trope
Hate to Love
A trope where two characters begin with intense mutual animosity and gradually develop romantic feelings through conflict, banter, and forced proximity, ending in a satisfying emotional turnaround.
Why readers love it
Readers are drawn to the combustible chemistry and the tension of watching characters who supposedly despise each other discover shared vulnerability, making the eventual surrender to love feel earned and intensely satisfying.
Also called
Enemies to lovers
rivals to lovers
forced proximity
antagonistic banter
bickering couple