17 Insanely Addictive Urban Fantasy Enemies to Lovers Books

I am an enemies to lovers addict! There is something so captivating about two people going from truly despising each other to falling in love.  If you’re also looking for urban fantasy recommendations then you’re in luck. There are tons of insanely good urban fantasy enemies to lovers books.

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There is something so satisfying about an enemies to lovers romance.  And nothing is better than a good fantasy enemies to lovers.  

But which enemies to lovers books are actually worth adding to your tbr list? From slow burn romance to warring kingdoms, these urban fantasy enemies to lovers books are guaranteed to give you butterflies.

Let's see the best urban fantasy enemies to lovers books

Best Urban Fantasy Enemies to Lovers Books

Recently, I asked book lovers on social media their favourite urban fantasy enemies to lovers book recommendations. I also browsed Reddit and book groups on Facebook for recommendations. Here are some of the most submitted urban fantasy enemies to lovers books.

1. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning

When researching recommendations for this blog post, DarkFever was easily one of the top recommendations .

 And after reading this dark fantasy book I can see why. It's an urban fantasy featuring fae and vampires. It also has a morally grey dark haired male love interest and a sassy human protagonist.  The series features a slow burn romance that takes a few books to develop. 

It follows Mackayla. She lives a relatively normal life until her sister is brutally murdered. She journeys to Ireland in search of answers. 

But Mac is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to master a power she had no idea she possessed.

I really enjoyed this and I completely understand why book lovers would enjoy this. This would be a great pick for Sarah J Maas fans and it has many similar tropes - fae, strong female main character, morally grey.

However, some of the characters did annoy me. Mackayla was portrayed as a barbie and Barrons is manipulative and abusive. 

The book was clearly published in the  noughties and I couldn't take the descriptions of Mackayla's 'expensive Juicy Couture bag' seriously.

What do readers say?

This book has everything - crime, a fantasy world steeped in folklore and an addictive plot. 

Many readers list Jericho Barons as their 'book boyfriend'.  He would make a terrible boyfriend in real life and this book hasn't aged terribly well. But it's a thrilling fantasy read

2. Crescent City

Let's be honest, Sarah J Maas was always going to appear on this list. There are a few things Sarah J Maas writes really well - badass female protagonists, fae and enemies to lovers romance.

Crescent city is an urban fantasy that features a range of mythological creatures such as mermaids, fae and werewolves.

  It follows Bryce who is half-fae, half-human.  And she is tasked with investigating a series of crimes with Hunt Athalar – a fallen angel. But they discover some dark powers at work.

Let me tell you – I was on the edge of my chair reading this. Sarah J Maas poses a number of mysteries at the start. And this hooked me in. The book was also full of unexpected plot twists.

There is some info-dumping at the start. But the world-building is exquisite and the urban fantasy setting is developed very well. Sarah J Maas writes strong sassy female leads very well. And Bryce is an incredible main character. But all the side characters were very well developed.

I'm a huge fan of Crescent City. If you're also a fan, then I have a ton of recommendations. You can check out my article on books like Crescent City here.

What do readers say?

Bryce Quinlan is a gorgeous, sarcastic badass and a sassy party girl. She is more explicit than characters in other Sarah J Maas book. 

 What makes this romance so endearing for many readers is that Bryce is completely intolerant of toxic masculinity. Bryce and Hunt  fall for each other fiercely and they feel right together.

3. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

This series gets so much hype online!  While researching for this post, this series was recommended everywhere. 

Magic Bites is the first book in the Kate Daniels Series. It's an Urban Fantasy where rogue mages cast spells and leave all kinds of paranormal problems in their wake. 

Kate Daniels is a  down on her luck mercenary who makes a living cleaning up magical problems.  

But when her guardian is murdered, she embarks on a quest of justice. And it draws her into a power struggle between two factions in Atlanta's magic circles.

If you're searching for urban fantasy enemies to lovers books then this is a great pick. This book was also highly recommended  when researching books with strong  female leads. Check out my post on urban fantasy books with strong  female leads to see the full list of recommendations.

What do readers say?

Kate Daniels is a really likeable heroine who doesn't take any crap from anyone. She has an excellent, sarcastic sense of humour and is always hilarious.

She knows the rules of diplomacy. But she also knows how to break those rules and can admit when she has made a mistake.

4. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

Everytime I research urban fantasy books - McGuire's books make an appearance. And I'm not surprised, McGuire write excellent fantasy books.

Discount Armageddon is the first book in the Incryptid Series. It Verity Price. Her family has spent generations studying  the monsters of the world and protecting them from humanity. 

