Top 18 Enemies To Lovers Historical Romance Books You’ll Want To Read

Enemies to lovers historical books to watch scaled

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

gLIJS 30237404

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

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

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

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

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

To trust a thief Judith 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

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 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

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.

Up Next: 30 Must-Read Romantic Suspense Novels Full Of Swoons & Thrills

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).

Preye

Hi! I'm Preye ("pre" as in "prepare" and "ye" as in "Kanye"), and I am a lifelong book lover who enjoys talking about books and sharing bits and pieces of all the fascinating things I come across. I love books so much that I decided to become a developmental editor, and right now, I work with authors to help them tell their stories better. On this blog, I share everything from book recommendations to book reviews and writing tips, so feel free to stop by anytime you like!

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