We all love a good fanfic—a little bit of angst, a lot of romance, and a sprinkling of “I can’t believe this is happening.” Some YA books borrow the best aspects of fanfiction—whether it’s a steamy enemies-to-lovers arc, a love triangle, or a world that feels like it could have been pulled from a fandom’s deepest corners. These are the YA books that give you that familiar fanfic vibe, with all the drama, tropes, and deliciously guilty pleasure moments you love.
The Romantic Fanfics in Novel Form
1. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
What it’s about: The son of the U.S. president and a British prince start off as enemies and slowly fall in love in the public eye.
Why it feels like fanfiction: From the enemies-to-lovers slow burn to the epic “I-need-you-now” confession, McQuiston’s romance hits all the fanfic sweet spots. The royal context, the quirky characters, and the witty banter all make it feel like a love letter to fandoms everywhere.
2. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
What it’s about: Lucy and Joshua are coworkers who can’t stand each other—until they’re forced into a series of challenges that force them to face their chemistry.
Why it feels like fanfiction: The enemies-to-lovers trope gets an ultra-romantic spin here, and the steamy moments are just enough to give you that fanfic tingle. Their bickering, the tension, the romantic payoff—it’s all textbook fanfiction material.
3. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
What it’s about: Bella Swan falls in love with the brooding vampire Edward Cullen, who’s hiding dangerous secrets.
Why it feels like fanfiction: The premise alone feels like something a fan might dream up—an angsty, brooding vampire who is obsessed with a seemingly ordinary girl. Throw in the eternal love triangle and the supernatural elements, and you’ve got fanfic gold.
The Fantasy Worlds You’ve Seen Before (But Better)
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
What it’s about: Feyre, a huntress, is taken to a magical land of faeries where she must fight to save her life—and the life of someone she loves.
Why it feels like fanfiction: Maas’s world-building, the drama, and the slow-burn romance are all too fanfic familiar. Feyre’s complicated relationship with Tamlin and Rhysand could have easily been plucked from the heart of any fantasy fandom.
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
What it’s about: Celaena Sardothien, a deadly assassin, is tasked with fighting in a deadly competition to become the king’s assassin, while secrets about her past unfold.
Why it feels like fanfiction: This is an enemies-to-lovers dream come true, combined with the “chosen one” trope. Maas crafts a world of intrigue, love triangles, and tortured heroes that feels like the fanfic of your wildest, most epic fantasy dreams.
3. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
What it’s about: A group of outcasts and thieves team up to pull off an impossible heist in the world of Grishaverse.
Why it feels like fanfiction: With characters like Kaz, Inej, and Jesper, Six of Crows is practically begging to be turned into fanfic. The misfits, the complex relationships, and the moral ambiguity make this read feel like it belongs in the heart of every fan community.
The Witty, Snarky Reads That Are Pure Fanfic Energy
1. The Deal by Elle Kennedy
What it’s about: College student Hannah makes a deal with hockey player Garrett to help him pass a class in exchange for tutoring.
Why it feels like fanfiction: The premise itself feels like a fanfic trope—a “fake relationship” that leads to real feelings, with all the angst, banter, and steam you could want. Garrett’s brooding nature and Hannah’s tough exterior are classic fanfic energy.
2. The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
What it’s about: Vanessa works as the personal assistant to Aiden Graves, a famous football player, until she quits and ends up agreeing to a fake marriage to help him with his PR.
Why it’s like fanfiction: The slow burn, the forced proximity, the grumpy hero, and the tension—it hits all the fanfic favorites. The eventual romance? Just the cherry on top.
3. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
What it’s about: The story of four college friends, with a deep focus on one—Jude—who carries heavy trauma from his past.
Why it’s like fanfiction: While it’s far more tragic than any fanfic, the deep emotional exploration, the intense bond between the characters, and the slow-burn love and heartbreak make this novel a read that could easily have been fanfiction—if only in its emotional depth.
Why YA Books Feel Like Fanfiction (And Why We Don’t Mind)
- Familiar Tropes, Epic Payoffs:
Fanfiction is built on tropes we love—enemies-to-lovers, secret royals, forbidden romances—and YA books often lean into these same themes. The difference? YA books give these tropes high stakes and a larger-than-life impact. - Emotional Intensity:
The emotions in YA books can be extra. The stakes are high, the chemistry is palpable, and the character arcs are intense. This emotional intensity mirrors the way fanfic often explores deep feelings and desires. - Characters We Can’t Help But Love (And Ship):
Whether it’s a sassy heroine or a brooding love interest, YA books give us characters we can fall in love with. And just like fanfic, they tend to get under our skin, staying with us long after we close the book.
Honorable Mentions
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: The ultimate “fanfic meets reality” YA novel.
- Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas: A unique story with magical realism, romance, and a ton of fanfic energy.
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: If you love fae, betrayal, and enemies-to-lovers, this one is a must-read.
- After by Anna Todd: Originally a Wattpad fanfic, this book turned into a mega-hit—enough said.
The Verdict on YA Books That Feel Like Fanfiction
Fanfiction is the heart of fandoms—and YA books often embrace those same tropes, characters, and emotional rollercoasters that make fanfic so beloved. Whether it’s a slow burn romance or a forbidden relationship, YA books draw on the best of fanfic to create worlds we can’t help but dive into.
So, if you’re a fanfic lover, grab these books. They might just feel like the real deal—just without the “published by an author” label.
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