Last Updated on November 30, 2023 by Louisa
One of the most popular romance tropes on the market right now is the enemies to lovers fantasy genre. It seems that getting off on the wrong foot leads to unimaginable consequences and sometimes even unexpected.
With fantasy novels, in particular, this type of romance is growing increasingly popular. Who knew it would be so easy to love to hate?
If you’re looking for enemies to lovers fantasy books, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want something internationally acclaimed or with a female heroine to admire.
Something focusing on a gripping and action-packed storyline over the love elements, you’ll find something for everyone on my list.
Let’s take a look…
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What To Expect From Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books?
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy trope is an exciting genre that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
It usually features characters who start off as enemies or have a dislike for one another but eventually grow closer to each other through a series of adventures and trials.
These tales often have magical elements, with evil forces determined to keep the couple apart.
As the characters overcome obstacles, they learn more about each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and even secrets, and learning about each other ultimately leads them to fall in love.
With gripping plots and fantastical worlds full of romance and drama, enemies-to-lovers fantasy books are one of the most captivating tropes out there!
Acclaimed Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
Let’s begin my list with the most highly acclaimed, award winning, and international sensations.
These have been voted some of the best in their field by readers around the world, so deserve the top spots on my list.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
When Feyre encounters a wolf, she finds herself face-to-face with a being out for revenge.
She is soon dragged off to a magical world where she is kept captive by an immortal faerie, Tamlin — and from there, the story only gets more complicated.
At first icy and hostile towards her captor, Feyre eventually begins to feel something else as they both tackle an ancient shadow that threatens to doom Tamlin’s world forever.
ACOTAR features a tale full of thrilling adventures, romance, and drama.
If you think this sounds like an interesting read, check out these other books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.
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2. From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash is a full-blown fantasy adventure. Poppy was chosen from birth to usher in a new era, only to end up fighting against the evil that stole her family.
Along the way, she encounters Hawke — who may be sworn to secure her ascension, but soon finds himself entwined with destiny and duty through an unquenchable fire with Poppy!
As an entire nation struggles to reclaim what is theirs through revenge and retribution, Poppy must find the courage to save herself as her world comes crumbling down.
An enemies-to-lovers fantasy book with a captivating storyline and two relatable protagonists.
If you can’t get enough of this nail-biting story, then you might like some other books similar to From Blood and Ash!
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3. The Cruel Prince – Holly Black
The Cruel Prince is a captivating modern fairytale fae romance book. Jude (and her twin Taryn) are both human, but their older sister, Vivi, is half fae.
When their mother found out she was pregnant, Vivi and her siblings fled to the human world. However, their small family could not remain hidden from the wicked King for long.
Many fae believes that humans are beneath their notice. Prince Cardan, the youngest and most evil son of High King Fenton, is no exception.
As Jude becomes more involved in palace intrigues and deception, she discovers her capacity for lying and betrayal. But, as betrayal threatens to topple the palace and Faerie itself, Jude is forced to put her life at risk to save her two sisters and the kingdom.
Jude and Taryn immersed themselves in this wonderful and terrifying world, discovering their place among the creative, beasts and beauties, miseries, and fears.
The Cruel Prince has been up for many awards, such as a finalist for a Hugo Award, came second place in the Lotus Awards, and won the 2019 Inky Award 2019.
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Related Reading: Books Similar to The Cruel Prince
4. Serpent & Dove – Shelby Mahurin
Louise le Blanc left her coven two years ago, seeking refuge in Cesarine, abandoning all magic and subsisting on whatever she could steal.
Lou is a witch, and her best friend is also a witch. They’ve been hiding from their mother, who wanted to use them both for the good of humanity. She plans to put an end to the war between witches and the Church by using Lou as her tool.
Reid Diggory, who has sworn allegiance to the Church, falls into a trap that leads to an impossible union.
The conflict between Lou’s increasing feelings and her identity will lead to a tragedy worse than fire.
Readers can expect plenty of romance, drama, and unexpected twists that will keep them enthralled until the end of the story.
