20 Enemies-to-Lovers Reading Recs You’ll Love to Hate
Bella Rose Emmorey
book editor, rogue behaviorist, digital marketer, writer, brand builder, plant aunt, and cheese enthusiast.
If you’re looking for some enemies-to-lovers reading recs, chances are you already know you love these stories. There’s something anticipatory about stories where we know the characters will fall for each other even when they hate each other at first.
Even more so, we want them to get together for that very reason.
The process of the characters falling in love from where they begin as enemies creates so much curiosity and animosity that we can’t help but remain hooked.
There’s a reason it’s one of the top tropes in romance.
Even Amazon is aware of the love for this $ romance trope$ . They’ve created an entire category just for $ “enemies to lovers” reading recs$ .
Check it out in the image below:
20 Enemies-to-Lovers Reading Recs to Binge for…like a Year
If you’re looking to lose yourself in the witty angst of love, here are some enemies-to-lovers reading recs to try out.
1. $ Neighbor From Hell by RL Mathewson$
This romantic comedy follows the story of Zoe and Trevor, two neighbors whose daily interactions consist of insults and pranks, in true enemies-to-lovers fashion. However, when circumstances force them to spend more time together, they discover that their animosity might be masking a deeper attraction. Which, you know, is the case with most people who harbor anger without just cause.
At least in this $ romance subgenre$ . But as they navigate their growing feelings, they must also contend with meddling family members and a series of humorous misunderstandings that keep them on their toes.
2. $ Of Earth and Flame by Elayna R. Gallea$
In a world where elemental magic is real, Rhiannon discovers she is the last remaining Fire Elemental. With her world in peril, she embarks on a quest to find the other Elementals and restore balance.
Along the way, she must master her powers, confront dark forces that seek to destroy her, and forge alliances with unlikely companions. As she journeys across breathtaking landscapes and faces formidable challenges, Rhiannon's true strength and courage are put to the test.
And of course, she must deal with an unruly counterpart she claims as an enemy before they fall madly for each other. This is an enemies-to-lovers reading rec from the archives of a reader group, so you know it’s tried and true.
Here are a few more details for your consumption expectations:
3. $ I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuinston$
This contemporary romance novel follows the story of two women, Josie and Shara, who fall in love in college, only after reconciling their enemy-like differences.
As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must also confront their own insecurities and fears, ultimately learning to embrace their love in a world that isn't always accepting.
4. $ From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout$
In a world where gods walk among mortals and darkness threatens to consume everything, Poppy is chosen as the Maiden, a sacred role that requires her to remain pure and untouched.
But, Poppy just wants freedom, and she resents the constraints placed upon her. When she meets Hawke, a mysterious and captivating guard with a name you’d absolutely expect from a $ romantasy$ story, she finds herself drawn to him in ways she never imagined.
As their forbidden romance blossoms, Poppy discovers shocking truths about her world and her own identity, leading her on a path that will change everything.
5. $ Icebreaker by AL Graziadei$
Mickey is the son of a father and grandfather who made NHL history. So naturally, it’s expected that he carry on the family traditions, especially considering he’s the only son with five sisters. Not that that would keep any women from also making NHL history, but alas, that’s the pressure he feels.
But this legacy is in jeopardy because of Jaysen Caulfield. Mickey finds him and his talents as infuriating as he finds his appearance attractive.
Throughout the process of trying to destroy Jaysen, Mickey has to make certain choices about what he wants most.
6. $ Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston$
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, is forced to fake a friendship with Prince Henry of Wales to smooth over a PR disaster. Naturally, these two were not friendly prior to the situation.
But as they spend more time together, their fake friendship turns into something more, forcing them to confront their feelings for each other and the consequences of their relationship. As they navigate the complexities of politics and love, Alex and Henry must decide if they are willing to risk everything for a chance at happiness.
This is one of the political enemies-to-lovers reading recs you’ll love the drama of!
7. $ Dance of Thieves by Mary E Pearson$
In the kingdom of Torrès, Kazi, a reformed thief turned queen's soldier, is sent on a mission to investigate the disappearance of a group of children. There, she crosses paths with Jase Ballenger, the notorious leader of the Ballenger crime family. But of course, he’s "not like the others" as is the case in many enemies-to-lovers reading recs. We love a man not corrupted by his awful family, amiright?
Despite their initial animosity, Kazi and Jase must work together to uncover a dangerous conspiracy that threatens both their worlds. As they navigate treacherous politics and forbidden romance, they discover that they have more in common than they ever imagined.
8. $ Steel King by Devney Perry$
Aria has always been drawn to the mysterious and enigmatic Kaine Rogan, known as the Steel King for his ruthless business tactics and his steely demeanor. Who doesn’t love a character the MC must "break open" before we love them?
When Aria's life is in danger, Kaine steps in to protect her, sparking a passionate romance between them, which is a tad bit stereotypical and she probably didn’t need saving in the first place, but I digress.
As they navigate the dangers of Kaine's world and confront their own demons, Aria and Kaine must learn to trust each other if they are to have a chance at a future together. And since this is an enemies-to-lovers book, we know the mistrust is at least justified.
