There’s nothing quite like the slow unraveling of two people who start off loathing each other—only to find themselves tangled in a web of desire, reluctant attraction, and eventually, full-blown passion. Add a generous dose of spice to the mix, and you’ve got the kind of story that keeps you flipping pages deep into the night.
Whether it’s banter-filled office rivalries, dangerous mafia ties, or explosive enemies-with-benefits arrangements, this list brings you the 25 best spicy enemies-to-lovers romance books that turn the heat way up. These stories are packed with fire, angst, and steam, making them perfect for readers who want their romance bold, emotional, and unapologetically hot.
1. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Lucy and Josh are coworkers who absolutely despise each other… until they don’t. Their office rivalry is full of snark, stares, and simmering tension, and when forced to work together for a promotion, sparks fly. It’s a rom-com with serious spice and irresistible slow-burn energy.
2. Twisted Hate by Ana Huang
Enemies to lovers with a revenge edge, this book features Josh and Jules—two people who can’t stand each other but end up as enemies with benefits. It’s steamy, emotional, and part of the Twisted series, where drama and spice are always guaranteed.
3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
While not strictly an enemies-to-lovers romance at first, the slow-burning shift between Feyre and a certain dark High Lord delivers some major tension. The later books in the series seriously crank up the spice, with emotional depth and fantasy action.
4. Vicious by L.J. Shen
Baron “Vicious” Spencer is cruel and cold, and Emilia hates him with good reason. But when fate pushes them back into each other’s lives years later, their fiery hatred turns into something far more heated. Dark, angsty, and seriously steamy.
5. Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
A mafia romance where the enemies are two powerful heirs forced into a marriage of convenience. Their hatred turns into explosive chemistry. Think arranged marriage, family drama, and scenes that sizzle right off the page.
6. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
This is a slow burn but worth the wait. Jasmine and Ivan are figure skating partners who can’t stand each other. As they train together, sparks fly—and when they finally get to that steamy payoff, it hits hard. The tension builds for chapters.
7. The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas
Catalina needs a fake date for her sister’s wedding, and the last person she wants to take is her irritating coworker, Aaron. But their fake relationship quickly turns into real heat. There’s a beautiful buildup and a solid dose of spice when it hits.
8. Terms and Conditions by Lauren Asher
Declan and Iris have a marriage of convenience that starts off cold and distant but quickly heats up. With power dynamics, stubborn personalities, and high-stakes tension, this one’s got corporate drama and open-door scenes.
9. King of Wrath by Ana Huang
Vivian and Dante enter into an arranged relationship filled with resentment and control. Their initial coldness turns to red-hot chemistry. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is sharp, and the spice level is exactly what you’d expect from Ana Huang—scorching.
10. Bully by Penelope Douglas
Tate and Jared have a long, painful history. He made her life hell in high school, but now she’s back and not afraid to fight back. The power shifts are intense, and the sexual tension is undeniable. A gritty, enemies-to-lovers classic.
11. Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
An athlete romance with a twist—Anastasia and Nathan are rivals in the world of competitive skating and hockey. The banter is fresh, and the steam levels are high. A great mix of sass and spice with a college sports backdrop.
12. Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
In this modern retelling of the Helen of Troy myth, Helen must compete against Achilles and Patroclus. There’s competition, rivalry, and eventually a steamy triad. Katee Robert does not hold back when it comes to spice.
13. The Fine Print by Lauren Asher
Rowan is grumpy and difficult; Zahra is sunshine and chaos. She works for his amusement park company, and their push-pull tension makes for a perfect enemies-to-lovers arc. Expect slow-burn steam with satisfying payoff.
14. Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh
Shannon and Johnny come from different worlds—she’s quiet and shy, he’s the popular rugby star. There’s bullying, tension, and eventual emotional connection. The first book is more of a build-up, but the heat comes in the sequel, Keeping 13.
15. Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas
Another age gap, taboo romance where Jordan falls for her ex-boyfriend’s dad. While not full-on enemies-to-lovers, the forbidden dynamic and the tension create that same slow burn and conflict-to-connection feel.
16. The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by Elizabeth O’Roark
When Drew is forced to go on tour with her rockstar brother’s grumpy manager, sparks and insults fly. A classic case of opposites attract with forced proximity and loads of heat.
17. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Olive fakes a relationship with a professor she can’t stand, but their banter and tension evolve into something unexpectedly real. It’s science-themed, witty, and yes—there’s a one-bed scene. Slow burn with a memorable spicy moment.
18. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas
Miscommunication and mistaken identity set up a rough start between Ryen and Misha. They’re pen pals who become enemies in real life, only to end up deeply (and steamily) connected. It’s angsty, gritty, and intense.
19. Hooked by Emily McIntire
A dark Peter Pan retelling with Hook as the anti-hero and Wendy as the strong-willed daughter of his enemy. Their chemistry is dangerous and addictive. It’s definitely spicy with some dark romance themes.
20. Ruthless Rival by L.J. Shen
Christian and Arya have a long-standing rivalry rooted in pain, betrayal, and misunderstanding. It’s a second-chance enemies-to-lovers with sizzling passion and emotional depth. Shen knows how to write a steamy redemption arc.
21. Twisted Games by Ana Huang
Bodyguard x princess trope with enemies-to-lovers heat. Rhys is brooding and protective, while Bridget is headstrong and off-limits. The forbidden angle cranks up the tension, and the open-door scenes are frequent and fiery.
22. Misconduct by Penelope Douglas
Easton is a teacher with a past, and Tyler is a powerful businessman with a chip on his shoulder. Their dynamic is laced with tension and forbidden sparks. It’s a slower burn, but the spice is worth the wait.
23. Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Vanessa quits working for Aiden, a cold football star who suddenly wants her back—for a green-card marriage. It’s the ultimate slow burn, with subtle tension that eventually explodes in the best way. Mariana always rewards your patience.
24. Corrupt by Penelope Douglas
This one is dark, twisted, and absolutely wild. Erika is the girl they think betrayed them. The boys want revenge, but everything spirals into something much hotter and more complicated. This is enemies-to-lovers turned all the way up.