25 Best Enemies To Lovers Books (A List For All Readers)

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25 Best Enemies To Lovers Books (A List For All Readers)

Enemies to lovers books are one of the most popular fiction romance tropes among both writers and readers.

Here’s everything you need to know about the enemies to lovers trope, 21 best enemies to lovers book recommendations and why do people even like this trope in the first place?

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What Are Romance Tropes?

Generally, people love romance tropes such as enemies to lovers because tropes like this are literary plot devices or character attributes that are conventional and familiar to most people in the world we live in.

In other words, they are RELATABLE! And we readers love to see ourselves in books, don’t we?

Enemies To Lovers Books: What’s The Hype, Really?

Enemies to lovers books are based on the enemies to lovers tropes and are pretty common in this world we live in.

They are most likely to happen to us or anyone we know due to several reasons and circumstances such as opposites attract, proximity, misunderstandings, marriage of convenience and competition.

So, what’s the hype around this trope?

The thought of two people who really cannot stand each other that have no choice but to spend time with each other that they begin to develop feelings for one another sounds… thrilling, exciting, adventurous, forbidden and so much more!

Besides, to fall in love means to be vulnerable, it takes a certain amount of character growth to be vulnerable to someone you despise, to trust and love them unconditionally for the rest of their lives.

How does one not enjoy this romance trope?

It’s more than just romance!

There’s a lot of drama, spicy tension, a big juicy plot and character growth!

Types Of Genres In Enemies To Lovers Trope

If you think you will not enjoy the enemies to lovers romance trope, then think again!

There are various genres that are included in this trope, they don’t have to be romance alone but a combination of romance and another genre.

There’s definitely something for everybody.

Some common enemies to lovers books fall in genres such as:

fantasy romance
historical fiction romance
asian literature romance
YA romance books
classics and many more.

And of course, I tried my best to include not just books recommendations from various genres, but an inclusive selection of books in the hopes that you will be able to see yourself represented in these amazing haters to lovers romance novels!

So brace yourselves, the list below is going to have you smitten!

25 Best Enemies To Lovers Books You Will DEFINITELY NOT HATE!

1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Summary: Of course I want to be like them. They’re beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever. And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans.

Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences.

As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.09

What Are Readers Saying?

Although a YA fantasy romance, Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince are enjoyed by all ages.

This book is also a good introductory fantasy book for non-fantasy readers.

This enemies to lovers fantasy book is lush, dangerous and has a thought-provoking plot but it does not stop there.

Jude and Cardan, the fictional couple from this book has broke the internet.

This book is especially famous on bookstagram and booktok.

Jude is human while Cardan is a fae prince, they hate each other for valid reasons (I do not want to spoil). But despite the hate, seems like these two make a great team.

Great world-building, diverse characters with distinctive personalities, complicated relationships and feelings really does enrich this book.

Although 80% of the reviews I’ve seen on the internet are in favour of The Cruel Prince, just like any book, there are some people who did not really like this book.

Some readers say that the book was dull, that nothing really happened until page 200 and that there was this one bit of plot that involves a character called Sophie that was really unnecessary.

Some also fail to see the strong protagonist Jude is supposed to be but instead, just a troubled girl who probably needs some mental health help (i don’t think they have that in the world of faes though..)

The Cruel Prince is the first book in the trilogy and therefore makes this series a slow burn enemies to lovers trope.

We get more romance between the two in the third book and final book. So you might not want to ditch the series after reading the first book.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorn

Summary: Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.

Trapped in a shared office together 40 (OK, 50 or 60) hours a week, they’ve become entrenched in an addictive, ridiculous never-ending game of one-upmanship. There’s the Staring Game. The Mirror Game. The HR Game. Lucy can’t let Joshua beat her at anything—especially when a huge new promotion goes up for the taking.

