This was such a solid romantasy debut. It started to feel a little long during the third act, specifically with the amount of things Julia goes through. It definitely helps her gain perspective, but this part dragged on so long that I felt myself losing interest a little bit. Overall I really enjoyed the mix of tension between our main characters Julia and Alaric, the found family Julia developed amongst Alaric's men, and the tensions between the Huns, Visigoths, and Romans. It was definitely a page turner for the most part.

3.75 stars, would have been 4 if the ending did not feel so rushed.

I really liked the first 80% of this book where we follow Julia as she gets abducted by a warrior and they fall in love. The way this was written really felt like a historical fantasy, but since it did not have any magical elements there really was not any fantasy. The sexual tension and banter between the two characters was fantastic, but once I got to the 80% mark, I felt so confused by how the story played out. I felt that last 20% had way to much going on crammed into it and the plot twists and turns were not able to really feel shocking or effective because we had to move past them to get to the next plot point so quickly. If the last 20% were edited down, I would have rated this story a little bit higher.

I had a TON of fun reading this decline-of-the-Roman-Empire set historical romance pairing Alaric, King of the Goths, with Julia, daughter of the Roman Emperor. Julia wants to escape an unwanted marriage, so when a fight breaks out during a banquet she hands Alaric a knife so he can take her hostage and get them both out of there. From that point, it's a grueling road trip/ enemies to lovers/ culture clash romance between the two strong-willed characters.

I am a historical romance reader, and as a historical romance? This bangs. It's kind of a historical retelling - Alaric is a historical figure, and from what I gathered from my internet searches a lot of the events in the novel also took place. I know very little about this time period, so "anachronisms" like Julia's title as princess didn't jar me at all. (I would also ask those bothered by this kind of thing to consider that perhaps these more familiar terms were chosen so that readers like me could understand the political relationships without having to consult a history textbook or a glossary.) I will say that the ending of the book felt a bit rushed, with several plot points taking place over several months in the span of a few pages - especially after the long road trip that takes up most of the beginning of the book.

All in all, though, I think this is a great addition to the HistRom landscape, and I'm SUPER excited to read more by Williamson!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

3.5 stars -- I love books set during the days of the Roman Empire and so I could not get my hands on his historical fiction piece fast enough.

Alaric and Julia are two headstrong leaders that won't back down from a fight -- for their own freedom, and eventually for their relationship together. Though she is a Roman princess, she quickly wins over the other men in Alaric's traveling troupe of warriors and realizes the best way to avoid being sent back to Rome to her brother is to become the wife of the King of the Goths.

While the miscommunication trope had a STARRING ROLE in this story and had me ready to rip my hair out in the end, this was a powerful and action packed romance that read like a bodice-ripper but was incredibly entertaining nonetheless.

I’m going to be completely honest, I was not a fan of the book. I liked the concept of it and the tropes it has but, the execution of it was not my favorite. The story is written in 3rd POV. However, it took me a minute to understand whose pov we were following cause it will cut to the next one dramatically. I would have loved to have liked this one based on the premise but, I just did not.

To preface: I know NOTHING about the Romans so I took the “historical events” at face value. I’ve read in some reviews that the history is inaccurate in some parts. This had no bearing on my review.

I was excited to receive this ARC - the premise was interesting. I can say that I enjoyed this novel a LOT. I felt connected to the characters and genuinely was invested in their wellbeing throughout. I attribute this to Williamson’s superb writing and character building. The writing kept me intrigued. Both MCs grew as the story went on…there’s nothing better than character development.

I would’ve liked more of long game rather than instalust…this story really had the potential for these characters to burn slowly until it ignited.

Overall, this was such a good read and I plan on reading more of Williamson’s books. Writing was on point and I would LOVE to explore more of their amazing work!

Julia, the pawn in a political game, is betrothed to her arrogant younger brother's ruthless advisor. She refuses to be a bartering prize or bow to her brother's oppressive rule, so she finds herself in an unlikely ally in Alaric, the King of the Goths and the enemy of Rome. Julia is defiant and reckless, mixed with strength and wit. Her decisions lead her into dangerous territory and continuous miscommunication with Alaric. Their relationship is one of suspicion and attraction.

The tension between Julia and Alaric is electric. Their relationship evolves into a game of survival and power, brimming with desire. Alaric is a principled warlord, the perfect counterpart to Julia's palace life, making their interactions as thrilling as they are unpredictable. The relationship is passionate and grows more throughout the story.

