Best Enemies to Lovers Books That You Should Read

We have all been there, done this: staying up until 3:00 AM, clutching an enemies to lovers book, and shouting at two characters to ‘get over themselves’ already.

There is something deeply satisfying about watching a perfectly executed rivalry crumble under the weight of an unexpected attraction. Whether they are stuck sharing the ‘only one bed’ at a crowded inn or forced into a ‘fake alliance’ to save themselves, this is the ultimate story of tension. We know you love it because it is messy, it is frustrating, aaaand… it is highly addictive!

That moment when ‘I can’t stand you’ finally turns into ‘I can’t live without you’ is always worth the lost sleep. If you are ready to ruin your schedule once again for a great story, these 20+ books are the best place to start.

Twenty Stories Where Hate Can’t Outrun Desires

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

Imagine your worst enemy is the only person who can help you out of a mess. How electrifying would that be, right? Get ready, because this story is full of humorous arguments that will keep you entertained. You will be dying to see who gives in first in this battle of wills.

Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Marianne just wanted a quiet holiday, but an annoying (and very handsome) man keeps getting in her way. Yes, it is that classic ‘I can’t stand you, but I can’t stop looking at you’ feeling. Will she find peace or a proposal?

Twisted Hate by Ana Huang

In this third installment of the popular series called Twisted, Josh and Jules have hated each other for years, but a single night changes everything. Things that will keep you hooked are the sharp insults and even stronger chemistry.

Read the book to see if they can handle the fire they have started, or will they both get burned? Many fans love how a professional book publishing service brought this high-tension series to life, making it a modern staple for romance readers everywhere.

Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel

There is nothing more stressful than pretending to date the guy you hate during the holidays. Forced to stay in the same house, Olive and Miles must play nicely. Do you think the Christmas magic will turn their fake smiles into real ones?

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

Writing a TV show with the person who broke your heart is a disaster waiting to happen. This contemporary romance novel shows how close hate and love really are. Trust me, you will really be wishing they finish the script before they lose their hearts again.

The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Anthony has finally met someone as stubborn as he is: Kate. She is determined to stop him from dating her sister, but their constant bickering hides a massive spark. Who will win this war when feelings get involved?

Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens

Imagine being stuck on a nightmare date with your biggest rival. It is awkward, funny, and surprisingly sweet as they realize they were both wrong about each other. This romantic comedy will keep you on your toes.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott is a smart scientist who doesn’t have time for nonsense from men. But love is the one thing she can’t control in her lab. This witty, 1960s-set novel proves that attraction is a formula you just can’t predict.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Jude is a human living in a world of dangerous fairies, and Prince Cardan is her main enemy. Their relationship is addictive. Some editions of this YA dark fantasy series are so beautiful that you are forced to think that only specialized art book publishing services can do it.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The all-time classic. He is stuck-up, and she is too quick to judge. Their famous clash is the reason we still love this story today. Will they drop their pride long enough to see they are perfect for each other?

Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center

Moving to a new fire station is hard, especially with a grumpy captain making life difficult. As they face danger together, the heat between them is impossible to ignore. This one is a must-read if you are into contemporary romance and drama.

The Neighbour War by Katie Bailey

Pranks and arguments over property lines make this neighbour rivalry a total blast. When the guy next door is your favourite person to annoy, life gets messy. Don’t miss this one because Katie is amongst the Amazon top 25 bestselling authors of romcoms with relatable characters and tons of chemistry. A good laugh is guaranteed.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is taken captive by a powerful, scary creature after a hunt goes wrong. Her captor isn’t what she expected, though. This YA fantasy read is so popular that fans often search for high-quality copies and book printing near me to keep a physical piece of the magic on their shelves.

Never With You by Kortney Keisel

When two people who swore they would never date are forced to spend every second together, things get complicated. Will they stick to their ‘never’ rule, or is the temptation just too strong to fight? You must read to find out.

Better Hate Than Never by Chloe Liese

This one is a modern story full of bickering and mutual annoyance. Both protagonists, Katerina and Christopher, have a long history of rubbing each other the wrong way, which hides a deep connection. Get your hands on the book to see if they can stop fighting and finally get together.

The Cul-de-Sac War by Melissa Ferguson

What happens when your new neighbour is the most annoying man alive? For Bree, it is a battle of the backyards. This spicy and equally hilarious enemies to lovers story shows how a fence-line feud can easily turn into a romance.

Curves for Days by Laura Moher

This is a refreshing, honest look at two people who start on the wrong foot. It is about seeing the real person under the surface. Will they take a chance on the person they least expected?

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

High school rivalries are the best. When a plan to get revenge turns into something much softer, Finley and Theo have to rethink everything.

Four Weekends and a Funeral by Ellie Palmer

A funeral is a weird place to fall in love, especially with a guy you can’t stand. This story is both sad and funny as their enmity turns into real support. Can they find happiness in a hard time?

Kissing Kosher by Jean Meltzer

Two rival bakeries and one secret family recipe! This book is as sweet as the pastries in it. Avital and Ethan will make you smile with the disability, healing, and romantic-comedy themes of their love story. This one is definitely a hard pass!

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Olive doesn’t believe in love, so she fakes a relationship with a grumpy professor. This ‘fake dating’ and STEM-focused romantic comedy is full of science jokes. Until the end, you won’t be able to tell whether he really hates her or if he is just acting.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Years after breaking up, Anne (27 years old) and Captain Wentworth (someone she rejected 8 years ago) meet again. The silence between them is cold, but the old feelings are still there. Is it too late for a second chance, or is the grudge too deep?

Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

A princess on the run, an assassin, and a prince. No one knows who is who, and the tension is amazing. In a world of lies, read to find out if love can survive or not.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

Lucy and Joshua share an office and a mutual hate that everyone notices. When they both go for the same promotion, things get even more intense. Add this to your list this year; it will effortlessly keep you hooked from page one.

Why is the ‘only one bed’ trope so popular in these books?

It is the ultimate way to force two people who hate each other into a small space. This creates instant tension and makes them stop arguing long enough to notice their attraction.

What is the difference between ‘enemies-to-lovers’ and ‘rivals-to-lovers’?

There is one minor difference. The enemies usually have a deep, serious reason to dislike or even want to hurt each other. Whereas the rivals are usually just competing for the same goal, like a promotion at work or a sports trophy.

Are these books always slow-burning?

Most fans prefer a slow-burning where the tension builds up over many chapters. It makes the final moment when they finally stay together feel much more earned and satisfying.

Can a book be enemies-to-lovers if only one person hates the other?

Yes, this is often called ‘unrequited hate’ or ‘one-sided rivalry.’ It is a fun twist where one character is annoyed, while the other has secretly been in love the entire time.

Get Ready for an All-Nighter

The blog above holds 24 of the best enemies to lovers YA novel suggestions. We know you will enjoy each of the recommended stories because there is something enormously beautiful about watching two people drop their guards and find a home in the person they once hated.

Whether you love the high stakes of a fantasy kingdom or the relatable bickering of a modern office, know that there is a story on this list for every one of you. Just pick a book today, brew a large pot of black coffee, and get ready for an unforgettable 3:00 AM reading session!We have all been there, done this: staying up until 3:00 AM, clutching an enemies to lovers book, and shouting at two characters to ‘get over themselves’ already.