20+ Delightful Enemies to Lovers Books

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When it comes to romance tropes, it is hard to beat enemies to lovers books. Why is it so fun to watch a couple who originally can’t stand each other (or at least has convinced themselves that they can’t stand the other) and then start to realize. . . actually maybe these sparks aren’t all about hate!

From the classics like Anne and Gilbert or Elizabeth and Darcy to new releases, the enemies to lovers books get me every time!

Here are some of my very favorites!

P.S. For romance books, if you want to check the spice level, I highly recommend romance.io!

20+ Delightful Enemies to Lovers Books

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I read this classic series so many times as a child! I hadn’t read it in decades, but was so excited to dive into it with my girls a few years ago. Luckily they loved it as much as I did! We’ve now watched the movies and finished the series together! A pure delight! And Gilbert Blythe… he will always have my heart! (Especially when we’re talking about Jonathan Crombie as Gilbert Blythe). 

Beg, Borrow or Steal by Sarah Adams
This one sucked me in and is by far my FAVORITE book of hers! It’s your classic rivals to lovers trope – but with some depth to it. I absolutely loved it! Although this is book #3 of the When in Rome series, all the books standalone with a few crossover characters. (I also have a 30 second book review of it here)

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
I haven’t enjoyed a teen romance this much since To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. I was utterly charmed by this story of high school senior Liz who loves romantic comedies and has a long-time rivalry with her neighbor and classmate Wes. But then Michael, the boy she loved since she was a little girl, moves back to town and it looks like Wes is her best chance to make her own movie ending come true. There was so much funny dialogue and I laughed out loud multiple times AND maybe cried a few tears.

Book Lovers by Emily Henry
Nora is a cutthroat literary agent in New York City. When her little sister Libby begs her for a girls’ trip to which Nora grudgingly agrees and they find themselves in the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. It isn’t the laid back trip she thinks it will be because she keeps running into the handsome, but unpleasant Charlie Lastra, a brooding book editor she knows from back in New York. Their repeated encounters go from unpleasant to something a little. . . more pleasant. (When I asked for recommendations of books with great banter, this was 100% the most recommend. Note that there are a couple of open door scenes, so skip this one if those aren’t for you!).

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
After I mentioned Lovely War recently, so many people have told me I’ll love this new book that includes Greek gods – I actually started this one yesterday on our drive back from Las Vegas and it’s excellent. Two rival journalists fall in love as they take on the warring gods and, you know, the fate of all mankind.
Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson
Marianne is invited to visit Edenbrooke by her twin sister who intends to marry into the family that owns the country estate and Marianne, mourning the loss of her mother and lonely in Bath with her grandmother, quickly agrees. She has no interest in romance herself, but is very anxious for a change of scenery. Lucky for her, she’s going to get both. I especially loved the snappy dialogue in this one.  (Full review here).

Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
I blew through this one in a day and it’s a total delight. Olive and Miles are both high school English teachers and she cannot stand him – he’s stolen her title as most popular teacher and makes her work life nearly unbearable. But then, of course, the need for a fake boyfriend comes up and she uses his name to get her mom and sister to back off of setting her up with her ex-boyfriend during the holidays. Which would be fine until the REAL Miles shows up for the holiday celebrations. This one doesn’t go past kissing, so if that’s your speed, this book is perfect (and A+ for witty banter and lots of chemistry!). 

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
This is her romance debut novel about a screenwriter and a YA author who begin working together to turn her wildly popular book series into a TV show. Of course sparks fly (and at first, not in a good way). It gave me some Romantic Comedy vibes and loved the balance of humor and heavy topics. Forewarning: it is spicier than Emily Henry! (30 second book review here)

Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens
I knew where this was going from the first 30 pages but it was still a fun ride! It’s all about navigating the ups and downs of dating post divorce. And if you liked her book, The Good Part, you’ll love this one!

