Discover all the best enemies to lovers books worth reading right now in this epic list of books.
This is hands down one of my favorite romance tropes to read.
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why the enemies to lovers books are the best
There are a lot of romance book tropes that I love to read (and a few that I don’t), and enemies-to-lovers stories are a trope that never disappoints.
Relationships in these books always start with a little bit of hate between the main characters.
This initial animosity often leads to big banter between the characters when sparks inevitably fly and those feelings begin to change from hate to love.
The saying is that there’s a fine line between love and hate, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to romance books in this popular trope.
I’m a fan of romance novels where there is real animosity between the main characters due to a misunderstanding or an incident that happened when they met, causing their relationship to start off on the wrong foot.
It’s also fun to read enemy books for lovers that are based more on a healthy dose of competition than outright hate that stirs up the relationship.
variety in books from enemies to lovers
In this list of my favorite enemies of lovers books, you’ll find books that span different genres of romance books and those that include other romance tropes as well.
There are contemporary romance books, historical romance novels, mm romance books, new adult romance books, and young adult romance books as well.
These foes of lovers’ books also include rock star romances, office romances, fake relationship romances, fantasy romances, and second chance romances, to name a few.
That’s the great thing about this trope: the plot lines can be endless!
book lists from most enemies to lovers
If you have a particular affinity for mm romance books, you won’t want to miss my book list of the best enemies to lovers books in mm romance.
or, if you’re a fan of fantasy romance books, check out the list of the best enemy fantasy books for lovers.
I’ve loved many Enemies to Lovers books, but check out my favorites below to help you find your next book recommendation.
Do you have a favorite book from enemies to lovers? share in the comments below. I’d love to hear it!
my favorite enemies from lovers books:
make me sin for j.t. singer
A book from rock star enemies to lovers
make me sin is one of those romantic books that take my breath away. I’ve come to expect that from most j.t. Geissinger’s books!
Chloe is the maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding, so she has no choice but to cross paths with best man A.J., the bad habit drummer she can’t stop thinking about despite his cruelty. .
the chemistry between chloe and a.j. it was palpable from the start despite the sharp words between them.
Even their best friends knew to keep them away as much as possible, as the love between these two was not to be missed. but their animosity eventually breaks and leads to a love that was nearly devastating.
this book made me feel like it was so, so good.
a book of perfect enemies for lovers that began with so much hate and animosity, but quickly turns into a consuming love affair.
samantha young fight or flight
A book from enemies to lovers with a headstrong Scotsman
samantha young fight or flight was such a fun book to read!
Ava had a great day and was ready to get out of Dodge and just get home when a grumpy, arrogant man steals her chance by taking the last seat on the plane she was scheduled to be on.
Fate has a way of conspiring against these two and has them sitting together on a new flight that kicks off their antagonistic words.
That doesn’t stop them from spending the night, though!
One of the best things about enemies to lovers stories is the banter, and I loved how Caleb and Ava easily slipped under each other’s skins at the beginning of this book.
Fate also had a hand in continually bringing them together, resulting in an excellent and gripping read.
sally thorne’s hate game
one of the best office romance books, from enemies to lovers
The Hate Game is a fantastic enemies-to-lovers book that thrives on the animosity in the office.
lucy and joshua share an office and have a constant need to outdo each other.
But when a promotion comes along that only one of them will get, he takes his office shenanigans to new heights.
I loved how they both began to question their feelings towards the other person and soon realized that it wasn’t hate they felt at all.
This was a brilliant story that I loved and is worth all the 5 star reviews it has received!
the deception of elena armas spanish love
a fake dating book between enemies and lovers that has it all
The first gun novel is not to be missed! this book was like catnip to all my favorite tropes. Not only was it an amazing book, from enemies to lovers, but it was also a lovely office romance, with a slow, fake relationship story.
catalina martin is in a bind. she doesn’t want to show up single at her sister’s wedding with her ex present and her new fiancé. She also doesn’t want to accept her co-worker’s infuriating offer to travel to Spain and be her fake boyfriend. however, she really has no choice but to accept the charade.
I loved the animosity between catalina and aaron, though you could tell there was more below the surface of their teasing. when her feelings finally came through, ahhhh, it was amazing! An absolute must-read and fully deserving as a 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Romance Book.
from blood and ash by jennifer l. trout
the best fantasy book from enemies to lovers
I became a huge fan of armentrout after reading this book and this series. Even if you don’t like fantasy romance, this book and these characters will just suck you in and you won’t be able to put it down.
poppy has lived her whole life as the maiden, the girl behind the veil until she meets hawke. Her new guard, however, is not who she appears to be.
