Enemies-to-lovers with witty banter, a slow teasing build-up of sexual tension and a sweet kind but misunderstood hero.
If you loved The Hating Game, Well, I’ve got some good news. I’ve put together a list of 11 other amazing books that are just as tasty. They’ve got all the sizzle, snappy banter, and heartwarming love stories you could ask for. Whether you’re a romance junkie or just looking to dip your toes into this addictive genre, these novels will sweep you off your feet. Get ready to embark on a journey from enemies to lovers that’ll have you totally hooked.
Books like The Hating Game
The Spanish Love Deception (2021)
by Elena Armas
If you’re in the mood for a delightful romantic comedy that will make your heart flutter, look no further than “The Spanish Love Deception” by Elena Armas. This charming novel will whisk you away to the sunny shores of Spain, where love, laughter, and unexpected twists await.
In this captivating story, we meet Isabel, a smart and independent woman who finds herself tangled in a web of lies and mistaken identity. When a case of mistaken identity leads her to pretend to be someone else, Isabel must navigate through a whirlwind of hilarious and sometimes awkward situations. Along the way, she discovers unexpected friendships, encounters sizzling chemistry, and learns valuable lessons about love and authenticity.
Elena Armas’s writing is light, breezy, and effortless, making it a joy to read. The characters, like in ‘The Hating Game,’ are endearing and relatable, with their flaws and quirks adding depth and authenticity to the story. You’ll find yourself rooting for Isabel as she navigates the twists and turns of her romantic adventure.
Total Pages– 487 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.86
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 16 hours and 14 minutes to finish The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas.
The Kiss Quotient (2018)
by Helen Hoang
Stella Lane, the endearing protagonist, is a brilliant mathematician with a unique perspective on relationships. She struggles with social interactions and intimacy due to her autism spectrum disorder. Determined to improve her dating skills, Stella hires a charming and patient male escort named Michael Phan.
Michael, agrees to help Stella. As they spend more time together, their professional arrangement evolves into something deeper and more meaningful. Stella and Michael navigate their growing connection, confronting their insecurities and fears along the way. Stella must learn to trust her heart and embrace her true self, while Michael grapples with his own emotional baggage. But can Stella overcome her fears and trust her heart?
Total Pages– 323 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.91
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 46 minutes to finish The Kiss Quotient.
Love Lettering (2019)
by Kate Clayborn
Megan Harper, a talented calligrapher with a knack for noticing the hidden patterns of the world, finds herself at a crossroads in life. While walking through the city one day, she stumbles upon a hidden message in the design of a wedding program—a subtle clue that reveals a couple’s troubled future. This discovery leads Megan to question her own romantic choices and the true meaning behind her craft.
Enter Theo, a charming and mysterious customer who requests Megan’s calligraphy services. As Megan and Theo spend more time together, they form an unexpected connection. Megan’s analytical mind clashes with Theo’s carefree spirit, creating a dynamic and electric relationship. Together, they embark on a journey of self-reflection, healing, and the unraveling of the mysteries of the heart.
As Megan and Theo navigate the streets of New York, they encounter the magic of handwritten letters, late-night walks, and shared secrets. They discover that love is not always straightforward and that relationships require vulnerability and trust. Through their shared experiences, Megan and Theo learn the importance of embracing imperfections and finding beauty in the unexpected.
Total Pages– 307 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.69
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 14 minutes to finish Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn.
Dating you/Hating you (2017)
by Christina Lauren
‘Dating You/Hating You’ is set in the competitive world of Hollywood talent agencies. This enemies-to-lovers story follows the hilarious and unpredictable journey of Evie Abbey and Carter Aaron.
Evie and Carter are both successful and ambitious talent agents working for rival companies. When their agencies merge, they find themselves pitted against each other for the same job. Sparks fly immediately, but their undeniable chemistry is overshadowed by their determination to outdo one another.
Despite their initial antagonism, Evie and Carter soon discover that they have more in common than they thought. They share a love for their careers, a wicked sense of humor, and a genuine passion for the entertainment industry. As their professional rivalry intensifies, so does their undeniable attraction.
