way, truly with a style all her own. I adored this book." - Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

“Deeply romantic and beautifully written, Divine Rivals is a story that lingers long after the final page. Set in a world steeped in mythology, Iris’s journey to the front is both fascinating and moving, with an ending that will leave readers aching for the next book. I absolutely loved it.” ―Rachel Griffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Nature of Witches

"Ross enchants with a clever and sweeping love story set against an imaginative, dangerous world. Her writing sparkles, brimming with wit and magic from the first page to the last." ―Isabel Ibañez, finalist for the William C. Morrow award

"Ross has crafted a tale that hooks its readers with whip-smart intrigue, and holds them fast with dazzling prose, a charming cast, and a world where mystique shimmers just beneath the surface. Hers is a brilliant blend of whimsy and heart.” ―Ayana Gray, New York Times bestselling author of Beasts of Prey

“Beautifully written and deeply emotional, Divine Rivals is a story of resilience and love, crafted with Ross’s bewitching storytelling. Real characters, swept into a magical war, this is the kind of a tale that gets under your skin and straight to your heart. Truly romantic and atmospheric, this book will leave you hungry for the next installment.” - Valia Lind, USA Today bestselling author of The Scarlet Rose

"Rich, evocative details build a world both gritty and whimsical, and Ross’ gorgeous prose is equal to the novel’s ambitious premise. Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers with a heaping dose of angst will find plenty worthwhile here." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"This YA historical fiction with a touch of fantasy...will appeal to fans of mythology combined with everyday life as well as enemies-to-lovers romance." - Booklist

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wednesday Books (April 4, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250857430
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250857439
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.15 x 9.55 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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Rebecca Ross

Rebecca Ross

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Rebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults.

She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.

When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog.

Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
61,497 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the plot intriguing, authentic, and pure. They also describe the storyline as beautiful, engaging, and unexpected. Readers praise the writing quality as strong-willed, smart, and hard working. They describe the emotional intensity as emotional with twists and turns. They find the book well-written, fast-paced, and easy to read. Customers also mention the fantasy/adventure as filled with magic, heartache, love, loyalty, and does not need major world building. They love the characters. Opinions differ on the pacing, with some finding it amazing and others saying it starts out slow.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
StorylineReadabilityCharacter developmentFantasy/adventEmotional intensityPlotWriting qualityPacing
746 customers mention "Storyline"668 positive78 negative

Customers find the storyline beautiful, intriguing, and pure. They also say the book is a really good one and enjoy it. Customers also say that the author is not indulgent or corny at all. They mention that the female character and her rivalry with Roman is fun and engaging.

"...Rebecca Ross has crafted a clever, enthralling love story that perfectly balances whimsy, fear, longing, and mystery with this deeply emotional,..." Read more

"...Roman is the sight of perfection. Rich, handsome, with not a wrinkle at sight but he is a pawn at his fathers high society desires and he always do..." Read more

"...Iris (the MC) is a strong female character and her rivalry with Roman is fun and engaging...." Read more

"...The exquisite beauty and the overwhelming pain portrayed in Divine Rivals keep emotions on a pendulum...." Read more

306 customers mention "Readability"295 positive11 negative

Customers find the book very well written, quick to read, and spellbinding. They also appreciate the simplicity and layers of meaning.

"...The rivals to lovers aspects was written perfectly. There was such a easy flow from rivals to friends to lovers...." Read more

"...fear, longing, and mystery with this deeply emotional, spellcasting first installment...." Read more

"...Their letters are so easy for you to read and the develop of the characters and the story is just one of the best I ever read...." Read more

"...The title has LAYERS of meaning - which was fun to figure out and the narrative is intersperced with letters, making the structure unique...." Read more

151 customers mention "Character development"142 positive9 negative

Customers love the characters and the romance spawned through a quasi magical texting.

"...4 stars for the romance, character development, and an all around solid story...." Read more

"...It was still damn near perfect! Characters, plot, atmosphere, cliffhanger!!!!I freaking loved Iris!..." Read more

"...And Iris was a solid female main character, learning and growing up as she moved through the story and into war...." Read more

"Wonderful characters and story, completely unexpected. Reads much more like historical romance but with magical elements...." Read more

140 customers mention "Fantasy/advent"112 positive28 negative

Customers find the fantasy aspect amazing, inventive, original, and keep them interested in every moment. They also describe the book as a journey of mystery, connection, and love. Readers also enjoy the perspective, mix of historical war and mythical, and personal growth. They say the battle between the gods is intriguing.

