Best Enemies to Lovers Books

A fun, sharp and hilarious novel about a workplace rivalry between Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman. Tension rises when they both find discover they’re in the running for the same promotion. This rivals-to-lovers book is packed with sassy banter, career drama and great chemistry – plenty to get your teeth into.

This fantasy enemies-to-lovers story is set in a world where witches are hunted by the Church. It follows a young witch, Lou, on the run, and who must suppress her magic. She crosses paths with a witch hunter devout to the Church, and the two are forced into marriage. They hate each other, but quickly the barriers between them begin to fall. 

A dark academia centred on Effy, a young student chosen to redesign a remote estate called Hiraeth Manor. But when she arrives, she finds a literature scholar, Preston, got there before her and is trying to prove her favourite author is a fraud. This tale is not just about academic rivals though, but extends to feminist themes and a gothic mystery at play.

An enemies-to-lovers romance novel that’s delightfully fun. When newlyweds are floored by food poisoning, their siblings take their places on an all-expenses paid honeymoon. They despise each other, but nevertheless, agree to pose as a happily married couple (hello, fake marriage trope) and head off to Hawaii. Cue the witty banter and a hilarious haters-to-lovers story.

This enchanting novel is inspired by European fairy tales, but even more complex and gripping. When Miryem learns how to turn silver into gold through her father’s moneylending business, she inadvertently draws the attention of the Staryk, powerful creatures from a cold kingdom who demand her to complete impossible tasks. It’s a slow burn enemies-to-lovers tale, with strong female characters, multiple POVs and rich worldbuilding.

This YA fantasy follows the story of Jude, a mortal girl kidnapped and raised in the High Court of Faerie. She tries to prove herself in this deadly court surrounded by cruel and unpleasant faeries. All the while she’s tormented by Prince Cardan, the wicked son of the High King, and his friends. As the story progresses, their relationship deepens, making way for a good enemies-to-lovers book series.

A tale of revenge, romance and magic, Emilia Di Carlo seeks vengeance for the murder of her twin sister. As she tries to uncover the truth, she suspects Wrath, a demon prince. Soon, Emilia and Wrath reluctantly work together to investigate Vittoria’s death, giving room for a slow burn haters-to-lovers story.

Two co-workers, Shay and Dominic, are tasked with pretending to be former lovers for the sake of a new radio show. Enter a fake ex-relationship romance, and a dynamic full of tension that the audience loves. The set-up is the ideal place for an enemies-to-lovers story.

Set in an alternate reality, this enemies-to-lovers story follows Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, Prince of Wales. The pair have a longstanding rivalry, made worse by a confrontation at a royal wedding. To repair damage, they are forced to stage a fake friendship, that leads to unexpected chemistry and a blossoming romance.

Dragons, a war college, and a girl who proves herself against all odds. Fourth Wing is an epic fantasy that centres on Violet, her journey to become a dragon rider and her growing steamy and slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance with wing leader Xaden Riorson. It was one of the best-selling fantasy romance novels of 2023, and a must-read featuring the enemies-to-lovers trope.

A fantasy novel that features an enemies-to-lovers story. We follow Poppy, a Chosen Maiden, destined to fulfil a sacred duty, and the handsome guard, Hawke Flynn, who is assigned to protect her. Their relationship is marked by tension and conflict, and despite this initial animosity, it develops into a reluctant alliance and romance.