Delve into 13 Adventure Novels Featuring Forbidden Love
Book RaiderAh, the joys of forbidden love. You may have left it behind in your teenage years, along with acne, school uniforms, and questionable hairstyle choices. But, admit it, there's nothing quite the thrill inherent in love that's off-limits, and there's no better place to safely experience this, than the realm of adventure novels.
Every bookshelf deserves at least a few tales of forbidden amour, artfully entangled within tales of heart-stopping quests and spine-chilling mysteries. Whether it's love trapped between dimensions, sneaking through enemy lines, or simply bridging the fiery gap of a good old family feud; forbidden love, my friends, is the secret ingredient that adds an intoxicating hint of passion to the adrenaline cocktail of an adventure novel.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
Why A Court of Thorns and Roses is on this list: If your idea of adventure is being kidnapped by a fearsome but good-looking beast and being embroiled in high fae politics and forbidden passion, well then, butter my biscuits, this one's got your name all over it. This novel delivers an intoxicating blend of danger, bravery, love, and an ancient curse. Talk the ultimate thrill!
Sarah J. Maas weaves a breathtaking story about a human huntress, Feyre, who gets tangled up in the mystifying world of fairies and immortal beast-like creatures. The plot takes a serious U-turn when Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, catching the ire of a strange beast. Whisked away to a treacherous, magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre soon discovers her captor is an intriguing (and pretty darn hot) High Fae. As a thrilling forbidden romance blossoms between them, Feyre uncovers secrets that could bring magical calamity.
What readers like: Readers were absolutely enamoured with the electrifying mix of adventure, suspense and romance. They couldn't get enough of the fairy tale-like elements, the beautifully complex characters, the crafty plot twists, and well, they became darn near addicted to the feverish, forbidden liaison between Feyre and her pet beast. It's like Sarah J. Maas wove a spell on the readers, leaving them utterly obsessed.
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Six of Crows
by Leigh Bardugo
Why Six of Crows is on this list: This adrenaline-pumping story twists the concept of forbidden love into nail-biting suspense. The central romance in 'Six of Crows' blooms between two key characters from vastly different worlds and backgrounds, making their love story seem almost forbidden.
Set in a vivid, fantasy world inspired by Tsarist Russia, this captivating tale revolves around six daring characters attempting an impossible heist. The stakes get unimaginably high when forbidden emotions start blooming between members of the crew. Nothing says ' thrilling adventure' like a heist gone wrong and love blossoming in the bleakest circumstances, right?
What readers like: Readers truly embrace the complex characters, who are flawed yet so human, making them incredibly relatable. The unexpected humor sprinkled within the tension-filled scenario is an absolute treat. Admirers of the book rave about the intricate plot, fast-paced narrative, and the intense chemistry between the characters, making the forbidden romance all the more intriguing.
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Rebel of the Sands
by Alwyn Hamilton
Why Rebel of the Sands is on this list: The crux of this gripping adventure novel lies in its enticing blend of a desolate desert setting, an audacious protagonist, and a hint of forbidden romance. The electrifying love story that unfolds is exactly what makes it a captivating read for our list of adventure novels with forbidden love.
Our main lass, Amani, is a whiz shot with a pistol and hankers for an escape from her dusty hometown, Dustwalk. Her magical, action-packed adventure starts when she meets Jin, a mysterious and charming foreigner. As they navigate through deadly beasts, crushing betrayals, and the looming revolution, their relationship grows beyond just camaraderie. Add to that the potent brew of laws and customs standing against them, and you have love as forbidden as it gets. Amani soon learns that revolutions and love are quite similar- both are things one usually rushes into headlong... and both can get you killed.
What readers like: Readers dig this fantasy adventure for its spirited and unyielding heroine, its immersive world-building, and of course, the simmering love story that's as heated as the desert sun. The clever intertwining of mythical Arabian elements with a wild west setting also makes this a unique read for fans of both genres. And let's not forget the fantastic way it highlights the thrill of forbidden love amidst rebellion and danger. Because who doesn't love a good fight-for-survival romance, right?
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Heartbreak for Hire
by Sonia Hartl
Why Heartbreak for Hire is on this list: This exciting novel doesn't just stop at taking you on a thrilling adventure but blindsides you with a thrilling, forbidden, and beautifully messy love that sets the stakes even higher.
