Every product on this page was carefully chosen. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. See my full disclosure.
When the need to read a ‘hate at first sight’ romance book hits, nothing is better than a well-written fantasy enemies to lovers romance books. From morally questionable villains to rivals from opposing kingdoms to foes on opposite sides of the battlefield, the enemies to lovers trope makes for an enticing storyline between two people who fall in love despite their initial hatred towards the other.
If you’re not a fan of insta-love romances, you’re in luck. Enemies to lovers romance books almost always have a slow-burn element, and they typically put the slow in slow-burn, making it all the more satisfying.
Also, if your book addiction is making quite a dent in your wallet, you should think about trying out Kindle Unlimited or Audible Plus. It’ll save you money in the long run and support your reading addiction. It’s a win-win.
Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
Following a coup led by his half-brother, heir to the Akielos throne Damon Akielos is swept away to the enemy nation of Vere where he is sold into sexual servitude. To make matters worse, his new master is none other than the master of mind games, the arrogant and vindictive Prince Laurent. The only silver lining to the entire situation is Laurent’s obliviousness to Damon’s identity. And so begins the mind games of Damon Akielos and Prince Laurent.
Captive Prince is a thrilling, slow-burn MM enemies-to-lovers romance filled with devious betrayals, political intrigue, and deadly secrets—all in a fantasy world where one misstep could spell ruin.
Malum Discordiae by Ashlyn Drewek
In a world where the Corbin necromancers and the Hewitt weather witches are forever at odds, there is no place for a Romeo and Juliet situation to unfurl. However, that is all about to change.
Cassius Corbin returns home for two reasons: to attend university and find his family’s long-lost magical folio. Never in his wildest dreams would he lock lips with the enemy, Graeme Hewitt. And to make matters infinitely worse, the moody necromancer is becoming a permanent fixture in his fantasies despite his attempts to stay away.
Stuck in an impossible situation, the star-crossed lovers will have to survive each other and their families if they hope to survive.
What do you get when you mix necromancy with dark magic and forbidden love? Malum Discordiae. I have an obsession with fantasy books with the enemies-to-lovers trope and lets just say Malum Discordiae hit all the marks.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail is determined to join the elite ranks of the Scribe Quadrant, until her mother, the commanding general, orders her to Basgiath War College, the deadliest dragon riders’ academy. There, the ruthless wingleader Xaden Riorson, has it out for Violet as the commander’s daughter. But Violet isn’t the type to back down.
In Fourth Wing, the action—and romance—hits the skies as Violet embarks on a thrilling, high-stakes journey where enemies become lovers.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses centers around Feyre, a human girl that finds herself in the clutches of the feared Fae after unwittingly killing one of their own. However, everything is not as it seems, especially when it comes to her mysterious masked captor.
ACOTAR is the first book in a series that spans across five novels. Between the sweeping magical system and Beauty and the Beast influenced romance, it is impossible not to fall in love with this series. But if you’re having trouble, stick it out until the sequel because Maas loves her twists.
A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker
Romy, a gifted thief, is tricked into a dangerous mission to save a mysterious woman’s husband, but it takes a turn for the worse when she discovers she must assume the identity of the treacherous Ybarisan Princess.
Trapped in a realm of warring kingdoms, unstable monarchies, and fantastical creatures, Romy must navigate her way out of this precarious predicament while searching for a hidden stone in Islet’s sacred garden.
A Fate of Wrath and Flame is a riveting enemies to lovers fantasy filled with political intrigue, magical twists, and unexpected romance. Join Romy on her journey to save the day and uncover secrets along the way.
Mortal Skin by Lily Mayne
At twenty-one, Ash has long since forgotten the mythical visitors from his childhood, chalking them up as figments of his imagination. However, they have not forgotten Ash – something he becomes all too aware of when he is kidnapped and taken to the Unseelie Court.
