The Best Enemies-to-Lovers Books

The Hating Game: A Novel

Author: Sally Thorne

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: Movie starring Lucy Hale and Austen Stowell

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This enemies-to-lovers office romance book was recently adapted and we hope it is as steamy as the book. After two publishing houses merge, executive assistants for the two owners are in fierce competition with each other for a promotion.

These office enemies quickly realize that the tension is an attraction as well. But, is the attraction real, or is it a ploy to get the promotion? The forced proximity trope is at its best in this steamy romance

Why Jackie loves it

This is a romance book that has a little bit of everything. I loved the competition between the two, and the fact that it takes place in a publishing house is even better!

Find this book in: Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books /Grumpy Sunshine Trope Books / Enemies to Lovers Books / Hot Office Romances / Novels About Publishing / Ultimate List of Romance Books by Trope

Beg, Borrow, or Steal

Author: Sarah Adams

Year: 2025

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Co-workers turned neighbors, Emily and Jake, can’t stand each other. Emily is determined to get Jake out of her hometown but Jake has other plans in mind. While both of them are on a teacher’s salary, Jake is also secretly a well-known writer, and he’s returned to finish his book, fix up his house, and put down roots – even if that means he’s living next door to the woman who gets under his skin in more ways than one.

Why Kirsten loves it

I will always love a romance about writers and this one was so cute. I just adored their banter and antics, and the chemistry between the leads was fantastic!

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books

Act your Age, Eve Brown

Author: Talia Hibbert

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: The Brown Sisters #3
Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the third book in the Brown Sisters trilogy and I adored this forced proximity romance. Eve Brown is a mess. She switches jobs and careers on a whim and can’t seem to do anything right. When her parents cut her off and tell her to find a job, she finds herself at a bed and breakfast interviewing for a chef position.

After Eve accidentally hits the owner of the B&B with her car, she begins the job helping Jacob, the reluctant owner. This hilarious and steamy romance was a perfect one-sitting read. These two have a lot standing in their way before they can reach their happily ever after.

Why Jackie loves it

While this book is a romance at its finest, it is also so much more. As Eve comes to learn more about herself, the reader gets to take the emotional journey with her.

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Romance / Books Like the Kiss Quotient / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Forced Proximity Romance Books / Office Romances

Red, White & Royal Blue

Author: Casey McQuiston

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!

This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)

Trigger Warnings

Homophobia

Why Kirsten loves it

The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.

Why Jackie loves it

Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!

Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title /Best YA Romance Books

Popular Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books

Love on the Brain

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Year: 2022

Genre: Romance

More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Bee is a brilliant and unconventional scientist who lives by a strict code “What would Marie Curie Do?” She even has a secret Twitter account to help other female scientists in a male-dominated workplace.

When she is offered her dream job at NASA, she cannot wait to start until she realizes that she is not the lead scientist. She is the co-lead with her work nemesis Levi Ward. To make matters worse, he seems to be sabotaging everything that she tries to do. Could there be a better pick for enemies-to-lovers books?

Trigger Warnings

Strong Sexual Content

Why Jackie loves it

Ali Hazelwood does an amazing job of writing fantastic romances while still including the struggles that women have to deal with daily.

Find this book in: Office Romances / Beach Reads 2023 / Ali Hazelwood Books Ranked / The Best Audiobooks of All Time

The Spanish Love Deception

Author: Elena Armas

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Catalina is a fiercely independent woman who ran away from her past, but now she has to face it at her sister’s wedding, where her former fiancé is the best man.

She needs a fake boyfriend – and fast! Enter Aaron, her annoying and grumpy co-worker, who offers to help her with her ruse. As they put their differences aside to help each other out, their love begins to grow. This is the fake dating trope at its best.

