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The enemies-to-lovers trope is one that has endured in media (books, movies, dramas, cartoons) for a long time and no matter how I see it, it really isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
For the uninitiated, enemies to lovers trope is when the two leads dislike each other (for whatever reason), but they eventually fall in love after finding common ground.
This time around, I’m listing 18 historical romance novels with the enemies-to-lovers trope that positively sizzle with love and everything sweet and I know you’ll love them!
1. Scandal Wears Satin by Loretta Chase
Sophy Noirot is a dressmaker with a flair for selling and a knack for turning scandal into success.
Throw in a reckless Earl and a runaway sister, and things get hot and tempting, and trust me when I say their love-hate relationship was iconic.
2. The Captain Of All Pleasures by Kresley Cole
Nicole, raised on a sea captain’s ship, faces challenges when love clashes with revenge.
When a high-stakes race and family drama unfolds, their passions ignite on the high seas.
3. To Love And To Loathe by Martha Waters
Lady Diana and the Marquess of Willingham are notorious for their banter.
And soon, a wager leads to unexpected propositions, bedroom critiques, and the risk of losing hearts amid witty exchanges.
You guys, I was sold once I saw the cover, but witnessing Diana and the Marquess’ chemistry on-page was the highlight of my reading last year – friend, you’ll absolutely love this enemies-to-lovers historical rom-com.
4. Garland Of Straw by Stella Riley
Post-English Civil War, Venetia must make a decision between losing her home or marrying a stranger, Gabriel Brandon, a Royalist turned New Model Army Colonel, the stepbrother of her exiled fiancé.
5. It Happened One Wedding by Julie James
Sidney’s done with commitment phobes, but the sexy best man challenges her resolve.
Meanwhile, Vaughn is determined to win her heart, so he turns their forced partnership into a tempting game.
This is the very first enemies to lovers historical book I read that made me grudgingly admit that haters who become lovers might indeed have the best chemistry.
6. Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh
The Duke of Bewcastle, Wulfric Bedwyn, falls for Christine Derrick in this opposites-attract tale.
And when love blossoms unexpectedly, they must learn to overcome societal expectations and personal inhibitions.
7. Ruthless by Anne Stuart
Viscount Rohan, a provocateur in a secret society, meets Elinor Harriman, and despite her reservations, she finds herself drawn to him in this dark and sensual historical romance.
8. Not Quite A Husband by Sherry Thomas
Leo tracks down Bryony in India, and as they risk their lives while on a dangerous journey, old passions resurface that force them to confront their past and the possibility of a future together.
Sherry Thomas is easily one of the most prolific historical romance authors and this hate-turned-love book is simply brilliant.
9. Say No To The Duke by Eloisa James
Lady Betsy wants one last adventure before marriage and a wager with the rakish Lord Jeremy leads to a billiards game, wild nights, and a battle of wills with unexpected consequences.
10. An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
Elle, a former slave turned spy, joins forces with Malcolm, a Pinkerton detective, during the Civil War.
Their dangerous mission soon bleeds into a fiery love that will change the course of history, and I assure you that this beautiful book with enemies who eventually fall in love is the sweetest thing.
11. About A Rogue by Caroline Linden
Bianca Tate replaces her sister at the altar and then ends up marrying the notorious rake, Maximilian St. James.
What begins as an unconventional match between two people who totally dislike each other evolves into an unexpected connection and passionate intrigue.
12. Born To Be Wilde by Eloisa James
Lavinia Gray asks Parth Sterling for an unconventional favour, and so he offers to find her a husband or even a prince.
As they spend time together, they discover that sometimes, the wrong person feels just right and their romance blooms.
13. The Rake by Suzanne Enoch
Lady Georgiana plans to break Viscount Dare’s heart for a past misdeed, but his smouldering gaze makes her question if it’s love this time.
14. And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Gurkhe
Emma, an etiquette expert, clashes with her rake employer, Lord Marlowe.
And soon, the battle of proper behaviour between these two enemies takes an unexpected turn when passion ignites.
15. To Trust A Thief by Michelle McLean
Minuette is looking for a legendary necklace to save her family, and soon, master thief Bryant poses as her dance instructor, leading to a partnership filled with love, intrigue, and a race against time.
16. North And South by Elizabeth Gaskell
In this spicy historical romance novel with enemies who become lovers, Margaret Hale must fight for social justice in the industrial North and continue a tempestuous relationship with mill owner John Thornton.
17. Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
Whitney Stone’s pursuit of childhood love dissolves when her father’s arrangement with her enemy, the Duke of Claymore, makes her the price.
18. Gallant Waif by Anne Gracie
Kate Farleigh’s encounter with Jack Carstairs disrupts her predictable life, and despite his attempts to resist her interference, their brand-new connection starts a journey of love, redemption, and self-discovery.
Let us know which of these amazing hate-to-love Regency historical romance novels you’re reading next (or which will find a place on your never-ending TBR).