Written by Kennedy McPherson, Public Relations Specialist, and Jessica Rinaudo, Brand & Communications Manager, Downtown Main Library
If you're looking for a romantic read this summer that matches your vibe, your search ends here. Get your heart pumping and grab your boxing gloves with these enemies-to-lovers reads you can pick up at any Library location!
In astrology, Venus and Mars are crucial for understanding love, passion, and relationships. Venus (ruling planet of Taurus and Libra) represents love, beauty, and harmony, while Mars (ruler of Aries and Scorpio) embodies desire, anger, and action. Their interplay reveals how individuals express affection, experience attraction, and navigate romantic connections.
Today, we see that dichotomy in art and literature, including the enemies-to-lovers trope. Find your zodiac sign and add these books to your to-be-read list.
Aries
Lilah is a documentary filmmaker whose boyfriend has committed them to documenting F1 racing — at least until he dumps her for someone else. Arthur is an F1 driver, who needs a documentary on his achievements to help advance his racing career. They come from opposite worlds but need to work together to reach their goals.
Slipstream is perfect for Aries due to the book’s fiery spirit and dynamic energy, which this zodiac sign thrives on. As a cardinal sign and the first in the astrological calendar, Aries is ruled by Mars, the planet of action. Filled with the thrill of F1 racing, this story mirrors the heart-pumping excitement that Aries loves. The protagonists, Lilah and Arthur, reflect key Aries traits: Lilah’s innocence and naïveté and Arthur’s unwavering confidence. Just as Aries loves to be in the driver’s seat, this book captures the essence of speed, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of goals.
Taurus
Simone and Finn have a plan, it just happens to be the same plan: sell their infamous barbecue sauces. Simone wants to put her small hometown on the map, and Finn wants to launch a culinary school. Their rivalry escalates as they both seek to show their culinary talents on a reality TV show.
Stirring Up Love aligns perfectly with Taurean’s love for simple pleasures and culinary delights. The story also taps into the Taurus traits of determination and ambition. With themes of food sensuality, security, and the comfort of a small hometown, this book resonates with the Taurus spirit.
Gemini
Alex is the son of the president. Prince Henry is in line for the British throne. And they hate each other. So much so that it causes a very public, very embarrassing incident. And they need to do a PR circuit to help smooth over their images. But the more they’re together, the more Alex and Henry discover that all that heat between them might actually be passion.
A Gemini’s dream book is Red, White & Royal Blue because of its dual nature and vibrant energy of this zodiac sign. The main characters, Alex and Prince Henry, offer charm, poise, and intelligence—traits that resonate with Geminis. The story's central theme of two sides of the same coin aligns with Gemini's dual personality, as Alex and Henry transition from rivals to lovers. The dynamic, mercurial back-and-forth exchanges between Alex and Henry, filled with witty banter, will deeply engage any Gemini, making this book a delightful read for those born under this sign.
Cancer
Noelle discovers her recently deceased grandmother’s old photos and letters that hint at a past forbidden love affair. She uses social media to help track down Paul, her grandmother’s former secret love. Paul offers to take Noelle on the dream trip he never got to take her Gram on. There’s just one catch: His grandson Theo is coming, too. And Theo just so happens to be Noelle’s high school rival.
You, with a View resonates deeply with Cancer's traits due to its focus on nostalgia, family, and emotional connections. Cancers are known for their love of family history and the past, and the storyline of Noelle discovering her grandmother's secret love affair through old photos and letters aligns perfectly with this. The journey to uncover and connect with her family roots, alongside the emotional exploration of relationships, mirrors Cancer's sentimental nature. The added dynamic of a road trip with an old high school rival emphasizes themes of home, familiarity, and emotional growth, making it a perfect match for those born under this sign.
Leo
Imagine having to go to work every day and sit across from the person you hate most, who is your opposite in every way. The grumpy to your sunshine, the meticulous to your chaos. Now imagine you’re both up for the same promotion at work. In The Hating Game, Lucy and Josh fight to be the top dog and not fall for each other in the process.
The Hating Game is crowned as the perfect book for a Leo because it captures the fiery sun energy that Leos thrive on. With its true boss energy, the story revolves around Lucy and Josh, who are constantly vying for the top spot at work. This mirrors the ambitious nature of Leo, who is always determined to shine and win. Leos are known for their pride and hardworking spirit, which mirrors the book's theme of relentless pursuit of success. The playful-yet-intense rivalry between the characters will lead readers to more of Leo's love for both ambition and fun. Ruled by the sun, Leos will appreciate the vibrant energy and dynamic interactions in this engaging read.
Virgo
Nora is a literary agent who is ruthless in getting deals for her clients. And Charlie is a grumpy book editor. The two clash whenever they run into each other. Nora takes a trip to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, with her sister for a whole month. It should be peaceful—except Charlie is there too.
