What exactly do we mean when we call something a forbidden romance?
Turns out, people have wildly different ways to define “forbidden.” Which can make it difficult to find the type of book you’re actually searching for, which I learned the hard way writing and publishing a book that is a forbidden romance.
The best thing about writing in this genre is that it’s a big tent. We welcome multitudes. And that means somewhere, you’ll find the exact type of story you’re looking for.
Some readers who prefer low-angst stories are interested in more “off-limits” romance, where embarking on the affair would be frowned upon, or unexpected. But the stakes are low.
I, on the other hand, like to be emotionally ruined by a book, which means I gravitate to high-stakes romance. And the forbidden romances I love mean that the characters risk total emotional, social, or physical ruin by pursuing it.
If that’s your jam too, here are 5 forbidden romance reads you’ll love.
1. A Discovery of Witches (All Souls) by Deborah Harkness
Subgenre: Paranormal Romance / Historical Romance
The Setup: Diana Bishop is a witch who can’t perform magic, so she leans into her career as a historian of, uh, alchemy magic. While researching at Oxford, she discovers she’s the only person who can summon an illuminated manuscript that could hold the key to her past, and the tragic murder of her parents. Only problem? Every other magical creature wants the book for their own gain. And the only person who can protect Diana is the handsome vampire Matthew Clairmont, sworn enemy of the witches.
What’s At Stake: Vampires, demons and witches are dying off. The book could hold the key to the answers Matthew needs to find a cure. But if he and Diana pursue what’s in the book, they will be hunted. And if they pursue each other, they could be killed, since relationships between Creatures is outlawed.
Why It Works: Species divide + the fate of two worlds.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, slow burn, grumpy/sunshine, there’s only one chateau.
2. A Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Subgenre: Historical Fantasy Romance (Victorian-ish setting with magic)
The Setup: Elisabeth is a librarian trained to protect magical grimoires in a setting that is cozy library core. Nathaniel is a sorcerer , the very thing she’s been taught to fear and hunt. When a conspiracy threatens them both, they must trust each other despite everything they’ve been taught. But loving a sorcerer could cost Elisabeth her life’s purpose, and Nathaniel’s magic could consume them both.
What’s At Stake: Elisabeth risks exile from the only world she’s ever known and betraying everything she was raised to believe. Nathaniel risks his soul. Literally. His magic feeds on life force, and the more he uses it, the closer he comes to becoming a monster.
Why It Works: The forbidden element is baked into the magic system. Nathaniel’s power could kill him, and loving him means watching it happen.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, forbidden magic, sorcerer hero, protector heroine, forced proximity, slow burn
3. The Chief (The Highland Guard) by Monica McCarty (Highland Guard Series)
Subgenre: Medieval Scottish Romance / Romantic Suspense
The Setup: Tor MacLeod is the legendary Highland Guard’s greatest warrior and Scotland’s most wanted outlaw. Christina Fraser is the daughter of his enemy, a man who would see Tor hanged. When she’s forced into Tor’s protection, their forbidden attraction could get them both killed.
What’s At Stake: If Christina is caught with Tor, her family will disown her and she’ll be branded a traitor. If Tor is discovered, he’ll be executed. Their love could get them executed for treason.
Why It Works: This is forbidden romance where discovery means death. Not social ruin. Not scandal. Death.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, protector hero, on the run, forced proximity, warrior hero
4. Beautiful Vengence (The O’Malleys) by Katee Robert (formerly Forbidden Promises)
Subgenre: Contemporary romance / mafia romance
The Setup: Sloan O’Malley is trying to leave her crime-ridden family behind for a new life away from Boston. Unbeknownst to her, the hot surly next door neighbor she can’t resist, Jude MacNamara, is the last surviving member of a rival family, and out for O’Malley blood.
What’s At Stake: This is more than just two houses divided enemies to lovers. Sloane wants a life apart from her family’s tainted business. Jude wants said business so he and his can survive. It’s more than just revenge. And if either of their families found out, they will both be sleeping with the fishes.
Why It Works: Sloane’s desire to escape and Jude’s need for retribution are highly relatable. And the chemistry on the page is off the charts.
Tropes: Enemies to lovers; small town, virgin heroine, hitman hero, mistaken identity, on the run
5. Keeping the Countess (Damsels in Disguise) by Lille Moore
Subgenre: Historical romance / Victorian mystery
The Setup: After twenty years of searching, Reverend Jonah Sinclair finally has a lead on his father’s killer: the notorious Earl of Rochford, who’s just hired him to tutor his young ward. But Jonah’s quest for justice is threatened when he becomes entangled with a Faith Trenton, the earl’s countess, who’s hiding a dangerous secret.
What’s At Stake: Helping Faith could sabotage Jonah’s mission. Loving her would cost him his livelihood. And the more Faith allows Jonah into her life, the greater the chances he could expose a secret that would cost her her life.
Why It Works: Both Faith and Jonah have everything to lose by trusting each other.
Tropes: Forced proximity, he falls first, steamy slow burn, mystery and mayhem, Victorian gothic
These five books truly deliver the promise of the premise when it comes to forbidden romance. Best of all? Since they’re not new releases, you can likely find them on request at your local library or read for free in Kindle Unlimited.