If you are a fan of the enemies to lovers trope AND fantasy romance then I have the perfect book list for you with the best enemies to lovers fantasy books worth reading.
Why not read a book that combines both your loves and gives you the best happily-ever-after? Check out all of my favorite enemies to lovers fantasy books below!
*Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Must-Read Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy’s life has never been her own. As the Maiden, the future of the kingdom rests on her shoulders, and she is to remain untouched, in solitary, until the day of her Ascension.
But when Hawke takes up the post as her Royal Guard, she begins to question her duty and the desire that he has awoken.
As tensions among the Desenters rise and threats on the kingdom increase, Poppy is at risk of failing the gods, denying her destiny and possibly losing her life or her heart.
This book list of enemies to lovers fantasy books should undoubtedly start off with the book that won best romance book according to the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards!
I can’t go into details why this fits the enemies to lovers trope without giving spoilers, but it is one of the best enemies to lovers fantasy books with an incredible slow burn love story that kicks off the incredible From Blood and Ash series.
With great writing and amazing characters, you can’t go wrong with this book and the entire series! Check out my book review of From Blood and Ash.
The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Despite being stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie when she was seven years old, Jude wants to be one of them. But as a human, she is despised by many of the fae, including Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.
To win a place at the Court, Jude becomes mixed in royal intrigues and deceptions, ultimately needing to forge an alliance with the Prince to save herself, her family and possibly the kingdom.
Holly Black’s young adult fantasy romance book is one of the most popular in the genre. I’d firmly place this enemies to lovers fantasy book in the bully romance category, at least for the first book of The Cruel Prince series.
Jude and her strength totally steal the show in this one.
Pick up this enemies to lovers fantasy book if you love drama and suspense and want to settle in with a new series.
The Bridge Kingdom
by Danielle L. Jensen
Lara is a warrior princess who’s driven to bring her kingdom’s enemy – King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom – to his knees. The Bridge Kingdom enriches itself at the expense of other kingdoms since it controls the only route through the world but Lara intends to change this with her upcoming nuptials to the King.
But as she gains a deeper understanding of the battle to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question her task as well as her original feelings toward Aren. Now Lara must choose which kingdom she’ll save, and which kingdom she’ll destroy.
You can’t talk about the best enemies to lovers fantasy books without mentioning The Bridge Kingdom!
If you are also a fan of marriage of convenience romance stories, this is the one for you to pick up.
Related: The Bridge Kingdom Series Order
Daughter of the Pirate King
by Tricia Levenseller
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map-the key to a legendary treasure trove-seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden.
But luckily, Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve – and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King.
This book totally had me at seventeen-year-old pirate. I adore strong heroines, especially in young adult fantasy romance books, and I love how Alosa intentionally places herself among her enemies to achieve her goal.
If you too love pirate romances, check out Tricia Levenseller’s enemies to lovers fantasy book.
Serpent & Dove
by Shelby Mahurin
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
As a huntsman of the Church, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. But when Lou pulls a wicked stunt, the two are forced into an impossible situation—marriage.
Lou, unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, must make a choice. And love makes fools of us all.
Fans of witch romance books will surely love this popular enemies to lovers fantasy book. A 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards nominee, Shelby Mahurin’s debut novel is a dazzling mix of magic, witchcraft and forbidden love.
This marriage of convenience story is book one of the Serpent and Dove series so buckle up for more after reading this one.
Angelfall
by Susan Ee
It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night.
When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with Raffe, an injured enemy angel.
Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco, where Penryn will risk everything to rescue her sister and Raffe will put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.
Maybe it’s a sign of the times, but I love romance books about the apocalypse. Angelfall is one of TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time, so of course it also makes this list of the best enemies to lovers fantasy books.
Grab this book, the first in a trilogy, if you love young adult romance books with a flare for angels.
Captive Prince
by C.S. Pacat
Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half-brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.
Beautiful, manipulative, and dangerous, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. He has reason to hate the Prince of Akielos but finds himself working with Damen against a common enemy.
This book may not be for everyone but if you love dark fantasy romance books then it may be the fantasy enemies to lovers book for you.
Fans of MM romance and royal romance will want to pick this up but only if you can stomach physical abuse and are set to devour the entire Captive Prince trilogy.
Pestilence
by Laura Thalassa
When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for destruction. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.
Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be stopped.
Now the horseman, very much alive, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.
Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.
This is another apocalypse romance that fits the enemies to lovers fantasy genre considering these two literally tried to take each others’ lives.
I’m not sure that I would be able to do such an about face as Sara did falling for the being who literally almost put me in the ground, but I loved the dichotomy the two represented.
