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Nemesis Mine
Not yet published
Expected 18 Jun 26A not-so-evil villain strikes a deal with a not-quite-perfect hero to fake a feud, boost their reputations . . . and try not to fall in love in the process—in this hilarious, tender, sexy, and outrageously fun romp that blends the humor of Assistant to the Villain with the unforgettable romance of Red, White, & Royal Blue and the cozy fantasy vibes of Legends & Lattes.
Fake nemeses. It’s a dastardly plan that can’t go wrong… until love crashes the act.
Nobody is more surprised than Cyrus to learn that he’s no longer considered the greatest villain in the land of Athaca. Sure, he’s lying about the fact that his magical power is making flowers grow. And maybe lately he’s spent more time embroidering pillowcases than tormenting the locals. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to be yesterday’s evil news.
Enter the hero Maximillian: the realm’s golden boy, complete with a blinding smile, chiseled abs, and an infuriating habit of spreading hope and joy. (Gross.) If Cyrus wants to be taken seriously, he’ll have to take this guy down.
But Maximillian isn’t quite as perfect as he seems. When he proposes a scheme to fake an epic rivalry and increase their fame, Cyrus can’t resist. Stage the battles, soak up the spotlight, share the spoils—it’s a villainously good marketing plan.
There’s just one hitch. Pretending to hate your nemesis becomes a lot harder when you start falling for them instead.
Nemesis Mine is a wickedly funny, steamy, and big-hearted rom-com set in a cozy fantasy world, featuring:
- An irreverent take on a fantasy kingdom for fans of Shrek and The Princess Bride
- Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers (M/M)
- A twist on fake hating/fake dating
- Black cat/golden retriever energy
- Dagger to the throat moments
- Falling for the villain
- “Touch him and you die”
Fake nemeses. It’s a dastardly plan that can’t go wrong… until love crashes the act.
Nobody is more surprised than Cyrus to learn that he’s no longer considered the greatest villain in the land of Athaca. Sure, he’s lying about the fact that his magical power is making flowers grow. And maybe lately he’s spent more time embroidering pillowcases than tormenting the locals. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready to be yesterday’s evil news.
Enter the hero Maximillian: the realm’s golden boy, complete with a blinding smile, chiseled abs, and an infuriating habit of spreading hope and joy. (Gross.) If Cyrus wants to be taken seriously, he’ll have to take this guy down.
But Maximillian isn’t quite as perfect as he seems. When he proposes a scheme to fake an epic rivalry and increase their fame, Cyrus can’t resist. Stage the battles, soak up the spotlight, share the spoils—it’s a villainously good marketing plan.
There’s just one hitch. Pretending to hate your nemesis becomes a lot harder when you start falling for them instead.
Nemesis Mine is a wickedly funny, steamy, and big-hearted rom-com set in a cozy fantasy world, featuring:
- An irreverent take on a fantasy kingdom for fans of Shrek and The Princess Bride
- Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers (M/M)
- A twist on fake hating/fake dating
- Black cat/golden retriever energy
- Dagger to the throat moments
- Falling for the villain
- “Touch him and you die”
384 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 9, 2026
295 people want to read
About the author
Amy Archer
1 book8 followersAmy Archer is from Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Her debut novel NEMESIS MINE was written to follow up on the teenage realisation that villains really do have more fun, and will be published by Magpie (UK) and HarperVoyager (US) in June 2026.
She is represented by Lucy Irvine.
She is represented by Lucy Irvine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 3, 2025
This is my second ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Debut author, Amy Archer, has set herself a rather daunting challenge by writing this story entirely from the villain’s POV.
“Villian” should probably be in quote marks, as the alleged baddie, Cyrus, is just doing his job as a professional wrongdoer. He even has the diploma from the Wrongdoer Academy to prove it. His day job is battling the professional champions who, you guessed it, also have their own academy and governing organization.
It’s a very creative premise to the story, and I like to imagine Archer thinking, “what if I write a gay enemies to lovers trope where the main characters start out as literal I-need-to-kill-you enemies?”
But back to Archer’s challenge, writing her antagonist protagonist likeable enough to get to the romantic slow-burn turnaround with the story’s protagonist protagonist, Maximillian. It was frustrating at the start to only be in Cyrus’s POV, as the author writes him as a ridiculously cliched “villain.” This was intentional, I’m sure, because about the half-way mark of the book when the enemies start to fall for each other, my feelings toward Cyrus completely changed. So, challenge completed, I’d say.
The M/M romance was, quite simply, wonderfully romantic. Swoony in many parts, just the right amount of spice, and blended perfectly into the action and adventure.
Overall, full marks for a fun, well-written debut. Cheers.
Debut author, Amy Archer, has set herself a rather daunting challenge by writing this story entirely from the villain’s POV.
“Villian” should probably be in quote marks, as the alleged baddie, Cyrus, is just doing his job as a professional wrongdoer. He even has the diploma from the Wrongdoer Academy to prove it. His day job is battling the professional champions who, you guessed it, also have their own academy and governing organization.
It’s a very creative premise to the story, and I like to imagine Archer thinking, “what if I write a gay enemies to lovers trope where the main characters start out as literal I-need-to-kill-you enemies?”
But back to Archer’s challenge, writing her antagonist protagonist likeable enough to get to the romantic slow-burn turnaround with the story’s protagonist protagonist, Maximillian. It was frustrating at the start to only be in Cyrus’s POV, as the author writes him as a ridiculously cliched “villain.” This was intentional, I’m sure, because about the half-way mark of the book when the enemies start to fall for each other, my feelings toward Cyrus completely changed. So, challenge completed, I’d say.
The M/M romance was, quite simply, wonderfully romantic. Swoony in many parts, just the right amount of spice, and blended perfectly into the action and adventure.
Overall, full marks for a fun, well-written debut. Cheers.
November 4, 2025
RATING: 4.25/5 STARS
My cozy fantasy streak continues with NEMESIS MINE! I tore through this book. The blend of humor, action, and romance was exactly what I was looking for. I could not resist reading about a dastardly villain wandering about creating mischief but foiled by his own gentle plant power, love of embroidery crafts, and troublesome crush on the golden hero of the town. How precious is that?!
My cozy fantasy streak continues with NEMESIS MINE! I tore through this book. The blend of humor, action, and romance was exactly what I was looking for. I could not resist reading about a dastardly villain wandering about creating mischief but foiled by his own gentle plant power, love of embroidery crafts, and troublesome crush on the golden hero of the town. How precious is that?!
October 28, 2025
Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the arc!
rtc
rtc
October 29, 2025
Tropes:
Enemies to Lovers
Black Cat / Golden Retriever
Fake “dating” (but it’s fighting!)
Forbidden relationship
Slow burn
Hidden Magic ✨✨
Vibes:
Cozy cottage-core with a Shrek-like fantasy world and a Megamind-like hero (though he would hate if you called him such ❤️)
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ (explicit open door, only two scenes or so)
————————
Awwww, this was a really sweet queer love story about a villain who isn’t all bad (have you seen his flower magic?! Well you shouldn’t because he’s ferocious!) and a hero who isn’t all the way good (I won’t say more without spoiling a major plot point!). Really great character and location development and description throughout and a well-built out world that felt entirely real. I will say that the world building in the beginning did at times feel like it dragged a bit though it ended up being worth it at the end but yeah, this is a VERY developed world.
The romance between Max and Cyrus was slow building, full of personal angst (because how could a bad guy fall for a good guy?!) but still had lots of darling banter and culminated in a relationship that was really sweet and felt deep. I adored watching Cyrus fight his instincts to emotionally hide/remain “tough” and instead learn to open himself up to Max. But don’t worry, he never loses his snarky personality in the process and continues to shine in all his super “villain” glory!
Altogether a great read that I highly recommend for anyone looking for a cozy rom-com/fantasy read! Thank you so much to Amy Archer, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the chance to read the ARC early in exchange for honest review!
