22 Insanely romantic LGBTQ enemies to lovers books that you’ll absolutely love

Warning: Undefined variable $custom_content in /home/u555328483/domains/rainbowreadingnook.com/public_html/wp-content/themes/amelia-theme.2.6/functions.php on line 46

Recently updated on July 14th, 2024 at 11:29 am

Looking for  LGBTQ enemies to lovers books? Here are 22 LGBTQ+ Enemies to Lovers books you seriously need to read!

This post contains affiliate links. That said, I won’t ever recommend a book I haven’t read and loved myself.

If you look on my bookshelves, you will find so many enemies to lovers books! I am obsessed with the storyline of two people going from hate at first sight to falling in love.  If you’re also looking to add more LGBTQ+ books to your bookshelves then you’re in luck. There are a ton of insanely good LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers books.

Whether you’re looking for slow burn enemies to lovers books, LGBTQ+ Fantasy enemies to lovers books or LGBTQ+ romance books. Hopefully after reading this post you’ll have tons of new books on your tbr list. 

This post is all about LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers books

What are the best LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers books?

If you really can’t decide what to read next then use the flow chart below to help you decide your next read.

LGBTQ+  enemies to lovers books – fantasy

1. A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth

An underrated urban fantasy featuring several romances. It features a fae and mythical creatures in a modern city. Plus is includes 2 enemies to lovers romances.

A series of gruesome murders threatens to expose the faerie world to humans.  Four queer teens – Nausicaä, Arlo, Vehan, and Aurelian – each hold a piece of the truth. And they must track down the mysterious killer.

The characters in this book are well-developed!  Nausicaä is a grumpy, chaotic and sarcastic lesbian.  Nausicaä and Arlo have such a perfect slow burn enemies to lovers vibe.

This fantasy book is ideal for Sarah J Maas fans, as it has similar vibes to Crescent City. It includes enemies-to-lovers romance but this isn’t the focus of the storyline.

Looking for an audiobook? Then you should definitely give this one a listen. It features a full cast of narrators which make it so engrossing!

Good reads rating: 3.83

2. We set the dark on fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

One best queer enemies to lovers romances! This Ya dystopian novel features a wlw romance and Latine representation. Perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale.

We Set The Dark On Fire follows  Daniela Vargas. She lives in a dystopian world where each man is entitled to 2 wives. A Primera and a Segunda. The Primera is intelligent, calm and analytical. The Segunda is the mother figure.

Outside the wall, the people go hungry. Dani started life outside of the wall. And she must use her wits to survive illegally in the capital. She is also married to one of the most powerful men in the kingdom.

The premise was intriguing. And the main character was instantly likeable. She also grows a lot through the book. But the romance is what makes this so perfect. Two badass women who are married to a Straight man but fall in love with each other.

The world-building is also excellent. And the book has such dark academia vibes. It opens in a prep school for girls. But it discusses so many important issues such as immigration politics and forced marriage.

 We set the Dark on Fire features an intriguing dystopian premise and a likeable, strong-minded main character. This YA  LGBTQ+ Dystopian book explores immigration politics, toxic masculinity and feminism.

If you liked the Dark Academia elements of Legendborn then you should pick this one up. It’s an excellent ya dystopian books with dark academia worldbuilding. 

Good reads rating: 3.76

3. Crier’s War by Nina Varela

Crier’s War is an epic urban fantasy novel. And it features a true enemies-to-lovers romance with characters from completely different worlds.

A War has ravaged the kingdom of Rabu. The Automae took over their owner’s estates and bent the human race to their will.

Ayla is a human servant rising the ranks at the House of Soverign. She dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter – the beautiful Lady Crier.

Now, Ayla, a human servant rising the ranks at the House of the Sovereign, dreams of avenging the death of her family… by killing the Sovereign’s daughter, Lady Crier. Crier, who was Made to be beautiful, to be flawless. And to take over the work of her father.

Crier was Made to be beautiful, flawless, and to carry on her father’s legacy. But that was before her betrothal to the enigmatic Scyre Kinok, before she discovered her father isn’t the benevolent king she once admired, and most importantly, before she met Ayla.

Good reads rating: 4.17

4. The Dark Tide by Alicia Jasinska

An underrated romantasy. This fantasy book features an enemies-to-lovers romance with a witch queen. Set on an island, rugged coastal imagery fills the pages.

We follow Lina. She lives on a small island where the dark tide could cause it to sink. So, every year the Witch Queen lures a boy back to her palace and sacrifices her on the full moon. And so keeps the island city from sinking.