I loved the push and pull of Poppy and Hawke’s relationship. these two apparent enemies became so much more despite the lies that surround them and the future they are destined to fulfill. I highly recommend this to all romance readers! my review.
the kiss thief by l.j. shen
a forced marriage, book from enemies to lovers
the kiss thief was one of the first books by l.j. So I read it and after reading it I understood why it was a finalist for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance Novel.
This book was an enemies to lovers story based on an arranged marriage. Ella Francesca She loved one man, but she was forced to marry another, which not only broke her heart, but also her relationship with her family.
This book was the perfect simmering romance with an antihero he loved and a young heroine who was equally captivating.
A book from enemies to lovers worth reading!
man cardby sarina bowen and tanya eby
a book of enemies to lovers between labor rivals
man card is the perfect enemies to lovers book where you are glued to the page and want to be a fly on the wall when the two characters start to fight.
braht and ash are real estate agents who compete and have great chemistry that makes them fight or rip their clothes off.
I loved how this was a bit one-sided at first, where braht knows he’s meant to be with ash, but continues to instigate things with her to eventually wear her down.
This book from enemies to lovers was engaging, fun, and full of chemistry. a must read in this trope.
i hate you by ilsa madden-mills
a college romance book, from enemies to lovers
If the title of this book doesn’t let you know that it’s the perfect book from enemies to lovers, then I don’t know what will!
in i hate you, waylon college senior charisma is still reeling from a humiliating and very public breakup of her brief relationship with blaze, the football star who just helped her team win the national championship.
In the beginning of this story, there was some serious hate, but it turned into a heartwarming journey of two people learning to trust in love and ultimately letting go of the fears that hold them back.
It’s the perfect book from enemies to lovers in a college setting.
fix this:
the name of the gameby jennifer dawson
a book from enemies to lovers between opposites
The name of the game is the book of perfect enemies for lovers that revolves around the antagonism between the main characters.
james and gracie are complete opposites, and it’s their differences that fuel their witty quips and banter in this adorable read.
The real fun begins behind closed doors when they realize they actually have the same interests behind the sheets.
He’s a serious, health-obsessed teacher, while she’s wild and a baker of sugary treats. So why can’t they keep their hands off each other?!
I loved both of these characters and I consider this a must read for this trope.
ex games of stella rhys
an enemies to lovers book mixed with a fake romantic relationship
ex games is a fake relationship love story between two people who seem to hate each other.
Taylor has never been a fan of her ex-fiancé’s older brother, whom she considers a womanizer and someone who was never a fan of her relationship with his brother.
She definitely isn’t showing love when he breaks the news to her that her ex-boyfriend (her brother) and his ex are now getting married, and yet she has no choice but to accept his offer to fake a relationship. relationship to stop it. the nuptials.
The best part of this book from enemies to lovers was the development of their relationship and how first impressions are reevaluated and seen for what they really are. I loved this book. my review.
hot sell by lauren layne
a book of reputation that saves enemies from lovers
Hard Sell made the list because I loved the “I hate loving you” relationship between Sabrina and Matt.
They share the same friends, so they’re always in each other’s way, but their interactions are antagonistic more than anything.
And yet, they sometimes bring their explosive chemistry into the bedroom without their friends knowing.
When Matt’s reputation is on the line at his investment firm, Sabrina steps in to clean up his image with a fake relationship – with her!
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a great book from enemies to lovers with perfect chemistry between the characters. I loved it and you too.
truce by r.l. matthew
The best book from enemies to lovers – and a historical romance!
truce is also on my list of the best romance novels of all time because it gave me all the feelings and because the fight between these characters is off the charts.
robert and elizabeth tormented each other as children, so the hatred between them had years of pranks and punches fueling the flames.
Meeting as adults, their animosity is just as fierce, yet their hatred is so intense that their interactions are just as combustible.
Seriously, the chemistry between these two is unbelievably a-m-a-z-i-n-g.
This is a book of enemies to lovers that should not be overlooked. an absolute favourite!
checkmate by r.l. matthew
a book of enemies to lovers between childhood nemeses
Honestly, I couldn’t pick a single book from r.l. mathewson as his best book of enemies for lovers, so another one is on the list!
truce is awesome, but checkmate is fun and the perfect foe for lovers’ romance.
It also features two characters who have been at each other’s throats since childhood and are now forced to work on the same construction project.
Instead of a relationship based on true hate, this one is based more on jokes that get more and more out of control.
Filled with mathewson’s signature witty and steamy characters, you’ll love this book from enemies to lovers.
vi keeland’s rivals
a book from enemies to lovers between rivals
This book of lovers’ enemies thrives on decades of feud between two families.
