Rules are meant to be broken, and these forbidden romance love stories do just that. Whether it’s an affair, a workplace romance, or falling for your sworn enemy, sometimes the heart just wants what it wants. We don’t judge, we just read. And these off-limits romance books are un-put-downable!
1. “Priest” by Sierra Simone
Nothing can be more forbidden—or hot—than a priest breaking his vows. But when Father Tyler Bell meets Poppy Danforth, that’s exactly what happens.
When Poppy stumbles into a confessional booth, she asks forgiveness for her sins: leaving behind a controlling ex-boyfriend and her big city job as a lawyer, disobeying her parents and moving to Kansas City to enroll in a dance academy—and becoming a stripper at a fancy gentleman’s club to pay the bills.
Her confession—and sultry voice—stirs something within Father Bell. Something sinful. Poppy’s story reminds him that just three years ago, he was a regular guy...with regular desires. It wasn’t until a shocking tragedy rocked his family did he decide to pick up robes and join the priesthood. But now, for the first time, he’s questioning that choice. What happens when your love of God rivals your growing love of a beautiful woman?
This forbidden romance book is so steamy (like, breaking vows of celibacy on a church altar steamy), it’d be a sin not to give it a chance.
2. “Forbidden” by Beverly Jenkins
Eddy Carmichael has big dreams and she’s not going to let the difficult realities of being Black in a post-Civil War America stop her. As she journeys out west to California to open her own restaurant, she’s swindled and attacked by a con man who leaves her for dead in a Nevada desert.
When Rhine Fontaine and his business partner come across Eddy clinging to life, they bring her back to their saloon and let her recover in the rooms upstairs. Now instead of opening up her own establishment, Eddy is paying off her debt to a handsome white man by way of cooking meals for his saloon patrons.
Rhine is rich, successful, and wildly attracted to the outspoken and defiant Eddy—despite being engaged to a prominent white woman in town. He’s also harboring a long-kept secret: that he’s actually an escaped slave who’s just been passing a white. He always thought he’d take his secret to his grave, but if revealing the truth would mean a future with Eddy...it just might be worth it.
The first book in the Old West series, this Black romance novel is a forbidden love story that’s full of surprises.
3. “Familiar Face” by Dipsea
Eight years ago, Irene was studying abroad in Dublin when she met Caitlin, an outgoing book lover who brought out her fun side. The two became fast friends and Irene always wondered if there was more to their relationship, but she returned back to America before they could find out.
Now, back in Ireland for a year pursuing a new job, Irene is surprised when she locks eyes with Caitlin in a bustling local pub. The two pick up right where they left off and, on a moonlit stroll near the river, they share a wild and passionate kiss. They could finally explore the chemistry between them if it wasn’t for one thing—they’re both seeing other people.
They decide to keep things platonic, but every time they hang out it becomes harder and harder to resist their growing attraction. They know they shouldn’t...they know it’s wrong...but soon they’re entangled in a full-blown, very spicy affair. Can their forbidden romance have a happy ending?
This original sapphic audiobook features a flirty friends-to-lovers trope, diverse narrators, and an Irish accent so steamy you’ll need a pint of Guinness to cool off.
4. “Birthday Girl” by Penelope Douglas
Dating one of your boyfriend’s friends is frowned upon. But, dating his dad? That’s unthinkable. Unfortunately for 19-year-old Jordan Hadley, she’s been thinking about it a lot.
When Jordan’s screw-up boyfriend Cole lands himself in jail, the pair are forced to leave their apartment and move in with Jordan’s dad, Pike. At 38 years old, Pike is a caring, responsible architect who’s just looking to lead a respectable life after a bitter divorce made him wary of love.
He gives his son and his girlfriend a place to stay out of the goodness of his heart, never expecting complicated feelings with Jordan to develop. But when Cole stands her up for a date and she finds herself watching a movie with Pike, the two realize they actually have a lot in common. Plus, Pike is actually there for her—unlike Cole. It’s not easy to ignore their growing chemistry when they’re sharing a house (forced proximity vibes), and they soon give in to their attraction.
They know it’s wrong...but it’s also so, so right. Is there any way their forbidden romance can actually have a happy ending?
From the New York Times bestselling author of “Credence,” this Goodreads’ 2018 Best Romance winner is an angsty contemporary romance that age gap and forbidden romance trope lovers won’t be able to resist!
5. “Scarred” by Emily McIntire
You probably never thought you needed to read a dark romance inspired by “The Lion King,” but we’re here to tell you you absolutely do.
This forbidden romance book follows Tristan Faasa, a prince who secretly leads a rebellion group aimed at overthrowing his brother Michael’s impending reign. After being tormented by his brother for years, Tristan will stop at nothing to make sure Michael doesn’t take the throne. But when he meets Michael’s betrothed, Lady Sara Beatreaux, he realizes his plan—and his heart—are in trouble.
Sara Beatreaux is supposed to marry the king...and then she’s supposed to kill him. She’s on a mission to wipe out the entire Faasa bloodline, and that includes the infamous scarred prince. Tristan is dangerous, dark, and she hates everything he stands for. But there’s also something more to him...something unexpected.
When the lines between love and hate get crossed, the only thing left is fiery passion. They never thought things could get so complicated, but heavy is the head that wants to wear the crown.
This enemies-to-lovers fantasy book is the ultimate forbidden love story!
6. “Keeping Score” by Dipsea
Will and Alyssa were once best friends in high school, but they drifted apart as they followed their dreams. So it comes as quite a surprise when they’re reunited years later working for the same team. Will is a rising professional basketball star who’s looking to make it big after being traded to the NBA’s Pistons. Alyssa is a PR dynamo tasked with making the team shine off the court.
Their reunion sparks old feelings back to life, but they have to keep their budding romance a secret. After all, dating someone you work with is explicitly forbidden. If their secret gets out, will they still be able to score their happily ever after?
This original forbidden romance audiobook is perfect for readers who love sports romance and the friends-to-lovers trope!
7. “These Violent Delights” by Chloe Gong
A Goodreads Choice Award nominee and Amazon Editor’s Pick, this instant New York Times bestseller is a historical romance “Romeo and Juliet” retelling.
Set in 1926 Shanghai, this YA fantasy book follows Juliette Cai, a young woman who abandons her life as a flapper to fulfill her duty as heir of the Scarlet Gang, a criminal organization that even the law can’t stop. The only people who have ever come close to putting them in their place are the White Flowers, a rival gang led by bad boy Roma Montagov, Juliette’s first love.
When members of both gangs start dying at the hands of a mysterious monster, they must put aside old feelings and join forces to save the city. But ignoring old feelings is easier said than done...especially when it’s a steamy desire that could prove to be deadly. Violent delights have violent ends—not happy endings. Will these star-crossed lovers have a different fate?
The first in a viral duology, “These Violent Delights” is one of the most popular forbidden romance books. Definitely add this one to your TBR!
Being wrong never felt so right
Forbidden love may be complicated, but it’s the tension that keeps us turning the pages. Whether it’s sneaking around, keeping secrets, or navigating the taboo, these romances prove that the only rule when it comes to love is following your heart.
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