Of Vines and Rivals Review—Fae Mischief, Rivals-to-Lovers Heat, and Some Seriously Creative Spice

I didn’t realize when I picked up Of Vines and Rivals that it was the second installment in a series of interconnected standalones. There’s no indication on the cover, though the book description does mention it (yes, I missed that part). I figured it out pretty quickly once I started reading, but decided to press on, and I’m glad I did.

While it absolutely works as a standalone, I’d still recommend starting with book one to maximize your enjoyment and understanding of the broader world and relationships. That said, the author does a fantastic job weaving in key information from the previous book without resorting to clunky exposition. The result is a smooth, immersive reading experience that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

At a Glance

The Romance: Snark, Softness, and Seriously Spicy Tension

Let’s talk about Puck. On the surface, he’s your classic snarky trickster with a sharp tongue and a devil-may-care attitude. But this book peels back those layers and shows us a deeper, more vulnerable side of him—and honestly? I loved him for it. Yes, he’s a bit of an ass at times (especially to Lysandra), but it never feels cruel or unjustified. He’s simply fighting for what he believes in.

The chemistry between Lysandra and Puck crackles. Their dynamic is laced with tension, rivalry, and emotional undercurrents that eventually give way to something much more intense. When that tension finally snaps? Oh my Goddess. Let’s just say D.D. Scott knows how to write inventive, spicy scenes that don’t hold back. The steam is real, and if you're into creative fae love scenes (vine play, anyone?), you are absolutely in for a treat.

Fae Shenanigans and Found Family Vibes

Beyond the romance, the book shines with its fae court setting, mischievous antics, and trials that test more than just physical strength. To seize control of Spring Court, the two must face three trials. But with both of them vying for power, they can't deny the lust for each other. There’s a strong found family element woven into the story that balances the spicy scenes with genuine heart and loyalty. I also appreciated the emotional weight carried by the “rejected mate bond” angle, which added depth to Lysandra’s character arc and made her eventual connection with Puck feel earned.

It’s a low-stakes fantasy overall—don’t expect end-of-the-world peril here—but that works in its favor. The focus is on emotional growth, romantic tension, and magical mischief, and it all comes together in a way that’s fun, flirty, and utterly engaging.

Themes & Tropes

🧚 The Fae

💔 Finding Love After a Rejected Mate Bond

🔥 Enemies/Rivals to Lovers

🛏️ Forced Proximity

🌿 Vine Play

🧪 Magical Trials

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Found Family

😏 Fae Shenanigans

🌶️ Spicy Romance

🧚‍♀️ Low-Stakes Fantasy

Final Thoughts

Of Vines and Rivals is a playful, spicy, and emotionally satisfying fae romance that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re here for the fae court politics, the delicious enemies-to-lovers tension, or the very memorable spice, you’re going to have a blast with this one. Just remember—start with book one if you want the full experience, but if you happen to jump in at book two like I did, you’ll still find plenty to love.