30+ Enemies to Lovers Novels & Books｜Haters/Rivals to Lovers Stories Online

The premise of the enemies to lovers genre is simple yet intriguing - two characters who initially despise each other are forced into close proximity or circumstances that eventually lead them to fall deeply in love. This journey from hate to love is filled with tension, conflict, and intense emotions, making it a captivating read for many. One of the reasons why this trope resonates with readers is because it reflects real-life relationships. Often, people who start as enemies or rivals end up becoming romantic partners due to their strong chemistry and deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses. In literature, the enemies to lovers trope can be seen across various genres such as contemporary romance, historical fiction, fantasy, young adult novels, and more. It adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the plot, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

So, what is it about enemies who become lovers that keeps us so captivated? Is it the fiery passion that ignites between them or the thrilling journey from animosity to adoration? Join us as we delve into the world of enemies to lovers novels and books, uncovering some of the best and most irresistible tales where hate turns to love. Grab your favorite reading spot and prepare to be swept off your feet by these unforgettable tales of love blossoming in unexpected places.

Top 33 Enemies to Lovers Novels List

1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne (2016) is an enemy to lovers contemporary romance that pits Lucy Hutton against Joshua Templeman in an office rivalry turned romantic tension. As they compete for a promotion, their banter and pranks evolve, blurring the lines between hate and something more. Thorne's tale is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and heat.

2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren's The Unhoneymooners (2019) is a delightful enemies to lovers romance that follows Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas. When a wedding disaster leaves them as the only unscathed attendees, they reluctantly agree to take the honeymoon trip meant for the bride and groom, despite their mutual dislike. As they navigate paradise together, their animosity slowly transforms into something more.

3. Fall Away Series by Penelope Douglas

The enemies to lovers dark romance series Fall Away by Penelope Douglas (2013) delves into the complex dynamics of a close-knit circle of friends during their college years. Douglas skillfully explores the thin line between love and hate as the characters' relationships evolve from lovers to enemies and back again. The series features four primary works: Bully, Until You, Rival, and Falling Away.

4. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (2019) is an enemy to lovers LGBT romance. When the US President's son Alex and British Prince Henry's feud goes public, they are forced to fake a friendship. Eventually, they transition from fake friends to real friends and then to lovers. However, they must confront the challenges of maintaining their relationship under the scrutiny of the public spotlight.

5. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin (2019) is a captivating enemies to lovers fantasy. Louise, a witch in hiding, and Reid, a huntsman sworn to eradicate witches, are forced into marriage. Lou faces a dilemma: follow her heart or protect herself. This novel features powerful women, dark magic, and a compelling romance, making it a must-read for fantasy romance fans.

6. Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2020) is an academic rivals to lovers romance following Rowan and Neil, bitter competitors throughout high school, who find themselves reluctantly teaming up in a city-wide game on the last day of senior year. As they face challenges and unexpected revelations, Rowan discovers Neil is more than just a rival, possibly becoming the boy of her dreams.

7. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata

From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata (2018) is an enemy love story told from the perspective of Jasmine Santos, a figure skater contemplating retirement. When offered the chance to partner with Ivan Lukov, whom she has long despised, Jasmine hesitates but ultimately agrees. Their complex and evolving relationship transcends the ice rink, revealing unexpected depths.

8. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash (2020) is an enemies to lovers book with a spicy twist. Poppy, a Maiden chosen to usher in a new era, has her life controlled until a new guard Hawke challenges her. As their desires intertwine with duty, Poppy risks everything in a world where boundaries blur between what is forbidden and what is right.

9. For the Fans by Nyla K.

For the Fans by Nyla K. (2023) is a spicy enemies to lovers MM romance. Kyran, the perfect golden boy and football star, clashes with Avi, a weed-smoking dreamer, when their parents marry, forcing them to live together. A family crisis leads them to collaborate on Fans Only porn videos, revealing a genuine attraction beyond their initial animosity.