Lakeshire Park by Megan Walker
I just listened to this one not too long ago and it was an absolute delight. Amelia and her sister face abject poverty as soon as their stepfather dies and Amelia is hopeful that before that happens, she can secure a marriage between her sister and a wealthy gentleman – Sir Ronald – her sister has shown some interest in. Fortunately, they’re invited to a house party at Sir Ronald’s house and it looks like things for the sisters. Until Amelia discovers that one of the other guests, Peter Wood, is hoping to help HIS sister make a match with Sir Ronald. And when Amelia finds attraction blooming for Peter, things are going to get even more tricky.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
This book was so unique and just DELIGHTED me – I was completely absorbed the whole way through. Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant scientist, but it’s the early 1960s and she’s a woman, so it’s going to be hard for her to be taken seriously in her field. After several detours, she finds herself a single mother and the unexpected star of America’s most popular cooking show called Supper at Six. She is going to do this cooking thing her own way. She’s not only going to teach people how to cook using scientific principles, but she’s also teaching them to follow their dreams. The audio version is excellent! (Warning: There is a fairly graphic assault scene early on in the book.)

Meet Me in the Margins by Melissa Ferguson
This is such a cute fun romance! An editor at Savannah’s dream publishing company is asking for the manuscript of a romance novel she has been secretly writing behind the scenes, while working at a different publishing company. She hides her manuscript in a hidden room, but later discovers someone has found it and started jotting very critical edits in the margins. This mystery editor is not only helping make her manuscript better, but could she be falling for him too?

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows
This is one of my most recommended reads. After I listened to the audio and couldn’t stop laughing while I was trying to run in my neighborhood. Don’t even bother with the physical book – just get the audio version and you can thank me later. It’s a re-telling of the story of Lady Jane Gray (who was queen of England for less than two weeks) and they take every sort of liberty you can imagine with this story, history be darned. I promise you will laugh your face off. (Full review here)

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
You may not think so at first glance, but this one brings all the drama: a sharp, headstrong heroine, a brooding mill owner, and plenty of tension as they clash over everything from workers’ rights to pride. It’s enemies-to-lovers with a Victorian twist: think slow burn, social justice, and serious Mr. Darcy vibes.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This beloved story by Jane Austen is pure magic. I remember many afternoons of my mom ironing or folding laundry while watching the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice. I would estimate that I’ve seen it at least twenty times. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy…a thousand times yes!

Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden
This one has everything that I love in a romance – it’s swoony, Regency-era, and has a Beauty and the Beast feel!  When a sweet, stubborn heroine marries a grumpy, emotionally scarred duke to save her family – she sets out to melt the ice around his heart. It’s cute and a quick listen!

Summer in the City by Alex Aster
I thought this book was pure fun (and made me want to book a flight to NYC)! It follows Elle, a screenwriter, working on a movie in NYC most iconic spots. She is not thrilled because she has writer’s block AND really doesn’t like NYC. And to make things worse…her next door neighbor turns out to be Parker, a tech billionaire, she CAN’T STAND! And in all enemies to lovers – you can guess what happens next. This one reads a lot like Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez’s early books.

That Fine Line by Cindy Steel
I read her book Faking Christmas last Christmas and was delighted by how perfect of a fluffy romance it was. In this one, Kelsey is engaged to get married and her high school enemy, who is always playing practical jokes on her, is hired by her father to help on their farm. Will her wedding go on without a hitch, especially with a meddling prankster? This is a closed-door romance, so if you like something clean but full of witty banter, this will fit the bill.

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
I loved this funny spy romantic comedy with a dose of action packed adventure. Zoe wakes up in Paris with zero memory, but when she is mistaken for her spy twin sister, there are a lot of people who want her dead. This one has dual narrators (there are two narrators on the audiobook, which was extra fun) and I just loved every second of this book. (I actually think her Christmas mystery romance is even better!)