Amidst office pranks, hilarious banter, and unexpected romantic encounters, Evie and Carter’s relationship takes an unexpected turn. They must navigate the complexities of their careers while also exploring the possibility of a genuine connection. But with their jobs on the line, will they choose love or success? Read the book to find out. The characters and witty banter of Evie and Carter will remind you of ‘The Hating Game’
Total Pages– 368 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.61
Amazon Rating– 4.1
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 16 minutes to finish Dating You/ Hating You by Christina Lauren.
The Love Hypothesis (2021)
by Ali Hazelwood
Olive Smith, a dedicated and brilliant physicist, has always prioritized her career over romance. But when she faces a potential setback in her academic journey, she finds herself in need of a fake boyfriend to prove her worth to her colleagues and secure her dream research position.
Enter Adam Carlsen, Olive’s infuriatingly attractive and charming lab partner. Adam agrees to be Olive’s pretend boyfriend, hoping to improve his own reputation and overcome his own personal struggles. As they navigate the challenges of pretending to be in love, a genuine connection begins to form, blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s pretend.
As Olive and Adam spend more time together, they discover unexpected layers to each other’s personalities. Their witty banter and undeniable chemistry make it difficult to deny their growing feelings. But will they be able to let go of their insecurities and fears to embrace the possibility of true love?
Total Pages– 383 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.18
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 46 minutes to finish The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood.
It Happened One Summer (2021)
by Tessa Bailey
A delightful contemporary romance novel that will sweep you off your feet, ‘It Happened One Summer’ is a delightful escape into a world of love, self-discovery, and second chances. With its charming characters, picturesque setting, and sizzling chemistry, this book is a perfect summer read.
In Westport, Piper Bellinger, a socialite and Hollywood “wild child”meets Brendan Knight, a grumpy but irresistibly handsome fisherman who is as stubborn as he is attractive. Despite their initial clash of personalities, the undeniable sparks between them ignite a fiery attraction. As Piper and Brendan spend more time together, they discover that they have more in common than they first realized.
As the summer unfolds, Piper learns important life lessons about love, family, and following her dreams. Along the way, she must confront her past and decide what truly matters to her.
Like ‘The Hating Game,’ ‘It Happened One Summer’ features an enemies-to-lovers trope.
Total Pages– 385 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.00
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 50 minutes to finish It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey.
You Deserve Each Other (2020)
by Sarah Hogle
If you’re a fan of “The Hating Game” and looking for a book that delivers a similar blend of witty banter, enemies-to-lovers romance, and laugh-out-loud moments, then “You Deserve Each Other” by Sarah Hogle is the perfect next read for you.
In You Deserve Each Other,’ Naomi and Nicholas appear to be the perfect couple. But beneath their facade of love and happiness, there’s a secret: they can’t stand each other. Their relationship has deteriorated into a battle of wills and passive-aggressive pranks. Neither wants to be the one to call off their impending wedding, as doing so would mean admitting defeat.
As the story unfolds, Naomi and Nicholas find themselves locked in a hilarious and often absurd competition to see who can outwit and outlast the other. But beneath the layers of sarcasm and spite, a glimmer of their former affection begins to resurface.
Total Pages– 368 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.93
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 16 minutes to finish You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle.
Shipped (2021)
by Angie Hockman
Just like ‘The Hating Game,’ ‘Shipped’ offers a delicious enemies-to-lovers office romance. The main characters, Henley and Graeme, find themselves competing for a promotion in their dream company during a team-building cruise. The story takes place on a luxurious cruise ship sailing through the Galapagos Islands.
Henley Evans is a driven and ambitious marketing manager at a cruise line company called “Seaquest.” Henley has always been a dedicated employee, striving for success and aiming for the top. When her dream promotion is suddenly up for grabs, she is determined to prove herself and secure the position.
Graeme Crawford-Collins is Henley’s infuriatingly handsome and equally competitive coworker. Henley and Graeme have a longstanding professional rivalry, constantly butting heads and engaging in spirited banter. When their boss decides to send them on a company-sponsored cruise to the Galapagos Islands, the tension between them reaches new heights.
