For romance readers, few meet-cutes delight more than rivalries that turn romantic. Whether it’s enemies, competitors, or simply opposites on a collision course, the thrilling tension of these face-offs gets hearts racing. But when rivalry gives way to attraction between two passionate adversaries, the payoff is truly swoon-worthy.
This list features hilarious, heartwarming, and feel-good contemporary romances where initial face-offs turn into romantic chemistry. In books like Adiba Jaigirdar’s The Henna Wars, Tweet Cute by Emma Lord, and Stacey Agdern’s My Mechanical Romance and What’s Not to Love by Emily Wibberley, these uplifting stories turn the thrill of conflict into the delight of love. For every reader seeking fun, playful romances kindled from great chemistry between bickering pairs, these lighthearted tales deliver feel-good happily-ever-afters.
Best Academic Rivals to Lovers Books
Adiba Jaigirdar
The Henna Wars
"The Henna Wars" by Adiba Jaigirdar is a heartwarming story about Nishat, a young girl who is torn between staying true to herself and keeping her family's acceptance. When her childhood friend Flávia reenters her life, Nishat finds herself falling for her instantly. However, things become complicated when both girls decide to showcase their talent as henna artists in a school competition. As their lives become more intertwined, Nishat must choose between hiding her true self or taking a chance on a relationship with Flávia.
Alexandra Moody
The Wrong Bachelor
"The Wrong Bachelor" by Alexandra Moody is a heartwarming high school romantic comedy that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and fall in love all at once. The story follows seventeen-year-old Madison Matthews, who wants nothing to do with her school's dating competition. However, when she is chosen as one of the contestants, she has no choice but to compete for the heart of the school's most eligible bachelor, Cole Kingston. Despite his good looks and popularity, Cole is arrogant, a flirt, and Madi's sworn enemy. As the competition intensifies, will Madi be able to resist his charms? Perfect for fans of Jenny Han, Kasie West, and Lynn Painter.
Alexene Farol Follmuth
My Mechanical Romance
"My Mechanical Romance" by Alexene Farol Follmuth is a captivating story about Bel, a girl who is reluctant to think about her future. She has no interest in college applications or extracurricular activities, especially joining a robotics club filled with boys who ignore her or constantly offer help. However, when Bel accidentally reveals her talent for engineering in class, she is forced to join the club. Enter Mateo Luna, the attractive captain of the club who recognizes Bel's talent and desperately wants her on the team. As they work together, Bel challenges Teo, but their clashes make her question if there is a place for a girl like her in the STEM field.
Ali Hazelwood
Love on the Brain
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood is a captivating romance novel about Bee Königswasser, a determined neuroengineer who is offered a dream opportunity by NASA. Despite her initial reservations about working with Levi Ward, a former archenemy from grad school, Bee finds herself drawn to him. As she navigates missing equipment and a struggling career, Bee begins to see a different side of Levi and wonders if there is a chance for them to be more than just colleagues. Love on the Brain explores the question of what Bee Königswasser will do when faced with the possibility of love.
Ann Liang
If You Could See the Sun
"If You Could See the Sun" by Ann Liang is a captivating book about Alice Sun, a scholarship student at an elite Beijing international boarding school. Alice has always felt invisible among her wealthy and influential classmates, but things take a strange turn when she starts turning invisible for real. When her parents can no longer afford her tuition, Alice comes up with a plan to use her newfound power to uncover the scandalous secrets her classmates are desperate to know, for a fee. However, as the tasks become more dangerous, Alice is faced with a difficult decision - is it worth sacrificing her morals and possibly her life?
Brynn bunker
Better than you
"Better than you" by Brynn Bunker is a heartwarming story about Tyler, who is constantly being overshadowed by his neighbor Jake's bragging. Tyler starts to doubt himself and wonders if he is really a loser compared to Jake. However, with the guidance of his uncle Kevin, Tyler learns that Jake's bragging is not a reflection of his own abilities.
Casey McQuiston
I Kissed Shara Wheeler
In "I Kissed Shara Wheeler" by Casey McQuiston, Chloe Green is determined to win the title of valedictorian at her conservative high school in Alabama. However, her plans are disrupted when her rival, Shara Wheeler, kisses her and then disappears. Chloe embarks on a quest to find Shara, along with two unlikely allies - Smith, Shara's boyfriend, and Rory, her neighbor. As they follow Shara's trail of clues, Chloe begins to realize that there is more to this small town than meets the eye.
