Enemies at the Altar

by Skye Wilson

Their families have been at war for fifteen years. The council just made them husband and wife.

Esmerelda Lovell didn't want a wedding. She definitely didn't want this wedding. But the alternative is exile, and she refuses to let Marcus Benyamina be the reason her family loses everything.

She'll play the blushing bride.
She'll smile through the vows.
She'll survive one reception.

What she won't do is fall for the man whose family attacked hers, whose composure infuriates her, and who — for reasons she refuses to examine — her wolf has absolutely no complaints about.

One forced marriage. Two people who can't stand each other. Zero chance this ends the way either of them planned.

Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers romance with bite, forced proximity that gets very complicated, heroines who would genuinely consider stabbing their husband at the altar, and heroes who are secretly losing their minds about it.

Genres: Paranormal

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2026

Reviews

[Khadejah Ibrahim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
1.5⭐️
The book wasn’t bad, but I felt like it contained a lot of details—many of which didn’t seem to have a clear source or purpose, and they weren’t really used later in the story. At times, it felt like the author was trying to include too many elements at once. I’m not sure if this novel is part of a larger world or series; if it is, that might explain some of the extra details and the characters who appeared briefly.
I also started the book with a certain expectation about the story, but it ended up being quite different from what I had in mind.
The heroine wasn’t bad, but she did feel a bit frustrating in some situations. As for the male lead, he was just okay for me. Not really that remarkable.
Unfortunately, this story simply wasn’t for me, but I still appreciate the author for the opportunity to read it early.

[Derryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in early March which I devoured in one sitting (9 March). I was so excited for release day that I reread this yesterday. 

I really enjoyed this book. It had everything that I enjoy as a comfort read: Enemies-to-lovers, shifters, possessive alpha, action, humorous / strong and supportive side characters (I want a Belvedere), and magic.

Firstly, a big thank you for the cover art. I can't "see" images in a book so it was great to have the characters (according to the authors) available for me to visualise as I read.

The FMC is initially portrayed as hard, brash and overly independent. Throughout the journey we are introduced to all sides of her and we see her "softening". The MMC actually asks himself "Is she fragile or is she strong?". The answer is yes.

We are initially led to see the MMC as an academic, pedantic and soft who assumes the role of peacekeeper. As the story progresses, we see the unpeeling of layers to see the sure, steady, confident and brave alpha emerge (just plain swoonworthy). We see him "hardening".

The final stage of the transition in their journey is the final battle which is the "equaliser" and we see them as partners who are better side by side.

A few things that I noted:
I hope they have a good dental plan for all the jaw clamping / tightening and teeth grinding
I wasn't sure about the mention of "true love's kiss" which was brought up a few random times that didn't go anywhere 
I was very confused about what happened to their families. They mention "killer our families", them being lost / gone. So I, naturally, assumed they were dead. Turns out the spell could be reversed which we find out at like 60%
We don't really see the wrap up of the villains. Max was taken care of but which council member betrayed them (as mentioned in the bdsm club). What happened to other packs and alphas who sided with the bad guy.
I wanted more scenes with the dogs 😁😁😁

All in all, a fantastic read!

Series: Standalone 
HEA: Yes
Spice Level: 3 🌶 

[Tash Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review - Enemies at the Altar by Skye Wilson.

The cover of this book is so pretty!!

Arranged or forced marriage by the council and Alpha. Usually I find and arranged marriage trope interesting and I love seeing how the characters feelings develop.
However in this story I did get that happy giddy feeling. This is also not your normal wolf shifter story, I think there was only one scene in the whole story where the wolves actually made an appearance so you kind of forget they are actually shifters and it gives the book a different feeling.

Esmeralda was a strong FMC but just too annoying. Her feelings only ever existed through lust and I felt some of the steamy scenes where put in the book to make up pages, especially at the end of the book where literally 2 chapters after each other is smut. If you are a smutty reader who loves it then you will enjoy it, I just prefer the scenes to be a bit less forced.

The MMC, Marcus, starts out as a very handsome and broody book nerd and then all of a sudden he’s an alpha and all the research and nerdiness goes away. He remains a male character with good qualities and the protective aspect is always nice, but again, the real feelings never made an appearance during the course of the book, only how he couldn’t keep his eyes off his wife. I would have liked some more feelings from both main characters.

The side characters were great tho. Very different and I liked the bit of magic that was brought in, but it didn’t always make sense.

Thank you to Special Fiction Books for sending a copy of this book for my honest review.

[Shannon Gueffroy-Fourie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies at the Altar by Skye Wilson offers an engaging entry point into the paranormal romance genre, particularly for readers who are curious about supernatural elements but prefer them to complement, rather than dominate, the central love story. The werewolf aspect is thoughtfully integrated, enhancing the narrative without overwhelming it.