Meet Brinkley Saunders. By day, she's your regular girl-next-door but by night, she works for an under-the-radar and extremely secretive company called the Heartbreak for Hire, giving jerky men what they deserve - heartbreak. Things are complicated when Mark, her seemingly perfect ex-boyfriend and easy unsuspecting target, becomes her next assignment. The adventure intensifies as Brinkley uncovers secrets that question her loyalties and blurs the lines between right and wrong.
What readers like: Readers have expressed great love for the unique blend of romance and revenge-fueled adventure in this book. The suspenseful twist and turns, the subtle humor, and the somewhat jaded yet relatable character of Brinkley all add layers to the story that keep you hooked until the very last page.
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The Burning Sky
by Sherry Thomas
Why The Burning Sky is on this list: This is the kind of book that doesn't just take on an adventure, it practically kidnaps you and pulls you along for the thrilling ride. And all the while, it dabbles delightfully in the tantalizing waters of forbidden love, exactly what we're looking for,?
Ever heard of a powerful elemental mage who doesn't want to fulfill a prophecy? Meet Iolanthe Seabourne, the reluctant heroine, who prefers living life on her own terms. Forced the classic 'save the world' mission, she's whisked away by Titus, the Prince who schemes relentlessly, is rather intense, and undeniably attractive. The world they navigate is filled with scheming politicians, magical beasts and lots of 'you-can't-be-in-love-with-him' moments. Will they save their land or drown in this forbidden romance? You'll have to read to find out.
What readers like: Fans rave about the immersive world building that Sherry Thomas spins into existence. They also can't get enough of the star-crossed lovers plot. The mix of fantasy, drama and throbbing hearts makes it a perfect pick for the romance adventure seekers.
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Before She Ignites
by Jodi Meadows
Why Before She Ignites is on this list: Jodi Meadows has crafted a tale that skillfully weaves together adrenaline-fueled adventures with forbidden romance, making 'Before She Ignites' the perfect addition to our list.
Follow Mira, a revered figure, also known as the Hopebearer. As the peace negotiator for islands in a lush fantasy world, Mira's life is anything but ordinary. But trouble brews when she uncovers a horrifying secret. Charged with treason, Mira finds herself thrown into the heart of a deadly conspiracy within the confines of the Pit - the prison at the deepest end. As her world crumbles, she finds solace in an unexpected source, a stone-under-the-heart rebel, who warms up to her in a way that's both exciting and terrifying.
What readers like: Readers applaud 'Before She Ignites' for its breath-taking descriptions and compelling characters. Mira, with her strength and vulnerability, draws a special admiration from readers. The burning tension of the romantic subplot, creeping up amid the harsh prison life, gets fans hooked.
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The Poppy War
by R.F. Kuang
Why The Poppy War is on this list: Sure, you may think 'The Poppy War' sounds like the title of a documentary on the global opium crisis, but it's actually an escapist adventure brimming with forbidden love and a heavy dollop of magical realism.
Our heroine, Rin, grapples with the deeply serious business of empire wars and even more important, her own internal 'non-Rom-Com' love story. She's whisked from an abusive home after earning a spot at a prestigious military school. Amidst the rigours of her education, she finds herself increasingly drawn towards an unhinged, but oddly charming, lore professor. It’s a twisty, heart-wrenching tale where nothing is ever black and white, and those opium fields come loaded with some rather unexpected magical properties.
What readers like: If you're a fan of fantasy epics but also appreciate a good forbidden love story, The Poppy War won’t disappoint. Readers have found themselves drawn in by the enthralling twists of Rin’s journey, the gripping world-building and the unexpected smoulder beneath her thorny relationship with her professor. Let’s not forget the exotic allure of magic, war and unexpected alliances. Many applaud Kuang's ability to weave a story where love is subtly squeezed between lines of duty and destiny.
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Red Queen
by Victoria Aveyard
Why Red Queen is on this list: Imagine living in a world divided by blood color where love knows no bounds. Are you willing to risk everything including your life, for a forbidden love? This is the crux that settles Red Queen perfectly into our theme of adventure novels featuring forbidden love.
In her innovative debut novel, Aveyard introduces the readers to a society riven by color-coded blood. Young heroine Mare Barrow, a lowly Red, unexpectedly finds herself working for the Silver ruling class, and she discovers she possesses a mysterious power. The real tension starts when she falls for a royal Silver prince, which is a big no-no due to the blood separation. As the stakes rise, Mare must decide if her heart or her will to revolutionize the oppressive regime will win out.
What readers like: Readers have enjoyed the twist and turns of this fast-paced fantasy novel, filled with electrifying battles, deception and intrigue, and, of course, the adrenaline rush of forbidden romance. If you like your head messing with your heart, and a really good 'us against the world' kind of story, then start turning the pages of Red Queen.