If Lucy wins this game, she’ll be Joshua’s boss. If she loses, she’ll resign. So why is she suddenly having steamy dreams about Joshua, and dressing for work like she’s got a hot date? After a perfectly innocent elevator ride ends with an earth-shattering kiss, Lucy starts to wonder whether she’s got Joshua Templeman all wrong.

Maybe Lucy Hutton doesn’t hate Joshua Templeman. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads Rating: 4.12

Amazon Rating: 4.5

What Are Readers Saying?

This booktok enemies to lovers is spicy, funny, sweet, romantic and everything you would want to read in an enemies-to-lovers romance book. It was indeed a page-turner.

Lucy and Joshua had great chemistry and the tension built between them due to the constant hate made this book a binge-worthy read.

Quite the opposite of the positive reviews, some said that the book was cringy.

Some people say that they DNF (did not finish) the book because of how slow moving the beginning was.

While some were glad as they ALMOST DNF-ed it but they stuck through and reported for it to be worth it.

Readers also said that Lucy and Joshua irritated them and at times the plot also got onto their nerves because all the characters did was try to win “The Hating Game” by constantly sabotaging each other.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

3. A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

enemies to lovers book — *Image by Book Depository*

Summary: If Bao Nguyen had to describe himself, he’d say he was a rock. Steady and strong, but not particularly interesting. His grades are average, his social status unremarkable. He works at his parents’ pho restaurant, and even there, he is his parents’ fifth favorite employee. Not ideal.

If Linh Mai had to describe herself, she’d say she was a firecracker. Stable when unlit, but full of potential for joy and fire. She loves art and dreams of pursuing a career in it. The only problem? Her parents rely on her in ways they’re not willing to admit, including working practically full-time at her family’s pho restaurant.

For years, the Mais and the Nguyens have been at odds, having owned competing, neighboring pho restaurants. Bao and Linh, who’ve avoided each other for most of their lives, both suspect that the feud stems from feelings much deeper than friendly competition.

But then a chance encounter brings Linh and Bao in the same vicinity despite their best efforts and sparks fly, leading them both to wonder what took so long for them to connect. But then, of course, they immediately remember.

Can Linh and Bao find love in the midst of feuding families and complicated histories?

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.4

Goodreads Rating: 3.77

What Are Readers Saying?

If you liked reading When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon, you will enjoy this book.

Besides the obvious haters to lovers romance going on in this book, the author seems to be an expert in the food industry which is refreshing compared to the usual office hate romance, this one involves rivalry in the pho food industry.

And of course, we love diversity. Both characters are vietnamese which definitely brings inclusivity to readers. Supporting characters in this book were also fun and had a lot of wisdom to share.

Both Linh and Bao are each other’s first lovers and this makes this even more of an innocent and cute YA enemies to lovers book.

Besides the excellent food descriptions and inclusive main characters, some readers did feel like the story was revolving the same usual YA dilemma of not knowing who they are and what they are doing with their lives.

But then again, it is YA and that’s how most young adults feel when going through a journey of self-discovery.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

4. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Summary: 1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London’s most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry.

And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better…

—Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn’t just decided to marry—he’s even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended’s older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams…

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony’s lips touch hers, she’s suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself…

Genre: Historical Fiction Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.07

What Are Readers Saying?

If you haven’t read The Duke and I or watched Bridgerton on Netflix, then let me tell you this, you are missing out!

The Viscount Who Loved Me is the second book in the series that follows Anthony’s love story.

If you don’t already know Anthony is supposed to be Lord Bridgerton (aka a dominant male figure in this series which makes this enemies to lovers trope even more exciting).

Readers like how there’s a lot of conflict between the two characters. There’s witty arguments, how both characters are stubborn yet vulnerable only with each other and of course, steamy scenes.

Some readers say although the book was enjoyable, there were some bland scenes.

A scene where Kate and Anthony were caught in a scandalous situation was unrealistic to some readers and may appear as silly.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

5. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Summary: First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBT Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.24

What Are Readers Saying?

