When you scan the bookshelves (or scroll through book lists on Goodreads), do you ever get struck by how many dark, broody covers there are? If you’re in the YA section, it’s, well, all of them.
The stories behind those broody covers are often just as dark--including the romance. But not always.
Broody and Dark or Broody and Bright?
Behold, here's a list of some beautiful FaRo novels with sweet romance you could read aloud to strangers and (probably) not turn beet red.
If you’re like me, you want all the feels, all the broodiness even, but without any oops-what-did-I-just-read moments when something unexpected makes you blush or cringe.
I want romance, folks, don’t get me wrong. But I have kids and was once a teenager myself (I know, shocking, right?), and I want my kids to be able to read romance that supports the choices I hope they make in life. Wait till you have kids, you’ll know what I mean, I think.
Besides that, I want to read young adult romance novels that reflect the romances I had as a teen—you didn’t think I’d get that personal, did you?
In short, I think the world has a massive group of teenagers just hanging out, hoping someone writes a book for them. A book without all the steam and spice and everything…not so nice.
If you are one of these people, then read on.
Five clean fantasy romance books for teens:
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
The Story Weaver series by Lindsay A. Franklin
An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg
To Best the Boys by Mary Weber
Romanov is not technically a romance, but the romantic element in this book is exquisite. Yes, actually, achingly exquisite. It is THE enemies-to-lovers of all enemies-to-lovers. Read it, you’ll know what I mean. You might need some tissues.
The Weaver Trilogy. The first book has very little romance, but the way it unfolds makes my heart sing. I adore the sweetness and off-limits-ness of this romance. It is the sweet romance you need, couched in a beautiful story world you won’t soon forget.
An Enchantment of Ravens. The prose here is top notch. Like, take notes, writers, this girl is the queen of gorgeous sentences. Readers, just sit back and enjoy. The romance is as lovely as the prose.
Charlie N. Holmberg crafts a master magic system in this one—pun intended if you’ve read it. I may have met my all-time favorite (never to be topped) book boyfriend in this series. Bacchus Kelsey is mine.
To Best the Boys. This one falls in that strange world between fantasy and science fiction, which I happen to love, but maybe isn’t everyone’s favorite. The premise is ah-mazing (a girl goes through an enchanted, boys-only maze to win a huge prize) and the romance is full of accidental touches and awkward glances, two of my favorite things.
I hope I convinced you to try one or all of these great books. If so, comment and let me know what you liked best about these stories.
Article written by C. F. E. Black
C. F. E. Black writes heart-stealing young adult fantasy and science fiction full of epic adventure and clean romance. To read a book in her latest fantasy series for free, sign up to be a reader VIP at her website and receive exclusive, early access to cover reveals, sneak peeks, author updates, and more.
