Books Similar to The Selection: 20 Must-Read Romantic Novels

If you enjoy Books like The Selection, you must explore beautiful romantic stories. The Selection takes you into a stunning world of dreams, full of beauty and luck. The story of this movie is about a Girl named America, who fell in love with a boy named Aspen, and that’s why she does not want to join the royal competition called The Selection.

But she submitted her name for the big contest where only 35 girls were picked, and they could marry the crown and the elites. Luckily, she gets selected for The Selection and enjoys something special.

20 Books Similar to The Selection

If you want the answer, what books are similar to The Selection? Your quest is finally dealt with here by choosing similar novels.

The Lost Queen

The Lost Queen by Signe Pike is a novel that is based on Historical Fiction. It tells the story of Languoreth, a little queen from the 6^th Century. The book explores her journey as she deals with the challenges of love and family, with a lot of betrayal and conflict. This literary piece is set against the backdrop of the rise of Christianity and the fall of the pagan Old Way; Languoreth must find her path in a society that seeks to control her every move.

She grapples with her duty to her people and desires, Languoreth must ultimately decide where her loyalties lie and what sacrifices she will make for the ones she loves. Rich in detail and steeped in Celtic mythology, “The Lost Queen” is a captivating tale of one woman’s journey to find her place in a changing world.

Similarities to The Selection

• Strong Female Lead
• Conflict of Romance
• Royal Theme
• Public vs Personal Duty

The Glittering Court

The Glittering Court is a best-selling novel that Richelle Mead wrote. It is a romantic novel set in a richly detailed world. The story of this book is about Adelaide, a countess who leaves her noble life in search of a new future with freedom.

She disguises herself as her maid to flee an arranged marriage and begin a new journey in Adoria, the New World. You can enjoy similar books to The Selection by reading The Glittering Court.

Similarities to The Selection

• Strong Female Lead
• Royalty Touch
• Romantic with a secret
• Difference in class

The Siren

The Siren by Kiera Glass is a story about a girl named Kahlen. She was saved from drowning in the Ocean that turned into a Siren. For almost 100 years, she has served the Ocean. Her voice is used as a Siren to lead people to their deaths in the water. Kahlen feels upset and not good about what she has to do. She finds it hard to do something she knows is not right. When Kahlen meets Akinli, a human boy who sees her as more than just a Siren, she questions her purpose and feelings for him.

As Kahlen navigates the challenges of her life as a Siren, she must ultimately choose between her duty to the Ocean and her desire for love and freedom. As readers seek emotional depth and meaningful connections in stories like this, many turn to the Top Apps like Omegle for Chatting with New Faces to experience spontaneous conversations and meet interesting people worldwide.

The novel explores love, sacrifice, and the power of choice, making it a compelling and emotional read for fans of young adult literature.

Similarities to The Selection

• Complicated Romance
• Strong female character
• Element of Fantasy
• Beautiful setting

The Cruel Prince

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black is a fantasy novel about Jude Duarte, a human girl named Elfhame, who lives in a fantasy world. Jude wishes to become a knight, but her adoptive Father does not want her to. She is also disturbed by the royal Children, especially Prince Cardan. 

The story provides themes like Prejudice, ambition, and power. Its extreme focus on romantic tension makes it very similar to the book The Selection because it mixes romance, drama, and intense Female characters.

Similarities to The Selection

• Royal and politics
• Strong Character of a Female
• Romance with Tension
• Conflict with competition

The Belles

The Belles is a gripping novel by Dhonielle Clayton that seeks the reader’s attention. The novel’s story is about Camellia Beauregard, who holds the title of a Belle. In the lavish society of Orleans, Belles are esteemed because they wield the power of Beauty, the most sought-after asset. In this realm, individuals are born grey and cursed, but with Belle’s unique abilities, they can be transformed into beings of beauty.

Similarities to The Selection

• Main focus on appearance and Beauty
• Strong Character of a Female
• Royal setting
• Element of Fantasy

Serpent & Dove

“Serpent & Dove” by Shelby Mahurin is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Lou, a witch on the run from her coven, and Reid, a Chasseur who is sworn to hunt down witches. The two are forced into an unlikely alliance when they are forced to marry and work together to survive. They must confront their beliefs and prejudices as they navigate their new relationship and face threats from witches and Chasseurs.

