The Best Enemies to Lovers Books To Read Right Now

Discover all the best enemies to lovers books worth reading right now in this epic book list.

This is hands down one of my most favorite romance book tropes to read.

If it’s your favorite as well, read on to find all the best enemies to lovers books in one place to add to your must read pile!

*Disclosure: I participate in the Amazon Affiliates program so if you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Why Enemies to Lovers Books are the Best

There are a lot of romance book tropes that I love to read (and I few I don’t) and enemies to lovers stories is one trope that never disappoints.

The relationships in these books always start off with a bit of hate stewing between the main characters.

This initial animosity often leads to great banter between characters as the sparks inevitably fly and as those feelings begin to turn from hate to love.

The saying is that there is a thin line between love and hate, and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to romance books in this popular trope.

I’m partial to the romance novels where there is true animosity between the main characters due to a misunderstanding or an incident that occurred when they first met, setting their relationship off on the wrong foot.

It’s also fun to read enemies to lovers books that are based more on a healthy dose of competition rather an all out hate stirring up the relationship.

Variety in Enemies to Lovers Books

In this book list of my most favorite enemies to lovers books, you’ll find books that span different romance book genres and those that include other romance book 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 enemies to 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 best thing about this trope- the story lines can be endless!

More Enemies to Lovers Book Lists

If you have a particular affinity for MM romance books, you don’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 best enemies to lovers fantasy books.

I’ve loved many enemies to lovers books, but check out my most favorite below to help you find your next book recommendation.

Do you have a favorite enemies to lovers book? Share in the comments below. I’d love to hear it!

My Favorite Enemies to Lovers Books:

Make Me Sin
by J.T. Geissinger

A Rock Star Enemies to Lovers Book

Make Me Sin is one of those take my breath away kind of romance books. I’ve come to expect that from most of J.T. Geissinger’s books!

Chloe is the maid of honor for her best friend’s wedding so she has no choice but to cross paths with best man A.J., the drummer of Bad Habit that she can’t stop thinking about despite his cruelty.

The chemistry between Chloe and A.J. was palpable from the start despite the cutting words between them.

Even their best friends knew to keep them away from each other as much as possible as there was no love lost between these two. But their animosity eventually breaks leading to a love that was almost devastating.

This book gave me all the feels it was just so, so good.

A perfect enemies to lovers book that started with such hate and animosity but which quickly turns into a consuming love affair.

Fight or Flight
by Samantha Young

An Enemies to Lovers Book With a Stubborn Scot

Samantha Young’s Fight or Flight was such a fun book to read!

Ava had one heck of a day and was ready to get out of dodge and just get home when a grumpy, arrogant man steals her chance by snagging the last seat on the plane she was set to be on.

Fate has a way of conspiring against these two and has them sitting together on a new flight which kicks off their antagonistic words.

That doesn’t stop them from spending the night however!

One of the best things about enemies to lovers stories is the banter and I loved how Caleb and Ava easily got under each other’s skin at the start of this book.

Fate also had a hand in continually bringing them together which made for a great, steamy read.

The Hating Game
by Sally Thorne

One of the Best Office Romance, Enemies to Lovers Books

The Hating Game is a fantastic enemies to lovers book that thrives on office animosity.

Lucy and Joshua share an office and have a constant need to outdo each other.

But when a promotion comes up that only one of them will get, it takes their office antics to new heights.

I loved how both began to question their feelings toward the other person and soon realized that hate wasn’t what they were feeling at all.

This was a brilliant story that I loved to pieces and is worth of all the 5 star reviews it’s received!

The Spanish Love Deception
by Elena Armas

A Fake Dating Enemies to Lovers Book That Has It All

Armas’ debut novel should not be missed! This book was like catnip for all of my favorite tropes.

Not only was it an amazing, enemies to lovers book, but it was also an adorable office romance, with a slow burn, fake relationship story.

Catalina Martin is in a bind. She does NOT want to show up single at her sister’s wedding with her ex in attendance and his new fiancé.

Nor does she want to take up her infuriating co-worker’s offer to travel to Spain and be her fake boyfriend. Yet she really has no choice but to take up the charade.

I loved the animosity between Catalina and Aaron though you could tell there was more under the surface of their teasing. When their feelings were FINALLY made apparent, ahhhh, it was amazing!

A must read for sure and totally deserving as a finalist for best romance book in the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards.

From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Best Fantasy Enemies to Lovers Book

I became a huge Armentrout fan after reading this book and 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 entire life as the Maiden, the girl behind the veil until she meets Hawke. Her new guard, however, is not who he appears to be.