Suddenly, Ash discovers a fae side of himself he never knew existed, and his entire world is turned upside down. Adding to the confusion is the Unseelie Queen’s youngest son – Prince Lonan – who captures Ash’s attention and refuses to let go.
Mortal Skin is a must-read MM fantasy enemies to lovers romance that won’t disappoint lovers of the fantasy genre. Written with hauntingly beautiful prose and highly addictive characters, this is one of the best fantasy books of 2022, and deserves to be added to your bookshelf.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
From Blood and Ash is an unputdownable tale centered around a nineteen-year-old girl at risk of losing her heart to the villain of her story.
As a maiden, Poppy’s life has never been her own. At a young age, Poppy was taught that her duty was to the kingdom. That one day, the gods would lay judgment on the future ruler and decide whether she’s worthy of ascending.
But when a dashing guard enters her life, Poppy begins to question everything. And when a fallen kingdom forsaken by the gods emerges from the shadows, Poppy quickly finds herself on the brink of losing it all.
Captive by Jex Lane
Matthew, a fledgling vampire, has been captured and bound to the service of High Lord General Tarrick, the enigmatic leader of the war between incubi and vampires that has raged for centuries. But when Tarrick discovers that Matthew may be the one person who can alter the course of the war, their paths diverge in ways neither expected.
Experience the forbidden heat between incontrovertible enemies in Captive, an action-packed MM enemies to lovers fantasy romance.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Silver Flames follows Nesta Archeron, a newly-turned fae, who is swift to anger, and Cassian, the battle-hardened warrior who has a penchant for pushing every single one of Nesta’s buttons. Together, they forge their own paths to redemption while battling the monsters set on destroying them.
ACOSF is a spellbinding fantasy enemies-to-lovers fae romance brimming with action, romance, and magic. If you have yet to read A Court of Thorns and Roses, you’ll want to start there first for the full ACOTAR experience.
Eternal Reign by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
The fate of twin sisters takes a dark twist when a vampire prince and a hunter with violence in his veins take them hostage, throwing them on opposite sides of a war.
If you’re looking for a dark fantasy with the enemies-to-lovers trope, vampires, and spice, look no further than Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti’s Eternal Reign.
Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown
An unrequited love. An arranged marriage. And an unforeseen betrayal.
Brexley Kovacs has nothing to lose. Not after learning of her future nuptials to the abusive son of the prime minister. As a last hurrah, Brex finagles her best friend Caden into an adventure that would end with her imprisoned in the infamous Halalház – the House of Death. In the place feared by seasoned soldiers and civilians alike, Brex must fight to survive the Hell that will become her life.
If you love urban fantasy romance books with heroines that can take down battle-seasoned warriors with the flick of her wrist (well, maybe not the flick of her wrist), check out Savage Lands. You won’t be able to stop reading, especially after the cliff-hanger.
King of the Shadow Fae by Amelia Hutchins
Xariana Anderson was raised to be a fighter. And for twenty-three years, she managed to climb through the ranks of the hunter guild to secure her spot as one of their best.
Everything falls apart when her father finds himself kidnapped, and Xari is forced to assume leadership. Questioned at every turn, Xari must not only defend her home against the increasing attacks but prove herself capable as a leader.
And when Kieran Knight crosses her path, the egotistical enigma promises her nothing but pain, pleasure, and possession.
But Xari refuses to be owned.
Exciting, steamy, and action-packed, King of the Shadow Fae is an enticing fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance overflowing with deadly magic, nonstop twists and turns, and powerful villainous heroes.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue follows the long and lonesome life of Addie LaRue, a young French girl born in the early 1700s. In 1714, she brokers a deal that unequivocally changes the course of her life and sends her on a lonely, unending road of invisibility.
BookTok is overflowing with unputdownable books, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is one of their best yet. Thought-provoking, complex, and beautifully told, V.E. Schwab brings us a mesmerizing tale that is utterly unforgettable.
