26 Spicy Enemies To Lovers Fantasy Books
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Fantasy books are undoubtedly a great read, but have you tried reading enemies to lovers fantasy books? It is undeniably one of the most popular tropes for fantasy.
If you love the slow burn of a hate-turned-love storyline while craving the adrenaline and escape that comes from a plot set in a fantasy world – we’re got some great recommendations!
It’s mystical, it’s otherworldly, and it’s dangerously spicy. You’ll find this trope super popular among best booktok fantasy book recommendations too!
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- 21 Best Enemies To Lovers Books (A List For All Readers)
26 Enemies To Lovers Fantasy Books To Add To Your TBR
1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Dangerously dark and hauntingly beautiful, there’s a reason why Holly Black is deemed Queen of Faeries.
The first of The Folk Of Air series, this book has all the themes of political machinations, betrayal, murder, cruelty, and brilliance. This is by no means your regular fluffy romantic fantasy.
Jude is by no means your standard morally clean-cut heroine held together by values and virtues. In order to survive the brutal world of the fey as a mortal, one must harness a little brutality themselves – and that’s exactly what Jude did.
This is a book jam-packed with plot twists when you least expect it, and the cruelty and brilliance of it all will have you at the edge of your seat wondering what’s next.
Besides being plot driven, it is also character driven with it’s blooming haters-to-lovers relationship between Jude and Cardan. This couple is arguably one of the hottest among many fae romances.
This is definitely one to file under your favorite slow-burn enemies-to-lovers fantasy books. If you’ve read and enjoyed The Cruel Prince, here’s a whole list of similar books for you to binge read!
I read not only The Cruel Prince but the complete trilogy (The Wicked King & The Queen of Nothing) Be sure to check these reviews out!
2. The Lost Sisters by Holly Black
If you’re a fan of The Cruel Prince and the other two books in the series but you’re not quite ready to let go of the world of Fae yet, This book looks at the parallel events of The Cruel Prince through Jude’s twin sister, Taryn’s eye.
Although this is a short novel, it still packs a punch.
I wouldn’t recommend reading The Lost Sisters as a standalone as the book contains many nuances that wouldn’t make sense unless you’ve read The Cruel Prince.
There were mixed reviews for this read. Some felt that Taryn’s POV was unnecessary to the main storyline which is The Folk of Air Series; some felt that this book helped them understand certain characters’ motivations better.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre, a nineteen-year old huntress is dragged away to the magical world of fae by a beast only to find out he is in fact Tamlin, one of the immortal faeries from the stories Feyre grew up hearing and fearing.
Soon enough, hostility between the two turns into passion as they embark on an adventure.
A Court Of Thorns and Roses is a slow-burn romance read with a blend of heartwarmth, adventure and faerie lore. This series is one of the best spicy fantasy enemies to lovers books.
Read More: 24 Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
4. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
If you’re looking for an enemies to lovers fantasy book with spice, this booktok sensation has to be on your TBR!
Fourth Wing follows the story of Violet, who is on her way to Scribe Quadrant, where she will live among books.
But things change and she’s sent to the Riders Quadrant. Violet suffers from chronic pain, making her body brittle and her life is at risk. Either way, she is determined to prove she’s got what it takes to succeed as a dragon rider.
There were spicy scenes in Fourth Wing. However, it was a good balance of plot and romance. If you’re a fantasy reader who loves dragons, you’ll be sure to enjoy this one.
5. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Another action-packed series from Sarah J. Maas.
This is definitely a softer, PG version compared to our previous recommendations, and reviewed as “a series for all ages”.
The story follows Celaena, a beautiful and ruthless assassin, who is forced to pay her dues by joining a competition and eventually win her freedom in the years to come. All of this is offered by the Crown Prince and Celaena decides to take on the offer.
Throne of Glass doesn’t just offer an enemies-to-lovers trope, but a love triangle at that. Now, who could put that down? There’s plenty more to talk about, but we won’t spoil that for you.
We would recommend this as a good enemies to lovers fantasy book if you need a break from cruel, darker fantasy.
6. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
This is the first of the Crescent City series and it’s a fantasy series for adults, so you already know it’s going an enemies-to-lovers fantasy books with spice.
The story begins in the city of Lunatihion on the planet of Midgard, where humans and Vanir (supernatural creatures: angels, shifters, werewolves etc) uneasily co-exist.
