Lovers of the fantasy world who also love a good enemies to lovers trope should check out this list of 20 of the best enemies to lovers fantasy books.
This blog post contains affiliate links. Everyday Eyecandy is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
One of the most popular tropes on Ticktok right now is the enemies-to-lovers trope. But in fantasy romance, this trope is taking over. The trope usually features our main characters who start the book off with an intense dislike for each other or are enemies or some sort. But eventually, through trials and tribulations and adventures, they grow from good enemies to even better lovers. There is a little bit of everything on this list :from political intrigue and epic battles to epic fantasy, to slow burn romance . Perfect if enemies to lovers is your favorite trope.
So if enemies to lovers is your favorite book trope AND the magical world of fantasy romance is your jam, then this list is for you.
25 of the Best Enemies to Lovers Romance Books
25 of the Best Enemies to lovers fantasy books
The Bridge Kingdom By Danielle Jensen
Princess Lara, raised as a weapon, arrives in the Bridge Kingdom disguised as a bride. Her mission: dismantle their power and expose the secrets of the crucial bridge they control. Yet, as she navigates courtly intrigue and encounters King Aren, who isn't the tyrant she expected, Lara's loyalties crack. Her initial hostility melts into empathy, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew. Torn between her country's suffering and a blossoming love, Lara must make a devastating choice: destroy the very kingdom she's come to call home or unleash a war that could consume them all.
From Blood and Ash By Jennifer Armentrout
On her 19th birthday, Penellaphe "Poppy" Balfour, the Chosen Maiden, faces Ascension - becoming part of the vampiric Ascended ruling class. Craving freedom, she sneaks out under an alias, encountering the enigmatic Hawke. As danger threatens, Poppy forms an unlikely bond with him, unaware of his true origin: a vengeful Atlantian prince seeking to overthrow the Ascended. When Poppy discovers their dark secret - Ascension feeds on mortals and fuels Cravens - her world shatters. Torn between duty and desire, she must choose: embrace a corrupt system or join Hawke in a rebellion, risking everything, including the love that may rewrite her destiny
The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air, 1)
Ten years after her parents' demise, human Jude navigates Faerie court ruthlessness. She clashes with the sharp-tongued Prince Cardan, their wits and barbs turning into an unexpected connection. A deadly tournament offers Jude a chance to gain power, but Cardan plays dirty, forcing her into a risky deal: three impossible tasks for his support. As she faces intrigue, betrayal, and hidden truths, the line between ambition and obsession blurs. Can Jude outmaneuver her enemies and claim her place, or will the dance with the cruel prince consume her?
The Serpent & the Wings of Night: The Nightborn Duet Book One (Crowns of Nyaxia, 1)
Raised by vampires, human Oraya fights to survive in a world that sees her as prey. Her only hope for true power: the Kejari, a deadly tournament granting a wish from the vampire goddess. But alliances are dangerous, especially with Raihn, a mesmerizing rival from an enemy clan. As competition intensifies, so do feelings, forcing Oraya to choose between her ambition, her heart, and a war that could shatter everything.
A Promise of Fire (The Kingmaker Chronicles, 1)
Disguised as a circus soothsayer, Cat hides her magical destiny. But ambitious warlord Griffin exposes her truth: she's the Kingmaker, able to discern true rulers. He whisks her away, seeking her power, yet their clash sparks an unexpected connection. Torn between her fear and a growing attraction, Cat must decide: use her magic for Griffin's conquest, fight for her freedom, or embrace a power that could reshape kingdoms and redefine her fate.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses, 1)
From the author of the Throne of Glass sereis, Huntress Feyre stumbles into the faerie world after killing a wolf-like creature. Offered a choice: death or live with the Spring Court's High Lord Tamlin, she chooses the latter. Though initially wary, Feyre finds beauty in Prythian and a connection with Tamlin. But as a looming curse and hidden dangers emerge, Feyre discovers a dark secret and realizes her survival hinges on breaking the curse by completing three impossible tasks, testing her strength and her blossoming feelings for Tamlin
These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights Duet)
In 1926 Shanghai, gang rivals Juliette Cai and Juliette's first love Roma reunite amid escalating violence. A mysterious monster plagues both the Scarlet Gang and White Flowers, driving victims mad. Forced to work together, their forbidden love reignites amidst betrayal and secrets. Can they stop the madness and forge a fragile peace, or will their history and the city tear them apart forever?
