By Trinity Chau
Romance books have been becoming more trendy and mainstream. One of the biggest influences is BookTok, Tiktok’s community of readers who recommend and rate romance books.
Oftentimes, BookTok will categorize novels by their trope, or common theme. Most readers will look for tropes that cater to their taste and preference. Some common ones include love triangles, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine and fake dating.
One of the most popular tropes is enemies-to-lovers. These novels often include both romance and tension among the characters, which allows readers to be on the edge of their seats.
With so many of these books to read, many can feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. So, here is a list of some of the best enemies-to-lovers books on the market to kickstart your reading journey.
- “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” by Mariana Zapata
Content warning: sexual themes
This lengthy novel by Zapata follows an ex-assistant, Vanessa Mazur, who is roped into marrying her boss and famous football player, Aiden Graves. “The Wall of Winnipeg and Me” is a whole 665 pages long of both characters learning about each other, their feelings and their common ground.
This book is also a grumpy-sunshine novel, creating a fun and distinct clash of personalities.
- “The Deal” by Elle Kenndy
Content warning: sexual themes
An overall light read, “The Deal” focuses on college hockey player, Garrett Graham and Hannah Wells. Their relationship starts when Wells and Graham strike a deal, and put their differences aside. But little do they know they are more compatible than they think.
This novel is fun and lighthearted, while still keeping the readers entertained with the funny dialogue.
- “The Spanish Love Deception” by Elena Armas
Content warning: sexual themes
“The Spanish Love Deception” is a fun novel that will make you squeal and laugh. This novel is a workplace romance about Catalina Martin and Aaron Blackford. Both characters are forced to use each other as dates, allowing their relationship to unfold, alongside their feelings.
Despite their different personalities, Martin and Blackford are able to find common ground and leave the readers wanting more.
- “You Deserve Each Other” by Sarah Hogle
Content warning: sex scene
“You Deserve Each Other” by Hogle is the most unique out of this pile. This story follows a married couple, who’ve “fallen” out of love but are trying to find their way back to each other, despite the hatred between them.
Filled with bantering and pranks, this book is a good laugh but still contains twists and turns, making you hold your breath.
- “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover
Content warning: sexual themes
If you need a good cry, “Ugly Love” should definitely be on your list. This book follows Tate Collins, who is studying to become a nurse, and her complicated relationship with Miles Archer, a pilot. Tate and Miles get off on the wrong foot, but as they meet each other more, their interest piques.
Like the title presumes, this book shows that love is ugly, especially when it involves commitment and pasts. Like other Colleen Hoover books, “Ugly Love” is an emotional rollercoaster, which never disappoints.
All of these novels are an amazing read in their own ways and are a great starting point to help you explore the romance genre and start your new found obsession with books.
