From Rivals to Romance: 35 Spicy Enemies to Lovers Books
There’s a Fine Line Between Love and Hate… and We’re Here for It
If you’re a romance reader, chances are you’ve fallen hard for enemies to lovers books. There’s just something undeniably swoon-worthy about two characters who start off loathing each other—only to find themselves tangled in emotional tension, heated banter, and, eventually, passionate love.
Whether it’s fueled by rivalry, betrayal, revenge, or just plain stubborn pride, this classic romance trope never goes out of style. From iconic literary works to spicy contemporary novels, enemies to lovers books continue to capture hearts (and heat up Kindle screens) across generations.
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The History of the Enemies to Lovers Trope
The enemies to lovers romance trope has a rich literary history that spans centuries. Long before it dominated BookTok and filled Kindle libraries, authors were crafting stories where animosity and attraction collided with irresistible results. Some of the most beloved classic enemies to lovers books feature this tension-filled dynamic:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Is one of the original enemies to lovers books! Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy clash over pride, class, and first impressions before falling hard for each other. This novel remains a gold standard for the trope.
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare – Beatrice and Benedick’s witty verbal sparring masks deep-seated affection, making their eventual romance all the more satisfying.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – While not direct enemies, Jane and Mr. Rochester’s emotional push and pull—rooted in secrets, power imbalance, and self-worth—create a compelling adversarial tension.
The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare – A fiery battle of wills between Katherina and Petruchio lays the groundwork for many modern hate-to-love romantic pairings.
These foundational stories paved the way for today’s authors to take enemies to lovers books to new, deliciously dramatic and spicy heights.
Why We Love Enemies to Lovers Books
There’s something irresistible about the tension—the biting dialogue, the reluctant attraction, the moment when two stubborn hearts finally give in. If you love:
Slow-burn romance
Banter-filled tension
Hidden feelings and grudging admiration
Characters who challenge each other and grow
That inevitable first kiss after pages of buildup
Then you’re officially an enemies to lovers fan—and you're in exactly the right place.
One of the best things about enemies to lovers books is the emotional payoff. When two characters go from throwing insults to confessing love, it’s not just satisfying—it’s electric. That emotional whiplash (in the best way!) is what makes this trope so endlessly re-readable.
Finding Your Perfect Read
I’ve compiled a must-read list of the best enemies to lovers books with spice ratings that deliver everything from slow-burn tension to explosive chemistry. Whether you’re into historical settings, small-town charm, or billionaire romance, there’s a perfect enemies to lovers pick for you.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find:
Workplace rivals who can’t stand each other—until they can’t keep their hands off each other.
Fake dating setups that start with mutual irritation and end in passionate declarations.
Close proximity dynamics that force enemies to share space—and eventually, secrets, soft moments, and steamy nights.
Billionaire battles with power plays, sharp banter, and undeniable chemistry.
From bestselling authors to hidden indie gems, these enemies to lovers books span a wide range of genres and spice levels. No matter your mood, there’s something on this list to satisfy your craving for tension-fueled romance.
Spice Level Guide
Each book on this list is tagged with a spice rating—because we all want to know just how hot things get before diving in. Whether you prefer a gentle slow burn or a scorcher that melts your Kindle, there’s an enemies to lovers book for you:
1 — Sweet & Subtle: Flirty tension, kisses, and fade-to-black scenes. Just a hint of heat.
2 — Lightly Flirty: Suggestive moments, heated kisses, and a little steam — but the door mostly stays closed.
3 — Medium Heat: On-page steamy scenes that balance sexy and emotional. Just enough to make you blush.
4 — Hot & Heavy: Multiple detailed steamy scenes, lots of physical chemistry, and very little left to the imagination.
5 — Scorching: Explicit, frequent, and blazing. These enemies to lovers books bring the heat hard — you’ll need a fan (and maybe a cold shower).
1. The Accidental Marriage
by Nadia Lee
Summary: After a wild night he doesn’t remember, emotionally guarded billionaire Ares Huxley wakes up married to a quirky stranger—just in time to solve both their problems. He needs a wife to clinch a career-making promotion, and she needs a husband to claim her inheritance. Their fake marriage is supposed to be temporary, passion-free, and purely transactional… until late-night banter, fiery chemistry, and unexpected tenderness blur the lines. As Ares begins to fall for the woman he never meant to love, he faces the one challenge he never prepared for: convincing her to stay.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate heat with emotionally charged scenes.