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5. Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi
Juliette has been unable to touch anyone for over 264 days due to a strange power she discovered in her touch.
Shortly after touching someone who then died, Juliette was taken to the Reestablishment center in the case of murder. It is unknown what happened to Juliette or why her touch is deadly.
On the one hand, there is a global survival crisis due to diseases spreading all over the world and causing large population declines. food shortages are also becoming more common, as well as birds no longer being able to fly.
Clouds have also become an issue, with some appearing in unusual colors.
A large number of people died as a result of the global emergency. Survival is urging people to stockpile necessary items in order to ensure their well-being.
The government had to use Juliette’s power to prevent the war. Now, Juliette has to make a decision: be a weapon or be a warrior.
Shatter Me is also anticipated to become a TV series with two seasons.
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6. A Deal With the Elf King – Elise Kova
Thousands of years ago, humans had to face off against races with powerful magic. After a long and difficult conflict, the parties came to an agreement that allowed for peace.
The Elves took Luella, a nineteen-year-old girl from the city, to make her Human Queen.
Until the Elf king arrives one day to take her.
Luella discovered that everything she thought about herself was a lie. She was taken to the land filled with wild magic and was granted the position of new queen of cold.
Since taking charge of the kingdom, she’s learned about the dying world. She can’t help but feel torn between her new home and the people on the other side.
A Deal with the Elf King is a fast-paced, action-packed book about elves with lots of action, suspense, and gripping scenes.
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7. These Violent Delights – Chloe Gong
A rivalry between two gangs turned the streets of Shanghai red in 1926.
Juliette Cai, a former flapper, has returned to fulfill her place in the Scarlet Gang—a network of outlaws that operates well beyond the law.
The White Flowers are the only competitors that Juliette and her team have to worry about. Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love, and first betrayal are at the heart of everything they do.
People are beginning to whisper about criminals on both sides exhibiting signs of instability, culminating in them trying to kill themselves.
As the bodies pile up, Juliette and Roma must put their differences aside and work together if they want to stay in power.
If you’re looking for an enchanting journey full of epic battles, then These Violent Delights is a must read!
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Related Reading: Books Similar to These Violent Delights
8. Punk 57 – Penelope Douglas
Misha was very excited when he found out that he had been paired with a female student in his pen pal program. He was even more thrilled to find out her name- Ryen.
They began corresponding regularly, sharing stories and feelings about their lives. Misha enjoyed learning more about Ryen, who lived in a different city than Misha did.
The correspondence between these two women has flourished over the years, with each woman maintaining strict guidelines for communication. There are no pictures, no phone calls, and no social media allowed in their letters.
When Misha sees Ryen’s profile on an online dating site, he is surprised to find that the person shares many of his same characteristics. Will he realize that they are meant to be together or is Ryen everything Misha hates?
Punk 57 is filled with suspense, and tantalizing romance – perfect for readers who enjoy a page-turning story they can’t put down.
If you think this book sounds exciting, check out these similar books.
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9. The Shadow Between Us – Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra has a plan to overthrow the Shadow King and take over his kingdom.
Nobody knows for sure how powerful the newly crowned Shadow King is. Some people claim that he has the ability to control the shadows, while others say he can communicate with them.
Regardless, Alessandra knows what she deserves and will do everything in her power to get it.
Alessandra is not the only threat to the king. As assassination attempts are made on his life, she finds herself attempting to keep him alive long enough for him to make her his queen, and slowly becoming attracted to him in the process.
Expect plenty of magical elements, evil forces, and political intrigue.
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10. Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo
The Six of Crows is an exciting fantasy heist story that follows five teenagers as they attempt to pull off an impossible prisonbreak.
This story is told through alternating points of view, which makes for a very interesting read.
Kaz Brenner, the leader of a criminal gang in Barrel, and his friends break into a prison.
Kaz meets Yul-Bayer, the creator of a powerful formula known as jurda parem, which amplifies anyone with powers.
