Who says you need to be a grown-up to fall head over heels for a prince or princess? Young adult royal romances are here to sweep you off your feet with tales of intrigue, first love, and plenty of royal drama. Whether you’re a fan of hidden royalty, epic quests, or modern-day fairy tales, these books have it all. Get comfy, because we’re about to dive into a world where high school meets the halls of palaces, and where every teen can dream of finding their very own royal happily ever after.
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10 Young Adult Royal Romances
Before we jump into our list of fantastic young adult royal romance books, let’s tackle a few common questions.
Why are royal romances so popular in YA fiction?
Royal romances combine the excitement of first love with the fantasy of living in a castle or being part of a royal family. They offer an escape from everyday life and allow readers to imagine what it would be like to navigate the pressures of royalty while dealing with typical teenage issues. They don’t always have to be in a contemporary setting either. These are extremely popular in young adult fantasy.
Do these books only feature fictional kingdoms?
Not always! While many young adult royal romances are set in fictional kingdoms, some are grounded in real historical settings or modern-day countries with a twist of royal flair.
Are these books suitable for younger teens?
Most young adult royal romances are appropriate for teens aged 13 and up. They focus on romantic relationships, but they tend to keep things relatively age-appropriate. But we always encourage you to do research for that on the individual book you choose to read.
Now let’s dive into our top picks for young adult royal romance books. Get ready to meet some charming princes, fierce princesses, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments!
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
Izumi Tanaka’s world flips upside down in Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean. Raised in a small, mostly white California town by her single mom, Izumi always felt out of place. That is, until she discovers her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. Suddenly, Izumi’s a princess, thrust into a life of ball gowns, traditions, and a hungry press. Between dealing with scheming cousins and a broodingly handsome bodyguard, she must navigate her new royal identity while balancing the expectations of both her American and Japanese heritage. Can Izumi embrace her royal roots without losing herself?
Grab this book on Amazon or read our Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean book review
American Royals by Katherine McGee
What if America had a royal family? American Royals by Katharine McGee dives into this intriguing premise, imagining a world where George Washington accepted a crown, and his descendants still reign. Princess Beatrice is the dutiful heir, facing the pressure of becoming the first queen regnant, while her rebellious sister Samantha navigates life as the spare, and their dashing brother Jefferson finds himself caught between two girls vying for his heart. This contemporary twist on royalty, filled with duty, intrigue, and romance, offers multiple perspectives and intertwined love stories, making it an addictive read for fans of modern royal dramas.
Royal Replicas by Michael Pierce
In Royal Replicas by Michael Pierce, seventeen-year-old Victoria Sandalwood’s life takes a drastic turn when she learns she’s the daughter of the Queen of Westeria and the younger sister to the deceased Princess Amelia. Summoned to the palace, Victoria finds herself competing against six other girls to claim her royal birthright and win the affection of both the Queen and a princely suitor. Set in a dystopian world, this YA series blends courtly intrigue, adventure, and sweet romance, making it a gripping read for fans of Kiera Cass and Veronica Roth.
The Royal Academy by Jessica Sorensen
Isla never expected to attend the prestigious Royal Academy, a school reserved for the wealthy, elite, and royal. Thrust into this new world, she stands out not just for her humble origins but also for catching the eye of River Everson, a stunningly handsome royal already betrothed. Meanwhile, River’s flirtatious twin brother Finn and their enigmatic stepbrother Noah also find themselves drawn to her. As Isla deals with personal debts and mysterious threats from within the academy, she uncovers secrets hidden behind the academy’s opulent facade. This coming-of-age, why choose/reverse harem romance offers a mix of mystery, secret societies, fake dating, sports romance, and plenty of sweet moments.
Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn
Aniri, the Third Daughter of the Queen of Dharia, relishes her freedom with no royal responsibilities—until a marriage proposal from a barbarian prince turns her world upside down. Forced to accept to prevent war, Aniri plans to spy on him and his dangerous new weapon. But the northern prince isn’t what he seems, and the mission gets complicated as feelings develop. This Bollywood-style royal romance offers an alternate East Indian world brimming with skyships, saber duels, and political intrigue, making Aniri’s journey a thrilling mix of duty and heartache.
A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
In A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland, shy prince Kadou of Arasht faces court humiliation and must prove his loyalty to his sister, the queen. Tasked with investigating a break-in, Kadou is paired with his new bodyguard, the cold and handsome Evemer. As they delve into a conspiracy that threatens their kingdom’s economy, they navigate dangerous politics and unexpected romance. This queer fantasy, set in a world reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire, offers a rich mix of intrigue, myth, and heartfelt connection.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland book review
The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh
In a land ruled by a killer, every dawn brings horror to a different family. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night, only to have her executed by sunrise. When sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid, she has a clever plan to stay alive and avenge the murder of her best friend. Shazi’s wit and determination see her through to dawn, but as she gets to know the boy-king, she realizes he is not what he seems. Her quest for revenge turns into a deeper mission to uncover the reasons behind the murders and break the cycle once and for all.
Grab this book on Amazon or read our The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh book review
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
For fans of slow-burn romance and elemental magic, Air Awakens is a captivating tale where the Solaris Empire is on the brink of uniting the continent. Vhalla Yarl, an unassuming library apprentice, discovers her rare elemental magic after saving the life of the crown prince. She must choose between embracing her newfound powers or eradicating them to return to a quiet life. With powerful forces wanting to exploit her abilities, her only ally is the fiery and enigmatic Crown Prince Aldrik. Despite being told to fear him, Vhalla finds herself drawn to him, complicating their growing attraction and her path to claiming her own destiny.
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
In this romantic fantasy, Niamh Ó Conchobhair, a magical dressmaker, is caught in scandal when her chemistry with a royal groom attracts a gossip columnist. Her magic can stitch emotions into fabric but comes with a deadly cost. Given the chance to design for a royal wedding in Avaland, she hopes to secure her family’s future. Yet Avaland is no fairytale, with unrest brewing and a growing connection with groom Kit Carmine complicating matters. Pressured to uncover royal secrets, Niamh must navigate Avaland’s politics and decide if exposing the truth is worth risking a love she never imagined.
Royal Blood by Aimee Carter
Scandal and intrigue follow 17-year-old Evan Bright, the King of England’s illegitimate daughter, in Royal Blood. Forced to spend the summer in London with a royal family that’s less than welcoming, Evan’s secret identity is blown wide open, and the press can’t get enough of her. Things take a dark turn when a night of fun ends in murder, and Evan is the prime suspect. As she fights to clear her name, she uncovers shocking royal secrets that could alter the monarchy forever. Will she survive the fallout, or will she become the next victim of these deadly scandals?
The world of young adult royal romances is full of captivating tales that transport you to far-off kingdoms, filled with intrigue, romance, and unforgettable characters. We hope our list helped you discover some new favorites. There’s more to explore—check out our other royal romance lists below. And don’t forget to share your favorite young adult royal romance in the comments.
Read More
- Contemporary Royal Romances That Aren’t British Royalty
- Fantasy Royal Romance Books
- Steamy Royal Romances
- Royal British Romance Books
- Romance books set in London
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