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Who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers story? Let’s dive into some must-read books that do it best!
Enemies to lovers trope is when two characters belonging to rival families or who start off as enemies, solve their differences and misconceptions over the course of a book and eventually fall in love.
There is something about this trope, especially in fantasy books, that makes it so alluring. So, if you’ve never read one I suggest you do, you’ll be hooked!
And don’t worry! I have got some perfect recommendations for you on this beloved trope:
1) The Wrath & The Dawn
The Wrath & The Dawn is an exhilarating retelling of ‘The Arabian nights’. In this story, sixteen-year-old, Shahrzad Khayzuran avenges the death of her best friend by sacrificing herself to the murderer boy king, Khalid, Caliph of Khorasan. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. Shahrzad is determined not only to stay alive but to end the caliph’s reign of terror once and for all.
The chemistry between Shahrzad and Khalid is absolutely satisfying. Starting as enemies and slowly becoming lovers, with some tender moments in between, makes this couple unforgettable! The romance is the most addictive part of this book.
You’ll definitely enjoy this one!
2) Dark Shores
Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. The Maarins are the only ones possessing the knowledge to cross the endless seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.
When the empire senator discovers the existence of Dark Shores Terianna’s ship is captured. She now has to make a decision in order to protect her crew and her people. For that, she might have to cross the endless seas and take the legion led by The Thirty-seventh legatus, Marcus to the west shores and break the mandate. From there on the web of lies and betrayal begins while Marcus and Terianna cross the seas, but on the other hand, both of them are giving in to this unexpected attraction that might prove dangerous for both of them.
If I could, I would shout from the rooftops about how much I love this series! (but since I’ve a fear of heights, I guess that’s not possible)
Let me tell you one thing: this book world may seem a bit difficult to get into at first, and the couple might seem a bit cliché, but trust me, it gets so much better as the series progresses! The romance plays a very significant role. This couple undergoes amazing development later in the series.
The fights, the heartwarming moments, and the sizzling chemistry between them are some delightful moments. The vividly imagined world of this series, only adds to the enjoyment.
3)The Daughter of the Pirate King
The Daughter of the Pirate King is a compelling adventure with Pirates on a hunt for a hidden treasure to an unknown island with Sirens inhabiting it. Alosa, daughter of the Pirate King crosses paths with Riden, another pirate who has one of the missing pieces of the map leading to that hidden treasure. With lies and deceits, and some intoxicating romance, this book will captivate you in so many ways!
Alosa and Riden’s relationship was built on lies from the beginning, as they were enemies. However, the heated attraction that blossomed between them throughout the series was so much fun to read. The slow burn in this book is amazing and we also get a one-bed trope so it’s a win-win!
4) The Kingdom of the Wicked
Emilia and Vittoria are twin witch sisters who live secretly among humans with their family. One day, Vittoria is found murdered and Emilia, being devastated, goes on a quest to find her sister’s killer and seek vengeance. During her pursuits, she meets a Prince of hell, Wrath, the most wicked of his seven brothers. He claims to be on her side to find the killer. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…
This dark fantasy, with its magic spells, murder mystery, slow-burn romance, and, of course, the handsome and wicked Princes of Hell, will completely engross you!
5) The Winner’s Curse
The Winner’s Curse trilogy features an intoxicating romance between Kestrel, the daughter of a General in a vast empire, and Arin, a young slave.
Kestrel and Arin share a lot of animosity due to their differences in class and beliefs. However, as they spend time together, they begin to realize that the other is not what they initially believed. Despite their distinctions, they fall in love. But the lies and secrets they’ve kept from each other are eventually revealed, changing their entire world.
I enjoyed the romance even more in the next two books. The story and characters grow deeper in the sequel, The Winner’s Crime, with even more mind games and trickery!
6) Stolen Songbird
Cécile de Troyes has dreams of becoming a singer and performing on big stages. But one day she is kidnapped, while returning to her village after performing, and is sold to the trolls. She is then forced to marry Prince Tristan to fulfill the prophecy and break a centuries-old curse that has the trolls trapped under a mountain.
While Cecilé is planning to escape, she realizes the trolls are smart and inhumanly strong so she bides her time. But the more time she spends in their city, the more she understands their situation. Caught in the web of politics she forms an alliance with Tristan who has the same interest as her.
But there is a rebellion brewing. And she just might be the one the trolls were looking for…
The magic system in Stolen Songbird is one of my favorites, and the chemistry between Cecilé and Tristan is irresistible. Though they start as enemies, they still care deeply for each other. They even become friends before falling in love. The way their relationship develops and the misconceptions are cleared up is fantastic to read. For its beautiful romance, intricate politics, and captivating magic system, I highly recommend this book!
Whether it’s the tension, the sparks, or the eventual happily-ever-after, the enemies to lovers trope never fails to captivate. So, grab your next fantasy read and fall in love with the enemies to lovers trope after this!
Do you have any other favorite trope in fantasy?
Let me know in the comments section below!
Great post!