How to Write an Unforgettable Enemies-to-Lovers Story

The enemies-to-lovers trope has captured readers’ hearts for centuries, offering some of the most emotionally charged and exciting narratives in literature. From classic stories like Pride and Prejudice to contemporary bestsellers, this dynamic never seems to lose its appeal. But what makes it so captivating? It’s the tension, the transformation, and the undeniable chemistry that develops between two characters who initially can’t stand each other.

Writing an enemies-to-lovers story requires patience, careful character development, and a willingness to build tension and conflict before delivering the sweet payoff. If you’re ready to write your own enemies-to-lovers story, here are some tips to help you craft a compelling and unforgettable tale.

Create a Believable Conflict

At the heart of any great enemies-to-lovers story is a strong, believable conflict that explains why these two characters can’t stand each other. This conflict is the catalyst for everything that follows, setting the stage for the characters’ growth and eventual romantic development.

Think about what caused the animosity: Are they business rivals fighting for the same prestigious award? Did one character betray the other in the past, creating a deep-seated grudge? A strong conflict should challenge both characters, revealing their values, flaws, and vulnerabilities.

Some questions to consider:

What are the first impressions of these characters?
What is the source of their hatred or rivalry?
Is the conflict personal, professional, or based on a misunderstanding?

A well-crafted conflict provides a solid foundation for the emotional depth of your story, making the eventual resolution all the more satisfying.

Example: When Elizabeth first meets Darcy, she is put off by his pride, his arrogance and his miserable countenance – then she overhears him say of her, “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” Darcy, on the other hand, is repelled by her family’s lack of propriety.

Build Tension Through Chemistry

The true magic of enemies-to-lovers stories lies in the simmering tension between the characters. Whether it’s through sharp-witted banter or those heart-pounding moments when they’re forced to work closely together, every interaction should ignite that slow-burning chemistry.

Tension can manifest in many ways:

Witty banter: Let the characters trade clever, sarcastic dialogue that showcases their intelligence, humour or unique perspective.
Close encounters: Put them in situations where they’re physically or emotionally close, forcing them to see each other in a new light.

Keeping the tension high ensures that readers will remain on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the moment when these enemies finally become lovers.

Allow for Gradual Growth and Vulnerability

For an enemies-to-lovers romance to feel authentic, it must be a gradual process. This isn’t a story where two characters simply “fall in love” overnight. Rather, they should slowly begin to see past their animosity and recognise each other’s humanity.

Small moments of vulnerability — whether it’s one character helping the other in a moment of need or offering an apology for past wrongs — can signal this shift. Over time, their walls should come down, revealing strengths, insecurities, and softer sides that were hidden beneath their initial hostility.

Here’s how you can show this evolution:

Let the characters witness each other’s struggles, strengths, and vulnerabilities.
Create situations where they have to work together or rely on each other.
Provide opportunities for them to challenge each other’s perspectives and grow personally.

Avoid Unrealistic Resolutions

It’s tempting to have your characters fall in love after one big confrontation or dramatic moment, but in a true enemies-to-lovers story, such a quick resolution would feel forced and unearned. Instead, allow the characters to work through their differences, rebuild trust if necessary, and come to a place where they can truly appreciate each other.

A satisfying resolution should:

Show that the characters have addressed and resolved their conflict.
Demonstrate that they’ve grown as individuals and partners.
Align with the personalities and experiences of both characters, making their transition from enemies to lovers feel authentic.

Rushing the resolution can undermine the emotional journey the characters have gone through, so take your time to let the romance unfold naturally.

Give Each Character an Individual Arc

While romance is central to the story, a strong enemies-to-lovers narrative also requires the personal growth of each character. Think about how their relationship with the other challenges their flaws and how they change over the course of the story.

How does the relationship force each character to confront their own weaknesses?
What do they learn about themselves through their interactions with the other person?
How have they evolved by the end of the story?

Incorporate Tropes and Subversions

One of the reasons enemies-to-lovers stories are so captivating is their versatility. You can incorporate other popular tropes to add layers and intrigue to your story, or even subvert expectations to surprise your readers.

Consider playing with:

Forced proximity: Perhaps the characters are stranded together during a storm or forced to collaborate on a project.
Fake dating: They pretend to be in a relationship for mutual benefit, which complicates things as real feelings start to develop.
Misunderstandings: A key revelation shifts their understanding of each other and challenges their assumptions. (A note on misunderstandings: This can be difficult to write as misunderstandings can be easily corrected. If you want to use this trope, consider why a misunderstanding might not be resolved early on in the story to avoid any plot holes).

Keep the Stakes High

The stakes of your enemies-to-lovers story should be significant — both for the characters and the world around them. What’s at risk if they stay enemies? What’s at risk if they fall in love? How do external pressures force them to confront their feelings for each other?

Consider how the larger world influences the relationship:

Are there professional consequences if they don’t reconcile?
How does their rivalry affect their personal lives, and how does that add tension to the romance?
If they have a wider, shared friendship group, how do those around them feel about their rivalry, and what impact does it have on them?

Deliver a Satisfying Payoff

The moment when the characters finally admit their feelings for each other is the culmination of everything that’s come before it, and it should be an emotional, rewarding moment. Reflect on how far the characters have come and tie in moments from earlier conflicts or moments of connection to make the payoff feel even more satisfying.

A great payoff: