by CJ Holmes
Few tropes evoke as much excitement and tension as forbidden romance, especially in paranormal and fantasy stories. Rooted in age-old tales of star-crossed lovers, the allure lies in its dramatic stakes—love that defies rules, risks punishment, and battles against seemingly insurmountable odds. Whether it's a witch forced to wed her sworn hunter or a mortal artist captivated by a dangerous Fae prince, these relationships resonate because they challenge boundaries, offering a mix of danger, passion, and defiance.
In paranormal romance, forbidden love isn’t more than a story element. It’s a reflection of the human experience. It magnifies our desire to belong, even when circumstances conspire against us, and our willingness to take risks for what we value most. These relationships explore the tension between attraction and societal expectations, creating stakes that go beyond mere heartbreak. Every obstacle, whether it's a magical curse, a clash of kingdoms, or centuries of war, serves as a crucible, forging bonds that are deeply emotional and unforgettable. Humans fall for supernatural beings, rivals are thrust together, or duty and destiny stand in the way, and the tension will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of love that defies the odds. It’s thrilling to read stories about characters choosing each other despite every reason not to, fighting for their happiness in ways that feel both extraordinary and profoundly real. In forbidden romances, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a rebellion, a declaration that what they have is worth any cost. It reminds us that love, at its core, is daring, transformative, and often the greatest adventure of all.
In celebration of February – the month of Valentine’s Day – here are some books that fall within paranormal romance that are all about forbidden love, and how it triumphs over all!
SERPENT AND DOVE
Shelby Mahurin’s SERPENT AND DOVE blends magic, danger, and forbidden romance into a gripping tale of opposites colliding. Lou, a witch hiding from her past, is forced into marriage with Reid, a witch-hunter bound by faith and duty. Their union is a volatile mix of secrets, grudges, and undeniable chemistry, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and an impending witch war. Set against a richly drawn world of magic, religion, and societal pressures, their story explores themes of identity, trust, and the power of love to challenge even the deepest prejudices.
I adore this book for its razor-sharp tension and the deeply human conflicts at its core. Lou’s fierce independence and Reid’s rigid worldview collide in ways that are both frustrating and heartwarming, making their eventual connection all the more satisfying. The banter, the slow-burn romance, and the complex dynamics of love and hate kept me utterly captivated. It’s a story that lingers, reminding me why forbidden love remains one of my favorite tropes.
THESE HOLLOW VOWS
Brie is thrust into the dazzling yet dangerous world of the Fae after her sister is taken. To save her, she must navigate a web of deception, torn between two powerful and enigmatic princes. One is light and noble, while the other embodies shadow and temptation, creating a tense love triangle full of betrayal and passion. The story brims with political intrigue, high stakes, and the forbidden pull of dangerous alliances.
With its immersive world-building and morally complex characters, the book masterfully explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and love. The tension between light and dark adds depth to the narrative, making it an enthralling read for fans of forbidden romance and high-stakes fantasy. The lush world-building and the simmering tension between the characters will have you hooked from the very beginning.
THE BRIDGE KINGDOM
Danielle L. Jensen’s THE BRIDGE KINGDOM starts when Lara is trained from birth to be the perfect spy and assassin, tasked with marrying the king of an enemy nation to destroy him from within. Yet as she navigates the complexities of Aren's kingdom, she discovers a ruler far different from the tyrant she was taught to hate—and a dangerous attraction blooms between them. The story is a masterclass in tension, deception, and the delicate dance of love and betrayal.
The story’s blend of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and forbidden romance creates a breathtakingly tense and emotional journey. This book captured my heart with its relentless pacing and morally complex characters. Lara’s inner conflict and Aren’s honorable strength make their dynamic electric, and the forbidden nature of their love only heightens the stakes. The vivid world-building and layered storytelling drew me in, but it was the emotional depth of their relationship that kept me hooked until the very last page.
AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS
When Isobel, a talented human artist, paints a portrait of Rook, a mysterious and powerful Fae prince, she inadvertently exposes a secret that could lead to grave consequences. The portrait causes their worlds to collide in a forbidden way, pulling them into a dangerous and magical journey. As they travel through the perilous world of the Fae, their bond deepens, but so do the risks, as they uncover secrets that threaten to unravel everything.
With vivid world-building and a magnetic slow-burn romance, AN ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS is perfect for readers who love intense chemistry, high stakes, and the tantalizing world of forbidden love in a fantastical setting. The mix of danger, magic, and romance makes it an unforgettable read.
THE NIGHT CIRCUS
In The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Celia and Marco, two magicians bound by a mysterious and ancient competition, are forced to showcase their abilities within the confines of a magical circus. As the rivalry escalates, their growing feelings for each other complicate the rules of the game, creating a forbidden love that adds emotional depth to their battle. Set against a dreamlike backdrop of shadow and illusion, their connection, built on both magic and passion, pulses with intensity and danger.
This book enchants with its rich atmosphere, mesmerizing characters, and the slow-burn tension of love forbidden by fate, making it a must-read for those who crave beautifully layered romance and magic. The tension between Celia and Marco, as they navigate the complexities of their feelings and the cost of their competition, is perfection and it’ll keep you turning the page until the very end.
THE FORBIDDEN WISH
THE FORBIDDEN WISH is a fast-paced, action packed high fantasy novel based on the story of Aladdin from The Arabian Nights. Zahra, a powerful Jinni, has spent centuries trapped in a lamp, bound by her own magical constraints. When a mortal named Aladdin frees her, they form an unlikely bond, though Zahra’s past holds dangerous secrets and forbidden desires. As they grow closer, the line between master and servant blurs, and the consequences of their connection could shatter both their worlds.
This tale weaves together elements of magic, desire, and sacrifice, offering a fresh, thrilling take on the classic story. It is very romance heavy, so if you don’t want romance at the front and center of the book then this isn’t for you. Ultimately, Zahra grapples with the freedom she’s longed for and the consequences of her growing feelings for Aladdin, the book explores themes of freedom, betrayal, and sacrifice.
THE WRATH AND THE DAWN
This is also a reimagined Arabian Night story, this time focusing on the overarching narrative. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, is a monster. Each night he takes a new bride only to have a silk cord wrapped around her throat come morning. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad's dearest friend falls victim to Khalid, Shahrzad vows vengeance and volunteers to be his next bride. But her plan to seek revenge falters as she uncovers the complexity of Khalid’s heart and the dark secrets surrounding his actions.
As their forbidden connection grows, Shahrzad must decide whether to trust him, even as the lines between love, vengeance, and duty blur. This is a sizzling slow-burn romance that’s full of tension, and it’s a story about self-discovery and sacrifice. I like this book, and I love the way the relationship develops as the story progresses, and Renee Ahdieh doesn’t rush the plot or character development.
CJ Holmes writes paranormal and fantasy romances with sizzlingly hot heroes and strong, sassy women. Her first two series have reached the top ten category bestseller lists on Amazon and she has recently signed a four-book deal with City Owl Press. You can expect a strong dash of dry British humor, enough action and adventure to keep you turning the pages, and spice that might be too hot to read in public.
You’ll find CJ hanging out in one of her local cafes or walking somewhere in the UK countryside, invariably inappropriately dressed for the weather. If she isn’t there, she’ll be in a bookshop adding to her TBR list and book collection, and she considers herself fortunate that her husband is also an avid reader.
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