Looking for enemies to lovers books LGBT? This is one of the most popular LGBT books from this romance trope.

People really enjoyed reading on how these two completely opposite males, the Prince of England and First Son of the United States, fall in love.

This book also educated readers on the LGBT community and how important it is for world leaders to discuss problems, issues and what the future would like to those that belonged in this community.

Writing style is appreciated among readers. Heart-on-the-page writing might appeal to a generation raised on oversharing in blog posts. It is very wholesome and fun to read.

Some readers did not like how the author portrayed the Royal family and the First family. Readers also wanted more character and plot development.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

6. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Summary: Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work “her own darling child” and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, “as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print.” The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen’s radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.

Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.27

What Are Readers Saying?

Fun, escapists and a romantic novel.

This classic enemies to lovers book is well-known for it’s witty protagonist, Elizabeth Bennett, who despises the charming Mr Darcy.

This book does not only revolve around this trope but consists of the society they lived in, families and stereotypes that came with it, making this book more than just your enemies to lovers romance novel.

Just note that this book is historical fiction, Elizabeth Bennet may have been revolutionary for her times but not these days.

Therefore, some people may not enjoy the book if they are not fans of historical fiction or enemies to lovers classic books.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

7. The Henna Wars By Adiba Jaigradar

Summary: When Dimple Met Rishi meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this rom com about two teen girls with rival henna businesses.

When Nishat comes out to her parents, they say she can be anyone she wants—as long as she isn’t herself. Because Muslim girls aren’t lesbians. Nishat doesn’t want to hide who she is, but she also doesn’t want to lose her relationship with her family. And her life only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life.

Flávia is beautiful and charismatic and Nishat falls for her instantly. But when a school competition invites students to create their own businesses, both Flávia and Nishat choose to do henna, even though Flávia is appropriating Nishat’s culture. Amidst sabotage and school stress, their lives get more tangled—but Nishat can’t quite get rid of her crush on Flávia, and realizes there might be more to her than she realized.

Genre:

Amazon Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Rating: 4.03

What Are Readers Saying?

What’s better than an enemies to lovers LGBTQ trope? A people of colour (POC) one!

We love that this book is a diverse read!

Readers are able to step out of our comfort zone by learning about the challenges faced by people of colour in the LGBTQ community

This is definitely a heart-warming female-to-female romance read to pick up that not only makes you feel good but educates you about the struggles faced by POC.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

8. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert

Summary: Eve Brown is a certified hot mess. No matter how hard she strives to do right, her life always goes horribly wrong—so she’s given up trying. But when her personal brand of chaos ruins an expensive wedding (someone had to liberate those poor doves), her parents draw the line. It’s time for Eve to grow up and prove herself—even though she’s not entirely sure how…

Jacob Wayne is in control. Always. The bed and breakfast owner’s on a mission to dominate the hospitality industry—and he expects nothing less than perfection. So when a purple-haired tornado of a woman turns up out of the blue to interview for his open chef position, he tells her the brutal truth: not a chance in hell. Then she hits him with her car—supposedly by accident. Yeah, right.

Now his arm is broken, his B&B is understaffed, and the dangerously unpredictable Eve is fluttering around, trying to help. Before long, she infiltrated his work, his kitchen—and his spare bedroom. Jacob hates everything about it. Or rather, he should. Sunny, chaotic Eve is his natural-born nemesis, but the longer these two enemies spend in close quarters, the more their animosity turns into something else. Like Eve, the heat between them is impossible to ignore—and it’s melting Jacob’s frosty exterior.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.25

What Are Readers Saying?

The third book from the Brown Sisters trilogy is an enemies to lovers trope.

Eve is a delightful, chaotic ray of light, while innkeeper Jacob is quite the opposite.

Together they make not just an enemies to lovers trope but a grumpy-sunshine trope.

These two are opposites very reluctantly attracted, and their meet-cute which wasn’t very cute at all, leads them into forced proximity which eventually leads them to become attracted to each other.