Why Kirsten loves it

While I enjoyed the enemies-to-lovers romance in this book, at over 500 pages this office romance novel was just a bit too long

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine / Enemies-to-Lovers / Office Romance / Books like the Off Campus Series

Well Met

Author: Jen DeLuca

Year: 2019

Genre: Romance

More info: Well Met #1

Spice Rating: 💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Emily lost her job and her boyfriend at the same time that her big sister broke her leg. Emily decides to move to Willow Creek to help her sister care for 14-year-old April, where she is promptly tricked into volunteering for the local Renaissance Faire run by Simon.

So now Emily is a wench…Simon is a Pirate…and obviously, we know where this story is going in this grumpy sunshine book. It’s the journey on this one, guys. It’s filled with feels, cute scenes, and romance. I couldn’t put it down.

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m pretty sure hearts actually came out of my eyes at multiple points while reading this enemies-to-lovers story. I loved it so much!!! This book gives me total modern-day Pride and Prejudice vibes and it is such a fun addition to our enemies-to-lovers books

Why Jackie loves it

Sometimes you read a book and you just want to go back and read it again. I loved Well Met!!! I never thought I would be interested in a renaissance fair but this book gave me all the feels.

Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Romance Tropes / Enemies to Lovers Books / Best Novels About Teachers / Ultimate List of Romance Books by Trope

It Happened One Summer

Author: Tessa Bailey

Year: 2021

Genre: Romance

More info: Bellinger Sisters #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

After getting in trouble one too many times for her party-girl lifestyle, Piper and her sister are banished back to their late father’s hometown in Washington. While she’s learning to be responsible and money-conscious for the first time in her life, she needs to try not to fall for a local fisherman, Brendan.

Why Kirsten loves it

When I learned that Tessa Bailey used Schitt’s Creek’s Alexis as her inspiration for Piper, I knew I had to read this grumpy sunshine romance. It was my first Tessa Bailey, but it won’t be my last! She brings the heat!

Adaptation

Nina Dobrev, Tyler Hoechlin, and Virginia Gardner will star in the movie adaptation which is set to begin filming in early 2026.

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books similar to The Love Hypothesis / Books Like People We Meet On Vacation / Books with Summer in the Title / Books Becoming Movies

Enemies to Lovers Books: Historical Romance

To Have and To Hoax

Author: Martha Waters

Year: 2020

Genre: Historical Romance

More info: Named a Best Romance of April (2020) by Goodreads, Popsugar, Bustle, and more!

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

If you loved the Bridgerton book series then you will love this book. Lady Violet Grey and her husband Lord James Audrey fell in love and got married in a whirlwind romance.

Five years later, they barely speak because of “the Argument”. ⁣ When Lady Grey receives a letter that says her husband is unconscious after being thrown from a horse, she rushes to his side only to find him awake and drinking in a tavern. She decides to teach him a lesson. This is one of the best romantic comedy books I have read. ⁣

Why Jackie loves it

The story is a quick-moving battle of wills that will have you simultaneously rooting for the couple and wanting to smack some sense into them. Will they get their second chance at love? ⁣This book will not disappoint.

Find this book in: Second Chance Romance Books / Rom-Com Books / Enemies to Lovers Books

The Viscount Who Loved Me

Author: Julia Quinn

Year:2000

Genre: Romance

More info: Bridgerton Book #2

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range:18+

Plot

I watched the entire series in about a day and had a serious hangover. That was quickly resolved by reading the next few books in the series.

The best part? Reading the Bridgerton books in order was not necessary to enjoy the books. And, reading this one out of sequence didn’t really give anything away.

Anthony knows he must marry and has the perfect bride picked out, even if he does not love her. The only problem is his intended’s older sister who is stubborn, opinionated, and stuck in Anthony’s head. She may just find her way to his heart as well.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this enemies-to-lovers romance. The characters are fantastic and the plot is everything that I needed it to be for a pick-me-up.

