The enemies to lovers trope is the gold standard for tension, banter, and that sweet, sweet emotional payoff when two people who can’t stand each other finally give in.
But writing it right isn’t easy. You need strong conflict, slow-burn chemistry, and character growth that feels earned.
If you’ve been wondering how to write the enemies to lovers trope so it feels real and keeps readers hooked, this guide breaks down exactly how to do it, from the trope’s meaning to its outline, examples, and pitfalls to avoid.
And if you want a deeper dive with prompts and examples? Grab the Enemies to Lovers Workbook for a full step-by-step breakdown tailored for fantasy writers.
What is the enemies to lovers trope?
At its core, the enemies to lovers trope is about transformation. It’s a story where hate slowly turns into love, and mistrust gives way to vulnerability.
Readers love it because it gives them everything they crave in a romance:
- Conflict that creates chemistry. Every argument or fight builds tension.
- Emotional payoff. Watching characters break down their walls hits hard.
- Unresolved tension. Every glance and almost-touch is loaded with meaning.
This is why the enemies to lovers arc works so well in fantasy and romantasy — the emotional struggle mirrors the high stakes of the world around them.
If you’re mixing magic and tension, you might like my guide on how to write romantasy.
How to build believable enemies
A great enemies to lovers romance starts with strong reasons for conflict. If your characters’ hatred feels shallow, the whole thing collapses.
1. Give them opposing goals or values
The best enemies to lovers plots come from clashing beliefs. Maybe one character guards a magical artifact while the other is sworn to destroy it. The conflict should matter to both of them.
2. Make the animosity real
“Ugh, he’s annoying” isn’t enough. Root their dislike in something deeper like betrayal, rivalry, or past wounds that still sting.
3. Avoid making one side purely evil
Readers should see why both characters believe they’re right. That balance makes the tension believable and the romance satisfying when it finally pays off.
Enemies to lovers trope outline
Let’s map out a simple enemies to lovers trope outline that captures the emotional beats and helps you pace your story.
Phase 1: Real conflict
They have strong, valid reasons to hate each other. Both are convinced the other is wrong or dangerous. Don’t make them like each other too soon because readers want to feel the friction.
Phase 2: Forced proximity
Something traps them together. Maybe they’re stuck on a quest, imprisoned, or bound by magic. The more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to maintain the hate.
Phase 3: Cracks in the armor
They notice something that doesn’t fit their image of the other (i.e., a quiet act of kindness, a moment of bravery, a hint of shared pain). Curiosity creeps in.
Phase 4: Vulnerability and connection
A late-night conversation or a close-call moment breaks the tension. Suddenly, the other person doesn’t seem like the enemy anymore.
Phase 5: Betrayal and realization
The past catches up. Someone lies, betrays, or hurts the other, forcing them to confront how much they actually care.
Phase 6: Redemption and love
The final test. They forgive, choose each other, and come together not because they have to — but because they want to.
If you want a guided version of this arc with scene prompts and emotional beats, the fillable Enemies to Lovers Workbook walks you through it step by step.
Slow burn vs. fast burn romance in enemes-to-lovers
Both versions of the trope can work, but they create different experiences for the reader.
Slow burn romance (reader favorite)
The slow burn version takes its time. The characters fight their feelings, deny the attraction, and resist the pull for as long as possible.
- Strengths: deep emotional investment, more satisfying payoff
- Challenge: requires careful pacing
For more on pacing and tension, check out my post on how to write slow burn romance.
Fast burn romance
The relationship ignites quickly because of external pressure like a battle, a curse, or a mission gone wrong. The key is to make the emotions feel believable even when the pace is quick.
Enemies to lovers trope examples
Here’s how it could look in a fantasy setting:
Example: The rogue and the knight
- Enemies phase: The rogue steals a sacred artifact the knight was sworn to protect. Their first meeting ends in a sword fight and a bruised ego.
- Uneasy allies: They’re forced to work together to stop a greater threat. The tension grows as the trust builds.
- Turning point: The rogue saves the knight’s life. The knight starts to see the truth behind the mask.
- Betrayal: The rogue makes a choice that hurts the knight, believing it’s for the greater good.
- Resolution: They forgive, change, and choose each other. The trust feels earned, and so does the love.
Enemies to lovers trope mistakes to avoid
Even beloved tropes can go wrong. Watch out for these common mistakes:
Rushing the romance
Enemies to lovers needs tension and time. If your characters fall for each other too quickly, it’ll feel unearned.
Fix: Let your characters’ feelings evolve naturally through shared experiences and small moments of vulnerability.
Villainizing one character
Your characters should be flawed but redeemable. Making one irredeemably cruel can alienate readers and make the romance feel unhealthy.
Fix: Show their humanity early on, even if it’s just a fleeting moment of kindness or hesitation.
Forgetting the “enemies” part
Without true animosity, the payoff won’t hit as hard. Don’t be afraid to lean into their conflicts and differences before softening the edges.
How to wrap up your enemies-to-lovers trope
The ending of an enemies to lovers story should feel like the reward for everything they’ve gone through. Whether it’s a quiet confession or a dramatic “I’d die for you” moment during battle, make sure it fits the tone of your story.
They don’t need a perfect happily ever after, but they do need emotional closure.
And if you want to plan your own story with structure, beats, and prompts already mapped out, you can grab the Enemies to Lovers Workbook. It’ll help you build tension, pace the story right, and write the kind of payoff readers remember.
Happy writing!
Frequently asked questions about enemies-to-lovers trope
Can enemies to lovers work without a happy ending?
Absolutely. While many readers love a satisfying romantic resolution, not every enemies to lovers story needs a happily-ever-after. A bittersweet or tragic ending can still feel powerful if it aligns with your characters’ journeys. Just make sure the emotional arc feels complete, even if the romance doesn’t end on a positive note.
How do I balance the romance with the rest of my fantasy plot?
Integrate the romantic arc into the main story by tying their conflicts and growth to the overarching fantasy stakes. For example, if they’re battling a shared enemy, their relationship should evolve alongside their progress—or setbacks—in that battle. Make their dynamic feel essential to the plot rather than a side story.
Is it okay for one character to stay morally gray?
Yes! Morally gray characters can add depth and complexity to the enemies to lovers trope. The key is to show growth or vulnerability in their actions, even if they never fully align with traditional “good.” Readers are often drawn to characters who feel real and flawed, so embrace the gray area as long as it doesn’t veer into outright toxic or irredeemable behavior.