Despite the budding and giddying romance, this book touches on personal challenges related to autism and how they may intersect with other areas of their lives.

Act Your Age, Eve Brown brings readers a steamy romance mixed with humour.

This is a perfect enemies to lovers book to get out of a book slump.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

9. Make Up, Break Up by Lily Menon

Summary: Love, romance, second chances, fairy-tale endings…these are the things Annika Dev believes in. Her app, Make Up, has been called the “Google Translate for failing relationships.”

High efficiency break-ups, flashy start-ups, penthouses, fast cars…these are the things Hudson Craft believes in. His app, Break Up, is known as the “Uber for break-ups.” It’s wildly successful—and anathema to Annika’s life philosophy.

Which wouldn’t be a problem if they’d gone their separate ways after that summer fling in Las Vegas, never to see each other again. Unfortunately for Annika, Hudson’s moving not just into her office building, but into the office right next to hers. And he’ll be competing at the prestigious EPIC investment pitch contest: A contest Annika needs to win if she wants to keep Make Up afloat. As if it’s not bad enough seeing his irritatingly perfect face on magazine covers when her own business is failing. As if knowing he stole her idea and twisted it into something vile—and monumentally more successful—didn’t already make her stomach churn.

As the two rival app developers clash again and again—and again—Annika finds herself drawn into Hudson Craft’s fast-paced, high velocity, utterly shallow world. Only, from up close, he doesn’t seem all that shallow. Could it be that everything she thought about Hudson is completely wrong? Could the creator of Break Up teach her what true love’s really about?

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 3.9

Goodreads Rating: 3.22

What Are Readers Saying?

It is nice to see an Indian-American representation as the main character of this enemies to lovers novel.

Their enemies to lovers relationship was built on a number of miscommunications. This is something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of the miscommunication trope.

There was lots of witty comments and banter between Annika and Hudson, which really enhanced this hate-love relationship.

Some also said that the technology behind their apps weren’t realistic and getting a third party to end a relationship was morally grey.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

10. Because Of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Summary: Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places…

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband… someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should…

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying, and she’s absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor…

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without…

Genre: Historical Fiction Romance

Amazon rating: 4.6

Goodreads rating: 3.93

What Are Readers Saying?

Whether you’re done or not with the Bridgerton series, you can most definitely start reading the Bridgerton prequel (Rokesby Series)!

This is the first book in the prequel and it is the enemies to lovers trope (also best friend’s brother romance trope).

This book is a fluffy romance with great wit like most best enemies to lovers book.

It is also a slow burn enemies to lovers book as the romance only blooms after the first half of the book. This is partly good because it increases anticipation levels and does engage readers.

However, some has said that they prefer the Bridgerton series when compared to the Rokesby Series.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

11. Serpant & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Summary: Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.

Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.

Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.

The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.

And love makes fools of us all.

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Rating: 4.03

What Are Readers Saying?

Serpent & Dove is written in a very addictive writing style. The book is “unputdownable” as some readers have described and will even have you sleep-deprived!

This enemies to lovers book is written in two POVs, it transports us into a world of witches and witch hunters which are of course “enemies”. We’re able to see the best of both worlds through the eyes of Lou and Reid.

Readers like that this trope is a bit different because the enemies here are witch hunter and witch instead of the usual human and fae trope.

Note that this book has mature themes such as explicit sex.

There are some trigger warnings readers should know before diving into this book, and that is: physical abuse and drug abuse.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

12. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Summary: Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.

Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.

Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger.

She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of… lucky.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.02

What Are Readers Saying?

This is a book that will put you in a good mood. This book is heart-warming and swoon-worthy.

The two main leads in the book strongly hate each other. I mean strongly. There’s a lot of hate.

After a series of events, things get interesting for readers as the two main characters end up staying at a luxury resort together in Hawaii.

The both of them are forced into unwanted situations where they have to spend time with each other as newly weds. Of course, this will have an effect on the characters.