I absolutely adored the push – pull of Poppy and Hawke’s relationship. These two apparent enemies grew to be so much more despite the lies surrounding them and the future they are destined to fulfill.

I highly recommend this for all romance readers! My Review.

The Kiss Thief
by L.J. Shen

A Forced Marriage, Enemies to Lovers Book

The Kiss Thief was one of the first books by L.J. Shen that I read and after reading it I understood why it was a finalist for the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance.

This book was an enemies to lovers story based on an arranged marriage.

Francesca loved one man but was forced to marry another which not only wrecked her heart but wrecked her relationship with her family as well.

This book was the perfect slow burn romance with an anti-hero that I loved and a young heroine that was equally as captivating.

An enemies to lovers book that is so worth reading!

Man Card
by Sarina Bowen and Tanya Eby

An Enemies to Lovers Book Between Work 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 sparring.

Braht and Ash are competing realtors who have chemistry in spades that either has them fighting or tearing 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 enemies to lovers book, was hot, funny and full of chemistry. A must read in this trope.

I Hate You
by Ilsa Madden-Mills

A College Romance, Enemies to Lovers Book

If the title of this book doesn’t let you know that it’s the perfect enemies to lovers book then I don’t know what will!

In I Hate You, Charisma, a senior at Waylon University, is still reeling from a humiliating and very public break up from her short time hook up, Blaze, the star football athlete who just helped his team win the national championship. 

There was some serious hate being tossed around at the start of this story but it grew to be a heartwarming journey of two people learning to trust in love and to ultimately let go of the fears holding them back from it.

It’s the perfect enemies to lovers book in a college setting.

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The Name of the Game
by Jennifer Dawson

An Enemies to Lovers Book Between Opposites

The Name of the Game is the perfect enemies to lovers book that hinges on the antagonism between the main characters.

James and Gracie are complete opposites, and it is their differences that fuel their witty banter and teasing in this lovable read.

The real fun begins behind closed doors when they realize that they actually have the same interests between the sheets.

He’s this straight-laced, health-obsessed professor while she is 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 consider this a must read book for this trope.

Ex Games
by Stella Rhys

An Enemies to Lovers Book Mixed with a Fake Relationship Romance

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-fiance’s older brother who she’s pegged as a womanizer and someone who wasn’t ever a fan of her relationship with his brother.

She definitely isn’t showing the love when he breaks the news that her ex-fiance (his brother) and his ex are now getting married, and yet she has no choice but to accept his offer to fake a relationship to stop the nuptials.

The best part of this enemies to lovers book was the development of their relationship and how first impressions are re-evaluated and seen for what they truly are. I loved this book. My Review.

Hard Sell
by Lauren Layne

A Reputation Saving Enemies to Lovers Book

Hard Sell made the list because I loved the “hate to love you” relationship between Sabrina and Matt.

They share the same friends so they are always in each other’s paths but their interactions are antagonistic more than anything.

And yet, on occasion they take their amazing chemistry into the bedroom unbeknownst to their friends.

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!

A great, enemies to lovers book with perfect chemistry between characters. I loved it and so will you.

Truce
by R.L. Mathewson

The Best Enemies to Lovers Book – and a Historical Romance!

Truce is also on my list of the best romance novels of all time because it gave me all the feels and because the feuding between these characters is off the charts HOT!

Robert and Elizabeth tormented each other as children so the hate between them had years of pranks and jabs fueling the flames.

Reunited as adults their animosity is just as fierce however their hate has such heat that their interactions are so combustible.

Seriously, the chemistry between these two is so incredibly A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

This is one enemies to lovers book that you should not overlook. An absolute favorite!

Checkmate
by R.L. Mathewson

An Enemies to Lovers Book Between Childhood Nemeses

I honestly couldn’t pick just one book from R.L. Mathewson as her best enemies to lovers book so another made the list!

Truce is incredible, but Checkmate is laugh out loud funny and is the perfect enemies to lovers romance.

It too features two characters who have been at each other’s throats since childhood and who are now forced to work on the same construction project.

Rather than a relationship built on true hatred, this one is based more on pranks that get more and more out of control.

Filled with Mathewson’s signature steaminess and witty characters, you’ll love this enemies to lovers book.

The Rivals
by Vi Keeland

An Enemies to Lovers Book Between Rivals

This enemies to lovers book thrives off of a decades long feud between two families.

Their grandfathers may have had a major falling out, but that doesn’t prevent West from pushing all of Sophia’s buttons now that they co-own a hotel.

