Enemies to lovers is one of the most beloved tropes in young adult fantasy—and for good reason. It’s packed with tension, layered emotions, and that glorious moment when the line between love and hate begins to blur. If you love fantasy worlds spiced up with sizzling chemistry and sharp banter, this post is for you. Here are seven YA fantasy books that absolutely nailed the enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
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1. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
Why it works:
Forced into a magical marriage of convenience, Lou (a witch) and Reid (a witch hunter) are natural enemies. Watching them move from suspicion to genuine affection is deliciously slow-burn and full of fire.
Perfect for fans of:
Magic, forbidden romance, sass and swordplay.
2. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Why it works:
Brie is caught between two fae princes—one dark and mysterious, the other golden and deceptive. This love triangle keeps you guessing, especially when one of the love interests starts off as an enemy.
Perfect for fans of:
The Fae, political intrigue, high stakes.
Buy These Hollow Vows on Amazon
3. The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Why it works:
Alessandra plans to woo the Shadow King, kill him, and take his throne. But the plan takes a sharp turn when real feelings get in the way. This standalone is full of ambition, seduction, and clever scheming.
Perfect for fans of:
Villainous main characters, romance with a bite.
Buy The Shadows Between Us on Amazon
4. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Why it works:
Elias and Laia are on opposite sides of a brutal empire—he’s a soldier trained to kill; she’s a spy working for the resistance. Their relationship grows slowly, with real emotional depth and powerful stakes.
Perfect for fans of:
Dystopian fantasy, complex characters, slow-burn romance.
Buy An Ember in the Ashes on Amazon
5. To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Why it works:
A siren who collects princes’ hearts and a prince who hunts sirens? This gender-flipped retelling of The Little Mermaid is full of danger, dark humor, and tension that crackles off the page.
Perfect for fans of:
Dark fairy tales, sea monsters, fierce banter.
Buy To Kill a Kingdom on Amazon
6. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Why it works:
Jude and Cardan are the poster couple for toxic beginnings that evolve into something surprisingly tender (and twisted). From bullying to betrayal to undeniable chemistry, their story keeps readers hooked.
Perfect for fans of:
Court politics, morally gray characters, messy love.
Buy The Cruel Prince on Amazon
7. Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
Why it works:
Tessa is a vigilante, stealing medicine to save her people. Prince Corrick is the enforcer of a harsh regime. When their paths collide, they challenge each other’s worldviews—and their growing bond might just change the kingdom.
Perfect for fans of:
Rebellion, dual POVs, strong moral dilemmas.
Final Thoughts on my favorite YA Fantasy books.
There’s just something irresistible about watching two enemies slowly fall for each other—especially when magic, secrets, and danger are involved. Whether you love spicy tension or emotional redemption arcs, these books deliver on all fronts.
Have a favorite enemies-to-lovers YA fantasy I missed? Drop it in the comments—I’m always adding to my TBR!
Looking for more recs? Check out my recent posts for more curated fantasy lists and bookish finds.