Her grandparents may have had a major falling out, but that doesn’t stop West from pushing all of Sophia’s buttons now that they co-own a hotel. the problem is that every time they fight, she somehow ends up under him.
From the moment of their first contact, Weston and Sophia exuded this strong chemistry.
each of their interactions was filled with the best back-and-forth banter that exuded tension that then exploded inside the sheets, making this an epic book, from enemies to lovers.
and if you like enemies to lovers books with a good talker, you’re going to like weston a lot 😊. I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough. my review.
red white and royal blue by casey mcquiston
a real book, mm from enemies to lovers
Red, White and Royal Blue is just one of the best romance books overall, in my opinion, but it’s fantastic because of the foe/lover tension between America’s first son and the prince of England.
After an initial rebuff from Prince Henry, Alex considers Harry not only his nemesis, but also a cocky and insensitive bore.
Too bad they get into a skirmish at a royal wedding that requires international damage control, creating a false friendship between the rivals.
Although both are in the spotlight and take on public responsibilities, they appear to be complete opposites.
But it’s this tension of attraction of opposites that makes this story of enemies to lovers burn and tug at your heartstrings. a truly essential book! You will also find it in my list of the best enemy books for lovers in mm romance. my review.
the risk of elle kennedy
a book of school rivalry, from enemies to lovers
Risk is the book lovers’ perfect enemies fueled by a school rivalry, which sends the chemistry in this novel skyrocketing!
The tension really builds in this book from enemies to lovers because it’s also a fake relationship story.
Desperate to claim a sports broadcasting internship, Brenna has no choice but to ask rival hockey star Jake to pose as her boyfriend.
They may be from rival colleges when it comes to hockey, but Brenna and Jake’s chemistry is so good it melts ice with ease.
kennedy seriously wrote the best jokes between these two. the sarcasm was spot on and the back and forth from him was hilarious.
If you love enemies-to-lovers stories with strong heroines and the perfect boyfriends, this book is for you. my review.
after we fell off melanie harlow
a book from enemies to lovers on the farm
When opposites attract, they are the best enemies for lovers of romance books!
Jack is the broken and brooding farmer who immediately clashes with Margot, the rich girl from town who has been hired to update the image of her family’s farm.
She may not like his wacky ideas, but she certainly doesn’t like his attraction to her, not when she’s still heartbroken.
I could read this book over and over again, I loved it so much!
jack is the perfect broken hero who is not only grieving for his wife, but also suffering from PTSD from his time in the military.
Margot may be a softer woman who is more of a socialite than a farm girl, but she can stand up to Jack when necessary, lighting some serious sparks between the two.
This is not just one of my favorite lovers book foes, but another one on my list of the best romance novels of all time.
heated rivalry for rachel reid
a mm book from enemies to lovers that gathers heat and melts ice
Competition between athletes can make a steamy book from enemies to lovers!
Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are the most talented men in professional hockey. The media may exaggerate their rivalry, but out of the spotlight, these two men warm the sheets.
When secret connections are no longer enough, it may be time to walk away rather than risk it all.
This book from enemies to lovers between nhl hockey studs was great!
The secrecy of their relationship only added to the tension fueling their chemistry as they were supposed to be rivals on the ice, but were not behind closed doors.
Their pounding at each other and their determination to outdo each other on the ice created a strong push-and-pull dynamic in their relationship.
It was the moments when they really dropped their facade and reveled in their intimacy that truly made this book from enemies to lovers a must-read for me.
if you are a fan of mm romance or hockey romance, then I highly recommend this book! It was also part of my list of the best enemies of lovers books in mm romance.
cruel paradise of j.t. singer
mafia book, from enemies to lovers
Can you really love the daughter of your greatest enemy? this book from enemies to lovers says yes!
killian black is a man not to mess with, but who is he really?
His world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with a thief who turns out to be the daughter of his greatest enemy.
This is a slightly different enemies-to-lovers book because none of the characters really knew each other before their first meeting, but their status as enemies is implied given their position in the mafia world.
I loved how Killian falls head over heels for Juliet despite their family relationship, but it’s Juliet’s struggle to cope with her job that made this such a great book, from enemies to lovers. my review.
pride and prejudice jane austen
a historical book, from enemies to lovers
This classic is one of the best lovers enemy books that has stood the test of time!
pride and prejudice are definitely feelings that fuel this fantastic book, from enemies to lovers.
While darcy and elizabeth may not be enemies per se, they definitely get off on the wrong foot and form less favorable opinions of each other early on.
