![My Top Romantasy Reads 2024](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024.png)

 
BookTok is currently taking over the world. But if you’re reading this blog, odds are you already know that. You also probably know that romantasy (romantic fantasy) is a pretty popular genre right now.

 

As an author, I’ve read it, written it, and I’m totally here for it, especially one trope in particular that I keep circling back to: enemies-to-lovers. Or, lovers-to-enemies, depending on which way you spin it.

 

For me, it’s that delicious tension, the spark that ignites from passionate discord, turning fervent love into fiery conflict and vice versa. Are you hooked yet?

 

If the answer is yes, then look no further. I’ve rounded up five of the hottest recent (-ish) releases that pretty much master this trope. Perfect for those cosy nights in or sunny days out, these romantasy picks promise to keep your heart racing and your fingers flipping the pages.

 

**1. “Sanctuary of the Shadow” by Aurora Ascher**

 

![My Top Romantasy Reads June 2024 - Sanctuary Of the Shadow](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024/sanctuary-of-the-shadow.jpg)

Image source: [Amazon]("https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanctuary-Shadow-bestseller-enemies-lovers/dp/0857506293?crid=2TA77T3KBPWOZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2NnBHwIzg6PAFlSqoHelxoB0JcnVtvFgnt79Wvnvxv0WCxZGDP7gtgHc-WqJQLZMivdy-PQGxpcoymc9p7qLnfDo1byq3pXjSVEZIqAI_wUpTE1bn_rMvr0O0LzI1iHsz4xCLYmY22BUosZiDfyfIAdW2nK1W6mxYBeyal-VOD2Okfl84_9bww9EKqsM1C1RtMas0-11FbNh5B__Ho8QDgAf_Kq9-TyZQHNH_KqQ7R4.cPPpLK9sZbjLOwe18olL46EECQP--ypqxJq5wflIOyM&dib_tag=se&keywords=sanctuary+of+the+shadow&qid=1718181275&sprefix=sanctuary+of+t%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=c8414b59db6c77896e25a68ceddd88d5&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl")

 

*Extract from blurb: For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years.*

 

<a className="font-bold" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sanctuary-Shadow-bestseller-enemies-lovers/dp/0857506293?crid=2TA77T3KBPWOZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2NnBHwIzg6PAFlSqoHelxoB0JcnVtvFgnt79Wvnvxv0WCxZGDP7gtgHc-WqJQLZMivdy-PQGxpcoymc9p7qLnfDo1byq3pXjSVEZIqAI_wUpTE1bn_rMvr0O0LzI1iHsz4xCLYmY22BUosZiDfyfIAdW2nK1W6mxYBeyal-VOD2Okfl84_9bww9EKqsM1C1RtMas0-11FbNh5B__Ho8QDgAf_Kq9-TyZQHNH_KqQ7R4.cPPpLK9sZbjLOwe18olL46EECQP--ypqxJq5wflIOyM&dib_tag=se&keywords=sanctuary+of+the+shadow&qid=1718181275&sprefix=sanctuary+of+t%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=c8414b59db6c77896e25a68ceddd88d5&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanctuary Of the Shadow</a> is set in a darkly magical circus. Our MC, Harrow, hides from those who slaughtered her clan, disguising her abilities in her act. When a mysterious, powerful stranger arrives, she is drawn to him despite his deadly nature. As they uncover secrets from each other’s pasts, they must confront enemies who seek revenge. Their relationship evolves from animosity to deep connection as they fight for survival together​ (Liberty Books)​​

 

**2. “The Stolen Heir” by Holly Black**

 

![My Top Romantasy Reads 2024 - The Stolen Heir](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024/the-stolen-heir.jpg)

