Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books / A must read romance trope

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

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Everyone has a favorite romance trope, mine are Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden, Sports Romances, and MM.

But today I want to talk about ENEMIES TO LOVERS romance books.

I love the sexual tension, the attraction but also the animosity that makes this trope so exciting. The list below entails only books I have read personally. Some are the quintessential enemies to lovers, some take it to the extreme, others are not as obvious but sill have the enemies to lovers vibe I so adore.

Some are sexy, some are historical romances, some are even fantasy romances – but they all have one thing in common – the couple can’t stand each other in the beginning.

Truly there is something for anyone on this list. So, let’s get started.

P.S. Not all of the recommendations are reviewed by me, some I read many years before I ever start reviewing, and I need to find the time to update those. But rest assured, all of them have left an impression on me.

ALSO HERE SOME OF MY OTHER BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

FORBIDDEN ROMANCE NOVLES

MM ROMANCE BOOKS

KINDLE UNLIMITED ROMANCES

ALL TIME FAVORITE ROMANCE NOVELS

OTHER BOOKLISTS

BEST BOOKS OF 2020

10 CHRISTMAS ROMANCE NOVELS TO READ THIS YEAR

VIRGIN RIVER: BOOKS TO READ AFTER WATCHING THE SHOW

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Trope

PROBABLY THE MOST ICONIC OF ALL

THE HATING GAME BY SALLY THORNE

_{4.15 avg rating — 130,417 ratings — published 2016}

This is probably one of the romances that has been talked about the most. A classic office enemies to lovers romance, with GREAT banter. And a couple who is trying to one up each other. It’s a lot of fun. And honestly, this is a MUST read for any romance reader.

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Nemesis (n.) 1) An opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
2) A person’s undoing
3) Joshua Templeman

Lucy Hutton has always been certain that the nice girl can get the corner office. She’s charming and accommodating and prides herself on being loved by everyone at Bexley & Gamin. Everyone except for coldly efficient, impeccably attired, physically intimidating Joshua Templeman. And the feeling is mutual.

Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Trope

ONE AUTHOR, THREE FAVORITE ENEMIES TO LOVER ROMANCES

VICIOUS BY L.J. SHEN

_{4.16 avg rating — 57,142 ratings — published 2016} 

So, my fellow romance readers, if you haven’t heard about the JERKS that are being penned by LJ Shen you are missing out!!

This book is CULT!!!! But be warned VICIOUS is a major jerk, and he doesn’t give a fig about what you think of him.

On the other hand I’m 100% sure you won’t be able to put this book down, and I’m telling you to be prepared for all of the #hotholes because there is no way you’ll stop with VICIOUS!!!

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Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true. 
The man who comes to me in my dreams also haunts me in my nightmares. 
He is a brilliant lawyer. 
A skilled criminal. 
A beautiful liar. 
A bully and a savior, a monster and a lover. 
Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him. 

Vicious

She is a starving artist. 
Pretty and evasive like cherry blossom. 
Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. 
She paid the price. 
Emilia LeBlanc is completely off-limits, my best friend’s ex-girlfriend. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate. 
That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. 
So she hates me. Big fucking deal. 
She better get used to me.

Vicious a complete standalone and a part of the Sinners of Saint series

SPARROW BY L.J. SHEN

_{4.16 avg rating — 33,077 ratings — published 2016}

SPARROW was actually my first book by LJ SHEN, I loved the vibe, and have re-read the book a couple times since. It has just the right amount of animosity between the couple! IT’S SO GOOD!!!!! And if you love the mafia trope this one is for you.

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Troy Brennan

Every Southie in Boston knows that name. The son of a dead mobster. The heart-throb with steel-blue eyes. “The Fixer” who can make or break you in this city. 

Oh, and my new husband. 

Sparrow Raynes 

That’s me. No one seemed to remember my name up until he barged into my life. 
But then he caged me. 
Kidnapped me. 
And killed every chance I had to run away from the place where we grew up. 
Put simply, Troy Brennan clipped my wings. 

I have dreams, big ones, but I doubt he’ll ever let me chase them. I have no idea why he decided to take me as his wife. But I do know this: pissing off this man will not do me any good. At all. 

DIRTY HEADLINES BY L.J. SHEN

_{4.21 avg rating — 22,865 ratings — published 2018}

DIRTY HEADLINES is probably my most favorite LJ SHEN book so far. Meaning, I’ve re-read it the most and it never gets boring. Also since I’m a HUGE fan of sexy office romances, DIRTY HEADLINES is the motherload and delivers in every aspect!!!

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Célian Laurent.
Manhattan royalty.
Notorious playboy.
Heir to a media empire.
…And my new boss.