Enemies to Lovers
Black Cat / Golden Retriever
Fake “dating” (but it’s fighting!)
Forbidden relationship
Slow burn
Hidden Magic ✨✨
Vibes:
Cozy cottage-core with a Shrek-like fantasy world and a Megamind-like hero (though he would hate if you called him such ❤️)
Spice:
🌶️🌶️ (explicit open door, only two scenes or so)
————————
Awwww, this was a really sweet queer love story about a villain who isn’t all bad (have you seen his flower magic?! Well you shouldn’t because he’s ferocious!) and a hero who isn’t all the way good (I won’t say more without spoiling a major plot point!). Really great character and location development and description throughout and a well-built out world that felt entirely real. I will say that the world building in the beginning did at times feel like it dragged a bit though it ended up being worth it at the end but yeah, this is a VERY developed world.
The romance between Max and Cyrus was slow building, full of personal angst (because how could a bad guy fall for a good guy?!) but still had lots of darling banter and culminated in a relationship that was really sweet and felt deep. I adored watching Cyrus fight his instincts to emotionally hide/remain “tough” and instead learn to open himself up to Max. But don’t worry, he never loses his snarky personality in the process and continues to shine in all his super “villain” glory!
Altogether a great read that I highly recommend for anyone looking for a cozy rom-com/fantasy read! Thank you so much to Amy Archer, NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the chance to read the ARC early in exchange for honest review!
November 15, 2025
*****ARC courtesy of @NetGalley*****
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers obviously, M/M Pairing
Spice: 3/5
Oh my word, this book was possibly one of the best that I have read this year and I do not say that lightly. I wish this was already in my bookshelf and that I shove it in my friends' hands right now to begin reading. This is such a wholesome and heartwarming story that also brings in the English charm. If you liked Osric from "The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy" then you will love the 'villain' in this story even more. This is a single POV story, told from the villain's perspective.
This book is so much more than the summary lets on. Yes, it is about a wrongdoer and a hero teaming up to bolster their own reputations. And yes, they catch feelings for each other along the way. More than that, it is about being honest with yourself, dealing with the stress that your life choices have thrust upon you, learning how to ask for help, and then opening your heart to someone you least expected. The villain is a softie at heart while the hero has numerous internal frustrations and stressors.
The pacing of this story was spot on. I enjoyed the amount of backstory to our villain and I thoroughly enjoyed the breakdown of the governing body (also known as The Federation). I do not know if the published edition will have a map, but Amy Archer has provided succinct details for where the numerous cities lie. In terms of romantic pacing, the attraction did not feel rushed either. It is not a slow burn but it is not an immediate lusting either. As they came into their agreement, sometimes we would see their staged fights on page and other times we would only read the recap. I appreciated that fact as is allowed the story to continue flowing instead of reading one fight after another.
Side characters did exist and they each had a purpose. I would recommend remembering every named individual you come across because they may come back again. No character was a throw away, unless they were literally being thrown by our villain. The humor read very well on page and it also played like a movie in my mind. Again, the English humor is apparent without being over the top. The level of drama was appropriate, just enough without being over the top. I had to catch myself because I was criticizing a plot point towards the end, thinking she had just recycled the same story line, when instead she threw us a curve ball. I had become so engrossed in the story that I stopped predicting what would come next!
Both characters are identifiable and relatable. They are flawed, they have dreams, and they do not have all of the answers. Their attraction and devotion towards each other is heartwarming. This is somewhat spice light, I believe there are only two chapters that do have sexy bits. Now there is a lot of violence and destruction; remember, this is a story about a villain who is willing to harm anyone that crosses him. This is not over the top violent but I will admit that I was shocked a few times when Amy Archer did not hold back. (Shocked in a good way.)
Please pre-order your copy down or at least mark your calendars for this release date. You will not be disappointed!
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers obviously, M/M Pairing
Spice: 3/5
Oh my word, this book was possibly one of the best that I have read this year and I do not say that lightly. I wish this was already in my bookshelf and that I shove it in my friends' hands right now to begin reading. This is such a wholesome and heartwarming story that also brings in the English charm. If you liked Osric from "The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy" then you will love the 'villain' in this story even more. This is a single POV story, told from the villain's perspective.
This book is so much more than the summary lets on. Yes, it is about a wrongdoer and a hero teaming up to bolster their own reputations. And yes, they catch feelings for each other along the way. More than that, it is about being honest with yourself, dealing with the stress that your life choices have thrust upon you, learning how to ask for help, and then opening your heart to someone you least expected. The villain is a softie at heart while the hero has numerous internal frustrations and stressors.
The pacing of this story was spot on. I enjoyed the amount of backstory to our villain and I thoroughly enjoyed the breakdown of the governing body (also known as The Federation). I do not know if the published edition will have a map, but Amy Archer has provided succinct details for where the numerous cities lie. In terms of romantic pacing, the attraction did not feel rushed either. It is not a slow burn but it is not an immediate lusting either. As they came into their agreement, sometimes we would see their staged fights on page and other times we would only read the recap. I appreciated that fact as is allowed the story to continue flowing instead of reading one fight after another.
Side characters did exist and they each had a purpose. I would recommend remembering every named individual you come across because they may come back again. No character was a throw away, unless they were literally being thrown by our villain. The humor read very well on page and it also played like a movie in my mind. Again, the English humor is apparent without being over the top. The level of drama was appropriate, just enough without being over the top. I had to catch myself because I was criticizing a plot point towards the end, thinking she had just recycled the same story line, when instead she threw us a curve ball. I had become so engrossed in the story that I stopped predicting what would come next!
Both characters are identifiable and relatable. They are flawed, they have dreams, and they do not have all of the answers. Their attraction and devotion towards each other is heartwarming. This is somewhat spice light, I believe there are only two chapters that do have sexy bits. Now there is a lot of violence and destruction; remember, this is a story about a villain who is willing to harm anyone that crosses him. This is not over the top violent but I will admit that I was shocked a few times when Amy Archer did not hold back. (Shocked in a good way.)
Please pre-order your copy down or at least mark your calendars for this release date. You will not be disappointed!
November 26, 2025
A fun, campy, star-crossed lovers story set in a fantasy world of heroes and villains.
When an unlikely alliance between a champion and a wrongdoer forms, it creates ripples throughout the island of Athaca. Fans of Good Omens would enjoy the mischievousness of Cyrus’s wrongdoing and the occasional rule-bending of Maximillian, all in service of a last-ditch effort for relevance.
Archer builds up the world of Champions and the motives which bring Maximillian to Cyrus’s door. Prospective champions rise up through the hero academies, participate in public appearances, complete heroic feats and, if they’ve built enough of a reputation, win formal democratic elections to become Champions. The demands are rigid and unforgiving, but rewarded with fame and fortune.
For wrongdoers, much less attention is paid to their structure and motives. There is a wrongdoer guild, which appears to be largely symbolic, and while there is no governing wrong-doing body we meet, there are strict cultural norms about the correct way to be a wrongdoer. No wrongdoers appear to have grand ambitions, and most appear content with squeezing tributes out of small, struggling towns.
The interactions between Cyrus and Maximillian were enjoyable to read. Both men were fundamentally human, with a mix of both good and bad in them. And both seemed to struggle against narrow-minded systems insistent that there was only one way to be a hero or a villain.
However, when it came to Cyrus, I found his character to be inconsistent. Throughout most of the book, he is a harmless prankster, his wrongdoing designed to be a nuisance but not lethal. However, in between harmless pranks, he does some seriously messed up stuff, including arson, home invasion and physical torture. This makes it difficult to root for him, as his worst actions often come with no motive.
I quite enjoyed the ending of the story — to keep it vague, given the situation Cyrus and Maximillian had gotten themselves into, it seemed like a realistic conclusion.
3.5 — enjoyable read, good plot pacing, fun character interactions. I wish the world of wrongdoers was given some of the attention that the champions got, and the power dynamic between the wrongdoers guild and champion academy received more exploration.
Advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley
When an unlikely alliance between a champion and a wrongdoer forms, it creates ripples throughout the island of Athaca. Fans of Good Omens would enjoy the mischievousness of Cyrus’s wrongdoing and the occasional rule-bending of Maximillian, all in service of a last-ditch effort for relevance.
Archer builds up the world of Champions and the motives which bring Maximillian to Cyrus’s door. Prospective champions rise up through the hero academies, participate in public appearances, complete heroic feats and, if they’ve built enough of a reputation, win formal democratic elections to become Champions. The demands are rigid and unforgiving, but rewarded with fame and fortune.
For wrongdoers, much less attention is paid to their structure and motives. There is a wrongdoer guild, which appears to be largely symbolic, and while there is no governing wrong-doing body we meet, there are strict cultural norms about the correct way to be a wrongdoer. No wrongdoers appear to have grand ambitions, and most appear content with squeezing tributes out of small, struggling towns.
The interactions between Cyrus and Maximillian were enjoyable to read. Both men were fundamentally human, with a mix of both good and bad in them. And both seemed to struggle against narrow-minded systems insistent that there was only one way to be a hero or a villain.
However, when it came to Cyrus, I found his character to be inconsistent. Throughout most of the book, he is a harmless prankster, his wrongdoing designed to be a nuisance but not lethal. However, in between harmless pranks, he does some seriously messed up stuff, including arson, home invasion and physical torture. This makes it difficult to root for him, as his worst actions often come with no motive.
I quite enjoyed the ending of the story — to keep it vague, given the situation Cyrus and Maximillian had gotten themselves into, it seemed like a realistic conclusion.
3.5 — enjoyable read, good plot pacing, fun character interactions. I wish the world of wrongdoers was given some of the attention that the champions got, and the power dynamic between the wrongdoers guild and champion academy received more exploration.
Advanced reader copy provided by NetGalley
November 8, 2025
A villain who is a little bit good and a hero who is a little bit bad team up to build their reputations, but fall in love along the way.
Our POV main character, Cyrus, is a wrongdoer more concerned with mischief and mayhem than death and destruction. His once-great and formidable image has slipped and when the book opens he’s a mid-list wrongdoer riding the coattails of his own past. When his territory is threatened by Maximillian, a famous and handsome touring champion, he decides to challenge him — which leads to a secret agreement: they will stage a series of pitched battles throughout the kingdom, bolstering both of their images in the process. But secret meetings and accidental touches lead to each of them falling for their public nemesis, against their better judgments.
Set in a somewhat zany world of wrongdoers and champions, I think I can safely call this book a romp. The world is fun and the main character has a clear voice throughout. The author is playful with the bad guy concept and one of my favorite parts of the book is when Cyrus ruins a well known romance trope for a pair of young lovers.
While it is a fun read, there are some things that fell flat for me. Cyrus having a past embarrassing interaction with Maximillian feels tacked on and the book drags a bit in the first half of act two, before they get together. I also felt like the zany tone didn’t lend itself well to how grounded and serious their relationship was. Because of these things, I liked it but I didn’t love it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun fantasy romp, I’d recommend this book. I give it 3.75 stars, rounding up to 4. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
Our POV main character, Cyrus, is a wrongdoer more concerned with mischief and mayhem than death and destruction. His once-great and formidable image has slipped and when the book opens he’s a mid-list wrongdoer riding the coattails of his own past. When his territory is threatened by Maximillian, a famous and handsome touring champion, he decides to challenge him — which leads to a secret agreement: they will stage a series of pitched battles throughout the kingdom, bolstering both of their images in the process. But secret meetings and accidental touches lead to each of them falling for their public nemesis, against their better judgments.
Set in a somewhat zany world of wrongdoers and champions, I think I can safely call this book a romp. The world is fun and the main character has a clear voice throughout. The author is playful with the bad guy concept and one of my favorite parts of the book is when Cyrus ruins a well known romance trope for a pair of young lovers.
While it is a fun read, there are some things that fell flat for me. Cyrus having a past embarrassing interaction with Maximillian feels tacked on and the book drags a bit in the first half of act two, before they get together. I also felt like the zany tone didn’t lend itself well to how grounded and serious their relationship was. Because of these things, I liked it but I didn’t love it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a fun fantasy romp, I’d recommend this book. I give it 3.75 stars, rounding up to 4. I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 25, 2025
4.25⭐
MM fantasy and rivals to lovers? yes, please!!! i'm very impressed with this one! especially for a debut🙌🏻 it's more on the slower side but it worked for the story. the world was amazing and the characters even better!!! i'm so obsessed with Max and Cyrus!!! 😩🫶🏻 they were so freaking fun! this one is told from Cyrus' pov and omfg i LOVED being inside his head! he was absolutely hysterical🤣🙌🏻 him and the sprites🥲🤝🏻✨ anyway, i really enjoyed this one and i'm excited to see what this author comes up with next! 🤌🏻
MM fantasy and rivals to lovers? yes, please!!! i'm very impressed with this one! especially for a debut🙌🏻 it's more on the slower side but it worked for the story. the world was amazing and the characters even better!!! i'm so obsessed with Max and Cyrus!!! 😩🫶🏻 they were so freaking fun! this one is told from Cyrus' pov and omfg i LOVED being inside his head! he was absolutely hysterical🤣🙌🏻 him and the sprites🥲🤝🏻✨ anyway, i really enjoyed this one and i'm excited to see what this author comes up with next! 🤌🏻
November 9, 2025
this was a fun time! it was silly and goofy and heartwarming and i quite enjoyed it. i think the world of champions and wrongdoers in this book is a fun setting for romance, i loved the characters and their silly little quirks and rivalry. the banter in this was quite cute and overall this book was a good time! what a fun debut for this author!
thank you netgalley and harper voyager for the arc!
thank you netgalley and harper voyager for the arc!
November 18, 2025
First of all if you like banter and hilarious characters this is the book for you! I was rolling laughing so hard with tears running down my face. I’m in loved with them. The back and forth was hysterical. The plot was so well writing and the world building was next level. I cannot wait to read more from this author!! -Kerin Ray
November 23, 2025
Thank you to Harper Voyager/NetGalley for the ARC!
I was not able to finish this book. To be completely fair, I just don’t think I was a good fit for the tone of the story. I didn’t find Cyrus’ cynicism to be endearing, he came off as annoying. I can see the foreshadowing and am sure that there will be a good character arc, but I can’t find it in me to get past the 30% mark.
I was not able to finish this book. To be completely fair, I just don’t think I was a good fit for the tone of the story. I didn’t find Cyrus’ cynicism to be endearing, he came off as annoying. I can see the foreshadowing and am sure that there will be a good character arc, but I can’t find it in me to get past the 30% mark.
November 21, 2025
Special thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!
Vilain and hero, queer/gay romantasy.
I really liked this book; it has banter, romance, humor, and characters with a lot of personality. It is without a doubt one of my favorite cozy fantasy novels.
The blossoming of the relationship between the two, the conversations, and the subtle changes in Cyrus's world—it was an immensely enjoyable read. Cy and Max kept me so entertained that I finished the whole book in one day.
One drawback is that the plot is fairly predictable; I could guess what would happen about 30% of the way through the e-book.
Also, I would have liked to read more about Cyrus' relationship with magic. In a second book, maybe? I feel like the story of these characters is not yet finished.
Overall, it's a mostly light and fun read.
Vilain and hero, queer/gay romantasy.
I really liked this book; it has banter, romance, humor, and characters with a lot of personality. It is without a doubt one of my favorite cozy fantasy novels.
The blossoming of the relationship between the two, the conversations, and the subtle changes in Cyrus's world—it was an immensely enjoyable read. Cy and Max kept me so entertained that I finished the whole book in one day.
