Enemies to lovers?

 

Enemies to lovers. What does that even mean? I've seen multiple definitions. One is that the main characters are political enemies, but care for one another anyway. I've written lots of those. However, the more common definition seems to be that the two main characters start off with some friction between them before they grow to love one another.   Well, the next Spectra Crown Tales book will be my first to fit this second definition. Simon and Helena don't like each other when they meet. Simon thinks that she is beautiful but bad-tempered, while Helena finds him 'twitchy' and nervous, not to mention likely to ruin what little reputation she has.

The Seven Sages is based on a little-known fairytale called The Seven Simons, which you can read free here. With seven super-powered siblings, this one is ripe for more retellings and I hope to see more authors use it! The Seven Sages is on preorder right now, with a publication date of October 26!

The Spectra Crown Tales are a series of connected fairytale retellings. You don't need to read them in order, though there are connections between them. If you'd like to start at the beginning, the first Crowns Tale is The Seventh Clan.

Sneak peek:   Here is the opening scene of The Seven Sages:   SIMON KING COULD ONLY STARE in horror as the terra cotta jug slipped from his arms and shattered against the cobblestone road. He’d tried so hard to earn his uncle’s approval, loading the jugs into the carriage, and a single clumsy moment ruined everything. Sweat dripped down his face. Though spring had yet to arrive, the cool winter morning became uncomfortably warm after exercise. Normally he enjoyed the chance to be of service, but any enjoyment shattered with the jug.    At least the contents didn’t seem to be valuable. Dried wildflowers and fresh leaves scattered in a steady breeze, or lay trapped among the clay shards. They were too crumpled to impress a woman, and they didn’t smell like potpourri or seasonings. Bitter, if anything, with a hint of rotten eggs. Simon had no idea what his uncle wanted with such things.    The mansion door creaked open. Simon froze, then slowly turned around.    Uncle Rico stood framed in the doorway of Jaladi City’s largest mansion, tall and symmetrical with rows of windows passing judgment on the city street below. His red coat was impeccable, fitting for the King family. Through changing politics, wars won and lost, no matter Simon’s personal failings, his family remained on top.    Uncle Rico stepped up to the cart. “I have to deliver these to the castle. Clean up while I’m gone.”    “Of course, Uncle.”     Normally, Simon would ask to go. The crowds would notice how much Uncle Rico and Simon looked alike, though Uncle Rico’s blond hair was starting to turn white. Simon made sure that they wore it to the same length, just above the shoulders. He’d tried to grow a beard to match his uncle’s, but it came out wispy and awkward and at last he’d given up. Still, they looked like a matched set, as though they belonged together.  Uncle Rico climbed into the driver’s seat of the simple wooden cart and took the reins. He gave Simon a small nod, and started off.    With a sigh, Simon began to gather the shards, keeping the sharp edges from his fingers.     The mansion door opened again and the butler stepped out. “Careful, young Simon,” he said. “Let me, or at least wear gloves. Those are poisonous.”    Simon froze. “Poisonous?”     “Yes indeed. Those plants give off deadly gas when burned. The green leaves with them make sure that any fire makes a lot of smoke, and the tight jug will make the fumes spread.”    Simon stared at him. “You’re saying that my uncle made a smoke bomb?”

Updates:   The Spectra Crown Tales are a series of fairytale retellings with overlapping characters and settings, but different plots. For full book readers, Tale #5, The Seven Sages, will come out October 26th. On kindle vella, we're beginning Tale #6, The Cousin Curse.

Check out the Spectra Books website for more updates.

The Spectra Books all take place in the same fantasy world, where Spectra with elemental abilities are divided between six clans.  Find details, comparisons, and samples on The Spectra Books website.