However, the romance was not too cheesy or rushed. It was perfectly balanced.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

13. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Summary: A wedding. A trip to Spain. The most infuriating man. And three days of pretending. Or in other words, a plan that will never work.

Catalina Martín, finally, not single. Her family is happy to announce that she will bring her American boyfriend to her sister’s wedding. Everyone is invited to come and witness the most magical event of the year.

That would certainly be tomorrow’s headline in the local newspaper of the small Spanish town I came from. Or the epitaph on my tombstone, seeing the turn my life had taken in the span of a phone call.

Four weeks wasn’t a lot of time to find someone willing to cross the Atlantic–from NYC and all the way to Spain–for a wedding. Let alone, someone eager to play along my charade. But that didn’t mean I was desperate enough to bring the 6’4 blue eyed pain in my ass standing before me.

Aaron Blackford. The man whose main occupation was making my blood boil had just offered himself to be my date. Right after inserting his nose in my business, calling me delusional, and calling himself my best option. See? Outrageous. Aggravating. Blood boiling.

And much to my total despair, also right. Which left me with a surly and extra large dilemma in my hands. Was it worth the suffering to bring my colleague and bane of my existence as my fake boyfriend to my sister’s wedding? Or was I better off coming clean and facing the consequences of my panic induced lie?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Rating: 4.22

What Are Readers Saying?

A romantic comedy, enemies to lovers trope with a Spanish twist.

The main character keeps readers on their toes with the tangled up mess she understandably got herself into where she has to fake date someone at her sister’s wedding in Spain.

Although the plot can be predictable at times, this is a slow-burn so you’ll have to read through the book to finally see the two characters officially get together.

If you’re a fan of office romance, one-bed situations, fake-date at a wedding and holiday vibes, you must pick this book up.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

14. The Trouble With Hating You by Sajni Patel

Summary: Liya Thakkar is a successful biochemical engineer, takeout enthusiast, and happily single woman. The moment she realizes her parents’ latest dinner party is a setup with the man they want her to marry, she’s out the back door in a flash. Imagine her surprise when the same guy shows up at her office a week later — the new lawyer hired to save her struggling company. What’s not surprising: he’s not too thrilled to see her either after that humiliating fiasco.

Jay Shah looks good on paper…and off. Especially if you like that whole gorgeous, charming lawyer-in-a-good-suit thing. He’s also arrogant and infuriating. As their witty office banter turns into late night chats, Liya starts to think he might be the one man who truly accepts her.

But falling for each other means exposing their painful pasts. Will Liya keep running, or will she finally give love a real chance?

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.3

Goodreads Rating: 3.8

What Are Readers Saying?

The title itself suggests that this is definitely an enemies to lovers book, but it doesn’t stop there.

Liya and Jay have backstories that are pretty heartbreaking.

There’s more to this book than just the romance, themes that were explored in this book are – patriarchy, cultural taboos and more.

This book is not your conventional light and fluffy romance. It has some complexity to it which can be good for a change.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

15. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Summary: A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.

They’re polar opposites.

In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they’re living in neighboring beach houses, broke, and bogged down with writer’s block.

Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She’ll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he’ll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no one will fall in love. Really.

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.4

Goodreads Rating: 4.06

What Are Readers Saying?

Although a fun enemies to lovers book, this is not your typical romance read.

Opposites attract is a fairly common enemies to lovers trope but that is what makes it so interesting to read.

In this book we follow two writers trying to complete their books (there’s more to that as the book explores their backstory).

Although this book does discuss grief, it is done in so in a light-hearted and romantic way.

Gus is quite a unique character (not your typical hero for sure). The book explores why Gus writes the things he does and readers may find this interesting.

Although the book has some darkness to it, it is still an enjoyable romantic comedy read.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

16. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Summary: The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery.

A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. At the heart of it all is eighteen-year-old Juliette Cai, a former flapper who has returned to assume her role as the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang—a network of criminals far above the law. Their only rivals in power are the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. And behind every move is their heir, Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal.