Image source: [Amazon]("https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Heir-Elfhame-Sunday-Bestseller/dp/1471411362?crid=2ZK890U5FRQX6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vgdTFoQfpyIRGn91fa9suNWvKZy3XKQC5WSBsEbtdd15MPGvBgk6shiBiIPgrabYMzvZvb8rveCec2cnM3W-Zsmr_eGTdq_1OIET3wH6pNnrNC17mIq-kjwWDmokm_Wby4F_fUjxMoOj7Pjw2IKcVWFjbX1rNbrSqMGLKu_t-DWV30AFfeF_m1F9M0U8eemsLLy2tSfL9Q2XKO3wMoqODOSi8UndTG84TSCnO3E0gc0.nQ838FWNKMZlcWGRdA6DdTQ7r1Wn1-zfR6yL6YW-ul4&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Stolen+Heir&qid=1718182471&sprefix=the+stolen+hei%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=6ada52b7781a40f5d24487efbe7471f4&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl")

 

*Extract from blurb: A runaway queen. A reluctant prince. And a quest that may destroy them both.*

 

<a className="font-bold" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stolen-Heir-Elfhame-Sunday-Bestseller/dp/1471411362?crid=2ZK890U5FRQX6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vgdTFoQfpyIRGn91fa9suNWvKZy3XKQC5WSBsEbtdd15MPGvBgk6shiBiIPgrabYMzvZvb8rveCec2cnM3W-Zsmr_eGTdq_1OIET3wH6pNnrNC17mIq-kjwWDmokm_Wby4F_fUjxMoOj7Pjw2IKcVWFjbX1rNbrSqMGLKu_t-DWV30AFfeF_m1F9M0U8eemsLLy2tSfL9Q2XKO3wMoqODOSi8UndTG84TSCnO3E0gc0.nQ838FWNKMZlcWGRdA6DdTQ7r1Wn1-zfR6yL6YW-ul4&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Stolen+Heir&qid=1718182471&sprefix=the+stolen+hei%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=6ada52b7781a40f5d24487efbe7471f4&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Stolen Heir</a> is a spinoff from Holly Black’s popular Folk of the Air series (The Cruel Prince, The Wicked King etc.) We follow Suren, a changeling child queen from the Court of Teeth, who must team up with Prince Oak to save their kingdoms. Despite their initial distrust and opposing motives, their alliance grows into a complex relationship filled with dark fairy-tale elements and a gripping enemies-to-lovers dynamic​ (Reader’s Digest)​.

 

**3. “The Book of Azrael” by Amber Nicole**

 

![My Top Romantasy Reads 2024 - The Book of Azrael](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024/the-book-of-azrael.jpg)

Image source: [Amazon]("https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Azrael-BookToks-romantasy-obsession/dp/1035414503?crid=QC7UMBWLYNFV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fN5UKFoDopYmB6cAZlJstNrtYouDZGdQ69fV-d-bKHu3CwVcqJeKRFXjou-_QDT_GtLYCAXg6b6FdWotDrFJKYt9Krwi5FXZBzYgmUCUEMSckxSyj8f091fJYC_qbDzrgFdSJ70j2xTCDPEg7KZpdCGqAMsE4DXhnqSpniYRAlr21EbvPv0vBSOLMhodTVXfb6WnjITFXiL7oRFe18fBWP31gXEvbmHVa4p6LuoGDoE.-15WFjfW4rskttwuZzdlbw2Vpld2kGfumNq_9lrUEsU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+book+of+azrael&qid=1718182724&sprefix=the+book+o%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=32122512362a564d23b9552e2ea0456d&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl")

 

*Extract from blurb: **WHERE THERE ARE GODS, THERE ARE ALSO MONSTERS** . . .For a thousand years, the Etherworld has known peace.
Until now.*

 

<a className="font-bold" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Azrael-BookToks-romantasy-obsession/dp/1035414503?crid=QC7UMBWLYNFV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fN5UKFoDopYmB6cAZlJstNrtYouDZGdQ69fV-d-bKHu3CwVcqJeKRFXjou-_QDT_GtLYCAXg6b6FdWotDrFJKYt9Krwi5FXZBzYgmUCUEMSckxSyj8f091fJYC_qbDzrgFdSJ70j2xTCDPEg7KZpdCGqAMsE4DXhnqSpniYRAlr21EbvPv0vBSOLMhodTVXfb6WnjITFXiL7oRFe18fBWP31gXEvbmHVa4p6LuoGDoE.-15WFjfW4rskttwuZzdlbw2Vpld2kGfumNq_9lrUEsU&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+book+of+azrael&qid=1718182724&sprefix=the+book+o%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=32122512362a564d23b9552e2ea0456d&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Book of Azrael</a> follows Dianna, who works for the king of monsters, Kaden, in a quest to find the Book of Azrael, an artifact that controls all realms. Liam, a reawakened King, opposes Kaden.

