Why I Love the Enemies to Romance Trope

“I hate him more than others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I could barely breathe.”

Ah yes, the sweet, sweet oxygen-depriving power of pure, unfiltered hatred. Or is it hatred? Because last time I checked you don’t stare at someone you hate and forget how to breathe unless you’re already halfway to writing his last name after yours in secret.

This is why I love the enemies-to-lovers trope. It’s all about the tension, the banter, the I would rather die than admit I like you attitude. There’s just something so romantic about two people who start off plotting each other’s demise but end up plotting how to get each other alone in a room.

Enemies-to-lovers is the slow burn we all crave. It’s the I despise you… but your hand is on my waist and I’m not moving away. It’s the How dare you look this good while ruining my life?! It’s mutual destruction with a side of i can’t get enough of you

So yes, I’ll take the stolen glances, the accidental touches that last too long, and the screaming matches that turn into something else over love-at-first-sight any day. Because let’s be honest—what’s more romantic than falling for the one person you swore you’d never tolerate?

Every glance is a challenge, and every accidental touch feels like a nuclear event. But the real torture? The almost-kisses. The devastating, soul-crushing will-they-won’t-they moments that leave you gripping the edge of your seat, screaming at your book (or screen) like an unhinged maniac.

You know the scene. They’re standing too close, tension crackling in the air like a live wire. Their eyes flicker to each other’s lips. Your heart rate spikes. This is it. You hold your breath. They lean in—

Enemies to lovers vs. friends to lovers which do you prefer? Let’s explore that next.

AND THEN THEY FREAKING PULL AWAY.

Why do they do this to us?! Why must we suffer through lingering stares, jaw-clenching tension, and hands hovering this close to touching, only for one of them to suddenly remember that, oh right, they still “hate” each other? (Spoiler: they don’t.)

And although could go on and on about why I love the enemies to lovers trope, let me put you on to some books about enemies to lovers that i read and reasons why i love it and if you’ve read any let me know what you thought about them so starting off strong.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazlewood

Guys, The Love Hypothesis.

THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS!!! Do I need to say anything else????

I mean come on, its Ali Hazelwood she gave us one of our favorite book boyfriends, Adam. Who walks around with the I hate everyone except you energy. She also gave us our chaotic queen Olive who fake dates her way into our lives.

Better Than The Movies

I have two words: Wes Benneth!

That’s it. That’s the post.

Because how do I even begin to explain this???? Its the I hate you but I’ll happily burn the city down if someone hurts you.

Please if you don’t care WHY are you always there??? Why do you happen to remember things about her that she barely remembers herself??

And lets talk about the I’m gonna help you get the guy you like only to realize you’re in love with her and have been from the very beginning.

I LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE WES BENNETT.

Last but definitely not least:

LOVE ON THE BRAIN

Ali Hazlewood did it again.

And by now you guys have probably realize I love, love, LOVEE Ali.

Its the way Bee spent the entire book thinking this man hated her while the entire time he was over in a corner like a kicked puppy because she hasn’t realize that he’s in love with her.

And don’t even get me started on Leviiii. That man can simply have me. Put me in your pocket and take me. He owns me now and its a fact, i don’t make the rules guys.

Now

DRUM ROLL, PLEASE…

That, concludes my little unhinged rant on why I should legally be allowed to marry every single one of these fictional men.

If loving emotionally, unavailable, broody, secretly obsessed men is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right.

Drop a comment below and tell me about your favorite enemies-to-lovers books so I can properly faint over them. Because let’s be real I’m always looking for more fictional men to ruin my standards.

Until next time, my loves. Stay dramatic, stay delulu, and may your slow burns always be excruciatingly slow.

#JustKissAlready

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