In order to stop the jurda parem from falling into the wrong hands, Kaz and Yul-Bayer must escape from the impenetrable fortress. With Kaz’s friends by his side, can they make it out safely?
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Read our honest review of Six of Crows here.
Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books With Strong Female Leads
If you like your heroine to be strong and powerful, then you’re going to swoon over these enemies to lovers fantasy books with strong female leads!
11. Elvish – S.G. Prince
Venick knows that if he is caught wandering the elflands, he will be punished with death. So, in desperation, Venick comes up with a plan to conceal his identity.
Venick seems untrustworthy to Ellina, as she has come to learn men lie. In elvish, however, lying is impossible- Venick would be unable to deceive her.
Therefore, Ellina decides to give him a chance and hopes he can reveal his truths in the language of elves.
As Ellina and Venick become better acquainted, their feelings gradually change. Then, Venick discovers a dark secret about the elves and suddenly the fate of the elven lands seems to rest in his hands.
However, every choice comes with consequences, and Venick must decide if it’s worth risking his life to protect a race that hates him, all in order to save an elf he’s forbidden from loving.
If you’re looking for a journey into an enchanted world with epic battles, a swoon-worthy elf protagonist, and a plot that keeps you engaged – this is it.
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12. Daughter of the Pirate King – Tricia Levenseller
Seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa allows herself to be captured by her enemies in order to search their ship for an ancient hidden map – the key to a legendary treasure trove.
Alosa has a plan to escape her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. She is confident that she can outsmart him, and that no lone pirate can stop her from reaching the map.
Tricia Levenseller’s debut novel Daughter of the Pirate King is a story full of action, adventure, romance, and magic. It is an enjoyable read on the high seas.
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13. The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen
Lara is a warrior princess who has been trained in seclusion. She believes that the king of the Bridge Kingdom, Aren, is her enemy and plans to take him down.
Lara is sent to the Bridge Kingdom as a bride under the guise of peace in order to fracture its impenetrable defenses.
Lara begins to question whether she is the hero or the villain as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge.
As her feelings for Aren transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she will save… and which kingdom she will destroy.
The plot is engaging and unpredictable, with twists and turns that will have even the most experienced fantasy reader surprised.
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14. Pestilence – Laura Thalassa
The four horsemen of the apocalypse are named Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death. They ride their horses across the globe at breakneck speeds, seeking to bring about our destruction.
When Pestilence comes to Sara Burn’s town, it is certain that everyone she knows and loves will die. However, if the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, this is exactly what Sara has in mind.
It is unfortunate that Sara didn’t know that Pestilence cannot be killed.
The horseman has taken the woman captive, and he is very alive and angry. However, over time she becomes more uncertain about his true feelings towards her, and hers towards him.
And now Sara has the chance to save the world, but to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart. This is an action-packed apocalypse romance book you won’t be able to put down!
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15. Stolen Songbird – Danielle L. Jensen
The Isle of Light was ruled by cruel and dangerous creatures. Until one day, a witch bound them to their underground city.
However, a prophecy has spoken of a human girl who will have the power to set them free.
Cécile is a singer who was destined for the stage when she was kidnapped and bonded to the cursed prince of Trollus. However, as Cécile hunts for a way to escape, she discovers that there is more to her mysterious husband than anyone realizes.
As tensions mount and political games escalate, Cécile finds herself at the center of a rebellion. She is the one with the magic to overthrow the tyrant that sits on the throne.
Cecile must decide which world she belongs to: the human one, or the one where she becomes the princess Trollus needs.
She’s torn between returning to her human life and becoming someone else entirely in order to save Prince Maxon.
Every page is full of vivid descriptions and captivating characters that draw the reader in and make them feel like they’re part of the story. If you love political romance books, then give this one a place on your bookshelf.
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16. The Bird and the Sword – Amy Harmon
When Lark witnesses her mother’s execution, she curses Lark and tells her father she wouldn’t speak again, and that if she died, he would too.
She predicted the king would sell his soul and lose his son as a consequence.
