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The Best Spicy Enemies-to-Lovers Books I Can’t Stop Obsessing Over
You know that moment when two characters absolutely hate each other—but you’re already mentally measuring their chemistry in kilowatts? That’s me. Every. Single. Time. I’m a sucker for tension that simmers, banter that cuts like a blade, and kisses that feel like betrayal. Give me enemies-to-lovers with some spice, and I’m already planning my weekend around it.
But not all enemies-to-lovers stories hit the same. Some flirt with the trope and pull back. Others dive in face-first with daggers drawn, shirts torn, and secrets hanging in the air like smoke. That’s what I’m here for. The books that go hard. That burn slow. That make you question your morals and your reading pace.
These are the spicy enemies-to-lovers books I keep coming back to.
The Spiciest Enemies-to-Lovers Books
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, paranormal, rivalry-to-lovers, magic, vampires, modern setting
POV: 1st Person (FMC)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Innuendos, open door scenes)
Triggers: violence, rape, sexual assault, torture
Summary: This book wrecked me. Oraya is a human girl adopted by the vampire king and trained to survive a deadly competition against the most powerful of their kind. She falls for one of her rivals—but what she doesn’t know is that he might be her greatest enemy. Meanwhile, he knows exactly who she is. And he still can’t stay away.
It’s brutal. It’s sexy. It’s full of betrayal, strategy, and heartache. This book was a pleasant surprise. I went in expecting a cliché-heavy story with flat characters, but the author completely exceeded my expectations. The main characters were genuinely likable, and their dynamic felt natural and well-paced.
- Enemies in a blood-soaked competition
- Forbidden romance with real consequences
- Vampires, power games, and open-door spice
- Strong female lead who doesn’t back down
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, witches, magic, Victorian setting
POV: Dual pov
Spice: 🌶️
Triggers: violence, mentions of sexual abuse
Summary: Witches are hunted in this fantasy world, and the heroine is one of them. She knows her enemy. She plans to take him down. But he has no idea who she really is.
I saw the mixed reviews and was a bit hesitant to pick this one up—but I’m so glad I gave it a chance! The story isn’t overly complex, and the world-building is pretty minimal, but I found myself completely immersed.
The magic system, while fairly standard, still managed to keep me hooked. This is a very character-driven book, and I’m genuinely excited to see where things go—especially with the three witch queen sisters. I need more of them!
- Witch vs witch hunter dynamic
- Secret identities and dangerous games
- Victorian aesthetics + spicy betrayal
- Dual POV adds emotional layers
White Hot by Ilona Andrews
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, paranormal, magic, modern setting
POV: 1st Person (FMC)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (explicit)
Triggers: violence, torture
Summary: Nevada Baylor wants nothing to do with Mad Rogan—a dangerously powerful Prime mage who’s basically a walking disaster. But when their goals align, she has no choice but to work with him.
The plot pulled me in right away, and I was surprised by how invested I became in the characters—especially the main duo. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the slow-burn tension between them had me flipping pages way past bedtime.
I loved how the romance wasn’t rushed. The emotional buildup felt natural, and while the sexual content is more subtle at first, the intensity definitely ramps up.
- Modern world with magical politics
- Reluctant partnership that turns passionate
- Hilarious and sharp writing
- Rogan is your new problematic fave
Wildfire by Ilona Andrews
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, paranormal, forbidden love, political stakes
POV: 1st Person (FMC)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (explicit)
Triggers: violence, torture
Summary: This is the continuation of Nevada and Mad Rogan’s story, and it cranks the emotional stakes through the roof. They’re together now, but their romance is threatened by family politics, dangerous secrets, and enemies that never stop coming.
It’s messy, action-packed, and full of swoony moments that made me feel things.
- Power couple vs the world
- High-stakes romance with magical chaos
- Family drama meets forbidden love
- SO satisfying if you love book two and want more
Savage Lands by Stacey Marie Brown
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, fae, war, enemies-to-lovers
POV: 1st Person (FMC)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (explicit)
Triggers: violence, harassment, torture, war themes
Summary: This book threw me into a brutal world of fae, war, and forced proximity. The heroine is imprisoned and forced to fight—and her enemy might just be the one helping her survive. It’s raw, gritty, and packed with tension.
- Gritty fae world with political unrest
- Brutal enemies-to-lovers progression
- Painful pasts and fierce survival
- Think ACOTAR but darker and dirtier
The Book of Azrael by Amber V. Nicole
Topics & Genre: Adult fantasy romance, paranormal, gods, war, magic
POV: Dual 1st Person
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (second & third base)
Triggers: violence, kidnapping, grief
Summary: This book is about enemies from opposing godly factions who are forced to work together in a time of crisis. The world-building is rich and modern, the characters are wounded but powerful, and the romance is full of longing and pain.
I absolutely fell in love with this book from the very beginning. While there were a few slower moments early on, they weren’t enough to stop me from giving it a solid five stars. I just finished reading, and now I’m in full-on book hangover mode. I have no idea what to pick up next because this story is still living rent-free in my head.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between the FMC, Dianna, and the MMC, Liam, was done so well. I was hooked on Dianna from the start, while Liam took a little time to win me over—but once he did, I was all in. And the side characters? So memorable. The author did such an amazing job making them feel real, like you could actually picture them right in front of you.
I was excited to learn this is just the first book in a series, because if the debut is this good, I can’t wait to see what’s next. Just a heads-up: don’t expect a neatly wrapped ending. I thought it might tie everything up, but I was very wrong—in the best way.
- Gods and monsters in a modern magical world
- Deep emotional themes of trauma and healing
- Forbidden romance and dangerous missions
So, what’s your favorite kind of enemies-to-lovers romance?
Do you love the twisty betrayals, the slow-burn tension, or the political danger that comes with loving your enemy?
Let me know in the comments or drop your recs—I’m always hunting for more twisted love stories to ruin my life in the best way possible.
