A guide to Reylo coded romance novels!

Hello book lovers and Reylo Rats! I’ve noticed a very particular pattern in my reading this year and a pattern in books published thus far! My latest read just so happened to be Thea Guanzon’s the Hurricane Wars-out this October- which also has fanfiction origins. The trend is Reylo, also known as the chaotic pairing of Rey and Kylo Ren from the sequel Star Wars films. Given the popularity of this pairing online, it’s only natural that many authors took inspiration from their dynamic and later published original works of fiction. 

The most famous of these novels is none other than Ali Hazelwood’s, The Love Hypothesis. A novel I simply adored! Although there are many novels with links to Reylo, there are also novels that give off that vibe. Which is what my list consist of! Some of these pairings give off that enemies to lovers vibe, while others feature a love interest who resembles Adam Driver.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake dating A Demon by Sarah Hawley

Incendiary and Illusionary by Zoraida Cordova

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

Content Warnings: Torture, Blood, Violence, Child abuse

Renata has the power to take a person’s memories which made her the perfect weapon for the crown, but now as an adult Ren has allied with the rebels and aims to overthrow the monarchy. But when Prince Castian slays Ren’s lover, she’s out for vengeance and will stop at nothing to take her revenge. But Castian isn’t who he appears to be.

This story is inspired by the Spanish Inquisition, but it’s also reminiscent of the conflict from Star Wars. Plus Ren, and Castian just compliment each other so well!

My Roommates a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Cassie Greenberg’s a struggling artist who stumbles upon the cutest apartment in a nice neighborhood. Her roommate, Frederick’s sleeps all day and speaks like he’s emerged from the pages of a regency romance, he’s also a sweet guy. But when Cassie finds some blood bags in the fridge, Frederick has no choice but to come clean, and he has a proposal for Cassie.

I think the love interest in this one is giving off major Mr. Darcy vibes. While Kylo Ren cannot compare, I am told this novel is remixed fanfiction.

Forget me Not by Julie Soto

Ama Torres is a thriving Wedding Planner, and her next gig could bring Ama’s business national attention, but she’ll have to team up with her ex. Elliot’s a grumpy florist who’s not over Ama. Things are tense between them, but the brides are determined to get them together! And with a camera crew filming the entire wedding the stakes couldn’t be higher!

A baddie who’s an actual softie and works as a florist? Sounds like a space prince I know well. I was sold on this novel with the description of a tattooed florist, but this second chance romance is sure to become a quick favorite.

Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen 

Lara was raised to marry the King Aren of Ithaca and destroy the Bridge Kingdom. But after their wedding Lara soon learns that everything is not what it seems, and she soon gains a deeper understanding of war. In the end, she’ll have to choose which kingdom is worth saving.

Lara’s a baddie who’s extremely loyal, and I love that about her. This novel not only features arranged marriage but enemies to lover too! I’ll never get tired of recommending this one! 

Half a Soul by Olvia Atwater

Theodora had half her soul snatched away at a young age, and now she no longer feels fear or embarrassment. Which leaves Dora at the center of many scandals! And when Dora finds a connection with the most unpopular bachelor-Elias Wilder- she suspects that she might actually begin to fall in love with only half a heart.

This novel is sure to be a hit with lovers of cozy fantasies and Howl’s moving castle. Giving the fantastical setting of this novel, I decided it needed to be on this list.

Honorable mentions:

Accidentally Amy by Lynn Painter

This cozy office romance is a favorite, but it made onto this list simply because the protagonist is obsessed with Reylo. 

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Coffee shop

Content Warnings: Sexual Content, Alcohol, cursing

The Love Hypothesis Ali Hazelwood

How could I make a Reylo book list without including the novel that started it all! If you haven’t read the Love Hypothesis, but you enjoy coziness, fake-dating, and academic settings, pick this one up!

Genre: Romance, Comteporary

CW: Sexual content, Sexual Harassment, Death of a Parent

The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon

One of my most anticipated reads this year, The Hurricane Wars is the perfect read for Fantasy lovers. This novel features enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, and complimentary powers. Not to mention the protagonists are idiots in love!

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

CW: War, Sexual Content, Violence

I hope you enjoyed this list and that in comes in handy the next time you’re looking for an enemies to lovers or a great fantasy read!

until next time book lovers I’ll be living in libros,

Gabriela

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