Ever wonder why some YA fantasy romances feel swoony without ever including spice? In this post, I dive into why I naturally write clean romance YA books for teens. Learn how my favorite books inspired A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion, and the values that guide the way I craft emotional, tension-filled love stories for teens.
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When I started writing A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion, I wasn’t thinking about trends, debates, or even “spice” in YA books. I was simply writing the kinds of stories I loved to read. Stories full of swoony tension, emotional stakes, and rich fantasy worlds. Looking back, I realize that my instinct to keep romance clean and focus on emotional intimacy shaped the world and characters in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
Why No Spice?
It wasn’t a conscious decision at first. I didn’t set out to write a “no-spice” series, it just happened to be the way I naturally approach romance. For me, tension, longing, and emotional connection are enough to make a story compelling.
It wasn’t until I joined the larger bookstagram and YA community to promote my books that I discovered the “spice vs. no spice” conversation. I realized some YA books were starting to include more adult content, and that’s when I understood the distinction between “spice” and clean romance.
For me, this wasn’t an issue of censorship. It was about writing what I love, what feels true, and what aligns with my vision of a story my own teens could read. Knowing that my books would be for a young audience, I wanted the romance to stay sweet, swoony, and full of tension, but without crossing into content that didn’t feel right for younger readers.
Inspirations Behind the Romance
Even though I wasn’t thinking in terms of “no spice,” the foundation of my stories comes from the books that shaped my imagination:
These stories lived in my head as I wrote, providing inspiration for emotional arcs, suspense, and romantic tension. I drew from them naturally, without aiming to make a statement. It was simply the kind of romance I had always loved to read.
Writing With My Readers in Mind
Part of my choice to keep the romance clean came down to my audience. Teens were my primary readers, and I knew that if my own teens couldn’t enjoy the story, other teens probably wouldn’t either. Writing the romance with care allowed me to craft tension, longing, and intimacy in a way that felt satisfying and age-appropriate.
It also gave me freedom. Focusing on emotional stakes and character connection meant that every moment of romance counted. Every look, touch, and conversation had weight because the story didn’t rely on spice to make the romance compelling.
Final Thoughts
In the end, A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion is a reflection of the stories I love and the stories I wanted to read when I was a teen. And still want to read today! Writing in a no-spice world isn’t about restriction; it’s about creating a space where tension, loyalty, and emotional connection shine.
For readers, writers, and anyone curious about my process: writing what you love can often lead to the most genuine, heartfelt stories. Don’t give in to the pressure to follow trends. You can still read (and write) books full of magic, intrigue, and romance without compromise.
Start Reading Today
If you’ve enjoyed reading about why I write no-spice fantasy, I’d love for you to experience it firsthand in A Bounty of Secrets and Rebellion.
Step into a world of intrigue, forbidden love, and magic where every choice matters. Where romance is all about longing, connection, and emotional stakes rather than spice. Whether you’re a teen looking for your next captivating read or an adult who loves clean fantasy romance, this story is crafted for readers who appreciate swoony tension, heartfelt characters, and adventure around every corner.
✨ Grab your copy today and see why this no-spice fantasy romance is capturing hearts—and maybe even inspiring your own TBR!
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