I could have impressed him, if not for last month’s unforgettable one-night stand.
I left it with more than orgasms and a pleasant memory–namely, his wallet.
Now he’s staring me down like I’m the dirt under his Italian loafers, and I’m supposed to take it.
But the thing about being Judith “Jude” Humphry is I have nothing to lose.
Brooklyn girl.
Infamously quirky.
Heir to a stack of medical bills and a tattered couch.
When he looks at me from across the room, I see the glint in his eyes, and that makes us rivals.
He knows it.
So do I. 
Every day in the newsroom is a battle.
Every night in his bed, war.
But it’s my heart at stake, and I fear I’ll be raising the white flag.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

SEXY AND ICONIC

BEAUTIFUL BASTARD BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

_{4.01 avg rating — 149,660 ratings — published 2013} 

BEAUTIFUL BASTARD is definitely an office romance that gives SEXY new meaning!!!! Woohoo!!!

A double thumbs up recommendation for anyone loving a steamy office romance. There is so much banter and fun in this one. A must read for anyone loving this genre.

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An ambitious intern. A perfectionist executive. And a whole lot of name calling.
Whip-smart, hardworking, and on her way to an MBA, Chloe Mills has only one problem: her boss, Bennett Ryan. He’s exacting, blunt, inconsiderate–and completely irresistible. A Beautiful Bastard.

Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to take a vital role in his family’s massive media business. He never expected that the assistant who’d been helping him from abroad was the gorgeous, innocently provocative–completely infuriating–creature he now has to see every day. Despite the rumors, he’s never been one for a workplace hookup. But Chloe’s so tempting he’s willing to bend the rules–or outright smash them–if it means he can have her. All over the office. 
As their appetites for one another increase to a breaking point, Bennett and Chloe must decide exactly what they’re willing to lose in order to win each other.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

ENEMIES TO LOVERS FROM THE QUEEN OF SLOW BURN

KULTI BY MARIANA ZAPATA

_{4.35 avg rating — 40,572 ratings — published 2015}

OK, for all of you who love slow burn romances, you better check out this author’s work. She is the queen, and KULTI was my first 5 star book by her. Also, I just loved it that the couple were both soccer players/athletes which makes KULTI in my eyes a true sports romance.

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“Trust me, I’ve wanted to punch you in the face a time or five.”

When the man you worshipped as a kid becomes your coach, it’s supposed to be the greatest thing in the world. Keywords: supposed to.

It didn’t take a week for twenty-seven-year-old Sal Casillas to wonder what she’d seen in the international soccer icon—why she’d ever had his posters on her wall, or ever envisioned marrying him and having super-playing soccer babies.

Sal had long ago gotten over the worst non-break-up in the history of imaginary relationships with a man that hadn’t known she’d existed. So she isn’t prepared for this version of Reiner Kulti who shows up to her team’s season: a quiet, reclusive shadow of the explosive, passionate man he’d once been.

Nothing could have prepared her for the man she got to know.

Or the murderous urges he brought out in her.

This was going to be the longest season of her life.

FROM LUKOV WITH LOVE BY MARIANA ZAPATA

_{4.33 avg rating — 28,973 ratings — published 2018}

Oh boy, forced proximity is one of my favorite tropes, and these two are forced to work together, CLOSE and intimate. And the animosity is RIGHT there and on the ICE!!! It can’t get anymore enemies to lovers than FROM LUKOV WITH LOVE. Also there is just something about an ice skating romance, it’s such an interesting topic.

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If someone were to ask Jasmine Santos to describe the last few years of her life with a single word, it would definitely be a four-letter one.

After seventeen years—and countless broken bones and broken promises—she knows her window to compete in figure skating is coming to a close.

But when the offer of a lifetime comes in from an arrogant idiot she’s spent the last decade dreaming about pushing in the way of a moving bus, Jasmine might have to reconsider everything.

Including Ivan Lukov.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

ENEMIES TO LOVERS THE ALASKAN WAY

THE SIMPLE WILD BY K.A. TUCKER

_{4.42 avg rating — 25,519 ratings — published 2018}

So, this is my most favorite book set in ALASKA, and thanks to THE SIMPLE WILD the author wrote my MOST FAVORITE ROMANCE OF ALL TIMES, the sequel WILD AT HEART. So, you guys have to give this book a try! You’ll fall in love with Calla and THE YETI (hello Jonah 💕) and will thank me for it! This is probably THE romance book I’ve been recommending the most!!!! So, what are you waiting for?

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Calla Fletcher was two when her mother took her and fled the Alaskan wild, unable to handle the isolation of the extreme, rural lifestyle, leaving behind Calla’s father, Wren Fletcher, in the process. Calla never looked back, and at twenty-six, a busy life in Toronto is all she knows. But when her father reaches out to inform her that his days are numbered, Calla knows that it’s time to make the long trip back to the remote frontier town where she was born.

