You know those rom-coms where you can just see the tension off the bat? They may pretend to hate each other, but everyone can tell they will end up together in the end. The romance novel trope of enemies-to-lovers goes back to as far as Romeo and Juliet. Even if in the beginning they don’t love each other, there is often an underlying misunderstanding or layer of frustration that turns into passion.
If you love the cheesy books where you know they will get together in the end, or the more drawn-out stories where it isn’t quite clear what will happen, check out these 13 enemies-to-lovers novels. There is a mix of classic tales, modern meet-cutes, and even viral books with viral adaptations on Netflix.
UPDATED December 25th 2024
This article has been updated in order to add our new formatting of book information for easier reading. We have also added a few more recommendations based on some newer books released in the last year. Finally we have added, for each entry, the reason for us recommending the books.
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13. The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
This is the second book in the Campus Diaries series by Elle Kennedy. The Dixon Rule is a sports romance novel that follows our main character Diana Dixon. She is the head cheerleader who is struggling with two jobs, dance rehearsals, and a persistent ex-boyfriend.
Shane Lindley, is a hockey player who moved into her apartment building and starts to strip up some drama. Shane wants a real relationship, and despite Diana’s initial hostility, she uses her as a fake girlfriend in order to make his ex jealous. As they pretend to be a couple, their fake relationship develops and becomes an unexpected hot romance.
Why we recommend this book: The Dixon Rule is a funny, sexy, and emotional read with engaging characters, witty banter, and steamy scenes. Readers will be hooked by the enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating tropes, the exploration of family dynamics, and the heartwarming found family aspect of the series.
12. The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
ISBN: 9781250329387
This is a steamy, contemporary romance novel that follows LaRynn and Deacon, two people who inherit their grandmothers’ rundown Santa Cruz building. To access the trust fund left by the grandma, they have to jump through some hoops, of course!
LaRynn needs to be married. Deacon has the construction skills but lacks the finances. So they think of the perfect plan: a marriage of convenience to fix up the property, make a profit, and separate. But, of course, as they work together they must confront their past, learn to cooperate, and overcome their differences. What a perfect setting for some hot romance right?
Why we recommend this book: The Co-op is a heartwarming and hilarious read with relatable characters and a sizzling slow-burn romance. Readers will enjoy the enemies-to-lovers and marriage-of-convenience tropes, the exploration of family dynamics and personal growth, and the satisfying happily-ever-after.
11. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
ISBN: 9781649374042
This is the first book of The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros and it’s already making waves in the bookish world!
Violet Sorrengail is thrown into the brutal works of Basgiath War College to train as a dragon rider. The problem? She has a pretty small stature and a chronic illness…
Forced to compete with ruthless classmates, including a certain Xaden, Violet must succeed in the deadly trials, navigate a forbidden romance, and keep a dangerous secret that the leaders are hiding. Her only way through these treacherous adventures is the graduate or die…
Why we recommend this book: This novel is an addictive, fast-paced, and action-packed romantasy with a captivating blend of dragons, romance, and political intrigue. Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers tropes, strong female leads, and detailed world-building will be enthralled by Violet’s journey and the sizzling chemistry between her and Xaden.
10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin
Jane Austin may basically be considered the mother of the enemies-to-lovers romance trope as Pride & Prejudice takes the cake for being a classic representation and a model for books to come. In the plot, our protagonist Elizabeth makes a hasty judgement about Mr. Darcy and while they keep running into each other at social gatherings she finds herself looking for reasons to dislike him.
One of the most beautiful themes in the book is learning to see the difference between superficial goodness and real goodness, and any modern single person may also be able to relate to their quest for love sometimes you have to let go of expectations and enjoy what makes someone good who is standing right in front of you. Without knowing it, Jane Austin wrote a classic tale about finding love, and not letting expectations or prejudice of a person get in the way.
Why we recommend this book: Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a timeless classic that masterfully combines wit, romance, and social commentary. Readers adore its unforgettable characters, especially the iconic Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, and the captivating journey of love and self-discovery.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter9. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
ISBN: 9781250316776
You have definitely seen this viral film adaptation on Amazon Prime, but did you know it is based on a book? As the title hints, the story follows the unlikely romance between the sons of two world leaders: Alex who is the U.S. president’s son, and Prince Henry of England.
A video of the two is leaked and forces them to be friends in public – although eventually, this forced friendship grows into a romance as you might have imagined. Another interesting layer on top of the enemies-to-lovers trope is the interweaving of political schemes and of course the power of social media today, and the impact of leaking viral videos that force people to reveal information.
Why we recommend this book: Red, White & Royal Blue is a heartfelt and hilarious romance that blends politics, royalty, and unapologetic love. Readers are captivated by its charming characters, witty dialogue, and the uplifting story of overcoming differences for love.
8. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
ISBN: 9780062439598
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is another look at modern enemies to lovers, as the enemies in this situation are corporate competitors. The protagonist Lucy is working hard to climb the corporate ladder, and as so many workplace environments encourage, she is trying to one-up her colleagues. This becomes a particular challenge with Joshua, whom she hates in competition but begins to grow an attraction to – causing even more problems for her at work.
From workplace ethics, choosing your career over love and the “can they have it all” trope on top, this is a book that all people can relate to when thinking about the beginning of their careers, the challenges blocking promotions, and the risks you are willing to take to get over them. Plus, the book was recently adapted into a hit film, providing a nice reward for fans of the book.
Why we recommend this book: The Hating Game is a witty and addictive enemies-to-lovers romance brimming with humor and sizzling chemistry. Readers adore its sharp banter, playful tension, and heartwarming journey from rivalry to love.