"...Overall ViewI found this to be a journey of mystery, connection and magic that will stir the senses and keep you captivated all the way..." Read more

"...It is beautifully written, filled with magic, heartache, love, loyalty, violence, and romance...." Read more

"...This story suffered from none of those issues. The battle between the gods is intriguing, the descriptions of warfare feel authentic and harrowing..." Read more

"...Rebecca Ross’ writing style truly elevated this tragic and inspiring YA series opener...." Read more

130 customers mention "Emotional intensity"116 positive14 negative

Customers find the book emotional with twists and turns. They also say the story is poetic, sorrowful, and stunning. Readers say the book sucks them in and feels familiar and unique.

"...take grasp of your heart, seep into your bones, and trigger intense feelings of longing until the second novel is in your hands...." Read more

"...It’s an emotional book that will stir a reaction from you and force you to deal with it. Just perfection !!!..." Read more

"...It is a wonderful story of hope and grief. I told myself I wasn’t going to read the second book but with the way it ended how can I not???..." Read more

"...It is beautifully written, filled with magic, heartache, love, loyalty, violence, and romance...." Read more

51 customers mention "Plot"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot intriguing, with descriptions of warfare that feel authentic and harrowing. They also say the book has clear elements of fantasy, and is riveting. Readers describe the book as part fantasy, part reality, mixed with a sweet romance. They mention that the book is intimate, tasteful, and genuine.

"...War, lost of life, grieving, love, pain, guilt is so raw, genuine, true that was so beautiful to read...." Read more

"...The battle between the gods is intriguing, the descriptions of warfare feel authentic and harrowing and heartbreaking and the author beautifully..." Read more

"This book had everything I love: letters, war, fantasy...." Read more

"...This book has tragedy, found family, personal growth, war, and romance that will make you melt and root so hard for this couple!" Read more

42 customers mention "Writing quality"42 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book strong, brilliant, brave, and relatable. They also say the book is bold, vivid, detailed, and painstakingly woven together. Readers describe the book as slow, decadent, and excellent.

"...Thanks everyone for a good choice.I really enjoy a well-built world. This one felt like a fantasy version of WWI...." Read more

"...But the romance is soft, fragile, and raw. The last 10% of the book my heart ached...." Read more

"...As for the universe: it is very creative, but yet not too fantastic...." Read more

"...I freaking loved Iris! She was brilliant and brave but still relatable and charming."She had rehearsed what she wanted to say to him...." Read more

106 customers mention "Pacing"37 positive69 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it amazing and action packed, while others say it starts out slow.

"...🦇 Since this is a slow-burn romance, the pacing does drag at times, especially in the first half...." Read more

"...The pacing of this book is simply amazing, her writing is perfection. The construction of the story is so easy and good...." Read more

"I love the characters, the idea of the book but it was a slow read...." Read more

"...Three other problems: the book had pacing issues... mainly, I was hyped for there to be some action once Iris got to the front after sitting through..." Read more

I can only describe these 2 books as enchanting!
5 out of 5 stars
I can only describe these 2 books as enchanting!
Wow! So I am not usually in to this kind of book, and I definitely didn’t think I would like it. I swear the author must have used actual real magic to write something so… enchanting. I was truly enchanted by the words I was reading that I actually lost track of time! I wish I didn’t put off reading them for so long! Although I’m glad I read these when I did because I needed them! They are now in my top favorites. Minor typos won’t even knock a star off of these because these books are truly magical. And even if you aren’t into this kind of book, I dare you to read it and say it ain’t good! I double dare you! You will be just as enthralled as I was. When I am done reading the rest of the books in my library I am going to be rereading these again! The story is actually so vivid that I could truly picture exactly what was happening and there was ALOT happening. There was none of those annoying scenes that don’t move the story along. Every page kept me wanting more and when it ended I was so sad. The author did not have to be so elaborate with wasteful words to describe the scenes vividly, you would think with how well she describes everything the books would be much longer but nope! She truly used magic! And the story is so unique that I’m positive that there is no other story like this. I mean magical type writers!? Who thinks of these things?! Truly creative and talented people, that’s who. I would say these books would be great for everyone. you have rivals to lovers, loss, fear, love, and you would never believe it but so action packed! I also felt Iris when she was looking for her brother, and as I read I had truly hoped she found her brother alive, as something similar happened to mine, so it swept me away and I had to know if he was alive, I won’t spoil anything but :’( my bother too was in the army and things also didn’t work out for him so yes this did punch me right in the heart but it is ok I forgive. There is literally nothing bad to say about these books.Rebecca Ross is a magician and master of the writing arts and I am now her biggest fan and will continue reading her writing. I really needed this series and it came to me at a time in my life that it was perfect for. I just can’t help but think magic is at play here ! Thanks Rebecca!This series will remain on the top shelf in my little library!
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Top reviews from the United States

