Last updated on at 12:19 pm
Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes. Ever. Be it in books or movies, I’ve always loved seeing two people who initially started hating each other gradually fall into inevitable love. Observing the process of hate to love is suspenseful, thrilling, and, ultimately, fulfilling.
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I’ve read many enemies-to-lovers romance novels that I think I’ve almost exhausted what is there on the subject. I used to do extensive research on it, looking for every available book to satisfy my craving. Listed below are what I consider to be the best of the best when it comes to enemies-to-lovers stories.
So if you’re looking for enemies-to-lovers books that deliver, here are my top 11.
Why is enemies-to-lovers such a good trope?
The enemies-to-lovers is such a good trope creates tension, conflict, and character development, making the eventual romantic resolution deeply satisfying. It explores the complexities of human relationships, showcasing growth, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love amidst adversity, engaging audiences with its emotional depth and cathartic payoff.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice would have to be the one that started the enemies-to-lovers trope. This classic that’s a favorite of many probably endears people so much because of the exciting journey of its two main characters from detesting each other to finally showing how much they love one another.
If you’re not familiar with this beautiful tale, the story goes like this: When Elizabeth Bennet, our female lead, meets Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, our male lead, it isn’t exactly the best kind of meeting. Elizabeth thought Mr. Darcy was prideful and didn’t like him one bit, while she wasn’t such a paragon of the unblemished character herself because she had her prejudices. The two, however, were thrown into each other’s company more than they would have liked because of common acquaintances. Being always near each other paved the way for them to develop feelings for one another, despite those dislikes and much to their chagrin.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
There was a first proposal that ended in disaster (that could also serve as a guidebook on how to improperly propose and get surefire rejected) that is one of the most moving scenes in the book, and other interesting events that propelled the story to its happy ending.
I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is written in Jane Austen’s signature wit. It’s smart, deep, and very insightful, especially concerning human psychology and emotions. The story is well-paced and doesn’t suffer from dragging moments. The enemies-to-lovers element, which concerns us the most at the moment, is well-developed. The transition from hate to love is at a believable pace and you’ll soon find yourself rooting for this couple to finally get together. Buy it here.
Kulti
Kulti by the talented Mariana Zapata is simply one of the best contemporary enemies-to-lovers stories there are. If there is to be a guide on how to write the perfect enemies-to-lovers story or even the epitome of a great one of the genre, then it has to be Kulti.
Kulti has the right ingredients for the perfect and satisfying enemies-to-lovers theme. The reason for hating each other is believable. Both the transitions from enemies to friends and finally to lovers happened at a believable pace. The plot is flawless and riveting. The writing is fantastic and in Ms. Zapata’s signature thorough style—with just the right amount of details and with so much depth. Also, the character development is very good.
A dream is just a wish without a plan.
Mariana Zapata, Kulti
The story revolves around a female professional soccer player who got the deal of a lifetime when her lifelong soccer idol and longtime crush became her coach. Or so she thought. Kulti, the coach, was far from the perfect gentleman, however. They butt heads on and off the field often. Little did they know then that that was the start of their forever. Don’t miss this amazing enemies-to-lovers romance. Buy it here.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a series of books that is such an excellent enemies-to-lovers romance, too. The story of our opposing pair covers Books 1 to 3 and the subsequent novella in the series. As a bonus, it’s an amazing fantasy book, too, that is well-plotted and with awesome world-building.
The hero and heroine started on the opposite sides of the battlefield and there couldn’t be worse enemies than that. As the story—and book volumes—progress, though, you’ll find surprising twists that make the story awesome and take it full circle. The romance is swoony and heartwarming. You’ll find yourself loving this couple who isn’t just one of the best romantic couples ever, but also a powerful duo to contend with in the magical world. Buy it here.
The Hating Game
It’s difficult not to find The Hating Game in any enemies-to-lovers list of books. It seems everyone who is a fan of this genre knows about this book. Probably because it’s an excellent representation of the genre.
At any rate, it’s a story of two officemates who loathe each other. They engage in constant bickering and funny shenanigans. It’s a light, fun read that’s a great way to pass your time. Buy it here.
By A Thread
I celebrate the day I picked out By A Thread and discovered the awesomeness that is Lucy Score. She’s an amazing writer. I love her writing style, her seamless plots, the narrative sequence that flows smoothly, and the witty and funny dialogues. I just have so much fun reading her books. And By A Thread was the perfect introduction to her.