Bryce’s world is turned upside down when she finds her best friends murdered on a night out, and she finds herself tangled in the web of investigation alongside Hunt Alathar to uncover a looming dark power that presides over their city.
This book poses a fantasy world original to Maas’ works, and it includes a brand new world with complicated systems, governance, and politics.
House of Earth and Blood is a captivating read in the sense it structurally blends in facets of mystery, romance, the emotional turns of YA genres, and even elements of horror to keep readers on their toes.
‘Predictability’ was a word that was used to describe this series, however, it should be noted that it’s the very thing that makes this an enjoyable read.
7. From Blood And Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
A page-turning romance with enthralling fantasy, the chemistry between Poppy and Hawke is undeniable.
Both characters were very well penned with their histories and motivations, thus letting the readers have a first-class seat into the characters’ minds and providing an immersive experience.
Armentrout does not disappoint with this literary masterpiece. It’s about a young woman breaking free of societal expectations and chooses what sets her soul on fire, but at what cost?
From Blood and Ash is the first from the Blood and Ash series, and if you’re looking for an enemies to lovers fantasy book with spice – this is the one for you.
Read More: 15 Best Books Like From Blood and Ash
8. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In this blend of dystopian tones and fantasy, this book is one that collides magic, romance, and political intrigue.
Readers describe this series as “Harry Potter meets The Hunger Games”. Though some parallels have been spotted, readers still vouch for this as an authentic read.
In a world of silver or red blood, this stories a red-blooded girl from poverty who suddenly finds herself in the heart of the royal court when she displays silver-blooded powers.
Lost and confused, she finds herself navigating her survival in deception, betrayal, and romance – and learning some hard lessons along the way.
The haters-to-lovers trope wasn’t all-consuming in blazing passion, but rather it was the kind of slow-burn romance with lots of soul and depth.
9. A Shadow In The Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Written as a companion to her other works (From Blood And Ash), Armentrout once again builds readers an ancient world riddled with a baby draken, spells, gods, and some of the steamiest romances.
This is a refreshing spin to enemies to lovers fantasy books. It isn’t a two-way agreement of sworn hatred, but rather it plays with tropes of one-sided deception and forbidden love.
Sera is a trained Maiden in disguise – she is, in fact, actually an espionage assassin trained to woo and end her one target, The Primal of Death. Her kingdom is weighed in the hands of her mission’s success.
The mission is easy. Offer herself as his Consort, make him fall in love, and in his weakest moment, end him.
But things take a turn when Death makes her feel things she’s never allowed herself to feel in her entire life. Should she give in to romance…. But at what cost?
10. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is the thrilling retelling of “Romeo and Juliet” set in 1920s Shanghai.
Gong brings in POC representation in this classic Shakespeare spin, and readers devoured every bit of it.
Juliette and Roma both come from renowned gangs whose reputations run deep in the streets of Shanghai.
When a horror disease comes to light and brings their fellow gangsters down with them, Juliette and Roma must put their long-standing family feud aside (and attraction) to work together to take down the disease-bearing monster.
This is a solid recommendation for haters-to-lovers fantasy books, as well as if you’re one for rekindling first loves with a knack for historical fiction.
Read More: The Ultimate Romance Tropes List With Recommendations!
11. To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Another dark, juicy turn on a classic favourite – The Little Mermaid.
It is a story of two destined killers from two very different worlds colliding. We have Princess Lira of siren royalty, and she makes it a point to be the most lethal siren of them all with seventeen princes’ hearts in her collection.
Prince Elian, heir to the throne of Midas, but his heart belongs to the sea and his chosen destiny to putting an end to siren killings.
As slow as Elian and Lira’s relationship developed, readers enjoyed the journey Christo took them on when showing the main characters’ snarky wit and banter with one another, which really just adds fuel to the anticipated fire.
This one is for you fairytale fans out there who also enjoy the dark twists of fantasy.
12. This Woven Kingdom by Taherer Mafi
In this epic fantasy rooted in Persian mythology, Mafi delivered forbidden romance, political tension, angst, and a rich-textured exotic storyline.
Lush with culture and history, this trilogy is a refreshing spin from the usual Eurocentric folklore we are so accustomed to in fantasy.
Mafi paints a vivid picture in our heads with her impeccable world-building skills, and it’s almost as if readers are right alongside Alizeh and Kamran for the journey.
This is a love story at the heart of it all. The decadent, delicious tropes of forbidden romance where destined enemies of two clashing empires turned into lovers.
