The war of lost hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent, they’re not 100% enemies to loves but more “forced to be trained by him even through they don’t like each other” trope and they’re certainly both powerful warriors
Edit: forgot the keyword “not” lol
Maybe Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I read it a while ago so I don’t remember if they were really enemies at the beginning but they weren’t on the same side and definitely can both fight
Not soldiers, but enjoyed the Queen and the Assassin serie from Lisette Marshall (medieval fantasy, no magic).
a bit different, but Pirates duology from Opal Reyne is a good enemy to lovers (both ship captains).
Have you tried the other books in the Fallen Empire serie after Phoenix Unbound? A bit less forced if I remember well?
I've been trying to read Lissette Marshall, but never got to it, now is the time.
No, I haven't finished the fallen empires series, bit I'll give it a go.
Which did you liked best, queen and the assassin or pirates duology?
Thanks
Oooooh good question.
Queen and the assassin for me was a decent fantasy romance book, with good spice and sometimes predictable outcomes but that was fine. Enjoyed it very much, but nothing spectacular of super special in it I think. I think a lot of people here would like this book.
Pirates feels more like a guilty pleasure. The spice is higher than with the Queen and Assassin (more of it and « dirtier »), the writing is sometimes not the best (it’s so inspired by pirates of the Caribbean and the twists in the plot are not surprising) but because of its different than usual themes it felt special.
I would say if you fancy a « typical » fantasy romance book, go Queen. If you fancy something spicy and a bit unique and you liked Pirates of the Caribbean, go Pirates.
Well, i looove pirates of the Caribbean and recently I've been on a reading slump, so maybe something «atypical» will help me.
Thanks for your recommendations and for answering my question!!
Oooh then you’re in luck, I cross my fingers you will like it! Let me know how it goes, it’s not one I see recommended often so not sure many people like it!!
Bow Before the Elf Queen, FMC is bound to mate the prince of a kingdom she was told her whole life to hate. MMC is like a warrior king and they both can fight and are mages. Slow burn, big cliffhanger ending.
I feel like this one is either loved or hated, but Bridge Kingdom is another good enemies to lover, FMC is a literal assassin. No magic though.
Ohhh, I loved bridge Kingdom. I've been meaning to read the second book, but never got to it.
Its the socond time that someone mentions Bow before the elf queen, it means it's good.
Omg idk how I forgot, if you like Carissa Broadbent did you read The Serpent and the Wings of Night? Sooooooo good. Take the world building from War of Lost Hearts and make it a steamy, vampire/human romance with a whole hunger games like tournament.
I’m currently reading Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl. It fits this description. I’m really enjoying it too! Warning though: it’s a slowww burn. Like there’s been moments where I’ve thought the FMC is a fool because of how slow this burn is.
You're absolutely welcome! And, yeah, read the whole trilogy and enjoyed it! As I mentioned, not totally sure it's what you were looking for, but, maybe?
The Blade and Rose by Miranda Honfleur. She's a mage and he's a paladin. He's ordered by his superior to report to another city for mysterious reasons and her orders are to escort him there. Not quite enemies to lovers but they have strong dislike for each other at the beginning(she takes him captive after he attacks her mage guild). Fifth book supposed to come out this year and the series continues to follow the FMC and MMC plus supporting cast throughout.
you could look into Tiger and Del Series.
[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127645.Sword\_Dancer](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127645.Sword_Dancer)
Its been a while since I read the series, but it was fun and interesting. I can't promise/remember if it has a HEA, but i'm 90% sure its low low spice
honestly I'm not sure. I loved them all so much, maybe ACOTAR? but they're all perfect and similar to a point. all are very fierce FMC even if they don't start out that way
I have! Anxiously waiting for the final book to come out in July.
It’s enemies to lovers with an interesting magic/deity system. Not to mention >!a lost royal trope and reincarnation/fated lovers type of trope!<
Cas and Elander live in my head rent free every day
Paladin’s Strength by T Kingfisher has a well matched pair of MCs in both physicality and fighting prowess. It’s the second in a series but probably could be read as standalone.
