I’ve only read the first book in the Poppy War so far, and loved it- but there’s no romance plot to it, which is fine. Unlike fourth wing, which was marketed to me as a slow burn enemies to lovers. The enemies were lovering 3/4 into the first book. There’s 4 more books to go. Very much giving from blood and ash which I hate with a passion. If you’re going to do enemies to lovers do it like Jude and Cardan.
Right- like the death of that character would be so much more hard hitting in book 2 or 3