The enemies-to-lovers trend on BookTok really kicked off in 2020, thanks to a mix of viral books and perfect timing. 'The Hating Game' was the gateway, but it was 'From Blood and Ash' that solidified the trope’s popularity. TikTok’s algorithm loves drama, and these books are packed with it—angsty glances, heated arguments, and eventual romance. The trend stuck because it’s relatable; everyone’s had a love-hate relationship at some point. Plus, the trope works across genres, from fantasy to contemporary, making it endlessly adaptable. Even now, it’s one of the most requested themes in romance.
The enemies-to-lovers trend on BookTok became huge around 2020, but its roots go deeper. Books like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'The Cruel Prince' laid the groundwork, but TikTok amplified it. What made it explode was the way short, dramatic clips could capture the tension—think 'The Hating Game' elevator scene or 'From Blood and Ash’s' fiery arguments. The trend resonated because it’s about more than just romance; it’s about personal growth and overcoming differences. Once BookTok latched onto it, publishers noticed, and suddenly, every other recommendation was enemies-to-lovers. It’s still going strong because the trope delivers on emotion and excitement.
I noticed the enemies-to-lovers trend explode in late 2019 and early 2020. It wasn’t just one book that started it—it was a perfect storm. 'The Hating Game' had been around for a while, but TikTok made it iconic. Then 'The Spanish Love Deception' and 'The Unhoneymooners' blew up, proving readers couldn’t get enough of that fiery, hate-to-love dynamic. The trend really took off because of how visually engaging these stories are—think slow burns, glaring across rooms, and witty banter. Creators latched onto that, making it irresistible to viewers. By mid-2020, even traditionally published authors were jumping on the bandwagon, and now it’s a staple in romance.
I remember the exact moment enemies-to-lovers took over BookTok—it was during the 2020 lockdowns. Everyone was stuck inside, craving drama and escapism, and books like 'The Hating Game' and 'The Spanish Love Deception' delivered. The trope’s appeal lies in its tension; there’s something addictive about watching two people go from clashing to kissing. TikTok’s format, with its quick cuts and emotional music, perfected the way these stories were shared. By the time 'Red, White & Royal Blue' and 'The Unhoneymooners' went viral, the trend was unstoppable. Even now, it dominates romance recommendations because it’s just so satisfying to watch love conquer hate.
the enemies-to-lovers trope really started gaining traction around 2020. It felt like overnight, everyone was raving about 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne and 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout. These books became viral sensations, with users creating dramatic edits and passionate reviews. The trend coincided with the rise of dark academia and morally grey characters, which made the tension between rivals even more appealing.
What really fueled the trend was the way these stories blend intense chemistry with emotional depth. 'Red, White & Royal Blue' and 'The Cruel Prince' also played a huge role, showing how enemies-to-lovers can work in both contemporary and fantasy settings. By 2021, it was everywhere—TikTok algorithms pushed it hard, and publishers began releasing more titles to meet demand. The trope’s popularity hasn’t waned since, thanks to its addictive mix of conflict and passion.
2025-07-07 18:03:46
31
View All Answers
Scan code to download App
Related Books
Married To My Billionaire Nemesis
Lavender Pen
9.7
32.0K
“No can do. I'm a changed man now. The only p*** I want is my wife's," I drawl. She practically sputters, invisible steam oozing from her ears.
"Get your filthy hands off me," she snarls.
I lean in, my lips grazing her earlobe.
“Why? Afraid that I'm going to find out how much your body still yearns for mine?" I drawl, and she shivers, pressing her thighs together as I squeeze her hip lightly.
…
I’ve hated Hayden Wolfe since high school. He made my life hell.
When I’m suddenly thrown into an arranged marriage with him, I’m convinced I’ve hit rock bottom.
He needs a wife to secure his position in his family’s billion-dollar empire.
I need my father’s company to survive.
Neither of us had a choice.
Now we’re the perfect couple in public,
and sworn enemies behind closed doors.
And my new goal?
Make Hayden Wolfe beg for a divorce.
What started as late-night screaming matches explodes into hate filled kisses and touches that leaves me burning.
Do I still hate him with every fiber of my being? Or am I already hopelessly, shamefully addicted to the man I promised to destroy?
Warning: Mature content, intense bickering, mentions of dark themes such as psychological trauma, violence and emotional distress.
Daniel Knight lives for two things — running his empire and watching Sexy Red burn up the stage. The mysterious, red-haired dancer with a body made for sin is all he wants… and all he can’t have.
The last thing he expects? His mother shoving him into an arranged marriage with Kelly Thompson… the plain, boring, mole-faced “ugly duckling” he insulted without a second thought.
He hates her. She hates him more.
“Marry you? Not in this lifetime,” he sneers.
“Right back at you,” she fires back.
But when the wedding ring is on, Danny still can’t get Sexy Red out of his head... until one night, he rips off her disguise and realizes the woman he’s been craving is the wife he swore to make miserable.
Now, every touch feels like a lie.
Every kiss, a dare.
And the man who swore to ruin her… can’t stop trying to claim her.
DISCLAIMER
This book is a spin-off from A Whole New World but can be read as a standalone.
*If you’re already following this story under A Whole New World, you don't need to read it here again.
"Who are you to her?"
"I'm her boyfriend and if you don't get out of here, I'll be the man who will be responsible for putting you six-feet underground," Zendaya heard Jayden say, shocking her.
