How to Write Enemies to Lovers: A Guide for Fantasy Writers
Enemies to lovers is the ultimate trope for fiery tension, slow-burn romance, and that delicious payoff when two characters finally come together after being at odds.
But nailing the dynamic isn’t easy—it takes the right balance of conflict, chemistry, and growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to write enemies to lovers in a way that hooks readers and keeps them rooting for your characters, you’re in the right place.
In this post, we’ll break it down step by step.
P.S. If you want an in-depth guide with prompts and examples, check out our Enemies to Lovers Workbook.
What makes the enemies to lovers trope so irresistible?
At its core, enemies to lovers is about transformation. It’s the journey from animosity to affection, mistrust to vulnerability, and from tension to an unbreakable bond. The best enemies to lovers stories keep readers hooked with sharp dialogue, high stakes, and layers of emotional depth.
Some reasons readers adore this trope:
Conflict creates chemistry: Heated arguments often lead to fiery attraction.
The emotional payoff: Watching two characters break down walls to be together is deeply satisfying.
Tension builds the romance: Readers love that slow, sweet burn where every glance, argument, and touch feels charged.
How to craft compelling enemies
Your first step in learning how to write enemies to lovers is to create strong, believable reasons for your characters to dislike each other. A weak conflict will kill the tension before it even starts. To get it right, consider these tips:
Give them clashing goals or values
Enemies to lovers works best when both characters have opposing motivations or worldviews. Maybe one is sworn to protect a magical artifact, while the other is determined to destroy it. Or perhaps one views the other as a threat to their kingdom’s survival.
Build a strong reason for the animosity
Surface-level dislike (“She’s too cocky!”) won’t cut it. Create a history or circumstances that force these characters to see each other as threats. Betrayals, past hurts, or being on opposing sides of a war can provide that extra depth.
Building the transition from enemies to lovers
One of the biggest challenges (and fun!) of how to write enemies to lovers is making the transition feel authentic. Here’s how to achieve that:
Start with genuine conflict
The “enemies” part of the equation must feel authentic. Both characters should believe they’re justified in their dislike or mistrust of the other.
Tip: Avoid making one character entirely wrong or evil—nuance makes the eventual romance more believable.
Use tension-filled interactions
Your characters’ early encounters should crackle with tension. Whether they’re sniping at each other during a heated debate or crossing swords in a duel, every interaction should deepen their dynamic.
P.S. If you want to deepen your understanding of character development to make these transitions even stronger, check out this guide on How to write a captivating character arc.
Slow burn or fast burn? You decide
Enemies to lovers can unfold at different paces, but the slow burn is a fan favorite. Here’s how to handle both approaches:
Slow burn: Let the feelings simmer
In a slow burn, the shift from enemies to lovers takes time. Characters might deny their feelings or struggle with trust issues before they finally admit their love.
Strengths: Builds emotional depth and keeps readers hooked.
Challenges: Requires patience and careful pacing.
Example: In The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, the tension between Oraya and Raihn is evident from the start, as their conflicting goals and uneasy alliance gradually evolve into a layered and compelling relationship.
Fast burn: Accelerate the chemistry
If your story demands quicker pacing, a fast-burn enemies to lovers arc can work too. Just make sure the change doesn’t feel forced—use intense external events to push the characters together.
Strengths: High energy and fast payoff.
Challenges: Risk of feeling rushed.
Tropes to sprinkle in for maximum impact
When learning how to write enemies to lovers, incorporating complementary (and juicy) tropes can take your story to the next level. Here are a few to consider:
Forced proximity: Lock them in a dungeon, trap them on a quest, or make them reluctant allies.
Banter and snark: Sharp, witty dialogue is a must.
A secret soft spot: One character defends the other, revealing hidden affection.
Betrayal and redemption: A moment where trust is broken, only to be rebuilt stronger.
Pitfalls to avoid when writing enemies to lovers
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.
A quick example: Crafting an enemies to lovers arc
Let’s say your story involves a rogue thief (A) and a loyal knight (B):
Enemies phase:
A and B clash when A steals a powerful artifact B was sworn to protect.
Their first meeting is filled with insults and a brief but tense sword fight.
Uneasy allies:
They’re forced to work together to stop a greater threat.
Tension builds as they argue over every decision, but trust starts to form during a dangerous mission.
Romantic sparks:
A saves B’s life, and B starts seeing A’s softer side.
Small, charged moments (a lingering glance, accidental touch) hint at growing feelings.
The turning point:
A betrays B, thinking it’s for the greater good.
B confronts A, and they both admit their true feelings amidst the fallout.
The payoff:
A redeems themselves and earns back B’s trust.
They finally admit their love after overcoming their differences.
Wrap up your enemies to lovers story with a satisfying conclusion
Once the enemies to lovers arc reaches its peak, give readers the payoff they’ve been waiting for. Whether it’s a dramatic confession during a battle or a quiet moment of vulnerability, the ending should feel earned and true to the characters’ journey.
If you're still wondering how to write enemies to lovers in a way that captivates your readers, check out our Enemies to Lovers Workbook to map out your own juicy romance arc.
Happy writing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