One drawback is that the plot is fairly predictable; I could guess what would happen about 30% of the way through the e-book.
Also, I would have liked to read more about Cyrus' relationship with magic. In a second book, maybe? I feel like the story of these characters is not yet finished.
Overall, it's a mostly light and fun read.
November 25, 2025
Beyond thrilled that I've been able to read an ARC of this debut 🙏
This book was right up my street - I adore enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes, so it was a treat to experience both in Nemesis Mine.
Amy's writing is so so fun, and I'm looking forward to devouring more from her in the years to come!
This book was right up my street - I adore enemies to lovers and fake dating tropes, so it was a treat to experience both in Nemesis Mine.
Amy's writing is so so fun, and I'm looking forward to devouring more from her in the years to come!
November 7, 2025
Nemesis Mine charmed me. It is a delightfully witty, fun, engaging read with heart and genuine characters. I loved that while no one while no one in the story is perfect, no one is truly evil either. The author’s sense of humor roped me in from the very first sentence. I loved the witty banter between the main character and his love interest. The system of magic is both unique and easy to understand. I liked the lessons that the book gently imparts, such as being true to yourself is a sign of strength, even if you're afraid that you're too soft. The author did an excellent job of creating romantic attention in a believable way. I also think the personality of Maximilian’s assistant provides a helpful foil to contrast Cyrus’ gruff yet loyal personality. I greatly enjoyed watching the characters develop. It takes bravery to be vulnerable, and Amy Archer shows you can still have a wickedly good time doing so.
November 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this ARC :)
I loved this! I loved the writing style so much, for some reason it gave me Dr. Seuss grinch vibes? This is such a fun quick summer-y read, I would highly recommend picking this up when it comes out! I will also be looking out for anything else Amy Archer writes!
I loved this! I loved the writing style so much, for some reason it gave me Dr. Seuss grinch vibes? This is such a fun quick summer-y read, I would highly recommend picking this up when it comes out! I will also be looking out for anything else Amy Archer writes!
October 27, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I thought the characters were interesting, I loved the writing, theromance, the plot. Very much "I can make him worse" trope. There were some things I was not expecting which made it a really fun time!
Want to read
August 18, 2025"[A] queer fantasy rom-com set in a world where heroes and villains vie for power, and centered on a not-so-evil villain who makes a deal with a not-so-perfect hero to become make nemeses and boost their reputations, but they inconveniently fall in love in the process."
November 20, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley, Amy Archer, and the Publisher Avon and Harper Voyager for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Final verdict: 5/5 Stars
Five stars is a high review for me, and I don’t give it out lightly. But, I’m changing my rating system to how much I enjoyed a novel as opposed to its technicalities (and I will be getting in those a bit) because storytelling and lovable characters will always come first to me.
And with that being said, I LOVED this book and its silly characters. This is a not-so-unique fantasy done uniquely! I have to say, world-building-wise, I loved the fantasy aspects mixed in the modernization of “Advertising”, “Influencers”, and “Social Media”. I will admit that it caught me off guard when I first read it, but once I accepted it as a thing, I had such a fun time and often laughed out loud at some of the references. I also enjoyed the "superhero" and "villain" aspect of this book, although I wish the author had gone a bit deeper into building up the world around the Federation and the Guild. For the story we got, I think there was enough there to not feel like we were floating in white space, but I would have enjoyed learning a bit more about them. I found there was really next to no information about the Guild compared to the Federation. While it really isn’t a problem, the vanilla, cut-and-dry aspect made me want more.
I feel the weakest aspect of this book is its plot and pacing. The book takes A WHILE to get going. When I reached the 30% mark, I was wondering if I wanted to finish it, but I’m happy to say that’s precisely when the main draw of the plot picks up, and after that, it’s a fun menagerie of events that will have you laughing out loud more than once at its hilarity. However, I found the plot itself to be fairly predictable; I could tell immediately when something was going to go wrong, and guess how it was going to be fixed, so that didn’t make the tense events particularly thrilling to read. I also feel that the pacing was a little on the choppy side. I would have preferred to read more about these performances between the two protagonists, so we could build upon the romantic tension between Max and Cyrus, as well as build out the world a little more. I felt that skipping over most of these events was a lost opportunity.
As for the characters, I feel that Cyrus, of course, is a bit more fleshed out. Or at least, since we see Max so little throughout the book—and he’s constantly away for plot reasons—it feels as though we don’t get to know him as well. I had a clear vision of Cyrus, while my vision of Max was somewhat hazy. Nonetheless, these characters are fun, with distinct personalities that hit all the notes in the types of romances I love to read.
Finally, the romance! This is perhaps what saved the book entirely for me. The chemistry between our two leads was amazing! You can certainly see how their feelings grew for each other, so it didn’t feel off-kilter when they got together like some romances do. These two hold a healthy desire for each other, and their love scenes reflect that. Cyrus and Max are written as though they’re only here to excite each other, not to excite the reader, making their affection seem real, which is something I greatly appreciate. Too often do romances between male leads focus on making the scene as sexy as possible for the reader's gaze, as opposed to having the characters actually behave how they normally would in an intimate moment.
This book is far from perfect. There are many things about the prose that felt overly simple to me, but it WAS easy to read, and for someone who was in a slight reading slump, the readability of this allowed me to simply enjoy the story and not overly focus on the text. This type of story may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly was mine, and I do recommend giving it a go if you want a quick, fun read!
Final verdict: 5/5 Stars
Five stars is a high review for me, and I don’t give it out lightly. But, I’m changing my rating system to how much I enjoyed a novel as opposed to its technicalities (and I will be getting in those a bit) because storytelling and lovable characters will always come first to me.
And with that being said, I LOVED this book and its silly characters. This is a not-so-unique fantasy done uniquely! I have to say, world-building-wise, I loved the fantasy aspects mixed in the modernization of “Advertising”, “Influencers”, and “Social Media”. I will admit that it caught me off guard when I first read it, but once I accepted it as a thing, I had such a fun time and often laughed out loud at some of the references. I also enjoyed the "superhero" and "villain" aspect of this book, although I wish the author had gone a bit deeper into building up the world around the Federation and the Guild. For the story we got, I think there was enough there to not feel like we were floating in white space, but I would have enjoyed learning a bit more about them. I found there was really next to no information about the Guild compared to the Federation. While it really isn’t a problem, the vanilla, cut-and-dry aspect made me want more.
I feel the weakest aspect of this book is its plot and pacing. The book takes A WHILE to get going. When I reached the 30% mark, I was wondering if I wanted to finish it, but I’m happy to say that’s precisely when the main draw of the plot picks up, and after that, it’s a fun menagerie of events that will have you laughing out loud more than once at its hilarity. However, I found the plot itself to be fairly predictable; I could tell immediately when something was going to go wrong, and guess how it was going to be fixed, so that didn’t make the tense events particularly thrilling to read. I also feel that the pacing was a little on the choppy side. I would have preferred to read more about these performances between the two protagonists, so we could build upon the romantic tension between Max and Cyrus, as well as build out the world a little more. I felt that skipping over most of these events was a lost opportunity.
As for the characters, I feel that Cyrus, of course, is a bit more fleshed out. Or at least, since we see Max so little throughout the book—and he’s constantly away for plot reasons—it feels as though we don’t get to know him as well. I had a clear vision of Cyrus, while my vision of Max was somewhat hazy. Nonetheless, these characters are fun, with distinct personalities that hit all the notes in the types of romances I love to read.
Finally, the romance! This is perhaps what saved the book entirely for me. The chemistry between our two leads was amazing! You can certainly see how their feelings grew for each other, so it didn’t feel off-kilter when they got together like some romances do. These two hold a healthy desire for each other, and their love scenes reflect that. Cyrus and Max are written as though they’re only here to excite each other, not to excite the reader, making their affection seem real, which is something I greatly appreciate. Too often do romances between male leads focus on making the scene as sexy as possible for the reader's gaze, as opposed to having the characters actually behave how they normally would in an intimate moment.
