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Someone asked: “I want an enemies-to-lovers romance.”

Enemies to lovers.

They can't stand each other, and you know exactly where it's going. The trope is older than the novel itself. Here are the originals and the modern favourites.

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  1. Cover of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    Pride and Prejudice

    Jane Austen · 1813

    The original and still the best. An insult at a ball, two proud people and the most satisfying slow burn ever written.

  2. North and SouthElizabeth Gaskell
    North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (no cover image)

    North and South

    Elizabeth Gaskell · 2017

    A southern girl and a northern mill owner who argue about everything. Pride and Prejudice with factories and more heat.

  3. Cover of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

    Much Ado About Nothing

    William Shakespeare · 1600

    Beatrice and Benedick insult each other brilliantly until their friends trick them into love. Shakespeare's funniest couple.

  4. Cover of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

    The Hating Game

    Sally Thorne · 2016

    Two executive assistants who share an office and a mutual hatred. The modern classic of the trope. Funny and very hot.

  5. Cover of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

    A Court of Thorns and Roses

    Sarah J. Maas · 2013

    A human huntress is taken to a faerie land. The book that launched a thousand fan accounts. The sequel is even better.

  6. Cover of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

    The Cruel Prince

    Holly Black · 2018

    A mortal girl in a faerie court and a prince who makes her life hell. Sharp, dark and full of scheming.

  7. Cover of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

    Fourth Wing

    Rebecca Yarros · 2023

    Violet enters a deadly dragon-rider academy where the most dangerous cadet wants her dead. Addictive and steamy.

  8. Cover of Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

    Red, White & Royal Blue

    Casey McQuiston · 2019

    The American president's son and a British prince can't stand each other, until they can. Joyful and funny.

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