Amy Archer

About Nemesis Mine

A 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 Heated Rivalry 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:

• A gleefully villainous protagonist with the comedic flair of Megamind and The Grinch
• An irreverent take on a fantasy kingdom for fans of Shrek and The Princess Bride
• Enemies to reluctant allies to lovers (M/M)
• “Ye Olde Heated Rivalry” for those who love a twist on fake rivals/secret relationship
• Black cat/golden retriever energy
• Dagger to the throat moments
• Falling for the hot* villain (*added by request of Cyrus)
• “Touch him and die”

Nemesis Mine

I did not realize how much I missed real romcoms.

Nemesis Mine has the same feel as a 90s/early 2000s romcom where a slightly goofy guy catches the attention of an overachieving partner. Only here, the goofy guy is replaced by ineffective villain and the overachieving partner is replaced with an influencer-esque hero looking to stay relevant.

The book is hilarious and sweet. I also love that Amy doesn’t make the characters change for each other! Do you know how annoying I find it when the hero become villenous because of a broody guy in black clothes, or vice versa when a villain gives up all villainy for a sweet little love interest? Very. For the most part. Mostly I just don’t want people to completely change who they are for a love interest. Be a little evil…in the mostly inconvient way that Cyrus is, and don’t stop trying to help people because you are dating some one who deliberately leans back with one leg thrown over the arm of a high-backed chair.

Stay unhinged.