It is a romance between a long-forgotten Jinn Queen and a human prince – it is love at the cost of each other’s empires and kingdoms.
13. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Written in Levenseller’s classic style of sass, humor, and strong female characters, the first of The Shadows Between Us series delivers us pages of villainous delight and anticipation.
Readers describe this as a ‘Slytherin romance’ – dark, broody, conspiracy, and one filled intended betrayals.
Alessandra’s plan seems to be one for the books – woo, marry, kill. Then, inherit her supposed husband’s kingdom. A brilliant plan, if not for the fact she’s starting to like him alive more than dead.
This is a book storied around the perfect couple (or so it seems), both matched in viciousness and skill, and that’s what makes The Shadows Between Us a real gripper.
Readers also seemed to appreciate female friendships along with the empowerment peppered throughout the book.
All in all, if you’re looking for a book to whisk you away into a world of dark and steamy romance, this might be the one for you.
14. A Deal With The Elf King by Elise Kova
This is a lighthearted ‘romantasy’ based on the cult classic legend of Hades and Persephone.
Kova delivers a read in the world of human and fey that’s magical, and with two main characters in the push and pull of sweet, emotional fluff.
This is a stand-alone novel, so it’s perfect for readers to get lost in the world of love, magic, and fey.
Of course, like most romance fantasies, this is written in an enemies-to-lovers trope.
But better yet, our favorite trope takes the form of an arranged marriage from a 3-millennia-old treaty between humans and elves. This is a romance rich with culture and history between the two races.
With a slow-burn of a romance, this is a love story between human Healer, Luella, and Elf King, Eldas. Both characters were written in such contrasting yet captivating personalities that play off each other.
Readers appreciated Luella as a heroine, she is selfless, determined, and driven by empathy towards her village folks. Eldas, of course, is your classic broody male MC – rough, with a tough childhood but somewhere beneath that is a heart wanting to do right.
15. The Wrath and The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
Weaved in mesmerizing storytelling, Ahdieh crafts us a sensuous, hypnotic story set in the Middle East inspired by One Thousand And One Nights.
Though this is a reimagining of a classic, readers felt this was captivatingly fresh and delightfully original.
It is a tryst of love, passion, and political intrigue; peppered with Persian folklore legend and immense mystery to keep readers enchanted.
Readers felt that both Shazi and Khalid (and the other characters!) are extremely complex and well-built characters – TWATD provides us rich backstories building from childhood that gave these characters an essence and an authentic flair that a lot of other books miss.
This is the first book of The Wrath and the Dawn series and is a slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy book you don’t wanna miss out on!
16. Frostblood by Elly Blake
This is a face-paced fantasy series brimmed with action, determination, and purpose.
The lovers started out as enemies with a common purpose – to defeat the evil Frost King.
Frostblood does have its parallels to Red Queen, but the author truly makes this her own with the way this series was written in traditional fantasy with a solid plot.
In a world of Fire and Ice, readers are loving the world of elemental magic that Blake takes them into.
If you crave a strong female protagonist who seeks to carve out her destiny in a world where narratives have been predestined, Frostblood is one to get cracking on.
17. Onyx And Ivory by Mindee Arnett
In a world with a rich tapestry of kingdoms and complicated magic systems, Rime is a kingdom where magic is fractioned into two – government-sanctioned magicians and Wilders, ones who possess elemental, forbidden powers.
The latter is hunted and killed, and the main character Kate is hiding that secret.
A two-part series, the first book deals with romance angst as the once-lovers-turned-strangers/enemies were reunited post-tragedy.
Friendship and family were also important themes in this book.
18. A Court of Honey And Ash by Shannon Mayer and Kelly St Clare
Tumbling with action from the get-go, orphan Kallik, half-human and half-fae, is introduced to us in a competition that will decide her fate.
Descriptive, dramatic, and witty, this book carries us through an adventure with our bold heroine who sets out to carve her own future.
While the romance between Kallik and Faolan was mainly secondary to the storyline, it doesn’t make it any less swoon-worthy!
This enemies to lovers trope unfolded in this fantasy did not disappoint.
19. A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
This is an enemies to lovers fantasy book standalone that follows the story of Jack being summoned back home to his native magical island of Cadence after studying music abroad on the mainland for 12 years.
It seems that his assistance is required to solve a mystery of missing girls, and he finds himself working with his childhood rival Adaira.
As romance developed slowly but surely between the rivals Jack and Adaira, readers also felt that Torin and Sidra’s relationship gave them a run for their money.
