Enemies to Lovers is probably one of my favorite tropes. However, I'm often disappointed by the “enemies” part. It's rare to find books where they have a valid reason to hate each other, rather than a flimsy excuse that's quickly brushed aside. It’s hard to strike a balance between a legitimate reason and an obstacle that isn’t too difficult to overcome so that they can end up together. Here are 12 books featuring the enemies to lovers trope that I hope will do the trick for you.
The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano
This is the first book in a fantasy duology with a twist on the Midas Touch. Wilhelmina, a princess cursed with the power to turn living beings into gemstones. When her power is revealed, she must flee her kingdom and search for a way to break the curse before it destroys the people she loves. She meets a cursed prince who sees her power as an opportunity.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
This is the first book in the Secrets of the Nile duology. After her parents’ mysterious deaths in Egypt, Inez travels to Cairo determined to uncover the truth. Alongside a frustratingly handsome guardian, she becomes entangled in dangerous secrets, ancient magic, and a conspiracy along the Nile.
Shipped by Angie Hockman
Two coworkers competing for the same promotion are sent on a company cruise where they must prove their leadership skills. Forced to work together, their rivalry turns into something far more complicated than either expected.
Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey
Madeline runs her family’s independent bookstore and blames the owner of the rival shop across the street for threatening its future. Their competition turns into a partnership as she begins to question whether her supposed enemy might actually understand her better than anyone else.
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
Wren Embervale, an alchemist-turned-assassin, is drawn into a deadly competition at the Drevenor academy to find a cure for a dark magic threatening the kingdoms. Her quest is complicated by Torj Elderbrock, the war hero tasked with her protection, whose past hatred for her adds a layer of danger to their mission.
Set Fire to the Gods by Sara Raasch & Kristen Simmons
Two young people from opposite sides of society—one seeking revenge against the ruling gods and the other desperate to survive—enter a deadly tournament as partners.
The Temptation of Magic by Megan Scott
Nicole Palmer, an Empyreal hiding from the Wake, is on the brink of discovering a message from her mother that could destroy the organization, but when a key painting is stolen, she must team up with Kyan McCarter, the Wake’s best Empyreal assassin.
Capitana by Cassandra James
Ximena Reale, burdened by her parents’ past, seeks to become a Cazadoro by capturing the legendary pirate Gasparilla and rescuing the Empire’s queen, competing against her classmate Dante for the coveted cloak. As they embark on their perilous journey, Ximena confronts her family’s legacy and begins to question the laws she has always defended.
What Monstrous Gods by Rosamund Hodge
Lia, destined to kill the sorcerer Ruven and awaken the royal family, finds her mission incomplete as she must marry into the royal family and forge a pact with a god, all while being haunted by Ruven’s spirit.
The Hedgewitch of Foxhall by Anna Bright
Magic is dwindling in Wales due to King Offa’s Dyke, prompting Prince Taliesin and Prince Dafydd to compete for the throne by destroying the dyke and restoring magic. Meanwhile, Ffion, a hedgewitch seeking revenge against the Foxhall coven, joins Taliesin on a perilous quest, risking her heart and the fate of Wales.
The Enemy’s Daughter by Melissa Poett
Thirty-seven years after the Republic’s destruction, Isadora, a healer from the five clans, is saved by Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, using rare magic, unknowingly binding her to him. To protect her people, Isadora must navigate their magical connection, which allows Tristan to access her memories, and ultimately find a way to destroy him and his people.
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
Esha, known as the Viper, is on a mission to take down General Hotha, while Kunal, a soldier under his uncle’s influence, yearns for freedom. Their encounter sparks a series of events that challenge their loyalties, forcing them to choose between their past actions and the love that offers a glimpse of a better future.
For more book recommendations, visit my dedicated section.
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