Starting at loggerheads and growing on each other has often been the bedrock of two people forming a meaningful connection. The long and chaotic journey from enemies to lovers is a staple of many romance stories. It provides an abundance of build-up and invigorates you to change your perspective in life. Romance novels tend to be sappy and cliched.
So, these enemies-to-lovers books will provide just the refreshment you’re looking for. They have engaging stories with tension, depth, and an abundance of twists guaranteed to keep you glued to the book.
10 Enemies to Lovers Books You Must Read
#1. “Beach Read” By Emily Henry
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Beach Read follows the story of Augustus Everett, an acclaimed author of literary fiction. However, Augustus has fallen out of love with the idea of love, both as a literary genre and a source for meaning in life.
After his recent break-up and father’s death, Augustus starts experiencing tremendous writer block. He escapes to an old beach house for 3 months but can’t think up a single word. All of this changes after January Andrews, a bestselling romance novel author, moves into Augustus’ neighboring beach house.
When the two strike a deal to help each other get out of their creative ruts, a friendly rivalry helps them stay motivated. One thing leads to another, and in their shared journey to overcome their fear of love, January and Augustus fall in love.
#2. “The Spanish Love Deception” By Elena Armas
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Catalina Martin has finally found a boyfriend, or at least that’s what she’s telling people. Her family is excited, spreading the announcement that she will be bringing her boyfriend to the wedding date. In a desperate bid to find someone to accompany her to Spain for a wedding, she takes up Aaron Blackford’s offer to be her date.
However, Aaron Blackford is the most excruciating, nauseating, and blood-boiling person she’s ever met. He pokes his nose into her business, judges her for the most minute things, and insists on calling himself her best option. One thing’s for sure, this is a slow-burning romance tale.
#3. “Poison Study (The Chronicles of Ixia Book 0)” By Maria V. Snyder
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Poison’s study follows the story of Yelena, a woman locked deep in a palace dungeon for killing her abuser. Her freedom was lost forever and her murder sentence resolute. However, just as she comes to terms with her fate, something extraordinary happens.
She’s offered reprieve under the condition that she serves as a food taster for the commander of Ixia. This puts her at risk of being killed by anyone trying to assassinate the commander.
To make matters worse, the chief of security poisons Yelena with butterfly dust. In order to delay her inevitable and agonizing death, she must fulfill the chief of security’s conditions and receive a daily antidote. The story is told very crudely, so prepare yourself for some teeth-grinding suspense.
#4. “A Touch of Darkness” By Scarlett St. Clair
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A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair is a dark and enthralling reimagination of the legend of Hades and Persephone. Hades, the god of the underworld, has built a massive gambling empire in the mortal world but it’s rumored that a lot of his games are unwinnable.
Persephone, the goddess of spring, moves to New Athens and disguises herself as an ordinary journalist. One day, she finds herself in a chance encounter with Hades who gets her roped into an inescapable contract. She must help create life in the underworld or forever lose her freedom. An unlikely bet blossoms into an even more unlikely romance.
#5. “The Hating Game” By Sally Thorne
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Office romances never get old. The Hating Game follows the story of Lucy Hutton who believes playing nice will help her get the corner office she’s been vying for. Everyone at Bexley and Gamin loves Lucy, and she loves the attention. Everyone except for Joshua Templeman.
As competing co-workers, Joshua and Lucy are always trying to steal each other’s spotlight. This rivalry turns into a heated never-ending battle of attrition and reaches its tipping point when a promotion is up for grabs. Lucy Hutton discovers Joshua Templeman is getting under her skin for more than just one reason.
#6. “Red Queen” By Victoria Aveyard
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The world of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard is one that’s divided into two unbridgeable social strata. The Reds are the commoners and the Silvers are the elites. The Silvers possess god-like superpowers that they use to rule over the Reds without compunction.
One day, Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl finds herself working in the regal Silver Palace. She has a burning hatred for the Silvers and discovers a power deep within herself that she can use to destroy them. Out of fear of her potential, the Silvers declare her Silver and get her engaged to a Silver prince, not out of any concern for er future but to as a keep-your-enemies-close situation.
#7. “Beautiful Disaster” By Jamie Mcguire
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Abby Abernathy is an ordinary happy-go-lucky 18-year-old girl. She’s had a troubled past but doesn’t drink, swear, or do anything that she deemed improper. She is the portrait of demureness and propriety, but things change when she arrives at college with her best friend.
She’s challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand when she meets Travis. Travis is exactly the kind of person that makes her feel tingly but also the kind of person she wants to avoid. He’s a lady’s man with cunning and charm. However, she ends up making a bet with Travis, and neither of the two knows what they signed on for.
#8. “Red, White & Royal Blue” By Casey Mcquiston
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Alex Claremont, the first son of President Ellen Claremont, is nothing short of royalty. Together with his bubbly sister and Veep’s genius granddaughter, the three are President Ellen’s marketing power trio for her campaign.
When photos of his confrontation with his long-time arch-rival Prince Henry get leaked, it threatens to weaken America and Britain’s relations. As President Claremont kicks off this election, Alex finds himself in an unexpected bind. He falls for Henry.
#9. “The Shadows Between Us” By Tricia Levenseller
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The Shadows Between Us is a story about power, corruption, greed, weakness, and love. Alessandra is a power-hungry, wicked woman who seeks power and fame. She hatches a scheme to seduce the king, marry him, kill him, and inherit the kingdom for herself.
This diabolical plan, however, backfires when she realizes a lot of people are trying to kill the king. This leads to Alessandra making it her mission to protect the king, so she can keep him alive long enough to marry him and take his kingdom, but develops feelings in the process.
#10. “The Viscount Who Loved Me: Bridgerton (Bridgerton Book 2)” By Julia Quinn
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Kate Sheffield is a wise and lovely older sister. She has confidence that her beautiful half-sister Edwina will marry a man of honest character and decency. However, things go sour when she finds out one of London’s most notorious swingers has set his sights on Edwina.
In order to win Edwina though, he must get Kate’s approval, so she still has the higher ground. And if you haven’t guessed it, Anthony eventually develops the hots for Kate instead. Funny how it works.
