Enemies to Lovers Trope – What Makes a Great Romance?
Have you ever read a romance book where the two main characters hate each other at first but then fall in love? Chances are you’ve encountered the “enemies to lovers” trope, one of the most popular tropes in romance literature. Whether they’re arguing, bickering, or playing pranks on each other, this classic formula never fails to get readers hooked. But what makes a great enemies-to-lovers story?
A Dash of Conflict and Misunderstanding
The key ingredient of any enemies-to-lovers story is conflict. Without it, there’d be no tension between the main characters for them to work through as they progress from animosity to affection. The conflict can come from misunderstandings, disagreements over ideals or lifestyles, social differences, or even past traumas that inform their behavior towards each other. Whatever it is that stands between them must be strong enough to create believable obstacles that they must conquer if they want their relationship to succeed.
Character Development and Growth
When two people who dislike each other suddenly decide they want to be together, something has changed—and that something is usually character development and growth. As the two protagonists overcome their differences and learn how to navigate their newfound feelings for each other, they also undergo personal changes that make them better people overall. This kind of growth helps readers identify with them because everyone wants to see themselves improving and becoming stronger with time.
Laughs and Fun (Without Forgetting the Drama!)
Romance novels need drama, or else readers would have nothing to keep them invested in the story—but not all drama needs to be serious! A good enemies-to-lovers novel should also have plenty of hijinks and lighthearted moments sprinkled throughout its pages. After all, watching two characters fight against their attraction only makes us appreciate when those walls finally come down! That being said, never forget the drama; too much humor can undermine your story’s credibility by making it seem less real or meaningful than it actually is.
Good enemies-to-lovers stories contain a perfect balance between drama and humor while still allowing room for character development and growth within both protagonists as well as plenty of conflict along the way. When done right, these stories can really tug at our heartstrings while still providing us with an entertaining read—the best of both worlds! So next time you pick up a romance novel where the couple starts off as foes rather than friends, remember this advice and enjoy watching them fall in love!
Enemies to Lover Books
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Peckham, Caroline (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 436 Pages - 08/02/2019 (Publication Date) - Dark Ink Publishing (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Lawson, Angel (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 522 Pages - 02/13/2022 (Publication Date) - Amazon Digital Services (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Armentrout, Jennifer L. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 622 Pages - 03/29/2020 (Publication Date) - Blue Box Press (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Roth, Mandy M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 350 Pages - 07/07/2015 (Publication Date) - Raven Happy Hour, LLC (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Ray, Roxie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 230 Pages - 06/26/2021 (Publication Date)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Hawk, Reagan (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 170 Pages - 03/01/2013 (Publication Date) - The Raven Books (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- McIntire, Emily (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 312 Pages - 09/07/2021 (Publication Date)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Roth, Mandy M. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 148 Pages - 11/19/2013 (Publication Date) - The Raven Books (Publisher)
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- St. Crowe, Nikki (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 193 Pages - 02/24/2022 (Publication Date) - Blackwell House LLC (Publisher)