But when gangsters on both sides show signs of instability culminating in clawing their own throats out, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, a madness. Of a monster in the shadows. As the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns—and grudges—aside and work together, for if they can’t stop this mayhem, then there will be no city left for either to rule.

Perfect for fans of The Last Magician and Descendant of the Crane, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

Genre: Historical Fiction Fantasy

Amazon Rating: 4.5

Goodreads Rating: 4.0

What Are Readers Saying?

Readers should know that there are trigger warnings – death and violence.

Readers who have read the original Romeo and Juliet will understand the references made in this book and will also know what to anticipate but what happens in between is really intriguing.

This book was equally character and plot driven, it does not only an enemies to lovers romance trope but is also historical fiction with mafia vibes. Will they be able to put their differences aside to work together?

If you’re looking for a not so cliche enemies to lovers books, this is a good one to pick up.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

17. Made In Korea by Sarah Suk

Summary: There’s nothing Valerie Kwon loves more than making a good sale. Together with her cousin Charlie, they run V&C K-BEAUTY, their school’s most successful student-run enterprise. With each sale, Valerie gets closer to taking her beloved and adventurous halmeoni to her dream city, Paris.

Enter the new kid in class, Wes Jung, who is determined to pursue music after graduation despite his parents’ major disapproval. When his classmates clamor to buy the K-pop branded beauty products his mom gave him to “make new friends,” he sees an opportunity—one that may be the key to help him pay for the music school tuition he knows his parents won’t cover…

What he doesn’t realize, though, is that he is now V&C K-BEAUTY’s biggest competitor.

Stakes are high as Valerie and Wes try to outsell each other, make the most money, and take the throne for the best business in school—all while trying to resist the undeniable spark that’s crackling between them. From hiring spies to all-or-nothing bets, the competition is much more than either of them bargained for.

But one thing is clear: only one Korean business can come out on top.

Genre: Young Adult Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.4

Goodreads Rating: 3.97

What Are Readers Saying?

This is not just an enemies to romance novel, it is a very competitive one!

If you’re into K-pop and K-beauty, this is definitely a book that will make you fangirl.

The author brilliantly describes Korean terms, including food really well (Bingsoo, Kimbap, etc).

This book will definitely transport you into a world of Korean culture.

There is a good balance of traditional and modern values among the two main characters.

The book was overall realistic and a really fun read that centers around high-school, home life, culture and entrepreneurship – which definitely makes this book a gem!

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

18. Fight Or Flight by Samantha Young

Summary: The universe is conspiring against Ava Breevort. As if flying back to Phoenix to bury a childhood friend wasn’t hell enough, a cloud of volcanic ash traveling from overseas delayed her flight back home to Boston. Her last ditch attempt to salvage the trip was thwarted by an arrogant Scotsman, Caleb Scott, who steals a first class seat out from under her. Then over the course of their journey home, their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for the steamiest layover Ava’s ever had. And that’s all it was–until Caleb shows up on her doorstep.

When pure chance pulls Ava back into Caleb’s orbit, he proposes they enjoy their physical connection while he’s stranded in Boston. Ava agrees, knowing her heart’s in no danger since a) she barely likes Caleb and b) his existence in her life is temporary. Not long thereafter Ava realizes she’s made a terrible error because as it turns out Caleb Scott isn’t quite so unlikeable after all. When his stay in Boston becomes permanent, Ava must decide whether to fight her feelings for him or give into them. But even if she does decide to risk her heart on Caleb, there is no guarantee her stubborn Scot will want to risk his heart on her….

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.3

Goodreads Rating: 3.77

What Are Readers Saying?

This book is a really light romantic read, you’re most probably going to be able to finish reading it in one sitting or in one night.

It’s a steamy read that most romance genre fans will enjoy. Sassy and sexy are two words to describe this enemies to lovers relationship!