The novel follows Esmerelda and Marcus as they navigate a deeply unwanted arranged marriage, and in an effort to save their respective families. At its core, the story explores themes of trust, loyalty, and vulnerability. As two characters positioned as enemies are forced into close proximity, the question becomes: how do you learn to trust someone you’ve been raised to oppose?

Wilson skillfully develops this dynamic through a slow-burn romance, where tension and attraction build steadily. The use of alternating narrative perspectives allows readers insight into both protagonists’ inner thoughts, adding depth to their emotional journeys and creating a more immersive reading experience.

Balancing the darker undertones of familial obligation and conflict, the novel incorporates moments of humour that provide levity and warmth. This interplay between light and dark elements contributes to a well-rounded and enjoyable reading experience.

Overall, Enemies at the Altar is a well-written and compelling story, recommended for readers seeking a romance-driven narrative with a subtle yet effective paranormal twist.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enemies at the Altar hooked me right away with its premise, warring families, a forced marriage, and two characters who would absolutely rather stab each other than say “I do.” It’s a setup that promises tension, angst, and bite… and for a good portion of the book, it delivers.

Esmerelda and Marcus have that classic enemies-to-lovers friction: sharp dialogue, simmering tension, and just enough underlying pull to keep things interesting. The forced proximity works well, and I enjoyed watching their dynamic shift (even if reluctantly). There’s definitely a push-and-pull that keeps you engaged early on.

That said, the pacing started to lose me toward the end. Around the 80% mark, I found myself skimming just to get through the final stretch. It didn’t completely fall apart, but the momentum that carried the first part of the story didn’t quite hold all the way through.

The overall vibe honestly reminded me of a really well-written story you’d find on Archive of Our Own: compelling, trope-forward, and enjoyable, but not necessarily the best in the genre.

If you love:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Forced marriage
✨ Family rivalry
✨ Strong-willed FMCs

It’s still worth picking up. It just might not be the most memorable version of those tropes out there.

[Alexis D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I love this book so much!!! I finished the book in one day!! I couldn't put it the dook down.

[Katherine Mihok · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay for me

[S Walker]

67% DNF What a non story, magic magic description description, its dual POV but i can’t tell the difference, in spite of all the chaos and drama, so bland

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the time given to the relationship. There was a lot of one step forward two step back, especially throughout the middle as they were struggling to understand each other and wrestling with more of their deeper trust/family feud issues.
There are a lot of really interesting secondary characters. And I like how they band together a bit. They make a great team. There is a bit of a mystery I suppose. Something is a bit hinky in the world and there is a lot of time developed to the team discovering what is going on. Plenty of action and drama results.
I did have trouble deciding between 3 and 4 but I am a sucker for enemies to lovers so it won me over. My one big issue is the lack of world building. There is none. It feels like this is a book further into an established series because people/constructs/social structures are casually referred to with no background or explanation. But I checked multiple times and this seems to be a one off. Overall if you read enough of this general type of paranormal it's easy enough to figure out, but I often felt just a bit lost in the world. Also both of their family businesses are treated like they are very important in society but it's never explained what they actually are.
I did feel a little bit lost in the book a few times. Almost like I was missing something, but then would get caught up in the action again. A few things are brought up in the beginning and never returned to, sometimes characters answer questions that aren't asked, and react to things that haven't happened.
I really did enjoy this though. The mystery is emotional and really drives things along well. The whole foursome (not that way) seems like great fun even in trying times. And seriously I don't think anyone could ask for better ride or dies than Leo and Min. Definitely worth the read, even with the minor issues.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies at the Altar was awesome! This is my first Skye Wilson book, and I feel like I've been missing out. The descriptions were amazing, especially when it came to the council's meeting place; it was vivid and absolutely magical. At first, I was convinced this was high fantasy (there's a lady's maid), but I was quick to realize that wasn't the case when an Audi and UCLA were mentioned. That was cool. I like it when the supernatural world is mixed in with the humans, but hidden in plain sight. When I started, I thought that the story would follow the usual script, and I knew what was coming, but I was wrong, and I couldn't be happier.


The plot was incredible. I didn't get the standard enemies-to-lovers. There was mystery, murder, and overall mayhem. Two rival shifter families and an arranged marriage where the couple can't stand each other. The battle of wills between Esme and Marcus was the best. They constantly antagonized each other. It was basically war. I liked Esme's fire and how close her family was. It took a minute to really like Marcus, but he won me over. Both were very judgmental of each other because of rumors, which is funny because they were very similar. It's a thin line between love and hate. I loved the little moments when their attraction to one another got the best of them. The twist was good. Not only did I not expect it, but it's also moved the story forward. I enjoyed all the hijinks and different locations. The story came together pretty smoothly, and I was never bored.

