Parker, a bold fashionista, and Lizzie, a shy musician, have little in common except a shared best friend, Camille—and their mutual disdain. When one argument goes too far, Camille dares them to date for a month. As Parker and Lizzie navigate forced dates and unexpected vulnerability, their lives unravel in ways they didn’t expect. Can they overcome their old habits and discover if love can truly blossom in 30 days?
Enemies-to-lovers (or “hating to dating”, as it is sometimes called) is a delightful trope, and I never get tired of seeing how authors spin it. As a teen, I adored books where rivals put aside their differences and discover that they work quite well together. If you’re the same way, you’ll love these six YA book recommendations, all of which star LGBTQ+ characters. Soccer rivals, feuding families, charming exes—these are just a few of the delightful premises you’ll find ahead.
In the mood for more charming and fun YA rom-coms? It may be time to explore the friends-to-lovers trope! Book Riot contributor Megan Mabee has you covered with 8 of the best YA romance recommendations starring friends who start to crush on each other, like The Charmed List by Julia Abe and It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood.
You can also subscribe to the Hey YA! podcast for news, book recs, and interviews with cohost Kelly Jensen. Last month, Jensen sat down with award-winning author Jason Reynolds to talk career highlights, favorite YA and middle grade books, and his approach to writing from a teen boy’s perspective.
Got your TBR lists ready? Let’s dive into six of the best enemies-to-lovers YA books starring LGBTQ+ characters!
You Don’t Have a Shot by Racquel Marie
Following an explosive fight with her rival, Leticia Ortiz, Vale Castillo-Green hopes soccer camp will give her time away from all her problems. Unfortunately, she gets the opposite when she and Leticia are appointed as team co-captains. But the more Vale and Leticia spend time together, the more they realize they have more in common than just a love of soccer.
Caught in a Bad Fauxmance by Elle Gonzalez Rose
Devin Baez and Julian Seo-Cooke come from rival families. Every year, the Seo-Cookes win the annual Winter Games, and the Baezes want to take them down. When Devin discovers that his and Julian’s families are visiting the same vacation spot over winter break, he takes his biggest risk yet. He agrees to a fake-dating plot with Julian (who has his own reasons) for a chance to spy on the Seo-Cookes.
We Got the Beat by Jenna Miller
Aspiring journalist Jordan Elliot’s dreams of getting the coveted editor-in-chief position for her high school newspaper are crushed when she’s chosen for the volleyball beat instead. Worse, her ex-best friend Mack West—her nemesis since a humiliating incident during freshman year—is the volleyball team’s new captain. At least this gives her a shot at finally enacting her revenge…if she can push down her lingering feelings for Mack.
Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz
After her girlfriend dumps her, Amelia Hernandez can’t help but worry that her relatives are right about the family’s love curse. Before she gives up on romance altogether, she decides to do her own investigation: an “ex retrospective.” But when she’s unexpectedly reunited with her ex Leon, whose breakup crushed her, she starts a side plot to get revenge and bury her feelings for him at all costs.
It’s a Love/Skate Relationship by Carli J. Corson
When hockey star Charlie Porter accidentally starts a fight with a rival school, she is kicked out of her private school and her dreams of winning a college scholarship slip away. Desperate to regain her chances, she reluctantly agrees to be a stand-in partner for a figure skater at her new public school despite bad first impressions on both sides. As they train together, however, their shared disdain turns into something that feels suspiciously like a crush.
Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala
Fashion design is 17-year-old Raffi’s creative passion, and he hopes to prove himself at a local cosplay competition. Winning could mean life-changing funds for art school. But when he discovers his ex-boyfriend Luca has also entered the contest, Raffi realizes he’ll have to put his skill and heart on the line, too.
For more book recs, try these highly anticipated YA books you can preorder now!
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