The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon
Shifters, tellers, healers and spinners, oh my! If you have any interest whatsoever in the fantasy genre, then this will be right up your alley. With a shape-shifting king and a girl who can command anything to her will, it’s impossible to become bored.
Read The Bird and the Sword if you enjoy epic slow-burn, enemies to lovers fantasy romance books that leave you speechless.
Halfway To The Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Meet Catherine “Cat” Crawfield, a half-vampire with one mission: to avenge her mother’s memory by vanquishing the bloodthirsty parasites that lurk in the night.
But when Cat targets the wrong vampire, she finds herself face-to-face with Crispin “Bones” Russell – a 200-year-old British bounty hunter with an agenda of his own.
Blackmailed into working together, Cat slowly discovers that not all vampires are evil, especially the one stealing her heart.
Halfway To The Grave is a gripping, steamy paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Enjoy waves of sexual tension, heart-stopping action sequences, and a badass vampire hunting duo in this best-selling, enemies-to-lovers urban fantasy adventure.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
It’s time to get into Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series, filled with magic, danger, and a scorching romance. Half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan is out for blood after learning that her closest friends were murdered. With help from the infamous Fallen angel Hunt Athalar, Bryce plans on finding the murderer and bringing her friends justice.
Read House of Earth and Blood if you love the enemies to lovers trope, angels, demons and kickass heroines who will do whatever it takes to destroy the monster responsible for the vicious slaughter of her friends.
The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
When twin sisters Tory and Darcy Vega discover that they are a part of a hidden magical realm, their lives are turned upside down. Thrust into the cutthroat world of Zodiac Academy, the two must learn how to navigate the treacherous halls before it’s too late.
Thrilling, addicting and fun, Zodiac Academy is an exciting fae romance riddled with magic, danger, and intrigue. If you’re obsessed with fantasy enemies-to-lovers books, you’ll love Zodiac Academy.
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
Kazi, a former street thief-turned-Rahtan, is on a mission to find the man responsible for the deaths of Queen Lia’s father and brother. Led to the lawless city of Hell’s Mouth, fate binds her with Jace, the Patrei of the ruling Ballenger family. Abducted and shackled together, the unlikely duo must trust each other to escape and outwit the elements.
If you’re a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope in fantasy romance, then Dance of Thieves is the perfect book for you. This riveting tale is chock-full of action, fighting, and romance, making it the ideal read for those who love strong and compelling characters.
Angelfall by Susan Ee
No one feared the existence of angels until the day they descended from the heavens to eradicate humans. The world is now a wasteland and for Penryn, it has become a game of life or death. When her younger sister falls into the hands of the angels, Penryn will do whatever it takes to rescue her. And if that means striking a deal with the enemy, then so be it.
When I picked up Angelfall for the first time, I could not put it down. Between the apocalyptic setting, killer angels, star-crossed romance between foes, it is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy enemies-to-lovers romances.
YA Fantasy Enemies-to-Lovers Books
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Enemies-to-lovers fans, this one’s for you!
The Cruel Prince follows Jude, a brave human girl, whose life changed drastically when her parents’ murderer kidnapped her and her sister to Faerie. Now, at seventeen, Jude will do anything to fit in – but her mortality makes her an easy target to Faerie’s cruelest prince, Cardan.
Cunning, charming, and wickedly malicious, Prince Cardan has a mean streak when it comes to Jude. But with a deadly game of politics on the horizon, Jude must race to stay one step ahead in order to secure her own victory.
Get ready for an epic slow-burn romance amongst a cutthroat Faerie realm and cunning royals.
Dark Rise by C.S. Pacat
Sixteen-year-old dock boy Will is on the run for a reason: he witnessed his mother’s murder and is prophesied as the only one who can stop the Dark King from rising. Will’s quest to save the kingdom takes an interesting turn when he meets James, a boy his age with the Dark King’s favor.
Dark Rise is a thrilling dark fantasy that seamlessly combines the classic enemies-to-lovers trope with high-stakes adventure and heart-pounding danger, perfect for readers who love a good battle between good and evil!
