The Ones You Hate to Love: 8 of Our Favorite Enemies-to-Lovers Books

Welcome back, romance readers!

Are you ready to dive into a whirlwind of intense emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected love? Well, we’ve got a hot and steamy booklist that’s all about enemies-to-lovers romances! We’ve handpicked eight novels packed with electrifying sparks, snarky banter, and stolen glances.

But before getting started, this is a friendly reminder to be aware of your triggers and to check for any necessary trigger warnings associated with the titles below.

Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert

For readers how enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• LGBTQ+ Romance
• Greek Mythology
• Dark Romance
• Contemporary Romance
• Multiple POVs

Aphrodite is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals, even if it means marrying her enemy, Hephaestus. Aphrodite devises a plan to keep her new husband off-balance by seducing Pandora, someone he cares deeply about. However, Hephaestus is not one to back down, and he retaliates by using Aphrodite’s ex, Adonis. As the lines between seduction and genuine emotions blur, their actions have consequences not only for their own hearts but also for the city of Olympus and everyone they love. 

Get your copy of Cruel Seduction from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through audiobooks.com.

The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Fairytale Retellings
• Dark Romance
• Monster Romance
• Fantasy
• Age-Gap Romance

Averil saves a young man from a shipwreck and believes she feels the Soul Echo, the sign that he is her one true mate. The Sea Witch, an enemy of her father, offers her a deal to win the prince’s heart and coaches her in the art of seduction, but Averil wonders what the real price of the Sea Witch’s help is. The Sea Witch is more brutally beautiful and charming than Averil expected

Get your copy of The Sea Witch from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

King of Wrath by Ana Huang

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Arranged Marriage
• Billionaires
• Contemporary Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy-Sunshine

Dante Russo is a ruthless and meticulous billionaire CEO who never planned to marry. However, he is forced into an engagement with Vivian Lau, the jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy, due to the threat of blackmail. Despite his initial intentions to destroy the evidence and end their betrothal, Dante finds himself unable to let Vivian go once he has her. 

Get your copy of King of Wrath from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Fake Dating
• LGBTQ+ Romance
• Royalty
• New Adult Romance
• Contemporary Romance

Red, White, and Royal Blue follows the story of Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, who falls in love with Prince Henry, the Prince of England. Alex and Henry’s confrontation at a royal wedding is leaked to the tabloids and threatens American/British relations. To control the damage, a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince is staged. As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself in a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations.

Get your copy of Red, White, and Royal Blue from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Carnage by Sarah Bailey

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Reverse Harems
• BDSM
• Dark Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Billionaires

Scarlett was sent to Fortuity to destroy her enemies; four men known as the Four Horsemen. Drake, Prescott, West, and Francis know exactly who Scarlett is and why she’s here. What Scarlett doesn’t know is they already know one another – they were even friends. The Horsemen are fighting for Scarlett to regain her memories while other forces try to keep her under their control. 

Get your copy of Carnage from Kindle Unlimited or check your local library!

Share your enemies-to-lovers recommendations in the comments below!

Heartless Heathens by Santana Knox

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Reverse Harems
• Erotica
• Dark Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Gothic Romance

She’s the headmaster’s prized possession, hidden away in the bell tower of Notre Dame Parochial College. To most students, she’s just a myth, an urban legend. 

But then they arrived, heartless outcasts like her. These dangerous men refuse to conform to the school’s twisted rules and its hidden secrets.

Now that they’ve found her, she may never be free again. And maybe she doesn’t want to be.

Get your copy of Heartless Heathens from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Carnal Urges by J.T. Geissinger

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• BDSM
• Mafia Romance
• Dark Romance
• Forced Proximity
• Grumpy-Sunshine

The devil has piercing blue eyes, an Irish accent, and holds a profound grudge against her, believing I’m responsible for a war, betrayal, and the death of his men. Despite her innocence, he seeks revenge and takes her as his captive.

As time passes, they realize that there are more intense desires at play than just seeking vengeance. The line between enemies and something deeper becomes blurred, igniting a real war of emotions and passions.

Get your copy of Carnal Urges from Bookshop or check your local library! This book is also available with Kindle Unlimited.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

For readers who enjoy:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• High Fantasy
• New Adult Romance
• Slow-Burn
• Forced Proximity
• Dragons

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, the daughter of the commanding general, was originally destined for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant surrounded by books and history. However, her mother abruptly changes her plans and orders Violet to join the Riders Quadrant, where candidates strive to become elite dragon riders. This situation poses a significant challenge for Violet, as she is smaller and more fragile than the other candidates, and dragons typically do not bond with humans they perceive as “fragile.” With fewer dragons willing to bond than there are cadets, Violet’s life is constantly at risk. Many would kill her to improve their chances of success, while others would target her simply because she is her mother’s daughter, including Xaden Riorson, a powerful and ruthless wingleader. Violet must rely on her wits to survive each day and navigate the treacherous world of Basgiath War College.

Get your copy of Fourth Wing from Bookshop or check your local library! The audiobook is available through audiobooks.com.

Thirsty for more book recommendations? Check out Religion and Romance: Four Books for Fans of The Anti-Hero.

Don’t forget to share which book you’re adding to your TBR. Comment below!

Stay spicy, 

AJ 💋