Forbidden romance books that will leave you wanting more

Forbidden love is an angsty romance trope where the characters want what they can’t have. Sometimes the outcome is sweetly inevitable but other times, the characters end up at unexpected crossroads. . . 

Want to dive into the heart-racing world of forbidden romance? From tales of sworn enemies-to-lovers where destinies and worlds are at stake to a strictly off-limits but irresistibly swoon-worthy brother's best friend, here are our top picks to get you started, or to feed your existing obsession. Warning though: these books are completely unputdownable.

One For My Enemy

by Olivie Blake

The Antonova sisters are alluring yet ruthless. They run a large-scale narcotics business now under threat from the Fedorov brothers – sons of one of the most dangerous crime bosses, and their sworn enemies. As a twelve-year stalemate between these witch families comes to a breaking point, tensions bubble over. But with an unexpected forbidden romance forming among the chaos, will power and legacy tear them apart or will love prevail?

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How (not) to Have an Arranged Marriage

by Amir Khan

Book cover for How (not) to Have an Arranged Marriage

Yousef’s life seems mapped out for him – become a doctor and marry a girl of his parents' choosing. He has so far been the golden boy of the family, living up to their high expectations. But when fellow medical student Jess catches his eye, the route paved out for him becomes way more complicated. As Yousef is caught between two worlds, he must try to maintain appearances while facing an inevitable choice between his own happiness and his parents' expectations.

Red, White & Royal Blue

by Casey McQuiston

Book cover for Red, White & Royal Blue

While Red, White & Royal Blue might not be strictly forbidden romance, the two main characters – Alex Claremont-Diaz, son of the US President, and Henry, the Prince of Wales – do have to keep their rendezvous behind closed doors. After their fight gets caught by the British tabloids, a truce is drawn between Henry and Alex. But what starts as damage control turns into a deeper connection beyond the pretty pictures, spiralling the pair into a secret romance that could put both nations in jeopardy. . . 

Red, White & Royal Blue is outrageously fun. It is romantic, sexy, witty, and thrilling. I loved every second
Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Stolen Hours

by Karen Swan

Book cover for The Stolen Hours

It’s summer, 1929 and Mhaira MacKinnon is in need of a husband. She is the eldest of nine children and her father is growing impatient. But her options on the small Scottish island of St Kilda are limited. Her neighbour, Donald, has an acquaintance in need of a wife on the distant island of Harris and is prepared to escort her for an introduction before the autumn seas close them off to the outside world. Mhaira returns engaged but her heart belongs to another she cannot have. When St Kilda is suddenly evacuated, the forbidden lovers have a few months to bask in each other's company, but will a fond heart lead to a more bitter goodbye? 

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Noughts & Crosses

by Malorie Blackman

Book cover for Noughts & Crosses

Noughts & Crosses is a forbidden romance classic. Set in a dystopian London, this gripping tale plays on a unique reversal of racial prejudices. Sephy is a Cross; she lives a life of power and privilege but still feels lonely and angry at society. Callum is a Nought; poor and living only to serve the Crosses. They have been long-time best friends but know nothing more can come from it. In a world where they are forced apart, can these star-crossed lovers choose each other despite the external pressures that curse their union?

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

by Carissa Broadbent

Book cover for The Serpent and the Wings of Night

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is both an enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance, complete with a mix of dark magic. Oraya is the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king. In a world designed to kill her, her only chance to be more than prey is to enter the Kejari – a tournament held by the goddess of death. Oraya must ally with the dangerous yet alluring vampire, Raihn – an enemy to her father's crown – if she wants a chance of surviving the trials. But what terrifies Oraya the most is her growing desire for this ruthless vampire. . . 

Morally grey men, vampires who bite, and a heroine who bites back twice as hard . . . Smoldering with heat, Broadbent leaves us begging for more in the best way!
K. A. Linde

I'll Look for You, Everywhere

by Cameron Capello

Book cover for I'll Look for You, Everywhere

It’s time to up the temperature and travel to Italy for some sun-kissed forbidden romance. There, we meet Magdalen and Theo, former neighbours and childhood friends, reunited for a family wedding. Both must face the sizzling romance blossoming between them and unravel the secrets of their shared past. And in the quaint town of Chivasso, there are only so many places to hide. Will Magdalen attempt to  dim her feelings for Theo – also her best friend's brother – or embrace the spirit of love while she can?

Cross the Line

by Simone Soltani

Book cover for Cross the Line

Cross the Line is the perfect read for those who love a heart-racing, living-on-the-edge kind of romance. Meet Dev Anderson, a Formula 1 driver with his career on the line after a social media disaster. With his team and sponsors threatening to jump ship, he needs a serious image makeover. Fast. At a party in Monaco, he stumbles upon Willow Williams, his best friend’s little sister who happens to be the social media expert answer to his prayers. Willow and Dev are determined to keep things strictly professional, but their increased proximity only heightens their desire for one another. How long can they fool themselves – and Willow's protective brother – about their growing connection?

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Dishonestly Yours

by Krista Ritchie

Book cover for Dishonestly Yours

Phoebe Graves has grown up in a town where she has made stealing and seducing an effortless art. But when a job goes wrong, she decides to leave her life of crime behind and move to a small town in Connecticut with her best friend, Hailey Tinrock. Despite protests, Hailey's frustratingly handsome brother Rocky won't let them go without him. And while Phoebe and Rocky have a messy past, she can’t help feeling that he’s everything she wants but can’t have. As the trio try to leave their life of crime behind, the longer they stay in town the more Phoebe realises what a life with the man she loves could look like. . .