Let’s level for a moment. We all know that there are romance tropes that—how to put this delicately—are simply superior. Chef’s kiss, really. God-tier, if you will. Sure, romances are already pretty amazing on their own but throw a beloved trope like ‘there’s only one bed’ into the mix, and you’ve got my undivided attention.
Today, we’re granting the spotlight to the most delicious of tropes: enemies-to-lovers. Because we all know the rule…opposites always attract…especially if they initially hate each other’s guts. From sweet to steamy work rivals, and to bitter enemies, we have got you covered with this list!
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
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Vying for the promotion of a lifetime, co-workers and enemies-for-life Lucy and Joshua begin to walk a fine line between love and hate as their games to annoy each other turn into more. Thorne’s debut is going to be adapted into a movie, so the time to dive into this delicious and delightful workplace comedy is now!
Beach Read by Emily Henry
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A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters – and each other.
Kiss My Cupcake by Helena Hunting
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Blaire Calloway has planned every Instagram-worthy moment of her cupcake and cocktails shop launch down to the tiniest detail. What she didn’t plan on? Ronan Knight and his old-school sports bar next door opening on the very same day. As two neighborhood shop owners battle for business, they prove opposites attract in this sweet and savory romcom.
Loathe at First Sight by Suzanne Park
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Meet Melody Joo, a fierce woman who gets her dream job as a video game producer – only to be stuck with an infuriating – yet devilishly handsome – intern that makes her question all her morals after a mass troll attack online changes everything.
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
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On the quieter, more pensive side of the enemies-to-lovers spectrum, we have an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. What begins as a taunt grows into something epic that could change the course of history.
Work for It by Talia Hibbert
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Filled with angst and steamy goodness, follow this small-town story featuring a cynical city boy and a gruff, soft-hearted farmer as they bridge their differences and the distance between them.
Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid
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Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game on the ice —definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate. Except Ilya Rozanov might be more than just the handsome, rugged boy on the other team – he might be even playing for Shane’s, if you catch my drift. Warning: There are scenes so steamy in here, you’ll probably need to fan yourself – while wondering how these two ice hockey gods don’t melt the damn playing field.
Dear Enemy by Kristen Callihan
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As kids, they hated each other. Macon Saint was beautiful, but despite his name, Delilah knew he was the devil. That he dated her slightly evil sister, Samantha, was no picnic either. When they broke up, it was a dream come true: Delilah never had to see him again. Ten years later, her old enemy sends a text and sets a slew of events into action that will shatter their world.
Face Offs and Cheap Shots by Eden Finley and Saxon James
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No one does enemies-to-lovers like this author duo does. When carefree and careless Beck surprisingly vies for the captain spot of their university’s hockey team – a spot that hard-working, stubborn Jacobs already had in the bag – pucks…and sparks fly.