Addicted to Romance Book Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning mythological fantasy romance that leaves you yearning for more!
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨✨

First Impressions
Divine Rivals is the first book in the duo series "Letters of Enchantment" and I wasn't sure that I was going to read this one, but after receiving many recommendations from those that have similar reading tastes as I do, I decided to pick this up. So I first want to say that Divine Rivals was an incredible read. I have no clue why its categorized as YA though, they are adults in this book, most likely for just marketing purposes most likely. I had really high expectations for this one and it definitely lived up to those expectations. I can see why this one is so well loved. My largest impression is that this had some of the most unique world building I have ever read. It had a quality to it that just drew you in slowly and I really appreciated the delicate nature in the author in being able to deliver that aspect to the reader.

First Line
Cold fog had settled over the depot like a burial shroud, and Iris Winnow thought the weather couldn't have been better.

Summary
Iris and Kitt are rival journalists that are both fighting for the same position. Iris is struggling with her brother being missing in the war and her mother is a alcoholic. She needs to win the columnists promotion. Roman Kitt has his own home struggles. His father is forcing him into a marriage he doesn't want and going to use anything to his power to get Kitt the position but he is determined to make his own way without his father's aid. When he starts writing letters with a special typewriter and figuring out its from his work nemesis, he is curious to discover what he can but the more they exchange words, the more intrigued he becomes and determined to be the man that she needs. When their ways keep running into each other, they discover a powerful love. But there is a war happening with an enemy that wants to destroy them at all costs. Will they lose each other just when they find a love worth fighting for?

What I Loved
Divine Rivals is a book I wasn't expecting. I couldn't seem to get enough of and I did this mostly in audiobook and then at the end I physically read it in my kindle. So I absolutely had a blast with the chemistry between Kitt and Iris and it was off the charts. The rivals to lovers aspects was written perfectly. There was such a easy flow from rivals to friends to lovers. They have a powerful connection in their letters and when the truth comes out .....the romance BLOSSOMS in a way that is so epic and beautifully captured. But the angst between them isn't too overpowering either. Its handled with a delicate writ that pulls you further into the story. The atmosphere that is created is so cozy at times but in other times has a more majestic feel to it. It definitely has a 1940's war era type of feel with the technology and clothing and culture of the time. Its a blend of magical realism and historical mythological fantasy mixed together. The magical elements are slowly inforced, so you don't need to worry about being overwhelmed by the world building. The fantastical elements really build in the third act with so much mystery being hinted at in the first half of the story. Rebecca Ross really captured the beauty of love so brilliantly. I was on board with these two as a couple and how they were willing to fight for each other in the third act finale was so precious and captured my complete attention. Its a story of devotion, of healing and redemption and the transcendent beauty of love in the most dangerous of circumstances.

What I Struggled With
The ending was a cliffhanger, not a fan of this but it didn't change my rating or overall enjoyment of the story.

Narration
I absolutely adored the narration. There is a bit of an accent so that took some getting used to. But once you get used to it, it really flows so naturally.

Overall View
I found this to be a journey of mystery, connection and magic that will stir the senses and keep you captivated all the way through!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Mythological Fantasy, Magical Realism
Character Types: Journalists
Themes: Angst, Whimsical, Lyrical Writing
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Epic Love

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

Song This Book Inspires
The Power of Love by Celine Dion

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes
30 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Jazelle
4.0 out of 5 stars A Story of Magical, Mythology, and Longing
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023
Verified Purchase
🦇 Divine Rivals Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❝ I think we all wear armor. I think those who don’t are fools, risking the pain of being wounded by the sharp edges of the world, over and over again. But if I’ve learned anything from those fools, it’s that to be vulnerable is a strength most of us fear. It takes courage to let down your armor, to welcome people to see you as you are. ❞

❓ #QOTD Have you ever had a pen pal OR what book do you want to read before the end of the year? ❓

❝ Perhaps it begins with one person. Someone you trust. You remove a piece of armor for them; you let the light stream in, even if it makes you wince. Perhaps that is how you learn to be soft yet strong, even in fear and uncertainty. One person, one piece of steel. ❞

🦇 For centuries the gods have slept, only to drag mortals into their feud upon waking. After her brother leaves to fight, 18-year-old Iris Winnow strives to support herself and her mother. She'll need to win the columnist position at the Oath Gazette to do so. Only one problem: her rival, Roman Kitt, who seems to have everything handed to him. In her brother's absence, Iris drafts letters to him on her nan's old typewriter. After slipping them under her wardrobe door, they vanish―unknowingly, into the hands of Kitt. As they write back and forth to one another, they forge a connection stronger than any war. Can the kindled hope between them survive this world?

