The biggest inspiration behind this forbidden romance trope is obviously the play Romeo and Juliet, which…spoiler alert, is not a romance. (At least not a romance in terms of how we understand the genre today, which requires a happily ever after or a happily for now ending.) I decided to focus on contemporary YA books with this trope but that have a happy ending for our couples (so popular book Frankly in Love by David Yoon is unfortunately out). These picks deal with everything from family secrets to feuding businesses, from misguided promises to school-wide rivalries. Get ready for all the angsty feelings, secret relationships, and soul-searching journeys! Want more great YA romance featuring your favorite tropes? Check out our round up of the best second chance YA romance!
