Our Favorite Enemies to Lovers Romance Novels

There’s just something about an enemies-to-lovers romance that keeps me hooked from page one. The tension, the banter, the slow-burning realization that maybe—just maybe—hatred was actually hiding something deeper all along...Don't you just love it too? And when it comes to enemies-to-lovers romances, Beach Read by Emily Henry is my absolute favorite. A bookish small town romance with two rival authors? I definitely signed up for that. When I read Beach Read, I was enamoured with the dynamics between January and Gus, and after finishing the book, I needed to read more books that matched the vibe of Beach Read. But more importantly, I wanted other romance books that also had the enemies-to-lovers trope. Thanks to our Book Dimensions System, I was able to find some matches and today I am sharing them with you! Just a heads-up, this post contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)

Books Similar to Beach Read

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Book Lovers

Emily Henry

If Beach Read stole your heart with its snarky banter and sizzling tension, Book Lovers delivers that same magic. Nora Stephens and Charlie Lastra are both sharp, ambitious, and deeply passionate about books, so naturally, they can’t stand each other. As a cutthroat literary agent and a brooding editor, their first meeting is filled with mutual irritation, professional rivalry, and plenty of sharp words. But when fate (and a small-town summer) throws them together, their work-driven animosity starts shifting into something else entirely. Like Beach Read, Book Lovers gives us crackling chemistry, deep emotional layers, and a romance that feels both electric and inevitable. If you love enemies to lovers stories where competition turns into something much more complicated (and much more romantic), this one is an absolute must-read.

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Red, White, & Royal Blue

Casey McQuiston

If you love the enemies-to-lovers tension in Beach Read, complete with snappy banter and undeniable chemistry, then Red, White & Royal Blue is about to steal your heart. Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales have never gotten along. Their public personas are picture-perfect, but behind the scenes? Alex sees Henry as cold and distant, while Henry thinks Alex is insufferably brash. When a PR nightmare forces them into an orchestrated “friendship,” their rivalry starts unraveling into something much more intimate. Like Beach Read, this novel thrives on tension that slowly melts into understanding, revealing two characters who challenge each other, push each other’s buttons, and most importantly, fall for each other in the process.

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Ties That Tether

Jane Igharo

If you love Beach Read for its emotional depth, witty banter, and enemies to lovers romance that unfolds into something deeply heartfelt, then Ties That Tether by Jane Igharo belongs on your TBR. Azere has always known what’s expected of her, honor her Nigerian heritage and marry a man her mother approves of. But after a one-night stand with Rafael, a man who is definitely not part of her mother’s plan, she’s forced to confront her feelings when their paths cross again. What starts as resistance and stubborn denial slowly transforms into something undeniable. Like Beach Read, Ties That Tether blends sharp, romantic tension with deep emotional stakes, exploring themes of identity, love, and self-discovery. You will absolutely love it.

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Big Summer

Jennifer Weiner

If you love Beach Read for its smart, layered storytelling, emotional tension, and enemies to lovers romance, then Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner offers a fresh take on those same irresistible elements. Daphne Berg never expected to hear from her ex-best friend, Drue Cavanaugh, after their explosive falling out. But when Drue reappears, begging Daphne to be her maid of honor in a high-profile wedding, old wounds resurface. Add in a charming, mysterious love interest and a second-chance romance with sparks (and baggage), and you have a novel that blends drama, self-discovery, and romance in a way that feels just as compelling as Beach Read.

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The Flatshare

Beth O'Leary

If you love a good enemies-to-lovers with a twist, you need to read The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary.t’s about Tiffy and Leon—two total strangers who share a flat (and a bed) but have never met because they work opposite shifts. What starts as passive-aggressive post-it notes quickly turns into flirty banter and deep emotional connection. It’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, and it’ll have you rooting for them from the first snarky note to the last swoony moment.

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