After BookTok’s resurgence on TikTok and the newfound popularity of enemies to lovers books, you are either an enemies to lovers fanatic, or want to desperately read a different trope. Never fear, for I am here to remedy your problem! For all readers, picky and alike, here are a few fantastic rivals/enemies to lovers books that are not often talked about, and deserve as much popularity as the popular novels going around. Get your goodreads open and your car ready, because you’re going to need a trip to the bookstore or the library after hearing about these recommendations.
1 | My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows
This book is a parody romance but don’t worry- I completely fell in love with it. My Lady Jane is the perfect fast paced book to take you out of a reading slump and have you laughing the whole through. My Lady Jane focuses on our main character (Jane, the cousin of Edward, son of King Henry VIII), Edward, and a horse.
Yes, a horse.
The three characters have struggles of their own as they work out a mystery in Henry VIII’s royal court. My Lady Jane blends both intrigue, plot, humor, and romance into a long, but hilarious book. The horse, Gifford, and Jane have insanely amazing banter and find themselves in way too many ironic situations. If you are looking for a serious enemies to lovers book, this isn’t for you, but if you want a friendly rivals to grudging relationship story, My Lady Jane is perfect!
2 | Daughter of Smoke and Bone - Laini Taylor
DoSB (Daughter of Smoke and Bone) is an intricate and beautiful high fantasy. Laini Taylor, the author of Strange the Dreamer, is a brilliant writer and it shows in this trilogy too. DoSB focuses on Karou, a human girl marked with the devil’s eyes, and her relationship with Akiva, a murderous, beautiful, heaven-sent, did I mention beautiful?, angel who is tasked with waging war on the devil kingdom. This novel is a YA classic and it features forbidden love and a war against yourself- perfect for angsty readers looking for an emotional ride.
Karou and Akiva’s relationship is dynamic, funny, and heartbreaking to watch. And paired with the brilliant writing- it’s honestly making me a little teary eyed even writing this, because I love them so much.
The only con I have with DoSB is that it can feel a little slow at times, but if you’re looking to be truly immersed in a world and its characters and feel that buildup, you’ll love this book.
3 | Graceling - Kristen Cashore
Graceling is your run of the mill YA book. We follow Katsa, a graced ‘princess’ who has the ability to kill effortlessly, and Po, a prince of a far away land who’s come to sort out a mystery. This book isn’t anything radical or revolutionary, but it’s an amazing comfort read and a way to return to your roots. Katsa and Po had an amazing romance, with just enough action to keep me invested. Additionally, Cashore added in a few plot twists that definitely amped up the entertainment level. If you’re looking for a quick, low effort read that is quintessential YA, this is your best bet. That pretty, dagger cover is also a plus ;)
4 | Red Winter - Annette Marie
Red Winter is part of a three part series that is based on Japanese mythology! It is a very rich story, and incredibly slow burning- including lots of flirting and shared glances and tension. Emi, the main character, is a kamigakari (a goddess in a human host). Shiro, however, is supposed to be her enemy, as a yokai (earth spirit). The two have to come together after Emi saves Shiro’s life and a strange turn of events changes Emi forever.
This book’s highlight is the meaningful and heartfelt dialogues between the protagonists and the dazzling backdrop of japanese mythology. It’s engrossing, and a perfect read when you’re looking for something long and decadent to fill that enemies to lovers shaped hole in your heart.
5 | Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge
Cruel Beauty is Beauty and the Beast meets enemies to lovers- specifically the I’m meant to kill you trope, if you’re into that sort of thing.
We follow Nyx, who has been betrothed to Ignifex, an immortal ‘monster’ who has been killing her people and ruining her kingdom. Cruel Beauty is another slow burn book, with lots of subtlety. Hodge’s prose is what makes the whole book: the way she describes both Nyx’s strong and steadfast character, Ignifex’s intense emotions and character, and the practically flammable love between them, it was a treat to read and will definitely stay on my reread list for years. This book is possibly the best book on the list for my hopeless romantics, and I assure you that even weeks after you finish reading Cruel Beauty and think of the book, a flush will come up in your cheeks at the thought of these wonderful protagonists.
6 | The Tiger At Midnight - Swati Teerdhala
TTAM is a lush, fantasy book inspired by South Asian culture and mythology. Similar to Graceling, we have an assassin heroine named Esha. Our ‘hero’ is a soldier named Kunal, a traditional and loyal man. TTAM follows palace intrigue and even takes from some aspects of Indian history. This, combined with intrigue and the high action of the story is an amazing and fun read, especially if you’re looking to diversify your bookshelf. Teerdhala’s prose is also amazing, akin to Roshani Choksi, and definitely a must read.
Although TTAM is an enemies to lovers novel, the plot and the setting take more of a center focus in this, so if you are more plot focused, you’ll love this more than if you came solely for the enemies to lovers relationship!
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