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First sparks of hate, then sparks of a different kind: enemies to lovers is one of the most popular romance tropes of all. Here are six well-known books in which enemies or rivals become lovers, with what readers love and what they criticize.
How we chose: We analysed every book on this list in its own meta review, summarising what readers praise and criticize in reviews, blogs and rating sites. The order is not a ranking. If you want to write the trope yourself, read our guide How to Write Enemies to Lovers.
1. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Violet Sorrengail ends up at the deadly Basgiath War College, where wingleader Xaden Riorson has every reason to hate her. Romantasy with dragons and a fast pace.
- What readers love: The pace and familiar tropes told so well that they feel fresh.
- Worth knowing: Some critics find the worldbuilding thin and the plot predictable.
Read the full Fourth Wing review
2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Jude grows up as a mortal at the cruel faerie court and clashes with Prince Cardan, who openly despises her. Dark fantasy full of intrigue.
- What readers love: The dark, cunning faerie world and Jude as an ambitious, uncompromising heroine.
- Worth knowing: The opening is considered slow, and some readers find the dynamic between Jude and Cardan toxic.
Read the full The Cruel Prince review
3. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Paedyn hides that she has no powers and ends up facing Prince Kai, whose job is to hunt people like her.
- What readers love: The chemistry and banter between Paedyn and Kai, plus a noticeable slow burn.
- Worth knowing: Many critics see clear parallels to The Hunger Games and Red Queen.
Read the full Powerless review
4. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Oraya, the human adopted daughter of the vampire king, has to form an alliance with rival vampire Raihn in a deadly tournament.
- What readers love: A world of three vampire houses and an alliance that develops into a gripping slow burn.
- Worth knowing: Some reviews find the world and characters lacking depth.
Read the full The Serpent and the Wings of Night review
5. Quicksilver by Callie Hart
The thief Saeris lands in the fae realm of Yvelia, bound to the warrior Kingfisher, with whom she constantly clashes.
- What readers love: Strong main and side characters and the sharp banter between Saeris and Kingfisher.
- Worth knowing: The plot is considered fairly simple. The book lives mainly from its characters.
Read the full Quicksilver review
6. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Figure skater Anastasia has to share the ice with the hockey team and its captain Nate. Rivals on the ice, sparks off it.
- What readers love: The witty banter between Anastasia and Nate and Nate as a warm love interest.
- Worth knowing: According to several reviews, the real conflict comes late and the middle drags.
Read the full Icebreaker review
What makes a good enemies to lovers book?
The books on this list share one thing: the hostility has a real reason. To convince readers, you need a conflict that goes beyond a misunderstanding and a development in which both characters gradually change how they see each other.
Conclusion
Whether with dragons, faeries, vampires or on the ice, enemies to lovers works in romantasy as well as in sports romance. Fantasy fans should pick Fourth Wing, The Cruel Prince or Quicksilver. If you prefer something lighter and funnier, Icebreaker is a good choice. For more recommendations, see our lists of romantasy books and slow burn books.
Writing enemies to lovers yourself?
In an edit we check whether the conflict between your characters holds, whether the tension lasts and whether the turn to love feels earned. Try our sample edit: 20 pages for €99.
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