The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the power of forgiveness. With its rich world-building and complex characters, “Serpent & Dove” is a gripping tale of magic, romance, and renovation.

Similarities to The Selection:

• Strong female Protagonists
• Romance with complications
• Themes of loyalty
• Element of Fantasy

Matched

“Matched” by Ally Condie is a fascinating fantasy novel about Cassia, a resident of a society where the government dictates every aspect of life, including marriage. When a system error exposes a different potential match, Cassia faces a dilemma: adhere to the rules or listen to her heart. The story reflects the social aspects of life through the representation of central characters.

Similarities to The Selection:

• Romantic story
• Strong female character
• Pressure from society
• Society of Dystopian

Delirium

Delirium by Lauren Oliver is a fantasy novel set in a world where love is considered a disease that must be eradicated. The story follows Lena, a young girl who has grown up in a society where love is seen as dangerous and forbidden. When she meets Alex, a boy who challenges everything she has been taught, Lena questions her society’s beliefs and the government that enforces them.

As Lena falls in love with Alex, she sees the world differently and realises that love is not something to be feared but cherished. Lena and Alex embark on a dangerous journey to escape their oppressive society and find freedom. Along the way, they face challenges and obstacles that test their love and resolve.

Similarities to The Selection

• Societies with high Control
• Female Freedom
• Unforgettable love
• Strong female character

Song of Blood & Stone

“Song of Blood & Stone” by L. Penelope is a fantasy novel in a world divided by racial tensions and magical powers. The story follows Jasminda, a mixed-heritage young woman with powerful Earthsong magic. When a wounded spy named Jack arrives at her doorstep seeking refuge, Jasminda is thrust into a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about a forthcoming war and her mysterious origins.

As Jasminda and Jack navigate political conspiracy and forbidden romance, they must challenge their prejudices and fight against a powerful force seeking to destroy their world. Through themes of identity, power, and love, “Song of Blood & Stone” explores the complexities of race and magic in a richly imagined world.

Similarities to The Selection

• Strong female role
• A very heartless romantic story
• Political Conflict
• Dystopian Elements

Glitter

The concept of the “Glitter” narrative is set in the 18th century, when the inhabitants of the Palace of Versailles lived. Danica is the unlucky lady who lives in the fortress and is named a court member. Her life is in chaos as her mother has forcibly engaged her with the ruthless king.

She wants to abandon these relations with the king as soon as possible, six months before her marriage. However, her relations can be restored only after she gains substantial wealth. So, she decides to become financially empowered and turns to drug dealing to escape a challenging situation.

Glitter is one of the types of expensive drugs, and its dealing can bring a reasonable amount for her. After some time, the lady establishes working relations with a drug dealer, and she feels something good for the man.

Similarities to The Selection

• Themes of Power and Control
• Rebellion and love
• Female Protagonist

Perfected

Perfected is a fascinating novel written by Kate Jarvik Birch. Sixteen-year-old Ella is genetically designed and rigorously trained to serve as a pet, an obedient companion for affluent families who can afford such luxuries.

A pet’s only role is to enhance their owners’ lives through music and the arts, bringing joy to others while denying themselves any personal happiness. With its gripping storyline and diverse.

Similarities to The Selection

• Glamorous Environment
• Freedom Loss
• Unforgettable love
• Strong Female Lead

The Deal

“The Deal” by Elle Kennedy is a sizzling romance novel about college student Hannah, who arranges with campus heartthrob Garrett. Pretending to be in a relationship, they develop real feelings for each other.

This tale is a thought-provoking novel about love, freedom, and the power of individual choice. It is a story of courage and defiance in the face of oppressive authority, and it raises important questions about the nature of love and the lengths people will go to be truly free.

Similarities to The Selection

• Emotional Depth
• Complicated romance
• Inner Conflict
• Strong Female Character

Uglies

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld is a fascinating novel based on adult fiction. The narrative follows teenager Tally Youngblood, who challenges society’s imposed harmony after her friends Shay and David reveal the dark side of becoming a “Pretty”. “Uglies” explores themes of emotional and physical transformation targeted at young adults. Readers can enjoy this novel if they like books similar to The Selection.