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An Ember in the Ash
by Sabaa Tahir
Why An Ember in the Ash is on this list: Who said adventure and romance can't mix? This is a tale where danger is as constant as the beating heart of forbidden love. The love story between the book's main characters is as illicit as it is intense, making it perfectly tailored to our list.
An Ember in the Ashes is a world filled with tyranny and fear, where defiance can lead to death. Laia, a slave, and Elias, a soldier, live in a Martial Empire that dreams of being free. Despite their remarkably different statuses, their paths cross and engender a relationship that's as enthralling as it's forbidden. Their love story unfolds as they both walk the knife's edge of danger.
What readers like: This book is a runaway train of emotions. Readers love the relentless pacing, the vividly drawn world, and complex characters facing impossible choices. They particularly appreciate the slow-burning romance that warms the cold world of danger around them. And sure, the sneaky plot twists that make the book hard to put down are a great bonus too.
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The Wrath and the Dawn
by Renee Ahdieh
Why The Wrath and the Dawn is on this list: This book is the perfect addition to our list because it masterfully intertwines the adrenaline of adventure with the heart-poundings of forbidden love. In an exotic and ruthless setting, two characters find themselves in deep emotional territory that is decidedly off-limits.
The story follows Shahrzad - our fearless heroine who volunteers to marry a king widely known for executing his wives at dawn. He is as enigmatic as he is feared, but Shahrzad discovers a strange attraction for him, an attraction that's most certainly forbidden. As a tale of unfolding mystery and burgeoning love, the story weaves together threads of romance, bravery, and grit in an intense page-turner that leaves you breathless and yearning for more.
What readers like: Readers rave about the unexpected twists in the story, the crackling chemistry between the main characters, and the vivid descriptions that transport them right into the heart of the ancient Middle Eastern world. Fans really appreciate the deep character development interspersed with bursts of action and suspense.
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Three Dark Crowns
by Kendare Blake
Why Three Dark Crowns is on this list: If you're itching for a book that effortlessly weaves together fantasy, adventure, and a dash of forbidden love, Blake's 'Three Dark Crowns' would definitely satiate your craving. The novel features ensnared love and heartbreaking twists that will indeed get you trapped in its narrative.
'Three Dark Crowns' immerses you in an island shrouded in dense mist and shifty magic, where three sisters, each with her unique power, are raised and groomed to potentially kill each other. The true kicker here is how forbidden romantic relationships not just complicate but exacerbate the intensity of their royal ordeal. You bet it's a catfight but with magical powers and compelling romance that you can't afford to miss.
What readers like: Readers relish the way this book conjures a fantastical world that's both enchanting and dark, and the riveting love stories that are intriguingly placed at the core of its fast-paced plot. And of course, if you love strong female characters who aren't just queens but embroiled in a life and death struggle, then this book is a triple treat.
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The Song of Achilles
by Madeline Miller
Why The Song of Achilles is on this list:
This book takes us back to the of the legendary Trojan war, focusing on an unsung hero, Patroclus. It narrates a gripping story of his transformation from a clumsy young prince exiled to the court of King Peleus, to an integral part of the Greek force fighting against Troy, all the while nurturing a secret, deep running love for the King's son - the god-like warrior, Achilles.
What readers like: Readers have often praised Madeline Miller for her mesmerizing storytelling technique. They were hooked from the very first page and found themselves empathizing with the characters despite the age and cultural chasm. The vivid war scenes, coupled with the poignant emotionally charged moments of Achilles and Patroclus's love story, left a significant impact on the readers leading many to label it as a 'heart-rending masterpiece'.
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The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
Why The Cruel Prince is on this list: The Cruel Prince hits the sweet spot between adventure and forbidden love, just like a mint gum on a hot sunny day. Whether you're secretly rooting for the bad boy or you just love thrill of the forbidden, this one's a top-shelf pick.
Jude, a mortal girl, finds herself in the treous High Court of Faerie, a place as danger-filled as it's beautiful. Amidst political dramas and underhanded schemes, she’s drawn to Prince Cardan, the most wickedly handsome and cruel of the faeries. But falling in love with him is about as smart as hugging a cactus. Unthinkably, that doesn't stop her.
What readers like: Readers love the irresistible pull of the hate-to-love romance and the mind-spinning twists. Also, they find delight in Jude's bravery and defiance, and of course, in the guilty pleasure of rooting for a love that’s as dangerous as poking a sleeping dragon.
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