In our ongoing three favorites series, we’ve asked authors across genres to share a few favorite titles on a specific theme. Alexandra Kennington, author of the thrilling debut romantasy, Blood Beneath The Snow, honed in on the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope for her three favorites. Considering Blood Beneath The Snow is a feast for both enemies-to-lovers and romantasy readers, I think her recommendations are going to be spot on.
So, what are Alexandra Kennington’s three favorite enemies to lovers romantasy books?
With the rise of romantasy as a beloved genre mash-up, my favorite trope of all time has managed to become even more prevalent in books these days—enemies-to-lovers! Is there anything better than two people who claim to hate each other but can’t stop making out? I don’t think so.
And while the tension and slow-burn nature of an enemies-to-lovers romance is great, I also adore how it forces love interests to really examine their beliefs. Every character is flawed in their own way, and I think part of what makes this trope so popular is the idea that even when people don’t feel loveable, they still can be.
If you’re looking for more romantasy books with enemies-to-lovers perfection, then you should make sure to add these ones to your list!
Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
The premise for Trial of the Sun Queen is intriguing—the Bachelor meets the Hunger Games with fae—and the enemies-to-lovers romance in the pages makes it even better. With the ultimate slow burn stretching over three books, I truly couldn’t put the series down. As the two main characters confront their pasts, their trauma, and their uncertain futures, they’re drawn together over and over. Lor is a main character you’ll want to root for and, if you’re anything like me, every hint at the mystery of it all will have you saying “Just one more chapter” late into the night.
If you’re looking for a completed series with a plot that twists and turns and an incredible romance arc that ties it all together, then absolutely pick this one up!
Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft
Allison Saft’s debut novel is a standalone YA romantasy set in a lush, wintery landscape. The main character, Wren, is a healer in a war, desperately wishing her kindness didn’t cause her to make so many mistakes. When she’s dismissed from her post, she seizes the chance to redeem herself by helping a recluse cure his servant of a mysterious illness.
Of course, the servant is none other than the Reaper of Vesria, her kingdom’s sworn enemy. As they begin working together to solve a mystery, they slowly start to fall for each other and…well, you’ll have to read it to find out the rest. Suffice to say, if you enjoy beautiful prose, main characters that lean more tender than fiery, and enemies becoming something more, this is the book for you! I devoured this book.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Marriage of convenience between sworn enemies on opposite sides of the war? And they have light and dark magic? Sign me right on up. The Hurricane Wars is one of my favorite books of all time. The pining! The forbidden nature of their feelings for each other! The banter! It all combines to present an incredible romantasy book.
Talasyn has light magic. Alaric, the Night Emperor, has shadow magic. Their two nations are engaged in a war, but when Talasyn discovers her hidden heritage, there’s only one way to keep the upper hand—marry Alaric. The two can use their powers together to prevent an impending disaster…but everyone has an agenda. The political intrigue as a driving force in this book made me love it even more! I also adore that we see Alaric’s point of view as well. Hard not to love a man that simps so hard (even if he hates himself for it).
Blood Beneath the Snow by Alexandra Kennington is available now in hardcover, audiobook and e-book
Alexandra Kennington author photo credit Featured image designed by Jon Negroni. Read more articles by Brianna Robinson here.
Brianna Robinson is a book publicist and Sarah Lawrence College alum. She lives in New York with too many books and two enthusiastic dachshunds. You can find her on twitter @blrobins2.