You just want to be embarrassed by the blatant disregard Darcy blatantly shows Elizabeth and her family at the dance where they first met.
but oh how I love how their opinions slowly change as they learn each other’s true character.
Read this book from enemies to lovers, then watch the classic movie or the newest release to see this slow burn come to life.
the simple savage of k.a. tucker
a book from enemies to lovers set in the most fantastic settings
This is the perfect book from enemies to lovers that will transport you to another world.
Calla Fletcher returns to Alaska to reconnect with the father she hasn’t seen since she was 2 years old.
As he awkwardly tries to bond with his father, he also has to deal with the arrogant and rude yeti of a man, jonah. he is the charter pilot who helps her father keep the business afloat and wants nothing to do with the urbanite he has identified her.
This is a classic, from enemies to lovers, where the chemistry sizzles between opposites.
jonah doesn’t make it easy on hush as he adjusts to life in the wilds of alaska.
But as her eyes open to all the beauty and hardships of life in Alaska, her heart begins to open to the pilot who may not be so bad after all.
After you fall in love with this must-read, From Enemies to Lovers, you’ll want to continue reading the second book in the series and the final novel as well. so worth it! my review.
dear avaby ilsa madden-mills
a heartbreaking, high school book, from enemies to lovers
High school is the perfect setting for an enemies to lovers book because of the clash of cliques and all the potential for teen angst and drama.
ava has her fair share of drama to navigate as she returns to camden prep for her senior year as an outcast.
The popular sharks may rule the school, but one wrecked it and now another one is leaving secret love notes in her locker.
the animosity between ava and the sharks, particularly football stud knox, was strong and rightly so.
It was one of my favorite books of 2020 and a fantastic book, from enemies to lovers, well worth reading. my review.
a favor for a favor from helena hunting
a case of mistaken identity fueled the book from enemies to lovers
The worst of the cute turns this book from enemies to lovers!
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Stevie is having the worst day when she meets her neighbor, hockey star Bishop. assuming she’s someone she’s not, let’s just say he’s less than welcoming.
loved the frustration and tension between stevie and bishop in their initial antagonism.
However, once favors began to be exchanged, I loved how both of them were completely honest and forthright in admitting their attraction despite their working relationship.
If you love sports romance, especially those with hot hockey players, you’ll love this book from enemies to lovers. my review.
burn for you de j.t. singer
a marriage of convenience, a book from enemies to lovers
Would you marry an enemy to save someone you love? For Bianca, the answer is yes in this book from enemies to lovers.
bianca is the chef at a popular new orleans restaurant, but she’s struggling with her mother’s medical bills. She is desperate, so despite her rude behavior, she is actually accepting the offer of marriage from the arrogant billionaire, Jackson Boudreaux.
Actually, there was a lot more to this story than I expected.
I found jackson to be such a heartbreaking character.
He’s a billionaire, so he should have it all, right? but he is a fighting soul, who needs a wife to claim his inheritance.
This was a beautiful, slow-paced story between two people dealing with feelings that are becoming more real than fake.
a book from enemies to lovers by one of my favorite authors.
hate adam connor for her maise
a book from enemies to lovers between neighbors
what would you do if a hollywood heartthrob moved in next door? would you peek over the hedges to take a look?
gosh i love how adam and lucy’s initial encounter (when she fell over said hedges) ended with her being taken away by the police and thus establishing each other as the “enemy” in this hilarious romance .
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The intense vibe between the two continued from there and I’ll admit I loved Lucy’s sass more.
while the initial hatred between adam and lucy turned this story from enemies to lovers, i also loved its sweetness.
honest pillow talk is always a plus in my book and adam has nailed it.
If you like romance books where the girl catches the famous actor, check out this book from enemies to lovers.
lauren layne’s walk of shame
a book of opposites attracts enemies to lovers
This is another funny book from enemies to lovers between neighbors, but this time it’s between a spoiled heiress and the famous divorce lawyer who live in the same apartment building.
andrew and georgianna seem to have nothing in common except the lobby of their apartment building where they meet each morning.
The morning training sessions between them were hilarious.
both of them only seem to see what is on the surface when there is so much more to each of them if only one were to look deeper.
opposites attract love stories are often the best enemies of lovers books and this one fits the bill perfectly.
one of my lauren layne favourites!
beautiful bastard christina lauren
a super hot book from enemies to lovers
Look no further for an enemies to lovers book that’s off the charts, hot, and full of chemistry.
this is definitely one of my favorite christina lauren books and the beginning of one of my favorite series of romance books.
