Romance tropes always have me sighing wistfully. Collecting book-boyfriends has never been more glamorous than this. I picked up a random romance novel on whim circa 2012, and it has been difficult to shrug off since. As I became an avid reader, the whole enemies to lovers books with spice genre became a guilty pleasure.
With the vast treasure trove of books to choose from, it is often difficult to find something that will particularly satiate all tastes. That said, here’s a reference list for gauging spiciness level:
- 0-1/5 – Low-to-no spice
- 2-2.5/5 – Mild/Sweet
- 3/5 – Open Door
- 3.5-4/5 – Explicit Open Door
- 4.5-5/5 – Very Explicit/Mature
For beginner-friendly tropes, reading a fluffy romance plot with emotionally wholesome moments feels rewarding. For spicier content, it is also better to check the tags and trigger warnings (TWs). Regardless of this, enemies-to-lovers is an easy favorite, thanks to the banter and emotional build-up which make characters beloved and within reach.
Which Enemies To Lovers Books With Spice Should You Read First?
A decent curation would normally list book recommendations based on spice-level. I have decided to pilfer my mood-reading aspect instead, by offering a few OPEN-WHEN categories you can choose to devour from.
While they are not in ascending/descending order of spice, each book from the above categories comes with enough information to make your own judgment. Are you ready to sink your teeth in?
OPEN WHEN: THE HYPE FINALLY SEDUCED YOU
1. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 4/5
AS: Paperback, ebook
If you enjoy the fake-dating trope, you’ve got to read this! Catalina Martín is desperate for a date to her sister’s wedding. Aaron Blackford offers to step in, but she’d do anything to keep her insufferable colleague away. It’s clear they hate each other. When the wedding bells ring closer, her “enemy” might not be so bad after all.
While there is maturity in content, this contemporary novel among top recommendations, boasts perfect chemistry between the leads.
2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Paperback
A humorous chick-lit, Thorne’s The Hating Game highlights the ‘they hate each other’ trope. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeton work as executive assistants at a publishing company. Up for the same promotion, they compete until they realize there is no reason for such hatred. Was it all a game?
This grumpy X sunshine plot is perfect to get you out of a reading slump.
3. A Shade of Darkness and Deception by Jordan A. Day
GOODREADS: 4.3/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
In the second installment of Power and Promise, Ainsely finds friendship and love only to lose them. Trapped in a new kingdom, she has to overcome the past. With secrets abound, whom can she trust?
Ana Huang’s Twisted Love would have been a recommendation, save for this debate – similarities in plot of Sarah J Mass’ ACOTAR and this particular Jordan A. Day plot. Readers also unofficially anoint it the second book in the series. A strikingly close plot, the ending is something worth reading 800+ pages for.
OPEN WHEN: YOU’RE A SUCKER FOR THE PRETTY TITLE/COVER
4. The Wisteria Society by Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
GOODREADS: 3.6/5
SPICE: 3.5/5
AS: Audiobook, Paperback
Historical romance X Crazy Pirate. Ideal Victorian Lady Cecelia Bassingwaite, like the other members of Wisteria Society crime sorority, is a thief. She has to prove roguery when her aunt is kidnapped by assassin Ned Lightbourne thanks to Captain Morvath. Forced to team up with Ned, Celia has to save her society from a power-crazed man.
Combining espionage and sarcasm has never been more witty. The thief/assassin theme offers up creative hilarity, and makes it a fond Bridgerton X Peaky Blinders perfection.
5. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
GOODREADS: 4.2/5
SPICE: 3-3.5/5
AS: Kindle edition, Audiobook
A slow slow-burn, Broadbent’s paranormal romantasy follows Oraya, the Nightborn Vampire King’s adopted human daughter. She forges an alliance with Raihn, a rival. In this world, she is destined to die, unless she enters a tournament held by the goddess of Death.
This first, Crowns of Nyaxia is a must-read for fans of From Blood and Ash and ACOTAR.
6. Neon Gods by Katee Robert
GOODREADS: 3.6/5
SPICE: 5/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
A modern Persephone/Hades re-telling, steeped in mutual need for revenge. When Persephone Dimitriou wishes to get away from political drama, she seeks the ultra-modern city of Olympus.
