When two characters start off as enemies and end up in a romantic relationship by the end of the story or series. Commonly, these enemies overcome differences, past history, miscommunications, and their own assumptions about each other before falling for each other.
One of the more popular tropes, enemies to lovers is popular across subgenres. Though I have read books from sci-fi, to fantasy and paranormal with this trope, the rise of dark romances has really established enemies to lovers as a crowd favorite.
This tropes list has been very hit or miss for me, mainly because there is a fine line in establishing an enemy plotline without going overboard and leaving little room for love in the end. I've found that some authors can back themselves into a corner, and are unable to overcome misconceptions and deeds during the enemies phase with the character's eventual transition to lovers. Some actions are just too over-the-top hateful for any redemption in my eyes.
I like the enemies-to-lovers trope because the main characters tend to have depth to them. Maybe the MMC is arrogant but only because he is hiding behind this façade to protect his heart from breaking yet again, or the FMC is tough as nails until you get to know her and discover she is caring and thoughtful. Whatever the scenario, this trope usually gives more characteristics and backstories to characters and makes them more real.
The magnitude of who can be considered an enemy ranges widely in enemies to lovers' books. In some stories, enemies can be two competitors out for the same prize or individuals with conflicting personalities that have never gotten along. In other books, the word enemy takes on a truer definition, that of two people not only being antagonistic to one another but also seeking to injure, overthrow, hurt, or confound.
Below are some of my favorite enemies to lovers books, in no particular order, all of which vary in their definition of enemy. From dark romances to a little less than friendly acquaintances, these books all end with two opposing characters finding their perfect match in one another.
1. From Lukov with Love
Author: Mariana Zapata
Series: Stand Alone
Category: Sports Romance
The second week I've featured a Mariana Zapata book in Trope Tuesday, and I'm not sorry about it. I love this book for its witty insulting banter between the two main characters and the slow burn that actually took them from enemies to then friends then finally lovers.
2. Pestilence
Author: Laura Thalassa
Series: The Four Horsemen book #1
Category: Dystopia Romance
Enemies in the truest form, the story Pestilence brings together two characters that want to kill each other and somehow fall in love. The enemies part of the book is tough to read, and I first thought that the MMC was beyond redeemable, but Laura Thalassa wove a love story that was all-encompassing and worth it to read.
3. Broken Bonds
Author: J. Bree
Series: The Bonds That Tie book #1
Category: Reverse Harem
Not one enemy but 5! This story gave the spectrum of what can be considered an enemy, from plain dislike and untrusting to hatred. There was a lot of bullying in this book, and that isn't for some people, but the eventual shift that the FMC has with each of her bonds makes for a really great book.
4. The Deal
Author: Elle Kennedy
Series: Off-Campus book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
With more than just the enemies to lovers trope in the story, it's no wonder this is such a highly-rated book. There was amazing chemistry between Hannah and Garett from the beginning and it only grew stronger once they realized they were falling for each other. They fall in love almost by accident, learning more and more about each other over the time they spend together.
5. Burn for Me
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy book #1
Category: Fantasy Romance
One of my favorite books, Nevada and Connor do not start out their relationship on the right foot, to say the least, but eventually, they come to find mutual respect for one another that turns into something more. Both were strong characters with their own set issues and outside forces working against them, but time and time again they proved that they were more formidable together.
6. Go Hex Yourself
Author: Jessica Clare
Series: Hex book #1
Category: Fantasy Romance
Grumpy warlock Ben Magnus distrusts everyone and grows even more irritated when he finds he doesn't really hate familiar Reggie as much as he should. This book was a lot of fun and did a good job of highlighting the moment when the two characters shifted from enemies to something more.
7. Tattered Stars
Author: Catherine Cowles
Series: Tattered & Torn book #1
Category: Contemporary Romance
With bad blood between their families and painful memories that have not been healed, Everly and Hayes try to find a way to move past the guilt and into each other's arms. The small-town vibes and family-centric focus of this book really added to the overall story and I loved the growth of the characters as they learn to let go.
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