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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