Book List: Enemies to Lovers

The enemies-to-lovers trope follows the convention of when two (or more) characters begin as enemies or possess a dislike and/or rivalry dynamic which later develops into a romantic relationship.

There is a specific difference in the character dynamics and nuance between enemies to lovers and rival to lovers – with the main difference being the severity of antagonism, feelings and thoughts between the affected characters. Furthermore, rivals to lovers may not necessarily be ‘enemies’, rather, the characters may strongly dislike the other whether or not sharing the same or similar goal. For the sake of simplicity, I’ve categorised the two tropes together (although I have a stronger preference to rivals to lovers compared to enemies to lovers).  

This category includes the following: reluctance to like, dislike to like, hate to love, rivals to lovers, enemies to lovers

Why ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope is fun:

• the tension
• the banter
• growth
• angst

About this list:

This list will provide books that pertain the enemies-to-lovers trope and information regarding the book and author, such as representation in the books and of the author. Please note: I haven’t read all the books listed. If there’s any information needed (such as representation, content warnings, etc.) to be added please let me know.

Also, I feel that it is important to note that I intentionally list information such as the author’s identity in terms of ethnicity, gender, religion, whether the author identifies being neurodivergent or disabled if the author enclosed such information. Why disclose such information? Representation matters. I endeavour to be as accurate as possible with such information, however, if there’s any error please let me know so I can amend it.

Book Cover	Book Title and Author	Information
	An Affair of Poisons by Addie Thorley
	Down Comes the Night by Allison Saft	Rep: bisexual protagnist
	Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
	The Candle in the Flame by Nafiza Azad	Rep: Author of Colour (South-East Asian), Muslim Author
	The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
	To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo	• retelling of The Little Mermaid
	Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Book Cover	Book Title and Author	Information
	Bone Crier’s Moon by Kathryn Purdie
	Crier’s War by Nina Varela	Rep: f/f relationship
	Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
	Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
	Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena	Rep: Author of Colour (South Asian diaspora; Indian) Medieval India inspired world, Indian and Persian mythology inspired
	These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong	Rep: Author of Colour (East Asian diaspora; Shanghai) • retelling of Romeo and Juliet
	The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen	Note: New Adult
	The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson	Rep: mental health
	The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh	Rep: Author of Colour (American-Korean) • Retelling of 1001 Nights Ancient Arabia inspired world
	We Hunt the Flame (Sands of Arawiya #1) by Hafsah Faizal	Rep: Author of Colour (South + West Asian diaspora), Muslim Author Ancient Arabia inspired world

Book Cover	Book Title and Author	Information
	A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer	Rep: protagonist with MS • retelling of Beauty and the Beast
	Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao	Rep: Author of Colour (East Asian diaspora)
	Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
	Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway
	Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin
	The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco	Rep: Author of Colour (South East Asian; Filipino)
	The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
	The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala	Rep: Author of Colour (Indian-American) Indian history and Hindu mythology inspired world
	The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Book Cover	Book Title and Author	Information
	An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir	Rep: Author of Colour (Pakistani-American), Muslim author
	Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco
	Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi	Rep: Author of Colour (Iranian-American), Muslim author

Do you have any recommendations for books in this category?

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