Pestilence is book one in a series that follows all four horsemen of the apocalypse.
A Promise of Fire
by Amanda Bouchet
Cat Fisa has been living in disguise as a soothsayer in a traveling circus until Griffin, an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south, recognizes her magic and takes her.
Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker, the woman who divines the truth through lies. He wants her as a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm until he realizes he wants her for much more than her magic.
I can’t recommend this book enough which I consider one of the best enemies to lovers fantasy books worth reading.
I love the Greek mythology aspect of the story as well as the back-and-forth banter between Cat and Griffin.
As soon as you finish this fantasy romance you’ll want to immediately pick up the next book in The Kingmaker Chronicles series. Check out my book review of A Promise of Fire.
Barbarian’s Mate
by Ruby Dixon
Resonance’ is supposed to be a dream – that’s when your soulmate is chosen for you. And everyone on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own…except me.
Do I want a mate? More than anything, all I’ve ever wanted is to be loved by someone. Except that the soulmate chosen for me? My least favorite person on the darn ice planet.
Haeden’s the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien. So why is it that my body sings when he gets close?
Why is he working so hard to prove to me that he’s not as awful as I think he is? I hate him…don’t I?
If you’ve jumped on the bandwagon of alien romance books and Ruby Dixon’s ever popular, Ice Planet Barbarians series, then you’ll want to grab this one in particular.
This is Josie’s story about falling in love with her blue alien when he’s anything but what she wanted and expected.
If you love lighter, hilarious enemies to lovers fantasy books, you can’t go wrong with this one.
A Court of Thorns and Ashes
by Sarah J. Maas
When Feyre ends a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. To keep her family safe, she travels to a magical land with her captor who is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries.
With time on his estate, Feyre’s feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion, but now it’s up to her to stop a curse that threatens both Tamlin and his world.
Sarah J. Maas is the queen of fantasy romance and this enemies to lovers fantasy books kicks off one of her most popular series.
If you love fantasy books with fairies, shapeshifters and magic grab this book and then be on the look out for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV series on Hulu and check out the entire A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
Stolen Songbird
by Danielle L. Jensen
Centuries ago, the Isle of Light was ruled by cruel creatures with dangerous magic until a witch bound them to their underground city. But a prophesy has spoken of a union with a human girl that has the power to set them free.
Cécile is a singer destined for the stage when she is taken and bonded to the cursed prince of Trollus. Trollus is both magical and dangerous, but as Cécile hunts for a way to escape, she discovers there is more to her mysterious husband than anyone realizes.
As tension brews and political games escalate, Cécile finds herself at the center of a rebellion, and she is the one with the magic needed to overthrow the tyrant who rules.
Torn between returning to her human life and becoming the princess Trollus needs, Cécile must decide which world she belongs to and how far she’s willing to go to save the prince who holds her heart.
This is one of the best enemies to lovers fantasy books if you’re looking for slow-burn romance.
I love fantasy books that mix humans with magic and fantastical creatures. Throw in a forced marriage and you have a wonderful young adult romance to read.
Related: Danielle L. Jensen Books in Order
Kinked
by Thea Harrison
As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known.
Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be untrustworthy and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a dangerous vow of his own.
To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates until their chemistry ignites. When their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.
Ever since reading Dragon Bound, I fell in love with this fantasy world that Harrison created. From book one in the Elder Races series, Aryal has proven she is one strong heroine and I can only imagine the sparks that fly between her and Quentin.
While you should definitely read the entire series, you’ll love this enemies to lovers fantasy book!
The Bird and the Sword
by Amy Harmon
The day I lost my mother, she told me to swallow my words, to push them down deep, and I haven’t spoken a word since. I’m no longer just a pawn to my mother’s curse but I’m still invisible to those around me.
The Gifted are hunted in our lands and so I keep my words close. But there is one who hears my words and demands my devotion, my duty and perhaps my love.
This book was one of the first to make me fall in love with fantasy romance, so of course, I had to include it on the list. Not to mention that I believe Amy Harmon is just an amazing writer whose work I adore.
I loved the slow burn romance between captor and captive in this medieval fantasy.
Many fantasy romance books are part of a series or trilogy, but if you just want to sink into a standalone, enemies to lovers fantasy book, this should be your pick! Check out my book review of The Bird and the Sword.
Elvish
by S.G. Prince
When Venick is caught wandering the elflands, he knows the penalty. Desperate, he lies about his identity in hopes the elves will spare his life.
Ellina doesn’t trust the human, and not merely because he speaks the language of men. Men lie. In elvish, however, lying is impossible. In a moment of intuition, Ellina decides to give Venick a chance: learn elvish, reveal his truths, and she will set him free.