💜 The mingled scents of black tea and smeared ink, the clatter of an old typewriter, and the vulnerable longing left by loss. Add a dash of magic, wailing sirens, the echoes of bombs exploding...it all seems like a recipe for disaster, not an enemies-to-lovers romantasy novel, and yet, these key ingredients set Divine Rivals apart as one of the must-read novels of the year. Rebecca Ross has crafted a clever, enthralling love story that perfectly balances whimsy, fear, longing, and mystery with this deeply emotional, spellcasting first installment. The shared heartache for those they miss and lost unites Iris and Roman in ways they don't even realize from the start. The magic of their typewriters and the vague mythology behind the war mix well with the historical setting. It's the almost-lyrical, poetic prose of their love letters that is perhaps most striking. With each letter, they both shed a bit of the armor they hide behind, revealing scars and vulnerabilities underneath. What starts as an enemies-to-lovers romance full of sass, wit, and charm becomes so much more. By the last few chapters, this story will take grasp of your heart, seep into your bones, and trigger intense feelings of longing until the second novel is in your hands.

💜 Iris is a heroine you can stand behind and root for from the first page, but it's Roman who holds the cards in the first half of the novel. Watching him fall first (initially through the love letters), while struggling with guilt, grief, and his familial debt was a beautifully painful experience. I've experienced part of Iris' journey, falling for someone through pen and page; Ross captures that enamorment perfectly. For the most part, the story is more historical fiction than fantasy. The magic seeps into the roots of the story, adding bewitching elements without stealing from the star of the show: the growing feelings between Iris and Roman. They find love in the dark, a spark of happiness in moments of fear and despair. Iris experiences so much loss, only to gain a found family (also, sapphic ship alert!). I rarely, rarely say this, but this is the type of story I'd love to see on screen.

🦇 Since this is a slow-burn romance, the pacing does drag at times, especially in the first half. While Ross' choice to sprinkle hints of the mythology and magic throughout the story leaves readers to focus on the character development and romance, it does keep us entirely in the dark. Though the rivalry between the gods started centuries ago, it seems strange that there's little known about its origins. Even the snippets Roman finds (which paint Darce and Enva like Hades and Persephone) feel incomplete. The world-building holds us at arm's length from the fantasy side of the novel until the very end, causing the final chapter to feel nearly out of place. It seems the mythology was restricted only for the shock value of that final chapter.

🦇 Recommended to fans of VE Schwab, Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, Lore, and Fourth Wing.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🖋️ Rivals to Lovers/Dual POV
💌 Found Family
🖋️ Love Letters/Witty Banter
💌 Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Romantasy
🖋️ War Setting
💌 Magic, Myths, and Gods
🖋️ He Falls First
💌 Slow Burn
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Madison Zoepel
5.0 out of 5 stars Favourite book ever
Reviewed in Canada on June 13, 2024
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Finished in 2 days, can't stop thinking about it, my heart breaks for the characters. It was so well written I couldn't stop and I felt emotions I've never felt reading a book. I love these characters and I can't wait to read the second book although I'm scared to emotionally damage myself lol
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Alro
5.0 out of 5 stars Bonito
Reviewed in Mexico on June 12, 2024
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El libro está muy bonito y no llego maltratado
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julia siqueira santos
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Simplesmente incrível.
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julia siqueira santos
5.0 out of 5 stars Apaixonante
Reviewed in Brazil on April 20, 2024
Simplesmente incrível.
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5.0 out of 5 stars paketleme guzeldi orijinal
Reviewed in Turkey on July 24, 2024
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Jessica vestergren
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Reviewed in Sweden on July 14, 2024
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Blev tyvärr skickad en trasig bok. Såg ut som att man hade råkat skära i omslaget med en kniv, och sen tejpat över den. Får skriva en ny recension när jag eventuellt köper en ny likadan bok…
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