From snarky banter to heated arguments, their interactions are filled with conflict… and inevitable sparks. The irresistible blend of tension, anticipation and ultimate satisfaction sets this genre on fire, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they wait for the moment the adversaries finally admit their true feelings.
Ready to hop on the trend? Here are our favourite enemies to lovers books, for your reading pleasure.
If you’re into enemies to lovers books, this STEMinist romcom is for you. Theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway is struggling to make ends meet as an adjunct professor. The obvious way to supplement her income? Moonlighting as a fake girlfriend for hire, of course! But when Elsie’s favourite client’s older (and incredibly attractive) older brother turns out to be the very same man that’s been hired to lead MIT’s physics department – and the only one standing between Elsie and her career dreams – her life gets a sudden shake-up. From the bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain, this is an enemies to lovers read like no other.
If you're looking for a fun, flirty, and heart-warming 'enemies to lovers romance, you can’t go past Icebreaker. Anastasia Allen is a driven and talented figure skater who has worked her entire life for a shot at Team USA. Nate Hawkins is the charming, laidback captain of the hockey team with a fierce competitive streak. And wouldn’t you know it? They can’t stand each other – so when the pair are forced to share the rink, you know sparks will fly. But when Anastasia's partner gets injured and she’s forced to team up with Nate, things take a steamy turn…
Hands-down one of the best enemies to lovers books around, The Hating Game will get you riled up! Lucy Hutton can’t stand Joshua Templeman. Unfortunately, he’s impossible to escape… because the rivals work in the same office. Their witty banter and pranks will definitely get you laughing – but as they compete for the same promotion, the lines between hate and something more begin to blur. With plenty of sexual tension and a sprinkle of office hijinks, Thorne weaves a tale that will make your heart flutter and your cheeks ache from smiling.
If you’re looking for the perfect book to transport you to summer, this one will make you want to pack your bags and head straight to the nearest beach! Meet January and Gus, two authors with writer's block and a heap of unresolved tension. They strike a deal to swap genres: she'll write a dark thriller, and he'll attempt a swoon-worthy romance. Cue hilarious mishaps, steamy flirtations and unexpected soul-searching in one of our favourite enemies to lovers books. Henry's writing is like a cool breeze on a sunny day – refreshing and delightful.
When everyone at Olive Torres’ twin sister’s wedding gets food poisoning – except Olive and the best man, Ethan – the usually unlucky Olive finds herself taking the dream honeymoon that should've been her sister's. The only hitch? Ethan is her sworn enemy. Together, the pair embark on an adventure filled with mistaken identities, sizzling chemistry and plenty of LOLs. Christina Lauren's witty writing and lovable characters will make you root for Olive and Ethan's love-hate relationship to blossom into something more. Prepare to swoon, giggle and feel all warm and fuzzy inside with this delightful rom-com escapade.
Buckle up for a sizzling summer romance that will make you crave sun, sleepy seaside towns and a tall drink with a tiny umbrella. Piper Bellinger, a party-girl socialite, sets off to rebuild her life in the sleepy Pacific Northwest after being cut off financially from her parents. Enter Brendan: a gruff yet charming fisherman with a heart of gold and a body to die for. Sparks fly like seagulls on a French fry heist as these two opposites attract in a magnetic way. Bailey's hilarious banter, swoon-worthy moments, and steamy encounters make this one of the best enemies to lovers books around. So slather on the sunscreen and get ready for a summer fling!
A prom, an annoying (yet gorgeous) neighbour and a dreamy but unattainable crush… these are the perfect ingredients for one of the most fun enemies to lovers stories we’ve laid eyes on. When Liz’s long-time crush rolls back into town after some time away, she’s determined to lock him down as her prom date. And who better to help her on her quest than prankster-next-door Wes, who’s struck up quite the friendship with the guy of her dreams. But – as you might’ve guessed – all does not go according to plan as Liz and Wes spend more time together.
Have you ever imagined what an enemies to lovers version of Groundhog Day might look like? Well wonder no more, because that’s the basic premise of this novel by Lynn Painter – who, by the way, has authored plenty of fun romcoms for your entertainment. This time around, Emilie must relive her horror Valentine’s Day – complete with cheating boyfriend – over and over… and over! But there’s only so many do-overs a girl can get, and at some point, she’ll have to take back control of her life.
Get ready to be swept off your feet in a whirlwind of nerdy banter and enemies turned lovers charm. On the last day of high school, Rowan Roth is determined to beat her rival, Neil McNair, one final time in their epic game of academic and social competition. But as they navigate a scavenger hunt through the streets of Seattle, they discover hidden depths, shared secrets, and a connection that can't be ignored. Solomon's witty writing and electric chemistry between Rowan and Neil will make you cheer, swoon, and believe that a single day has the power to change everything.