2. Enemies With Benefits
By Roxie Noir
Summary: Violet thought she was done with Eli Loveless—the infuriating rival who made her school years a constant competition. But now he’s back, hotter than ever, and working right alongside her. One kiss turns into a no-strings, no-feelings, all-heat arrangement… until their fiery enemies-with-benefits pact starts feeling a lot like something more.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat enemies to lovers book with explicit scenes.
3. Better Than The Movies
By Lynn Painter
Summary: Hopeless romantic Liz Buxbaum has always dreamed of a picture-perfect prom with her longtime crush, Michael. When he moves back to town, she ropes in her irritating (and unexpectedly charming) neighbor Wes to help her catch Michael’s attention. But as their plan unfolds, Liz finds herself falling for the boy she thought she couldn’t stand—and starts to wonder if real-life love might be better than any rom-com fantasy.
Spice Level: 1/5 Sweet and clean romance.
4. Flirting With The Enemy
by Gia Stevens
Summary: Seth Taylor is Brooke’s office nemesis—smug, infuriating, and standing between her and the promotion she’s been chasing. But when a snowstorm strands them in a roadside motel with one bed and way too much tension, their rivalry takes a steamy turn. With sharp banter, surprising chemistry, and one unforgettable game of twenty questions, enemies become something a lot more complicated—and maybe even something real.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with heartfelt moments.
5. Summer In The City
by Alex Aster
Summary: Screenwriter Elle returns to New York, desperate to finish her stalled screenplay, only to find her new neighbor is Parker—her gorgeous tech billionaire ex and longtime rival. Forced to coexist in a fast-paced city summer, their fake relationship helps Parker navigate business pressures while Elle chases inspiration. But as sparks fly between the walls of their apartments, they might just discover that some summer romances aren’t pretend after all.
Spice Level: 3/5 Light spice with a summery vibe.
6. Enemies to Lovers
By Laura Jane Williams
Summary: Flo just wants a calm Greek vacation with her family—until her brother’s best friend Jamie shows up to ruin her plans. Forced to spend two weeks together, their endless bickering and teasing only fuel the fiery tension between them. But as sun-soaked days turn into stolen moments, Flo discovers that maybe the guy she can’t stand might be exactly who she needs.
Spice Level: 3/5 Light on spice, focusing on emotional development.
7. Office Hate
By Rachel Van Dyken
Summary: After years of despising Mark and dodging his cocky smirk, getting fired lands her right back in his orbit—this time competing for the same job and forced to live together. From bitter enemies to unlikely allies navigating chaotic challenges (and gecko-sitting?), their tension slowly shifts into something deeper. But when the rivalry ends, will she admit she’s fallen for the guy she once couldn’t stand?
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with humorous undertones.
8. Brutal Prince
By Sophie Lark
Summary: Callum Griffin, ruthless heir to the Irish Mafia, wants her dead — but their families’ marriage pact forces them together to avoid war. Sparks fly and danger looms, but she guards her heart tightly, convinced she could never love a brutal prince. Yet, surviving each other might be the only way to survive at all.
Spice Level: 4/5 Intense and explicit scenes with dark themes.
9. The Rivals
By Vi Keeland
Summary: Born into a legacy of family feuds, Weston and the heroine are destined to hate each other—until they inherit a world-famous hotel together. Forced to coexist, their fiery clashes ignite into something far hotter than rivalry. With every argument, they fall harder, proving that some rivalries are worth fighting for… especially in the bedroom.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with steamy corporate tension.
10. Perfection
By R.L. Mathewson
Summary: Zoe’s life is spiraling—job lost, luck running out—until her loud, stubborn neighbor Trevor offers an unexpected deal: a no-strings arrangement where they both get what they want. But when feelings start to blur the lines, Zoe wonders if perfection might just be found in the most imperfect places.
Spice Level: 4/5 Heat with humorous undertones.