Lina is convinced her brother is going to be taken. She asks Thomas Lin to help. Thomas is the only person to survive the sacrifice. But they draw the Queen’s attention. And instead, Thomas is taken.

Lina offers herself instead of Thomas. But the queen is nothing like Eva expected. And they must choose between saving the island or themselves.

The premise of this book hooked me in straight away. A girl goes to save a guy but instead falls for the ‘villain’.  If you’re looking for a book with an enemies to lovers romance with a morally grey love interest – then this is the book for you.

It was such an angsty slow bur romance. And Lina and Eva had an amazing grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The cursed romance setup was so well executed and made the book so tragically romantic.

 The worldbuilding is also  really dark, moody and atmospheric. A sea wild tale.  it was beautifully written and I fell in love with the world. Full of bitter witches, sea, salt, blood and sacrifice. If you’re looking for LGBTQ Books with Witches then I have a whole guest post with queer witch books – you can check it out here.

Good reads rating: 3.83

5. Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan

When it comes to LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers books , you should read Girls of Paper and Fire. This dark ya fantasy features magic and a Asian Mythology. Make sure you read the content warnings before reading.

Girls of Paper and Fire follows Lei. She is a member of the Paper Caste. And the people of Ikhara persecute her.

 She sees the royal guards take her mother. Afterwards, Lei suffers with trauma. But the guards return and try to take Lei. She has to learn skills fitting of a King’s Consort. But she falls in love.

The worldbuilding in this book is seriously beautiful. Natasha Ngan was inspired by her own experiences growing up in Malaysia – a country with a mix of cultures. And Ikhara was heavily inspired by this.

The character development is  excellent. I loved the wlw romance in the book. The grumpy/sunshine trope was executed perfectly. The plot of the book is quite dark but it was handled really sensitively

The pacing did lapse a bit in the middle for me. But the character development was so good that I still enjoyed reading it.

Good reads rating: 3.82

6. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

Fan of dark academia books? Then you need to read A Marvellous Light. It features a gay enemies to lovers romance with magic, mystery and old libraries.

We follow Robin Blyth. Due to an administrative error, he is named liaison to a secret magical society. So, he is forced to  contend with magic’s dangers and a deadly curse while he searches for his missing predecessor.

To do this, he’ll need the help of Edwin Courcey. Edwin Courcey is his prickly magical society counterpart but he clearly wishes Robin were anyone else.

I love the secret society of magicians. And the Edwardian setting and mlm romance sets it apart from other books including secret magical societies.

 If you like historical fiction or dark academia then you need to read this one. It’s fantastic to read about gay men in an Edwardian setting.

For even more LGBTQ+ YA Fantasy books you can check out my blog post full of recommendations here.

Good reads rating: 4.13

7. Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

Not Your Sidekick is a superhero-themed novel featuring a queer enemies-to-lovers romance. The superhero concept allows the author to play with the concept of superheroes and supervillains in the romance.

We follow bisexual high school student Jessica Tran, she is resigned to a life without superpowers. And she decides to start an internship to improve her college applications. However, she quickly discovers it’s for a supervillain with her crush Abby.

Not Your Sidekick is a light, fluffy and fun read. It takes superhero tropes and gives a really refreshing take on a superhero story. If you enjoy urban fantasy books or ya contemporary then you should definitely read this one. The superhero storyline is woven seamlessly into modern everyday life.

It also manages to tackle a lot of issues while still staying fun. There is a whole series of these and I’ve already added Not Your Villain to my TBR list as I really loved Bells in Not Your Sidekick. 

8. Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Lesbian necromancers in space. Gideon the Ninth is a slow burn and hints at an enemies to lovers romance.

We follow Gideon. Unfriendly nuns have brought her up and she is ready to abandon a life of servitude. She packs up her sword and prepares to launch her daring escape.

But her childhood nemesis won’t set her free without a service.

The Emperor invites the heirs of each of his loyal Houses into a deadly trial. And Harrowhark Nonagesimus, Reverend Daughter of the Ninth House, is summoned into action. 

 If Harrowhark succeeds she will become an immortal, all-powerful servant of the Resurrection. But no necromancer can ascend without their cavalier.

Without Gideon’s sword, Harrow will fail, and the Ninth House will die.

Gideon’s personality sells this book. Her dry humour and the banter with Harrow will make you laugh out loud. But Gideon is also one of the more relatable characters I’ve read in a fantasy book. 