But Verity Price is not interested in a career as a cryptozoologist. She'd rather pursue a career in ballroom dance. Sounds simple right?

It would be, if it weren't for the talking mice, the telepathic mathematicians, the asbestos supermodels, and the trained monster-hunter sent by the Price family's old enemies, the Covenant of St. George. 

When a Price girl meets a Covenant boy, high stakes, high heels, and a lot of collateral damage are almost guaranteed.

What do readers say?

Verity Price is a monster-wrangling, ballroom-dancing heroine who  also has a problem with authority. 

She's a Buffy-esque female protagonist - sassy, smart and snarky. Verity is able to deal with troublemakers but also make a lot of friends and allies. 

5. The Guild Hunter Series - Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh

Check out this book if you're searching for enemies to lovers romance - you won't be disappointed. I originally picked this up because Sarah J Maas listed Nalini Singh as an author she enjoys. And  I was not disappointed! 

It follows Elena. She's a vampire hunter and she knows she's the best. But the Archangel Raphael hires her for a job. And it's clear failure is not an option - even if the task is impossible. 

There are so many similarities between Crescent City! It's a dark urban fantasy with angels and vampires. It features a romance between an angel and someone who is not quite human. It even references wings a lot! 

This series was highly recommended. And for good reason. If you're searching for urban fantasy enemies to lovers books you'll absolutely love this book.  It has a great romance but there is still a mystery and strong plot. The heroine is also a  badass female main character.

What do readers say?

Elena is awesome. She's smart, sweet and badass all in one.  Raphael is a lot more closed off at the start. He's a dark and edgy character but is also seen as scary by some readers. 

The romance is slow burn but there is palpable sexual tension from the start. This book shows the beginning of a romance. And Nalini Singh does an excellent job of balancing the romance with the dark murder mystery. 

6. Crier's War by Nina Varela

Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel with a f/f romance. It’s set in the Kingdom of Rabu and follows Ayla.

A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over the estates of their owners and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla is a human servant who is rising the ranks at the House of Soverign. She dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter – the beautiful Lady Crier.

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier, who was Made to be beautiful, to be flawless. And to take over the work of her father.

Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.

What do readers say?

If you're searching for wlw romance then you need to read this one. The enemies to lovers romance is perfect. It's full of  tense romance. 

The plot is also incredible, fast-paced and full of twists and turns that'll leave you on the edge of your seat. 

7. Shatter me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me is one of those books that you either love or hate. But it has so many amazing tropes. And lots of readers LOVE the enemies to lovers romance in this book. 

Shatter me opens with the main character locked up for murder. She is unable to touch anyone. And she falls in love with the first person she is able to touch.

The writing style in Shatter me is unlike anything else I’ve ever read. It’s very prose heavy. And consequently, it seems to be a book people either love or hate. I love it.

It’s set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world. But it’s definitely more of a romance. And an ansgty one at that. There was a definite ‘will they, won’t they vibe. Similar to Kaz and Inej for me.

Juliette is an excellent main character. She has been dealt an awful hand in life. And yet she still perseveres and looks for the best in everyone.

The plot behind the series is excellent. And it particularly picks up towards the end. Trust me when I say – you will instantly want to read the next book.

What do readers say?

This series really divides readers. There are a lot of books in the series so it's quite an undertaking. Many readers also really dislike the writing style. 

However, Aaron Warner is really well loved in the books. The concept is also really unique and unlike other books.

8. Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

I wasn't previously aware of the Chicagoland series but it was recommended fairly often. It would be a great pick for fans of Dark Fever or Magic Bites. 

Some Girl's Bite follows Merit, a graduate student. She's leading a fairly normal life until a vampire attacks her. But this vampire decided the best way to save her life, is to turn her into a vampire. 

Her savoir is Ethan, master vampire of Cadogan House. Now Merit has traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan Sullivan.

Of course, Ethan has centuries' worth of charm. But unfortunately, he expects her servitude. But Ethan is the least of her concerns. Someone is still out to get Merit.

What do readers say?

Merit is an incredible and mature main character. She deals with a difficult situation with dignity and tries to make the best of it. 

A lot of readers like that other character's don't instantly accept their relationship. And Merit constantly questions whether he is a good part of her life.

9. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I'll be honest, I wasn't sure whether to include this. It was recommended and it's a popular choice. However, the romance is a bit more insta-lovey. But the romance is definitely an enemies to lovers with 2 characters from very different worlds.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows Karou. She has 2 lives which she has always managed to keep balanced. On one hand, she's a seventeen year old art student living in Prague. On the other hand, she runs errands for a monster. 