Book Lovers is ideal for Virgos, featuring characters that embody their meticulous nature and love for literature. Nora, a detail-oriented literary agent, and Charlie, a precise book editor, share sharp interactions that Virgos appreciate. It's a tribute to misunderstood Virgos who seek excellence and seek to enrich their surroundings.
Libra
Maddie and Theo hate each other. Too bad their best friend, Alexa, is getting married and both share bridal party responsibilities. It doesn’t help that they had an accidental kiss that neither can let go of. But the more barbs they throw at each other, the closer they become.
The Wedding Party is an ideal read for a Libra because it captures the essence of relationships, love, and friendship—elements that resonate deeply with Libras' core values. Libras are ruled by Venus, the planet of love, and are known for their affinity for partnerships, much like the wedding theme central to this book. Libras will appreciate Maddie and Theo's diplomatic approach to their animosity to ensure their best friend has the best wedding experience possible.
Scorpio
Saeris lives in a world where even water is kept for the wealthy, and the poor will do anything to stay alive. Even the forbidden. Like accidentally opening a portal to a fae world. There she meets Kingfisher, who will sacrifice everything to save his people. But it turns out the two need each other’s help. And despite their different worlds and statuses, they are drawn to each other.
Quicksilver features a butterfly motif symbolizing transformation, reflecting Scorpio's co-ruled planets: Mars and Pluto's regenerative nature. Scorpios, drawn to mystery, will appreciate the book's themes of gateways and enchantment. The protagonist, Saeris, explores a world of inequality where resources are scarce, resonating with Scorpio's quest for justice. An accidental portal leads the protagonist on a journey of discovery and deep connections. With its focus on transformation and unveiling secrets, Quicksilver offers an engaging read for Scorpios, who embrace the depths and seek the truth.
Sagittarius
Catalina may have told a little lie about having a boyfriend. And now everyone wants to meet him at her sister’s wedding... in Spain. It doesn’t help that her ex and his fiancé will be there too. And, somehow, her coworker who drives her insane, has agreed to pretend to be her boyfriend. He’s disagreeable, but she’s desperate.
The Spanish Love Deception is ideal for Sagittarians, reflecting their adventurous nature. Catalina's journey to Spain and her sister’s wedding provide travel elements that appeal to Sagittarians' love for new experiences. The plot involves a fake romantic relationship filled with witty banter, strategic planning, and goal-oriented challenges — all of which resonate with Sagittarius’ desire to overcome obstacles.
Capricorn
In the world of sports agents, Banner has found her path in a male-dominated field. If only she could escape Jared, the man who broke her heart. She hates him. She can’t get enough of him. And career driven Jared won't leave her alone.
Block Shot is the go-to book for Capricorn due to its themes of ambition and determination. The story features a stoic, successful football player and a career-driven sports agent. The book also delves into deep emotions and complex relationships, reflecting Capricorn's ability to balance their career focus with personal connections. With characters embodying Capricorn's disciplined and determined spirit, this book is a great pick for those who value career and success.
Aquarius
Adam is a grumpy science professor. And Olive is a bubbly PhD student who needs to convince her friend that she’s dating someone. She kisses Adam to prove her point, and he unexpectedly goes along with it. They awkwardly try to convince everyone of their fake relationship and find an unlikely ally in one another during a big science conference.
The Love Hypothesis mirrors Aquarius’s unconventionality. With a story centered around a woman in STEM and her dynamic with a grumpy science professor, the novel resonates with Aquarians' love for intellectual pursuits and innovation. The plot's unpredictability, highlighted by a fake relationship evolving into something more, aligns with the Aquarian affinity for the unexpected from the influence of Uranus. The book also emphasizes altruistic love and the greater good, appealing to Aquarians' deep desire to change the world for the better. The sweet awkwardness and unique characters offer a mix of whimsy and intellect that is sure to captivate any Aquarius.
Pisces
Violet Sorrengail wanted to be a scholar, but finds herself entering Basgaith, a war academy where dragon riders are forged in death and blood. And she’s in there with Xaden, a wingleader whose parents were traitors to the kingdom. Their families are enemies, but now they must fly together.
Fourth Wing is the perfect book for Pisces because it immerses readers in a world of fantasy and emotion, aligning with Pisces' imaginative and empathetic nature. Violet’s journey from aspiring scholar to dragon rider at Basgaith and befriending a tightknit group of other would-be dragon riders resonates with Pisces' love for helping others and following their hearts, even when faced with difficult choices. The connection between Violet and Xaden, despite their families' enmity, highlights a theme of overcoming past prejudices to forge new paths—a narrative that appeals to Pisces' desire for emotional growth and renewal.
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