In the realm of fantasy, the line between love and hate blurs and becomes almost indistinguishable. The intensity of searing rage and burning love is expertly woven throughout narratives that transport readers to foreign lands, distant magic, and unimaginable stakes.
While the enemies-to-lovers trope can be defined as the process by which opposing individuals fall in love, its manifestation in fantasy is often characterized by longstanding miscommunications, deep-seated dislikes, kidnappings that fuel mutual animosity, or other extraordinary circumstances fueled by magic. The presence of inciting incidents and meet-cutes unique to fantasy worlds only adds to the complexity and allure of this narrative thread.
Ultimately, if two characters begin as sworn enemies but ultimately come to love each other, it is a quintessential example of the enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
Potential Origins: History of Enemies-to-Lovers Fantasy Books
The enemies-to-lovers trope has its roots in medieval literature, with notable examples including Sir Thomas Malory’s ‘Le Morte D’Arthur’ and Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’ from ‘The Canterbury Tales’. While the former features Gareth and Lynette, the latter tells the story of an old wife who is a shape-shifter and magic user, reminiscent of Morgana le Fey.
In this tale, a knight initially resistant to marriage grows to love his partner after she saves him from Arthur’s court and shares her perspective on women’s sovereignty. The transformation into a youthful appearance likely hastened their romance. While it’s possible that similar tropes exist in non-Western literature predating the 1300s, my knowledge is limited in this regard.
Nonetheless, the enemies-to-lovers trope plays a significant role in literary narratives, enabling character growth and development for both parties over time.
Modern Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
In fantasy literature, enemies-to-lovers stories are a staple in both young adult and adult genres. To make it easier for readers to find their next obsession, I’ve curated a list of 20 top-notch enemies-to-lovers fantasy books, categorized into four distinct groups. ‘Fatal Attraction’ features protagonists who set out to conquer and destroy their romantic interests, only to find themselves falling deeply in love.
‘Abduction and Betrayal’ is a collection of stories where kidnapping, deception, or manipulation serve as the catalyst for romance. ‘Natural Rivals’ brings together characters who are inherently opposed due to their species, classes, or backgrounds, forcing them to reevaluate their animosity. Finally, ‘Long-Standing Grudges’ showcases individuals with a history of hatred towards one another, often stemming from misunderstandings or past traumas.
While some books may blend elements from multiple categories, I hope this curated list helps readers discover their next favorite enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel.
I Will Love You But I Have to Kill You
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
In a world where princesses are trained in the art of assassination, only one will be chosen as the enemy king’s blushing bride. Amidst this deadly competition, Lara emerges victorious, but instead of celebrating her triumph, she finds herself torn between her duty to destroy her future husband and his kingdom, and her growing feelings for him. The stakes are high: if she fails, her homeland faces starvation; if she succeeds, she must confront the moral implications of her actions.
As she navigates this treacherous landscape, Lara is forced to reevaluate her mission and question whether loyalty to her people justifies the cost in human lives, including that of her husband, Aren. His selfless dedication to his people’s well-being raises questions about the true nature of the enemy and the morality of her intended betrayal.
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
In a land where the dawn brings demise, a teenage Caliph has made it a gruesome habit of murdering his new wives. But when he claims the life of Shahrzad’s dearest friend, her outrage and determination ignite a plan to marry the brutal ruler and put an end to the bloodshed. With each passing night, Shahrzad weaves intricate tales, using the art of storytelling as a means to survive until dawn.
As she navigates this treacherous existence, her initial disdain for her husband slowly gives way to unexpected emotions. Fearing that her growing affection is unjustified, Shahrzad chooses to unravel the mysteries behind her husband’s dark past actions, leading her to question whether his demise is truly the only solution.
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
In a desperate bid to salvage her familial magic, Voya is forced to confront the ultimate moral dilemma: killing someone she’s yet to meet. The pressure mounts as she’s given a second chance by her ancestor, but this time, the task is even more daunting – she must fall in love with this mysterious person at an alarming rate. Her only hope lies in exploiting the services of a genetic matchmaker, whose perfect pairing is none other than Luc, the epitome of arrogance and infuriating charm.
As Voya navigates this precarious situation, she’s torn between her desire to succeed and her growing unease towards the man who seems destined to be her undoing. Will she find a way to overcome her reservations and complete the task, or will her own emotions get in the way?
Kingdom of Exiles by Maxym M. Martineau
In a rare twist of fate, legendary assassin Noc found himself torn between duty and desire as he took on the assignment to eliminate exiled beast charmer Leena. The whispers surrounding her reputation painted a malicious picture, but Leena’s story was far from over. Her exile, it seemed, was an injustice she aimed to rectify by finding good homes for her beasts – a task that would ensure her survival.
As Noc’s contract dictated, he would trade Leena’s life for the creatures, with a silent understanding to find a loophole to spare her. However, as the stakes mounted, Noc faced a daunting dilemma: prioritize his own life or risk everything to save the woman who had unexpectedly captivated him.
Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh
Elena, a skilled Hunter-Born, finds herself tasked with taking down an unusually violent archangel. With a knack for tracking vampires, she’s never faced a mission like this before. To succeed, she’ll need to work closely with Raphael, the archangel who brought her the job, gathering intel on the notoriously secretive and powerful beings. Unbeknownst to Elena, Raphael plans to eliminate her once the mission is complete, fearing the leakage of ancient secrets if she’s left alive.
As she navigates this perilous assignment, Elena must rely on her cunning, wit, and determination to hunt down a ruthless serial killer and emerge victorious, all while staying one step ahead of her would-be executioner.
Bring Me Their Hearts by Sara Wolf
Would you sacrifice your own chance at happiness for the possibility of stealing someone else’s? For Zera, an immortal without a heartbeat, this was the price of regaining her mortality. The cunning witch who held the key to Zera’s human life, taste buds, and sense of self offered to restore them all if she could steal the heart of a prince from his chest.
But gaining access to the royal chamber required more than just magical prowess – it demanded finesse, charm, and the ability to play by the rules. Zera’s journey from Heartless warrior to etiquette expert was a daunting one, but as she navigated the treacherous waters of courtship, she found herself torn between her mission and the prince’s growing fascination with her skills with a blade.
As their banter turned into flirtation, Zera couldn’t help but wonder if she could still bring an end to his reign, or if the prince had finally stolen her heart – and her resolve.
Kidnapping My Heart
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
In the midst of a compromising situation, witnessed by an audience, Louise is forced to make a choice between a lifetime of marriage and the fiery fate of being burned at the stake. Torn, she decides to accept her fate and allows herself to be led to the altar, resulting in Reid unwittingly marrying a witch. As their union commences, Lou’s unbridled spirit – characterized by her raucous, lewd nature – starkly contrasts with Reid’s chaste, austere demeanor.
The unlikely couple must navigate their differences as they develop trust and, ultimately, a deep affection for one another. However, their happiness is precarious at best, as Lou’s mother’s ongoing attempts to eliminate her daughter threaten not only their relationship but also their very lives.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Within the realm of virtue, the Maiden is often seen as a paragon of purity, detached from the worldly indulgences that surround us. However, Poppy, this imperfect maiden, defies convention with her passions for combat, healing, and the thrill of salacious literature. Though she typically avoids getting caught in compromising situations, an unexpected encounter with Hawke, her new guardian, leaves her torn.
As a member of her security detail, he is off-limits, yet when Poppy finds herself captured by a rival kingdom, she may be forced to reexamine her perceptions of the world and her place within it, leading to a profound transformation.
A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet
The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy
With warning: a tale of enslavement’s dark echoes, the once-verdant island kingdom was on the cusp of being torn asunder by Lia, its Queen, and her impending marriage to an aging despot. The prospect of surrendering her sovereignty to this tyrannical suitor had prompted Lia to rely on clever diplomacy and cunning letter-writing to maintain her independence. However, a sudden turn of events brought Conrí, a former prince with a storied past of rebellion, to the island’s shores.
His quest for vengeance against the very same forces that destroyed his homeland requires Lia’s assistance – but at what cost? The fate of her kingdom now hangs precariously as she is forced to confront the possibility of an alliance born from both desperation and circumstance. Can the Queen of subtle persuasion find common ground with a ruler who wields power through force of arms, or will their union be forged in the fire of necessity rather than love?
The Fate of Stars by SD Simper
In a shocking turn of events, Princess Daurel’s attempt to curry favor with her mother by kidnapping a mermaid, Talloria, ultimately led to a romantic awakening. The initially calculating and cold-hearted princess found herself torn between her duty and her growing feelings for their new captive. As the situation unfolded, it became clear that Talloria held the key not only to escape but also to thwarting the impending war threatening Dauriel’s kingdom.
This captivating tale of ancient magic, tyrannical forces, and messy emotions is sure to captivate readers of all backgrounds, particularly those who enjoy sapphic mermaid-princess romance.
Mortal Enemies to Lovers
Crier’s War by Nina Varela
In a world where alchemists once controlled Automaes, the tables have turned in a brutal manner. The creation of these mechanical beings was initially designed to serve their human masters, but eventually, the Automaes rose up against their creators and emerged victorious. Today, surviving humans are forced to serve their former overlords, who now hold power over them after having witnessed or suffered the loss of loved ones at the hands of the Automaes.
Amidst this bleak backdrop, Ayla, a determined human servant, is driven by a desire for vengeance against Lady Crier, the daughter and heir of the Sovereign. However, as Ayla becomes her handmaiden, she begins to form an unexpected bond with Lady Crier. Their shared perspectives and goals spark a slow-burning romance that may just provide the key to taking down the oppressive regime they both despise. But can they overcome their distrust and work together to achieve their common goal?
Ruined by Amy Tintera
In a modern retelling of the revenger’s tragedy, the protagonist’s journey is fueled by the intense emotions of rage, loss, and determination that arise from a desire for retribution. The kingdom of Lera, driven by a thirst for destruction, razed Emelina’s homeland, slaughtered her parents, and kidnapped her sister in their relentless pursuit to eradicate magic.