 

Despite their enmity, Dianna and Liam must collaborate to stop a greater threat, leading to a slow-burning romance amidst their rivalry​ (The Perpetual Page-Turner)​.

 

**4. “A Fate of Wrath and Flame” by K.A. Tucker**

 

![My Top Romantasy Reads 2024 - A Fate of Wrath and Flame](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024/a-fate-of-wrath-and-flame.jpg)

Image source: [Amazon]("https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fate-Wrath-Flame/dp/1804944998?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bQ_xEIELypOFKXXgF-2VtOaVLyy5VifTXSnY5s4-oO-BodXimqnOTV-kphHACai5yG5K2NSvLQQKRRkGG1bjxicDc59nItUjUfX-bIvOEcCt-8mD2yxLXOQnvtiz81GTIaB00pHYIl4OC3rhjJla6wYtzeXidVOZg4QVgj6ZxiepNpDJcQcrwIW4O5N6sBhywVcjBU9QHHsnzGgH2cQ0KKy0PSr2zublBM9p18i0vgQ.T75BvIsN2L2G6U7SdHXBMlWfFRQWCdcoR7848hWMGqg&qid=1718183498&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=417b257b32ed11a652d45672ab000f35&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl")

 

*Extract from blurb: She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.*

 

In <a className="font-bold" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fate-Wrath-Flame/dp/1804944998?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bQ_xEIELypOFKXXgF-2VtOaVLyy5VifTXSnY5s4-oO-BodXimqnOTV-kphHACai5yG5K2NSvLQQKRRkGG1bjxicDc59nItUjUfX-bIvOEcCt-8mD2yxLXOQnvtiz81GTIaB00pHYIl4OC3rhjJla6wYtzeXidVOZg4QVgj6ZxiepNpDJcQcrwIW4O5N6sBhywVcjBU9QHHsnzGgH2cQ0KKy0PSr2zublBM9p18i0vgQ.T75BvIsN2L2G6U7SdHXBMlWfFRQWCdcoR7848hWMGqg&qid=1718183498&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=417b257b32ed11a652d45672ab000f35&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Fate of Wrath & Flame</a>, Romeria, engaged to King Zander under dubious circumstances, faces intense hatred from her fiancé. As they navigate court intrigues and external threats, their relationship evolves from deep-seated animosity to a reluctant partnership and eventually to a complex, slow-burn romance​ (RT Book Reviews)​.

 

**5. “The Shadows Between Us” by Tricia Levenseller**

 

![My Top Romantasy Reads 2024 - The Shadows Between Us](/images/my-top-romantasy-reads-june-2024/the-shadows-between-us.jpg)

Image source: [Amazon]("https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Between-Us-Tricia-Levenseller/dp/1782693726?crid=MK4HD5NDCYN1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oegwMduVBDj2Wwe-Hi-FrSjVVKeoxrrAtzPh6-wZ81Fm1yek5qBYXgkRo9WZZCiMJ1nlAAKVccoLsD47qr_0yiR7gSi-qw0twXW9PIBGqhZiVhjGgUc1J2Li39crwFa5f3YpgoKlUHiInzTDFAklqslvjjDcvNk1w5mvCYTqGgI_5u6Co1W1HMMv8g8hsAfRzi8yi0vChHz827E9bKLKOvYx6WPUhWTioHRFlQzg17s.mR6mbfRM722oTz5kb3MxSExTJf_z8SRuYcyasUxedPM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+shadows+between+us&qid=1718183639&sprefix=the+shadows+be%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=6a121ddfcc0bfb8b129847355ac0a019&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl")