In this story, we have a spunky, down-on-her-luck heroine who’s trying to make ends meet and a rich and handsome, yet arrogant boss. They didn’t have the best first meeting, which would have been fine had our heroine not ended up working for our hero. Don’t miss this adorable read that’s worth your while. Buy it here.
Related Readings: The Best Fantasy Books You Absolutely Have to Read
Dear Ava
Dear Ava is one of my best reads of 2020. Ilsa Madden-Mills is kind of a hit or miss for me, but, surprisingly, Dear Ava hit all the right notes.
The story is set in high school. The heroine, who was not part of the cool group, got assaulted at the start of the book by one of the members of the hero’s cool clique. The hero was the popular quarterback and the leader of that clique. Our heroine started receiving this letter from an admirer who is from the cool group. And so the journey starts.
This book is swoony and romantic. It gave me all the feels. Not to be missed, for sure! Buy it here.
Untouchable
Untouchable is one of the dark enemies to lovers romance novels. There’s some sort of sexual assault at the beginning, but once you get past those few trigger-inducing chapters, you’re treated to an endearing love story that’s different, redeeming, and lovely.
I have to admit that I’m not fond of dark romances, but this one just works amazingly for me. I’d recommend you pick this up if non-consensual acts don’t bother you or you can take a very few and move past it. Buy it here.
Paper Princess
Paper Princess is the first book in a series called The Royals by the dynamic duo known as Erin Watt. The first three books focus on one couple, which is where the enemies-to-lovers trope is.
The story is about this poor high school girl who is thrust into a wealthy family with sons. The hero was one of the sons who was antagonistic to her. What follows is a drama-filled yet satisfying story that will have you on the edge of your seat. These enemies-to-lovers romance novels are riveting and amazing and one of my best reads. Buy it here.
Wrecking Ball
Wrecking Ball is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance reminiscent of what Mariana Zapata writes. I like the a-bit-fast pace of this better, though, since we don’t have to wait too long for the main characters to get together.
Here we have a down-on-her-luck heroine who finds herself working as a nanny to the nephew of a football player, the hero. Our hero is grumpy and when they are both thrown together, sparks fly. It was fun watching their interaction. The sexual tension was good, the dialogue witty, and the two main leads were adorable. Buy it here.
The Viscount Who Loved Me
For those who’ve been searching for enemies-to-lovers romance novels because you’ve just binge-watched the Bridgerton on Netflix, look no further than the second book of the series from which the Netflix show was lifted, The Viscount Who Loved Me.
Julia Quinn has created an entertaining and humorous yet emotional enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story in The Viscount Who Loved Me. This book features the eldest of the Bridgerton brood, Viscount Anthony. Anthony, a notorious heartbreaker of the ladies’ hearts is set to marry. He goes toe to toe with the sister of his intended bride, however, who knows of his unsavory reputation and is against the marriage. They, however, develop feelings for each other, with their chemistry so palpable that it leaps off the pages. Buy it here.
Related Readings: Enemies to Lovers Trope: 10 Swoon-Worthy Books
A Kingdom of Dreams
If you’re a fan of medieval romance stories, then A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught is great, too. The story is about an English lord and a Scottish girl who were arranged to be married. As it was set when the English and Scots were at war with each other, the pair were on opposing sides from the very beginning, and being ordered to marry in such warring circumstances was a recipe for disaster. And it was, at the start, that is, for it was the beginning of something beautiful that would even be carried down to many generations.
A Kingdom of Dreams is one of Ms. McNaught’s books, in my opinion, which is saying a lot considering that she had always churned out one amazing book after another during her heyday. It was entertaining, witty, and full of heart. Romantic and swoony as well. Buy it here.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find these enemies-to-lovers romance novels to your liking. I would love to hear your own favorite enemies-to-lovers books, too. I’m always looking for new recommendations, so recommend away. 🙂 Happy reading!
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Great suggestions!
Glad to know! Thank you!
Would absolutely love to read these! I’m a sucker for these kinds of books 😂 Although I have read and watched Pride and Prejudice but the others I still haven’t. Will pin this just in case! Thanks for sharing! xx
Hope you’ll enjoy them as I did. You’re welcome and thank you for pinning 🙂
Enemies to lovers books are my guilty pleasure, haha. I’ve read The Hating Game, but I need to check out some of the other ones!
Great! Hope you find something you’ll love from among them.
Love it! One of my fav enemies to lovers is The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren!
Oh yes, read that, too, and it was good.