9. $ Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall$
Luc O'Donnell is a mess. His rock star father has been arrested for throwing a TV out of a hotel window, and now Luc's name is at the top of the gossip columns. To clean up his image, Luc agrees to pretend to be in a relationship with Oliver Blackwood, a respectable barrister with a squeaky clean reputation.
As they navigate the ups and downs of their fake relationship, Luc and Oliver must confront their own insecurities and fears to discover what they truly want.
It’s another one of the fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers reading recs if I ever saw one.
10. $ Does it Hurt? by HD Carlton$
When Alice's first love, Henry, returns to town after years away, she is forced to confront the painful memories of their past relationship that turned them into enemies. As they reconnect, Alice must grapple with her unresolved feelings for Henry and the reasons their relationship ended.
While they navigate their complicated history, Alice and Henry must confront their fears and insecurities to find out if their love can withstand the test of time or if they’re better off calling it quits like they did before.
11. $ The Borrow a Boyfriend Club by Page Powars$
This romance novel follows a group of friends who start a service to rent out fake boyfriends. When one of the friends falls for a client, they must navigate the complexities of their fake relationship and their growing feelings for each other.
12. $ The Fabric of our Souls by KM Moronova$
In a world divided by social class and prejudice (so, uh, like our own), Sofia, a member of the lower class, falls in love with Leo, a wealthy aristocrat.
Despite the societal barriers that stand between them, Sofia and Leo embark on a passionate romance that defies all expectations. As they navigate the challenges of their forbidden love, Sofia and Leo must confront their own biases and those of society to find a way to be together.
13. $ Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin$
Set in a world where witches are hunted by the Church (because of course they are), Louise le Blanc, a witch hiding her powers, crosses paths with Reid Diggory, a witch hunter sworn to eradicate all witches.
When circumstances force them into a reluctant alliance, they must navigate their growing attraction while keeping their secrets safe. As they delve deeper into the dangerous world of magic and witchcraft, Louise and Reid must confront their beliefs and prejudices to survive in a world where love between them is forbidden.
14. $ The Kiss Thief by LJ Shen$
Francesca Rossi is the daughter of a powerful mafia boss, forced into a marriage of convenience with Senator Wolfe Keaton, a man with his own hidden agenda. As Francesca navigates the dangerous world of politics and organized crime, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her family and her growing feelings for Wolfe.
As their relationship becomes more complicated, Francesca and Wolfe must confront their pasts and their desires to find a way to be together.
15. $ Hotel Queens by Lee Winter$
After a scandal rocks the world of luxury hotels, hotelier Leslie George is determined to uncover the truth.
Her investigation leads her to journalist Emily Harrold, who is also digging into the scandal for her own reasons—ones in opposition to Leslie’s, much to the woman's annoyance. As they work together, they uncover secrets that could change the hotel industry forever…as well as their lives.
16. $ The Cruel Prince by Holly Black$
Jude, a mortal girl, has lived in the Faerie world since her parents were murdered and she and her sisters were taken to live in the High Court of Faerie. Despite being human, Jude is determined to prove herself among the fae and often finds herself caught in the dangerous politics of the faerie court.
As she navigates betrayal, power struggles, and her growing feelings for the cruel prince, Cardan, Jude discovers her own capacity for cunning and ruthlessness in a world where weakness is not tolerated.
If you like bad boys, and girls-turning-bad, this is one of the enemies-to-lovers reading recs that’s right up your alley.
Much like he is often up hers…
17. $ Scarred by Emily McIntire$
After surviving a traumatic event that left her scarred both physically and emotionally, Quinn has resigned herself to a life of solitude, which we love for her.
When she meets Ethan, a kind and compassionate man who sees past her scars and doesn't care about her appearance, Quinn begins to hope for a future she never thought possible.
As their relationship blossoms, Quinn must confront her past traumas and learn to trust again if she is to find healing and happiness with Ethan.
18. $ Love, Hate, & Clickbait by Liz Bowery$
This romantic comedy follows two rival journalists who are forced to work together on a story. As they compete to get the scoop, engaging in many acts common in enemies-to-lovers reading recs, they find themselves drawn to each other, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt moments as they navigate their feelings.
19. $ The Hating Game by Sally Thorne$
Lucy and Joshua are coworkers who share an office and a deep-seated hatred for each other, basically from day 1.
And now, on top of that, they’re competing for the same promotion. So naturally, as with many enemies-to-lovers reading recs, they engage in a series of witty banter and pranks to get under each other's skin. But…as they spend more time together, they begin to see beneath the surface and realize that their animosity might be masking hidden feelings.
As they navigate their complicated relationship, Lucy and Joshua must confront their own insecurities and fears to discover if there's more to their connection than just hate.
This book went wild for a hot minute, and they even made a movie out of it, which isn’t terrible and it does fix a few can-be-seen-as-non-consensual issues in the book before they took it to the screen. So yay!
20. $ Carry On series by Rainbow Rowell$
This fantasy series follows the story of Simon Snow, a young wizard chosen to defeat the Insidious Humdrum.
Along the way, he navigates friendships, enemies-to-lovers romances, and the complexities of being the "Chosen One" in a magical world filled with danger and intrigue.
This TBR list should last you a while. Each has its own specific flavor of the enemies-to-lovers trope, with some getting over their hatred quickly, while others may take a whole book (or two) before they finally like each other. Dig in, and enjoy!
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