Clarisse David
Prom Queen Perfect
Prom Queen Perfect by Clarisse David is a young adult novella set in the Philippines. The story follows Alex dela Cruz, a girl who seems to have it all - looks, money, and style. When she is called selfish by the annoyingly gorgeous Adam Cordero, Alex takes it upon herself to transform an invisible misfit named Christy Marquez into a ruling princess of their school. However, as Alex strives to become prom queen and maintain her popularity, she finds herself on the verge of losing her plastic tiara, her best friend, and her heart to someone unexpected. Determined to succeed, Alex is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her tiara and prove everyone wrong.
Emily Wibberley, Austin Siegemund-Broka
What’s Not to Love
"What's Not to Love" by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka is a captivating young adult novel about Alison Sanger and Ethan Molloy, two high school seniors who have been competing against each other in everything since the beginning of high school. Despite their desire to avoid each other, they are forced to work together on planning a ten-year reunion for a previous class. As they spend more time together, their rivalry starts to transform into a friendship, and Alison begins to realize that her feelings for Ethan go beyond just wanting to win. This heartwarming story explores the complexities of relationships and the importance of following your heart.
Emma Lord
Tweet Cute
"Tweet Cute" by Emma Lord is a heartwarming story about Pepper, a high-achieving swim team captain, who secretly manages the Twitter account for her family's successful fast-food chain. Jack, a class clown who works in his family's deli, becomes Pepper's rival when Big League Burger steals his grandma's famous grilled cheese recipe. Their feud takes a twist when it turns into a viral Twitter war, but little do they know, they are also falling for each other on an anonymous chat app. As their relationship grows and their online battles intensify, they discover an unexpected and heartfelt romance that neither of them saw coming.
Jesmeen Kaur Deo
TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
"TJ Powar Has Something to Prove" by Jesmeen Kaur Deo is a captivating story about TJ Powar, a popular debater, who becomes the subject of a meme that compares her to her Sikh cousin, Simran. Determined to challenge societal expectations, TJ decides to embrace her natural self by not removing her body hair. She sets out to prove that she can still be beautiful and confident. However, as she faces challenges and doubts, including an infuriating boy from a rival debate team, TJ begins to question if anyone can truly accept her for who she is. This heartfelt novel explores the struggles of self-acceptance and the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with judgment.
Kerri Maniscalco
Stalking Jack the Ripper
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco is a thrilling book about seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth. Despite being born into a life of wealth and privilege, Audrey Rose leads a secret life studying forensic medicine in her uncle's laboratory. However, when she becomes involved in the investigation of a serial murderer, Audrey Rose's search for answers forces her to confront her own sheltered world.
"Krista Ritchie,Becca Ritchie"
Kiss the Sky
"Kiss the Sky" by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie is a captivating romance novel about Rose Calloway, a successful young woman who seems to have it all. When her fashion line faces a crisis, Rose comes up with a unique plan to save it. In a surprising twist, she enters into a relationship with her college rival, Connor Cobalt. Connor is confident and intelligent, and he is determined to help Rose both personally and professionally. However, melting Rose's icy exterior proves to be a difficult task. As they navigate their unconventional relationship, Rose and Connor find themselves living together and facing new challenges.
Lana Wood Johnson
Speak for Yourself
Skylar has big dreams and she's determined to make them a reality. Her first step is to win the Scholastic Exposition by showcasing her amazing app. But to do that, she needs a team. Despite her struggles with people, Skylar agrees to play matchmaker for her teammates Joey and Zane. However, things get complicated when Skylar starts developing feelings for Zane. Can she navigate her emotions, prove her app's worth, and win the competition without losing her friends?
Lillie Vale
Beauty and the Besharam
Beauty and the Besharam by Lillie Vale is a captivating young adult novel about seventeen-year-old Kavya Joshi, who is known for being ambitious and outspoken. After a public breakup, Kavya decides to spend her summer working part-time as a princess for children's birthday parties. However, her plans are disrupted when she is cast as Ariel and her nemesis, Ian Jun, becomes her Prince Eric. Their friends come up with a plan to end their feud by challenging them to compete against each other. As the competition intensifies, so does the romantic tension between Kavya and Ian.
Lily Anderson
The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You
"The Only Thing Worse Than Me Is You" by Lily Anderson is a fun and relatable story about Trixie Watson, who is determined to outdo her rival Ben West in their senior year of high school. Trixie is willing to sacrifice sleep and even her love for comic books to beat Ben. However, when their best friends start dating and they are forced to spend time together, their rivalry slowly turns into a tentative friendship. But when Trixie's best friend is accused of cheating, they must choose sides, and their friendship is put to the test.