As Ellina and Venick grow to know one another, their feelings start to shift. Then Venick uncovers a dark secret, and suddenly the fate of the elflands seems to rest in his hands.
But every choice comes with consequences, and Venick must decide if it’s worth risking his life to protect a race that hates him, all to save an elf he’s not allowed to love.
I so dig a romance that’s centered on forbidden love. Elves and humans are not meant to fall in love. It’s actually against the law, but that doesn’t stop once enemies, Elllina and Venick.
This is another wonderful, enemies to lovers fantasy romance book with a slow burn romance you’ll adore.
The Darkest Secret
by Gena Showalter
Keeper of the demon of Secrets, Amun can manipulate the darkest thoughts of anyone nearby. But when the immortal warrior is chained and isolated to protect those he loves, loss of life is his only hope of release—until he meets Haidee, a fellow prisoner whose beauty and hidden vulnerability draw him into a reckless test of his loyalty.
Haidee was raised to despise Amun’s kind. Yet how can she hate the man whose touch sets her aflame? But to save him, she must give herself body and soul, and face the wrath of a powerful adversary sworn to destroy her.
This is book seven in Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld series so you may need some history of the series before jumping into this enemies to lovers fantasy book.
I really want to dig more into Amun who absorbs the darkest thoughts and deepest mysteries of anyone nearby and how that prevents him from wanting to talk.
Fans of Showalter will want to pick this one up after checking out the entire series.
King of Battle and Blood
by Scarlett St. Clair
To end a years-long war, Isolde de Lara is to marry vampire king Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev and destroy him.
But her attempt to end her husband’s life is thwarted, and Adrian threatens Isolde with her greatest fear if she tries to end him again. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court.
Except it isn’t the court she fears most, it’s Adrian. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king, fierce, savage, merciless, chose her as consort. The answer will shatter her world.
Calling all vampire romance lovers! This is the perfect enemies to lovers fantasy book for you.
But you’re going to want to be someone who also appreciates many bedroom scenes in their books to enjoy this one as well as some ex drama.
Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Mare Barrow’s world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver-blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court where she discovers she has an ability of her own.
To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons.
As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction.
I love fantasy books that create awesome new worlds and characters with magical abilities.
The dynamic between Reds and Silvers is compelling in this enemies to lovers fantasy book as well as Mare’s new relationship.
If you like forced marriages and betrayal, check it out then read all the books in the Red Queen series.
A Flame in the Mist
by Renee Ahdieh
The daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has long known her place. She may be an accomplished alchemist, but because she is not a boy, her future has always been out of her hands.
At just seventeen years old, Mariko is promised to Minamoto Raiden, the son of the emperor’s favorite consort—a political marriage that will elevate her family’s standing.
But en route to the imperial city, Mariko narrowly escapes an ambush by the Black Clan. Dressed as a peasant boy, Mariko sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and track down those responsible for the target on her back.
Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities.
She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.
While the concept of an arranged marriage isn’t anything new, I love how this young adult, enemies to lovers fantasy book is set against the backdrop of feudal Japan.
Throw in some mystery, a woman disguising herself as a boy and you have one exciting book. Fans of Mulan will surely enjoy this one!
Dance of Thieves
by Mary E. Pearson
A formidable outlaw family that claims to be the first among nations. A son destined to lead, thrust suddenly into power.
Three fierce young women of the Rahtan, the queen’s premier guard. A legendary street thief leading a mission, determined to prove herself. A dark secret that is a threat to the entire continent.
When outlaw leader meets reformed thief, a cat-and-mouse game of false moves ensues, bringing them intimately together in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
This book begins a duet that is a spin-off of Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles but can be read as a standalone from that series.
A mixture of hidden missions entangled with romance makes this enemies to lovers fantasy a book worth reading. Read it then finish the complete Dance of Thieves series.
Ruined
by Amy Tintera
Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged, she lost her parents and her sister was taken. Even though Em is only a useless Ruined—completely lacking any magic—she is determined to get revenge.
Her plan is simple: She will infiltrate the enemy’s kingdom, posing as the crown prince’s betrothed. She will lead an ambush. She will destroy the king and everything he holds dear, including his son.
The closer Em gets to the prince, though, the more she questions her mission. Her rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life—and her family—on the line, love could be Em’s most dangerous mistake.
Ruined begins a new YA fantasy trilogy that’s focused on revenge and adventure but which also brings Em an unexpected love.
I love romance books with hidden identities and hidden motives beneath the surface. I’m excited to check this one out.
