Andy Minshew is a cozy mystery and romance writer whose main goal in life is to make their dog proud. They are a Pitch Wars alumnus and an Author Mentor Match R9 mentor. Their debut mystery novel BOARD TO DEATH is forthcoming from Kensington Books. Twitter: @cjconnorwrites | cjconnorwrites.com
Bramble, an imprint of Tor Publishing Group
From USA Today bestselling author Naima Simone comes the beginning of a brand new dark romance series.
Nine years ago, Eshe Diallo’s aunt took everything from her.
Her world. Her throne. Her mother.
For years Eshe has bided her time until her aunt sends the legendary assassin the Huntsman, Malachi Bowden, after her. Malachi has never failed a contract before, but that all changes when he meets the vengeful mafia princess.
Romantasy is already perfect for readers who love high stakes and heavy tension. The enemies to lovers trope takes it to the next level. Fourth Wing is an example of nothing if not that! But if you stop there, you’ll miss out on so many couples who go from hatred to something just as passionate but scarier and more vulnerable.
These seven romantasy recommendations, all published within the last few years, are some of the best books featuring the enemies to lovers trope. Beyond that, they vary quite a bit. There’s something for every reader to enjoy here. Whether you love fantasy with plenty of court intrigue, swashbuckling adventure, or unique magic systems, you’ll find it along with a swoonworthy romance.
What’s the difference between romantasy and fantasy romance? Find out with Book Rioter Lyndsie Mansuos’s helpful guide to both genres. Once you’ve got that down, find more recs with Anna Mai Yee Jensen’s round up of Romantasy Reads with Compelling Magic Systems, including the Wild Magic series by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland.
Now, onto seven of the best enemies to lovers romantasy books!
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
Exiled from their realm, twins Yeeran and Lettle are taken as prisoners of the fae court while wandering the wilderness. As Yeeran is drawn (by hatred or something more complicated) to the fae queen’s daughter Furi, Lettle’s powers as a diviner bring her troubling visions of the future.
What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller
Warrior princess Olerra has little interest in a husband. But to prove herself as a strong and cunning ruler, she kidnaps a prince from the Kingdom of Brutus. While she meant to kidnap the second-born son, she accidentally takes Prince Sanos, heir to the throne. As Sanos plots his escape before his true identity is revealed, his relationship with Olerra changes in unexpected ways.
The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez
When a girl is found dead near the forest, the priests blame the village healer. To save her mother from execution, her daughter Malka must find the real killer. In the woods, Malka finds a golem named Nimrah who’s willing to take the blame if Malka can help her free the rabbi who created her. Despite the hatred and fear Malka and Nimrah share for each other, new feelings emerge within their bargain—dangerous feelings.
Her Soul for a Crown by Alysha Rameera
Desperate to take down a corrupt regime, Anula Ramanayake makes a deal with Reeri, a powerful Blood Yakka. In exchange for her soul, she will become the ruler of Anuradhapura. But if she doesn’t guard her heart, too, she risks losing it to Reeri.
Never the Roses by Jennifer K. Lambert
Finally freed from servitude to a warring kingdom, the Dread Sorceress Oneira settles down for a quiet retirement. A written correspondence with her rival, the Sorcerer Steranos, interrupts her plans—but it was her fault for stealing one of his books. As they grow close over letters, Steranos reveals his knowledge of a coming battle against the queen Oneira served.
The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh
I love swashbuckling adventures, perhaps from watching Pirates of the Caribbean at an impressionable age. This romantasy starring the captain of an all-women pirate crew immediately caught my eye. Her name is Alys Tanner and, after capturing enemy sailor Ben Priestley, they form a tense partnership to take down a greater threat (all while they try to ignore their growing fondness for each other).
This Gilded Abyss by Rebecca Thorne
This sapphic romantasy (out November 11) is described by the author as “Arcane meets Titanic.” Say no more!
Sargent Nix Marr wants nothing to do with her ex Kessandra, a princess whose people believes she can do no wrong. But when Kessandra requests (read: demands) Nix’s help investigating a nearby massacre, they must learn to trust each other again to stop a magical plague.
Want to escape into another world for a while? Check out 12 of the Best Romantasy Series, including The Halfling Saga by Melissa Blair and Realm of Four Kingdoms by Jayci Lee.
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