10. Vicious by L.J. Shen

Vicious by L.J. Shen (2016) is a dark enemies-to-lovers romance. Emilia is drawn to Vicious, the school's bad boy, despite his cruel nature. Vicious is obsessed with Emilia but wants to corrupt her goodness. He pushes her away, but fate reunites them ten years later, reigniting their complicated relationship filled with secrets and desire.

11. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Elena Armas's The Spanish Love Deception (2021) is a spicy enemies-to-lovers romance following Catalina who needs a fake date for her sister's wedding to cover a lie about her boyfriend. Her colleague, Aaron, offers to help despite their mutual animosity. As the wedding approaches, Catalina discovers there's more to Aaron than meets the eye, leading to unexpected feelings.

12. The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori

The Maddest Obsession by Danielle Lori (2019) is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. Gianna, a woman with a guarded facade, crosses paths with Christian, a special agent with a hidden dark side. Despite their mutual dislike, their lives become intertwined, leading to a complex relationship filled with insults and intrigue.

13. Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat

C.S. Pacat's Captive Prince (2013) is a gripping gay enemies to lovers fantasy romance. Damen is captured and sent to serve Prince Laurent, his enemy. As political intrigue unfolds, Damen must navigate the dangerous Veretian court while concealing his true identity. Despite their animosity, Damen and Laurent must work together, leading to a complex relationship filled with tension and desire.

14. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

In Emily Henry's Book Lovers (2022), Nora, an ambitious literary agent, clashes with Charlie, a brooding book editor, in this enemies to lovers romance. When fate reunites them in a small town, they find themselves reevaluating their relationship. As they step out of their comfort zones, they discover the potential for their own love story.

15. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa

Mia Sosa's The Worst Best Man (2020) is a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance. Wedding planner Carolina's dream job becomes a nightmare when she's forced to collaborate with her ex-fiancé's brother, who sabotaged her wedding. Despite their animosity, they can't ignore the undeniable chemistry between them. However, past hurts and family drama threaten to derail their budding relationship.

16. Bound By Hatred by Cora Reilly

In Bound By Hatred, a mafia enemies to lovers dark romance by Cora Reilly (2015), Gianna vows to escape an arranged marriage after witnessing her sister's fate. When mobster Matteo "The Blade" Vitiello becomes infatuated with her, she flees to Europe. However, Matteo hunts her down, forcing her into marriage. Despite her hatred, their power struggle transforms into passionate, hate-fueled encounters.

17. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Emily Henry's Beach Read (2020), a charming enemies to lovers from com, centers on January and Gus, both grappling with writer's block. They strike an unconventional deal: she pens a dark thriller while he attempts romance. Amidst their genre-swapping and literary challenges, their relationship evolves from antagonistic to affectionate, filled with humor, romance, and unexpected revelations.

18. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Alexis Hall's Boyfriend Material (2020) is an enemies to lovers BL romance. Luc, somewhat famous due to his rock star parents, needs to clean up his image. Enter Oliver, a barrister who is the epitome of normal and perfect boyfriend material. Despite their differences, they agree to fake a relationship for the public eye. However, as their fake relationship progresses, real feelings start to develop.

19. She Drives Me Crazy Kelly Quindlen

She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen (2021) is a delightful lesbian enemies-to-lovers story set in high school. It explores the tumultuous relationship between high school rivals Scottie and Irene, thrown together by a fender bender. As they embark on a fake-dating scheme for different reasons, their dynamic becomes increasingly complex.

20. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Holly Black's The Cruel Prince (2018) is a spicy fantasy featuring an enemies to lovers theme. Jude, a human living among the Faeries, strives to be like them, even those she despises, such as the handsome but cruel Cardan. To achieve her goals, she must get close to him, leading to a complex and dangerous relationship.

21. Brutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger

In Brutal Vows (2022), an enemies to lovers mafia romance by J.T. Geissinger, Reyna sacrifices herself in place of her niece Lili for an arranged marriage to mafia boss the Spider. Forced together, Reyna and the Spider, engage in a tumultuous relationship. Through sparring and mutual dislike, they discover a deep attraction and hidden love.

22. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A YA enemies to lovers romance A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2015) follows Feyre who is taken by Tamlin, a lethal, immortal faerie lord seeking retribution. As she learns about the fae world, her animosity towards Tamlin turns into a passionate love. However, a looming threat puts their world at risk, forcing Feyre to make difficult choices to save Tamlin and his realm.

23. As If On Cue by Marisa Kanter

Marisa Kanter's As If On Cue (2021), a perfect enemies to lovers book for teens, follows lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid as they clash over the school's art budget. Natalie wants to direct a play, but Reid's band opposes, leading to a compromise: they co-write and direct a musical. As they collaborate, they confront their feelings for each other, challenging their competitive dynamic.

24. Twisted Hate by Ana Huang

In Ana Huang's Twisted Hate (2022), medical student Josh Chen and ambitious Jules Ambrose despise each other but find themselves in an "enemies with benefits" arrangement after a night of passion. As they grow closer, their past demons resurface, threatening their newfound connection. This dark enemies to lovers romance is the third book in the Twisted series.

25. Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan

Kristen Callihan's Dear Enemy (2020) follows Delilah and Macon, childhood rivals, who find themselves in a unique situation. After Macon's ex-girlfriend, Delilah's sister, disappears, Delilah steps in as Macon's assistant to repay the debt. As they spend time together, their mutual hatred turns into something unexpected, highlighting that love can blossom between the most unlikely individuals.

26. The Summer Palace and Other Stories by C.S. Pacat

The Summer Palace and Other Stories by C.S. Pacat (2018) offers a series of adventures featuring Damen, Laurent, and other characters from Captive Prince. These short stories delve into their lives beyond the events of the novels, including moments of enemies-to-lovers dynamics in tales like Green but for a Season, The Summer Palace, and Pet.

27. The Contract by Melanie Moreland

In Melanie Moreland's enemies to lovers office romance The Contract (2016), Richard is a tyrant at work and a playboy after hours. Katharine, his long-suffering PA, detests him but needs the job. When Richard unexpectedly proposes a fake engagement, Katharine reluctantly agrees. As they navigate their faux relationship, genuine feelings begin to surface, forcing them to confront their true desires.

28. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis" (2021) is an enemies to lovers smut romance where Olive, a Ph.D. candidate, finds herself in a fake relationship with Dr. Adam Carlsen, an intimidating professor. Despite their initial animosity, Olive begins to see a different side of Adam, leading her to question if he might be the perfect match she's been seeking.

29. The Ex Talk Rachel Lynn Solomon

The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon (2021) is a fake dating enemies to lovers romance. Shay, a radio producer, clashes with new co-worker Dominic. When they propose a show about exes, they're chosen as hosts. As they fake their past relationship, real feelings emerge in this engaging enemies to lovers tale.

30. This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (2019) is a sapphic enemies to lovers Sci-Fi novel. Red and Blue, agents of rival factions, begin as adversaries but gradually develop a deep connection through letters sent across time and space. Their correspondence evolves from taunts to declarations of love, challenging the boundaries of their universe and their hearts.

31. Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid

Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid (2019) is an enemies to lovers MM romance set in the world of professional hockey. Shane and Ilya, hockey stars with a fierce rivalry, find their secret hookups evolving into something deeper. As they navigate their feelings, their competitive nature and intense attraction heat up both the ice and the sheets.

32. Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark

Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark (2020) is an enemies-to-lovers arranged marriage dark romance. Aida Gallo, the wild youngest sibling of the Gallo family, is married off to Callum Griffin, the cold and ambitious heir of the rival Griffin family. Their tumultuous relationship is marked by power struggles and fierce determination, with both Aida and Callum refusing to back down.

33. Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann

Jennifer Hartmann's Still Beating (2020) is a dark romance exploring overprotective and enemies to lovers themes. Cora and Dean, longtime adversaries, find themselves shackled together in a madman's basement. Forced to cooperate to survive, they must confront their deep-seated animosity and navigate a dangerous game orchestrated by their captor that blurs the line between hate and love.