 

*Extract from blurb: No one knows the extent of the freshly crowned Shadow King’s power. Some say he can command the shadows that swirl around him to do his bidding. Others say they speak to him, whispering the thoughts of his enemies. Regardless, Alessandra, tired of being overlooked, has a plan to gain power: woo the Shadow King, marry him, then kill him and take his kingdom for herself.*

 

Tricia Levenseller’s <a className="font-bold" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadows-Between-Us-Tricia-Levenseller/dp/1782693726?crid=MK4HD5NDCYN1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oegwMduVBDj2Wwe-Hi-FrSjVVKeoxrrAtzPh6-wZ81Fm1yek5qBYXgkRo9WZZCiMJ1nlAAKVccoLsD47qr_0yiR7gSi-qw0twXW9PIBGqhZiVhjGgUc1J2Li39crwFa5f3YpgoKlUHiInzTDFAklqslvjjDcvNk1w5mvCYTqGgI_5u6Co1W1HMMv8g8hsAfRzi8yi0vChHz827E9bKLKOvYx6WPUhWTioHRFlQzg17s.mR6mbfRM722oTz5kb3MxSExTJf_z8SRuYcyasUxedPM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+shadows+between+us&qid=1718183639&sprefix=the+shadows+be%2Caps%2C77&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=mloxton-21&linkId=6a121ddfcc0bfb8b129847355ac0a019&language=en_GB&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Shadows Between Us</a> is a perfect blend of romance, cunning, and betrayal. The story follows Alessandra, who is determined to woo, marry, and then kill the Shadow King to take his kingdom.

 

However, her plans become complicated as she starts to develop genuine feelings for him. This book’s intricate plot and complex characters make it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good lovers-to-enemies story.

 

## Which romantasy book will you read?

 

Suffice it to say, each of these thrilling books offers a unique spin on the lovers-to-enemies arc, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

 

Whether you’re drawn to magical battles, courtly intrigues, or heart-wrenching drama, these fantasies provide the perfect escape into worlds where love is but a battlefield.

 

In my opinion, you don’t have to pick just one. I mean, we all have ‘to-be-read’ piles for a reason…

 

Happy reading!

 

*Please note: this blog post contains affiliate links.*

Embrace the Heat with These Recent Romantasy Releases

Enemies to Lovers: 5 Sizzling Fantasies You Won’t Be Able to Put Down

![getting-a-literary-agent](/images/getting-a-literary-agent.png)

 

Welcome to my overdue but thrilling post chronicling my journey to securing a literary agent.

 

For as far back as memory serves, the idea of writing a book and seeing it published has been more than a fascination for me—it's been a consuming passion. And I know I'm not alone in this; many of us aspiring authors have dared to dream of that moment when we receive a multiple book deal from a renowned publisher, envisioning ourselves typing away in a serene log cabin by the lake, coffee in hand.

 

<h2>But let's get to the heart of the matter: how did I actually land my agent?</h2>

 

Let's be real; the path to securing representation isn't always a straightforward one. I want to be transparent about my journey because I know the pressure and envy that can accompany reading those seemingly effortless success stories. My tale isn't one of instant gratification; it's a narrative of perseverance and resilience.

 

Over the past four years, I've queried five different projects, with the fifth one finally leading me to my dream agent, Nina Leon at Perez Literary & Entertainment. Interestingly, I had previously queried Nina with two other projects, both of which she passed on. This underscores a crucial point: agents aren't rejecting you as a writer but assessing the fit of your story for the current market.

 

My breakthrough came with the book I started writing in mid-2023. While querying another project, which I had high hopes for, I found myself drawn to this new story. By October 2023, I began revising, and by November, I had a polished manuscript ready to brave the query trenches.

 

<h2>My querying journey</h2>

 

Navigating the query process was both daunting and exhilarating. Starting with a
small list of agents, I gradually expanded it as responses trickled in. Patience
was key as I waited for replies, and a holiday break over Christmas provided a much-needed
respite from constant email refreshing.