But then black hand prints start appearing on doorways. Scorched there by winged creatures. And Karou must choose between the safety of her human life or war. 

If you're looking for books with characters like Rhysand then this is a great choice. Particularly if you're looking  for books with mythical creatures. This book features angel and chimera.  It also has slightly darker tone for a fantasy novel.

What do readers say?

The worldbuilding around Prague and the mythical creatures is magical. Laini Taylor is a master storyteller and the writing style in this book is excellent. 

Akiva is the perfect example of a tortured character. And you can see how he clearly loves Karou. Once Akiva is introduced the book is very romance heavy. Some readers weren't as invested as a result.

10. City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards

City of Gods and Monsters is an Urban Fantasy romance. It would be an excellent pick for fans of Crescent City as there are many similarities - a slowburn romance, a relatable heroine and a morally grey love interest. 

It's set in the city of Angelthene and follows Loren Calla. She's an ordinary human in a city full of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures. 

She survives an abduction from Darkslayers. Darkslayers are supernatural bounty hunters who possess the sight. Her friend is taken in her place. And the abductors demand Loren's life in exchange for her friend's.

Loren will do anything to get her friend back. She accepts help from Darien Cassel, the leader of the Seven Devils, the most feared Darkslaying circle in the city. 

But when Loren and Dairen's search for answers takes them deep into a corrupt city underbelly, they discover a dark secret that threatens to unravel their world.

This book is quite long and drags in some -places so it won't appeal to everyone. But if you're looking for Urban Fantasy Enemies to Lovers Books you need to read this spicy romance.

What do readers say?

The chemistry and sexual tension between Loren and Damien is intense. But this is a slow, slowburn romance. Every meeting is infused with hidden sexual tension. But they payoff is truly rewarding and 100% worth the wait. 

Loren isn't the typical badass lead in a fantasy book. She's a lot more ordinary and a girl next door. That seems to make her much more relatable to readers.

11. Halfway to the Grave By Jeaniene Frost

Halfway to the Grave is an urban fantasy book filled with action packed scenes, romance and a badass heroine. If you enjoy reading books about vampires then this is a great pick for you!

It follows Cat (Catherine Crawfield) a half vampire. She is trying to find the vampire responsible for ruining her mother's life. 

But then she's captured by Bones, a  vampire bounty hunter. They are forced into an unlikely partnership. In exchange for help finding her father, Cat agrees to train with Bones.  But as Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers, Cat will have to choose a side. 

What do readers say?

Both Cat and Bones have strong personalities. And the author stays true to their personalities throughout. While there are steamy love scenes, they also clearly really love each other. 

 12. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

If you're looking for an LGBTQ+ fantasy book with royalty then you should read A Dark and Hollow Star. It's an urban fantasy with fae, queer main characters and an enticing mystery. It also has a seriously adorable wlw romance.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

There are not one but two romances in this book. And the characters are what make them so perfect. Arlo and Nausicaä have such amazing chemistry. Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian. Arlo and Nausicaä have a perfect grumpy/sunshine slow-burn vibe.

I listened to the audiobook version which you can find on audible. It features a full cast of narrators which made it really engrossing.

The voices of Vehan and Nausicaä are so spot on! And you can listen to it on Audible with a free trial.  It's a great audiobook to put on  if you're looking for some escapism while you're cleaning or relaxing before bedtime.

What do readers say?

Arlo is extremely well loved among fans. She's fierce and persistent when she wants something.  The character dynamics work really well. And the grumpy/sunshine trope is executed perfectly.

Ashley Shuttleworth's writing and worldbuilding is incredible. And she does an excellent job of writing authentic dialogue, funny banter and deep feelings. 

13. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is always a highly recommended Urban Fantasy author.  The Kate Daniels series is really popular. So I'm not surprised to see another series by Ilona Andrews on this list. 

The series is set in a world where a few hundred years ago a serum was discovered that could awaken magic in humans. The serum was destroyed. But the damage was already done. 

The book follows Nevada Baylor, a detective. She's  faced with a challenging case to bring in a suspect in a volatile case. The suspect can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then Nevada is kidnapped by Connor "Mad" Rogan. A billionaire with huge powers who is after the same target. They must join forced to stay alive.

Please don't judge this book by it's cover!  Despite the cover, it's a thrilling fantasy read with a slew of likeable characters and funny writing. 

What do readers say?

The characters in this book are very well written and interesting. The witty dialogue that develops between them is hilarious. 

Andrews has a unique and unmistakable voice. The worldbuilding in this book is outstanding and unlike any other urban fantasy books out there. 

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