Top 10 Enemies to Lovers Books Authors

Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is the pen name of the writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, known for their New York Times bestselling novels in both Young Adult and Adult Fiction, including The Unhoneymooners and In a Holidaze.

Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston is an American author known for the New York Times bestseller Red, White & Royal Blue, Casey McQuiston writes romance novels in the new adult fiction genre and has contributed to publications like The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Sally Thorne

Sally Thorne is an Australian author of the bestselling novel The Hating Game, which was a top 20 romance novel of 2016 according to the Washington Post. Her other works include 99 Percent Mine and Second First Impressions.

Mariana Zapata

Mariana Zapata is the New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Amazon best-selling author known for her romance novels like The Wall of Winnipeg and Me and From Lukov with Love, Mariana Zapata is a Texan now living in Colorado.

L.J. Shen

L.J. Shen is the bestselling author of contemporary romance novels, L.J. Shen is known for her angsty stories featuring anti-heroes and sassy heroines. Her popular works include the Sinners of Saint series and the All Saints High series.

Elena Armas

Elena Armas is a Spanish writer and author of the bestselling novel The Spanish Love Deception. Elena Armas writes romantic comedies and other romance novels, with her books being translated into over 30 languages.

C.S. Pacat

C.S. Pacat is the author of the bestselling Captive Prince trilogy and the Dark Rise series, C.S. Pacat is known for her fantasy novels and graphic novels, living and writing in Melbourne, Australia.

Emily Henry

Emily Henry is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Book Lovers, People We Meet on Vacation, and Beach Read, Emily Henry writes from the American Midwest.

Holly Black

Holly Black is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over thirty fantasy novels for kids and teens, Holly Black's works include The Spiderwick Chronicles and The Folk of the Air series.

Ana Huang

Ana Huan is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author, Ana Huang is known for her Twisted series and writes New Adult and contemporary romance novels with alpha heroes and strong heroines.

Hot Discussions of Enemies to Lovers

Q: Enemies to Lovers - why is it so popular?

The enemies to lovers trope taps into a universal theme - the idea of opposites attracting. It is human nature to be drawn towards people who are different from us, and this can manifest in romantic relationships as well. The initial animosity between the two characters creates a tension that is exciting and intriguing for readers, making them want to see how these two seemingly incompatible individuals will end up together.

Another reason for the popularity of this trope is the potential for character development. When two characters start off as enemies, they often have preconceived notions about each other that are proven wrong as they get to know each other better. This allows for layers of their personalities to be revealed, adding depth and complexity to their relationship. As they shed their misconceptions and learn more about each other, their feelings begin to change, leading to a satisfying emotional journey for both the characters and the reader.

Q: What classics have enemies to lovers tropes?

Several classic literary works feature the enemies-to-lovers trope, adding depth and complexity to their narratives. One notable example is William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, where Beatrice and Benedick engage in witty banter and sharp exchanges before realizing their true feelings for each other. Another classic is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, where Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy start off with a mutual dislike but gradually develop a deep and lasting love. One more example is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, where Jane's initial conflicts with Mr. Rochester eventually lead to a profound and passionate relationship. These novels showcase the enduring appeal of the enemies-to-lovers trope in literature, capturing readers' hearts with their engaging characters and compelling narratives.

Conclusion

There is something satisfying about watching two characters who start off as enemies slowly develop feelings for each other. It allows us to believe that love truly knows no boundaries or obstacles. We root for these characters because we want them to overcome their differences and find happiness together. As the characters navigate through their complex relationship, they begin to see past each other's flaws and recognize the good in one another. This journey towards understanding and acceptance not only adds depth to the story but also resonates with readers on a personal level. The enemies to lovers trope continues to capture our hearts and minds because it offers a complex and captivating storyline filled with tension, character growth, angst, and an undeniable sense of satisfaction when love ultimately triumphs.