In the forbidden undercity, she meets the man of her myth – Hades, when plans fail. Hades either wages war on Olympus, or risks losing her. This book is the first installment in Dark Olympus. Where Hades is the MC, there is no escaping undeniable passion.
7. The Witch Collector by Charissa Weaks
GOODREADS: 3.7/5
SPICE: 3.5-4/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
On Collecting Day, the Witch Collector, Alexus Thibault, leads one girl to the immortal Frost King. Raina Bloodgood seeks to avenge her sister. When the person she intends to kill is the only one who can help her, does the villain become the hero?
The first in the Witch Walker series, this book is a treat for reader fans of Naomi Novak, Sarah J. Mass and Jennifer L. Armentrout. This is also popular among the ‘haters to lovers books’ list.
OPEN WHEN: YOU SURRENDER TO YOUR BESTIE’S RAVE REVIEW EARWORM
8. Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
GOODREADS: 4/5
SPICE: 2/5
AVAILABLE AS: Paperback, Audiobook
Ali Hazelwood reader fans, gather. In Elsie-verse, Elsie Hannaway lives multiple lives. She’s a theoretical physicist who also offers fake-dating services. It’s a decent gig, until she meets Jack Smith. He is infamous, and the one between Elsie and her dream job. When the theory of love can turn to practice, will people-pleaser Elsie finally let her guard down?
Perhaps this is easily digestible if you haven’t read any of Hazelwood’s writing before. It reads as though former characters shared personas, but it ultimately does (scarcely) lend itself to the “Ali Hazelwood Cinematic Universe,” where cameos (hi, Adam and Olive) are possible.
9. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
GOODREADS: 3.9/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Mass-Market Paperback, Audiobook
“Definitely steamy,” The Viscount Who Loved Me is the second installment in the Bridgertons series. Following 1814 London’s most elusive bachelor, Anthony Bridgerton, has chosen a wife. His marriage seems a long way off, thanks to Kate Sheffield. Determined to keep her sister safe, Kate steps in to stop the betrothal, leaving her vulnerable. Will her determination surpass the resistance?
Among adult regency romance novels, this has brought one too many people who have watched the Netflix adaptation to feel disappointed. Notably, the spice in the novel seems considerably tamer than the TV series. The typical regency-era romance is a touch heavier, but Anthony and Kate’s development has more emotional tension in comparison.
10. Much Ado About Hating You by Sarah Echavarre Smith
GOODREADS: 3.1/5
SPICE: 4/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
Secret spicy fanfic writers by day X Readers by night + Shakespearean references. For Micah Miles, financial auditor, work has been extra taxing thanks to the Literature professor, Aidan Scott. With their jobs on the line, the enemies turn the heat up.
Separating fantasy from reality might be difficult, but with so much tension, it is bound to be steamy. This fast-paced plot brings petty banter and all the sizzle a spicy book can bring. This might be your next (hot) read!
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11. A Heart of Blood and Ashes by Milla Vane (Meljean Brook)
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 4-4.5/5
AS: Kindle Edition, Audiobook
In the first installment in A Gathering of Dragons series, A Heart of Blood and Ash, Maddek is wracked with need to avenge the life of his parents. Enough to kill in exchange for his crown. Yet, when he meets Yvenne, the king’s daughter, her proposal for goals in vengeance surprises him. Will they be match-worthy?
This paranormal romantasy for adults brings a marriage-of-convenience trope, metaphorical dragons, and exquisite world-building with very slow burn romance. The couple’s push-and-pull dynamic is by far the most action you will see for a long time. If gradual build-up to old-timey, historical romance is your style, this book might be for you.
12. Deviant King by Rina Kent
GOODREADS: 3.9/5
SPICE: 4/5
AS: Paperback
Rina Kent’s Royal Elite trilogy is tagged as a mature new adult high school bully dark romance. Her loyal fans have called out its gaslighting tendencies, and yet it hasn’t stopped anyone from reading it. Check TWs since the mature content is sensitive to consent, or lack thereof.
In the first installment Deviant King, all is well until Elsa “provokes” Aiden King, the king of the school. At this anti-hero’s mercy, she yields. While it is bizarre how much violence the bullying entails, readers calling Aiden the walking red-flag sociopath that he is, is pure fact.