Zendaya's life unravels when she discovers her fiancé's infidelity two days prior to the wedding. Devastated and desperate to escape reality, she gets drunk and decides to have a one-night stand.
But fate has a twist in store as her one-night-stand turns out to be Jayden Gerano, the man who hated her since their childhood, the one who made her life a living hell, yet the man she couldn't hate no matter how hard she tried.
She decides to forget about her impulsive decision, but Jayden has other plans. With a charming grin and a determination that surprises them both, he refuses to let her slip away. He wants her back in his life—and this time, as his woman.
He had let her go once, and he’d be damned if he made the same mistake.
Will Zendaya embrace a future with the man she never expected to want, and let go of the past, or will her hatred for Jayden win?
Find out in Entangled with my Childhood Enemy.
Brielle Hartley swore she’d never return to Willow Creek, the small town packed with too many memories and one infuriating man she hoped to forget. But when her mother needs help, Brielle is forced back home—only to discover that the first person she runs into is the last man she ever wanted to see: Jaxon Reed, the boy who spent their senior year getting under her skin…and apparently still has the talent.
Now older, broader, and annoyingly irresistible,Jaxon has become a respected volunteer in the community. But he hasn’t changed his habit of poking at Brielle’s nerves. Their reunion strikes immediate sparks some angry, some dangerously magnetic.
What begins as avoidance turns into constant collisions: at the farmers market, around town, and eventually at the community garden project they’re roped into running together. With every stubborn argument and every unexpected moment of softness, the walls between them weaken. Tension turns into chemistry, chemistry into longing, and longing into something neither of them wants to admit.
As Brielle fights the pull she feels toward the man she once despised, Jaxon battles with the guilt of the past and the fear that he’s already blown his second chance. What they don’t realize is that the very history that pushed them apart may be the key to bringing them together.
Enemies? Absolutely.
Attraction? Undeniable.
Love? Inevitable…if they’re brave enough to take it.
Jeremy
He was my friend. The only one who understood me in my silence. I never needed anyone else with him by my side but...
Why does he have to do it? He agreed to marry me because my parent's company was in debt and getting married to me was the only option to get my company running. So, he backstabbed me and stole me away from my love.
If he thinks he will get my heart and body? He is mistaken. I am not a showpiece or a decoration. I only love Olivier and Magnus will never have me.
Magnus..
Jeremy thinks I have married him because of his parent's company. But he is wrong. So wrong. He doesn't even know that I have always loved him, and he is my only Love.
Yes, it hurts when he goes to his EX, but I will make him fall in love with me and I will tell him that I don't want his money, but his heart.
And I am sure of my love that one day I will.
It's an Enemy to Lovers, Happy ending book.
Seraphina was utterly confused when she was suddenly placed under the supervision of a new boss at the company she worked for. She couldn’t understand why he constantly humiliated and belittled her. She knew she was good at her job—but to her new boss, she was nothing more than useless.
They hated each other. Yet that intense hostility led to something entirely unexpected—a night of overwhelming desire that consumed them both.
After what happened, would the resentment in their hearts remain? Or would the anger between them slowly ignite into love?
I’ve noticed certain publishers consistently deliver top-tier enemies-to-lovers romance. Berkley Romance is a powerhouse, publishing gems like 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood, which nails the academic rivalry-turned-love trope. Avon Books also stands out with sizzling titles like 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne, a workplace rivalry story that’s pure chemistry.
St. Martin’s Griffin is another favorite, especially for YA-friendly picks like 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin, blending fantasy and fiery tension. For indie vibes, Entangled Publishing releases hidden gems like 'From Lukov with Love' by Mariana Zapata, a slow burn with delicious banter. Each publisher brings something unique—Berkley’s witty STEM romances, Avon’s sharp contemporary dynamics, and St. Martin’s darker, magical twists. If you’re craving enemies-to-lovers, these imprints are your best bets.
I can confidently say that enemies-to-lovers romance books are a massive trend right now. There are literally hundreds of them flooding the platform, with new ones gaining popularity every week. Some standout titles include 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne, which is a classic workplace rivalry turned romance, and 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout, a fantasy romance with intense antagonism between the leads.
Another big hit is 'Serpent & Dove' by Shelby Mahurin, where a witch and a witch hunter are forced into a marriage of convenience. 'Red, White & Royal Blue' also fits the bill with its political rivals-to-lovers arc. The sheer volume of these books makes it impossible to count them all, but if you dive into BookTok’s recommendations, you’ll find endless lists and videos dedicated to this trope.❤️
As someone who spends way too much time scrolling through BookTok recommendations, I can confidently say that enemies-to-lovers romance books are having a major moment. One standout is 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood, which perfectly balances academic rivalry with slow-burning chemistry. It’s witty, smart, and has just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. Another TikTok favorite is 'From Blood and Ash' by Jennifer L. Armentrout, blending fantasy and romance with a fierce, adversarial dynamic that evolves beautifully.
For contemporary lovers, 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry is a must-read. The banter between the two leads is sharp and hilarious, making their eventual romance all the more satisfying. If you’re into historical settings, 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne is a workplace rivalry turned love story that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. And let’s not forget 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston, where political rivals become something much more. Each of these books brings something unique to the table, ensuring you’ll find a new favorite.