If you’re after wlw books then you 100% NEED to read this. 

9.This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

This Is How You Lose the Time War is a popular enemies to lovers romance. And I couldn’t write a post on queer enemies to lovers books without including it. But it won’t be suitable for everyone. This isn’t a light read.

I wasn’t a fan. Problem is, not much happens in the first 30 pages. Consequently, it isn’t easy to get into. Likewise, the writers delight in confusing and maddening the reader.  

This is How You Lose the Time War is set in the midst of a war. An agent of the Commandant finds a letter that reads burn before reading.  

This letter sparks an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents.   But what first begins as a taunt, grows into something more. Something romantic.

However, the discover of their bond would mean death for each of them. After all, there’s still a war going on. A war that someone has to win.

The idea of rivals in a war makes this a true enemies to lovers romance. While this book wasn’t personally for me, I can understand it’s popular. Cleverly written and full of beautiful prose. However, you need to pay attention when you read this.

LGBTQ+ Contemporary enemies to lovers books

10. Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

Her Royal Highness is a lighthearted enemies to lovers romance with a Princess. This is a low-stakes, cute romance and ideal if you’re after a feel-good read.

 It’s a light-hearted teen romance set in a school. The book follows Millie who is heartbroken when she discovers that her kinda girlfriend has been kissing someone else. After getting into a super elusive boarding school, she moves to Scotland. And this is where she meets Princess Flora.

Not only does this book include the enemies-to-lovers trope. But it also features the room-mates trope, royalty, an ex-girlfriend and a posh boarding schoolOh, and did I mention it’s all set in stunning Scottish highlands.

It did feel a litte rushed towards the end of the book. But it’s still a sweet and  irresistibly charming book. You could easily binge-read this in one sitting. It would be a great book to read on holiday or if you’re struggling to get out of a reading slump.

Good reads rating: 3.79

11. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

The Henna Wars is incredible!  This YA Contemporary features academic rivals. Two students set up rival Henna businesses for a school project. As well as adorable romance, it touches on cultural appropriation, bullying and racism.

We follow Nishat as she comes out to her parents as a lesbian. They’re happy for her to be whoever she wants to be. As long as she isn’t herself – because Muslim girls aren’t lesbians.

Her life becomes harder when she is reacquainted with a childhood friend – Flavia. Especially when in a school competition they both decide to start their own henna business.

Adiba Jaigirdar wrote The Henna Wars. She’s a  Bangladeshi, Irish writer who has been living in Dublin, Ireland from the age of 10.

This book includes a lovely queer f/f romance. But it’s also so much more than a romance It navigates homophobia, bullying, racism and cultural appropriation. It also includes one of the best main characters in Nishat. Nishat bravely deals with so many things being thrown at her.

This book deals with some heavy topics. But it still manages to remain a cute, funny and romantic debut novel. If you’re looking for ya lesbian books with more diverse representation then you should definitely read this book.

Good reads rating: 4.03

12. She drives me crazy by Kelly Quindlen

Enemies to lovers and fake dating is a winning combination. She Drives me Crazy is a queer sports romance featuring both of these tropes

We follow Scottie Zajac. She loses spectacularly to her ex-girlfriend in their first game since their break up. So she gets into a fender bender with the worst possible person. Her nemesis Irene Abraham.

Irene Abraham is incredibly beautiful but also incredible mean. And things only get worse when their nosey, do-gooder moms get involved. And the girls are forced to carpool together until Irene’s car gets out of the shop.

And it only gets worse the more time they spend together. But then an opportunity presents itself for Scottie to get back at her ex. And she bribes Irene into playing along.

This book is such a cute, light-hearted read. And it makes for such escapism. I often don’t want to read books that deal with heavy issues. Or that teach you something.  If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good ya lesbian book or a cute wlw romance then this is a great choice.

Good reads rating: 4.09

13. Running with Lions by Julian Winters

Running with Lions is an underrated queer sports romance set at a summer camp. It has an adorable mlm enemies to lovers romance with an ex-friend.

We follow Sebastian Hughes who is going to a summer training camp. And he is a member of an incredible team where he can be open about his sexuality. But Emir, an old best friend who hates his guts, is also at the camp.

I love how this book deals with sexuality in sports!  There are not enough books that deal explicity with sexuality and diversity within sports. It was so refreshing to read about an accepting football team.