[Soren Alaric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies at the Altar is a bold, tension filled romance that delivers exactly what enemies to lovers fans are looking for sharp chemistry, forced proximity, and constant emotional friction.
From the start, the premise pulls you in: two people from rival families forced into marriage to prevent further conflict. The stakes are immediate, and the tension never really lets up.
Esmerelda is a standout character. She’s strong-willed, sharp, and completely unwilling to surrender emotionally, even when circumstances force her into a situation she never wanted. Her internal resistance and determination to stay in control make her both compelling and entertaining.
Marcus, on the other hand, brings a quieter intensity. His composure contrasts perfectly with Esmerelda’s fire, and that dynamic creates a constant push-and-pull between them. What makes it even more interesting is the underlying connection neither of them fully wants to acknowledge.
The paranormal element adds another layer, especially with the instinctive bond that complicates their feelings. It raises the stakes beyond just family politics and makes their relationship feel inevitable, even when they’re fighting it.
This is a story driven by tension emotional, romantic, and situational and it keeps you engaged the entire time.

[Noelle Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was okay. Like other reviewers, there were a few times where I wondered if it was part of an interconnected series because of random name dropping and event dropping and such. The big bad seemed to come out of nowhere, with stories and history we weren't given much detail about.

We learned what the MMC's family's business was (at least, I'm assuming the secret relocation stuff was family and not his personal thing). He was supposed to be a book nerd and researcher and healer, but I didn't see much of the healer aspect other than at the very end. I still don't know what the FMC's family's business was. They never talked about their mutual misinformation about the other. At one point, she accepts that the horrors his family were believed to have committed were NOT committed by him or his family and yet he's still "the enemy".

Writing/editing-wise, there were a few places where the same phrases were used in both POVs, and in one instance, the same half of a sentence was used, verbatim, at the start of the very next paragraph. There were also a few repetitive phrases that started to feel like overkill, especially toward the end. Things like "choice" and "mine" and variations on those were repeated so much that I started skimming.

[María José Yugo]

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and in this case, they’re right—the cover is gorgeous, but the story isn’t. Yes, I picked this book because of its cover, and the synopsis promised a lot too. It started off strong (right from the first sentence), but everything went downhill around the 50% mark.
The plot development is surprising, I guess. The twist Wilson throws in is probably meant to shock us with its unpredictability, but it just left me feeling pretty meh. To add more excitement to the overall story, she neglected a key point of the romantic tension—and that’s what I was here for.
Still, I kept reading out of curiosity and to see how she’d resolve the tension she’d wiped out in an instant. Turns out, it was so bland that at one point, I didn’t even feel like reading anymore. I didn’t want to hit a reading slump because of it, so I’m calling it quits.
What’s funny is that after deciding to drop it, I didn’t even feel the urge to skip to the end to see what happened. Not even a hint of intrigue could pull me back in.

[Kathleen Leyshon · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆ – A fun, emotional enemies-to-lovers ride

Enemies at the Altar delivers exactly what fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope are looking for—sharp banter, simmering tension, and a satisfying emotional payoff. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their back-and-forth keeps the story engaging from start to finish.

What really stands out is how the author balances humor with deeper emotional moments. As the story unfolds, you get glimpses of vulnerability beneath the characters’ stubborn exteriors, which makes their journey feel more authentic and rewarding.

That said, some plot points feel a bit predictable, and certain conflicts could have been explored in more depth. Still, the pacing is strong, and the romance more than makes up for any minor shortcomings.

Overall, this is a highly enjoyable read—perfect if you love tension-filled romances with plenty of heart.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a bit longer than I expected to finish this book, but it was a good read. The characters felt well-developed, and, I'll admit it, I thought someone else was gonna be revealed as the villain until the ACTUAL villain was introduced. I'm still a little annoyed we didn't find out who the mole was, or why the were a mole, though

There were a few issues I noticed with stuff like POV switching for a paragraph or two during some chapters and missing and/or repeated words, but, since I was reading an eARC, I assume that will be/was fixed in final editing, and didn't let it reflect in my review score.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Perfect for readers who love enemies-to-lovers romance with bite, forced proximity that gets very complicated, heroines who would genuinely consider stabbing their husband at the altar, and heroes who are secretly losing their minds about it.'

Luv'd everything about this story!

The characters were very appealing and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheryl Tickell · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!!

What a journey this book takes you on!! I love Skye Wilson as her books always keep you engulfed and engaged in them. You love enemies to lovers ?? This book is for you!! Can you imagine a forced marriage between families that believe the other is responsible for crimes and deaths against their family?? Threatening to exile the entire pack if the marriage doesn’t happen?? Well……yup here you go… A huge ,huge bonus is the side characters in this book are just as interesting and added an important layer all their own , it was fantastic!! This book exceeded all my expectations and more , such a great read!! Highly recommend!!

[Tabbatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the Read

I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but I enjoyed the snark, intrigue, the simmering attraction. The characters were enjoyable and entertaining. Belvedere was endearing. Minerva had an unexpected personality that was perfect. Leonard was the perfect blend of bff, comedic relief and battle buddy. Serafina was a solid, quiet strength. Esmerela and Marcus were fun to watch go through the gamut of emotions. Each learning the other was not the epitome of their reputations and rumors, but were more complex.
While the ending was pretty predictable, I still enjoyed reading this story.

[Chené Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟 🌟🌟🌟💫
This was such a great addictive read. It has everything I want from a Romantasy Enemies to Lovers book. mystery. tension. betrayl. yearning. found family.

The story keeps you invested and wondering what could possibly happen next.
Both of the MCs, Esmeralda + Marcus are intriguing and when the tension hits, it hits hard.
I loved the way Skye brought the story together in the end, it had me teary-eyed and rooting for the characters.
Favorite Character: Belvedere
Definitely recommend to all the fantasy girlies 🤩 and how gorgeous is that cover 😍

[Sequoia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this book. Honestly probably would have rated it 4.5 stars if that were an option, but there were a few errors (which should be a fairly easy editing fix) where it seemed that they got confused as to which POV they were writing from which made reading it a little disjointed. I also felt like certain parts of the story happened a little too quickly to the point where it wasn’t really clear what was happening… it just sort of happened.

I think with a little tweaking this could easily be a 5 star book. Fun to read and easy to be absorbed, well done to the authors involved!

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so very late review im so sorry ahah x

was blessed to be an ARC. It's a good book. defs has the enemies to lovers xx
if you love shifters and vampires then this book is for you.
Did i cry yes yes i did aha im going soft x
my fav quote
"I could kill Leonard for intruding on my time with Esmerelda. The thought of him almost seeing her naked makes me want to rip his eyeballs out and shave them up his ass so he can see what an asshole he is."

[Madeleine Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Marcus and Esme. They were ordered to marry and both of them hated each other for murders commits by each side. or were they. I love the side characters almost as much as the main characters.
We have enemies to lovers, magic, murder, comedy, and so much more.
I loved the plot and the constant movement of the story. it was a long road to get to the HEA but well worth the read. It took me a day to get through over 650 pages but was enjoyable to do.

[Emma Dowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh how I loved Esme and Marcus.
I wasn’t sure at first with the forced marriage.
But wow did the story pick up, I loved there connection and journey!
Marcus the man you are - and he reads *heart eyes*
I have always loved Skye Wilson books and it’s an honour to read an arc!
Books cover are always beautiful! Definitely would recommend reading this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read. Not just a love story.

This was a nice book and I enjoyed it. I didn’t have that “can’t put it down” feeling and it took me a while to finish as a result but it was well written with a good storyline. Something was missing, I am just not sure what!
I liked that the main characters didn’t go from hating each other to loving each other quickly, it was a slow and gradual build.
All in all worth a read.

[Tasneem · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rival families, an arranged marriage, and a dinner party that changes everything. Enemies at the Altar is a fast-paced supernatural romance bursting with violence and lust at the seams. Banter and betrayal and suspicion and the need for revenge permeate every page- and then there's the spice. While the book fell a bit short of my expectations, the premise (and that cover!) definitely piqued my interest.

[Katy Meow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it

I did enjoy reading this book but was also confused in places. Like why Alaric had to end his life and why the result in the epilogue took over a year when it should’ve happened much sooner as no obstacles or preventions were mentioned. I feel like the enemy was just introduced with very little background information.

I liked the slow burn and denial in their relationship a well as the found family they created along the way.

[Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this enemies to lovers trope. Esmeralda is the wild, fun girl from a big family and Marcus is the single child who keeps to himself and I love that he is a bookworm too.

I thought Marcus’ job was very interesting and the world they were in was well developed. Their supporting friends Min and Leonard were sweet too.

One thing that threw me off was a lot of thoughts out loud that I didn’t think need to be included and were at times cringe.

Still 5/5 for me, loved the book. Thank you for my first ARC!

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like high intensity stories with great characters ( and not just the main ones ) this is for you .Part of a series but no cliff hanger and you dont have to read any others to enjoy this one . Good range of emotions and lots of laughs amongst the tears with each character growing in strength as they grow together.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that is captivating, engaging and will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. An arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, a chemistry that is positively electric and a couple whose banter is second to none. If you like these tropes then you will enjoy Esmerelda and Marcus's story and how they find a happiness they never thought they would get.

[Roxanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had way too many things added to it that it didn’t need. The POVs were so similar that I constantly had to check which one I was reading. The author seemed to have the same problem since she too sometimes mixed them up in chapters.

Story itself was decent but didn’t need all the added extras in it