11. You, With A View
by Jessica Joyce
Summary: When Noelle uncovers a secret love story from her grandmother’s past, she embarks on a two-week road trip to uncover the truth—only to be stuck sharing a car (and sometimes a bed) with her high school rival, Theo. Between old family mysteries and undeniable sparks, this trip might just change everything.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with heartfelt moments.
12. Bad Publicity
by Bianca Gillam
Summary: Andie’s dream job as a book publicist quickly turns into a nightmare when her biggest client is Jack Carlson—the university ex who shattered her world and hasn’t spoken to her in years. Now, forced to spend a month touring Europe together promoting his new book, Andie must juggle sizzling tension, old wounds, and a career on the line. Can she survive a road trip with the man she loves to hate without losing everything?
Spice Level: 3/5 Mild heat.
13. Love Off Script
by Laura Starkey
Summary: After a betrayal by her ex and a crash-and-burn academic career, Jess jumps into the world of TV as a script consultant for a Regency drama—only to clash with the infuriatingly charming director, Nathan Lambert. He’s got an agenda, she’s got something to prove, and neither expected their fiery arguments to turn into real chemistry. But in a world built on fiction, can they create something real off script?
Spice Level: 1.5/5 Light spice with Hollywood flair.
14. Wildest Dreams
By L.J. Shen
Summary: When single mom Dylan moves into her brother’s apartment, the last thing she expects is to end up fake-engaged to his best friend—cocky, wildly inappropriate, and dangerously irresistible Rhyland Coltridge. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement—he impresses a potential investor, she gets protection from her toxic ex—quickly spirals into steamy tension, blurred lines, and feelings neither of them expected. In this forbidden, opposites-attract romance, one fake relationship might just become their most real risk yet.
Spice Level: 4/5 Very spicy with emotional depth.
15. Long Story Short
by Victoria Walters
Summary: When aspiring literary agent Freya Harrison is sent to babysit the agency’s most infuriating author at a high-profile romance conference in New York, the last thing she expects is to fall for him. Jake Richards may be a bestselling heartthrob on paper, but in real life he’s smug, cynical, and on the verge of a PR disaster. As Freya scrambles to salvage his image—and her career—sparks fly, tensions rise, and Freya begins to wonder if the line between hate and love might be shorter than she thought.
Spice Level: 2/5 Light spice with cozy feel.
16. Kilted Lovers
by Megan Clawson
Summary: Lady Alice Walpole is tired of disastrous dates and her father's strict rules, landing her at Balmoral to straighten up. Fraser Bell, the stoic royal piper who prefers pipes and ponies over parties, is tasked with waking her each morning—much to his dismay. But amidst Scotland’s rugged beauty and unexpected companionship, Alice begins to question if the simple life with Fraser might be the real fairy tale she’s been searching for. When tiaras meet tartan, can love find a way to rule them both?
Spice Level: 2/5 Light spice with Scottish charm.
17. Much Ado About Hating You
by Sarah Echavarre Smith
Summary: Micah Mila is a no-nonsense financial auditor tasked with reviewing the local university’s English department, but her professional life gets complicated by Aidan Scott, the charming yet infuriating literature professor she can’t stand — until she discovers he’s the secret author of the spicy Shakespearean fanfic she’s obsessed with. As their professional rivalry heats up, so does their secret online connection, blurring the lines between enemies and something much more tempting. Now, with Micah’s audit deadline looming and Aidan’s career on the line, they’ll have to decide if their sizzling fantasy can survive the realities of their worlds colliding.
Spice Level: 4/5 Moderate spice with literary references.
18. Reluctantly Yours
by Erin Hawkins
Summary: Barrett needs a fake girlfriend to secure a crucial business deal—but when he ropes in his mom’s fiery assistant, Chloe, pretending quickly gets complicated. As they navigate their staged relationship, the lines blur and genuine feelings spark between them. With high stakes and hidden truths threatening everything, can they turn a reluctant arrangement into real love?
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with charming banter.
19. The Six Night Truce
by Hannah Shield
Summary: When a courthouse lockdown traps attorney Janie Simon with her nemesis, Detective Sean Holt, sparks fly amid danger. Forced to work together to survive and catch a killer targeting them both, their fierce rivalry heats up into unexpected attraction. In just six nights, enemies become unlikely allies—and maybe something more—in this thrilling, steamy romantic suspense.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with emotional complexity.
