Books About Forbidden Love

The Best Forbidden Love Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about forbidden love? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Forbidden Love

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

The Tale of Despereaux

By Kate DiCamillo, Timothy Basil Ering (Illustrator)

A mouse, a rat, and a girl embark on a journey of light and destiny.

Newbery Medal (2004)

272 pages· 32,226 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 220,023 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Despereaux, a mouse enchanted by music and a princess, Roscuro, a rat yearning for light, and Miggery Sow, a girl with an impossible wish, are drawn together. Their paths lead from a dark dungeon to a shining castle, intertwining their fates. What destiny awaits them in this tale of courage and longing?

Sale price

$2446

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2009

Hush, Hush

By Becca Fitzpatrick · Book #1 in the The Hush, Hush Saga series

Nora's drawn to Patch, but an ancient battle threatens her life.

391 pages· 85,313 words· Est. 8 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 754,674 ratings

$25.75Save 5%

Perfect Paperback

Summary: Nora Grey never planned for romance, but Patch's mysterious allure pulls her in. As terrifying events unfold, she questions who to trust. Caught in an ancient conflict between immortals and the fallen, Nora's choices could be deadly. Can she uncover the truth before it's too late?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

Beautiful Creatures

By Kami Garcia, Margaret Stohl · Book #1 in the Beautiful Creatures series

A cursed girl and a haunted boy uncover secrets in a mysterious southern town.

563 pages· 147,816 words· Est. 13.5 hour read

3.8 Goodreads · 627,425 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: In the forgotten town of Gatlin, Lena struggles to hide her family's curse. Ethan, plagued by dreams of a mysterious girl, is drawn to her when she arrives at the old plantation. As secrets unravel, their connection could change everything. What lies beneath the surface of this southern town?

Sale price

$2089

Chapter Book · Ages 14–+ · 2026

Release Me

By Tahereh Mafi · Book #2 in the Shatter Me: The New Republic series

A vengeful assassin and a wary ally face a crumbling dystopia's dark secrets.

384 pages· 85,654 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 38,514 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Rosabelle Wolff seeks revenge to save her sister, but her icy resolve falters in the surveillance state of Ark Island. James Anderson, desperate for allies against The Reestablishment, finds himself drawn to Rosabelle, an instinctive killer. As tensions rise, Aaron Warner Anderson senses a looming threat, unable to trust Rosabelle's unreadable nature. Can they unite against a crumbling dystopia, or will their fractured trust doom them all? Welcome back to The New Republic, where danger and desire collide.

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By Deya Muniz

A disguised noblewoman and a princess find unexpected love amidst secrets and grilled cheese.

256 pages· 9,668 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 26,414 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Paperback

Summary: Lady Camembert, disguised as Count Camembert, seeks freedom in the Kingdom of Fromage. But when Princess Brie, known for her activism and style, captures her heart, secrets threaten their budding romance. Can Camembert maintain her disguise, or will love unravel her carefully woven identity? This romantic comedy explores mistaken identities, true love, and the irresistible allure of grilled cheese.

Sale price

$2085

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

A Torch Against the Night

By Sabaa Tahir · Book #2 in the An Ember in the Ashes series

Fugitives Elias and Laia race against dark forces to save her brother from a deadly prison.

464 pages· 124,808 words· Est. 11.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 209,848 ratings

$21.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Elias and Laia are on the run, pursued by Martial soldiers through the Empire. Laia's mission: infiltrate the impenetrable Kauf prison to rescue her brother, vital to the Scholars' survival. Elias, sacrificing his freedom, aids her against formidable foes, including his former friend Helene, now tasked with hunting them down. As dark forces close in, can they outsmart their enemies and survive?

Sale price

$2374

Chapter Book · Ages 14–17 · 2016

Lady Midnight

By Cassandra Clare · Book #1 in the The Dark Artifices series

A young Shadowhunter seeks vengeance and uncovers a deadly plot threatening her world.

688 pages· 203,105 words· Est. 19 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 250,140 ratings

$24.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Emma Carstairs, a determined Shadowhunter, seeks to avenge her parents' mysterious deaths. With her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, she delves into a demonic conspiracy in Los Angeles. As they navigate treacherous alliances, Julian's brother Mark returns from the faerie realm, unchanged and unrecognizable. Can Emma balance her quest for justice with the tangled emotions of her heart? And will Mark find his place in a world that moved on without him? The stakes are high as the Shadowhunters race against time to stop a killer targeting faeries, risking everything in a city where magic and danger collide.

Sale price

$2651

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2009

City of Glass

By Cassandra Clare · Book #3 in the The Mortal Instruments series

Forbidden entry, deadly secrets, and a fight for survival in the City of Glass.

592 pages· 150,268 words· Est. 14 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,031,993 ratings

$27.90Save 5%

Library Binding

Summary: Clary must defy the Law to save her mother by entering the City of Glass, home of the Shadowhunters. With Jace's rejection and Simon imprisoned, she uncovers dark family secrets and allies with the enigmatic Sebastian. As Valentine threatens to annihilate the Shadowhunters, Clary must unite sworn enemies to save their world. Can she wield her powers and overcome betrayal to protect the Glass City at any cost?

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2017

Tigerheart's Shadow

By Erin Hunter, James L. Barry (Illustrator) · Book #10 in the Warriors Super Edition series

A warrior cat faces a quest that could save or doom his clan.

464 pages· 94,685 words· Est. 10.5 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 3,423 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: ShadowClan's deputy, Tigerheart, embarks on a perilous journey with ThunderClan's Dovewing. As darkness looms over his clan, an ominous vision suggests the only way to save them might be to leave everything behind. Will Tigerheart's quest lead to salvation or sacrifice? Discover the thrilling world of warrior cats in this epic adventure.

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2024

Heartless Hunter

By Kristen Ciccarelli · Book #1 in the The Crimson Moth series

A witch and a hunter's forbidden love ignites amidst revolution and secrets.

406 pages· 98,584 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 468,855 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a world where witches are hunted, Rune hides her true identity by day and becomes the Crimson Moth by night, rescuing her kind. When a mission goes awry, she courts Gideon, a dedicated witch hunter, to gather crucial intel. As their feigned romance deepens, Gideon discovers Rune's hidden depths, but questions if she is the enemy he's sworn to destroy. Can love survive when trust is a dangerous game?

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