I love office romance books, especially between the boss and the assistant, but this is one of the first where the boss and the assistant can’t stand each other.
bennett and chloe are two extremely smart people who know that an office romance is not smart, and yet they can’t help it even though they don’t even like each other.
let me just say that the first time you cross the line between business and pleasure is incredibly exciting, as is the time you cross the line in the stairwell and the bathroom and the… you get the picture 😊 h-o-t!
this is probably one of the most popular enemies of lovers books worth reading.
ilsa madden-mills revenge pact
a book from enemies to lovers on campus
This book from enemies to lovers proves that the brother code is alive and well.
river may be one of the soccer kings on campus, but he treats anastasia like a ghost. The two of you can act like you can’t stand each other, but it’s really just that: an act.
I love how this book takes a different take on the enemies-to-lovers trope where the hero is “the enemy” because he tries so hard to deny and ignore his feelings.
There is so much going on under the surface of this book and it gave me all the feels!
madden-mills writes the best college romance books and this one is no different.
It has the perfect amount of angst mixed with a simmering tension that you can’t get enough of. a must read! my review.
lilaby b.b. red
a book from enemies to lovers between multiple rock stars
why settle for an enemies to lovers book with one enemy when you could have three?
I knew going into this book that there was going to be intense animosity between the main characters, and I wasn’t disappointed.
braxton just got his dream job.
Now she is the new guitarist of the popular band, united, only her three bandmates want her gone and they have no qualms about showing her how much with their instant hatred and determination to make everything difficult for her.
The beginning completely drew me in and kept me reading to find out what happened next and what was behind each of these intriguing characters.
houston, loren, and jericho were horrible to braxton in their own way, and yet each of them also represented such an intense attraction to her.
Many times the line between love and hate can be very thin and that is the case in this book from enemies to lovers.
If you love romance books where barking is as good as biting, you’ll want to read this book from enemies to lovers.
erin watt paper princess
a high school book, from enemies to lovers
Book one in a series from enemies to lovers you’ll devour in one sitting!
This book was much more than I expected.
She is ripped out of her life of stripping and moves in with royalty, a privileged family. but it remains to be seen which is more difficult: life trying to make ends meet or her life in her new prep school under the wrath of royal children.
She has not one, but all five royal children as her enemy as soon as she sets foot in her mansion.
her reception is so cold, but it’s reed’s animosity and deception that fuels the tension and chemistry between him and her.
Warning you this book from enemies to lovers ends on a cliffhanger, but trust me when I say you’ll be sticking with book two once you read the ending!
sarina bowen and elle kennedy’s top secret
a mm, book from enemies to lovers between frat brothers
If this duo is writing a romance mm, it’s a must read, but this one is especially good with its story from enemies to lovers.
keaton must be one of the best boyfriends around because he’s trying to give his girlfriend what she wants for her birthday: an invitation for another guy to join her bed.
I just didn’t expect to be as interested in the setup as she is the more messages she exchanges with the willing guy on the dating app.
i love how keaton and luke’s connection begins with anonymous messages in this mm romance. it’s so much easier to be yourself and explore “what ifs” when you’re texting.
But it’s when they both realize that the person they’ve been thinking about is actually the frat brother they can’t stand that things get interesting!
if you’re looking for a unique twist on an enemies to lovers book, check this one out and then see what else is on my list of the best enemies to lovers books in mm romance.
the viscount who loved me by julia quinn
a historical book, from enemies to lovers that ends in marriage
Even enemies can find love amongst the people of 19th century England in this fantastic book from enemies to lovers.
anthony bridgerton may not have the best reputation in society, but he is finally determined to get married and has already chosen his wife. Too bad the older sister of his fiancée doesn’t look favorably on the game.
loved the tension and growing fascination between anthony and kate in this unforgettable historical romance novel.
Kate may not believe that a rake can make the best of husbands, no matter how handsome, but she can’t help but fall in love with the rogue himself.
The exchange between these two was a lot of fun to read, as was Anthony’s vulnerability once he shared it.
you can fall in love with anthony bridgerton in this must read book from enemies to lovers and then fall in love with him again while watching him in the tv series, bridgerton, on netflix!
kate stewart exodus
a thought-provoking book, from enemies to lovers
I wasn’t sure if I should include this book in the list, but it’s too good to leave.
My hesitation is in the fact that this is book two as a duo, so you should read book one, herd, before reading this book.
Without giving away any spoilers for this incredible duo, let me just say that these two enemies have some off the charts chemistry!
You can hardly believe the moment they start taking their clothes off because the hatred between them is so strong you’d think they’d get as far away from each other as possible.
stewart surprised me with another captivating and well-written story with this book from enemies to lovers that should not be missed. my review.
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