She braves the roaming wildlife, the odd daylight hours, the exorbitant prices, and even the occasional—dear God—outhouse, all for the chance to connect with her father: a man who, despite his many faults, she can’t help but care for. While she struggles to adjust to this new subarctic environment, Jonah—the quiet, brooding, and proud Alaskan pilot who keeps her father’s charter plane company operational—can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. And he’s clearly waiting with one hand on the throttle to fly this city girl back to where she belongs, convinced that she’s too pampered to handle the wild.

Jonah is probably right, but Calla is determined to prove him wrong. As time passes, she unexpectedly finds herself forming a bond with the burly pilot. As his undercurrent of disapproval dwindles, it’s replaced by friendship—or perhaps something deeper? But Calla is not in Alaska to stay and Jonah will never leave. It would be foolish of her to kindle a romance, to take the same path her parents tried—and failed at—years ago.

It’s a simple truth that turns out to be not so simple after all.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

THE MOST EPIC OF ALL ENEMIES TO LOVERS

HEATED RIVALRY BY RACHEL REID

_{4.39 avg rating — 3,438 ratings — published 2019}

Oh boy, this book!!!!!! There is a reason why I love this trope so much. And HEATED RIVALRY is probably the best enemies to lovers romance I ever read. I’m not kidding!! I’ve stopped counting how often I’ve read this book. I’m in a slump, I pick up this book. I’m bored, I’ll read this book. AND we are getting a sequel – SQUEAL!!!!!!!

Ok, I stop fangirling now, but if you enjoy MM, and this is your kind of trope, pick it up!!! Don’t wait!!! Click the button below.

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Nothing interferes with Shane Hollander’s game—definitely not the sexy rival he loves to hate.

Pro hockey star Shane Hollander isn’t just crazy talented, he’s got a spotless reputation. Hockey is his life. Now that he’s captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, he won’t let anything jeopardize that, especially the sexy Russian whose hard body keeps him awake at night.

Boston Bears captain Ilya Rozanov is everything Shane’s not. The self-proclaimed king of the ice, he’s as cocky as he is talented. No one can beat him—except Shane. They’ve made a career on their legendary rivalry, but when the skates come off, the heat between them is undeniable. When Ilya realizes he wants more than a few secret hookups, he knows he must walk away. The risk is too great.

As their attraction intensifies, they struggle to keep their relationship out of the public eye. If the truth comes out, it could ruin them both. But when their need for each other rivals their ambition on the ice, secrecy is no longer an option…

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

READY TO GO TO THE EXTREME?

YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER BY SARAH HOGLE

_{4.03 avg rating — 11,925 ratings — published 2020}

YOU DESERVE EACH OTHER was LOTS of fun!!! I’m just warning you, be prepared for the EXTREME!!!! The author really went all out with this one, which makes it for an enemies to lovers romance that really stands out from the crowd. The animosity is REAL!!!!!!

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Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They’re preparing for their lavish wedding that’s three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there’s a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they’re finally being themselves—and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

CLASSIC ENEMIES TO LOVERS BETWEEN ATTORNEY & SPECIAL AGENT

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU BY JULIE JAMES

_{3.95 avg rating — 56,137 ratings — published 2010}

SOMETHING ABOUT YOU is a CLASSIC!! I’ve read it so many years ago and still remember the sexy bad boy vibe I got from it, and the tension and attraction that shouldn’t be but was hard to ignore. I had butterflies in my stomach! It was so wonderful sexy at times – a must read for any romance lover!

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There’s something about the New York Times bestselling Julie James… 

FATE HAS THROWN TWO SWORN ENEMIES…
Of all the hotel rooms rented by all the adulterous politicians in Chicago, female Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron Lynde had to choose the one next to 1308, where some hot-and-heavy lovemaking ends in bloodshed. And of all the FBI agents in Illinois, it had to be Special Agent Jack Pallas who gets assigned to this high-profile homicide. The same Jack Pallas who still blames Cameron for a botched crackdown three years ago—and nearly ruining his career…

…INTO EACH OTHER’S ARMS
Work with Cameron Lynde? Are they kidding? Maybe, Jack thinks, this is some kind of welcome-back prank after his stint away from Chicago. But it’s no joke: the pair is going to have to put their rocky past behind them and focus on the case at hand. That is, if they can cut back on the razor-sharp jibes—and smother the flame of their sizzling-hot sexual tension…

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romances Books

YA HIGH SCHOOL ENEMIES TO LOVERS

BOYS OF BRAYSHAW HIGH BY MEAGAN BRANDY

_{4.28 avg rating — 16,653 ratings — published 2019}

Oh wow!!! This book had just the right amount of over the top YA drama. I’m such a sucker for YA drama, when I’m in the mood for it – lol. And I was definitely in the mood for it when I read BOYS OF BRAYSHAW HIGH!! Also it was totally addicting and hard to put down. If any of this sounds like your kind of book, you better pick it up.