As they navigate the challenges of their professional lives while being stuck together on a ship, Henley and Graeme find themselves drawn to each other in unexpected ways. The breathtaking beauty of the Galápagos Islands serves as a backdrop for their evolving relationship.
Total Pages– 336 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.64
Amazon Rating– 4.0
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 11 hours and 12 minutes to finish Shipped by Angie Hockman.
Beach Read (2020)
by Emily Henry
January Andrews, a bestselling romance author, finds herself at a crossroads in life. Struggling with writer’s block and facing the recent loss of her father, she retreats to the beach house he left her in his will. Little does she know that her next-door neighbour is none other than Augustus Everett, a literary fiction writer known for his brooding demeanour.
January and Gus strike up an unlikely friendship, bonding over their shared passion for storytelling. In an unexpected twist, they make a pact to swap genres and write books that challenge their usual styles. As they delve into their writing projects, their connection deepens, and they discover hidden depths to one another.
Through heartwarming and poignant moments, January and Gus slowly uncover each other’s vulnerabilities and secrets, unravelling their own personal traumas along the way. As they confront their pasts, they learn valuable lessons about forgiveness, healing, and the importance of taking risks in love and life.
Total Pages– 400 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.02
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 20 minutes to finish Beach Read by Emily Henry.
Twice Shy (2021)
by Sarah Hogle
This delightful novel tells the story of Maybell Parish, a young woman who inherits a house in the small town of Ballybeg.
When Maybell arrives at her newfound property, she discovers it’s not quite the dream home she imagined. The house is in a state of disrepair and comes with an unexpected co-owner, the grumpy and reclusive Wesley Koehler. Despite their initial clashes, Maybell and Wesley are bound together by the terms of the will.
As the two of them navigate the challenges of fixing up the house, an amusing and endearing dynamic begins to develop between Maybell and Wesley. They gradually start to unravel each other’s layers, revealing vulnerabilities, and uncovering unexpected connections. Maybell’s optimism and Wesley’s guarded nature create a unique and captivating chemistry.
Total Pages– 302 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.69
Amazon Rating– 4.1
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 10 hours and 4 minutes to finish Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle.
The Unhoneymooners (2019)
by Christina Lauren
Another enemies-to-lovers story in the list, ‘The Unhoneymooners’ is a delightful romantic comedy that takes readers on a hilarious and unexpected adventure.
Olive Torres finds herself in a rather unusual predicament when she ends up on her twin sister’s dream honeymoon with none other than her nemesis, Ethan Thomas.
Olive, plagued by a streak of bad luck, believes that everything is always better for her sister, Ami. However, when the entire wedding party falls victim to food poisoning except for Olive and Ethan, they are left with non-refundable tickets for a luxurious trip to Hawaii.
Reluctantly, Olive and Ethan agree to pretend to be newlyweds, hoping to avoid any awkwardness or confrontation. But as they spend more time together, they discover that their initial animosity may have been based on misunderstandings and assumptions.
Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Hawaii, Olive and Ethan navigate unexpected encounters, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry. As they embark on adventures and face hilarious mishaps, they begin to question their preconceived notions about each other and unravel a surprising web of secrets and hidden desires.
Total Pages– 432 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.93
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 14 hours and 24 minutes to finish The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.
Conclusion to Books like The Hating Game
And that concludes the list for books like The Hating Game!
As we wrap up our tour of these 11 enemies-to-lovers books, I hope you’ve enjoyed the ride as much as I have. These books like “The Hating Game,” serve up a delicious mix of passion, sparks, and heartwarming transformations. So, go ahead and grab one of these reads for a taste of love’s sweet journey from foes to something much sweeter.
However, if you want more books like The Hating Game beyond the list above, you should consider-
- The Switch by Beth O’Leary
- The Happily Ever After Playlist by Abbie Jimenez
- Well Met by Jen DeLuca
- The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Praise by Sara Cate
- Anything You Can Do by R.S.Grey
- The Favour by Suzanne Wright