Cruel Is the Light — Sophie Clark

INSTANT #1 UK BESTSELLER • The epic young adult romantasy that caused an international sensation -- a star-crossed, enemies-to-lovers saga about a war between demons and exorcists . . . and the forbidden love that could change the course of history.

“Sinister magic, crackling banter, and sizzling tension.” -- Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace

It is said that love conquers all. But will it tear them apart?

Humanity has waged a bloody war against demons for more than a century, with two elite soldiers now leading the fight: Selene Alleva, a powerful exorcist trained at the prestigious Vatican Academy, and orphan Jules Lacroix, unrivaled on the battlefield.

When their paths cross, the distrust -- and unwelcome attraction -- is immediately apparent. But to get to the bottom of a series of unprecedented demon attacks, Selene and Jules strike an uneasy alliance, agreeing to an unusual arrangement: a fake engagement. With Jules posing as Selene's estranged fiancé, they head to the holy Vatican City in search of answers -- only to discover a terrible secret.

Soon Jules is forced to question everything he's ever known -- including himself. And Selene, unable to ignore her growing feelings for Jules, must make an impossible choice between love and duty.

Book One of the Cruel Is the Light Duology