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In the world of morally corrupt teenagers, only the strongest survive… 
From USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Meagan Brandy comes an enemies-to-lovers, New Adult romance full of morally corrupt and power-driven teenagers. 

“Girls like you aren’t exactly welcomed at a place like this, so keep your head down and look the other way.”

Those were the exact words of my social worker when she dropped me in my newest hellhole, a place for “troubled teens”.

I didn’t listen, and now I’m on their radar.

They expect me to play along in their games of hierarchy, to fall in line in the social order they’ve deemed me fit.

Too bad for them, I don’t follow rules.
Too bad for me, they’re determined to make sure I do.

Inconceivably attractive and treated like kings…these are the boys of Brayshaw High.

And I’m the girl who got in their way.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Trope

COLLEGE & SPORTS & ENEMIES TO LOVERS = BEST COMBO

THE DEAL BY ELLE KENNEDY

_{4.28 avg rating — 132,718 ratings — published 2015}

THE DEAL is another cult favorite in the romance community. If college NA, hot athletes and sexy attraction is your kind of thing – it’s definitely mine – you need to pick up this book.

It’s one of the BEST college sports romances available.

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She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy…

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

…and it’s going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn’t going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Trope

TWO FAVORITE TROPES WRAPPED IN ONE FUN & SEXY NOVEL

TWO WEEKS NOTICE BY WHITNEY G.

_{4.07 avg rating — 19,063 ratings — published 2018}

I’m a HUGE fan of banter – I mean HUGE!!!!!! And this one has it all, the banter, the animosity, and the office romance. If you are looking for a book that will make you chuckle and LOL – this one needs to be on your tbr.

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To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter to formally announce my resignation from Parker International (& the arrogant, condescending CEO) effective two weeks from today.

This was a VERY EASY decision to make, as the past two years have been utterly miserable. I wish his next executive assistant all the luck in the world (she’ll need it) and if my boss should need me to do anything over the next two weeks, kindly tell him that he can do it [his] goddamn self…

Sincerely (Not Really),
Tara Lauren

That’s the version of my two weeks’ notice I should’ve sent to my boss, because the more professional version–the one where I said I was “grateful for all the opportunities,” and “honored by all the rewarding experiences” over the years?

That letter was rejected with his sexy, trademark smirk and an “I highly suggest you read the fine print of your contract…”

So, I did.

And now I’ve realized that unless I fake my death, poison him, or find a way to renegotiate my impossible contract, I’m stuck working under one of the cockiest and most ruthless bosses in New York.

Then again, I thought that was the case until he called me late last night with an emergency proposition…

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Trope

DOCTOR & NURSE ENEMIES TO LOVERS

HOTSHOT DOC BY R.S. GREY

_{4.11 avg rating — 13,923 ratings — published 2018}

HOTSHOT DOC is more traditional when it comes to enemies to lovers, less shocking and extreme compared to some of the books I featured on this page. And I feel like it will speak to a broader audience.

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Dr. Russell has a bad reputation around our hospital. The scrub techs say he’s cold-blooded, the nurses say he’s too cocky for his own good, and the residents say he’s the best surgeon in the world—really, just a swell guy!—on the off chance he’s within earshot. 

I try to avoid him and his temper at all costs. It’s just as easy to admire his sexy, grip-it-while-he’s-ravishing-you hair and chiseled jaw from a healthy distance, preferably from the other end of the hallway…half-hidden behind a plant.

Unfortunately, my plan crumbles when my trusty ol’ boss decides to swap his white coat for a Hawaiian shirt. His retirement leaves me with two terrible options: switch specialties and spend months retraining, or take an open position as Dr. Russell’s surgical assistant. 

That means I have to stand near him in the OR for hours on end and anticipate his every need without letting his biting words and bad attitude intimidate me. Oh, and as if that’s not difficult enough, my silly crush on him—the one I’ve tried to stomp on until it disappears—might just be reciprocated.

It’s fine. 
I’m fine.

I take my job seriously. There will be no smoldering bedroom eyes across the operating table, no angry almost-kisses in the supply closet. (Well, no more of those.) 

