10 Captivating Fantasy Romance Books for Young Adults: Clean Reads for Young Readers
Embark on a magical journey through fantastical realms, epic adventures, and timeless romances with these enchanting fantasy romance books for young adults. From captivating characters to spellbinding worlds, these clean reads offer the perfect escape for readers seeking love, adventure, and a touch of magic. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales, epic quests, or star-crossed lovers, there's something for everyone in this curated list of fantasy romance gems.
1. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Clean, no on-page intimacy)
Tropes: Deal with a fae, enemies to lovers, antihero love interest, magical trials
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.02)
Why itβs great: Whimsical and emotionally charged, this romance with the Prince of Hearts is a fan favorite for clean romantasy lovers.
2. Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Clean with some romantic tension)
Tropes: Best friends to enemies to allies, slow burn, cursebreaker heroine, political intrigue
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.01)
Why itβs great: A richly layered world with snappy dialogue and a slow-building romance that doesnβt rely on heat.
3. What Monstrous Gods by Rosamund Hodge
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Emotionally intense, no explicit scenes)
Tropes: Kill-the-love-interest setup, divine mythology, morally grayΒ characters
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.00 est.)
Why itβs great: Twisty and myth-heavy with a strong, introspective heroine, perfect for readers who like darker stories with subtle romance.
4. Crave by Tracy Wolff
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈπΆοΈ (Romantic with some heated moments, but mostly fade-to-black in early books)
Tropes: Vampire romance, boarding school, chosen one, forbidden love
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (3.83)
Why itβs great: Fans of Twilight will love this blend of monster mayhem, high school drama, and slow-burn tension.
5. The Princess Trials by Cordelia K. Castel
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Clean romance, lots of court intrigue)
Tropes: Fake relationship, dystopian royalty, competition trope, rebellion
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (3.82)
Why itβs great: A dystopian blend of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games, this one is pure fun with clever twists.
6. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Romantic and swoony, no explicit scenes)
Tropes: Sisters first, magical competition, hidden identities, destiny
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.03)
Why itβs great: Full of magic, mystery, and secretsβplus a romance that blooms under glittering chaos.
7. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Low spice, character-driven)
Tropes: Healer heroine, found family, political rebellion, secrets and lies
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.33)
Why itβs great: A gripping underdog story with life-or-death stakes and a slowly developing romance.
8. The Selection by Kiera Cass
Tension scale: π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Clean, kissing only)
Tropes: Love triangle, palace intrigue, rags to riches, competition
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.15)
Why itβs great: Iconic YA romance that combines fairy-tale feels with political drama and relatable teen dilemmas.
9. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈπΆοΈ (Tender moments, no explicit scenes)
Tropes: Rivals to lovers, anonymous letters, war backdrop, emotional angst
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.44)
Why itβs great: Emotionally resonant and beautifully writtenβa tearjerker with soul-deep longing.
10. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Tension scale: π₯π₯π₯
Spice scale: πΆοΈ (Mild romance, more political and action-driven)
Tropes: Chosen one, love triangle, betrayal, power struggles
Goodreads rating: β
β
β
β
β (4.00)
Why itβs great: Think dystopia-meets-fantasy with a bold heroine who refuses to be anyoneβs pawn.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're new to the genre or just want a magical story without the heat, these clean fantasy romance reads hit that perfect sweet spot: compelling love stories, immersive worlds, and all the feelings, no spice required.