Loan Le
A Pho Love Story
"A Pho Love Story" by Loan Le is a heartwarming tale about Bao Nguyen and Linh Mai, two young individuals who have always kept their distance from each other. Bao sees himself as a steady and unremarkable person, while Linh considers herself a firecracker full of potential. Both work at their respective family's pho restaurants, which have been in a long-standing feud. However, a chance encounter brings them together, and they can't help but feel a connection. As they navigate their complicated histories and feuding families, Bao and Linh wonder if they can find love amidst it all.
Lucy Maud Montgomery
Anne of Green Gables
"Anne of Green Gables" is a beloved children's classic by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It tells the story of a young orphan girl named Anne Shirley who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert on their farm in Prince Edward Island. Despite their initial intentions to send her back, the Cuthberts decide to keep Anne. The book follows Anne as she navigates school, makes friends, and deals with challenges in the close-knit community of Avonlea.
Marisa Kanter
As If on Cue
"As If on Cue" by Marisa Kanter is a captivating story about lifelong rivals Natalie and Reid. When their school's art budget is at risk, Natalie finds herself pitted against her nemesis once again. In order to secure funding for her student-written play, Natalie must convince the school to cut the budget of Reid's award-winning band. However, their rivalry escalates into a prank war that goes too far, forcing them to face the consequences. As a compromise, they are forced to collaborate on writing and directing a musical together. Despite their competitive history, Natalie and Reid must navigate their newfound partnership and the unexpected feelings that begin to emerge between them. Can they deliver a successful show and save their respective programs, or will their rivalry get in the way?
Meredith Ireland
Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller
In "Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller" by Meredith Ireland, Kelsie Miller despises Eric Mulvaney Ortiz, her rival in their competitive prep school. However, when Kelsie's best friend Brianna cuts off contact with her, she is determined to find out why and is willing to talk to Eric for answers. After a chance encounter at a party, Eric reveals that his girlfriend has also ghosted him. They come up with a plan to go on a road trip to the University of Pennsylvania, where both Brianna and Jessica will be, in hopes of winning them back. As they embark on their journey, Kelsie and Eric realize that the person they truly need may be right beside them.
Meredith Tate
Shipped
"Shipped" by Meredith Tate is a book about two high school rivals, Stella and Wes, who are constantly competing against each other. However, they discover that they both share a love for a popular sci-fi TV show and start chatting online without knowing each other's true identities. As they plan to meet in person at a convention, their animosity begins to fade as they realize they may have more in common than they thought.
Michelle Quach
Not Here to Be Liked
"Not Here to Be Liked" by Michelle Quach tells the story of Eliza Quan, a highly qualified candidate for editor in chief of her school paper. However, her chances are threatened when Len DiMartile, a former jock, decides to run against her. Despite her qualifications, Len's tall, handsome, and male appearance makes him seem like a more suitable leader. Frustrated, Eliza writes an essay expressing her feelings, which goes viral and unintentionally sparks a feminist movement. As tensions rise, the school asks Eliza and Len to work together to promote civility. As they spend more time together, Eliza realizes that she may be developing feelings for the very person she sees as the embodiment of patriarchy.
Olivie Blake
The Atlas Six
"The Atlas Six" by Olivie Blake is a captivating book about a secret society called the Alexandrian Society. Every ten years, only six exceptionally talented magicians are chosen to join this prestigious society, promising a life of power and prestige. However, the cost of membership is high. The six newest recruits each have their own reasons for accepting the invitation, even if it means getting close to their enemies or facing betrayal from their allies.
Rachel Lynn Solomon
Today Tonight Tomorrow
"Today Tonight Tomorrow" by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a captivating young adult novel about Rowan Roth and Neil McNair, two high school rivals who have clashed on various occasions. On the last day of senior year, Rowan, who secretly dreams of becoming a romance novelist, is determined to outdo Neil one final time. However, when they discover that a group of seniors is targeting them, they reluctantly team up to survive the senior class game called Howl. As they spend more time together, Rowan begins to see a different side of Neil and realizes that he may be more than just an annoying nerd. Could it be that the boy she claims to hate is actually the boy of her dreams?
Tiana Smith
How to Speak Boy
"How to Speak Boy" by Tiana Smith is a captivating book about Quinn and Grayson, long-time rivals in speech and debate. They can't stand each other, whether they're competing or in real life. However, when their school assignments get mixed up, they start exchanging anonymous notes, unaware of each other's identity. Through these letters, they unexpectedly develop feelings for one another. As the state tournament approaches, they must decide what they truly want in life or risk sacrificing their own happiness.