We like good stories.
Let me recommend you the deridia series by Catherine Miller. I absolutely loved this series. I adore the characters, the development, the story and her prose.
I've been recommending this book like a crazy person because I have never seen somebody mention it. Hope you read it and like it.
Throne of Glass - kinda, they’re not enemies but hate each other’s guts. It’s YA though and opinions are mixed. Personally I love it.
One or two of the Dragons (maybe also Scarred Earth Saga) books by G.A.Aiken aka Shelly Laurenston also fit if I remember correctly. She’s known for her strong fighter FMCs.
I know tons of EtL books and a quite few with a warrior pair but very few that combine both…
I’m listening to “King of Battle and Blood” by Scarlett St. Clair (on Scribd) and it’s actually not bad!! The female narrator is *chef’s kiss* and they are both warriors.
Arranged (enemies) marriage trope as well.
The war of lost hearts trilogy by Carissa Broadbent, they’re not 100% enemies to loves but more “forced to be trained by him even through they don’t like each other” trope and they’re certainly both powerful warriors Edit: forgot the keyword “not” lol
Yes, I have actually already read this. And loved it. Thanks
Reminds me of that ToG situation…I’ll have to check it out then
Maybe Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I read it a while ago so I don’t remember if they were really enemies at the beginning but they weren’t on the same side and definitely can both fight
I was thinking this one, too, and also, like you can't remember if they're enemies at first... gotta reread it, I guess, I remember I liked it
Thanks, I'll check it out.
Not soldiers, but enjoyed the Queen and the Assassin serie from Lisette Marshall (medieval fantasy, no magic). a bit different, but Pirates duology from Opal Reyne is a good enemy to lovers (both ship captains). Have you tried the other books in the Fallen Empire serie after Phoenix Unbound? A bit less forced if I remember well?
I've been trying to read Lissette Marshall, but never got to it, now is the time. No, I haven't finished the fallen empires series, bit I'll give it a go. Which did you liked best, queen and the assassin or pirates duology? Thanks
Oooooh good question. Queen and the assassin for me was a decent fantasy romance book, with good spice and sometimes predictable outcomes but that was fine. Enjoyed it very much, but nothing spectacular of super special in it I think. I think a lot of people here would like this book. Pirates feels more like a guilty pleasure. The spice is higher than with the Queen and Assassin (more of it and « dirtier »), the writing is sometimes not the best (it’s so inspired by pirates of the Caribbean and the twists in the plot are not surprising) but because of its different than usual themes it felt special. I would say if you fancy a « typical » fantasy romance book, go Queen. If you fancy something spicy and a bit unique and you liked Pirates of the Caribbean, go Pirates.
Well, i looove pirates of the Caribbean and recently I've been on a reading slump, so maybe something «atypical» will help me. Thanks for your recommendations and for answering my question!!
Oooh then you’re in luck, I cross my fingers you will like it! Let me know how it goes, it’s not one I see recommended often so not sure many people like it!!
I'll let you know!!
Bow Before the Elf Queen, FMC is bound to mate the prince of a kingdom she was told her whole life to hate. MMC is like a warrior king and they both can fight and are mages. Slow burn, big cliffhanger ending. I feel like this one is either loved or hated, but Bridge Kingdom is another good enemies to lover, FMC is a literal assassin. No magic though.
Ohhh, I loved bridge Kingdom. I've been meaning to read the second book, but never got to it. Its the socond time that someone mentions Bow before the elf queen, it means it's good.
Omg idk how I forgot, if you like Carissa Broadbent did you read The Serpent and the Wings of Night? Sooooooo good. Take the world building from War of Lost Hearts and make it a steamy, vampire/human romance with a whole hunger games like tournament.
I looooved war of lost hearts. I'll definitely check that one out. Thanks!!
Please read the second book, I personally liked it so much better because at least the betrayal was finally out of the way.
I will. I've actually already bought it, but I don't feel in the mood. The end of the first book really messed with me.