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Hannah looks like a mild-mannered kindergarten teacher, but she is actually a private bodyguard who could probably kill you with your wristwatch. Her firm gets hired by Jack Stapleton, who is a massive movie star, and dealing with a stalker problem. He needs some protection while he goes home to visit his mom undergoing cancer treatments and Hannah gets put on the job. The lines get a little blurred when Jack wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend to keep his parents from worrying about him. What could possibly go wrong in this situation!? Katherine Center writes the most snappy, laugh out loud dialogue. This book is just so fun!

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center
This is my FAVORITE Katherine Center book! I was totally hooked by this story of Cassie, a tough female firefighter who trades her supportive Texas crew for a hostile, old-school Boston firehouse to care for her mom. The only person at the firehouse who doesn’t seem to hate her is the one person with less prestige than she has: the rookie. Plus, if you have not seen the Instagram Live I did with Katherine Center, you will be an instant fan!

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
I could not stop talking about this holiday romance/mystery last winter! And the audiobook version? Too fun! It has two narrators, witty banter and it is pure delight from the first to the last page. I did a 30 second book review of it here – but just take my word for it…it is FANTASTIC!
  

The Neighbor War by Katie Bailey
This one is laugh-out-loud funny and has all the fiery banter, all while remaining closed door. After years of neighborly warfare, a humiliating viral video pushes Aiden and his sworn enemy into a fake relationship to save face. But as they head off on a couples vacation, their hate might just turn into something dangerously close to love.
 

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
This is my favorite of their books by a long shot (it also felt the spiciest of their books!) When starving artist Anna learns she’s still technically married to Liam “West” Weston, a now wealthy Stanford professor and reluctant heir, he ropes her into faking five years of wedded bliss to secure his inheritance. You better believe sparks are going to fly – in the most dramatic way possible, of course!

The Rom-Commmers by Katherine Center
I love Katherine Center (her books have snagged Summer Reading Guide spots on multiple occasions) and I think this might be my new favorite of hers about a woman who gets hired to help rewrite a screenplay with her screenwriter idol. Will sparks fly? OF COURSE THEY WILL.

Never With You by Kortney Keisel
Carly and Nate plan luxury trips for a living, but their latest work trip to Thailand gets complicated when they agree to fake date (thanks ex-boyfriend and a meddling dad). I absolutely loved this one – it’s witty, clean, and full of perfectly fun romance with You’ve Got Mail vibes! 

I also asked on Instagram for more enemies to lovers books and there were so many suggestions – I haven’t read these so can’t vouch for them personally but there are quite a few I’m excited to dive into!

A Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker
Marigold is determined to win, especially if that means beating her rival, Tristan. Tristan can’t stand Marigold. But with family ties and a love for archery, they always seem to end up together. This is a true enemies to lovers historical romance novel.

Along Came Holly by Codi Hall 
Holly is the absolute jolliest Christmas person on the planet. And her next door neighbor, Declan, might as well be named Scrooge. Holly has high hopes of winning the town’s Festival of Lights, but as her gigantic plans fall apart, she has no choice but to ask her super handy neighbor.

Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese 
If you love a Shakespeare retelling, this one of The Taming of the Shrew would be right up your alley. Christopher has hated Kate since childhood and Kate Christopher. Even though it’s been years since they have been in the same city, when Kate returns to their hometown, the fire of hate is still brewing. That is until a drunken night when true feelings are exposed.

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West
I loved Kasie West’s YA book, P.S. I Like You, so I was excited to see one of hers recommended. 17-year old Finley has always wanted to become a famous podcaster, which her boyfriend, Jensen knows. So when Jensen steals her idea and wins when trying out for the school podcast team, she is left befuddled. Will she be able to best him by working with Jensen’s arch nemesis?

But He’s My Grumpy Neighbor by Annah Conwell
Adrian’s grumpy exterior makes people want to keep their distance -until he flashes a rare smile that changes everything. With Juliette’s  emotional baggage and Adrian’s fear of commitment, their relationship starts messy, but maybe being neighbors is just the beginning.

Charming Artemis by Sarah M. Eden
I joke that I might have to add Sarah M. Eden to my list of authors I should try to read all of her books, because I have read so many already! When Charlie and Artemis are forced into a scandalous marriage to save their reputations, their long-standing hatred begins to blur into an unexpected love.