Left without powers or family, Emelina, a princess with no magical abilities, conceives an audacious plan to infiltrate the enemy’s stronghold by disguising herself as Prince Cas’s betrothed, aiming to rescue her sister and eliminate her new husband. This clever stratagem would likely have earned her mother’s approval, but Em’s burning fury is tempered by Prince Cas’s affable nature, rendering him increasingly less deserving of a deadly fate.
From the Dark we Came by J. Emery
Despite being a master of both music teaching and monster hunting, even Belar, a vampire struggling to stay undead, is not immune to performance lags. Cassian, the one who got away, suddenly appears at his doorstep, seeking answers rather than revenge. As it turns out, Cassian has a job offer that requires him to uncover who’s trying to kill him and why. This unexpected twist prompts Belar to reexamine his employer’s motives and his own past work, sparking questions about authority and power.
Written from the perspective of a demisexual protagonist, this paranormal romance challenges readers to think critically about what they’re told, without sacrificing entertainment or financial prudence.
Dime Store Magic By Kelley Armstrong
Human Enough by E.S. Yu
In the shadows of an abusive home, an unlikely duo found solace and liberation together. Jordan, struggling to navigate life as a vampire decades after his transformation, turned to Noah – his former vampire hunter and now his closest ally – when his new friends in the vampire support group began vanishing one by one.
As Noah, autistic and already overwhelmed in his office environment, was reassigned to a team embroiled in a sinister conspiracy, he found himself facing an even greater challenge: uncovering the truth behind the harm inflicted on innocent vampires without revealing his connection to Jordan to his colleagues. Little did he know, being employed could be just as perilous as the supernatural world he once hunted.
Nemeses are Forever
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
In the world of magic, Simon’s life is surprisingly routine. He attends a prestigious school for wizards, surrounded by familiar archetypes: the trusted best friend, the endearing girlfriend, and the formidable arch-nemesis, Baz. While battling monsters and thwarting sinister plots can be all-consuming and impact his academic performance, someone must take up the mantle of responsibility.
However, when Simon’s magic begins to malfunction and mysterious ‘dead zones’ of magical energy start appearing across the continent, he starts to question whether he’s truly fulfilling his purpose. In a surprising twist, it’s Baz, his longtime rival, who proves to be an unlikely source of guidance and potential friendship as they work together to unravel the mystery behind Simon’s wayward magic and the growing problem of dead zones.
Capture the Crown by Jennifer Estep
In a shocking twist, Princess Gemma’s dazzling wardrobe belies her true nature as a mind magier and covert operative. As she navigates the treacherous landscape of the royal mines undercover, she stumbles upon a sinister plot threatening her kingdom’s very existence. Her arch-nemesis, Prince Leonidas, is hot on the same trail, his motives as unclear as Gemma’s true identity.
When a devastating mine accident leaves Gemma gravely injured, Leo knows he must bring her to the palace for treatment – but this means bringing her into the very heart of his own domain, where she can’t hide her secrets. As Gemma finds herself trapped in Leo’s castle, she must weigh the risks and benefits of trusting him with her life, all while keeping her true intentions hidden from the prince who has sworn to stop her.
We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia
As you read this content warning: abusive relationship, it’s essential to understand the societal norms that governed Daniela’s world. At Medio School for Girls, wealthier students like herself received instruction in household management as Primeras or child-rearing as Segundas. With her top student status and avoidance of poverty-related struggles, her life seems ideal. However, this fragile balance would shatter if her fabricated background were exposed.
Her wedding can’t come soon enough, but a resistance spy’s threat to reveal her secret unless she joins the cause forces her into an unexpected decision. Complicating matters is her growing affection for Carmen, the Segunda in her household and school nemesis. Now, Daniela must choose between pursuing justice, love, or the life her parents sacrificed for.
Spell Bound by Jacob Z. Flores
Mason’s family legacy of black magic is one he hasn’t mastered yet, but when a dead body appears on the high school football field, he knows his time observing from the sidelines has come to an end. The new kid, Drake, with his quick wit and insufferable personality, threatens to disrupt Mason’s plans for retribution. Although Mason’s magic often falters and he struggles to find his dark specialty, he can’t help but imagine cursing his new adversary.
As suspicions rise that the murder may be linked to Drake, Mason realizes that if they don’t stop teasing each other with their words, they might never uncover the true evil lurking in the shadows.
Thoughts On Enemies-To-Lovers Fantasy Books
The notion that overcame-first-impression narratives, collaborations between individuals with contrasting perspectives, and the transformation of adversarial relationships into harmonious partnerships captivate audiences for a reason. The inherent appeal lies in witnessing the evolution of intense dislike into nurturing sentiment, affection, and love – an outcome that is, indeed, endearingly charming.
Regrettably, as much as this trope resonates with many, it remains a concept that I find deeply unpalatable.