💔 5 Enemies-to-Lovers Tropes Readers Can’t Get Enough Of

As an indie romantasy author, I’ve learned that enemies-to-lovers isn’t just a trope — it’s an obsession. There’s something delicious about watching characters who hate each other slowly (and reluctantly) fall in love. If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with tension, betrayal, and undeniable chemistry, here are 5 tropes readers absolutely adore:  

1. Warring Kingdoms, Forbidden Hearts 

Think: “We’re political enemies… but our souls don’t care.”

When heirs to rival thrones are forced into close quarters — whether through peace treaties, war, or arranged alliances — it sets the stage for a high-stakes romance that’s equal parts passion and pain.

 
 2. Assassin vs Target 

“I was sent to kill you… now I’m protecting you.”

This trope layers emotional conflict with moral tension. When one character is tasked with destroying the other, but feelings get in the way, the result is slow-burn fire and complex loyalty.

 
 3. Enemies Forced to Work Together 

“We hate each other, but we’re stuck on the same mission.”

Whether it’s a magical quest, cursed journey, or shared goal, putting two enemies on the same path creates banter, tension, and those perfect accidental touches.

 
 4. One Is Cursed, One Is the Cure 

“To break the curse, we must trust each other.”

A magical twist on enemies-to-lovers. Maybe one holds the other’s fate in their hands — and they both hate it. But healing forces connection… and eventually, love.

 
 5. The Betrayal Turned Bond 

“I ruined your life. Now I’m trying to save it.”

One character betrayed the other in the past. They’re haunted by guilt, and the betrayed one is full of anger… but when fate throws them back together, sparks fly and trust slowly rebuilds.

 
 🌙 Which One is Your Favorite?

I use several of these tropes in my romantasy novels — especially in Kingdom of Ashen Frost and Crown of Hollow Stars.

💌 Explore the worlds of cursed princes, rival kingdoms, and starbound destinies at jeanneyue.com