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Our favorite enemies-to-lovers romances
The love interests in these tales go from foes to flames, and we’re here for it.
Veröffentlicht am 1. April 2024
Dating Dr. Dil: A Novel
Nisha SharmaSharma puts a South Asian twist (with plenty of meddling aunties) on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Kareena needs a husband, fast, to secure her inheritance, while Dr. Prem Verma, better known as “Dr. Dil” on his TV show, needs to bolster his reputation after speaking out against true love. Fake dating seems like the perfect solution, despite their warring opinions on matters of the heart. But suddenly, faking it feels like the fakest part of all.
The Worst Best Man: A Novel
Mia SosaCarolina, a Brazilian wedding planner, finds herself falling in love with the brother of her ex-fiancé — the very sibling who encouraged her romantic partner to stand her up on her wedding day. Yeah, talk about awkward. Sosa’s sparkling enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy has been optioned for film rights, so read it before it hits the silver screen.
Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
Casey McQuistonAlex, the First Son of the United States, starts off as frenemies and ends up lovers with Henry, the Prince of Wales, after faking a friendship to appease their powerful families. It’s a real joy watching their personal divide shrink (when it was originally as wide as the ocean that separates them). McQuiston’s beloved debut inspired a Prime Video film adaptation.
Act Your Age, Eve Brown: A Novel
Talia HibbertAt a job interview, free-spirited cook Eve accidentally injures uptight bed-and-breakfast owner Jacob. This is just the beginning of a delicious romance between the two. Quirky Eve helps Jacob as he heals, wiggling into his heart all the while. You’ll love the way this book features both the enemies-to-lovers and opposites attract tropes, with grumpy Jacob falling for sunny Eve.
The Unhoneymooners
Christina LaurenLauren combines two romance tropes — enemies to lovers and fake dating — with charm and humor. Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas pretend to be newlyweds so they can go on a free honeymoon in Olive’s sister’s name after the rest of the wedding party gets violently ill. During this all-expenses-paid-trip to Hawaii, the tides of hate begin to turn into waves of love.
Sweethand
N. G. PeltierEnemies-to-lovers where the two are the respective best man and maid of honor at an upcoming wedding? Perfect! What makes “Sweethand” even more delicious (pun intended) is that the heroine is a pastry chef and the wedding is in Trinidad, which gives the book a different flavor.
Block Shot
Kennedy RyanYears ago, a one night stand ended disastrously between two competitive sports agents, who are now vying for the top basketball prospects. One of the two discovers he’s still in love with his college hookup, while she wants nothing to do with him. “Block Shot” is the second “Hoops” novel, following “Long Shot,” but it can be read as a standalone.
Hate to Love You
Melissa SchroederWhen there’s constant bickering between two protagonists, it’s usually just a cover for unresolved sexual tension. In “Hate to Love You,” Sydney is Grady’s executive assistant, but she’s far from his underling. Instead, she baits him every chance she gets. Schroeder’s writing is snappy, sexy, and so vivid it practically flies off the page.
The Weekend Deal: A Steamy Enemies to Lovers Novella
Jaqueline SnoweIf you’re looking for a quick dose of your favorite romance trope, dive into this novella. “The Weekend Deal” is a madcap, sexy romp set over the course of a weekend, with two avowed enemies forced to come together — and share a tiny cruise ship cabin — during a destination wedding.
Savannah's Secrets: A Sexy Workplace Romance
Reese RyanThere’s something so compelling about seeing people who used to hate each other fall in love. Ryan’s “Bourbon Brothers” series centers around a longstanding distillery in Tennessee, run by the Abbott family. In the first book, Savannah Carlisle is seeking to avenge her grandfather by working for the Abbotts, and plotting to take back the half of the business that was stolen from her ancestor. Just one problem: She’s drunk on Blake Abbott.
The Viscount Who Loved Me
Julia QuinnThis installment of Quinn’s beloved “Bridgerton” romances follows Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sheffield. Many readers report the fiery duo as their favorite Bridgerton couple thanks to their slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance and witty repartee. Season two of the Netflix adaptation is based on “The Viscount Who Loved Me,” but it dramatically changes one of the most iconic book moments involving a steamy bee sting — which means you’ll have to read the book to see what all the hype is about.
Bound To Please
Hope TarrBrianna MacLeod is the laird of her Scottish clan (not easy for a 15th-century woman), and she needs an heir. So why not kidnap her sworn enemy and hold him captive until he agrees to father her child? At first, Ewan Fraser resents his captor, but being in her bed may just change his mind.
Pride and Prejudice
Jane AustenThe original enemies-to-lovers romance never goes out of style. Watching the strong-willed and vivacious Elizabeth Bennet spar with the iconic Mr. Darcy in this witty romp through Regency England is just as fun now as when it was originally published over two centuries ago.
Fourth Wing
Rebecca YarrosThe hottest romantasy right now, “Fourth Wing,” has it all — breathtaking action sequences, dragons (!!), a worthy heroine who defies the odds, and a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance. Violet must put aside her fear to become a dragon rider. But first, she has to graduate Basgiath War College, where everyone and everything seems out to kill her — including Xaden, a respected wingleader. Their animosity soon evolves into undeniable attraction.
These Violent Delights
Chloe GongShakespearian romance meets urban fantasy in this rollercoaster of a retelling. In 1920s Shanghai, Roma and Juliette are the heirs of rival gangs. They shared a secret love as teens, but a heartbreaking betrayal turned them into sworn enemies. Now they must put aside the blood feud between them to stop a menacing creature from wreaking havoc in their city. It’s bizarre, it’s spicy, and it’s your next favorite romantasy novel.
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
Milla VaneThis book is not for the faint of heart. It is, however, incredible. If you’ve read “A Game of Thrones” and wanted more strong female characters and lots of sexual tension, “A Heart of Blood and Ashes” is for you. A prince and princess from warring kingdoms marry in a tenuous alliance. He thinks she murdered his parents; she knows he’s her only chance for survival. Together, they can make great strides — if they can move past their animosity.
Lothaire
Kresley ColeThe baddest of bad boys in Cole’s “Immortals After Dark” series, Lothaire kidnaps a mortal whom he plans to sacrifice to gain even more power. But it turns out — surprise! — that the mortal is his fated mate. Lothaire has to decide, literally, whether to kiss or kill.
This Is How You Lose the Time War
Amal El-MohtarThis Hugo Award-winning novella contains the chaos of all of time and space within its beautifully short, never-ending love story. Two women, named Red and Blue, fight for opposite factions in the ceaseless time war, flowing from the past to the future, from timeline to timeline. Through a series of letters sent via tea and lava and other delightful delivery systems, Red and Blue fall for each other, and combine for some of the best purple prose around.
Lonen’s War
Jeffe KennedyKennedy’s high-fantasy “Sorcerous Moons” series begins with “Lonen’s War,” which opens with a deadly battle, resulting in an arranged marriage between the scions of each opposing side. The two enter into their union with mistrust and suspicion, and through the six-book series, have to navigate peacetime and one another.