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith
This one sounds like your classic enemies to lovers romance! Meliara’s fight to free her kingdom turns deadly when she’s captured by the enemy commander, the dashing Marquis of Shevraeth. But the real battle begins at court, where the man she’s meant to hate becomes the one who might just steal her heart.

The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson
I loved her book Meet Me in the Margins, and this enemies-to-lovers romance about neighbors trying to drive each other out of the neighborhood, sounds just as fun!

Curves for Days by Laura Moher
Rose is the perfect thorn in Angus’s side, but beneath his gruff exterior, he’s secretly drawn to her fiery spirit and kindness. As their banter turns to something deeper, a hidden secret threatens to tear them apart just when love starts to bloom.

Falling for Your Enemy by Emma St. Clair
This is part of the Love Cliches series and each book has the same characters and are also stand alone as well. Sam’s life has took a turn for the worse. She is stuck with the person that hates her most in the world and continues to find herself in situations where he roasts her left and right. However, she can’t find it in her to hate him back…

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I don’t know if I have ever received more requests about my feedback on a book than I did with this one. And spoiler alert, I started it and never finished it! (I know, I know!). This one is a fantasy book with dragons, so many secrets and some steamy romance. (also, The Things We Leave Unfinished by came highly recommended as another enemies to lovers romance by Rebecca Yarros)

Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer
Alison shows up at her ex’s funeral only to find no one knows he dumped her! So she agrees to play the grieving girlfriend, teaming up with his prickly best friend Adam, to pack up his apartment over the holidays. Between snowy mishaps and simmering tension, Alison’s determined to break through Adam’s gruff exterior, but will her little white lie keep them apart or finally bring them together?

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
I have seen this one floating around Goodreads and it’s receiving pretty high ratings. Filled with witches, magic and a pretend courting, this romantic fantasy sounds very interesting!

How to Kiss Your Enemy by Jenny Proctor
Tatum Elliott, daughter of a famous chef, takes over catering at a family farm, reigniting an old rivalry with the farm’s owner who doesn’t trust her one bit. Their fiery clashes soon give way to a burning attraction…but he’s convinced she’ll leave and take his heart with her. (Her book, Love in Bloom was also a highly recommended enemies to lovers romance)

Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer
Avital’s busy running her family’s bakery while managing chronic pelvic pain, until Ethan, sent undercover by his powerful grandfather, shows up to spy on her famous babka recipe. But as they bake side by side, sparks fly and secrets bubble up, forcing them to choose between lies and love.

Lightlark by Alex Aster
This YA fantasy sounds interesting! Every hundred years, the mysterious island of Lightlark emerges to host a deadly game where six cursed rulers fight for power…and only one can survive. Isla Crown must lie, cheat, and betray to win, but love might be the biggest risk of all.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood is known for her enemies to lovers tropes and this one is no exception. Olive, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, isn’t interested in long lasting relationships, but she has to convince her best friend that she is in fact dating. Impulsively, she grabs the first guy she sees, Adam Carlsen, the young professor she naturally hates. And by no one’s surprise, sparks are ignited despite her undying hate for him.
(Her other books Love, Theoretically and Under One Roof were other highly recommended suggestions.)

Loyally, Luke by Pepper Basham
Luke’s all about black coffee and no romance, until a construction job on a remote European island throws him together with a stubborn princess who’s impossible to resist. As they restore an orphanage (and each other’s hearts), their “no feelings” rule quickly melts into a whirlwind of secret journals, royal drama, and undeniable chemistry.

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
If I had to choose the author who created the enemies to lovers trope…I might have to pick Shakespeare! This is one of those classics that will never go out of style – and don’t worry, this one has the witty banter and clever schemes you would expect to find in any enemies to lovers romance.