This book is far from perfect. There are many things about the prose that felt overly simple to me, but it WAS easy to read, and for someone who was in a slight reading slump, the readability of this allowed me to simply enjoy the story and not overly focus on the text. This type of story may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly was mine, and I do recommend giving it a go if you want a quick, fun read!
November 26, 2025
first of all, i’d like to thank netgalley for the arc, because nemesis mine was one of those titles that caught my eye right away and getting to read it early was such a nice surprise. it’s amy archer’s debut and it’s the kind of romantasy that puts you in the right mood from the start: light, funny and full of chaos.
tropes:
enemies to lovers / rivals to lovers
fake nemeses
black cat x golden retriever dynamic
mm romance
the story is set in a world where heroes and villains are basically “job categories” and the most important thing is keeping a certain public image. cyrus is a villain who’s going through a reputation crisis, convinced that people don’t see him as a real threat anymore. he pulls pranks, starts small disasters (always with a bit of drama) and keeps pretending to be a powerful “earthshaker”, even if his powers all go in one direction only: plant magic. he sees it as an embarrassing secret, because it doesn’t match the scary vibe he wants to give. on the other side there’s max, the city’s beloved champion: famous, smiling, brilliant but also very worried about losing his place to someone younger or flashier. what connects them is their public image because both of them have everything to gain and everything to lose.
their deal starts almost by accident: fake fights, fake rivalry, fake hostility… at least at the beginning. the more they keep it up, the less fake it feels and what happens between them when the cameras are off becomes a lot more complicated. the nice thing is that their feelings grow at a believable pace, building up scene after scene and everything falls into place naturally. and when they finally admit how they feel, they do it without useless drama, keeping a dynamic that always stays consistent.
cyrus is probably the strongest part of the book. he’s sarcastic, impulsive, always ready to put on a show, but he’s also much sweeter than he wants people to think, with a type of vulnerability that comes out only at the right moment. he’s imperfect, sure and sometimes he makes questionable choices but that’s exactly what makes him interesting. the whole narration is from his point of view and it works, even in the wildest scenes.
max looks like the classic golden boy at first, but the more you get to know him, the more you see that the heroic image doesn’t really fit him. he’s not a saint, not naive and he’s not even that convinced that being a hero is as “right” as people want to believe. he’s less outgoing than cyrus but more direct about what he wants, and that creates a good balance between them.
their relationship is the real engine of the story: the way they tease each other, how they try to take themselves seriously while doing absolutely ridiculous things, the tension growing without being forced and especially the slow-building complicity. the intimate scenes are few but they work because they don’t try too hard, they focus on them, not on what the reader expects.
amy archer’s writing is fresh and very visual. her humor works well throughout the book and even if some parts feel a bit slow at the beginning, once the story picks up it becomes really enjoyable. the worldbuilding is unique, mixing fantasy elements with modern details and it’s interesting even if sometimes i wished for a deeper look at the organizations that control heroes and villains. the romantic part, though, is very well done and makes up for a few pacing issues.
overall, it’s a solid debut with a couple that really sticks with you and a story that flows nicely even when it takes its time. if you like light and funny enemies to lovers without pointless drama, i’d say it’s worth reading.
tropes:
enemies to lovers / rivals to lovers
fake nemeses
black cat x golden retriever dynamic
mm romance
the story is set in a world where heroes and villains are basically “job categories” and the most important thing is keeping a certain public image. cyrus is a villain who’s going through a reputation crisis, convinced that people don’t see him as a real threat anymore. he pulls pranks, starts small disasters (always with a bit of drama) and keeps pretending to be a powerful “earthshaker”, even if his powers all go in one direction only: plant magic. he sees it as an embarrassing secret, because it doesn’t match the scary vibe he wants to give. on the other side there’s max, the city’s beloved champion: famous, smiling, brilliant but also very worried about losing his place to someone younger or flashier. what connects them is their public image because both of them have everything to gain and everything to lose.
their deal starts almost by accident: fake fights, fake rivalry, fake hostility… at least at the beginning. the more they keep it up, the less fake it feels and what happens between them when the cameras are off becomes a lot more complicated. the nice thing is that their feelings grow at a believable pace, building up scene after scene and everything falls into place naturally. and when they finally admit how they feel, they do it without useless drama, keeping a dynamic that always stays consistent.
cyrus is probably the strongest part of the book. he’s sarcastic, impulsive, always ready to put on a show, but he’s also much sweeter than he wants people to think, with a type of vulnerability that comes out only at the right moment. he’s imperfect, sure and sometimes he makes questionable choices but that’s exactly what makes him interesting. the whole narration is from his point of view and it works, even in the wildest scenes.
max looks like the classic golden boy at first, but the more you get to know him, the more you see that the heroic image doesn’t really fit him. he’s not a saint, not naive and he’s not even that convinced that being a hero is as “right” as people want to believe. he’s less outgoing than cyrus but more direct about what he wants, and that creates a good balance between them.
their relationship is the real engine of the story: the way they tease each other, how they try to take themselves seriously while doing absolutely ridiculous things, the tension growing without being forced and especially the slow-building complicity. the intimate scenes are few but they work because they don’t try too hard, they focus on them, not on what the reader expects.
amy archer’s writing is fresh and very visual. her humor works well throughout the book and even if some parts feel a bit slow at the beginning, once the story picks up it becomes really enjoyable. the worldbuilding is unique, mixing fantasy elements with modern details and it’s interesting even if sometimes i wished for a deeper look at the organizations that control heroes and villains. the romantic part, though, is very well done and makes up for a few pacing issues.
overall, it’s a solid debut with a couple that really sticks with you and a story that flows nicely even when it takes its time. if you like light and funny enemies to lovers without pointless drama, i’d say it’s worth reading.
November 22, 2025
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-arc of Nemesis Mine!
Have you ever thought to yourself, "what would Megamind have been like if it was a romantic comedy instead of an animated file?" Or, do you wish Saturday morning cartoons allowed the hero and villain to find love with each other (after multiple fights and pithy words exchanged?) Do you like Dr. Doofenshmirtz because of how comically evil (but mostly just inconvenient) his schemes are? Do you wish the Grinch ever found love? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Nemesis Mine has you covered!
Amy Archer's debut novel is told entirely from the villain's point of view. Cyrus is a wrongdoer with a reputation to uphold. He passes time by causing mischief and mayhem (ideally before the start of the day). At the start of the novel, Cyrus is feeling the drags of his routine and is looking for something that he can't quite name. (He can name it. It's the respect that a more fearsome reputation will bring.) Cyrus cultivated the persona "Earthshaker" due to his fearsome earthquake powers. He began his life of wrongdoing by causing an earthquake and leveling an entire town. Or...at least...he took credit for that. In reality, Cyrus is a mischief causing plant nerd. His deep secret is that he has plant magic, which marks him as a "child of spring". He could not cultivate (ha) a reputation as a fearsome wrongdoer with plant magic. {Someone needs to show this man Sky High} . Cyrus instantly dislikes Maximilian due to an incident years prior when Maximilian was an up and coming champion.
Maximilian (Max) is running for re-election to stay the champion of his town. Max is not a typical champion. He enjoys the fame, fortune, and the notoriety that being a champion has done for him, but does not care much about the everyday do-gooding. Max is afraid of being replaced with a younger champion due to the public's perception of Max becoming too lax in his duties. After a chance encounter (or two) with Cyrus, Max hatches a brilliant proposal: stage fake fights and become fake nemesises. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot could go wrong.) Cyrus agrees because he is eager to become respected (read as feared) by his local town and get better offering to not kill them then the meager ones that have been left for him.