Similarities to The Selection 

• Society is Obsessed with Beauty
• Triangle of Love
• Glamour Hiding
• Political Awakening

Shatter Me

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is a contemporary romantic novel about a teenage girl. The story unfolds when seventeen-year-old Juliette Ferrars possesses a deadly touch that can kill anyone who makes prolonged contact with her skin. She has been confined to an asylum for 264 days at the book’s outset, following an accidental incident three years prior where she unintentionally killed a young boy with her touch.

Similarities to the Selection

• Intense Romantic Tension
• Powerlessness to Empowerment
• Emotionally conflicted Heroine
• Love Triangle

Cage of Deceit

Cage of Deceit is a novel by Jennifer Anne Davis that describes the story of a lady with an interesting plot. Sixteen-year-old Allyssa seems like the perfect princess of Emperion: graceful, beautiful, and refined. Her days are spent within the oppressive walls of the royal court. However, by night, Allyssa adopts a secret identity as a vigilante, tracking down criminals and directly aiding her people.

Similarities to The Selection:

• Strong but Emotionally
• Conflicted Heroines
• Love Triangle
• Romantic Tensions

A Court of Thorns and Roses

In “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (2020), we delve into the journey of Feyre, who accidentally slays a fairy and consequently finds herself on the opposing side of the fairy-human divide. Faced with a dire ultimatum, she must choose between her own life as recompense or enduring captivity in the realm as a human prisoner.

Similarities to The Selection

• Romantic Plot
• Love Triangle
• Royal and Elite Plot
• Self-Discovery

Spin the Dawn

Spin the Dawn is a novel based on young adult storytelling written by Elizabeth Lim. Continuing Six Crimson Cranes, we embark on a quest to the dragon kingdom, witness a forbidden romance, and encounter a cursed pearl capable of healing the world. Disguised as a boy, a young woman, for the esteemed position of grand tailor, undertakes a seemingly impossible task: crafting three enchanted gowns.

Similarities to The Selection

• Royal Setting
• Self-Discovery
• Politics
• Appearance plays a significant Role

The Night Circus

The Night Circus is a romantic fiction novel about a horrible competition. Erin Morgenstern’s novel unfolds fantastically during the late 1800s and early 1900s. At its heart lies a mesmerising contest between two budding magicians, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair, who are attentive to a lifelong rivalry set by their mentors.

Similarities to The Selection

• High Competition
• Dreamy Environment
• Timeless Storyline
• Deep Emotions

Numbers Game

Written by romantic novelist Rebecca Rode, Numbers Game is another piece of erotic fiction. In the futuristic America depicted in the story, everyone is assigned a numerical identity. Treena confidently anticipates Rating Day, considering her high standing in a Level Three school and her relationship with a well-regarded boyfriend.

However, the revelation of her number on Rating Day stuns everyone. To reclaim her former life and relationship, Treena embarks on a covert mission to uncover a military espionage plot.

Similarities to The Selection

• Strong Female Character
• Rigid Hierarchy
• Love Triangle
• Emotional scene

Chocolat

“Chocolat” tracks the journey of Vianne, a lone parent who arrives in a quaint French hamlet and establishes a chocolate boutique despite the disapproval of the village priest. Through her enchanting chocolate, many villagers discover fresh encounters and forge new bonds. The film adaptation of “Chocolat” garnered numerous praises.

Similarities to The Selection:

• Tradition of Women’s Challenge
• Free Spirit 
• Female empowerment
• Romantic Plot

About The Selection

Written by the inspirational and romantic author Kiera Cass, The Selection is a fine literary piece of romance that narrates an inspirational and lovely story. America Singer is at the centre of the series, and the book depicts her transformation when she is unexpectedly chosen to participate in the Selection, a longstanding tradition in their nation. The lady doesn’t want to participate in the competition but is pushed towards it by her belongings. During the Selection, 35 girls from various provinces and social classes joined for the opportunity to become the wife of the crown prince, thus securing the position of future queen. Luckily, she was successful in achieving the position of a selectee.

Conclusion

Finally, here ends the beautiful glimpses of the novel full of emotions, love, romance, and curiosity. There are lovely depictions of books similar to The Selection discussed above, with short stories. The Selection is undoubtedly a charming story of a lady who finds something ideal for herself.

An in-depth reading of these literary pieces will give you a lovely source of feelings and affection. So, don’t wait anymore and embark on the journey of the virtual library, where you can find the novels of your choice.