The author is Julian Winters. He started writing because he couldn’t find any books with people like him. Running with Lions won accolades for its positive depictions of diverse, relatable characters. The relationships between the football team are insanely heartwarming. Sebastian’s team is a multi-ethnic group with many different sexual orientations and they almost become a family.

Good reads rating: 3.72

14. Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey Mcquiston

I seriously couldn’t write this post without including Red, White and Royal Blue. This new adult romance is one of the first books that comes to mind when you think queer enemies to lovers books. And its probably one of the most popular on this list. But for a good reason.

We follow Prince Henry and Alex Claremont Diaz. They cause a scandal in the press and have to pretend to be friends.

It made the New York Times Bestseller list and won a Good Reads Choice award. Also over 30,000 people have reviewed it on Good Reads.

 This is such a comforting book to read. It’s an empowering queer romance story that takes place in a parallel universe where a woman with mixed-race children is president. And it has such feel good vibes.

The relationships between the characters are what make this book so special. The chemistry between the main characters is excellent. And the banter is genuinely really funny.

Good reads rating: 4.21

15. Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar

Fans of enemies to lovers romance will love Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating. It features two completely different characters who come to understand each other through the course of the book.

Hani is bisexual but she is having trouble getting her friends to believe her. Ishu wants to be Head Girl.  

They decide to fake date so that Hani’s friends believe she is bisexual. And to help Ishu in her Head girl campaign.

The bisexual representation is executed so well in this book. There aren’t enough books that deal with biphobia. And this explicitly deals with biphobic bullying.

The fake dating trope is executed perfectly – it leads to so many funny moments. And both characters learn from each other. The writing is really funny and the grumpy/sunshine romance led to so many funny moments. It had me laughing out loud so many times.

 It’s an absolutely adorable book and the romance is perfect. The combination of tropes is executed really well. And this book will never fail to cheer you up.

Good reads rating: 4.21

16. Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales

If you’re looking for books with excellent bisexual representation then you need to Read Perfect on Paper. It’s a ya contemporary book featuring a bisexual character who falls for a straight guy. It is also an adorable enemies to lovers romance touching on biphobia.

Perfect on paper follows Darcy Phillips. She runs an anonymous service giving love advice to her classmates via a locker. They slip in their worries and she responds with a carefully worded response. But Alexander Brougham catches her in the act. And in exchange for keeping her secret, he asks her to be his dating coach.

If you like the fake dating trope, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. The ‘dating coach’ concept worked really well. And it allowed for so much character growth and development. I also really enjoyed the romance between Alexander and Darcy.

The discussions around bisexuality and biphobia in this book are excellent. You can clearly tell this is an own voices story. And the discussions around bisexual girls in relationships with guys is absolutely spot on.

Gonzales’ Writing style is excellent. There was no purple prose and it was very easy to read. The teenagers were also written really well. And they were very believable. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between all the characters.

Good reads rating: 4.13

17. Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

Written in the Stars is an incredible, feel good wlw romance. This enemies to lovers romance is a loose retelling of Pride & Prejudice. With two different personalities who come to understand each other through the course of the book.

Elle is  a free-spirited social media astrologer. She agrees to a disastrous first date with uptight actuary Darcy. 

After the terrible blind date, Darcy is determined to stop her brother from setting her up again. So she lies and starts a fake relationship with Elle.

Written in the stars is incredible. It’s a queer and contemporary version of Pride and Prejudice. The characters were so well-developed and well written. The fake-dating trope always allows for lots of character development.  But you could feel the chemistry through the pages  – it was written so well!

If you’re looking for Christmas wlw books this would be a great pick because it has great holiday vibes. It’s also set in Seattle and the imagery makes me want to visit there so much. A great choice if you’re looking for festive books with lesbian characters

Good Reads Rating: 3.93

18. Not my Problem by Ciara Smyth

Ciara Smyth writes hilarious wlw romance books. Not My problem is a funny coming of age novel full of heart and emotion. And I knew I’d love it from the first page. The queer enemies to lovers romance is perfectly executed.

Not My Problem follows Aideen.  Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t fix…

Her best (and only) friend is pulling away. Her mother’s drinking problem is a constant concern. She’s even running out of outlandish diseases to fake so she can skip PE.

But then Aideen stumbles on her nemesis, overachiever Meabh Kowalski, in a full-blown meltdown. She sees a problem that seems easy to solve. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help. By pushing Meabh down the stairs.Problem? Solved.

Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule.

But then another student learns about their little scheme. And they bring Aideen another “client” who needs her “help”. It kicks of a term of traded favours,  ill-advised hijinks, and an unexpected chance at love.