20. The Wall Flower
by J.L. Beck
Summary: Maybell Jacobs is shy and desperate for money, but the last person she wants is the ruthless, wealthy jock obsessed with controlling her every move. His dark obsession ignites a dangerous game where submission isn’t optional—and Maybell’s defiance only deepens his desire. As she steps into a secret elite world, the stakes get higher, and this predator plays to win, with no rules and everything to lose.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with a touch of darkness.
21. A Deal with the Devil
by Elizabeth O’Roark
Summary: Working for the arrogant, charming Hayes Flynn feels like hell—but his irresistible presence makes it impossible to stay mad. Beneath his cocky exterior lies a man hiding a broken heart, and as they grow closer over six intense weeks, she wonders if healing him means risking her own heart in the process.
Spice Level: 4/5 Hight heat with emotional depth.
22. The Dating Plan
by Sara Desai
Summary: Daisy Patel prefers logic and plans over love, but when pressured by family to marry, she enlists her childhood crush Liam for a fake engagement. Liam, needing to meet inheritance conditions, agrees—despite their complicated past. As they navigate staged dates, old feelings and undeniable chemistry blur the lines between pretend and real, turning their convenient plan into something far more unexpected.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with cultural elements.
23. The Boss Situation
by Lyra Parish
Summary: When Asher Banks—the ruthless business rival she’s hated since college—teams up with her cheating ex to take down her fashion company, she’s ready to fight back. But when Asher offers a deal to save her brand, she refuses to beg for help. With witty banter, simmering tension, and high stakes, this slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance proves some battles are worth risking it all.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with workplace dynamics.
24. The One Month Boyfriend
by Roxie Noir
Summary: To make her arrogant ex jealous, awkward new girl and hometown hero Silas strike a deal to fake date. Their constant bickering makes it clear they shouldn’t work—but pretending sparks real chemistry, and soon their staged romance feels all too real. Now, with emotions running high, they must decide if their fake love can become something true.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with fake dating trope.
25. Apparently, I’m in Trouble
by Demi Blaize
Summary: Mia Walker isn’t looking for trouble—just a way to help her students succeed. But grumpy single dad Theo Hudson thinks she’s exactly that. As Mia fights to secure crucial spots for her students and Theo guards his heart and daughter, their constant clashes spark unexpected heat. When the stakes are high, can two stubborn hearts find common ground?
Spice Level: 4/5 Moderate spice with comedic elements.
26. The Consequence of Falling
by Claire Contreras
Summary: Siena can’t stand Nathaniel Bradley—so becoming his employee is her worst nightmare. But as their rivalry heats up, so does the chemistry between them, and falling for her infuriating new boss might be the biggest risk of all.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with emotional stakes.
27. Mostly Loathing You
by Nicole Ryan
Summary: Hannah Thatcher-Miles has spent years perfecting the art of avoiding Liam Park—her arrogant, infuriating childhood nemesis. But when she’s forced to take a job as his assistant at his father’s law firm, avoidance is no longer an option. Between working side by side and standing in her brother’s wedding together, the line between loathing and longing starts to blur. As sparks fly and old grudges give way to undeniable chemistry, Hannah and Liam are left wondering if hate was ever the real story—or just a cover for something much deeper.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with witty banter.
28. Beg, Borrow, or Steal
By Sarah Adams
Summary: Second-grade teacher Emily Walker thrives on control—especially when it comes to avoiding her infuriating rival, Jack Bennett. But when Jack returns to town newly single and moves in next door, their fiery feud reignites fast. After Emily’s secret life as a romance writer is nearly exposed, she’s forced to team up with Jack to cover her tracks. What starts as sabotage soon turns into sizzling chemistry in this witty rivals-to-lovers rom-com set in small-town Kentucky.
Spice Level: 3/5 Medium spice with heartfelt moments.