The trouble is, every time they fight, she somehow winds up under HIM.

From the moment of their first run in, Weston and Sophia just exuded this strong chemistry.

Each one of their interactions was filled with the best back and forth banter that oozed tension until they ended up within the sheets, making this an epic, enemies to lovers book.

And if you like enemies to lovers books with one smooth dirty talker, you’re going to really like Weston 😊. I adored this book and can’t recommend it enough. My Review.

Red, White and Royal Blue
by Casey McQuiston

A Royal, MM Enemies to Lovers Book

Red, White and Royal Blue is just one of the best overall romance books ever in my opinion, but it’s fantastic because of the enemies to lovers tension between the First Son of the United States and the Prince of England.

After an initial brush-off from Prince Henry, Alex not only considers Henry his nemesis but also a stuck-up and unfeeling bore.

Too bad they get into a skirmish at a royal wedding requiring international damage control – creating a fake friendship between the rivals.

Though they’re both in the spotlight and shoulder public responsibilities, they appear as complete opposites.

But it’s this opposites-attract tension that makes this enemies to lovers story burn and tug at your heart strings.  A truly must read book!

You’ll also find it on my list of best enemies to lovers books in MM romance.

Check it out and then read more books like Red, White and Royal Blue. My Review.

The Risk
by Elle Kennedy

A School Rivalry, Enemies to Lovers Book

The Risk is the perfect enemies to lovers book fueled by a school rivalry, sending the chemistry in this novel off the charts!

The tension is really turned up in this enemies to lovers book because it is 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 together is so hot it easily melts the ice.

Kennedy seriously wrote the best banter between these two. The sarcasm was spot on and their back and forth was hilarious.

If you love enemies to lovers stories with strong heroines and the perfect book boyfriends, this book is for you. My Review.

After We Fall
by Melanie Harlow

An Enemies to Lovers Book Down on the Farm

When opposites attract, they make the best enemies to lovers romance books!

Jack is the broken and broody farmer who immediately clashes with Margot, the rich city girl who’s been hired to update the image of his family’s farm.

He may not like her fancy ideas but he certainly doesn’t like the attraction he feels toward her, not when his heart is still broken.

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 his wife but also suffering from PTSD from his time in the Army.

Margot may be a softer woman who’s more socialite than farmgirl but she can stand up to Jack when it counts, igniting some serious sparks between the two.

This is not only one of my most favorite enemies to lovers books, but another one to make my list of the best romance novels of all time.

Heated Rivalry
by Rachel Reid

A MM Enemies to Lovers Book that Packs Heat and Melts the Ice

Competition between athletes can make a steamy, enemies to lovers book!

Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are the most talented men in pro hockey. The media may hype up their rivalry but out of the spotlight these two men heat up the sheets.

When secret hookups are no longer enough, it may be time to walk away rather than risk it all.

This enemies to lovers book between NHL hockey studs was hot!

The secrecy of their relationship only added to the tension fueling their chemistry since they were supposed to be rivals on the ice but were anything but behind closed doors.

Their jabs to one another and determination to best each other on the ice created such a strong push/pull dynamic to their relationship.

It was the moments when they actually dropped the façade and reveled in their intimacy that really made this enemies to lovers book a must read for me.

If you’re a fan of MM romance or hockey romances, then I highly recommend this book! It too made my list of best enemies to lovers books in MM romance.

Cruel Paradise
by J.T. Geissinger

A Mafia, Enemies to Lovers Book

Can you really love the daughter of your greatest enemy? This enemies to lovers books says YES!

Killian Black is a man not to be messed with but who is he really?

His world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with a thief who happens to be the daughter of his greatest enemy.

This is a slightly different enemies to lovers book because neither character really knew each other before their first meeting, but their status as enemies is implied given their standing in the mob world.

I loved how Killian just falls head over heels for Juliet despite her family relationship, but it’s Juliet’s struggle to come to grips with his work that made this such a great, enemies to lovers book. My Review.

Pride and Prejudice
by Jane Austen

A Historical, Enemies to Lovers Book

This classic is one of the best enemies to lovers books that has stood the test of time!

Pride and prejudice are definitely feelings that fuel this fantastic, enemies to lovers book.

While Darcy and Elizabeth may not be enemies per say, they definitely get off on the wrong foot and form the least favorable opinions about each other from the start.

You just want to cringe at the frank snubbing Darcy blatantly makes about Elizabeth and her family at the ball where they first meet.

