You ever hear the phrase: “it’s a thin line between love and hate”? I’m pretty sure it comes from a song (at least that’s what’s in my head now) but it’s something that I see often in one of my favorite book tropes, enemies-to more (aka enemies-to-lovers). I like to find out why two people who claim to hate each other end up falling for each other. In my opinion, it’s usually a misconception or a biased one character has that gives them an opportunity for growth. And I’m all about growth. So this past weekend, I went searching for books that use that trope and are Christian contemporary romances. There are tons of books so I decided to list the ones I haven’t yet read but peaked my interest and landed on my TBR pile. So here we go (in no particular order):
Falling for the Foe by Milla Holt
Let’s hear it for an IR author! I haven’t yet read this one but I’m all for interracial romances and international ones. This one is definitely going on my want-to-read list.
Cross my Heart by Emma Browne
Here’s another book that’s set internationally. This time you’ll travel to Scotland (lovely bookish destination imo) and discover how two opposites can fall in love.
Blurb: Julia comes home to her flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, to find her brother’s annoying friend Nick is living in her flat. Nick won’t go away, and soon their frenemy relationship turns into friendship, and attraction turns into… love. But Julia’s guilty conscience and Nick’s broken background put up hurdles for their relationship, and they soon find themselves questioning the beliefs they’ve held as true for as long as they can remember.
Fixed Up by Jessica Leigh Johnson
I admit it’s the books in the background that drew my attention. After all, the cover is the first thing that grabs me. But this book also sounds like blind date fix up and I’m so there. It’s landed on my TBR pile as well.
Dancing with Dandelion by Tara Grace Ericson
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Okay this cover gives me all the heart eye emoji feelings. It’s so pretty. I don’t think I’ve read the bloom sisters yet although I keep meaning too. Guess this means this gets a higher place on the TBR pile.
Teapots & Tiaras by Autumn Macarthur
Here’s another one that has an adorable cover. The flowers and cute kid draw me in so I was surprised to learn it’s an enemies-to-more book.
I could list more but then this blog post would never end. :)
If I missed one that you would recommend, leave the title suggestion in the comments!
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness. She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Find out more on her website at http://tonishiloh.com.
I haven’t read these, either, but Autumn’s book is in my TBR stack!! I know there are some in this trope I’ve read, but I can rarely think of names of books! And, actually, the one I’m editing now would fit perfectly!!!
I have read “Falling for the Foe” by Milla Holt and “Dancing with Dandelion” by Tara Grace Ericson. Both of these are great reads. You will definitely enjoy them.
I’ve read ‘Dancing with Dandelion ‘ and ‘Teapots and Tiaras’ and really enjoyed them both.
I do like this trope, but it has to be done in a believable way – enough genuine reasons for the hero and heroine to dislike each other (or think they do!) so they don’t just seem petty or judgemental, then enough real change for them to be able to develop the relationship. It’s a difficult balance!
Who are you editing for?
Yay! So glad to hear that!
I agree but definitely one I enjoy reading.
Aw, so flattered to be mentioned! Enemies to love has been a favourite trope of mine since I read Pride and Prejudice. :-) More books to add to my list! I love everything of Autumn’s and Tara Grace’s that I’ve read.
P&P is the best!
I edited/proofread for 14 different indie authors last year! And just finished one this morning, a few hours after I posted. Now, I have two books waiting for me! I don’t usually tell people which authors I work for.
Understand!
Jessica Johnson is a critique partner of mine. Fixed Up is cute!
Oh good to know!
Teapots and Tiaras is a huge fave, as is Dancing with Dandelion! One of my favourite tropes!
interesting books
Thank you so much for sharing. I cannot think of any at this time. God bless you.
This trope is awesome!
Blessings to you too!
I thought so too!