Best Enemies to Lovers Books
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
"No sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she had hardly a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes ..."
Why we love it:
- The original enemies-to-lovers tale, with biting wit and slow-burn romance.
- Elizabeth and Darcy’s journey from prideful disdain to mutual admiration is timeless.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen is a classic. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy clash over class, character, and first impressions. But as misunderstandings unravel, they discover that love can grow in the most unexpected places, even between proud hearts.
The Cruel Prince, Holly Black
“Most of all, I hate you because I think of you. Often. It's disgusting, and I can't stop.”
Why we love it:
- Jude and Cardan’s toxic tension is addictive, with power plays and emotional depth that evolve into a twisted, tender romance.
- The fae politics and morally grey characters make every interaction feel dangerous and delicious...
The Cruel Prince follows Jude, a mortal girl living in the treacherous world of the fae, who is determined to prove herself. Cardan, a cruel and arrogant prince, seems set on making her life miserable. But as Jude climbs the ranks of court intrigue, their animosity turns into something far more complicated — and far more compelling.
A Court of Thorns and Roses, Sarah J. Maas
“I threw myself into that fire, threw myself into it, into him, and let myself burn.”
Why we love it:
- Feyre and Tamlin’s relationship begins with fear and resentment, but slowly transforms into trust, desire, and sacrifice...
- Their dynamic captures the essence of enemies-to-lovers: a mortal girl and a fae beast learning to see past their differences.
Together, Feyre and Tamlin face ancient magic, deadly trials, and a love that demands everything. Before the rest of the series shifts direction, this book stands as a passionate, high-stakes enemies-to-lovers romance.
Powerless, Lauren Roberts
“She is the embodiment of a bad decision. The twin of danger and desire. The fine line between deadly and divine. And I can feel myself drowning.”
Why we love it:
- The tension between Paedyn and Kai is electric, with high stakes and forbidden attraction.
- Their dynamic is full of snark, secrets, and undeniable chemistry.
In a world where power defines worth, Paedyn hides her lack of abilities to survive. Kai, a powerful enforcer, sees through her facade. Their clash is inevitable, but so is the pull between them, even as danger closes in.
Divine Rivals, Rebecca Ross
“I don't think you realise how strong you are, because sometimes strength isn't swords and steel and fire, as we are so often made to believe. Sometimes it's found in quiet, gentle places.”
Why we love it:
- Iris and Roman begin as professional rivals, but their anonymous letters reveal vulnerability and connection.
- The emotional intimacy builds beautifully before they even know each other's identities.
In Divine Rivals, two journalists compete for the same job while war brews between gods. Through a magical typewriter, Iris unknowingly corresponds with Roman, her rival. As their bond deepens through words, their real-world tension transforms into something unforgettable.
Beach Read, Emily Henry
“And that was the moment I realised: when the world felt dark and scary, love could whisk you off to go dancing; laughter could take some of the pain away; beauty could punch holes in your fear. I decided then that my life would be full of all three.”
Why we love it:
- January and Gus are literary opposites with a shared past and unresolved tension.
- Their banter is sharp, their chemistry undeniable, and their emotional journey heartfelt.
January, a romance writer, and Gus, a literary fiction author, are stuck in creative ruts. When they swap genres for the summer, their rivalry turns into a challenge — and then into something much deeper. Beach Read is Emily Henry's debut adult novel and one of her fans' favourites.
Love, Theoretically, Ali Hazelwood
“What do you loathe?”
“The way you seem to always get under my skin.”
“Elsie. You think you don’t live under mine.”
Why we love it:
- Elsie and Jack’s academic rivalry is full of snark, tension, and sizzling attraction.
- Their intellectual battles are matched by emotional vulnerability.
In Love, Theoretically, theoretical physicist Elsie is juggling a fake relationship and real ambitions. Jack, a brilliant and intimidating scientist, threatens her career and her composure. As they clash in the lab, sparks fly in more ways than one.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal, Sarah Adams
“You think you’re unlovable, but I think I’ve never known how to love until knowing you.”
Why we love it:
- The emotional walls between the characters crumble in the most tender ways.
- Their journey from guarded enemies to soul-deep lovers is heartwarming and raw.
When a guarded woman and a charming man are forced to work together, their differences seem insurmountable. But beneath the bickering lies a connection neither expected and a love worth fighting for.
Lost and Lassoed, Lyla Sage
“We balanced each other out in a weird way. And the truth was, I’d rather fight with Teddy than be happy with anyone else.”
Why we love it:
- Teddy and her love interest have a fiery dynamic that’s equal parts frustrating and flirty.
- The small-town setting adds charm to their passionate push-pull.
Teddy returns to her hometown, only to clash with the one person who knows how to get under her skin. Their history is messy, their chemistry undeniable, and their love story is one wild ride.
Happily Ever After?
Whether you're in the mood for magical kingdoms, academic rivals, or small-town tension, the enemies to lovers trope never fails to deliver drama, desire, and deeply satisfying romance. These stories remind us that love can bloom in the most unlikely places. So, if you're ready for fiery banter, slow-burn chemistry, and characters who fall hard despite themselves, these books deserve a spot on your TBR.
The tension doesn’t have to end here. If you're ready to trade fiery feuds for tender friendship, check out our round up of the best friends to lovers books — perfect for when you want romance with a softer spark.