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Simon Snow may be the unlikeliest Chosen One ever – his powers are unpredictable, and even he admits he’s in way over his head. But that doesn’t stop his nemesis and roommate, Baz (maybe he’s a vampire?) from making it very clear that he’s the wrong person for the job. If you ever wanted to see Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy get together, don’t miss Rainbow Rowell’s Carry On – it’s an enemies-to-lovers story that will warm your heart.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
Since the beginning of time, the Aska and Riki Viking clans have harbored nothing but resentment towards each other. During their yearly battle, Eelyn, an Aska warrior, spots her brother fighting on the wrong side on the wrong side of the battlefield. A brother who she believed to be dead. Hungry for answers, she follows him only to end up a prisoner of the Riki.
Read Sky in the Deep if you’re interested in slow-burn fantasy enemies to lovers romance books with a strong female heroine, Vikings and epic battles.
Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Experience the electric, forbidden connection between Katy, an Earthborn human, and Daemon, an alien from a different galaxy, in this thrilling enemies to lovers romance.
With senior year looming in a new town, Katy faces the normal stressors of the start of a new school year – only to have her world turned upside down when Daemon suddenly rescues her, freezing time in the process. Daemon’s unique origins are revealed, and he accidentally marks Katy as a target.
With the fate of both their lives on the line, they must work together to find a way to get rid of the mark before it’s too late. Join Katy and Daemon on their journey of forbidden romance as they risk it all to be together.
Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Louise le Blanc is a witch on the run, seeking refuge in the city of Cesarine and disguising herself as a common thief. And in a world that does not look kindly upon witches, it is a matter of life and death if the wrong person discovers her secret.
Enter Reid Diggory, a Chasseur for the Church, tasked with killing all witches. When Lou’s path crosses with Reid, she unwittingly finds herself in a tricky situation that ends with her married to a man that would burn her at the stake if aware of her heritage.
What could go wrong?
If you love stories with magic, witches, and romance, then Serpent & Dove is the perfect romantic fantasy for you. The book features a hero with questionable morals and a quick-witted heroine who can hold her own, as well as a fake engagement. It has everything you could want in a fantasy romance novel.
The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
Elloren Gardner’s sheltered life in Halfix is disrupted when she is uprooted and sent to the bustling Verpax University. Despite being the granddaughter of the notorious Black Witch, she has no magic of her own, an immense disappointment to her Aunt and the Gardnerian—a ruling class with strict laws and preconceived notions that oppress those without magic.
Unceasingly challenged, Elloren begins to unearth secrets that threaten to upend her beliefs and the Gardnerian’s rule. But the danger grows greater when she becomes entangled with two enigmatic figures—the son of the Commander and the mysterious Kelt who detests her—both of whom could tip the delicate balance of power and destabilize the world.
The Black Witch is the perfect YA fantasy enemies-to-lovers book for readers who enjoy complex characters and stories full of unexpected twists. From grappling with oppressive rule to discovering one’s true self, Elloren’s thrilling adventure is a must-read.
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Across the seas, Princess Lira is celebrated for her ruthless dedication to collecting the hearts of princes. But one fateful mission forces her mother to transform her into the one thing she detests most: a human.
Prince Elian is on a mission to rid the ocean of sirenkind. When he rescues a mysterious woman from the depths of the sea, he finds an unlikely ally in his quest – unaware of her true identity as the Siren Reaper.
Sparks fly between this unlikely pair of mortal enemies in an epic love story perfect for readers who enjoy fantasy enemies-to-lovers romance books.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
The moment Laia’s brother is taken hostage by soldiers known as the Masks, she makes a split decision to do whatever it takes to rescue him – even if that means entering Blackcliff Military Academy as a slave in order to spy on the Commandant.
There she meets Elias, the son of the Commandant, who wants nothing more than to escape his tyrannical mother and his rigid life as a Mask.