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Evangeline Fox thought she knew true love, until the man she loves becomes betrothed to someone else. Desperate, she makes a risky deal with the charming but dangerous Prince of Hearts, trading three mysterious kisses that could lead to either her greatest happily ever after or a heartbreaking downfall.

Persuasion by Jane Austen
Jane Austen knows how to write a sweet, charming, feel good romance! Anne Elliot once broke off her engagement to Captain Wentworth under pressure from her family. But eight years later, he’s back, successful, handsome, and possibly still holding a grudge. As their worlds collide, their slow-burn romance proves that their love just may be a little delayed.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts
I have heard that this one has a similar feel to Sarah J. Maas’ books. In a kingdom where only the powerful survive, Paedyn Gray pretends to be a psychic to stay alive…until she saves a prince and is forced into deadly Purging Trials. As forbidden feelings ignite between them, they must navigate a world that pits them against each other, risking everything for a love that shouldn’t exist.

Shipped by Angie Hockman
This book follows a very driven marketing manager who is forced on a cruise with her blood sworn enemy because they are both up for the same promotion. This one is giving The Hating Game vibes.

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley
My mom read Beauty by Robin McKinley to me and my sisters when we were young and I will never forget it! I haven’t read anything else written by her, but this one about a young orphan girl chosen to wield the Blue Sword (a privilege no woman has done in generations) sounds good!

The Contract by Melanie Moreland
Richard VanRyan is the ruthless boss everyone loves to hate, especially his PA, Katharine, who endures his abuse for the sake of her future. When he shocks her by proposing a fake fiancée contract, their fiery hatred sparks into something dangerously close to love, forcing them both to question if they can survive the deal… and each other.

The Ever King by LJ Andrews
Erik, the scarred and vengeful king of the Ever Kingdom, has spent years plotting revenge…until his enemy’s daughter accidentally frees him and becomes the perfect pawn in his plan. But as their fates entwine, this fierce, brooding ruler may lose more than he bargained for… including his heart.

The Fine Print by Lauren Asher
When a billionaire hires a woman to renovate his theme park, their sizzling chemistry and buried secrets turn this renovation into one wild, steamy rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss.

The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer
Left in the care of her relatives, the lively and resourceful Sophy Stanton-Lacy wastes no time turning their troubled household upside down with her bold schemes and unshakable confidence. But when she clashes with the stern and sensible Charles Rivenhall, sparks are bound to fly!

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson 
One arranged marriage, one runaway princess, and two men after her for completely different reasons. This series is full of secrets, deception, love and finding oneself. (her book Dance of Thieves came highly recommended as another enemies to lovers romance as well).

The Ladies Rewrite the Rules by Suzanne Allain
This one sounds like my kind of book! When wealthy widow Diana Boyle discovers she’s been listed in a guide for gold-digging bachelors, she turns her fury into power, rallying her fellow heiresses to flip the script – and make the men dance to their tune.

The Sacred Stones Trilogy by Kate Golden
Arwen trades her freedom to save her brother and ends up a prisoner in a ruthless kingdom, forced to use her magic to serve the enemy. To escape, she’ll have to team up with an infuriating fellow captive…and one who might just spark the power (and feelings) she’s tried to keep buried.

The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
This one has been all over so many must-read lists! Left at the altar, Lina must team up with her ex’s brother (aka public enemy number one) for a major career opportunity. In this fiery enemies-to-lovers rom-com, revenge turns into unexpected sparks neither of them saw coming.

Things We Hide From the Light by Lucy Score
Nash is the charming small-town cop turned broody recluse after a near-death encounter. Lina is his guarded, secretive new neighbor who’s definitely not here for love. But sparks fly, secrets unravel, and in true enemies-to-lovers fashion, their sizzling connection just might be the thing that saves them both… or destroys everything.

Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
I’ve heard if you liked A Court of Thorns and Roses and Fourth Wing, this one will be right up your alley. Thrust into a deadly competition for the Sun King’s heart, Lor must survive jealous rivals, court politics, and her own dark past… because losing means death, or worse, going back to the monster she escaped.

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