Silvana Reyes is a Mexican book blogger. She enjoys all types of sub-genres, but loves a good love story. Romance fiction is her heart and joy and you might find her screaming about book releases on her Twitter account.
When obituary writer Nadine Barbault learns that famous author Dot Voline has died, she runs her obituary…only to discover that Dot is alive—a mistake that delights rival journalist Wesley Chen.
The renewed interest in Dot surfaces chatter about a mysterious past scandal, and Dot makes Nadine and Wes an offer—work together, and she'll share everything. But she dies for real this time, before she can tell them the story.
To solve the mystery, Wes and Nadine are given access to Dot’s mansion for three weeks. Three weeks to learn there could be something more between them than rivalry.
A well-known trope in the romance genre is the hate-to-love trope. This trope features people who dislike each other for whatever reason and cannot see each other without arguing. Other tropes have similarities, but they’re used differently, like the rivals-to-lovers trope. In this case, the stories share the hate-to-love trope, but the characters also compete against each other.
When it comes to the rivals-to-lovers trope, the characters can compete in various ways. For instance, they could be competing in a reality show or even a cooking competition. Other times, the characters might be playing professional sports, and they happen to be on different teams, becoming rivals. But for today, I wanted to highlight career rivals-to-lovers romance books.
Career rivals-to-lovers romances are romance novels that feature this trope in a professional setting, like work. In this list, you’ll find author rivals, business rivals, baking rivals, and even serial killer rivals. If you’re a reader who enjoys competitiveness, banter, and romance all in one little package, these books are perfect for you.
Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti (Sept. 23)
Let’s start with rival Gothic novelists, alright? Ladies in Hating is Vasti’s upcoming sapphic Regency romance about rival novelists who get trapped inside an eerie manor they’re researching for their next book.
You know what happens when there is some forced proximity between people who can’t stand each other, though…Something is bound to happen! Not only is forced proximity at play here, but these rivals also have a history together when they were younger.
Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli
Rival engineers try to fight their attraction in Nisha J. Tuli’s newest contemporary romance, which is everything you want in a romance novel. It’s a heart-warming rom-com ideal for the summer, with a breathtaking setting.
In this novel, meet Trishara Malik, an engineer on the edge of getting a hard-earned promotion. But instead of getting it, she watched how it was given to the boss’s son, her work nemesis. She thought getting invited to the company retreat in Hawaii might brighten her days. I mean, who wouldn’t love three weeks in paradise, right? But Rafe Gallagher is also coming with her.
Sweet on You by Carla de Guzman
You can always enjoy a Christmas book during the year! And Sweet on You is the sweetest holiday romance you’ll ever read.
It tells the story of rival business owners: Sari, a café owner, and Gab, a baker. When Sari sees that the vacant store next to her coffee shop has a new owner, she instantly doesn’t like it. Then she meets Gab and the competition is on! While a prank war soon starts between them, they also find themselves falling for each other.
When Love Ignites by Rilzy Adams
Rival lawyers find out the line between hate and love is non-existent in When Love Ignites. For readers looking for books that feature characters who hate each other at the beginning, read this one.
Alec and Jasmine are unable to even be in the same room without one of them starting something. This hate-to-love relationship becomes so sweet when you see it develop into something more.
The story follows Jasmine and Alec, rival lawyers, who now have to work together in the murder case of the year. Even though they think it’s impossible, they manage to find a way. They never really thought it would lead to romance…until it does.
Marrow by Trisha Wolfe and Brynne Weaver
I wanted to spice things up with Marrow, a dark romance novel featuring rival serial killers. I mean, they’re not making money out of this, but it’s their careers!
Forensic anthropologist Dr. Jack Sorensen is hiding in plain sight. A brilliant scientist in daylight and a cruel killer at night. No one knows his secret until Dr. Kyrie Roth appears. When Jack realizes someone is killing on his territory, he takes this murderer as his rival. But when Kyrie’s past comes knocking on her door, Jack is the only one who can help her, even though it’ll disrupt his carefully organized life.
Battle Royal by Lucy Parker
Lastly, Battle Royal is a great career rivals-to-lovers romance. If you’re in the mood for a grumpy/sunshine couple with rival cake shops on the same street, this book is perfect for you.
Four years ago, Sylvie was a contestant in a hit baking show. When the creation of a cake didn’t go as planned, Dominic, the King’s favorite baker and a judge in the show, voted her off. Now, the princess is hosting a competition for the coveted wedding baker position for her upcoming nuptials. Who is going to come out on top?
For more rivals-to-lovers romance books but in YA, check out this list.
If you’re still salivating for more baking or foodie romance novels, how about you give a chance to these books?
English (US) · 