Kingdom of the Wicked (Kingdom of the Wicked, 1)
Witch Emilia is shattered by her twin sistter Vittoria's brutal murder. Ignoring warnings, she summons Wrath, a demon prince, seeking vengeance. As they investigate, their unlikely alliance unravels hidden truths. Wrath harbors secrets, and Vittoria's death may be part of a larger demonic plot. Caught between love and betrayal, Emilia must make a choice: trust the prince or unleash chaos, risking vengeance that could consume them all.
A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Series)
Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch and scholar, stumbles upon a magical manuscript in Oxford. She's drawn into a world of vampires and daemons, all vying for the book's secrets. Matthew Clairmont, a charming vampire, offers aid amidst forbidden alliances and ancient grudges. Their investigation sparks a passionate but precarious love, defying centuries of hostility. Together, they navigate danger and unlock the manuscript's mysteries, facing choices that could reshape their destiny and the hidden world around them.
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1)
Aspiring scholar Violet faces a brutal twist of fate: her mother forces her into war college's deadly dragon rider program. Despite being small and unsuited, Violet fights for survival, navigating ruthless competition and the threat of dragonfire. Unlikely bonds form, including a forbidden connection with the powerful rider Xaden. Secrets about the war and leadership emerge, challenging everything Violet thought she knew. Must she choose between her bookish heart and becoming a warrior, even if it means risking everything
An Ember in the Ashes
Laia, a Scholar girl yearning for freedom, joins the rebellion to rescue her brother from the oppressive Martial Empire. Infiltrating their brutal military academy as a spy, she clashes with Elias, a gifted soldier trapped in the regime's iron grip. As their paths entwine, secrets unravel, loyalties blur, and their fight for survival becomes a fight for justice. Can they break free from the chains of their upbringing and spark a rebellion that will ignite the embers of hope in a divided world?
Gild (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 1)
Auren, golden-skinned and captive in King Midas' opulent prison, yearns for freedom. Despite his "protection," her gilded life feels like a cage. When war looms and a dangerous deal is struck, Auren's trust shatters. Betrayal forces her to question everything, including her loyalty to Midas and the opulent chains that bind her. Will she embrace a risky escape, fight for her independence, or risk succumbing to a gilded cage that may cost her more than her freedom
The Book of Azrael (Gods & Monsters)
Millennia ago, Dianna sacrificed her life to save her sister, becoming servant to Kaden, a monstrous king seeking the Book of Azrael. This ancient power unlocks realms and holds the key to defeating the "World Ender," a title haunted by Liam, a powerful god hiding from responsibility. Now, both thrust back into conflict, Liam and Dianna face unexpected alliances, hidden truths, and a burning attraction. They must choose: fulfill their destinies or rewrite fate, even if it means sacrificing everything they thought they knew.
Serpent & Dove (Serpent & Dove, 1)
Louise Le Blanc a witch on the run, disguises herself in the witch-hunted city of Cesarine. Reid Diggory, a devout witch hunter, captures her, leading to a forced marriage to quell tensions. Amidst stolen glances and heated arguments, their animosity blooms into forbidden love. Danger lurks from both witches and witch-hunters, forcing them to navigate betrayals and unlock secrets. Can their unlikely bond bridge the chasm between their worlds, or will their love fall victim to hatred and fear
Red Queen (Red Queen, 1)
Mare Barrow, a fiery Red girl in a land ruled by silver-blooded elites, discovers she possesses rare powers. Thrust into the opulent Silver court, she pretends to be a lost princess, her defiance simmering beneath silken gowns. Entangled in forbidden love and rebellion, Mare must choose: stay undercover and undermine the system, or unleash her power and risk a revolution that could consume them all.
Bring Me Their Hearts (Bring Me Their Hearts, 1)
Zera, immortal but heartless, serves a witch in exchange for freedom. Her mission: infiltrate the kingdom and win Prince Lucien's heart, allowing the witch to steal it. But Zera clashes with the witty prince, finding him more than prey. As feelings blossom, loyalties fray. Betrayal looms, forcing Zera to choose: break the prince's heart and earn her own, or protect him and risk facing both the witch's wrath and a kingdom scorned. Can love survive when hearts hang in the balance?
Angelfall (Penryn & the End of Days)
In a world conquered by ruthless angels, Penryn, a fierce young woman burdened by her mother's illness, fights for survival. When her sister is snatched by an angel, Penryn strikes a desperate bargain with Raffe, a fallen enemy angel. Bound by their uneasy alliance, they traverse a war-torn landscape, navigating danger and unearthing secrets. As their journey challenges their beliefs and ignites forbidden feelings, Penryn faces an impossible choice: rescue her sister and risk unleashing even greater danger, or embrace a bond that could redefine her fight for survival.
