Tension-filled Enemies-to-Lovers Romance Books That Will Make You Believe Opposites Do Attract
Who doesn’t love a good ol’ enemies-to-lovers romance? Seriously. The tension, the humor, the romance, it’s all so good every time. If you’re looking for your next book to read, then keep on reading to find 10 romance book recommendations that will have you rooting for the main couple.
1. Kulti by Mariana Zapata
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you met your childhood idol? Kulti explores the answer to that question.
When Sal’s favorite soccer player as a kid becomes the new coach, she’s supposed to be happy about it, right? Well, you’re wrong. He’s the enemy now.
Immediately, Sal begins to wonder what she ever saw in the international soccer star. He’s far different than what he once was — he’s quiet, reclusive, a shadow of his old self. However, as the season progresses, she finds herself getting to know Kulti and finds herself to be very annoyed by him as well. Cheers to the very long season ahead.
Personally, I have read Kulti and really enjoyed it! An enemies-to-lovers romance that needs to be added to your TBR.
2. The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa
Carolina is a wedding planner who was left at the altar… a little ironic, isn’t it?
However, there’s an opportunity that could change her life, except she has to work together with the best (aka the worst) man from her failed wedding.
As a marketing expert, Max is determined to seal the deal with a coveted hotel client. When he learns he’ll be working with his brother’s ex-fiancée who also hates him… that will be a minor problem.
If they can learn to work together for the time being without killing each other, they’ll both get what they want. Except Max is public enemy number 1 and Lina is ready for revenge.
Might I say The Worst Best Man sounds like a true enemies-to-lovers romance with the amount of hate that Lina has for Max. Get ready for this sassy, yet funny read!
3. You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
Have you ever heard of an enemies-to-lovers premise quite like this one? Because I certainly haven’t before.
Namoi has the perfect fiancé. He’s chivalrous, they never fight, and they’re planning their perfect wedding that’s happening in three months. Except there’s one small issue. She hates him. He’s her lover and enemy.
She wants out, however, there’s a catch — whoever ends the wedding will have to pay the non refundable bill. That’s financial ruin in this economy! When Naomi realizes that Nichloas also hates her, a battle of pranks and sabotage breaks out between them.
With the wedding quickly approaching, Noamie finds herself to soften. They have nothing left to lose and they’re finally being themselves. And worst of all, they’re having fun with each other.
You Deserve Each Other is on my TBR. It sounds like a unique enemies-to-lovers romance that is both hilarious and tension-filled.
4. So We Meet Again by Suzanne Park
If Emily Henry says So We Meet Again is “a cinematic, charming heart-squeeze-of-a-book that has found its way to my Ultimate Comfort Reads shelf” then you know the book is good.
When Jessie is laid off from her investment banker job in a virtual meeting and overhears the absolutely horrendous reasons why, she happily storms off.
As a result, she moves back home to her loving yet meddling parents. From there, she runs into her childhood nemesis — Daniel. He seems to have it all, while Jessie has nothing. Childhood nemesis turned adulthood enemy. As we all know, that is a recipe for a perfect romance.
Jessie begrudgingly accepts Daniel’s help to relaunch her Korean cooking YouTube channel. After spending time together, Jessie learns that maybe Daniel’s life isn’t as perfect as she thought it was.
A delightful, funny enemies-to-lovers romance that will be both relatable and heartwarming.
5. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
So what if you had to work for your grumpy boss that you’re pretty sure hates you and sees you as the enemy? That’s the situation that the main character Vanessa finds herself in The Wall of Winnipeg and Me.
Vanessa feels guilty for quitting, but she knows it was the right thing for her. As the personal assistant of a popular football player was supposed to be temporary, however after two years she has finally had enough for his antics.
When Aiden arrives at her doorstep to beg her to come back, she’s shocked. He’s usually very stoic, so this is very out of character. After returning back, she begins to see Aiden in an entirely new light.