An Ember in the Ashes is perfect for anyone who loves slow-burn enemies to lovers romances, badass heroines and dystopian worlds. This is the fantasy romance novel for you!
Shatter Me by Taherah Mafi
If you’re a fan of fantasy books with the enemies-to-lovers trope, Shatter Me is the book you’ve been waiting for.
Juliette has a deadly touch, and is imprisoned for a crime she never committed. Recruited by the Reestablishment, the very entity that put her behind bars to begin with, Juliette must gain control of her power before becoming their puppet.
But her fate takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself held captive by the son of the enemy, proving that fate can be surprising and often cruel.
Can Juliette master her power before it’s too late? Are enemies capable of becoming lovers? Find out in Shatter Me!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
When criminal prodigy Kaz Brekkar is presented with an unforgettable chance to snatch an unimaginable sum of money, he takes it without hesitation.
To execute the mission, Kaz must enlist the help of a crew of elite misfits from the Barrels: an assassin known as the Wraith, a gambling sharpshooter, the clever brains of the operation, and a hunter trained to kill Grisha.
Tasked with infiltrating the world’s most impenetrable fortress and freeing a critical prisoner, it appears that Kaz’s mission will be a walk in the park…
But Leigh Bardugo doesn’t just create fantasy relationships to please her readers; each one serves the story carefully. For an enemies-to-lovers fix, Nina, the spirited Grisha, and Matthias, the thorny warrior, have you covered.
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
Getting captured by a ship of enemies was all part of the seventeen-year-old pirate captain’s plan. As a hostage, she’ll have the chance to search the ship for the fabled map believed to hold the secrets behind the hidden treasure.
Romance was never supposed to be a part of this operation, but when Princess Alosa’s feelings grow complicated towards the brother of the cruel Captain, she must make a choice: act on her feelings and fail the Pirate King or find the ancient map.
Pirates, magic and adventure… What more can you ask for? Besides an enemies to lovers romance between a morally grey protagonist and a charismatic pirate, of course.
Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
Powerful witch Andraa and gifted wizard Jatin would sooner see each other dead than be burdened by a sham marriage, a betrothal forged in the fiery pits of Hell, but fate has plans of her own. When their paths intertwine, neither fiancée recognizes the other beneath their false identities, but between epic battles and death-defying missions, the pair must learn to trust each other or die trying.
Searching for enemies to lovers romance books with a case of mistaken identities? Check out Cast in Firelight for a magical adventure with an epic romance.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
Cursed to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth birthday, Prince Rhen is determined to break the curse by falling in love.
Enter Harper.
From an absentee father, a mother whose time is limited and a brother who underestimates her because of her cerebral palsy, Harper understands struggles. When she witnesses what appears to be a kidnapping in action, Harper steps in and whacks the would-be kidnapper in the head…and ends up in Emberfall.
If you’re into Beauty and the Beast fairy tale retellings featuring a kickass heroine and an enemies to lovers trope, A Curse So Dark and Lonely is right up your alley. You’ll fall in love with this fantasy romance novel for sure!
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Raised among the magical grimoires of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth knows the score: all sorcerers are evil and the books must be kept safe. But when one of the most dangerous grimoires escapes, she’s determined to intervene – and gets herself incriminated for her trouble!
Now, she’s sent to the capital to answer for her “crimes,” relying on sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demonic servant to survive the hostile world she finds herself in.
Sorcery of Thorns is the perfect pick for readers who crave fantasy enemies to lovers action, complete with sorcerers, demons, and a strong female heroine.
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Discover an enthralling world of forbidden love, noble battles, and magical secrets in Morgan Rhodes’ Falling Kingdoms. Follow Princess Cleo of Mytica as she fights for her throne, Magnus, the King of Limeros’ son who struggles with his feelings, Lucia, whose mysterious lineage is unknown, and Jonas, a rebel on a mission to avenge his brother. Experience action, adventure, and magic as the plot thickens and unravels in this captivating fantasy novel.