Nemesis Mine

Archer debuts with a rousing queer romantasy about a fake rivalry complicated by real feelings. Cyrus’s reputation as the formidable villain Earthshaker relies on the public’s assumption that his magic once caused a major earthquake. Despite his regular attempts at evildoing, his status has been slipping and if the truth about his magic specialty, the ability to communicate with and coax growth from plants, ever got out, he’d become a laughing stock. To bolster his standing, he attacks Maximilian, a champion of good, but their fight ends in a draw. Cyrus is stunned when, later, Maximilian clandestinely contacts him with a scheme to stage future confrontations and thereby increase both their notoriety. For his part, Maximilian is concerned that he’s about to be ousted in the triennial election for his city’s champion spot and needs the good PR. The men’s scheming and feigned spats give rise to attachment and attraction even as their plan works better than they’d ever hoped. Archer imbues her characters with sharp wit and artfully combines romance tropes and exciting swashbuckling. The result is wryly funny and deeply satisfying. Agent: Lucy Irvine, Peters Fraser & Dunlop. (June)