The author wrote the character dialogues with great heat and tension. While the story offered a good mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking surprises.

This would be a good book to read when you’re not in the best mood, it will definitely uplift your mood.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

19. Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter

Summary: Liz Buxbaum has always known that Wes Bennett was not boyfriend material. You would think that her next-door neighbor would be a prince candidate for her romantic comedy fantasies, but Wes has only proven himself to be a pain in the butt, ever since they were little. Wes was the kid who put a frog in her Barbie Dreamhouse, the monster who hid a lawn gnome’s severed head in her little homemade neighborhood book exchange.

Flash forward ten years from the Great Gnome Decapitation. It’s Liz’s senior year, a time meant to be rife with milestones perfect for any big screen, and she needs Wes’s help. See, Liz’s forever crush, Michael, has just moved back to town, and—horribly, annoyingly—he’s hitting it off with Wes. Meaning that if Liz wants Michael to finally notice her, and hopefully be her prom date, she needs Wes. He’s her in.

But as Liz and Wes scheme to get Liz her magical prom moment, she’s shocked to discover that she actually likes being around Wes. And as they continue to grow closer, she must reexamine everything she thought she knew about love—and rethink her own perception of what Happily Ever After should really look like.

Genre:

Amazon Rating: 4.6

Goodreads Rating: 4.27

What Are Readers Saying?

Is better than the movies really better than the movies?

There are mixed reviews for this one so the only way you’ll find out is to read it and judge for yourself.

The book does references a number of popular rom-com films which you might recognize, and the story seems to have the same sentiment.

This is a fake dating to lover’s romance trope among two high-school students so definitely do expect some awkward yet relatable moments when reading this book.

Although the book is predictable, it is still a cute light-hearted read.

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

20. I Think I Love You by Auriane Desombre

Summary: A sweet and funny debut novel about falling for someone when you least expect it . . . and finding out that real life romance is better than anything on screen.

Emma is a die-hard romantic. She loves a meet-cute Netflix movie, her pet, Lady Catulet, and dreaming up the Gay Rom Com of her heart for the film festival competition she and her friends are entering. If only they’d listen to her ideas. . .

Sophia is pragmatic. She’s big into boycotts, namely 1) relationships, 2) teen boys and their BO (reason #2347683 she’s a lesbian), and 3) Emma’s nauseating ideas. Forget starry-eyed romance, Sophia knows what will win: an artistic film with a message.

Cue the drama. The movie is doomed before they even start shooting . . . until a real-life plot twist unfolds behind the camera when Emma and Sophia start seeing each other through a different lens. Suddenly their rivalry is starting to feel like an actual rom-com.

Genre: Young Adult, LGBT Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.3

Goodreads Rating: 3.5

What Are Readers Saying?

If you’re looking for female-to-female romance while being an opposites attract trope, this will be a great read for you.

The novel consists of a filmmaking background which translates to a rom-com kind of narrative. Readers who are fans of the film-making industry will appreciate this book.

It also talks about representation in the film industry when it comes to the LGBT community.

Overall, if you’re looking for a funny, romantic yet educational enemies to lovers book, this one is a good pick!

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

21. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

Summary: Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They’re preparing for their lavish wedding that’s three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there’s a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they’re finally being themselves–and having fun with the last person they expect: each other

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Amazon Rating: 4.3

Goodreads Rating: 3.9

What Are Readers Saying?

This is a romance novel that is slightly more unique but enjoyable due to the familiar enemies to lovers trope.

People liked that the main characters were very in touch with their feelings (including the male lead – this is not so common in the romance genre)

Although the book is in a female POV, readers are still able to understand Nicholas’ POV.

If you’re a fan of The Hating Game, you’re most likely going to enjoy this!

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository |

22. A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore

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This book is the second book of the League of Extraordinary Women series but can be read as a standalone.

This has to be one of my favourites childhood enemies to lovers books. The main characters know each other since they were children and always pull pranks on each other. They hated each other! Plus, this is a steamy enemies to lovers romance. I gave it a five stars!

