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9 Best Fantasy Forced Proximity Romance Books (with Enemies to Lovers)

Welcome everyone, to my Fantasy Forced Proximity Romance Books post!

The forced proximity trope is a narrative device used in a fantasy romance that unintentionally brings two people together, frequently against their will or as a result of outside forces. It puts them in close quarters, putting pressure on them to face their differences, get past roadblocks, and deal with the strong emotions that come up in such private environments.

A stunning romance that takes place against a backdrop of adventure and enchantment is sparked by the forced proximity trope, whether it’s an arranged marriage, a quest that brings them together, or a magical spell that traps them.

For me, the forced proximity trope really shines when it comes to fantasy literature because it enhances the chemistry between the characters. I can’t stop turning the pages because of the compelling dynamic created by the simmering tension, the yearning glances, and the slow breakdown of emotions.

The protagonists’ intimate proximity and shared experiences, despite their extraordinary circumstances, cultivate a deep connection that develops into an unforgettable love story. Every meaningful exchange and moment of stolen time is magnified in this ideal fusion of romanticism and fantastical elements.

So come along with me as we explore nine enticing forced proximity romance books as we go on a fantastical journey!

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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Forced Proximity Romance Books
Series: The Empyrean #1

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wing leader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Really recommend it to people who love fantasy dragon romance books (like me), and has a great balance between romance, world-building, and plot!

Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

Series: The War of Lost Hearts, #1

A former slave fighting for justice. A reclusive warrior who no longer believes it exists. And a dark magic that will entangle their fates.

Ripped from a forgotten homeland as a child, Tisaanah learned how to survive with nothing but a sharp wit and a touch of magic. But the night she tries to buy her freedom, she barely escapes with her life.

Desperate to save the best friend she left behind, Tisaanah journeys to the Orders, the most powerful organizations of magic Wielders in the world. But to join their ranks, she must complete an apprenticeship with Maxantarius Farlione, a handsome and reclusive fire wielder who despises the Orders.

The Orders’ intentions are cryptic, and Tisaanah must prove herself under the threat of looming war. But even more dangerous are her growing feelings for Maxantarius. The bloody past he wants to forget may be the key to her future… or the downfall of them both.

But Tisaanah will stop at nothing to save those she abandoned. Even if it means gambling in the Orders’ deadly games. Even if it means sacrificing her heart.

Even if it means wielding death itself.

This book is part of the top-tier Kindle Unlimited fantasy romance books club. The quality? The plot? The romance? The developments? It’s so well-written that it made me renew my Kindle Unlimited subscription again because it reminded me of how good Kindle Unlimited books can be when you do strike gold. Will recommend if you are craving mentor/trainer/teacher fantasy romance where the MMC helps the FMC train for something or become strong.

Glint by Raven Kennedy

Series:  The Plated Prisoner #2

Another Kindle Unlimited gem. Highly popular and commonly recommended, and for that I say there is always a reason for something’s popularity so it should not be dismissed. It also has the heroine getting the second guy trope and has great character development with the FMC. It’s a growth book where the FMC becomes strong and changes as the series progress instead of starting off strong. Recommend if you like books like A Court of Thorns and Roses and want more books like it!

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Series: Crowns of Nyaxia #1

Another, another, another gem (I’m sorry I don’t know what other word to use aside from gem). In fact, in my most recent reads batch, this is (and not even close) the best book I’ve read in the last few months. Though I’ve personally put a hold on it because the series hasn’t been completed yet which sucks. Recommend for people who enjoyed A Court of Thorns and Roses and From Blood and Ash.

The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride by Kati Wilde

Series: The Dead Lands #1

Recommend if you also like muscle-y fantasy mountain himbo men. A chill, relaxing, and fun read if you are feeling for a quick fantasy book!

A Promise of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Series: Kingmaker Chronicles #1
KINGDOMS WILL RISE AND FALL FOR HER…

Cat Fisa isn’t who she pretends to be. She’s perfectly content disguised as a soothsayer in a traveling circus, avoiding the destiny the Gods—and her dangerous family—have saddled her with. As far as she’s concerned, the magic humming within her blood can live and die with her. She won’t be anyone’s pawn.

But then she locks eyes with an ambitious warlord from the magic-deprived south and her illusion of safety is shattered forever.

Griffin knows Cat is the Kingmaker—the woman able to divine truth through lies—and he wants her to be a powerful weapon for his newly conquered realm. Kidnapping her off the street is simple enough, but keeping her by his side is infuriatingly tough. Cat fights him at every turn, showing a ferocity of spirit that burns hot…and leaves him desperate for more. But can he ever hope to prove to his once-captive that he wants her there by his side as his equal, his companion—and maybe someday, his Queen?

Discover the white-hot fantasy willing to break all the rules.

Recommend if you are craving some epic fantasy adventure where the FMC and MMC are forced to work together and travel together on a mission.

Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon

If You Like This Book Then Read Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon
Series: Aspect and Anchor Book #1

When I went to my neighbor’s apartment to investigate strange sounds, I never expected to fall through a portal into another world. Yet here I am, a stranger in an even stranger land…and I’m stranded. In this world, might makes right, men carry swords, and gods walk the earth. Within minutes of arriving, I’m enslaved.

Fun place.

How do I get home? GREAT question. Wish I had an answer.

The one person that might be able to help me is also the one person I want to throttle most. Aron, Lord of Storms, Butcher God of Battle, is my new companion. Or rather, I’m his. As Aron’s anchor to the mortal realm, I’m the one that’s supposed to be guiding him through his exile in the mortal world.

Ha. Joke’s on him. I know nothing about this place.

But Aron and I have a common goal – get home. And we’re bonded – anchor and god – with a bond unlike any other. So we travel together. We bicker. We bathe together. We fight our many, many enemies together. And sure, he’s a god, but he’s also an arrogant jerk. Brawny, smoking hot, irresistible jerk. I should want nothing to do with him. I certainly shouldn’t want to do things to him.

Mortals and gods don’t mix. We stick to the plan and ignore our attraction. Focused, with one goal in mind.

One task. One goal.

Focused.

I—oh heck, I’m going to end up kissing him again, aren’t I?

A war god himbo MMC and smart capable FMC who got transported into a new world. They go on a journey together and help each other out as the MMC regains its strength. One of my favourite books on Kindle Unlimited ever and Ruby Dixon’s best book.

Angelfall by Susan Ee

Series: Penryn & The End Of Days #1

It’s been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with Raffe, an injured enemy angel. Travelling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they journey toward the angels’ stronghold in San Francisco, where Penryn will risk everything to rescue her sister and Raffe will put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

One of the best enemies to lovers books I’ve ever read. Apocalyptic angel world with slow-burn and forced proximity as they work together to save the FMC’s family, and recover his wings. Warning: the series’ ending is disappointing but the story itself is sooo good (honestly what a waste).

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Blood And Ash #1

Recommended multiple times on this blog already because it has many of the most popular tropes I often recommend. Read more about that from my review.

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As many readers may know (especially romance book readers), oftentimes we like to seek out book tropes and read romance books that include the book tropes we usually like and the book tropes we want to read at the moment. It’s what drives a lot of book recommendations and is a common way we seek out books to read.

If you are a reader who is interested in:

  • Tracking tropes that you have already read
  • Tracking tropes that you would want to read in the future
  • Collect original trope ideas that you came up with (and haven’t come across before)

Then this book trope reading journal is perfectly made for you!

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