29. RoomHate
By Penelope Ward
Summary: When Amelia inherits half a beach house, she’s shocked to learn the other half belongs to Justin—her former best friend and first love, who now wants nothing to do with her. Forced to share the space for the summer, old wounds and unresolved feelings surface fast. But as tension turns to chemistry, Amelia must face the past—and the man who still owns her heart.
Spice Level: 4/5 Loaded with angst, passion, and fiery tension.
30. Hate Mail
By Donna Marchetti
Summary: Naomi and Luca have been trading barbed letters and clever insults since fifth grade, their long-distance pen-pal rivalry becoming an unexpected constant through the years. But what began as a war of words slowly evolved into something deeper—until one final letter ended it all. Two years later, Naomi is still wondering what went wrong—until a surprise envelope lands on her desk, reigniting the fire. Now, she's not just ready to write back—she's ready to settle the score once and for all. Let the hate mail (and maybe something more) begin again.
Spice Level: 2/5 Medium spice with humorous exchanges.
31. Devious Lies
By Parker S. Huntington
Summary: When a late-night plan to win over her longtime crush backfires, Emery finds herself in the wrong bed—and face-to-face with Nash Prescott, her best friend’s brooding older brother with a chip on his shoulder and revenge in his heart. Years later, their roles have reversed: she’s broke and desperate for work, while he’s a powerful billionaire determined to make her pay for the sins of her family. But as sparks fly behind the tension and every cruel task he gives her draws them closer, Emery realizes Nash might want something more dangerous than vengeance—her heart.
Spice Level: 5/5 Very spicy with dark tones.
32. The Launch Date
By Annabelle Slator
Summary: Grace Hastings is stuck at a dating app job she’s starting to lose faith in—especially after a crushing breakup. When she's offered a shot at a career-changing promotion, there's a catch: she has to co-create and test a new “real life” dating app… with her infuriating rival, Eric Bancroft. As their staged first dates turn into something surprisingly real, Grace starts to question everything she thought she knew about love, ambition, and the man she once couldn’t stand.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with workplace tension.
33. The Hating Game
By Sally Thorne
Summary: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman are sworn workplace enemies, locked in a daily battle of sarcastic jabs and petty power plays. But when a coveted promotion puts them head-to-head, their rivalry takes a steamy turn. As sparks fly, Lucy starts to wonder if their hate is hiding something much more complicated—and a lot more irresistible.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with steamy moments.
34. Bitter Rivals
By J. Sterling
Summary: Julia Keller was raised to hate James Russo—their families' vineyard feud runs deep. But one forbidden night with him changes everything. Torn between love and legacy, Julia must decide if following her heart is worth the ultimate betrayal.
Spice Level: 3/5 Moderate spice with competitive tension.
35. Bully
By Penelope Douglas
Summary: Tate and Jared were once inseparable—until he turned on her without warning. Now, he's her tormentor, ruling their high school with cruel pranks and icy silence. But after a year abroad, Tate returns stronger, ready to reclaim her confidence and stand up to the boy who broke her spirit. What begins as a battle of wills soon unravels into something far more complicated, revealing the hurt, secrets, and longing behind Jared’s rage. Intense, emotional, and addictive, Bully explores how thin the line between hate and love can be.
Spice Level: 4/5 High heat with intense emotional dynamics.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the enemies to lovers books continues to be one of the most beloved in the romance genre—it delivers every single time. Whether you’re into sharp banter, steamy slow burns, or emotionally complex characters who go from throwing insults to sharing intimate confessions, this trope gives us all the angst and all the swoon.
I hope this list helps you find your next favorite read (or three!). Be sure to check out the full summaries and spice ratings to find the perfect fit for your current mood—whether you want tension-filled slow burn or enemies who skip straight to enemies-with-benefits.
Did I miss one of your favorite enemies to lovers books? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking to add more to my TBR (and yours!).
About the Author
I’m a mom of two spirited girls and one oversized Saint Bernard. I have a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin. By day, I work in health care as a Health Literacy expert; by night, I’m off wandering swoony fictional worlds, chasing plot twists and happily-ever-afters. I’ve been in love with the romance genre for as long as I can remember—I've read thousands of love stories and even had my own meet-cute with my library director husband… in a bookstore, of course.
-Frances
Mom Needs A Chapter