Find this book in: Best Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Bridgerton Books in Order

Bringing Down the Duke

Author: Evie Dunmore

Year: 2019

Genre: Political Romance

More info: Book 1 of 4 from A League of Extraordinary Women

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Evie Dunmore’s debut novel spanned a series of badass women during the Suffragette era. While the story is a romance, don’t let that fool you! You’ll get a history lesson on the suffrage movement in English History as well as a lesson on Estate and Inheritance laws — which were still of utmost importance a few decades later when Downton Abbey takes place.

Annabelle Archer has the scholarship to be one of the first women to study at Oxford. In order to keep it, she must spy on the Duke of Montgomery and try to persuade him to the suffragette’s cause.

Why Kirsten loves it

The chemistry between these two crackled off the page in this romance. If books are up your alley, this book is perfect for you. I loved Dunmore’s portrayal of strong women who stuck to their guns.

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Books Like The Love Hypothesis / Historical Romance Novels / Books like Bridgerton / Fiction Books About Women in Politics / Ultimate List of Romance Books by Trope

Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Books

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: #1 Bestselling series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This book has a cult-like following for a reason. The first book in the series is a loose fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in the world of Prythian. Magical creatures, humans, and fae are all prominent in the book.

When Feyre kills a wolf in the words, a creature arrives at her house to drag her to a magical land that she has only heard about in stories told to terrify children. Now, she must remain a captor of Tamlin, a fae, as retribution.

This is a fast-paced, addicting, fantasy romance series with a love triangle that develops by the end of the novel. Book two is jaw-dropping! This series is on its way to becoming a classic that you will want to binge in one week.

While this book is technically the first book in a YA fantasy series, the later books become very steamy. The first book is appropriate for YA but Jackie and I agree that the later books in the series are strictly for 18 and up. We are so excited this is going to be one of the Hulu book adaptations.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling and love a good fantasy romance. Put them together in a book written by Sarah J. Maas and you get a fantastic story.

Why Jackie loves it

The first book is just a warm-up for the rest of the series. Initially, you think you know where this story is headed, but I promise that it will take so many twists and turns, that you will not want to put this book (and the rest of the series) down.

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Book Series for Young Adults / Forced Proximity Trope Romance Books / Sarah J Maas Books in Order / Fairy Tale Retellings / Best Books by Jewish Writers / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / ACOTAR Books in order / Royal Fantasy Books / The Best Romance Novels By Genre

The Cruel Prince

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: The Folk of Air #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.

But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.

If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.

Why Jackie loves it

This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.

Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books / Royal Romance Books / YA Royalty Books

Serpent and Dove

Author: Shelby Mahurin

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Serpent & Dove Book 1 of 3
New York Times Bestseller, B&N YA Book Club Pick, Indiebound Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

Louise Le Blanche is a witch and Reid Diggory is a witch hunter, but when they are forced to be married Lou has to keep her identity a secret and try not to fall for her handsome husband. Could you ask for anything more from enemies-to-lovers books?

She is trying to change his mind about being a witch hunter while hiding her true identity. She is also using the inside knowledge to save her witch friends. Set in the pre-industrial age in Paris, France, this book is perfect for lovers of YA!

Why Kirsten loves it

This book has funny, fierce heroines, a steamy love story, and a cast of characters that is diverse. I devoured all thee books in this series in a week.

Find this book in: YA Books About Witches / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books/ Books Set in Paris / YA Historical Fiction Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Best YA Romance Books

Enemies to Lovers Books: Classics and re-tellings

Pride and Prejudice

Author: Jane Austen

Year: 1813

Genre: Classic Romance

Spice Rating:💋
More: December 2025 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick

Age Range: 12+

Plot

We love this classic love story. This love story has everything you could want. Elizabeth Bennet is a smart and stubborn woman who was ahead of her time. With five Bennet girls, one of them must marry well to support the other sisters.

Why Kirsten loves it

There are so many new and wonderful adaptations of this novel, that we did an entire post on it. And you don’t want to miss the other Jane Austen adaptations in the post as well. Austen is a master of romances, and this book is the original enemies-to-lovers novel! It’s my favorite of all the Jane Austen books.