The story has a very slow pace until midway through the book. Some issues came off as repetitive. Some of the romance scenes were added as filler and did not serve to propel the story forward or deepen the relationship between Julia and Alaric. The political intrigue was compelling and helped develop the characters. The high stakes stressed Julia's deeply personal struggles and all the women of that time, making her journey all the more poignant. It is rewarding to see women refuse societal standards to make their way in the world.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press.

Historical romance set during the Roman Empire? I’m gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson is a historical romance novel set during the Roman Empire right before its official split into the Western and Eastern empires. We follow our main characters Julia, the daughter of the late emperor Theodosius, and Alaric, King of the Goths (a nomadic group of people who fought against Roman rule).

I’m always looking for romance/fantasy books set in antiquity and as someone who loves ancient history, this was definitely a fun read! It’s important to note that this is a romance that takes place within the backdrop of the Roman Empire, not a play-by-play of historical events with a sprinkle of romance thrown in, so adjust your expectations accordingly. In terms of history, Alaric was the actual King of the Goths responsible for the sack of Rome in the 400’s. As far as I can tell, Emperor Theodosius didn’t have a daughter named Julia, but he had one named Galla Placidia who was likely who Julia was based on since she was kidnapped by Alaric like Julia was. My “Roman Empire” is the Roman Empire and I like how Williamson weaved together fiction and history to make for a compelling story and enemies-to-lovers romance!

This book is definitely in the same vein as bodice rippers and has the same energy as a Highlander romance in the best possible way. While I did feel that the relationship between Julia and Alaric was very insta love-ey, I did eat up the push and pull between them. They both were using each other for their own gain while fighting their feelings which made for a juicy story. In addition to Julia and Alaric, the side characters were also really great. Definitely check this out if historical romance is your thing!

It comes out February 4th!

Jenny Williamson’s *Enemy of My Dreams* is a dazzling blend of intrigue, romance, and richly imagined fantasy that captivates from the first page to the last. With masterful storytelling and vivid prose, Williamson creates a tale brimming with tension, heart, and unexpected twists that keep readers enthralled.

The pacing of the novel is spot-on, seamlessly weaving action, mystery, and moments of emotional depth. Williamson balances fast-moving plot developments with quieter, introspective scenes that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters and their struggles.

The characters are a highlight of the story, especially the dynamic between the protagonist and their so-called "enemy." Their relationship is layered, complex, and electric, filled with simmering tension and moments of vulnerability that make it impossible to look away. The protagonist’s journey of growth and self-discovery is beautifully handled, and the supporting cast adds depth and richness to the narrative.

The world-building is stunning, immersing readers in a setting filled with vivid landscapes, intricate politics, and a magic system that feels both fresh and immersive. Every detail, from the smallest cultural nuances to the broader stakes of the world’s conflicts, is carefully crafted, making the story feel fully alive.

*Enemy of My Dreams* is a perfect read for fans of romantic fantasy with high stakes and unforgettable characters. Jenny Williamson has crafted a story that lingers in the mind and heart, delivering a tale of love, trust, and the thin line between enemies and allies. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good enemies-to-lovers adventure! I’m very excited to see what Jenny does next.

I have developed a fairly recent love for historical romance novels, and I love mythology, so I was really excited to receive this book. This book had an interesting idea, I just wish there was some more research done and some more development in characters and conflict.

At the beginning of the book, in the prologue, we meet Alaric, who has been helping lead the Romans armies despite being a Visigoth. All he is fighting for is land for his people to settle on, however, the current emperor of Rome declines him this promise he has been making for years, and Alaric turns on him. Fast forward to the first chapter and we come upon Julia, the daughter of the emperor, after her father has passed. Julia is an intelligent woman, who parties her life away to dull the lack of life she is allowed to live. Her brother, the new emperor, Honorius, is unamused with her antics and has plans to marry her off. She ends up being "kidnapped" by Alaric and going on a wild adventure.

I love anything that is Greek or Roman history or mythology, so this was right up my alley. I definitely think it may not be historically accurate - especially calling Julia a princess (maybe edit this). I still enjoyed the book for the most part, minus the insta-love (authors we must stop doing this and work on slow burns). The pairing was funny though - I enjoyed the antics of Julia especially when would plot some idea to mess with Alaric such as putting nettles in his bed. All of the side characters were fun - I especially liked Horsa and Thorismund.

