There's the 'enemies with benefits' trope, which can be a bit edgy. They start having a physical relationship while still being enemies in public. But as time goes on, feelings develop. The 'rival to teammate' trope is great too. They're rivals in a competition, but then they have to team up. During this process, they realize they have more in common than they thought. Also, the 'pride and prejudice' - like trope, where initial misunderstandings and pride keep them apart until they overcome those barriers.
A common trope is 'fake dating'. They pretend to be a couple for some reason, like to make someone jealous or to win a bet. While faking it, they start to have real feelings. 'Love - hate relationship' is another basic but effective trope. They constantly bicker and fight, but there's an underlying attraction. And the 'redemption arc' trope can be used. If one of them has done something wrong in the past, they try to redeem themselves in the eyes of the other, which leads to love.
One popular trope is the 'forced proximity'. For example, they get stuck in an elevator or on a deserted island. This forces them to interact and see each other in a new light. Another is the 'secret admirer' where one of them secretly likes the other even while being enemies publicly. The 'betrayal reveal' is also common. Maybe one discovers that the other was wrongly accused of something, which changes their feelings. And of course, the 'slow - burn' where the transition from hatred to love is very gradual.
The 'hate - sex' trope is quite common. They start off hating each other so much that the passion turns into a physical encounter that is initially more about aggression than love. Another trope is the 'forbidden love' aspect. Since they were enemies, their relationship is often frowned upon by their respective groups or families. There's also the 'slow burn' trope, where the transition from enemies to lovers is gradual, with lots of small moments of connection and growing attraction over time.
One common trope is the 'forced proximity'. For example, two enemies might be trapped in a small space together, which makes them see each other in a different light. Another is the 'secret identity' trope. One of them might be hiding their true self from the other, and when it's revealed, it changes their relationship dynamic.
A good example is 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. Heathcliff and Catherine have a complex relationship that starts with a sort of enmity. Heathcliff is treated as an outsider by Catherine's family, and their different social standings create tension. However, they share a deep, passionate connection that evolves into a tortured love. Also, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston features Alex and Henry who are from different worlds (America and Britain) and initially have a sort of rivalrous relationship which then blossoms into a beautiful romance.
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.
One popular trope is the 'opposites attract' among best friends. For example, one friend is super outgoing and the other is shy. Another is the 'unbreakable bond' where no matter what challenges they face, their friendship stays strong. There's also the 'shared secret' trope, where the best friends have a secret that only they know and it either brings them closer or causes some temporary trouble.
Well, 'The Hating Game' is extremely popular. It's been on best - seller lists for a long time. The chemistry between the two main characters is electric, and the way their relationship changes from hatred to love is very engaging.
One common trope is the 'accidental confession'. Maybe during an argument or a tipsy moment, one of them blurts out their love for the other. Another is the 'fake dating' trope. They pretend to be a couple for some reason, like to make an ex - jealous or to get out of a family event, and then real feelings start to develop. There's also the 'roommate' trope where two friends who live together start to see each other in a new light.
One popular one is 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' series. The relationship between Feyre and Rhysand starts off with animosity as they are from different and often opposing groups. Their interactions are filled with tension that gradually turns into passion.
One popular one is 'The Hating Game' by Sally Thorne. It's about two coworkers who constantly bicker and compete but gradually fall in love. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' which, although not strictly contemporary, has the classic enemies to lovers trope. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett start off with strong dislike for each other due to pride and prejudice respectively, but as the story unfolds, their relationship transforms into love.
First, create complex characters. Give the enemies deep-seated reasons for their animosity, like a past betrayal or a clash of values. Then, introduce a catalyst that forces them to interact more. It could be a shared project or a mutual friend in need. As they interact, show the gradual change in their perception of each other. For example, they might start to notice the other's good qualities, like the enemy's kindness towards animals. Slowly build the romantic tension, with stolen glances and small acts of kindness. Finally, have a moment of realization where they both admit their feelings.