 

The month of December was unexpectedly quiet, leaving me a tad disheartened. But then again, agents deserve a break too, right? I figured most were likely enjoying some well-deserved time off until January rolled around. Still, the quiet was a bit frustrating, especially considering I had recently left my job in December and was gearing up to start a new one in January. The looming uncertainty about both my career transition and the fate of my book added an extra layer of stress.

 

The new year brought a flurry of rejections but also promising requests for full manuscripts. Before long, I received my first offer of representation—and before you ask, yes, I did dance around the room. I also reached out to agents still on my radar, even those who hadn't initially requested my manuscript, to give them a heads up. In the end, I sent out a total of 40 queries, with 12 rejections, 7 full requests, and 2 offers. And finally, one offer was accepted—a surreal moment that validated years of dedication and hard work.

 

As I embark on this next chapter of my journey, working closely with my agent, Nina, on revisions and anticipating going on sub, I'm filled with gratitude and excitement. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to sharing more updates along the way. Whether you're in the querying trenches, contemplating your next steps, or celebrating your own successes, I wish you the best of luck and perseverance.

 

Keep dreaming, keep writing, and never underestimate the power of your story. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!

This is my overdue but thrilling tale of securing a literary agent. Learn how I navigated the query process, overcame setbacks, and landed my dream agent, Nina Leon at Perez Literary & Entertainment.

Getting a Literary Agent: My Success Story

![young-millionaire-culture](/images/young-millionaire-culture.jpg)

 
We live in a time of teen tech moguls and social media superstars; the age of soft
lives and unfiltered windows into the lifestyles of strangers across the globe. Social
media has transformed the way we live, work and interact with one another, but it’s
also given rise to a new generation of influencers who have achieved fame and wealth
at a younger age than ever before. This can be inspiring, of course, but when constantly
faced with 20-somethings driving around in supercars and swinging around keys to
ten-bedroom mansions, young millionaire culture creates the unhealthy expectation
that success and wealth should come quickly and easily.

 
With the increased popularity of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and
YouTube, influencers have become celebrities in their own right. They promote products,
share their lives, and amass huge followings that secure them thousands if not hundreds
of thousands of pounds for a single video.

 
Meanwhile, young tech entrepreneurs are creating apps and programmes that change
the world, and often turn after-school bedroom projects into billionaire companies.

 
It’s certainly impressive to achieve such levels of success at a young age — and
definitely worth celebrating the marvellous era of opportunity that we live in —
but it’s also important to remember that these individuals are the exception rather
than the norm.

 
The difficulty with young millionaire culture is that it creates an unhealthy expectation
of achieving fame and wealth by the time you’re in your early to mid 20’s. The idea
that you’re supposed to be rich and settled creates a sense of entitlement; the ingrained
belief that if you reach your mid 20’s without a house, car and designer wardrobe,
you’ve wasted your youth and failed as an adult.

 
Everyday, we’re bombarded with images and videos of young people enjoying lavish
lifestyles, travelling the world, and making money through sponsored content and
brand collaborations — and it has become increasingly common to see teens striving
to become famous and wealthy before they even enter the workforce.

 
To many, the prospect of a traditional career fails to feed that sense of instant
gratification, which ultimately leads to a lack of focus on important life skills
like education and self-discipline.

 
When it comes to mental health, the constant pressure to be seen and heard, the ongoing
hunt for that million-pound idea, can take a serious toll on anyone’s mind and spirit
— especially when the expected success doesn’t come as quickly as anticipated, or
sometimes at all.

 
The fear of failure can be overwhelming, and the constant pressure to innovate and
stay ahead of the competition can be exhausting. If you spend your entire 20s in
the tornado that is achieving quick success, the world will spin past you until one
day you realise just how much time you’ve wasted by not living in the moment.

 
As a society, we need to encourage young people to pursue their passions and goals,
while emphasising the importance of hard work, patience and resilience.

 
Success and wealth shouldn’t be the only markers of a fulfilling and meaningful life,
even though the internet tells us they are.

Young Millionaire Culture is Setting Unhealthy Expectations of Success in Your 20s