This contemporary YA romance hits all the right notes. Meet Cameron, a brutally honest and unapologetic high school queen bee who knows how to get what she wants. But when she goes too far hurting someone's feelings, she decides to turn over a new leaf and make amends. Enter Brendan, the charming film geek who becomes Cameron's unwitting accomplice in her quest for redemption. Witty, fresh and full of heart, this enemies to lovers book serves up a relatable and swoon-worthy story of growth, forgiveness and unexpected love. Get ready for a delightful romp through high school drama with a side of self-discovery.
Death seems to follow Signa wherever she goes. Her parents died when she was a baby, her various guardians have perished over the years… and when she goes to live with her elusive and eccentric relatives the Hawthornes, the death of the family matriarch still hangs over the estate. Amidst wild parties and family turmoil, Signa realises her loved ones may be in danger when their mother's spirit appears, claiming foul play – and so it’s Death with whom she forms an alliance, sparking a dark connection… One of the enemies to lovers books not to miss.
ICYMI, nerds are now officially cool – which is a good thing for high school student Bel, who’s forced to join the robotics club when she accidentally shows off her talent for engineering. But it’s not all bad – the captain of the club (who also happens to be a star footballer) has noticed her skills. And as the pair embark on a series of increasingly late nights after class building a combat robot for Nationals, sparks fly… in all sorts of ways!
Ready for a wild romantic comedy ride? This is the ultimate enemies to lovers with a twist! A thrilling and imaginative reimagining of Romeo and Juliet set in 1920s Shanghai, this is a delicious mix of romance, gang warfare and monstrous creatures that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, heirs to rival gangs, find themselves caught in a web of blood feuds and a mysterious contagion that drives people to madness. Gong's lush and vivid storytelling will transport you to a vibrant world of forbidden love, cunning schemes and heart-pounding action.
Jude is a human girl living in the treacherous world of the fae, and she has just one goal: to prove she belongs. With snarky faeries, political intrigue, and a dash of romance, this book is Mean Girls meets A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a sprinkle of glitter and a whole lot of teeth. In a realm where deceit and danger lurk around every corner, this is definitely one of the top enemies to lovers books for fantasy lovers everywhere.
Prepare to LOL (and swoon!) when you dive into one of the best enemies to lovers books around. Catalina is heading to her sister’s wedding in Spain and bringing her new boyfriend along to meet the family. The only problem? She doesn’t actually have a boyfriend… Enter Aaron, her infuriating colleague who offers to go with her and play the role of partner. If she can stand to be around him for that long! Sparks fly and lines blur between real and pretend in this delightful tale of witty banter, unexpected chemistry, and a healthy dose of miscommunication.
Prepare your face for plenty of grins, as this enemies to lovers book is sure to make you smile. Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of England, can't stand each other. But after a scandalous mishap, they're forced to fake a friendship and, well, things get steamy. McQuiston's writing is a mix of hilarious banter, swoon-worthy moments, and political drama with a hefty side helping of heart. It's like a royal wedding meets a romcom movie marathon. Get ready to fall in love with this charming, diverse and utterly delightful novel.
Queen of the romcoms Tessa Bailey is at it again! Natalie Vos has a new business venture in the works… but she’s going to need her trust fund to get it off the ground. There’s just one problem – she needs to be married to access the cash (oh, and she’s just been dumped by her fiancé). A sham marriage to August Cates may just be her only option, despite the fact that he enrages her to no end. But can the pair put this ‘business arrangement’ into place and ignore the simmering attraction between them? We’ll give you one guess!
Looking for some manga to tug at your heartstrings? We’ve got you covered. Haunted by his past, former bully Shoya Ishida crosses paths with Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl he once tormented – and is determined to make amends. This sweet enemies to lovers story beautifully explores themes of forgiveness, empathy and the power of human connection. Ōima's stunning artwork captures the characters' emotions with every stroke. Get ready to laugh, cry, and experience a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow Shoya and Shoko's journey towards understanding and healing.
Calling all Sarah J Maas fans: this epic fantasy enemies to lovers tale is for you. Violet never wanted to be a dragon rider. At 20, she thought she was destined for life in the Scribe Quadrant, surrounded by books – but her mother, the commanding general, has other ideas… And so Violet it thrust into the deadly world of the Navarre, aka dragon riders, and forced to compete against hundreds of other candidates for a role she doesn’t want. It’s there she faces the ruthless and powerful wingleader Xaden Riorson, and you bet sparks are going to fly.
If you love manga and can’t get enough of enemies to lovers books, this one’s am must-read. Dive into the hilarious battle of wits between Kaguya Shinomiya, the cool and cunning student council vice president, and Miyuki Shirogane, the brilliant and strategic student council president. They're madly in love with each other, but their pride won't let them admit it. Instead, they engage in outrageous mind games and schemes, each hoping to make the other ’fess up first. It's like a strategic war zone – and every romantic gesture is a tactical manoeuvre.
Find your next favourite romance novel and more online and at your local Dymocks store.