Her father has a claim to the throne but he’s waiting for Lark’s mother’s words to come to pass.
He wants to be king, and Lark wants to be free from her mother’s curse.
But she cannot speak or make a sound, or wield a sword or beguile a king.
In a land without magic, love might be the only magic that can cure her. But who could ever love a bird?
The characters are well-developed and their chemistry help bring the story alive.
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17. Angelfall – Susan Ee
Since the angels of the apocalypse descended six weeks ago, street gangs have been in control and people live in fear and superstition.
When warrior angels take a young girl away, her sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. She may even make a deal with an injured enemy angel.
In a dark and twisted Northern California, the travelers journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco.
Penryn will risk everything to rescue her sister and Raffe puts himself in front of his greatest enemies with the hopes of being made whole again.
Angelfall has been voted one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 fantasy books of all time. This enemies to lovers fantasy book takes the reader on an unforgettable journey they won’t soon forget.
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Young Adult Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
For the young adult audience, you’ll love these enemies to lovers fantasy books that are less steamy and come with an action packed storyline.
18. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen is a New York Times best-selling novel by Victoria Aveyard that tells the story of society’s two classes: the silver, who rule over the Reds, who are forced to work for them.
Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old girl, underestimated her destiny until fate intervened and she was to enter the service of the Silvers.
This young Red girl has realized her true potential for a dangerous power that could upset the balance in the world. The Silvers fear her power and keep her identity hidden from the public, fearing she might use it to their detriment.
A Silver princess who had been missing for many years was recently found and revealed to be engaged to a Silver prince. Mare, an operative with the Red Guard, decides to help them overthrow Silver’s injustices.
In the complicated world of complications, she is caught between two kings fighting against two sides. A battle awaits her which side will she choose?
The story is packed with surprises, twists, and turns that keep you guessing from start to finish. If you think this sounds exciting, then check out these other books like Red Queen.
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19. Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco
Emilia and Vittoria, her twin sister, are witches. They live among humans in secrecy, often avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria missed dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant.
Emilia soon comes across the body of her beloved twin, which is completely mutilated.
Devastated by the crime, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and seek revenge at any cost–even if it means using forbidden magic.
Emilia meets a prince of Hell named Wrath, who claims to be on her side.
However, Emilia is warned against the Wicked and their ilk, so she must be careful not to fall victim to their tricks.
The tension between the protagonists is palpable as they make their way through magical lands, dangerous enemies, and fascinating creatures.
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20. Wolf Marked – Veronica Douglas
Savannah is a waitress in a small-town bar. She had no idea the supernatural was real until she backed her car over a werewolf.
Now, she is being pursued by a pack of werewolves, and the only one who can save her is the alpha from the Chicago pack, Jaxson Laurent.
Savannah is captivated by her new neighbor, but she’s also aware of the danger he poses.
As the situation draws closer, can Savannah let go of her animosity and allow herself to fall in love with him? This is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers werewolf romance book that you won’t be able to put down.
Wolf Bound is the steamy urban fantasy and part of the Magic Side series, which features standalone alpha werewolf romance books in the same world but with different characters.
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21. To Kill a Kingdom – Alexandra Christo
Princess Lira is a renowned siren and one of the deadliest creatures in the sea. She has collected seventeen hearts over the years and is revered by her peers. However, fate will force her to kill one of her own when she falls in love with a human prince.
The Sea Queen transforms Lira into a human to punish her for transgressing their rules. If Lira can deliver Prince Elian’s heart by the winter solstice, she will be allowed to return to her true form. Otherwise, she will remain human forever
The ocean is Prince Elian’s only home, even though he is the heir to one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world.
He enjoys hunting sirens, which is more than just an unsavory hobby – it’s his calling. When he saves a woman from drowning in the ocean, she turns out to be more than she seems.
Elian promises to help him find the key to destroying all of Sirenkind for good―but can he trust her? And just how many deals will Elian have to make in order to eliminate mankind’s greatest enemy?
This book will transport readers to a world filled with exciting action, unexpected romance and captivating characters.
