Reading Recs: Favorite Forbidden Romances

Forbidden Romances are one of my all-time favorite tropes. I don’t know what the “official” definition of a Forbidden Romance is (or if there even is one – I’m too lazy to look it up), but I consider any book in which the main character’s love interest is someone that he or she should not be involved with for any given reason.

The books I’m listing below are a few of my favorites in this category. They’re filled with the longing, intensity, and excitement you’d expect from forbidden love stories.

The genres run the gamut: contemporary romance, fantasy, dark romance, paranormal romance… everything from age gaps to body guards to dueling mystical creatures to supernatural interspecies to teachers and students to religion … it’s quite the mix!

So, without further ado…

My All Time Favorite Forbidden Romance Stories

Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

Forbidden Relationship Type: Age Gap, Boyfriend’s dad
The age gap trope is not really my thing, but gosh darn it this book was incredible. The age gap didn’t creep me out, but it was definitely enough to make you raise an eyebrow! This book not only has the forbidden aspect on full tilt (it’s the main character’s boyfriend’s dad! GASP!), but the achingly slow burn mixed with the illicit nature of the relationship is EPIC.

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Forbidden Relationship Type: Teacher/Student, Age Gap
Not only is the romantic relationship such a rollercoaster ride, the entire story woven throughout this series is so entertaining and fantastic. This romantic relationship, like I said, will take you on the ride of your life.

Madly Darkly Duet by Trisha Wolfe

Forbidden Relationship Type: Criminal/Psychologist
This was the dark forbidden relationship I didn’t know I needed in my life. Their connection is legendary in a very … different … twisted way. Reader beware.

Jacob (Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank

Forbidden Relationship Type: Paranormal Interspecies
This was my very first truly steamy romance novel read, so it will always hold a place in my heart. This book had me fighting for this couple so hard, despite the potential danger. Oh, he could kill her? But, like, he loves her a whole lot… (#ThingsThatAreOnlyOkToSayAboutRomanceNovels)

Georgina Kincaid Series by Richelle Mead

Forbidden Relationship Type: Paranormal Interspecies
You can’t get much more forbidden than a succubus who falls in love with a human man. I mean, if she sleeps with him, she steals his life! Talk about torture! And trust me, you will fall in love with all the other quirky characters in this novel.

All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness

Forbidden Relationship Type: Paranormal Interspecies (Enemies)
Witches and Vampires don’t mix… or do they? This trilogy absolutely swept me away. I loved the academia element interwoven with the supernatural. It was such a brilliant series that I go back to often.

White Knight by CD Reiss

Forbidden Relationship Type: Socio-Economic
Rich girl whose parents disapprove and a poor boy who eventually earns his fortune… this book hit me square in the chest when I read it and it was entirely unexpected. This story, which is also told in the background of King of Code, gave me all the butterflies. I loved the flashback scenes just as much as the present-day scenes.

Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Forbidden Relationship Type: Illness; Rapunzel-syndrome
Both the book and the movie captured this YA romance that develops through windows so effortlessly. It’s a unique story that you have to suspend reality to appreciate, but it’s also incredibly sweet.

Priest (Priest #1) by Sierra Simone

Forbidden Relationship Type: Umm.. Priesthood!
And, now, ladies and gentleman, the book that takes the cake for steaminess! I mean, I don’t know if there is much more to say than “dirty priest.” You don’t get much more forbidden than that!