OPEN WHEN: THE BOOK’S BLURB WHISPERED SWEET-NOTHINGS (BEGINNER-LEVEL)
13. Us in Ruins by Rachel Moore
GOODREADS: 3.6/5
SPICE: 0-1/5
AS: Hardcover, Audiobook
Margot Rhodes is determined to uncover the mystery of the mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia. On an archaeological trip to Pompeii, she stumbles upon a lost teenager’s journal, Van Keane. Margot soon finds a statue of Van and watches it come to life. It might take two to tango, but it takes more to track the Vase. Is the best treasure true love after all?
14. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
GOODREADS: 4.2/5
SPICE: 1-2/5
AS: Hardcover, Audiobook
The first installment of Letters of Enchantment is a world of warring Gods. 18-year-old Iris Winnow, a columnist, wishes she were the glue in her family. When her brother goes missing from the frontlines of the war, her letters to him fall into the “wrong” hands. Roman Kitt, her rival, is on the receiving end. With mystical wars and magical typewriters, the fight with (and for) Mr. Right might not be hopeless after all.
15. The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee
GOODREADS: 3.6/5
SPICE: 2/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
Irene Park is supposedly living the dream – a popular online romance novel reviewer, with a bad rep in dating reality. With her armor stitched from romance books tropes, she sets out to look for true love. Her nemesis, Aiden Jeon competes in the love-by-trope challenge.
When they unexpectedly end up fake-dating, writing her own Happily Ever After (HEA) might not be too far. A bubbly X angst-y college romance is cheesy and cliché. For a quick, cute read, pick this one up!
16. A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 4/5
AS: ebook, Audiobook
Another Hades/Persephone re-telling in the hot enemies to lovers books category. A journalist meets a gambler. Abandoning their titles of godhood, they each seek to rewrite a nearly-modern version of themselves. The first installment in Hades X Persephone series breeds forbidden romance.
This slow burn is a perfect mindless guilty pleasure. While it is not up there, it does its job of being addictive. If you haven’t had Hades on your book-boyfriend list, now’s the time.
OPEN WHEN: YOU WISH TO REVISIT (AND ADD!) TO YOUR BOOK-BOYFRIEND LIST
17. Book Lovers by Emily Henry
GOODREADS: 4.1/5
SPICE: 2/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
Book agent Nora Stephens is living the life of dreams. She is a sweetheart to her clients, and her younger sister, Libby. On their sisters’ trip, she keeps running into Charlie Lastra, a brooding editor from the city. Will these series of coincidences lead them to their own love story?
This adult enemies-to-lovers is on the fluffier side. While it does poke fun at typical Hallmark movies, Henry’s gift lies in showcasing human connection. If you are already her fan, this is an easy add to your TBR.
18. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
GOODREADS: 4.6/5
SPICE: 2-3/5
AS: Hardcover, Audiobook
No one can resist a dragon. Violet Sorrengail has to step up to become an elite dragon rider. As the daughter of Navarre’s General, she is a puny target among the other cadets. With enemies in tow, and the leader of Riders Quadrant Xaden Riorson to boot, seeing the sun rise feels like an accomplishment. Can she protect the kingdom from war?
While the plot follows an action-packed fantasy, Yarros has cleverly woven familiar romance tropes in this first installment of The Empyrean series. Turns out, there’s not enough of Xaden Riorson to go around. This might be the perfect beginning for a YA reader to step into the spice side.
19. Bride by Ali Hazelwood
GOODREADS: 3.9/5
SPICE: 4/5
AS: Kindle edition, Audiobook
Vampyre bride X Alpha Werewolf. Misery Lark is married off to Lowe Moreland. What the Vampyre Council and the Weres do not know are Misery’s reasons for this marriage of convenience besides the political olive branch.
While Ali Hazelwood fans were skeptical about her stepping into paranormal romantasy, they’ve now discovered new pagescapes to support her. Nothing more nostalgic than the vampire-werewolf trope (ahem, Twilight), but I assure you this is completely uncharted territory.
