Historical settings play a huge role. The historical backdrop provides a rich context for the enmity and the subsequent love. It could be a time of war, like in some novels where a soldier and a civilian start off at odds due to the chaos of war but then find love. Or it could be a strict social hierarchy era, which gives reasons for the initial differences between the characters.
The slow - burn aspect is also important. These novels often take time to develop the relationship. The characters go from hating or disliking each other to gradually having feelings. It's not an instant love. In 'The Duke and I', Daphne and Simon's relationship evolves over time as they interact more and more, and their initial animosity fades away bit by bit.
First, there's the obvious initial hostility between the main characters. This creates a lot of tension that drives the plot forward. Second, the build - up of sexual tension is a key part, which is what makes it'steamy'. Third, there's usually a moment of realization or a change in circumstances that makes them see each other in a new light and start to fall in love.
Often, these novels also deal with themes of acceptance, not just of their relationship but also of themselves. Since they start as enemies, they have to overcome their own prejudices. In a gay romance context, this can also be related to coming out and dealing with society's views, which adds depth to the story.
In enemies to lovers romance novels, the characters often have very different personalities or goals that create the enmity. For instance, in 'A Court of Mist and Fury', the main characters are from different worlds with different agendas. There's also the element of forced proximity in many of these novels. This forces the characters to interact more and break down their barriers. Also, the journey of the relationship is filled with self - discovery. As they fall in love, they also learn more about themselves, like in 'You Deserve Each Other' where the couple re - evaluates themselves during the process of falling back in love.
A good one is 'Devil in Winter' by Lisa Kleypas. Sebastian, Viscount St. Vincent, and Evie are sort of enemies in the beginning. Evie is in a difficult situation and Sebastian offers a rather self - serving solution which she initially resents. But as they are forced to be in each other's company, they grow closer and their relationship turns into a loving one. These novels are great because they show the development from animosity to love in a historical context, with all the social rules and expectations adding to the drama.
Character growth is a key characteristic. The characters start off with negative views of each other. But as the story progresses, they learn to see past their differences. In 'Red, White & Royal Blue', the two main characters grow from being political rivals to lovers, and in the process, they become more understanding and empathetic.
Character development is a big part. The characters have to change their initial negative views of each other. In a good 'enemies to lovers' BL novel, you'll see how they gradually start to understand and care for one another. For instance, they might discover shared traumas or interests that bridge the gap between them.
The transformation from hatred to love is exciting. In historical settings, there are often strict social norms. So when two enemies break those barriers to be together, it's thrilling. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth and Darcy had to overcome class differences and their own pride and prejudice, which was against the social expectations of their time.
One great one is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet start off as enemies. Elizabeth thinks Darcy is proud and haughty, and Darcy looks down on Elizabeth's family at first. But as the story unfolds, they gradually see each other's true selves and fall in love.
The 'Outlander' series by Diana Gabaldon also has an enemies - to - lovers aspect. Claire Randall, a World War II nurse, is transported back in time to 18th - century Scotland. There, she meets Jamie Fraser. At first, they have misunderstandings and conflicts. Jamie is part of a Scottish clan that has its own issues and Claire is an outsider. But over time, their relationship develops into a passionate love affair.
One popular 'enemies to lovers' romance novel is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. The initial animosity between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is well - known. Another is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne, which features two coworkers who can't stand each other at first but gradually fall in love.