Lady Lucie leads a women suffragist group in Oxford. She has big ambitions for women’s rights and helps women who are mistreated by their husbands.

In order for her to do this, she must acquire a publishing house and print reports that hold evidence.

We then meet Tristan Ballentine, a rogue, charming young lord who makes ladies swoon. He ends up co-owning the publishing house Lucie has acquired.

Lucie is furious as Tristan hinders her plans to publish the reports. However, he is willing to give it all up if Lucie agrees to give him one night of herself to him.

The tension between them rises as they’re forced to work together in an office. It only makes matters worse as he is rogue and a great flirt.

Plus, they’ve hated each other since they were children – this haters to lovers book will keep you wanting more, I could not put this book down!

23. The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

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This might sound like a marriage of convenience trope novel at first glance but it’s not, it’s actually a haters to lovers trope with a lot of spice.

The Marriage Game by Sara Desai is a contemporary romance novel set in San Francisco that follows Layla Patel, a lawyer who decides to take a break from her career and move back in with her traditional Indian parents who own a restaurant.

She uses the office upstairs the restaurant to start a business while her father makes her a dating profile to find her a suitable husband.

Sam Mehta, a CEO who is looking for a space to rent an office finds the perfect place – a office upstairs an Indian restaurant that reminds him of home.

The two of them are forced to share a space, they despise each other and there’s a lot of sarcastic witty banter in this romance novel.

The Marriage Game comes into play when Sam helps Layla find her husband so he can have the office space to himself but the two of them can’t deny their attraction for each other.

24. The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe

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The Bride Goes Rogue by Joanna Shupe is enemies to lovers historical romance that’s super steamy.

She’s been engaged to tycoon Preston Clarke for many years but there was no news of a wedding from him.

She get’s tired of waiting around for him to come with her and decides to barge into his office as his fiance and demand a reason as to why there is no wedding yet.

Preston refuses to the engagement as he despises her family. She is furious that she wasted so much time waiting around for him and decides to live her life on her own terms and storms out the office.

Things get heated between them as their families are rivals and as much as Preston hates it all, he is still engaged to her. The tension between the main characters is hard to ignore, this is definitely a spicy enemies to lovers romance.

25. My Mechanical Romance by Alexene Farol Follmuth

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If you’re looking for an academic rivals to lovers book with no spice, My Mechanical Romance is the perfect YA book for you.

My Mechanical Romance follows Bel and Teo, rivals on a school robotics team. As the pair works together to build an unbeatable battle bot for an upcoming competition, Teo and Bel’s rivalry turns into something more.

This was a fun YA romance with great representation of women in STEM.

Bel and Teo have a cute academic rivals to lovers romance that develops slowly over the course of the novel.

There’s witty banter and great chemistry among the two, pick this one up if you’re in the mood for a cute opposites attract romance.

Get Your Romance Tropes Reading Challenge Printable!

download your romance trope checklist!

This Romance Trope Reading Challenge Printable is super satisfying to look at once you’ve checked off each trope and listed the book title along with it!

Get this for you, a romance reader or bookish friend!

25 Best Enemies To Lovers Books (A List For All Readers)

And there you have it, 25 enemies to lovers books suggestions that will keep you wanting more!

If you’re looking for more enemies-to-lovers books, check out:

Books from this list has definitely helped satisfy my craving for this romance trope and I hope it helps you decide on which book to purchase next!

This type of romance trope can definitely help you get out of a book slump, I know I did! Let me know in the comments or on instagram on which one is your favourite!

More Book Lists Just For You:

Get Your Romance Tropes Reading Challenge Printable!

Love reading romance books with popular tropes?

This Romance Trope Reading Challenge Printable is super satisfying to look at once you’ve checked off each trope and listed the book title along with it!

Get this for you, a romance reader or bookish friend!

download your romance trope checklist!