Shatter Me (Shatter Me, 1)
Imprisoned for her lethal touch, Juliette Ferrars longs for freedom. Then, Adam arrives, a cellmate igniting both danger and hope. The oppressive Reestablishment wants to weaponize her power, forcing her to make a devastating choice: hurt Adam or unleash havoc. Betrayals surface, loyalties shift, and a forbidden love blooms. Can Juliette escape her cage and shatter not just walls, but the oppressive regime controlling everything
Curse So Dark and Lonely (The Cursebreaker Series)
Harper, a strong-willed young woman with Cerebral Palsy, finds herself mysteriously transported to the cursed kingdom of Emberfall. There, Prince Rhen suffers a repeating autumn, doomed to turn beastly unless love breaks his curse. Initially wary, Harper forms an unlikely bond with the lonely Rhen, uncovering truths about the curse and facing dangers threatening the kingdom. As their feelings deepen, choices must be made. Can Harper's love break the curse, even if it means sacrificing her own freedom?
A Deal with the Elf King (Married to Magic Novels)
In a human village fearing the Elf King's annual visit, Luella learns she's the chosen Queen – destined to bring spring to his dying land. Whisked away, she discovers secrets about her magic and the Elf King's pain. Though initially cold, their connection grows. Luella fights to break the cycle of sacrifice, searching for a solution to save both worlds. But love and duty clash, forcing her to choose: fulfill the deal that binds her to the Elf King or risk war – even if it means leaving everything behind.
Dance of Thieves (Dance of Thieves, 1)
Former thief Kazi infiltrates the Ballenger empire, tasked with exposing its secrets. But when captured alongside Jase, the heir presumed hostile, she finds herself facing forced labor alongside him. In this unexpected alliance, trust blooms into something deeper despite their differences. Together, they uncover hidden truths, navigate danger, and fight for survival. Kazi grapples with loyalty to her mission and the growing feelings for Jase, forced to choose between betraying him and exposing a truth that could ignite war. Can their forbidden dance survive the secrets and betrayals lurking ahead
To Kill a Kingdom (Hundred Kingdoms)
Siren princess Lira, known for collecting hearts of princes, faces exile when she disobeys her mother. Cursed to become human, she must steal Prince Elian's heart within weeks or remain human forever. Yet, as Lira navigates the human world and encounters the kind Elian, her loyalties crack. Torn between her mission and newfound empathy, she faces a devastating choice - destroy the very kingdom she's come to understand or unleash a war fueled by vengeance. Can Lira reconcile her true desires with the fate she's destined for?
Six of Crows (Six of Crows, 1)
Kaz Brekker, a brilliant criminal prodigy, assembles a motley crew for a seemingly impossible heist: rescue a Grisha scientist from Fjerda's icy prison. Each member, from the nimble acrobat Inej to the sharpshooting Jesper, carries secrets and vendettas. Trust is scarce as they infiltrate the impenetrable fortress, facing deadly trials and shifting alliances. Their plan relies on Kaz's intricate calculations and improvisation, but will their pasts haunt them, jeopardizing not just the mission but their lives? Can they pull off the ultimate heist and claim their reward, or will the Crows fall victim to the city's treacherous whispers
The Wrath & the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn)
when Shahrzad's best friend dies, she is, driven by vengeance and volunteers to become the Caliph's bride, knowing he executes them each dawn. To survive, she weaves spellbinding tales, leaving him captivated and postponing her fate. As nights turn into weeks, their connection deepens, challenging their initial assumptions. Secrets unravel, revealing motives beyond revenge and duty. Love blooms amidst danger, forcing them to choose between personal desires and the fate of their kingdom. Can their bond defy tradition and break the cycle of cruelty, or will they fall victim to the very forces they seek to overcome?
Pestilence (The Four Horsemen, 1)
In a world ravaged by Pestilence, an angelic-looking Horseman of the Apocalypse, Sara fights desperately. To save her town, she attempts to kill him, only to learn he's unkillable. Captured, forced to witness his destruction, Sarah forms an unlikely bond with her tormentor. As they journey across the desolate landscape, the lines between fear and understanding blur. Pestilence, burdened by his role, questions his purpose. Sara, torn between revenge and empathy, seeks a cure. Can their unexpected connection defy fate and offer hope in a world on the brink of despair?
Hopefully, you can find a new book or new series on this list to add to your to be read list.