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9 Unforgettable Forbidden Romances in the ThriftBooks TropeTrove™

By Likewise and ThriftBooks | Mar 05, 2025Forbidden romance has always held a special allure in literature, pulling readers into passionate affairs, steamy escapades, and heart-wrenching decisions that tug at the heartstrings. Here's a comprehensive look at nine must-read books that encapsulate this thrilling genre, complete with captivating plots and emotional journeys.

The Risk by Elle Kennedy

The Risk Book Cover
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Everyone knows that bad girls attract trouble, and for Briar U's head coach's daughter, this truth strikes hard with the arrival of Jake Connelly, a player from a rival hockey team. Tasked with the challenge of maintaining her reputation and securing an internship, she resorts to hiring Jake as her fake boyfriend. However, as their chemistry ignites through staged outings, the line between fake and real blurs dangerously. With a backdrop of college rivalry and forbidden passion, this book is a rollercoaster of emotions.

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Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Six of Crows Book Cover
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Enter the Grishaverse as Kaz Brekker concocts a heist that is too impossible to resist. Joined by a crew of outcasts, including the star-crossed duo of Nina and Matthias, they confront their shadows while navigating the risks of love and loyalty. This multifaceted narrative offers rich character arcs and thrilling escapades, making forbidden love a centerpiece as their camaraderie often flirts with betrayal and desire. A gripping tale celebrating unity amidst chaos.

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Birthday Girl by Penelope Douglas

Birthday Girl Book Cover
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In this TikTok sensation, 19-year-old Jordan finds herself living with her boyfriend’s father, Pike, amidst a complicated web of emotions. As they share the same space, the unspoken attraction grows potent. In a poignant exploration of temptation and morality, readers witness how proximity can ignite feelings that challenge societal norms. Will they succumb to their desires or hold onto the threads of family?

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Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Romeo and Juliet Book Cover
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No discussion on forbidden love is complete without Shakespeare's timeless classic. Romeo and Juliet are the quintessential star-crossed lovers, whose tragic circumstances highlight the intensity of love and the pain of familial rivalry. Their untimely demise reunites their feuding families, delivering a profound message that resonates through the ages. Shakespeare's poetic prowess elevates this tale beyond mere tragedy into the realm of universal truths about love and sacrifice.

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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus Book Cover
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In this spellbinding narrative, the Night Circus opens as an ephemeral reality—it's only open at night and shrouded in magic and mystery. At the heart of the circus lies a dangerous competition between two magicians, Celia and Marco. As they navigate their fierce rivalry, they unwittingly plunge into a whirlwind romance, resulting in enchanting yet perilous consequences. With richly drawn characters and an ethereal ambiance, this book underscores how love can bloom in the most unexpected and forbidden circumstances.

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Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush Book Cover
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Nora Grey's life turns upside down after being paired with the enigmatic and brooding Patch in her biology class. As Nora fights against her growing attraction to Patch—who is shrouded in secrets—an exploration of trust, danger, and desire unfolds. This supernatural romance weaves layers of suspense and intrigue, making readers question how far they would go for love, even when faced with perilous choices.

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Twisted Games by Ana Huang

Twisted Games Book Cover
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This contemporary royal romance centers on Bridget, a princess caught between royal duty and her fierce attraction to her bodyguard, Rhys. Their connection is explosive, but the repercussions of succumbing to their desires could threaten not just their hearts but an entire kingdom. Ana Huang spins a tale of dark passion and looming tension, perfectly capturing the duality of love and responsibility.

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Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

Perfect Chemistry Book Cover
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As Brittany Ellis's seemingly perfect high school life tumbles into chaos when paired with bad boy Alex Fuentes, readers are treated to a fiery exploration of opposites attracting. This explosive chemistry transcends social barriers and life challenges, forcing both to confront their hidden truths, breaking stereotypes, and ultimately discovering love's genuine essence amidst societal pressures.

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King of Pride by Ana Huang

King of Pride Book Cover
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This billionaire romance follows Kai Young, a stoic CEO heir, and Isabella Valencia, a vibrant bartender. As their worlds collide, the book masterfully explores the tension between duty and desire, highlighting the struggles of giving in to forbidden love. With laughter and steam, readers will be captivated by their fiery romance that challenges boundaries.

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