What happens afterwards is two dorks fake fighting their way into real feelings and a real relationship. I appreciated that Archer did not have a fake out break-up in the final third of the book and allowed Max and Cyrus's trust for each other to become solidified. The background of the school for champions and academy for wrongdoers was not explained, but it was an interesting idea. Cyrus and Max both feel like real fleshed out characters with understandable motivations and goals. Max's character development does not get sidelined just because Cyrus is the viewpoint character. Overall, this is a hilariously good (and a tad spicy) time. Cyrus and Max bring out the best (and worst) in each other. It's not a love story for the ages, but it is a sweet romance that allows its queer couple to have a happy ending. (And frankly, that's a win in my book.)
Thank you again to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this fantastically fun read! It will be the perfect summer read of 2026.
Have you ever thought to yourself, "what would Megamind have been like if it was a romantic comedy instead of an animated file?" Or, do you wish Saturday morning cartoons allowed the hero and villain to find love with each other (after multiple fights and pithy words exchanged?) Do you like Dr. Doofenshmirtz because of how comically evil (but mostly just inconvenient) his schemes are? Do you wish the Grinch ever found love? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then Nemesis Mine has you covered!
Amy Archer's debut novel is told entirely from the villain's point of view. Cyrus is a wrongdoer with a reputation to uphold. He passes time by causing mischief and mayhem (ideally before the start of the day). At the start of the novel, Cyrus is feeling the drags of his routine and is looking for something that he can't quite name. (He can name it. It's the respect that a more fearsome reputation will bring.) Cyrus cultivated the persona "Earthshaker" due to his fearsome earthquake powers. He began his life of wrongdoing by causing an earthquake and leveling an entire town. Or...at least...he took credit for that. In reality, Cyrus is a mischief causing plant nerd. His deep secret is that he has plant magic, which marks him as a "child of spring". He could not cultivate (ha) a reputation as a fearsome wrongdoer with plant magic. {Someone needs to show this man Sky High} . Cyrus instantly dislikes Maximilian due to an incident years prior when Maximilian was an up and coming champion.
Maximilian (Max) is running for re-election to stay the champion of his town. Max is not a typical champion. He enjoys the fame, fortune, and the notoriety that being a champion has done for him, but does not care much about the everyday do-gooding. Max is afraid of being replaced with a younger champion due to the public's perception of Max becoming too lax in his duties. After a chance encounter (or two) with Cyrus, Max hatches a brilliant proposal: stage fake fights and become fake nemesises. What could possibly go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot could go wrong.) Cyrus agrees because he is eager to become respected (read as feared) by his local town and get better offering to not kill them then the meager ones that have been left for him.
What happens afterwards is two dorks fake fighting their way into real feelings and a real relationship. I appreciated that Archer did not have a fake out break-up in the final third of the book and allowed Max and Cyrus's trust for each other to become solidified. The background of the school for champions and academy for wrongdoers was not explained, but it was an interesting idea. Cyrus and Max both feel like real fleshed out characters with understandable motivations and goals. Max's character development does not get sidelined just because Cyrus is the viewpoint character. Overall, this is a hilariously good (and a tad spicy) time. Cyrus and Max bring out the best (and worst) in each other. It's not a love story for the ages, but it is a sweet romance that allows its queer couple to have a happy ending. (And frankly, that's a win in my book.)
Thank you again to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this fantastically fun read! It will be the perfect summer read of 2026.
November 6, 2025
Nemesis Mine is a delightful, cozy fantasy rom-com about a villain and a hero who team up to fake a rivalry. Cyrus and Maximillian are completely at odds with each other: fighting in the streets, sending threats via messenger crow, and trash-talking whenever they get the chance. But when Maximillian suggests playing up their feud to boost their fame and polish their reputations, Cyrus reluctantly agrees… and accidentally falls in love.
Amy Archer has a real gift for sensory details, witty banter, and keeping me on the edge of my seat. The whole tone of Cyrus’s “villainy” reminded me of The Grinch: mischievous, a little dramatic, and ultimately pretty harmless. The story leans into that campy, tongue-in-cheek vibe, which I absolutely loved. Both Cyrus and Max cling to their labels, wrongdoer and champion, but the story slowly unravels those roles, and the neat labels start to fall apart. There's so much great tension, and several emotional arcs that I Just adored. You see quite a lot of character growth for both of our main characters, but I especially enjoyed watching Cyrus start to open up after being alone for so long.
If I had any small critique, it’s that the pacing in the first couple of chapters dragged a little for me, and there was one thread toward the end where I would’ve liked a bit more closure . But those are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise a truly charming story with a cozy, whimsical atmosphere.
If you love fantasy with humor, chemistry, and a healthy dose of play-acting and pining, Nemesis Mine is a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC and the opportunity to read this story!
Amy Archer has a real gift for sensory details, witty banter, and keeping me on the edge of my seat. The whole tone of Cyrus’s “villainy” reminded me of The Grinch: mischievous, a little dramatic, and ultimately pretty harmless. The story leans into that campy, tongue-in-cheek vibe, which I absolutely loved. Both Cyrus and Max cling to their labels, wrongdoer and champion, but the story slowly unravels those roles, and the neat labels start to fall apart. There's so much great tension, and several emotional arcs that I Just adored. You see quite a lot of character growth for both of our main characters, but I especially enjoyed watching Cyrus start to open up after being alone for so long.
If I had any small critique, it’s that the pacing in the first couple of chapters dragged a little for me, and there was one thread toward the end where I would’ve liked a bit more closure . But those are minor quibbles in what’s otherwise a truly charming story with a cozy, whimsical atmosphere.
If you love fantasy with humor, chemistry, and a healthy dose of play-acting and pining, Nemesis Mine is a must-read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC and the opportunity to read this story!
December 1, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book (thank you to the author and publisher). My review reflects my honest impressions and neither the author nor publisher solicited my review. Content and pacing may differ slightly from the final published version.
Nemesis Mine has all the ingredients I usually love with enemies-to-lovers, witty banter, and a whimsical fantasy setting, but somehow it never fully clicked for me. While the premise is adorable and the character work is genuinely delightful, the overall reading experience felt a bit uneven.
When I turned the final page, my first thought was that this would likely be one I forget fairly quickly. Not because it’s bad, in fact far from it, but because nothing ever pushed it beyond “cute enough” for me personally.
The characters are easily the highlight. Their arcs are charming, their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved that their growth stems from compromise, self-awareness, and finding middle ground rather than dramatic moral swings. Their dynamic is fun, snarky, and sometimes surprisingly tender. If someone is seeking an M/M romance with solid character moments and a touch of playful spice (🌶️🌶️), this absolutely scratches that itch.
I also found the world playful and easy to follow. Even when the pacing felt slow, the tone remained light, humorous, and accessible.
The plot has a cute central concept (and I was drawn by the comparison to Assistant to the Villain) but follows a predictable arc. I never really felt eager to pick the story back up, and although the writing is enjoyable in places, it didn’t fully pull me in. There were stretches where it felt tedious despite the overall simplicity. For me, it ended up being more of a “finish so I can move on” read than one I felt invested in.
Nemesis Mine has all the ingredients I usually love with enemies-to-lovers, witty banter, and a whimsical fantasy setting, but somehow it never fully clicked for me. While the premise is adorable and the character work is genuinely delightful, the overall reading experience felt a bit uneven.
When I turned the final page, my first thought was that this would likely be one I forget fairly quickly. Not because it’s bad, in fact far from it, but because nothing ever pushed it beyond “cute enough” for me personally.
The characters are easily the highlight. Their arcs are charming, their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved that their growth stems from compromise, self-awareness, and finding middle ground rather than dramatic moral swings. Their dynamic is fun, snarky, and sometimes surprisingly tender. If someone is seeking an M/M romance with solid character moments and a touch of playful spice (🌶️🌶️), this absolutely scratches that itch.
I also found the world playful and easy to follow. Even when the pacing felt slow, the tone remained light, humorous, and accessible.