Overall an easy historical fiction romance to read! However, if this is the only book in the series and the last page was the actual ending then that is trash. You build up this whole story only for us not to be able to see all the struggles and fighting it took to get the Roman Empire I will lose my mind with anger and annoyance. If this is the case - def moving it down to 3 stars, but until this is proven it will be 4 stars.

I wish I could have stopped reading. So many jumps between the two main characters it was hard to focus. Felt rushed in the pacing. Although it was off to a great start, after the failed escape, it felt like the plot was getting in the authors way and they were rushing to yet to the sexual tension and smut.

I'm picky about historical romance, but this one absolutely exceeded my expectations. The hero and heroine have my HEART. This is an epic story with very high stakes, and I loved every moment. Spoiler alert for the next part: there is, unfortunately, a third act break-up that made me want to throw my phone out of a window, but I have to say; the author did a great job at bringing them back together. I don't know much about ancient Rome so I can't speak on the historical accuracy of it all, but I quite enjoyed being in this world. I highly recommend this to any historical romance readers. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

Julia, daughter of the Roman Emperor and then sister to the new Roman Emperor, is fighting her oppression through enjoying Bacchanalian delights. However, when she hears that she will be wed to her brother’s evil advisor, she decides to take matters into her own hand. Enter Alaric, King of the Goths. Julia goads Alaric into kidnapping her. They, along with Alaric’s group of merry warriors race through the empire, fighting off political enemies and many attacks.

Eager to experience a historical romance set outside of the Regency or Victorian eras, I jumped on the chance to read this book. Unfortunately, I found the constant plot complications tedious and the characters inconsistent. Instead of one clear overarching story, this felt like a collage of problems, and I became a bit exhausted. The constant issues and action felt similar to Bound to the Battle God by Ruby Dixon, so people who love that book may find this book appealing.

I also found Julia’s character to be contradictory–her values and choices seemed to be all over the place. Julia and Alaric’s relationship went through several setbacks, and while some of this were due to external conflicts, others were extraneous self-doubts that seemed repetitive. Alaric had moments of humor and appeal, and his character seemed more consistent.

I never found myself sinking into this book. I consider myself a diverse romance reader, but I could escape into this one. It may find more success with Roman history enthusiasts or with people who love complex stories inspired by epics.

These opinions are just mine. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the Arc and for the opportunity.

Enemy of My Dreams is a mesmerizing dance of desire and defiance that will leave readers breathless. While the political machinations of ancient Rome provide a sumptuous backdrop, it's the incandescent romance between Julia and Alaric that truly ignites the pages.

Williamson's transforms the well-worn "enemies to lovers" trope into a fresh, pulsating narrative. The initial sparks of lust between Julia and Alaric smolder and flare, eventually blazing into a conflagration of deeper emotions that threatens to consume them both. The unexpected spiciness of this book will thrill fans of romance.

At the heart of this literary inferno stands Julia, a protagonist whose growth arc is as captivating as it is inspiring. Williamson has crafted a heroine who is at once feisty, intelligent, and gloriously defiant of the fate thrust upon her by birth and circumstance. Julia's journey from imperial pawn to master of her own destiny offers a deeply satisfying exploration of female empowerment in a historically restrictive setting.

However, the alternating viewpoints within chapters occasionally disrupt the narrative flow. This stylistic decision, though potentially disorienting, does offer a kaleidoscopic view of the unfolding drama, allowing readers into the psyches of the characters.

Overall, it's an enthralling romance that doesn't shy away from the complexities of desire, power, and personal growth.

Thank you, Canary Street Press and NetGalley, for my free book for review.

First, I'd love to thank Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC Netgalley of this book. Seriously, I cannot thank them enough, because I am so fortunate to discover so many amazing new reads through them!

So we all know that we sometimes categorize things as "My Roman Empire?" Well, this is LITERALLY about the Roman Empire (about the beginning of the end, that is), and I am obsessed.

I absolutely love when a historical book feels like fantasy more than real life, and wow did this one fit the bill! I found myself googling all sorts of words, people, and places while reading this, which made it a lot of fun. There's even character art out there (hello famous paintings of Alaric I!), so if you're like me and want to see how artists portrayed some of these historical people, there are some beautiful paintings out there.

Some things to help you decide if you want to read this one:
- An actual badass FMC
- A MMC who will actually burn down the world for her ("I'd burn the world down for you.")
- Enemies to lovers
- One horse
- Ragtag group of friends (Goths, Huns, barbarians, etc)
- HIstorical moments & people that you can learn more about!