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7. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
ISBN: 9780063138629
Book number two of the Bridgerton series follows the enemies-to-lovers stories between the eldest Bridgerton son, Viscount Anthony, and an unlikely love interest, Kate. Kate and Anthony both share the sentiment of not wanting to get married, but unlike Kate, Anthony has decided he must force himself to do it – not for love – but for obligation.
So, he begins to court Kate’s sister who is the diamond of the season simply because she has been deemed the best, not for love. Along the way, the Viscount and Kate find a spark that makes them believe in love for the first time. For a series about love stories, Bridgerton does a great job at making each one unique and provides new tropes and situations faced by each dynamic character.
Why we recommend this book: The Viscount Who Loved Me is a delightful historical romance filled with humor, charm, and undeniable chemistry. Readers love its engaging characters and the compelling enemies-to-lovers storyline that keeps them hooked until the last page.
6. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
ISBN: 9781408725795
Love, Theoretically was first made viral on TikTok, but presents super interesting modern themes such as workplace ethics and barriers faced by women in STEM. Elsie is an adjunct professor of physics, but as she does not make enough money to support her lifestyle she has an avid side gig as a girlfriend for hire. One of her trusted clients is a friend, and they have been keeping up the fake relationship thing for years, including meeting his family.
Elsie then gets an opportunity to interview for the job of her dreams at a different University, and at the welcome dinner, she sees her client’s brother – who does not approve of her for many reasons. One, he does not like the relationship that she has with his brother, but two he is a scientist who publicly tries to find evidence against her research in theoretical physics. As you can imagine, the enemies have to cross many lines to find love in this situation, and both start believing in something that goes against their principles.
Why we recommend this book: Ali Hazelwood’s Love, Theoretically is a witty and smart romance that combines STEM themes with irresistible chemistry. Readers are drawn to its quirky characters, sharp banter, and the perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion.
5. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
ISBN: 1387876996
It is clear that TikTokers have a preference for romance novels especially enemies-to-lovers books. This TikTok famous rom-com provides the perfect enemies-to-lovers trope with our main character, Lina is a bit distraught about seeing her ex at her sister’s wedding in Spain, so she decides to pretend to be in a relationship with her colleague for the show of things.
Everyone can relate to the horror of seeing your ex engaged to someone else, of all places at a wedding (one might also ask why your sister would invite your ex to her wedding). The book gives vibes such as that of the film, The Proposal, but it also dives into family dynamics while also providing you with the steamy romance scenes you have been waiting for.
Why we recommend this book: Elena Armas’ The Spanish Love Deception is a charming slow-burn romance filled with humor, heart, and undeniable chemistry. Readers adore its relatable characters and the delightful fake-dating trope that blossoms into a captivating love story.
4. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Take a walk down memory lane with this enchanting book for Young Adults, which is actually for everyone and follows the enemies-to-lovers trope. Kathy is 17 and is struggling to make friends upon her family’s move to West Virginia. She begins to befriend her neighbor Dee, but with Dee’s brother Dameon, it is harder to break the ice.
She soon discovered an entire new world inside of West Virginia, no spoilers but it is quite the plot twist in the direction of the fantasy genre. Making it the perfect book for romance and fantasy fanatics alike.
Why we recommend this book: Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Obsidian combines thrilling supernatural elements with a swoon-worthy romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Fans love the sharp banter, intense chemistry, and exciting twists that make this story unforgettable.
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3. Fight or Flight by Samantha Young
For those who enjoy a steamy romance novel, this is the perfect book for you as the enemy-to-lovers trope generates a lot of steam in this plot. Have you ever seen a handsome stranger on an airplane? But then their attitude is completely rude (as many people are when they travel) and that attraction becomes resentment? But you know what they say about resentment and attraction…
And it is all quite situational when their flights are canceled, forcing them to be stuck in the same place. This is the perfect romance novel that involves enemy to lover, meet-cute, and provides Before Sunrise vibes.
Why we recommend this book: Samantha Young’s Fight or Flight is a heartfelt and passionate romance that blends humor and emotion perfectly. Readers love its compelling characters and the intense chemistry that drives the story, making it a must-read for fans of modern love tales.
2. Beautiful Bastard by Christina Lauren
ISBN: 9781476730103
Chloe and Bennett fit the enemies-to-lovers trope perfectly in this will-they-won’t-they novel about two co-workers. Chloe quickly makes Bennett her enemy upon finding out he is the boss’s son, coming in to take over the company. And for Bennett, it is difficult for him to work with Chloe as he finds himself growing more and more attracted to her.
The attraction and taboo make the love-hate stereotype steamy and intriguing. A must-read for any romance novel lover.
Why we recommend this book: Christina Lauren’s Beautiful Bastard delivers a sizzling, witty, and addictive romance that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Its dynamic characters and sharp banter make it an unforgettable read for fans of steamy love stories.
1. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People may not be your typical enemies-to-lovers setup, but our protagonists Marianne and Connell certainly aren’t friends in the beginning, and for the majority of their childhood romance pretend not to even know each other.
Marianne and Connell are two young people who weave in and out of each other’s lives, sometimes friends, sometimes enemies, and sometimes lovers. They face social and economic barriers when considering having a relationship, and both fight to push down those barriers just to not be enemies. Normal People is a cultural phenomenon of a novel that will be a quick read if you love romance novels.
Why we recommend this book: Sally Rooney’s Normal People masterfully explores the complexities of modern relationships with raw emotion and depth. Readers are captivated by its authentic portrayal of love, friendship, and personal growth, making it deeply relatable and unforgettable.
