Enemies-to-Lovers, Fake Dating, and Fated Mates? We’re in!
The Magic of Romantasy Pairings
Why these love stories hit us right in the feels—every single time.
Romantasy (romance + fantasy) is the literary equivalent of your favorite comfort food, delicious, satisfying, and impossible to resist. We come for the epic stakes, the magic, and the heart-pounding action, but let’s be real. The real reason we’re here? The romance.
And what makes romance in this genre truly chef’s kiss? The tropes. Those tried-and-true relationship dynamics that make us swoon, scream, and spiral into a book hangover. Whether it’s the push-pull of enemies to lovers, the undeniable pull of fate, or the emotional chaos of forbidden love, these pairings hit different. So, let’s break down the romantasy tropes that keep us up at night (in the best way possible).
1. Enemies to Lovers – The Ultimate Tension
This is the romantasy trope. If it were a spell, it’d be the kind that makes our hearts race and our brains short-circuit. Two people who are supposed to hate each other but keep catching feelings instead? Sign us up.
Maybe one’s a deadly assassin, and the other is the noble heir they were sent to kill (Throne of Glass, anyone?). Maybe they’re from rival kingdoms (The Bridge Kingdom) or, even better, one’s a literal fae prince and the other is a stubborn mortal (A Court of Thorns and Roses).
What makes this trope so irresistible? The tension. The longing. The “I hate you, but I also kind of want to kiss you” energy. And when they finally give in? Perfection.
2. Fated Mates – Because Destiny Said So
What’s more romantic than learning that you and your love interest were literally made for each other? Fate has spoken, and there’s no escaping it. Whether it’s a magical bond, a prophecy, or some ancient supernatural law, these pairs are tied together whether they like it or not.
Of course, it wouldn’t be fun if they just accepted their fate right away. Nope. They fight it. Deny it. Pretend they definitely don’t have feelings. But then, bam! Destiny wins. Think of Rhysand and Feyre (A Court of Mist and Fury) or Poppy and Casteel (From Blood and Ash). It’s the kind of love that feels bigger than the characters themselves, and we eat it up every time.
3. Forbidden Love – The Ultimate Angst
This one hurts. Every. Single. Time. And we love it.
Whether it’s a vampire falling for a vampire hunter (Serpent & Dove), a princess sneaking around with a rebel (These Hollow Vows), or a witch in love with the one person who could destroy her (The Serpent & the Wings of Night), forbidden love is all about the stakes. One wrong move and it’s game over.
Every stolen glance, every whispered confession, every almost kiss feels like life or death because, well…sometimes it literally is. And when they finally risk everything to be together? Our hearts can’t take it.
4. The Grumpy One Falls for the Sunshine One
Opposites attract? Yes. But this dynamic? Pure serotonin.
Picture a brooding warrior or a cold-hearted prince who doesn’t believe in love, until they meet them. The one person who laughs too much, teases them relentlessly, and refuses to let them brood in peace. (*Looking at you, Bryce and Hunt from Crescent City.)
At first, the grumpy one is so annoyed. How dare they be so bright? So kind? But then—oh no—they start to like it. Before they know it, they’re softening. Smiling. Falling.
And when the sunshine one finally realizes the grump would burn the world down for them? Dead. We’re dead.
5. Fake Dating (or Fake Marriage) – Because Pretending Never Works
“We’re only pretending.” Famous last words.
Maybe it’s a marriage of convenience (The Serpent & the Wings of Night). Maybe it’s a royal decree forcing them together (The Bridge Kingdom). Or maybe it’s a political alliance that totally isn’t personal. Except, oops—it is.
There’s just something about forced proximity, lingering touches, and that moment of panic when one of them realizes, “Wait…this doesn’t feel fake anymore.” It’s the ultimate slow burn, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
6. Love That Literally Saves the World
Romance in fantasy doesn’t just tug at our hearts. It changes everything.
This isn’t just about falling in love. This is love that shapes destinies, breaks curses, and rewrites history. (The Shadows Between Us gives us a villainous take on this, and it’s delicious.)
Whether their love is the key to saving the kingdom, restoring magic, or stopping a war, these romances remind us that emotions are just as powerful as spells and swords. And honestly? That’s why we love them.
Why We’ll Never Get Tired of These Tropes
Romantasy tropes work because they tap into every emotion—tension, longing, heartbreak, joy. Whether it’s enemies fighting their feelings, fated mates denying destiny, or forbidden love that risks everything, these stories keep us hooked.
So, tell me, what’s your favorite romantasy trope? Are you an enemies-to-lovers fan, or do you love a good fated-mates arc? Let’s talk in the comments (and swap recommendations for our next bookish obsession).
Until then,
Laura C. Cantu
P.S.
If you made it this far, congrats—you’re officially one of us. A hopeless romantasy addict. Welcome to the club! We don’t have a secret handshake, but we do have a never-ending TBR pile and an unhealthy attachment to fictional characters. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a book to sob over. See you in the comments! 💕📚✨