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22. A Fate of Wrath and Flame – K.A. Tucker
As a street kid, Romeria thrived by pilfering wallets and other items from the rich. Now she lives off of stealing jewels from the wealthy under the employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss.
However, when an enigmatic woman hires her to steal a sword from another kingdom, Romeria is plunged into a world she cannot begin to understand.
The quest for the stone from Islor’s sacred garden is straightforward: steal it without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her a death sentence.
However, she has inexplicably assumed the identity of the captured Ybarisan princess-an enemy of 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, despises her with every ounce of his handsome being.
Fortunately, she is more valuable alive than dead. He offers her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in uncovering the growing plot against him.
Romeria sees no other option but to embrace her role as the smitten queen-to-be until she can escape, a ruse that brings her much closer to the king than she anticipated and threatens more than just her safety.
As she digs deeper into this sacred garden and the ancient feud between Ybaris and Islor, Romeria discovers monstrous truths that could spell ruin for all.
Readers will be on the edge of their seats as the protagonists navigate their newfound feelings and the obstacles that stand in the way of true love.
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23. A Curse So Dark and Lonely – Brigid Kemmerer
Prince Rhen of Emberfall once thought it would be easy to win the heart of a girl and break the curse that had befallen him. But he soon learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a savage beast intent on destruction.
After destroying his castle, family, and all hope for happiness, Prince Rhen was forced to face his true self.
Harper has always had to be tough in order to survive. Her father died a long time ago, and her mother passed away. Harper’s brother is barely holding the family together, and he constantly underestimates Harper because she has cerebral palsy.
When Harper tries to help someone on the streets of Washington D.C., she gets sucked into Rhen’s cursed world instead.
After wandering for days in a state of shock, Harper begins to piece together what may have happened to her. Rhen, the prince she met at an inn near Emberfall, seems like the only person who can help her figure out where she is and what’s really going on.
As they spend time together in this enchanted land, Harper begins to understand the stakes – and that not everyone is as friendly as Rhen makes them seem.
Powerful forces are fighting against Emberfall, and it will take everything Harper has just to survive.
The romance between the two main characters is slow-burning yet sizzles with passion.
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24. Falling Kingdoms – Morgan Rhodes
When a shocking murder sets her kingdom on a path to collapse, Princess Cleo of Mytica is forced to confront violence for the first time in her life.
In order to save her people and reclaim her rightful place as Queen, Cleo must summon the strength to survive in this new world and fight for her rights.
To earn the trust of his powerful father, King Magnus of Limeros must plan each step with shrewd, sharp guile. Meanwhile, Lucia discovers a terrifying secret about her heritage that will change everything.
Jonas rebels against the oppressive forces that have kept his country impoverished for centuries. He finds himself leading a people’s revolution centuries in the making.
If you are found practicing witchcraft, you will be put to death. The Watchers, who take the form of hawks and visit the human world, have been nearly forgotten and are currently in a power struggle.
These four young people must fight against each other and the rise of Elementia in order to save themselves.
The world-building is vivid and detailed, creating a setting that feels alive and believable.
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25. Sky in the Deep – Adrienne Young
Eelyn was raised a warrior, fighting alongside her clan against ancient rivalry between the Aska clansmen and the Riki clan.
Her life is about two things: fight and survive. Until the day she sees her brother fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago—the impossible becomes reality.
Facing her brother’s betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy and every battle scar could be one she delivered.
But when a ruthless clan thought to be a legend raids their village, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.
Eelyn has no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do what seems impossible: unite the clans and fight together. Otherwise, they risk being slaughtered one by one.
Driven by a love for her clan and for Fiske herself, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent most of her life hating.
This book has an engaging plot with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing.
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Final Word on Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
So there you have it, those are 25 of my favorite enemies to lovers fantasy books, from the highly acclaimed, heroic, and young adult genres.
I hope that you found something you like the look of on this list.
Do you think I’ve missed anything? Let me know in the comments.
