The following article provides a brief introduction to three popular young adult novels. The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of forbidden love between Kestrel, a member of the aristocracy, and Arin, a slave. Stray by Andrea K. Höst is a sci-fi and fantasy novel that follows Cassandra Devlin as she navigates life in a futuristic space world. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma tells the heartbreaking story of Maya and Lochan, two siblings who become closer than average due to their experiences as de facto parents in their neglectful household.
1. Taunt by Eve Dangerfield
In this captivating book, Daniel Schwarz, a hyperactive Jewish Australian hacktivist, is placed under house arrest due to her ‘extra-legal’ activities. Three men, Colt, Sebastian, and John, are assigned to guard her, but they find it hard to keep their hands off her. The story is a perfect blend of humor, suspense, and eroticism, making it an incredible read.
2. Priest (Priest #1) by Sierra Simone
Sierra Simone’s Priest is an intriguing story about Father Tyler Bell, a Catholic priest who has resigned himself to a celibate life. However, his resolve is tested when Poppy Danforth confesses her sinful past as a stripper. The story is narrated entirely from Tyler’s point of view, which gives readers a unique perspective on the situation. The book is a perfect mix of romance, erotica, and religious themes, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
3. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Alex Claremon-Diaz, the son of the first female U.S. President, and Prince Henry of England. The two do not get along at first, but their forced friendship quickly turns into something more. While the book is well-written, some readers may find it unrealistic and stereotypical towards British people.
4. Mark of Cain by Kate Sherwood
Mark of Cain by Kate Sherwood is a story of forbidden love between Anglican priest Mark Webber and ex-criminal Lucas Cain. Lucas killed Mark’s brother three years ago, which makes their attraction to each other forbidden.
5. The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent
The Unrequited by Saffron A. Kent is a novel that follows Layla Robinson, a university student who falls into obsessions with people, including her poetry professor, Thomas Abrams. Despite the fact that he is married and ten years older than her, Thomas returns her feelings, making their relationship forbidden.
6. Lessons in Corruption (The Fallen Men #1) by Giana Darling
Lessons in Corruption (The Fallen Men #1) by Giana Darling is not your typical teacher/student romance. Cressida, a high school English teacher, discovers that the motorcycle man she almost had a one-night-stand with is her new 18-year-old student. Despite the unrealistic premise, the book is deeply entertaining.
7. By Any Other Name (Forbidden #1) by J.M. Darhower
By Any Other Name (Forbidden #1) by J.M. Darhower is a forbidden romance novel that centers on Genevieve Galante and Matteo Barsanti, two people from rival mafia families who find themselves falling in love despite their families’ feud.
8. Hate to Want You (Forbidden Hearts #1) by Alisha Rai
Hate to Want You (Forbidden Hearts #1) by Alisha Rai follows the story of Livvy and Nicholas, heirs to the Kane and Chandler families, who used to run a business together until a tragedy shattered their relationship. They meet only once a year on Livvy’s birthday to spend a single night together, but when Livvy reappears permanently in Nicholas’s life, they must confront their past.
9. Wheels Up (Out of Uniform #4) by Annabeth Albert
Wheels Up (Out of Uniform #4) by Annabeth Albert tells the story of Lieutenant Dustin Strauss, who has a growing online relationship with Petty Officer Wes Lowe. However, their careers as SEAL team members would be ruined if anyone found out about their relationship. To make matters worse, Dustin has just been transferred to Wes’s team, making it difficult for them to stay away from each other.
10. Letters For My Lover (53 Letters For My Lover #1) by Leylah Attar
53 Letters For My Lover (53 Letters For My Lover #1) by Leylah Attar is a love story that spans three decades between Shadya Hijazi and Troy Heathgate. They met when she was a newlywed bride and he was a college student. Despite being married and having children with another man, their love for each other persists.
11. Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott
Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott follows the story of Jimmy, the lead singer of the band Stage Dive, who has a history of substance abuse. Lena, his personal assistant, is tasked with keeping him away from forbidden substances, including herself.
12. Die by the Drop (Shivers and Sins #1) by Kaia Bennett
Die by the Drop is a unique book that follows the story of Evie, a college student who is kidnapped by three vampire brothers named Jesse, Liam, and Vaughn. The brothers plan to torture and kill her, but they change their minds when they discover that she’s a witch. The book takes readers on a wild trans-American road trip filled with death and sex. However, it’s important to note that the book is very dark. Despite this, a believable romance develops towards the end of the book and continues in the sequel.
13. Slave to Sensation (Psy-Changeling #1) by Nalini Singh
Slave to Sensation is the first book in Nalini Singh’s expansive fantasy world. The book introduces readers to two new races: the Psy, emotionless intellectuals, and changelings, sensual beings who can transform into animals. The book explores the forbidden love between Sascha, the daughter of a powerful Psy woman, and Lucas, a leopard changeling. The book is brilliantly sketched out and immerses readers in a world of fantasy and romance.
14. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson
Jeanette, an aspiring preacher adopted into a deeply devout household, must navigate her religious beliefs and her love for another woman in this autobiographical novel. The book explores themes of identity, sexuality, and religion, and is a must-read for those interested in LGBTQ+ literature.
15. The Museum of Innocence by Orhan Pamuk
Set in Istanbul in 1975, The Museum of Innocence follows Kemal, a young and wealthy man who becomes obsessed with his distant cousin, Fusun. Despite their passionate affair, Fusun marries someone else, and Kemal spends the next decade constructing a shrine to his lost love. This novel explores the themes of love, obsession, and the complexities of relationships.
16. Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
Lady Chatterley, married to an impotent man due to a war injury, begins a torrid affair with her gamekeeper. Although the book has received criticism for its explicit content, it remains one of the most famous forbidden romance novels in the world. Despite its controversial nature, Lady Chatterley’s Lover is a classic that explores themes of love, desire, and societal norms.
Summary
Forbidden romances have been a popular theme in literature for centuries. These books often feature a love story between two characters who come from different backgrounds or are forbidden to be together for some reason. Some notable examples of books about forbidden romances include “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green. These books explore the complexities of love and the challenges that come with it, making them a captivating and timeless read for many.