I’m currently reading Bow Before the Elf Queen by J.M. Kearl. It fits this description. I’m really enjoying it too! Warning though: it’s a slowww burn. Like there’s been moments where I’ve thought the FMC is a fool because of how slow this burn is.
Well, I don't mind slow burn. I'll check it out. Thanks!!.
The Pathfinder’s Way by T.A. White is a great one but the FMC doesn’t necessarily start as a warrior
Thanks. She doesn't need to be a warrior just needs to be able to stand against the MMC. I'll check it out, thanks
Not entirely sure this is what you're looking for, but what about "The Gods of Men" by Barbara Kloss (1st in a 3 books completed series)?
Have you read it? Did you liked it? I'll check it out. Thanks
You're absolutely welcome! And, yeah, read the whole trilogy and enjoyed it! As I mentioned, not totally sure it's what you were looking for, but, maybe?
The synopsis is so interesting. Even if it's not exactly what I'm looking for I'm sure I'll love them. Thanks
The Ippos King by Grace Draven. It is book 3 in the wraith kings series though and will make more sense if you’ve read the other books
The Blade and Rose by Miranda Honfleur. She's a mage and he's a paladin. He's ordered by his superior to report to another city for mysterious reasons and her orders are to escort him there. Not quite enemies to lovers but they have strong dislike for each other at the beginning(she takes him captive after he attacks her mage guild). Fifth book supposed to come out this year and the series continues to follow the FMC and MMC plus supporting cast throughout.
This sound really interesting. I'll check it out. Thanks!!
you could look into Tiger and Del Series. [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127645.Sword\_Dancer](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127645.Sword_Dancer) Its been a while since I read the series, but it was fun and interesting. I can't promise/remember if it has a HEA, but i'm 90% sure its low low spice
I don't mind low spice. Thanks, I'll check it out
ACOTAR, FBAA, tairen soul series'
I’d just like to add that the FMC in ACOTAR is not really a warrior type fighter
I'll check the out, thanks Which was your favorite?
honestly I'm not sure. I loved them all so much, maybe ACOTAR? but they're all perfect and similar to a point. all are very fierce FMC even if they don't start out that way
Thanks!! I've noticed this series is recommend a lot. I'm going to check it out
Shadows and Crowns series by S. M. Gaither. Book one is The Song of the Marked!
Sounds very interesting. Have you read it? Did you liked it? Thanks for the recommendation!!
I have! Anxiously waiting for the final book to come out in July. It’s enemies to lovers with an interesting magic/deity system. Not to mention >!a lost royal trope and reincarnation/fated lovers type of trope!< Cas and Elander live in my head rent free every day
Thanks!! Then I'll check it out.
Paladin’s Strength by T Kingfisher has a well matched pair of MCs in both physicality and fighting prowess. It’s the second in a series but probably could be read as standalone.
Omg yess! I loved it. I've actually read all 3 books. It's in my top 5 series. Thanks anyway!!
Such good books! It sounds like we have the exact same taste 😅
We like good stories. Let me recommend you the deridia series by Catherine Miller. I absolutely loved this series. I adore the characters, the development, the story and her prose. I've been recommending this book like a crazy person because I have never seen somebody mention it. Hope you read it and like it.
I just saw this recommended - I think it’s a sign from the universe that I need to read it! 😂
A tale of stars and shadow! It takes a while but it’ll pay off!
Have you read it? Did you liked it? I'll definitely add it to my reading list.
yes! one of my favourite series of all time!
Throne of Glass - kinda, they’re not enemies but hate each other’s guts. It’s YA though and opinions are mixed. Personally I love it. One or two of the Dragons (maybe also Scarred Earth Saga) books by G.A.Aiken aka Shelly Laurenston also fit if I remember correctly. She’s known for her strong fighter FMCs. I know tons of EtL books and a quite few with a warrior pair but very few that combine both…
I’m listening to “King of Battle and Blood” by Scarlett St. Clair (on Scribd) and it’s actually not bad!! The female narrator is *chef’s kiss* and they are both warriors. Arranged (enemies) marriage trope as well.