What’s the phrase? An apple a day keeps the doctor away?
Maybe I should go for a whole damn bushel.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

CLASSIC / SULTRY / SEXY – WITH MAJOR ENEMIES TO LOVERS VIBES

AFTER THE NIGHT BY LINDA HOWARD

_{4.08 avg rating — 22,241 ratings — published 1995}

ô là! là! This book!!!!! So sexy and sultry! One of my faves when it comes to this author, and also a classic romance novel, just look at the publication date. I think this book actually introduced me to Linda Howard and was hard to top. It was all kinds of sexy, and the animosity was right there, shrouded in a forbidden attraction. SO GOOD!!!

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FAITH DEVLIN: A poor, outcast child in Prescott, Louisiana, she’d always adored the town’s golden boy from afar. But he called her white trash that sultry Southern night when his rich, respected father disappeared, along with her pretty Mom. Now Faith wanted to hate Gray Rouillard…not to feel a powerful surge of desire. But she couldn’t quench her passion, any more than she could hide the truth about the past she had waited so long to unravel.
GRAY ROUILLARD: Even when he raised hell, he did it with style. Reckless, charming, and backed by Rouillard money, Gray controlled the town of Prescott — and Devlin was a name he never wanted to hear again. But when he gazed at Faith Devlin, all he saw was a swirl of tangled sheets and her silken flesh beneath him. To care for her was impossible, unthinkable…because Gray Rouillard planned to use all his power to ruin her.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

ROM-COM & ENEMIES TO LOVERS

BY A THREAD BY LUCY SCORE

_{4.37 avg rating — 10,526 ratings — published 2020} 

One of my most recent reads, BY A THREAD has everything I expect from an enemies to lovers romance. It’s set in NY, in the fashion industry, and that alone makes it an interesting read, add the enemies to lovers and I was SOLD!!!

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Dominic was staring at me like he couldn’t decide whether to chop me into pieces or pull my hair and French kiss me.

Dominic
I got her fired. Okay, so I’d had a bad day and took it out on a bystander in a pizza shop. But there’s nothing innocent about Ally Morales. She proves that her first day of her new job… in my office… after being hired by my mother.

So maybe her colorful, annoying, inexplicably alluring personality brightens up the magazine’s offices that have felt like a prison for the past year. Maybe I like that she argues with me in front of the editorial staff. And maybe my after-hours fantasies are haunted by those brown eyes and that sharp tongue.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to be the next Russo man to take advantage of his position. I might be a second-generation asshole, but I am not my father.

She’s working herself to death at half a dozen dead-end jobs for some secret reason she doesn’t feel like sharing with me. And I’m going to fix it all. Don’t accuse me of caring. She’s nothing more than a puzzle to be solved. If I can get her to quit, I can finally peel away all those layers. Then I can go back to salvaging the family name and forget all about the dancing, beer-slinging brunette. 

Ally
Ha. Hold my beer, Grumpy Grump Face.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

THE WORST BEST MAN BY LUCY SCORE

_{4.24 avg rating — 9,394 ratings — published 2018} 

OOH one of my FAVES!!!! I had so much fun with this one. Wedding shenanigans, an attraction between a couple that can’t stand each other, a little kidnapping to keep me entertained and some wooing afterwards.

This was my first book by LUCY SCORE, and I was HOOKED instantly!!!!

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“Newsflash. You don’t buy me. You earn me.”

The bride is a doll. The groom is the perfect gentleman. But the rest of the wedding party? They’re the stuff of nightmares. Rich? Check. Vapid? Double Check. Entitled? Not enough checks in the world. And the Best Man? More like the Worst Man.

But Maid of Honor Franchesca takes her duties seriously. Kidnapped groom? She’s got this. Rude attendees? You just watch her handle them. So a Best Man with a big attitude and an even bigger…checkbook? Yeah, there’s no way she’s going to let that pretentious, judgmental jackhole ruin her best friend’s wedding. No matter how sexy he is. (Well, that’s the plan anyway…)

Aiden Kilbourn doesn’t do long-term relationships. He’s busy ruling the business world, and has yet to find a woman he can tolerate for longer than a month, two at the outside, anyway. Conquering the unconquerable is basically his bread and butter. And he hasn’t met a challenge that he can’t win. But Franchesca Baranski? This smart-mouthed girl from Brooklyn may just be his downfall.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

CLASSIC ENEMIES TO LOVERS

IT HAD TO BE YOU BY SUSAN ELIZABETH PHILLIPS

_{4.03 avg rating — 58,167 ratings — published 1994}

Another classic!! This time a sports romance between a head coach and the new owner of the team – SUPERB!!!!! The sparks fly but also the animosity! Just so classic and well done! The one that got me hooked on the author, and the one that I still remember the MOST!!!!

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The Windy City isn’t quite ready for Phoebe Somerville—the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not ready for the Stars’ head coach, former gridiron legend Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Calebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises—a meddling bimbo who doesn’t know a pigskin from a pitcher’s mound.