Six Crimson Cranes
by Elizabeth Lim
Shiori’anma, the only princess of Kiata, has a secret. Forbidden magic runs through her veins. Normally she conceals it well, but on the morning of her betrothal ceremony, Shiori loses control.
At first, her mistake seems like a stroke of luck, forestalling the wedding she never wanted. But it also catches the attention of Raikama, her stepmother.
A sorceress in her own right, Raikama banishes the young princess, turning her brothers into cranes. She warns Shiori that she must speak of it to no one: for with every word that escapes her lips, one of her brothers will perish.
Penniless, voiceless, and alone, Shiori searches for her brothers, and uncovers a dark conspiracy to seize the throne. Only Shiori can set the kingdom to rights, but to do so she must place her trust in a paper bird, a mercurial dragon, and the very boy she fought so hard not to marry.
And she must embrace the magic she’s been taught all her life to forswear–no matter what the cost.
I would say to pick up this enemies to lovers fantasy book just because the cover is so beautiful! But of course, I love it for its twist on fairy tales and East Asian folklore.
And did I mention there are dragons and enchanted cranes?! I love it!
The Shadow Between Us
by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra is tired of being overlooked, but she has a plan to gain power by wooing and marrying the Shadow King, then destroying him and taking his kingdom.
But Alessandra’s not the only one trying to destroy the king. As attempts on his life are made, she finds herself trying to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen—all while struggling not to lose her heart.
After all, who better for a Shadow King than a cunning, villainous queen?
This is another young adult, enemies to lovers fantasy book where both of the main characters are pretty evil and intent on their plans. Levenseller loves this trope so check out her latest.
Once Upon a Broken Heart
by Stephanie Garber
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy ending until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.
Desperate to stop the wedding, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged.
He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.
I love romance books with bets or deals that go wrong…but do they really if you know a happily-ever-after is in store?
The author of the Caraval series brings another wickedly good enemies to lovers fantasy book to delight young adult fans and fans of magic and fairytales.
Carry On
by Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who’s ever been chosen, according to his roommate, Baz. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.
Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon’s face.
Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.
OMG I can’t wait to read this! It’s a mix of ghost story, mystery and love story wrapped up in a young adult package.
It’s one of the only MM enemies to lovers fantasy romance books I could find and I’m all in. Bring on the mage and the vampire!
A Shadow in the Ember
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal as his Consort.
However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.
Just when I think there couldn’t possibly be more to the From Blood and Ash series that I’ve fallen in love with, Armentrout goes and creates this amazing spin off series, Flesh and Fire, you don’t want to miss.
While I think it is a wonderful slow burn romance, you also get a LOT of details about the worlds these characters live in.
This is a definite must-read for fans enemies to lovers fantasy books as well as fans of the Blood and Ash series but can also be read as a standalone. Check out my review of A Shadow in the Ember.
A Ruin of Roses
by K.F. Breene
Our land has a curse put upon us by the mad king. The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter.
When he catches me trespassing in the forbidden wood, he doesn’t punish me, he takes me as his prisoner.
Apparently, I can save him. I can save the whole forgotten kingdom. But it would mean taming the monster beneath his skin. It would mean giving myself to him. It would mean my ruin.
This is the enemies to lovers fantasy book for you if you like Beauty and the Beast retellings. You’ll also enjoy it if you like a snarky heroine with some great one liners.
The Wrath and the Dawn
by Renee Ahdieh
Every dawn brings horror to a different family as Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to end her life at sunrise. So, it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid.
She does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for his actions. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch – she’s falling in love with the very boy who took her dearest friend.
She discovers that the boy-king is not all that he seems. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason behind his actions and to break the cycle once and for all.
How can you fall in love with the person who enacts such savagery and who took the life of your best friend? Well, I guess Shazi will tell us.
I love the mystery behind this young adult, enemies to lovers fantasy book where things are not as they appear.
A Fate of Wrath and Flame
by K.A. Tucker
Gifted thief Romeria has flourished from her days as a street kid to stealing jewels from the rich under the involuntary employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss.
But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a startling realm of opposing thrones, warring elven, and elemental magic she cannot begin to fathom.
Her quest is straightforward: Steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her certain demise.
But the identity she has inexplicably assumed is that of the captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy to Islor after she poisoned their beloved king and queen on the day she was to marry the prince.
Her betrothed, the newly crowned King Zander, detests her with every grain of his handsome being. Fortunately Zander gives her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in exposing the growing plot against him.
I adore K.A. Tucker’s contemporary romance writing so of course, I’m going to add her new adult fantasy romance to this list.
It’s an intriguing enemies to lovers story with a case of wrong identity that sets Romeria and Zander on a course that takes them both by surprise.
