Book Club Questions
For Discussion
- Wes and Mo were both deeply touched by Proud and the Lost at different times in their lives, enough that they wanted to adapt this novel. What works of fiction were meaningful to you early in your life? What adaptations of classic books have you enjoyed, or would you enjoy?
- Rivals to Lovers features more than one couple in its pages, and the couples embody different stages in relationships: falling in love, being in love, and falling apart. What other relationships in the book interested you, and why?
- Mo had a bad previous experience with someone “romantic-gesturing” her. What, to you, are the rules of a well-done romantic gesture?
- This book is titled Rivals to Lovers and focuses on competing writers angling for the same book deal. While there is some initial bickering, this competition is mostly one of admiration for each other’s work. What, to you, is the difference between enemies to lovers and rivals to lovers? Which to do you prefer as a trope, and why?
- This novel digs into the publishing process. What aspects of publishing surprised you, or didn’t surprise you, in this novel?
- In the novel, Wes keeps aspects about his past from Maureen in order to protect her, and himself. When do you think was the right time for him to share information? Why do you think he was so nervous to share?
- What strengths do you think each competitor brought to the table? What do you think of the outcome of the competition?
The Making of Rivals to Lovers
Books inside of Books
This book is a love letter to books, people who write books, make books, sell books, and read books. A book isn’t just an object, it’s an idea and an idea that shares and spreads as people read it. There’s nothing like it.
The idea for this book began with a conversation with my agent at the time, who also represented a major author’s estate. She and I were chatting, and she mentioned that she had to stop the production of a just-announced book in Publisher’s Marketplace because it impeded on the estate’s intellectual property, the rights to which hadn’t expired yet. I started thinking about the splashy adaptations of The Great Gatsby and other classic books that had been made in the past few years, and for some reason, copyright law got me excited enough to write a whole romance novel about it!
This book is inspired by The Great Gatsby, but also the work of Edith Wharton. Wharton’s house, The Mount, also inspired the setting for the estate in Rivals to Lovers. You’ll also find references to, Jane Eyre, Moby Dick, Lord of the Rings (and associated fan fic), and other classics in this book.
playlist
Drinks
Midwestern Martini
Take one bottle of lager beer of choice and pour into a tall glass. Add three to four green olives. Add more if you’re reckless. Enjoy on a hot afternoon.
The Rival
In a pitcher, combine peach juice, sugar, lime juice, light rum, and grenadine. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Serve over ice in hurricane or highball glasses.
The Lover
A take on a Pom Fizz, recipe and photo from Food52.
Book Club Recipes
Food
Midwestern-inspired appetizers, or a big casserole to share. The Tater Tot Casserole is very fussy for what is typically no-nonsense fare, but it is delicious!
Grilled Cheese Sandwich bites, recipe by Erika Piper
Pickle Roll-Ups, recipe and image by Brenda Score
Tater Tot Casserole, recipe by Molly Yeh and adapted by Sam Sifton
Fun Freebie: Midwestern Romance Mad Libs (to download and play with your friends!)
Elise Wayland Books 