The concept behind this book worked perfectly. It allowed for hilarious antics and plenty of character development throughout the course of the books. The main character and side characters are all instantly likeable. Likewise, the writing style is easy to read.

If you’re after light-hearted Sapphic coming of age books, you’ll love this adorable romance.

Good Reads Rating: 4.16

19. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Delilah Green Doesn’t Care is an adorable romantic comedy featuring a bisexual main character and a lesbian. The enemies-to-lovers romance was well executed with excellent character development. It is also a great pick if you’re after spice.

This dual POV follows Delilah Green and Claire Sutherland.

Delilah Green swore she would never return to Bright Falls. Only memories of a lonely childhood with a distant stepfamily remain in Bright Falls. Her life is in New York with her photography career.

But then Delilah’s estranged stepsister pressures her into photographing her wedding. And Delilah finds herself back in the town. She plans to breeze in and out.

Claire Sutherland has raised her eleven year old daughter mostly on her own while also running a bookstore. With an unreliable ex, Claire Sutherland depends on a life without surprises.

And Delilah Green is an unwelcome surprise…at first.

This is such a quick read.  I binge read this in one sitting!

The writing is funny and easy to read, with a fast-paced plot. Funny, Steamy and heartfelt – this book is everything you want in a wlw romance. If you’re looking for Sapphic rom com books you’ll love this.

Fed up of wlw ya books? If you want wlw books for adults. I have some recommendations for you. Check out my post on wlw books for adults here.

Good Reads Rating: 3.67

20.  I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey Mcquiston

Fan of academic rivals? Then you need to read I kissed Shara Wheeler. This ya mystery book features a rivals-to-lovers romance. With a captivating mystery, adorable friendship group and captivating mystery, this is a compelling read.

It follows Chloe Green. She attends a Christian high school in the Bible Belt in the USA. The only thing that’s kept her going is winning Valedictorian. And the only thing stopping her is rival Shara Wheeler.

But a month before graduation, Shara Wheeler kisses her and then disappears.

This book  launches straight into the middle of the action. And this meant I was hooked almost straight away. If you liked the mystery elements of One Last Stop then you will love this one. 

Casey Mcquiston writes the most incredible friendship groups. The banter between the group is hilarious and chaotic.  And they are always diverse. If you like the friendship group in One Last Stop then you’ll also love this.

21. Never Ever Getting Back Together by Sophie Gonzales

Never Ever Getting Back Together is a fun, light-hearted enemies-to-lovers romance. It features two girls who dated the same toxic ex. This is paired with a reality tv show, slow burn romance and hilarious hijinks.

We follow Maya and Skye. Their now-famous ex-boyfriend asks them to participate in a teen reality show. One is bent on revenge and the other is open to rekindling romance. But they get tangled up in an unexpected twist when they fall for each other instead.

I first picked this up because the title reminded me of Taylor Swift (hands up if you have the song stuck in your head now!) But once you start reading, this addictive romance is hard to put down.

The reality tv show is essentially The Bachelor. The idea of contestants ditching their slimy exes and falling in love with each other is captivating. It deals with privilege and toxic exes well. My only criticism is that I’d like Maya and Skye to have more characterisation.

22. The Dos and Donuts of Love by Adiba Jaigirdar

Bake-Off Fan? The Dos and Donuts of Love is like the Bake-Off but gay. This heartwarming coming of age story balances competition with issues of representation in the media.

We follow Shireen Malik. A teenage girl still reeling from the breakup with her ex-girlfriend, Chris. But then she’s accepted as a contestant on a new televised baking competition show. This is Shireen’s dream come true!

Because winning will not only mean prize money, but it will also bring some much-needed attention to You Drive Me Glazy, her parents’ beloved donut shop.

But Chris is also a contestant on the show. Then there’s the outgoing Niamh. Shireen becomes fast friends with her. Things are heating up between them, and not just in the kitchen.

I find love triangles hit or miss. But this was exceptionally well-crafted. The story is well written with a fast-paced plot and an easy to read writing style. The puns made me chuckle and the food descriptions were mouthwatering.

This post was all about LGBTQ+ enemies to lovers books

Other posts you might like

23 Insanely Heartwarming wlw books you should definitely read

The 16 best books like Heartstopper to read ASAP

The Absolute Best WLW Enemies To Lovers Books You Need to Read

The 14 best LGBTQ+ books about coming out

10 Insanely Good LGBTQ+ books about Royalty