From witty office rivalries to high-stakes fantasy feuds, the enemies-to-lovers trope is a fan favorite for a reason. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching two people who think they hate each other realize their intense animosity is actually a cover for undeniable chemistry. This list features five of the best enemies-to-lovers novels, each with a strong female lead who proves that the line between love and hate is often razor-thin.
1. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
The first book in the popular Folk of the Air series, The Cruel Prince is a fantasy romance that masterfully builds tension between its two leads, Jude and Cardan. Abducted to the faerie realm of Elfhame as a child, Jude has spent her life facing the disdain of the fae, particularly Prince Cardan, who is both charming and cruel. As Jude becomes stronger and more entrenched in the secrets of the fae court, her hatred for the prince begins to blur with a powerful, undeniable attraction. This novel is a vivid and captivating exploration of a mortal woman navigating a world of dangerous magic and complicated feelings.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
The second book in the Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Mist and Fury delivers on the enemies-to-lovers dynamic many readers were hoping for. After returning to the Spring Court, Feyre finds herself haunted by her bargain with the Night Court’s High Lord, Rhysand. As she learns the truth about the people she once trusted, she begins to see cracks in her supposedly happy ending. Feyre’s journey from a pawn to a powerful woman unfolds as she grows closer to the “villain” who has saved her more than once. With witty side characters and a “found family” feel, this book is a spicy and deeply emotional fantasy romance.
3. Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Tahereh Mafi’s Shatter Me series is a prime example of the enemies-to-lovers trope, largely thanks to the iconic character of Aaron Warner. In the first book, the female lead Juliette is not on good terms with Aaron, and has even stabbed him. But in this sequel, Unravel Me, she is forced to confront her feelings for him as she learns his true story. Juliette is a powerful woman with the ability to kill with a single touch. As she navigates a dystopian world under the oppressive Reestablishment regime, she must also deal with the complicated dynamic between Adam and Aaron, making for an intense and engaging read.
4. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Hating Game offers a refreshing take on the trope with a classic office romance setup. Polar opposites Lucy and Joshua are professional rivals who are forced to work together. Her bright and cheerful personality clashes with his stoic and serious nature, fueling their palpable tension and witty banter. As they compete for the same promotion, their “forced proximity” forces them to confront their feelings. This novel proves that opposites do attract, and that the line between hate and love is often much thinner than it seems.
5. The Predator by RuNyx
The first book in the Dark Verse series, The Predator is a dark and intense enemies-to-lovers romance with a formidable female lead. Morana Vitalio is a brilliant and independent hacker born into a ruthless mafia family. She is a survivor and a strategist fighting for her freedom in a male-dominated world. When she crosses paths with the cold and dangerous Tristan Caine, their mutual hatred is laced with a dangerous attraction. Their rivalry is a tense, slow-burn love story that explores themes of power, trauma, and twisted fates, making it perfect for readers who enjoy a gritty and psychological romance.