The plot has a cute central concept (and I was drawn by the comparison to Assistant to the Villain) but follows a predictable arc. I never really felt eager to pick the story back up, and although the writing is enjoyable in places, it didn’t fully pull me in. There were stretches where it felt tedious despite the overall simplicity. For me, it ended up being more of a “finish so I can move on” read than one I felt invested in.
November 4, 2025
** ARC Review **
Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer is an absolute joy of a read, blending cozy fantasy with a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com dynamic that genuinely delivers. The premise is fantastic: the "not-so-evil" villain, Cyrus, who spends more time embroidering than tormenting locals, finds his reputation on the decline. Enter Maximillian, the annoyingly perfect hero, who proposes a scheme to fake an epic rivalry to boost both their profiles. What follows is a delightful "fake nemeses-to-lovers" romp that had me smiling from ear to ear.
The core strength of this book is undoubtedly the dynamic between Cyrus (the "black cat") and Maximillian (the "golden retriever"). Their chemistry is electric, and the banter is top-notch. I loved how Max isn't as perfect as he seems, and Cyrus is just a big softie underneath his self-proclaimed "dastardly" exterior. The character development is strong, especially as they both grapple with their public images versus their true selves and, of course, their inconveniently real feelings for each other.
My only minor critique, which keeps it from being a full five stars, is that the pacing felt a little uneven at times; there were moments where the middle lagged just a touch, and the very ending felt a tad rushed. However, this didn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The plot twists were well-executed and kept me engaged, making me eager to see where the story goes next.
If you're in the mood for a fun, queer romantasy with a lot of heart, humor, and memorable characters, Nemesis Mine is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!
Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer is an absolute joy of a read, blending cozy fantasy with a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com dynamic that genuinely delivers. The premise is fantastic: the "not-so-evil" villain, Cyrus, who spends more time embroidering than tormenting locals, finds his reputation on the decline. Enter Maximillian, the annoyingly perfect hero, who proposes a scheme to fake an epic rivalry to boost both their profiles. What follows is a delightful "fake nemeses-to-lovers" romp that had me smiling from ear to ear.
The core strength of this book is undoubtedly the dynamic between Cyrus (the "black cat") and Maximillian (the "golden retriever"). Their chemistry is electric, and the banter is top-notch. I loved how Max isn't as perfect as he seems, and Cyrus is just a big softie underneath his self-proclaimed "dastardly" exterior. The character development is strong, especially as they both grapple with their public images versus their true selves and, of course, their inconveniently real feelings for each other.
My only minor critique, which keeps it from being a full five stars, is that the pacing felt a little uneven at times; there were moments where the middle lagged just a touch, and the very ending felt a tad rushed. However, this didn't detract significantly from the overall enjoyment. The plot twists were well-executed and kept me engaged, making me eager to see where the story goes next.
If you're in the mood for a fun, queer romantasy with a lot of heart, humor, and memorable characters, Nemesis Mine is an excellent choice. I highly recommend it!
November 8, 2025
This was a fun book! I’m not sure if I’d call it cozy — there’s a bit too much (cartoonish) bloodshed for the label — but our villain, Cyrus, does (usually) avoid killing people. He prefers more creative methods…and rather needs to be more creative, since his earth shaking powers are a lie (flower power doesn’t sound quite as villainous)
Max, his nemesis and love interest, steals the show here and I wish we’d had a few chapters from his perspective. As a liar who’s a bit more evil than the heroic image he and the press present to the world at large, I found him more interesting than our pov character who tended to be rather lonesome.
The world building is entertaining and in line with the tone, which is def in line with a guilty pleasure read. Some moments almost took me out (characters recover faster than I could suspend disbelief after being stabbed, villagers seemed a little to gullible when Cyrus made a excuses for not using his earthquake powers) but again, the tone of the book is like a popcorn movie, so it makes it easy to roll with.
The chemistry between Cyrus and Max was excellent, and the book really kicks into gear once they start their nemesis plan. I liked the progression of their relationship and I loved how closely aligned they discovered they were morally as they got to know each other and theirselves
This was a very cute debut and I’m interested to see what Amy Archer writes next! Much thanks to Avon/Harper Voyager & NetGalley for the ARC to review
Max, his nemesis and love interest, steals the show here and I wish we’d had a few chapters from his perspective. As a liar who’s a bit more evil than the heroic image he and the press present to the world at large, I found him more interesting than our pov character who tended to be rather lonesome.
The world building is entertaining and in line with the tone, which is def in line with a guilty pleasure read. Some moments almost took me out (characters recover faster than I could suspend disbelief after being stabbed, villagers seemed a little to gullible when Cyrus made a excuses for not using his earthquake powers) but again, the tone of the book is like a popcorn movie, so it makes it easy to roll with.
The chemistry between Cyrus and Max was excellent, and the book really kicks into gear once they start their nemesis plan. I liked the progression of their relationship and I loved how closely aligned they discovered they were morally as they got to know each other and theirselves
This was a very cute debut and I’m interested to see what Amy Archer writes next! Much thanks to Avon/Harper Voyager & NetGalley for the ARC to review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Nemesis Mine by Amy Archer
4 out of 5 stars
ARC- Releases June 9, 2026
Thank you to Amy Archer, Avon/Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read the book! This review is of my honest opinion 🥰
Nemesis Mine is an MM enemies-to-lovers romance. Cyrus is a wrongdoer who notices that he is no longer feared as he once was. Maximillan is a champion who needs to make sure he is reelected to prove he still has it. So what could go wrong..... or good when the two pair up to create a fake rivalry?
Nemesis Mine is a little slow at the start and can take a bit to get into due to a lot of descriptive detail at the beginning, but it picks up well after that. These extra details that make it seem a little slow actually help create a great story. I could see every scene play out like a movie in my head. It was great!
The tension between the two had me SCREAMING. All I could think was how they just needed to kiss already. And once they did, whew, it was spicy 🤭 But don’t worry, if spice really isn’t your thing, you really only get about two scenes which is perfect for the storyline. I also despised one single character that you'll see a bit of. His jealousy was obvious, but it added a needed depth. If you read this book and you end up hating him too, let me know so we can hate him together.
If a cozy, fantasy world is something you like, take a chance at this Queer romance. It was a cute read with a great twist on fake hating.
4 out of 5 stars
ARC- Releases June 9, 2026
Thank you to Amy Archer, Avon/Harper Voyager, and NetGalley for the opportunity to ARC read the book! This review is of my honest opinion 🥰
Nemesis Mine is an MM enemies-to-lovers romance. Cyrus is a wrongdoer who notices that he is no longer feared as he once was. Maximillan is a champion who needs to make sure he is reelected to prove he still has it. So what could go wrong..... or good when the two pair up to create a fake rivalry?
Nemesis Mine is a little slow at the start and can take a bit to get into due to a lot of descriptive detail at the beginning, but it picks up well after that. These extra details that make it seem a little slow actually help create a great story. I could see every scene play out like a movie in my head. It was great!
The tension between the two had me SCREAMING. All I could think was how they just needed to kiss already. And once they did, whew, it was spicy 🤭 But don’t worry, if spice really isn’t your thing, you really only get about two scenes which is perfect for the storyline. I also despised one single character that you'll see a bit of. His jealousy was obvious, but it added a needed depth. If you read this book and you end up hating him too, let me know so we can hate him together.
If a cozy, fantasy world is something you like, take a chance at this Queer romance. It was a cute read with a great twist on fake hating.
November 26, 2025
People. Friends of mine. This was absolutely delightful. I’m sorry it doesn’t come out until June, but I just couldn’t wait to read it. It is everything I wanted it to be.
So, in the country of Athaca, we have many champions and many wrongdoers (I suspect we don’t call them villains because of that other cozy fantasy series about *the* villain.) Anyway, Cyrus is a wrongdoer and he needs to punch up his reputation. He’s gotten a little complacent and the villagers aren’t so scared of him anymore. What to do? What to do? Start a feud with a champion, of course.
