10 of the Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books You Need to Read Right Now

Imagine a situation forcing you into a soul-binding ritual with the one person you were born to destroy. Lilith, a ruthless necromancer, and Damian, a dominant warlock, belong to rival covens locked in a blood feud.

However, a magical blight threatens to wipe out their families. To save them, they must perform the “Rite of Crimson Union.” This forbidden ritual requires intimacy to merge their magic. As they survive each encounter, they realize the rite might be a trap designed to consume one of them. For fans of high stakes and dangerous magic, this story delivers.

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If you love fairytales with a dark twist, this book is perfection. Evangeline Fox strikes a deal with the Prince of Hearts, Jacks, to stop the love of her life from marrying someone else. Jacks is the quintessential trickster—charming, deadly, and untrustworthy.

He doesn’t hate Evangeline, but he certainly uses her. Furthermore, their dynamic is full of manipulation and biting wit. Yet, as they travel together, you see the cracks in his armor. It is a slow burn that keeps you guessing about his true intentions until the very last page.

This story takes the “political hostage” trope to a new level. The Shadow Commander, Christian, slaughters Princess Josephine’s court. To her horror, she discovers a magical soul-bond ties her to him.

She becomes trapped in his hostile kingdom, where she must survive his cruel father, the King. Additionally, the bond forces them into shared dreams, exposing their deepest secrets. They must train in secret to control this dangerous power. Slowly, Josephine sees the tormented man beneath the monster’s reputation. If you enjoy complex power dynamics, you will devour this.

This imaginative retelling of Romeo and Juliet takes place in 1920s Shanghai. Roma and Juliette are heirs to rival gangs, the White Flowers and the Scarlet Gang. Years ago, they were in love, but betrayal tore them apart.

Now, a monster stalks the city, and they must work together to stop it. The history between them adds a delicious layer of angst. They claim to hate each other; however, every interaction screams otherwise. It is tragic, atmospheric, and utterly gripping.

For those who love stories with a darker edge, don’t miss our list of  The Best Dark Fantasy Novels.

This is a unique spin on interspecies conflict. Noah is a rabbit shifter who cannot shift, an exile from his clan. Suddenly, Lord Samuel, the cold-hearted leader of the Panther clan, captures him.

Noah expects death. Instead, Samuel discovers that Noah’s presence soothes the “Feral Curse” plaguing his people. Therefore, they strike a pact: servitude for survival. Trapped in the heart of enemy territory, Noah must navigate deadly politics. Meanwhile, Samuel finds his icy exterior melting. It is a beautiful tale of finding worth and love in the most unexpected places.

Agnieszka loves her valley home, but a dark forest corrupts it. Her village relies on a cold, distant wizard known as the Dragon for protection. In return, he takes one girl every ten years to serve him.

Everyone expects him to take the beautiful Kasia, but he chooses clumsy Agnieszka instead. The Dragon grows frustrated by her chaotic magic, and she resents his arrogance. Nevertheless, their relationship is not about instant attraction but about learning to respect each other’s strengths. It is funny, heartfelt, and deeply magical.

In the city of Atheria, Cressa is a flightless fairy hiding her identity. When a magical blight threatens the city, Lord Riven, an arrogant Elven warrior, arrests her.

Riven sees her as a criminal. Conversely, she sees him as a tyrant. To save the city, they must form a tense alliance. Caught between Riven’s challenge and a kind wizard’s affection, Cressa unearths a deadly conspiracy. This story features a compelling love triangle and a mystery that ties back to Cressa’s traumatic past.

Curious about the mechanics of these stories? Read Romantasy Tropes: A Complete List to explore more.

Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Then the ruthless King ordered the death of all maji, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Eventually, her path collides with Inan, the King’s son, who determines to eradicate magic for good. Their relationship is fraught with genuine ideological conflict. They are on opposite sides of a war; yet, they cannot deny the connection between them. It is intense, heartbreaking, and incredibly powerful.

Detective Sophia Jones believes in justice. On the other hand, Lucian Draegor, a CEO and reincarnated Demon King, rules the criminal underworld. Naturally, they are enemies from the start.

When ritualistic murders target the city, circumstances force Sophia to investigate Lucian. Their first meeting is a clash of wills. However, as she digs deeper, she learns their connection is ancient. She served as his executioner in a past life. Now, she might be the only one who can save him. It is a thrilling mix of crime, destiny, and forbidden romance.