Dating by Romance Tropes: A Review of The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee

In the world of young adult literature, romance novels have a unique ability to captivate readers. Susan Lee's "The Romance Rivalry" takes readers on a delightful journey through the life of a college freshman who is determined to find her happily ever after—guided by the very romance tropes she critiques. This novel combines humor, relatable characters, and classic romance clichés to create an engaging narrative that resonates with anyone dreaming of love.

The Journey Into College Life and Rivalry

Irene Park, an avid romance novel enthusiast and online book reviewer, embarks on her college journey with a wealth of literary knowledge but little personal experience in love. As she navigates freshman year challenges like making friends and handling academic stress, her quest for love, inspired by her favorite novels, becomes a relatable and engaging narrative. Her story takes a lively turn with the introduction of Aiden Jeon, her charismatic online rival, who challenges her to find love through a competition based on romance tropes. Their witty exchanges and evolving relationship add depth and humor to the tale, highlighting themes of personal growth and unexpected guidance. The competition introduces the beloved fake dating trope, leading to humorous and heartfelt moments as Irene and Aiden's journey unfolds.

Reading Log:

November 20th, 2024 pg. 57 (+57)

November 21st, 2024 pg. 122 (+65)

November 25th, 2024 pg. 229 (+107)

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital copy of this book for review.

Review

Irene is uniquely relatable and multifaceted, allowing readers to connect with her passion for romance while facing the complexities of real-life relationships, friendships, self-discovery, college academics, and being true to oneself both now and in the future. Aiden adds depth to the narrative with his rivalry with Irene, alongside his own struggles with guilt and sorrow over choosing what felt right for him over his parents' wishes.

Through their shared experiences, readers witness significant character growth. The evolution of their relationship reveals heartwarming and enlightening moments, reminding us that love often unfolds in unexpected ways. The romance is well-paced, realistic, and includes beautiful moments of honesty, reflection, discussion, and themes of expectations versus reality, consent, and intimacy. Beyond romance, "The Romance Rivalry" explores friendship, resilience, and the quest for identity. As Irene builds deeper connections with her peers, the importance of friendship is beautifully highlighted. These relationships enrich the story and showcase the multifaceted nature of college life. From Irene's close bond with her roommate Jennette to Aiden's friendship with Charles, readers experience a sense of friendship, humor, lightheartedness, and even the pranks, bets, and antics that friend groups often enjoy. Susan Lee's writing is warm and relatable, making every moment feel genuine. The balance between humor and heartfelt storytelling keeps readers engaged, following a narrative filled with laughter and true emotion. Ultimately, "The Romance Rivalry" leaves readers with a powerful message:

happily ever afters are not limited to fiction. Irene's journey reveals the unexpected paths through which true love can arise, gently challenging preconceived notions and guiding her toward self-discovery.

Susan Lee's "The Romance Rivalry" is a celebration of love, friendship, and the delightful chaos of college life. For those who cherish romance novels and enjoy exploring their tropes, this book is a delightful read. It reminds us that while finding love may be complex, it can also be filled with joy and meaningful connections. Irene Park's story mirrors the experiences of anyone seeking love in the pages of a book and serves as a reminder to embrace their own narrative. Ultimately, this journey is not just about romance; it highlights the importance of individuality and the adventures that come with it.

Whether you're a devoted fan of romance novels or just discovering the genre, "The Romance Rivalry" offers an entertaining escape and a fresh take on beloved tropes. With its engaging characters and relatable themes, this book is sure to resonate with readers and deserves a spot on your reading list this upcoming spring season. Don’t miss the chance to join Irene on her journey of self-discovery and blossoming romance—it may just inspire you to pen your love story.

Discussion Questions

• How does Irene's love for romance novels influence her approach to relationships in real life? Do you think her literary knowledge is an advantage or a hindrance?

• Discuss the role of the fake dating trope in Irene and Aiden's relationship. How does it contribute to their character development and the overall narrative?

• In what ways does the rivalry between Irene and Aiden drive the plot? How does their dynamic evolve throughout the story?

• Friendship is a significant theme in the book. How do Irene's relationships with her peers, such as her roommate Jennette, impact her journey?

• Consider Aiden's personal struggles with his parents' expectations. How does this aspect of his character add depth to the story?

• How does Susan Lee balance humor and heartfelt storytelling in "The Romance Rivalry"? Provide examples of moments that effectively combine these elements.

• What message does the book convey about the nature of love and self-discovery? How does Irene's journey challenge traditional romance tropes?

• Discuss the portrayal of college life in the book. How does the author capture the complexities and joys of this transitional period?

• How do the themes of expectations versus reality, consent, and intimacy play out in the narrative? What lessons do the characters learn about these concepts?

• Reflect on the book's ending. How does it align with the idea that "happily ever afters are not limited to fiction"? Do you find the conclusion satisfying?