Adaptations

If you are a fan of the book, you probably have very strong feelings about which adaptation you like more – the 2005 Keira Knightley version or the 1995 version with Colin Firth. In 2025, filming started on the latest adaptation, which will become a series for Netflix. The cast includes Emma Corrin (Elizabeth Bennet), Jack Lowden (Mr. Darcy), and Olivia Colman (Mrs. Bennet). Rufus Sewell, Freya Mavor, Jamie Demetriou, Daryl McCormack, Rhea Norwood, Siena Kelly, and Louis Partridge are in the supporting cast.

Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / Jane Austen Books in Order / Grumpy Sunshine Books / Classic Romance Novels / Books Like Bridgerton / Books Becoming Movies / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2025 / The Best Queen Camilla Book Club Books / The Best Romance Novels By Genre

Eligible

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This modern classic retelling of Pride and Prejudice had me giggling multiple times. The Bennett sisters get modern updates in all the best ways.

And in this one, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have hate sex as part of the courting ritual, which just cracked me up. Mrs. Bennett’s hysterics remain true to form and will be sure to delight.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love a retelling of Pride and Prejudice any day, but Sittenfeld makes the changes feel fresh and funny. This one had me laughing and smiling throughout.

Find this book in: Books Like Pride and Prejudice

Recipe for Persuasion

Author: Sonali Dev

Year: 2020

Genre: Romance

More info: The Rajes Series, 2

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18

Plot

Chef Ashana Raje is trying to save her restaurant, so when she is asked to join a celebrity cooking show, she jumps at the chance. But when she arrives, she finds that she is paired with the celebrity who was also her first love (and the man who ghosted her).

Rico Silva is a FIFA-winning soccer star who is not happy with the matchup either. When their chemistry becomes clear to everyone online, will they be able to rekindle their relationsip?

Why Jackie loves it

I loved the first book in the series so much. I loved this fresh take on Jane Austen’s Persuasion. It was so much fun to read this classic retelling and I will admit that it made me very hungry.

Find this book in: The Best Enemies-to-Lovers Books

Enemies to Lovers Books: Young Adult

Paper Princess

Author: Erin Watt

Year: 2016

Genre: Romance

More info: The Royals #1

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Orphan Ella is sent to live with the Royal family, friends of her deceased dad. The Royal brothers all want Ella gone – out of their home, out of their school, out of their life! But Reid and Ella’s spark makes it hard for him to stay away.

Trigger Warnings

Bullying

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m obsessed with this series. Teen angst, snobby classmates, ridiculous storylines, this is the best fluff there is! And it is the perfect example of a pick for a list of enemies-to-lovers books- Ella and Reid cannot be more extreme in their feelings. This is one of the best books to read in one sitting (and it does get a little steamy).

Find this book in: Enemies-to-Lovers Books / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books / Books Inspired by The Life of A Showgirl

10 Things I Hate About Pinky

Author: Sandhya Menon

Year: 2020

Genre: YA Romance

More info: When Dimple Met Rishi #3

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Samir and Pinky are complete opposites. Pinky is a wild child who is tired of her family thinking the worst of her. Samir is the type of guy that all parents love. When his internship at a law firm falls through and Pinky lies to her family and tells them she has a new boyfriend, a scheme is hatched.

Samir comes to stay with Pinky’s family for the summer at their Cape Cod house and Samir does not have to go home to his over-protective mother. Of course, with the forced proximity, they both start to develop real feelings in their fake relationship.

Why Jackie likes it

This fake dating book was a fun read that didn’t quite have the same chemistry as Dimple and Rishi. It may be that I related less because Samir and Pinky are high school students.

Find this book in: Books with Colors in the Title / Forced Proximity Trope Books / Fake Dating Books / Fun Books for Teens