We have encountered the classic Romeo and Juliet dynamic, whether on the big screen, in storybooks, or, if you are lucky enough, in real life. 

Love is sweet, isn't it? When you know that someone fancies you from the moment they laid their eyes on you? You are not seen, but seen, finally. But despite the rose bouquets and chocolate treats, you crave a different dynamic. You look at the adorable bickering between two individuals claiming to be "just friends" and wish you were on the receiving end of it. 

But why is the enemies-to-lovers equation so intoxicating? 

Opposites Attract

If you are into romance fiction, you may know the saying, "Opposites attract." Or have you heard about the "Olive theory?" These notions point toward the fact that there will be a fire where there is friction. The destination does not entice us but the pursuit. When we are constantly on the journey to achieve something, it gives us a sense of purpose. The same rule can be applied when it comes to relationships. 

Often, a couple that's compatible with each other financially, emotionally, and sexually may find themselves complaining about a spark that is missing from their relationship. It is that push-pull rollercoaster that keeps the journey exciting. 

Emotional Rollercoaster

In the "enemies to lovers" narrative, two intense emotions are involved: Love and hate. Beneath the surface, we all have an overwhelming desire to be loved for who we are.

There is a big caveat to this nuance. We do not wish to be loved unquestioningly, in all honesty, but to have our shortcomings acknowledged. Hence, a love that stems from feelings of distaste and friction feels real. You feel an emotional catharsis, having shown the ugliest side of yourself to your person, embracing the alluring intimacy shared in the process.

We yearn for this emotional rollercoaster. This is also why the enemies-to-lovers equations feel much more genuine. 

The Spark 

Inherently, something is intoxicating about a secretive love. The enemies-to-lovers equation is a battle of egos that does not let weakness in the form of love surface. It is a clash of waves and energies that submerge now and then. And when they do, it is a spectacle only embraced by the hearts involved.

An enemies-to-lovers equation keeps the spark alive even through the deepest of oceans. For those who have found a lover in their enemy and those waiting for someone "right," delve into a romantic escapade in M.J. Powers' enthralling read, Unexpectedly His. It follows the story of Maddie Bennett and Jared Stirling, who fall in love despite their apparent annoyance with each other. Their ordeal spices up as the businessman playboy Jared devises a fake marriage to help Maddie's father keep his empire afloat. 

Delve into one of the most exciting romance reads of 2023, now available on Amazon!