But oh how I love how their opinions slowly change as they get to know the other’s true character.

Read this enemies to lovers book and then watch the classic movie or the newest release to see this slow burn come to life.

The Simple Wild
by K.A. Tucker

An Enemies to Lovers Book Set in the Most Fantastic of Sceneries

This is the perfect enemies to lovers book that will sweep you away into another world.

Calla Fletcher returns to Alaska to reconnect with the father she hasn’t seen since she was 2 years old.

While awkwardly trying to bond with her father she also has to deal with the arrogant, rude, yeti of a man, Jonah. He’s the charter pilot helping her father keep the business afloat who wants nothing to do with the city slicker he’s pegged her as.

This is a classic, enemies to lovers set up where the chemistry sizzles between opposites.  

Jonah does not make it easy for Calla as she adjusts to life in the wilds of Alaska.

But as her eyes are opened to all the beauty and hardship of life in Alaska, her heart begins to open to the pilot who may not be so bad after all.

After you fall for this must-read enemies to lovers book, you’ll want to continue reading the second book in the series and the final novella as well. So worth it! My Review.

Dear Ava
by Ilsa Madden-Mills

A Heartbreaking, High School, Enemies to Lovers Book

High school is the perfect setting for an enemies to lovers book because of the clash of cliques and all the potential for teenage angst and drama.

Ava has her fair share of drama to navigate when she returns to Camden Prep for her senior year as the outcast.

The popular Sharks may rule the school but one destroyed her and now another is leaving secret love notes in her locker.

The animosity between Ava and the Sharks, particularly football stud Knox, was THICK and with due reason.

It was one of my most favorite books of 2020 and a fantastic, enemies to lovers book worth reading. My Review.

A Favor for a Favor
by Helena Hunting

A Case of Mistaken Identity Fueled Enemies to Lovers Book

The worst meet cute sets off this enemies to lovers book!

Stevie is having the worst day when she meets her neighbor – hockey star, Bishop. Assuming she is someone she’s not, let’s just say that he’s less than welcoming.

I loved the frustration and tension between Stevie and Bishop in their initial antagonism.

Once the favors start trading however, I loved how they both were completely upfront and direct in admitting their attraction despite their working relationship.

If you love sports romance, especially those with hot hockey players, you’ll love this enemies to lovers book. My Review.

Burn for You
by J.T. Geissinger

A Marriage of Convenience, Enemies to Lovers Book

Would you marry an enemy to save someone you love? For Bianca, the answer is yes in this enemies to lovers book.

Bianca is the chef of a popular New Orleans restaurant but she’s struggling under her mother’s medical bills.

She’s desperate, so despite his rude behavior, she’s actually accepting the offer of marriage from arrogant billionaire, Jackson Boudreaux.

There was actually so much more to this story than I anticipated.

I found Jackson to be such a heartbreaking character.

He’s a billionaire so he should have everything, right? But he’s this struggling soul, who needs a wife to claim his inheritance.

This was a beautiful slow burn between two people coming to grips with feelings that are becoming more real than fake.

An enemies to lovers book from one of my most favorite authors.

To Hate Adam Connor
by Ella Maise

An Enemies to Lovers Book Between Neighbors

What would you do if a Hollywood heartthrob moved in next door? Would you snoop over the hedges to take a peek?

OMG, I love how the initial meeting between Adam and Lucy (as she fell over said hedges) ended with her being carted off by the police, hence establishing each other as the “enemy” in this fun romance.

The intense vibe between the two continued from there and I admit that I loved Lucy’s sass the most.

While the initial hate between Adam and Lucy made this enemies to lovers story, I also loved the sweetness of it too.

Heartfelt pillow talk is always a plus in my book and Adam has it nailed.

If you like romance books where the girl nabs the famous actor, check out this enemies to lovers book.

Walk of Shame
by Lauren Layne

An Opposites Attract Enemies to Lovers Book

This is another fun enemies to lovers book between neighbors but this time its between a pampered heiress and the celebrity divorce attorney who live in the same apartment building.

Andrew and Georgianna seem to have nothing in common except the foyer of their apartment building where they run into each other each morning.

The morning sparring sessions between them were hilarious.

Both of them only seem to see what’s on the surface when there is so much more to each of them if only one were to look deeper.

Opposites attract love stories often make the best enemies to lovers books and this one totally fits the bill.

One of my favorites from Lauren Layne!

Beautiful Bastard
by Christina Lauren

A Super HOT Enemies to Lovers Book

Look no further for an enemies to lovers book that is off the charts HOT and full of chemistry.