So why is Dan drawn to the shameless sexpot like a heat-seeking missile? And why does the coach’s good ol’ boy charm leave cosmopolitan Phoebe feeling awkward, tongue-tied . . . and ready to fight?

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

ENEMIES TO LOVERS NOVELLA

SIXTY FIVE HOURS BY N.R. WALKER

_{4.18 avg rating — 5,158 ratings — published 2012}

This MM office romance novella was wonderful, just so much fun, and the enemies to lovers vibe was adorable. Short and fun – you won’t regret it.

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Cameron Fletcher and Lucas Hensley are advertising executives who have Sixty Five Hours to pull together the campaign of their careers. 

Sixty Five Hours to get along. iSixty Five Hours to not kill each other. Sixty Five Hours to fall in love.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

6 STAR FAVORITE

LOOK THE PART BY JEWEL E ANN

_{4.28 avg rating — 14,809 ratings — published 2018}

Oh boy!!!! This book is the only romance I EVER GAVE SIX STARS!!! My all time favorite book. It was so GOOD!!! Emotional, but also tons of sparks flying, and it has everything a good romance novel should have. Wonderful character, a great plot, and so much attraction, and yeah – don’t forget the enemies to lovers vibe.

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Flint Hopkins finds the perfect tenant to rent the space above his Minneapolis-based law office.

All the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted on Ellen’s application. Her references are good. And she’s easy on the eyes.

Until …

Flint discovers Ellen Rodgers, Board-Certified Music Therapist, plays music. Bongos, guitars, singing—not Beethoven administered through noise-cancelling headphones.

The cut-throat attorney serves up an eviction notice to the bubbly, constantly-humming redhead who’s too sexy for her own good. But luck is on Ellen’s side when Flint’s autistic son, Harrison, takes an instant liking to her. A single dad can’t compete with guitars—and rats. Yes, she has pet rats.

This woman …

She’s annoyingly happy with a constant need to touch him—adjust his tie, button his shirt, invade his space, and mess with his mind.

Still …

She must go.

Their lust-hate relationship escalates into something beautiful and tragic. This sexy, romantic-comedy explores the things we want, the things we need, and the impossible decisions parents and children make to survive.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN COLLEGE ENEMIES TO LOVERS

HATE TO LOVE YOU BY TIJAN

_{3.95 avg rating — 15,055 ratings — published 2017}

I love NA college romances, even better if there is some animosity between the couple, and as the title promises we are getting just that!

Also, TIJAN is one of my favorite authors, she always delivers, and her books are addicting! And ALWAYS entertaining.

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Rule #1: No hot guys.
It might sound ridiculous. I get it. It kind of was, but college was supposed to be my sanctuary. It was my place to start over. The rumors, the whispers, and the jealousy I endured through high school would all be gone.
No one would know me at college.

Rule #2: No drama.
I’d major in pre-law. I’d make a few loyal friends. Everything would be easy-breezy. No one was going to use me or hurt me. I wouldn’t let them. 

Rule #3: New year. New place. New me.

Right?
Wrong.
And all because of Shay Coleman.

Football captain and quarterback, he was the big guy on campus. The cocky guy in my political science class with a smirk. 

I hated him on sight . . .
. . . and he was about to break all my rules.

Hate To Love You is a full-length standalone. 
There are elements that deal with the dark side of college.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

DOUCHEBAGS TO LOVERS

THE STUDYING HOURS BY SARA NEY

_{3.84 avg rating — 17,873 ratings — published 2016} 

I’m just coming out with it, sports romances are next to enemies to lovers my favorite trope, and my DOUCHEBAGS are some of my favorites. So, don’t read these books if you don’t also love your fictional heroes to be jerks. The first two books are by far my most favorite of all, because Oz and Zeke are major JERKS who need a girl to tame them. And yeah, there is definitely animosity between the couple, because hello – major JERK alert!!!!

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CRUDE. ARROGANT. AHOLE.
Sebastian ‘Oz’ Osborne is a walking, talking cliche.
One of the university’s most celebrated student athlete—and possibly the biggest douchebag–Oz has a filthy mouth, a fantastic body, and doesn’t give a sh*t about what you, or anyone else thinks. He loves to have fun,but loves winning even more. 

SMART. CLASSY. CONSERVATIVE.
Jameson Clarke may be the university’s most diligent student—but she is no prude. She spends most of her time in the hallowed halls of the library, not because she’s a brainiac–but because she’s not. School doesn’t come easy, and she’s determined to finish the year without a D.

D stands for Douchebag.

Oz is a champion wrestler; one of the best. And he didn’t fight his way to the top by backing down from a challenge.

