There is something absolutely delicious about rivals to lovers, and I am not talking about enemies to lovers. While the two often get lumped together, a true rivalry focuses on competition and the drive for success. Whether it is a workplace promotion, a sports tournament, or a professional title, I LOVE IT! Today, I explore why this is my all-time favorite trope and share a curated list of recommendations ranging from office competitions to professional wrestling, including several titles currently on my TBR.Key Takeaways:The difference between rivals to lovers and enemies to lovers in romanceWhy I love the one-sided tension that is sometimes created in rivals-to-loversMultiple recommendations for the rivals-to-lovers tropeBOOKS/AUTHORS MENTIONED:Naima Simone (Podcast)Leigh Carron (Podcast)Deanna Grey (Podcast)Scribbles BookshopStorygraph Read What You Own ChallengeStorygraph Diverse Trope ChallengeBookshop.org Rivals to Lovers ListThe Huntsman by Naima Simone (Amazon)The Worst Best Man by Mia Sosa (Amazon)The Accidental Pinup by Danielle Jackson (Amazon)Pride and Protest by Nikki Payne (Amazon)Outdrawn by Deanna Grey (Amazon)Sweatpants Season by Danielle Allen (Amazon)Guava Flavored Lies by JJ Arias (Amazon)My Curvy Rival by Leigh Carron (Amazon)Offtrack by Esha Patel (Amazon)From the Top Rope by Tamara Lemus (Amazon)Love and Other Disasters by Anita Kelly (Amazon)Public Rivalry by Rebecca Kincaid (Amazon)Running list of books mentioned (Doc)Join the After Dark Substack CommunityConnect with Alesia:StorygraphInstagramThis podcast was produced by Galati Media.Proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.