20. A Ruin Of Roses by K.F. Breene
If you’re looking for action-packed tales in the streets and in the sheets, this may be the book for you.
This a dark sensual Beauty and the Beast reimagining with an adult flair – age rating of above 18 is something to keep in mind
We have our heroine, Finely dancing a game of love and seduction that runs hot and cold with the dragon prince, Nyfain.
With the mad king’s curse hanging like a thick fog in the kingdom’s air, Finely journeys through it all with humor and stride.
The side characters added layers to the plot in this kingdom of loyalty, darkness, steam, and unforeseeable twists.
21. The City Of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
Chakraborty’s intriguing debut comes in the form of fantasy surrounding the cultural richness of the Middle East. This story weaves the tale of political revolution and an enticing ambitious adventure.
It follows Nahri, a young woman living alone in 18th century Cairo, with an affinity for medicine. She gets by performing healing rituals during the day, and cons and theft by night.
Life as she knows it takes a turn when she accidentally summons Dara, a djinn warrior while performing a sham healing ceremony.
They then trapeze through an adventure together to the city of Daevabad, where magic inhabits the air and beings.
Originally wary of each other at first, Nahri and Dara slowly begin to let down their guards towards one another as they navigate warring political factions in Daevabad.
22. Serpent And Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Nothing kickstarts an enemies-to-lovers trope with a forbidden love.
Lou is a witch, whereas Reid is witch-hunter; both finding themselves in unlikely holy matrimony when each’s existence poses a threat to their own.
This French-inspired fantasy world brings us back to a time where witches are hunted and killed by the Church. With magic and history in the mix, this story is sure of cast a spell on romance lovers.
The chemistry between Lou and Reid is one of the yummiest slow-burns romance fans will for sure enjoy.
23. Kingdom Of The Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo
If you love demons and sassy witches, this may be the book for you. This read has a more mature take, not to mention the added paranormal elements of demons, ghouls and the Devil himself.
Better yet, this read also incorporates an intoxicating slow-build of a romance between Emilia and Wrath that has readers swooning. With vengeance driven by the unconditional love for a sister, Emilia sets out with Wrath to dig deeper into the dark arts that causes death all around them.
The only thing most readers didnt like about this book was that it ended on a cliffhanger.
Readers rated this the perfect spooky Halloween read weaved with witchy black magic, a brooding Prince of hell, and a gruesome murder mystery.
24. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
The story catapulted readers right into action from the first chapter, and we’re introduced to warrior princess Lara who trained her whole life to be the downfall of her future husband’s kingdom.
Sent as a bride under the guise of a treaty, Lara is determined to bring King Aren and his reign in Ithicana to their knees.
Lara as a heroine was extremely easy to love. She was a go-getter, she was selfless, and she was willing to risk anything and everything for those she loved. Readers described her as the embodiment of “whatever it takes”.
King Aren also compliment her so seamlessly, which does wonders for the story itself. He is a gracious and kind king, and in true YA fantasy fashion – he is beautiful.
25. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
A true urban-fanstasy series containing otherworldly magic between angels, demons, and other supernatural folklore as we know it.
The story starts with Clary, who got caught witnessing a murder when it’s seemingly invisible to the people around her.
Then one thing starts to unravel after the other, and soon Clary and her best friend Simon are embroiled in a quest to understand Clary’s past – and save the world, while they’re at it.
26. Caraval by Sephanie Garber
This YA enemies to lovers books fantasy is a tale of mystery and enchantment, of love and loss, of grief and elation, and it is bewitching.
Caraval is so worth the hype it’s been getting, and readers are all for it. A refreshingly original story, this story follows two sisters, Scarlett and Donatella as they navigate love, adventure, freedom, heartbreak, and unconditional sisterhood.
Caraval, a magical faraway performance that’s only held once a year, is ran by the mastermind Legend.
The romance presented between Scarlett and the love interest is one with a pervasive sense of mystery, but perfected with plenty of slow-burn, teasing and tension.
Read More: 12 Enchanting Books Like Caraval to Read Next
Final Thoughts: Best Enemies To Lovers Fantasy Books With Spice
There you have it, a list of enemies to lovers fantasy books for you to transport you into another world and escape the mundanes of life.
From witches, to supernatural abilities, to kingdoms rising and falling, there’s always an enemies-to-lovers trope out there that fits your fantasy world of choice.
Happy reading!