He wants to be friends with Jameson.
He wants to spend time with her.
iHe wants to drive her crazy.
He wants…
Her.

EVERY DOUCHBAG HAS HIS WEAKNESS.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

THE FAILING HOURS BY SARA NEY

_{4.16 avg rating — 12,920 ratings — published 2017}

Say hello to my second favorite DOUCHEBAG!!!! This one is as good as the one right above. Love them so much!!!!

These two books have definitely spoiled me for everything that came afterwards.

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Zeke Daniels isn’t just a douchebag; he’s an asshole. 

A total and complete jerk, Zeke keeps people at a distance. He has no interest in relationships—most assholes don’t. 
Dating? Being part of a couple? Nope. Not for him.
He’s never given any thought to what he wants in a girlfriend, because he’s never had any intention of having one. 
Shit, he barely has a relationship with his family, and they’re related; his own friends don’t even like him. 
So why does he keep thinking about Violet DeLuca? 
Sweet, quiet Violet—his opposite in every sense of the word.
The light to his dark, even her damn name sounds like rays of sunshine and happiness and shit.

And that pisses him off, too.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

IN MOOD FOR A VACATION?

THE UNHONEYMOONERS BY CHRISTINA LAUREN

_{3.99 avg rating — 100,077 ratings — published 2019}

This is probably THE best vacation novel EVER and it has some really nice enemies to lovers vibes, also just look at this gorgeous cover!!!

I’m not joking, if you want an entertaining novel, a well written romance, with some great attraction and animosity between the couple, don’t wait any longer and pick this one up.

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Olive Torres is used to being the unlucky twin: from inexplicable mishaps to a recent layoff, her life seems to be almost comically jinxed. By contrast, her sister Ami is an eternal champion . . . she even managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a slew of contests. Unfortunately for Olive, the only thing worse than constant bad luck is having to spend the wedding day with the best man (and her nemesis), Ethan Thomas.

Olive braces herself for wedding hell, determined to put on a brave face, but when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. Suddenly there’s a free honeymoon up for grabs, and Olive will be damned if Ethan gets to enjoy paradise solo.

Agreeing to a temporary truce, the pair head for Maui. After all, ten days of bliss is worth having to assume the role of loving newlyweds, right? But the weird thing is . . . Olive doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, the more she pretends to be the luckiest woman alive, the more it feels like she might be.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

CLASSIC & ICONIC

LORD OF SCOUNDRELS BY LORETTA CHASE

_{4.11 avg rating — 27,669 ratings — published 1995}

So this book is actually the number #1 romance book of all times, and there is a reason for it. The book has the BEST of everything! A strong heroine, a hero who isn’t like any other, some amazing banter, smart and witty writing, and oh man the enemies to lovers vibes are just awesome!

A MUST READ for any romance lover, but especially for someone loving historical romance!!!

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They call him many names, but Angelic isn’t one of them . . . 

Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the “Bane and Blight of the Ballisters”—and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He’s determined to continue doing what he does best—sin and sin again—and all that’s going swimmingly, thank you . . . until the day a shop door opens and she walks in.

She’s too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world . . . 

Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she’s going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him—and with him, her family and future—means taking on the devil himself, she won’t back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible, and the person who needs the most saving is—herself!

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

FAVORITE HISTORICAL ENEMIES TO LOVERS

DEVIL IN WINTER BY LISA KLEYPAS

 _{4.25 avg rating — 56,831 ratings — published 2006}

Another MUST READ for anyone loving this trope! Not only is the book written by the QUEEN of historical romance, but it is the EPITOME of an enemies to lovers romance, and has the most amazing hero. His growth is just heart warming and makes me smile every single time. He is my kind of hero, one that makes me swoon!!!

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“I’m Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent. I can’t be celibate. Everyone knows that.”

Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London.

A marriage of convenience is the only solution.

No one would have ever paired the shy, stammering wallflower with the sinfully handsome viscount. It quickly becomes clear, however, that Evie is a woman of hidden strength—and Sebastian desires her more than any woman he’s ever known.

Determined to win her husband’s elusive heart, Evie dares to strike a bargain with the devil: If Sebastian can stay celibate for three months, she will allow him into her bed.

When Evie is threatened by a vengeful enemy from the past, Sebastian vows to do whatever it takes to protect his wife . . . even at the expense of his own life.

Together they will defy their perilous fate, for the sake of all-consuming love.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

MORTAL ENEMIES TO LOVERS

DANCING ON COALS BY ELLEN O’CONNELL

_{4.13 avg rating — 3,756 ratings — published 2011} 

I just re-read this one last month.

Every time I read one of her books my heart breaks a little since she hasn’t written anything in years. Her books are GOLD!! The measuring stick for any historical western romance. And DANCING ON COALS is an enemies to lovers romance in the truest sense.

