Hello! This is one of my favorite subs. I used to post in here a lot when I was younger. People are always so helpful. It’s like there isn’t a specific type of book people haven’t been able to find in this place.
I apologize if this has been asked before, but I did use the search bar and didn’t see anything that was exactly what I’m looking for.
I don’t like those books that are supposed to be e2l but are really just tsunderes pretending not to like each other. And by that I mean I don’t like that they are marketed as that. I enjoy a good tsundere story but it’s not e2l.
Btw if you don’t know what a tsundere is, it’s a Japanese term for someone who really likes someone, but acts aggressive towards them as a way to cover up their feelings.
In order to help you decide what to recommend, here is a short (but detailed) list of “enemies to lovers” books I did not like:
1. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – Ironically, I actually liked this book because the FMC and MMC got along so well. Toxic love interests are usually a dealbreaker for me. And I know what you’re gonna say…
“I thought you liked enemies to lovers???”
I don’t mind toxicity as long as there is character growth and development instead of the FMC developing Stockholm Syndrome like in a lot of taboo romance novels. Olive and Adam didn’t really have this issue.
2. The Twisted Series by Ana Huang – As I mentioned above, I strongly dislike controversial romances where the guy is a total douchebag.
3. After by Anna Todd – Same thing except, unlike the other 2, I hated everything about this book. At least Twisted was entertaining.
4. Bully by Penelope Douglas – Less boring than After. Just as problematic. Less problematic than Twisted. Just as many douchebag love interests.
5. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – Love interest is all bark no bite. Says he wants to kill her, but fucks her instead. I get that if she died there would be no story, but at least give him a good reason to spare her. Some kind of ulterior motive maybe.
6. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black – I hate to say this book was boring because I think it was written very well, but that was basically the only thing I found interesting about it. This is the only one on this list I consider real enemies to lovers, but the characters were so dull to me.
**TL;DR:** I would like an e2l book that is entertaining, the characters genuinely hate each other in the beginning, and there is actual improvement in both their relationship and individual maturity.
Thank you in advance! <3
by throwawaythetrash227