There is something magnetic in romances that involve change and personal growth. Conflicting emotions and annoyance at one’s feelings may be frustrating to live through, but they are fascinating to read about.
The following books offer some of literature’s best and most engaging enemies-to-lovers dynamics. Old and new, and across multiple genres, they all provide delightful tension on a romantic journey that—most of the time—has a happy ending.
For this list, “enemies to lovers” is an umbrella term that includes the traditional trope and multiple variants—rivals-to-lovers, one-sided rivalries, and more. As such, some of these books feature animosity rather than hatred and have belligerent romantic and sexual tension as the common thread connecting them.
The Cruel Prince
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy.
💖 Spice: No.
Jude is a young woman raised in the High Court of Faerie, facing discrimination and bullying for being human—particularly from Prince Cardan Greenbriar, who seems to despise them. However, they soon must work together as court intrigue begins to brew. Consider reading our recent post to learn more about The Cruel Prince series, also known as The Folk of the Air series.
Powerless
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy Romance, Dystopic.
💖 Spice: No.
In a world divided between the supernaturally gifted Elites and the persecuted Ordinary, Paedyn—an Ordinary—uses her observational skills to pose as an Elite Psychic and avoid detection. But when she inadvertently saves the life of the Prince, she is placed in the spotlight—and a deadly game.
Fourth Wing
📙 Genre(s): New Adult, Fantasy Romance.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Violet Sorrengail is a scholar with frail health, eager to spend her life among books. But as the daughter of the Commanding General, she is expected to train and become a Dragon Rider. But her mother’s actions have given Violet plenty of enemies—including Xaden Riorson, whose father she murdered. Explore our blog post on Fourth Wing Sprayed Edges for additional information about the book. You may also enjoy some of Rebecca Yarros’s books, such as The Last Letter and Muses and Melodies.
Pride & Prejudice
📙 Genre(s): Classic, Regency, Romance, Novel of Manners.
💖 Spice: No.
This classic romance novel is set in Regency England, where family and marriage are the only paths for young women to escape poverty. Among them, the five Bennet Sisters face a potentially bleak future. However, the witty and outspoken Elizabeth Bennet refuses to settle for less than love—and she is particularly against the proud and arrogant Mr. Darcy.
The Spanish Love Deception
📙 Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.
💖 Spice: Yes.
As her sister’s wedding approaches and her lie about having an American boyfriend crumbles, Catalina Martín is desperate to find a date. Unfortunately for her, the only one who volunteers to travel to Spain and pretend to be her partner is Aaron Blackford, her most insufferable coworker.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy Romance.
💖 Spice: Yes.
While hunting, Feyre murders the wrong type of beast. As she encounters the wrath of the Fae she despises, Feyre is punished by being spirited away to the land of the Fae by Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring Court.
A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Series includes five novels in total. The next book in the series, A Court of Mist and Fury, also features another type of enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Love Hypothesis
📙 Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Despite her best friend’s constant pressure, Olive Smith is a PhD student without time for love. To convince her that her love life is flourishing, Olive Smith assures her she’s dating and, to prove it, kisses the first man she sees.
Luckily, that man is ready to play along. Unluckily, he is Adam Carlsen—an insufferable and disliked professor. The book is considered one of the Best Spicy Booktok Books.
Gone With the Wind
📙 Genre(s): Classic, Historical Fiction, Civil War.
💖 Spice: No.
Scarlett O’Hara is a clever and cunning Southern Belle who navigates life in the South during the American Civil War and the Reconstruction Era. Throughout her many controversies and attempts to survive and reclaim fortune after losing her family’s plantation, she continuously meets handsome rogue Rhett Butler—a romance and hate that is as strong and destructive as a hurricane.
Anne of Green Gables
📙 Genre(s): Classic, Coming of Age, Historical Fiction.
💖 Spice: No.
In this classic children’s novel, Anne Shirley is an orphan girl adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and sent to live with them at the Green Gables farm. Dreamy, dramatic, and imaginative, Anne makes a path for herself and builds bonds in her new home—including absolute hatred for her classmate Gilbert Blythe, who seemed to find joy in teasing her.
Shatter Me
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Dystopic, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Fantasy Romance.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Juliette is a 17-year-old girl with a deadly power—she can kill anything she touches. After being sentenced to solitary confinement for an accidental murder, the all-powerful Reestablishment seeks to make her a weapon for their purposes. To survive, she must escape them—including Warner, the Chief Commander, who monitors and seems fixated on her.
In the recent blog post, we discussed the entire Shatter Me book series and provided the correct reading order.
Book Lovers
📙 Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Nora is a literary agent. Charlie is an editor. Despite having a shared love for books and what they entail, they cannot seem to get along—she is not a plucky or sweet protagonist, and he is not a dashing or charming hero. They clash and bicker but may have more in common than they think.
Divine Rivals
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fiction.
💖 Spice: No.
Iris and Roman are journalists competing for a position at Oath Gazette, the local newspaper covering the war. Their rivalry and bitter dislike for one another fuel their competition—at least until they unknowingly start writing letters to each other, allowing them to, unknowingly, form a deep connection with one another.
Explore more about Divine Rivals Special Editions at your leisure.
Red, White & Royal Blue
📙 Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, LGBT.
💖 Spice: Yes.
In this classic LGBTQ+ romance novel, Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the United States President, Elle Claremont, and considered the closest thing to American royalty, crosses paths with Prince Henry, the second-born son of Princess Catherine and true royalty. Naturally, they despise each other.
But when a fight between them leaks to the press and threatens to damage international relations, they have a solution: fake friendship. But will it remain just that?
Once Upon a Broken Heart
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy Romance.
💖 Spice: No.
Evangeline Fox finds herself with a broken heart when the love of her life is set to marry her step-sister. Desperate, she seeks the mythic Prince of Hearts and strikes a deal with him—in exchange for his help, she will give him whatever he wants.
The Prince of Hearts asks for three kisses. It ends up being more.
A Deal With the Devil
📙 Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Adult Fiction.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Tali just left a long-term relationship and is struggling financially. Thus, she takes a lucrative job as a temporary assistant to Hayes Flynn, a womanizing plastic surgeon who never sleeps with the same woman twice. She despises him and what he does—but what if there’s more underneath? What if he’s a broken man with a broken heart?
Check & Mate
📙 Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary Romance.
💖 Spice: No.
Mallory Greenleaf swore off chess forever. However, when she plays at the behest of her friend, she ends up defeating the current world champion, Nolan Sawyer. Her newfound popularity brings her opportunities to play for cash prizes, which she needs to support her family—and also keeps bringing the infuriating Nolan back into her life.
A Rogue of One’s Own
📙 Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Victorian.
💖 Spice: Yes.
Lady Lucie is part of a group of Oxford suffragists eager to get control of a publishing house and use it against the Parliament. As it happens, the ever-infuriating Lord Ballentine offers to give up his shares in exchange for a night with Lucie. Will Lady Lucie be able to outwit her nemesis, or will she fall for his charms?
The Night Circus
📙 Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Victorian.
💖 Spice: No.
Le Cirque des Rêves only opens at night and features the most magical attractions. Two powerful rival magicians raise and train young apprentices from childhood to face one another, with the Circus as the sparring ground. The competition is meant to last until only one is left standing. Nonetheless, Celia and Marco fall in love.