First off, I love the title "Enemy of My Dreams." It can be interpreted in so many ways. It adds, us, the readers in to intrigue in a way.
Also I love the cover!
I read the ARC e-book thanks to NetGalley. I think this audiobook will be great.
This is an impressive first novel by Williamson. A creative new genre to boot!
It's a sexy and intense adventure. A bit too much war, violence and gore for me but it's to be expected with the Roman Empire setting.
I would have liked a bit more of Julia and Alaric, and less war on the page. I did like and appreciate the relationship dynamics and development between Alaric and his men. Also Julia's growth and relationships are well written.
I hope this book will be widely read and appreciated and that we get more books from Williamson.
I do hope the final published book will have trigger warnings for the violence and war.

The tumultuous last days of the Roman Empire are the setting for the engrossing historical romance Enemy of My Dreams. Their forbidden alliance is tense, full of political intrigue, emotional depth, and intense chemistry between Julia and Alaric. Alaric is a powerful warrior with a heart as complex as the empire itself, while Julia is a fiery, independent heroine enmeshed in a perilous game. Rich historical information and world-building give this work an authentic and engrossing feel. Betrayal, controversy, passion, and gigantic stakes are all present in this novel. This is for you if you enjoy passionate, forbidden love stories with compelling characters!

An EPIC historical romance with high stakes and old-school sensibilities; Enemy of my Dreams has the kind of romantic payoff that feels so satisfying because of how dearly the hero and heroine fight for it.

This story is set in the last days of a crumbling Roman Empire; Julia is a spoiled Roman princess and quite the hedonist (there's a lot of casual and not-so-casual drug and alcohol use in this book) BUT she's also way more clever than her douchebag brother the emperor, and resents being controlled by him... which is why she ends up engineering her own spur-of-the-moment kidnapping AT KNIFEPOINT by biiiiiig baaaad warlord Alaric. For anyone who's a fan of a kidnapping in their romances, this is ABSOLUTELY the book for you: tension-filled horse rides for two as they trudge across Europe on a military campaign, some tying-up action when Alaric is extra annoyed by Julia, Alaric generally being horny-annoyed by Julia...

And Alaric has his moments of menace (which, HOT) and the gravity of his position is not lost on you since he is the leader of a landless, starving people. But he's a Romance Hero first and foremost, so he's not above needling Julia by doing things like attending parties shirtless and flirting with his ex— there's a push-and-pull quality to their relationship that I enjoyed a lot, and Julia gives it right back to him (to the best of her ability lol). But when push comes to shove, Alaric is all-in with Julia fairly early on. He's the one swearing devotion and loyalty and kingdoms to her first, while Julia is like "is this..... what fuckbuddies normally do?". There is a third-act breakup that's quite gut-wrenching, but Jenny Williamson makes both of them WORK for their reunion and ultimately, there is a really moving grovel before they come together again.

Sidenote, Alaric was a real guy and obviously liberties were taken with the historical accuracy of this book (much like, say, Monica McCarty with some of her Highland Guard heroes and heroines who were real people), but I'm not complaining.

The sex:

Can sex scenes be epic? I'm choosing YES because I don't know how else to describe this man thrusting inside her while ardently swearing to be her shield and BURN DOWN THE WORLD for her. There are a handful sprinkled throughout the book, and I do think they're a little less explicit than what I'd expect from a historical, they're there, and they're great.

Overall:

I want more historicals like this— more unique settings like the Roman Empire, more political, more sweeping romances and epic plots that take place over a span of time and countries. I'd absolutely recommend this to any historical romance reader looking for something new and refreshing.

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Rating: 4.5/5
Heat Level: 3.5/5
Publication Date: February 4th

A Passionate, Thrilling Historical Romance – Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson

Enemy of My Dreams by Jenny Williamson is a gripping historical romance set in the last days of the Roman Empire. When Julia, the rebellious daughter of the emperor, defies her brother's marriage plans, she turns to Alaric, a fierce Gothic warlord, to secure an alliance that could save her. What follows is a high-stakes, steamy cat-and-mouse game full of attraction, tension, and power struggles.

The chemistry between Julia and Alaric is electric, with their constant push and pull making for an exciting, intense romance. Julia is a bold, complex heroine, while Alaric is a ruthless warrior with hidden depths. Williamson's writing immerses you in a vivid world of danger, lust, and political intrigue, making this a page-turner from start to finish.

If you enjoy historical romance with fiery chemistry and thrilling twists, Enemy of My Dreams is a must-read.