I re-read her books religiously, every few years, and they just make me so happy!!! If you haven’t read any of her books yet, and you love this kind of genre, start with Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold, it’s the one book that started it all and is still my most favorite of all.

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After escaping robbers intent on murder, Katherine Grant says, “I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Before long I’ll be dancing on the coals.” The highwaymen were the frying pan; the handsome young Apache who saved her from them was the fire; and the coals? Gaetan.

Rage against the enemies of his people has consumed Gaetan from boyhood. The only use he ever found for any white was to test the sharpness of his knife. Forced by his brother to endure Katherine’s company, Gaetan tries to deny what he sees – the white woman has a man’s temper and a lion’s courage. She has an Apache heart.

In spite of hate, distrust and fear, surviving in the rugged country of southern Arizona and northern Mexico forges a strange bond between Katherine and Gaetan. When the bond turns to love, can they admit it? Can they bear the consequences?

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

ENEMIES TO LOVERS FANTASY STYLE

IRON AND MAGIC BY ILONA ANDREWS

_{4.41 avg rating — 19,343 ratings — published 2018} 

Ok, I’ll apologize for my fangirling, but this author couple is my NUMBER ONE of all times!!! I’m a HUGE fan, and re-read their books all the time. Now, I know not everyone likes fantasy with their romance, but if you do – you need to give their books a try. SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!! IRON AND MAGIC is one of my most favorite books by IA, and I stopped counting how often I’ve read it. Also it’s the beginning of a new arc/trilogy and I can’t wait to read more because the sparks were FLYING between Hugh and Elara – MAJOR SPARKS!!!! He a warlord and she is SCARILY powerful – best combo ever!!

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No day is ordinary in a world where Technology and Magic compete for supremacy…But no matter which force is winning, in the apocalypse, a sword will always work.

Hugh d’Ambray, Preceptor of the Iron Dogs, Warlord of the Builder of Towers, served only one man. Now his immortal, nearly omnipotent master has cast him aside. Hugh is a shadow of the warrior he was, but when he learns that the Iron Dogs, soldiers who would follow him anywhere, are being hunted down and murdered, he must make a choice: to fade away or to be the leader he was born to be. Hugh knows he must carve a new place for himself and his people, but they have no money, no shelter, and no food, and the necromancers are coming. Fast.

Elara Harper is a creature who should not exist. Her enemies call her Abomination; her people call her White Lady. Tasked with their protection, she’s trapped between the magical heavyweights about to collide and plunge the state of Kentucky into a war that humans have no power to stop. Desperate to shield her people and their simple way of life, she would accept help from the devil himself—and Hugh d’Ambray might qualify.

Hugh needs a base, Elara needs soldiers. Both are infamous for betraying their allies, so how can they create a believable alliance to meet the challenge of their enemies?  

As the prophet says: “It is better to marry than to burn.”  

Hugh and Elara may do both. 

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books

BURN FOR ME BY ILONA ANDREWS

_{4.35 avg rating — 39,431 ratings — published 2014}

So, for everyone who wants to get their feet wet, and wants to try fantasy romance but is a bit intimidated, this series is PERFECT to start out with. There is lots of romance in this book – LOTS!!!! And so many amazing characters! I guarantee, you’ll fall in love with the Baylor family and won’t be able to put the books down!

These books are addicting and so much fun!!!

And the vibes between Nevada and Connor are off the charts!! So much attraction, but also scary good enemies to lovers vibes, can’t trust a MAD prime, or can you?

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Nevada Baylor is faced with the most challenging case of her detective career—a suicide mission to bring in a suspect in a volatile situation. Nevada isn’t sure she has the chops. Her quarry is a Prime, the highest rank of magic user, who can set anyone and anything on fire.

Then she’s kidnapped by Connor “Mad” Rogan—a darkly tempting billionaire with equally devastating powers. Torn between wanting to run and wanting to surrender to their overwhelming attraction, Nevada must join forces with Rogan to stay alive.

Rogan’s after the same target, so he needs Nevada. But she’s getting under his skin, making him care about someone other than himself for a change. And, as Rogan has learned, love can be as perilous as death, especially in the magic world.

Favorite Enemies to Laovers Romance Books

ENEMIES TO LOVERS DYSTOPIAN WAY

PESTILENCE BY LAURA THALASSA

_{4.02 avg rating — 27,654 ratings — published 2018}

If you want to read something DIFFERENT you might want to pick up the first of the horsemen!!! Just be aware that these guys are NOT HUMAN and give a flying fig about us – until they fall in love that is!!! But until that happens, deathly enemies to lovers vibes!!!

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They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all. 

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed. 

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him. 

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Books