If you want a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, then this is the book for you!
6. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive is usually unlucky. However, when her twin’s entire wedding party gets food poisoning except for Olive and her sworn enemy Ethan, the free honeymoon is up for grabs.
Olive and Ethan agree to a temporary truce in order to go on the free trip. Ten days of pretending to be newlyweds is doable, right? Except when Olive doesn’t mind playing pretend anymore.
I know this is an OG book recommendation that almost everyone has read at this point, but you can’t deny the enemies-to-lovers romance vibes for The Unhoneymooners.
7. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Eve is a hot mess. No matter how hard she tries to do right, everything always goes wrong. So she gives up and accepts her chaotic life. Except when her chaos ruins a very pricey wedding, her parents draw the line and it’s time for Eve to prove herself.
Jacob is her opposite. Always in control. As a bed and breakfast owner, he is determined to dominate the hospitality industry. So when chaotic Eve arrives for the open chef job position, he says there is no way she’ll get the job. In turn, she accidentally hits him with her car. Whoops!
Now with a broken arm and an understaffed B&B, Jacob accepts Eve’s help. Immediately, she infiltrates his life and he should hate it… but he doesn’t. They’re natural enemies, but it’s hard to ignore the developing romance.
I haven’t read Act Your Age, Eve Brown (yes I know I’m behind), but it sounds like a fantastic and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance that I need to read!
8. Opposites Attract by Camilla Isley
If you combine humor with enemies-to-lovers, then you get this romance book– Opposites Attract.
Single mom and divorce lawyer Vivian has been burned by love before. Her new neighbor — Dr. Lucas Keller — who is a couple’s therapist is annoyingly poaching her clients to save their marriages. Vivian’s new life mission is to force Lucas out of the building to remove the competition. However when Lucas proposes a bet that has their offices and their hearts at stake,
A divorce lawyer and a couple’s therapist enemies-to-lovers romance sounds perfect in my humble opinion.
9. Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
When Alex’s mother became president, he instantly became popular. His golden image is perfect for the White House. The only thing that isn’t perfect is his beef with prince Henry across the pond.
The U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse when the tabloids get a photo of an altercation between Alex and Henry, which forces a truce between the two enemies. At the start, they have a fake friendship, but soon they find themselves in a secret romance that could derail the world.
Red, White, and Royal Blue is a sizzling and funny enemies-to-lovers romance that will become your new favorite!
10. Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Love can be found in the most unexpected places. Especially in Tweet Cute.
Pepper is a chronic overachiever and perfectionist. Her family is falling apart, but at least their massive fast-food chain is thriving — thanks to Pepper who is secretly running the chain’s massive Twitter account.
Jack is a class clown who Pepper finds extremely annoying. However, when Big League Burgers steals his grandma’s grilled cheese recipe, he starts an all-out Twitter war. Little do they know, while they are fighting online, they’re also falling for each other in real life on an anonymous chat app.
Online enemies, but real life lovers? Sounds like such a fun and endearing enemies-to-lovers romance.
11. The Layover by Lacie Waldon
What if you’re with your enemy 3,000 feet up in the air?
After ten years Ava is ready to quit her job as a flight attendant and lay down roots. She has one trip left and plans to enjoy every last moment. However, the former pilot Jack who she hates is on her flight.
Of course, the plane starts to experience mechanical problems that results in a weekend layover. Now Ava is stranded at a luxury resort with her enemy (which sounds just terrible.)
As they spend more time together, Ava begins to second-guess everything she once thought about Jack. Perhaps, he is not that bad after all.
The Layover takes forced proximity between two enemies to an entire new level. Who doesn’t want to be stranded with their enemy on a romantic vacation of a lifetime?
About the Author
Madi is an avid reader at heart. When she doesn't have her nose buried in a book, she enjoys creating social media content and watching romantic comedies. However, nothing beats a cozy night-in spent reading a book.
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