Sky in the Deep
by Adrienne Young
Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient, rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive.
Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched perish five years ago.
Faced with her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy.
She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one.
Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.
This is another popular, young adult enemies to lovers fantasy book that should top your reading list if you love strong heroines.
It’s an amazing debut novel with references to Viking and Norse mythology if that’s your thing.
Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker.
Kaz is offered a chance at a dangerous heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t end each other first.
I love when romance books are turned into TV series and Six of Crows, along with Bardugo’s Grishaverse series was adapted into the Netflix series, Shadow and Bone.
Read about this motley crew in this enemies to lovers fantasy romance and then binge watch the show to see them come to life!
A Curse So Dark and Lonely
by Brigid Kemmerer
Prince Rhen, the heir of Emberfall, has been turned into a beast and cursed by an enchantress to repeat his eighteenth year until a girl falls in love with him.
All hope of breaking the curse is lost until he meets Harper.
Harper knows what it’s like to struggle having cerebral palsy, but she doesn’t let that stop her. When she tries to save a stranger on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s pulled into a magical world with a prince, monsters, a curse and the people’s of Emberfall’s lives at stake.
This enemies to lovers fantasy book is another Beauty and the Beast retelling. I love how it has a diverse heroine which we need more of in romance!
This is also book one of a three-book, The Cursebreaker series get ready to jump into this world and then get ready for more.
Promise of Darkness
by Bec McMaster
In a realm ruled by magic, the ruthless Queen of Thorns is determined to destroy her nemesis, the cursed Prince of Evernight.
With war brewing between the bitter enemies, the prince forces Queen Adaia to uphold an ancient treaty: she will send one of her daughters to his court as a political hostage for three months.
The queen insists it’s the perfect opportunity for Princess Iskvien to end the war before it begins. But one look into Thiago’s smoldering eyes and Vi knows she can’t do it.
The more secrets she uncovers about the prince and his court, the more she begins to question her mother’s motives.
Who is the true enemy? The dark prince who threatens her heart? Or the ruthless queen who will stop at nothing to destroy him?
Arranged marriages are such a popular theme in young adult, enemies to lovers fantasy books and that’s the premise for Promise of Darkness as well.
But when enemies are not what they seem and when truths begin to unravel, you’ll find yourself hooked with this book!
Trends in Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
While I’ll read just about any enemies to lovers book, there are several consistent trends that you’ll find in enemies to lovers fantasy books.
Young Adult Romance Books
One major trend among enemies to lovers fantasy books is that a large portion of them are young adult fantasy romances.
Heroes and heroines in these fantasy romances are teenagers, but since the story is set in a fantasy world, their roles, responsibilities, and duties obviously vary vastly from teenagers in our contemporary world.
The level of heat in these romances can also vary with some firmly in the steamy romance book camp and others not so at all.
Strong Female Heroines
One of the things I love most about enemies to lovers fantasy books is the fact that many often feature strong females as the lead character.
Whether the main female lead is a teen, young adult or adult, it doesn’t matter.
Many of the heroines in these books shoulder heavy burdens, major responsibilities and even lead armies – making them some of the most amazing, strong females in romance.
Arranged and Forced Marriage
A popular trend in enemies to lovers fantasy books is the theme of an arranged marriage or forced marriage between the main characters.
I say forced because usually the marriage is not the hero’s or heroine’s choice but is a necessity to protect their family, race or people or for some other grave reason.
I adore the marriage of convenience romance book trope which is another reason why it’s so easy for me to fall in love with these books.
Slow Burn Romance
Because the characters in these books start off as enemies, it’s a common trend for these enemies to lovers fantasy books to fall within the slow burn romance trope as well.
We’re not talking instalove with characters who are initially enemies or who quite frankly can’t stand each other.
The time it takes for their feelings to change creates the sweetest and most satisfying of slow burn romance stories in my book!
Suspense and Mystery
When romance authors build their fantasy worlds, nothing is ever what it seems.
Another trend in enemies to lovers fantasy books is the thread of mystery and suspense propelling the characters and novel forward.
Characters inspired by revenge, sabotage, and other nefarious means often enshroud these enemies to lovers fantasy books in compelling mystery that keeps you glued from page to page.
Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Book Series
A final trend that you’ll see among this popular trope within fantasy romance is the development of entire book series.
While contemporary enemies to lovers books are equally as popular, you don’t see them launching an entire series as you do with enemies to lovers books in the fantasy genre.
If you love to binge read romance book series, then many of the books above will be great jumping-off points for entire series to devour.
Have a recommendation not on this list for an enemies to lovers fantasy book worth reading?
Share in the comments below!
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