Maximilian is a fit, bronzed champion with a really obnoxious dimple. Cyrus can’t stand him. Looks like he’s the one to feud with. But what’s this? Maximilian has a plan for them to continue to be nemeses, but also fake nemeses for them both to raise their profiles? Well, how could Cyrus turn that down?
The problem now is that they’re planning. And hanging out. And looking at each other. And that dimple stops being so obnoxious.
Highly recommended for lovers of that other cozy fantasy series, a romantic slow burn, people who are more than they seem, and touch him and die vibes.
I received this eARC via @netgalley @AvonBooks @HarperVoyagerUS All thoughts are mine alone.
fantasy novels | romantasy | gay romance | lgbtqia+ | queer main characters | Nemesis Mine | Amy Archer | book recs | recommendations | book reviews
So, in the country of Athaca, we have many champions and many wrongdoers (I suspect we don’t call them villains because of that other cozy fantasy series about *the* villain.) Anyway, Cyrus is a wrongdoer and he needs to punch up his reputation. He’s gotten a little complacent and the villagers aren’t so scared of him anymore. What to do? What to do? Start a feud with a champion, of course.
Maximilian is a fit, bronzed champion with a really obnoxious dimple. Cyrus can’t stand him. Looks like he’s the one to feud with. But what’s this? Maximilian has a plan for them to continue to be nemeses, but also fake nemeses for them both to raise their profiles? Well, how could Cyrus turn that down?
The problem now is that they’re planning. And hanging out. And looking at each other. And that dimple stops being so obnoxious.
Highly recommended for lovers of that other cozy fantasy series, a romantic slow burn, people who are more than they seem, and touch him and die vibes.
I received this eARC via @netgalley @AvonBooks @HarperVoyagerUS All thoughts are mine alone.
fantasy novels | romantasy | gay romance | lgbtqia+ | queer main characters | Nemesis Mine | Amy Archer | book recs | recommendations | book reviews
November 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This was a pretty good book. Cyrus is a professional bad guy, who even went to a guild for it, and is looking to make a name for himself. However he's approached by Maximillian, a hero, who proposes that they work together to bolster both of their reputations. They stage fights across the land, and end up falling in love along the way.
The humor was good, as we only get Cyrus's point of view, so it's mostly what he plans on doing to mess with people. I loved that his parents thought he was a florist! The relationship between Max and Cyrus wasn't fully developed though, but rather just sort of happened. We didn’t get much of Cyrus's thoughts on it, other than some attraction between them. The book did drag in the middle for me though, and I felt it was too long. The real excitement didn't start until the last 15% of the book.
The length is what kept the book from being 4 stars for me. It was a cute concept and I did enjoy it for the most part. I want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager along with NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
No third act breakup
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/M
Fantasy Romance
The humor was good, as we only get Cyrus's point of view, so it's mostly what he plans on doing to mess with people. I loved that his parents thought he was a florist! The relationship between Max and Cyrus wasn't fully developed though, but rather just sort of happened. We didn’t get much of Cyrus's thoughts on it, other than some attraction between them. The book did drag in the middle for me though, and I felt it was too long. The real excitement didn't start until the last 15% of the book.
The length is what kept the book from being 4 stars for me. It was a cute concept and I did enjoy it for the most part. I want to thank Avon and Harper Voyager along with NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I voluntarily chose to leave a review.
No third act breakup
3/5 on the Spicy Scale
M/M
Fantasy Romance
November 25, 2025
Rating: 3.5
This was a tricky one. The premise sounds so good, but the execution was... just okay. There are two federations: one for wrongdoers and one for champions. Never the two shall meet. Except when a champion approaches a wrongdoer to shake it up a bit because it was becoming too monotonous. They both get more than they bargained for, and neither are really what they seem. The story is told from Cyrus’s pov, the wrongdoer. I think what would have taken this up a notch would have been to get the pov of Maximilian, the champion.
This story had plenty of humor and action, a little spice, but it was the pacing that didn’t work for me. There were some parts that was just so narrative heavy that it lulled a bit. I thought the betrayal was easy to see coming; however, it didn’t take away from the story. I will say that for 417 pages, some of the narratives weren’t needed, which would have made the story shorter—and wouldn’t have felt like it dragged. However, the humor was amazing!
So, while I enjoyed this (I started reading it two days after getting it in the mail), I can’t say it was my favorite, but quite enjoyable!
This was a tricky one. The premise sounds so good, but the execution was... just okay. There are two federations: one for wrongdoers and one for champions. Never the two shall meet. Except when a champion approaches a wrongdoer to shake it up a bit because it was becoming too monotonous. They both get more than they bargained for, and neither are really what they seem. The story is told from Cyrus’s pov, the wrongdoer. I think what would have taken this up a notch would have been to get the pov of Maximilian, the champion.
This story had plenty of humor and action, a little spice, but it was the pacing that didn’t work for me. There were some parts that was just so narrative heavy that it lulled a bit. I thought the betrayal was easy to see coming; however, it didn’t take away from the story. I will say that for 417 pages, some of the narratives weren’t needed, which would have made the story shorter—and wouldn’t have felt like it dragged. However, the humor was amazing!
So, while I enjoyed this (I started reading it two days after getting it in the mail), I can’t say it was my favorite, but quite enjoyable!
October 29, 2025
I love the 'I'm only looking at his stupid beautiful face, lovely eyes and stupid perfect hair because I hate him' energy!
Set in a medieval-ish fantasy world Maximillian and Cyrus both need reputation repairs. One needs his people to fear him while the other needs his people to remember how valiant and good he is. If they pretend to have a feud and battle each other in very public settings it will help them both out. The problem is, in order to pull the whole thing off they'll need to spend time with each other, and then they'll get to know each other.
Cyrus is malevolently mischievous and doesn't murder people often, and Max is noble and good most of the time.
This is a pretty light book because of the setting, the "good guys" are called Champions, and the "bad guys" are called Wrongdoers. There's still some tension in the story and the romance though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you like cozy-ish fantasy and queer romance I 100% recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Set in a medieval-ish fantasy world Maximillian and Cyrus both need reputation repairs. One needs his people to fear him while the other needs his people to remember how valiant and good he is. If they pretend to have a feud and battle each other in very public settings it will help them both out. The problem is, in order to pull the whole thing off they'll need to spend time with each other, and then they'll get to know each other.
Cyrus is malevolently mischievous and doesn't murder people often, and Max is noble and good most of the time.
This is a pretty light book because of the setting, the "good guys" are called Champions, and the "bad guys" are called Wrongdoers. There's still some tension in the story and the romance though.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you like cozy-ish fantasy and queer romance I 100% recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
dnf
November 13, 2025This is not a review. It is notes on my reading as this was an advanced copy and I ultimately DNF the book.
Thank you to Amy Archer, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
Regrettably I did not finish this book. I did not enjoy it and I knew I would not enjoy it by the second chapter. I did sample a few other chapters, but ultimately this book was not for me. What I did read of it, there was no problem with any grammar or spelling that I saw. I generally like irreverent or whimsical fantasy, but this was so densely packed in a wall of text in the first two chapters with a great info dump of exposition, it fatigued me. I did like that it opened up with action but I did not enjoy the main characters verbose inner dialogue. I think I would break that up a little bit because it was quite a frenetic opening and actually made me a bit anxious. I wish the author well.
Thank you to Amy Archer, Harper Collins, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.
Regrettably I did not finish this book. I did not enjoy it and I knew I would not enjoy it by the second chapter. I did sample a few other chapters, but ultimately this book was not for me. What I did read of it, there was no problem with any grammar or spelling that I saw. I generally like irreverent or whimsical fantasy, but this was so densely packed in a wall of text in the first two chapters with a great info dump of exposition, it fatigued me. I did like that it opened up with action but I did not enjoy the main characters verbose inner dialogue. I think I would break that up a little bit because it was quite a frenetic opening and actually made me a bit anxious. I wish the author well.
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