20. Heartless by Elsie Silver
GOODREADS: 4.38/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
For (another) Grumpy x Sunshine craving, here’s the second installment of Silver’s Chestnut Springs. Willa Grant is at Cade Eaton’s house for the summer, to babysit his son, Luke. When this rough-and-tumble ranch cowboy meets a city girl, his tough exterior weakens. This small-town, forced-proximity plot will get you giggling and kicking up your feet in no time.
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OPEN WHEN: YOU NEED A NOT-SO-TYPICAL-ROMANCE
21. A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle
GOODREADS: 3.7/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Kindle edition
This stand-alone adult dark fantasy reads like the not-so-innocent lovechild of The Little Mermaid x Pirates of the Caribbean. It follows Princess Maren, who sold her soul to the sea-witch Edonia. When Prince Aerik turns cruel, she wishes to reverse the spell. Opportunity arrives when pirate Captain Ramsey “Bones” Battista shows up. Will the ultimate battle bring them close?
Though this sea-filled adventure satiates a spicy romance, it is recommended you check out TWs and tags.
22. Desperate Measures by Katee Robert
GOODREADS: 3.5/5
SPICE: 4.5/5
AS: Paperback, Audiobook
Robert’s plot brings her steamy re-telling of Disney’s Aladdin from a Jafar/Jasmine angle. This Daddy-Babygirl power dynamics focuses on consensual non-consent and other dark themes. It is recommended to consider the TWs, tags, and tropes before you dive into this first installment of the Wicked Villains.
Yasmina, a sheltered princess, lives in a gilded cage. Her prison has changed masters – her father has been overpowered by Jafar. To obtain her freedom, how far will Yasmina go? Will she succeed in betraying the very man who has captured her heart and soul?
23. Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: ebook
Pacat’s gay plot, Captive Prince spotlights Damen, a warrior-hero and the rightful heir to the Akielos throne. When he is ousted, he becomes a pleasure-slave to his new deadly manipulative master, Prince Laurent. Refusing his truth of being a high-born, Damen vows to work with Laurent for survival and the ultimate claim to his throne. Will he succeed?
24. Frenemy Fix-up by Yahrah St. John
GOODREADS: 3.8/5
SPICE: 3/5
AS: Paperback
In this fourth of the Six Gem series, former high-school classmates Shay Davis and Colin Anderson have a 90-day deadline. When Colin gets a health scare, he vows to flip his life around. He can only think of Shay, a successful yoga guru. When rigor meets free-spiritedness, finding common ground has never been so spicy!
OPEN WHEN: YOU NEED (ANOTHER) SPICY WATTPAD READ
25. Runaway by Bazookah
WATTPAD: 28.4M reads and 606K votes
GOODREADS: 4.49/5
SPICE: 4/5
Good girl X Anti-hero. Innocent infatuation turns into twisted betrayal when Josie meets Nico Blaine. Josie has never known of the world outside The Colony. When trust becomes a deadly weapon to wield, escaping from cruel fate might be the only answer. With its mature themes and content, this might be the perfect solution for a slow burn dark mafia romance. Bazookah is also revered in the Wattpad community for the Away series.
Note: While most of these books are available as ebooks, they are also available for free on Kindle unlimited in place of the free Kindle edition.
Conclusion
Saying goodbye to characters is always bittersweet, especially to those who’ve restored a part of our hearts. This was our ‘enemies to lovers books with spice’ list. Until our next curation, I hope you collect more book-boyfriends like they’re Pokémon!
FAQs
1. What makes enemies-to-lovers books so popular?
The beloved enemies-to-lovers trope comes with a variety of reasons to be popular – initial dramatics surrounding “hatred,” facing emotional catharsis and growth together, acceptance of flaws, and depth of forged connection. At the core of it, the trope is very accommodating of how messy characters can be, human or not.
2. Are enemies-to-lovers books always spicy?
No. Depending on the genre you choose books from, the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope accommodates a variety of spice ratings. While Wattpad is more fluent in enemies to lovers books with spice, Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game and Emily Henry’s Book Lovers are fluffy in comparison. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is considered a classic OG of the soft enemies-to-lovers.
3. Which enemies-to-lovers books are best for beginners?
While there are several options to choose from, the most-recommended include Casey McQuiston’s Red, White and Royal Blue, Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game, and Elena Armas’ The Spanish Love Deception. From enemies to lovers fantasy novels, Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince is a good appetizer.
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