This is definitely one of my most favorite Christina Lauren books and the start of one of my favorite romance book series.

I adore office romance books, especially those between boss and assistant, but this is one of the first where boss and assistant can’t stand one another.

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 they cross the line between business and pleasure is SO incredibly hot, as is the time they 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 to lovers books worth reading.

The Revenge Pact
by Ilsa Madden-Mills

An Enemies to Lovers Book on Campus

This enemies to lovers book proves that the bro code is alive and well.

River may be one of the kings of football on campus but he treats Anastasia as a ghost. Both may act as though they can’t stand each other but it’s really just that – an act.

I love how this book gives a different take on the enemies to lovers trope where the hero is “the enemy” because he’s trying 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 blended with a simmering tension that you can’t get enough of. A must read! My Review.

Lilac
by B.B. Reid

An Enemies to Lovers Book 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 some intense animosity between the main characters and it did not disappoint.

Braxton is just handed her dream job.

She’s now the new guitarist for the popular band, Bound, only her three bandmates want her gone and have no qualms about showing her just how much with their instant hate and determination to make everything difficult for her.

The beginning totally pulled me in, keeping me reading to find out what happened next and what was behind each of these intriguing characters.

Houston, Loren and Jericho were each horrible to Braxton in their own way and yet they each posed such an intense attraction to her as well.

Often times the line between love and hate can be oh so thin and that sure is the case in this enemies to lovers book.

If you love romance books where the bark is just as good as the bite, you’ll want to check out this enemies to lovers book.

Paper Princess
by Erin Watt

A High School, Enemies to Lovers Book

Book one in an enemies to lovers series that you’ll devour in one sitting!

This book was so much more than I expected.

Ella is plucked from her life of stripping and moves in with the Royals, a family of privilege. But it remains to be seen which is harder – life trying to make ends meet or life at her new prep school under the wrath of the Royal boys.

Ella has not one, but all five Royal boys as her enemy as soon as she sets foot into their mansion.

Their reception is so cold, but it’s Reed’s animosity and deception that fuels the tension AND the chemistry between him and Ella.

Be forewarned that this enemies to lovers book ends on a cliffhanger, but trust me when I say that you’ll be grabbing for book two once you read the end!

Top Secret
by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy

A MM, Enemies to Lovers Book Between Fraternity Brothers

If this duo is writing a MM romance, it’s a must read, but this one is especially good with its enemies to lovers storyline.

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 to another guy to join their bed.

He just didn’t expect to be just as interested in the set up as she is the more he messages back and forth with the willing guy on the dating app.

I love how the connection between Keaton and Luke begins with anonymous messaging in this MM romance. It’s so much easier to be yourself and explore “what if” when you’re texting.

But it’s when they both realize that the person they’ve been thinking about is actually the fraternity 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 then discover what else is on my list of best enemies to lovers books in MM romance.

The Viscount Who Loved Me
by Julia Quinn

A Historical, Enemies to Lovers Book That Ends in Marriage

Even enemies can find love amongst the ton in 19th century England in this fantastic enemies to lovers book.

Anthony Bridgerton may not have the best reputation among society, but he’s finally determined to marry and has already picked out his wife. Too bad his intended’s older sister does not look favorably on the match.

I absolutely loved the tension and growing fascination between Anthony and Kate in this unforgettable historical romance novel.

Kate may not believe a rake can make the best of husbands, no matter how handsome, but she can’t help but fall for the rogue himself.

The back and forth between these two was so much fun to read, as was Anthony’s vulnerability once he shared it.

You can fall in love with Anthony Bridgerton in this must read enemies to lovers book and then fall for him all over again while watching him in the TV series, Bridgerton, on Netflix!

Then see what books like Bridgerton I suggest you read next.

Exodus
by Kate Stewart

A Thought Provoking, Enemies to Lovers Book

I wasn’t sure if I should include this book on the list but it’s just too good to leave off.

My hesitation is in the fact that this is book TWO in a trilogy so you HAVE to read book one, Flock, before reading this book.

Without giving away any spoilers to this amazing duet, let me just say that these two enemies have chemistry that is off the charts!

You almost can’t believe the moment the clothes start coming off because the hate is so strong between them, you’d think they’d be steering clear of one another as much as possible.

Stewart amazed me with yet another well-written, captivating story with this enemies to lovers book that should not be missed. My Review.

Related Posts:

• The Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books
• The Best Enemies to Lovers Books in MM Romance
• The Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books
• The Best in the Grumpy Sunshine Trope

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