Tired of Spice and Smut? Check Out These 11 Authors

If you’re anything like me, you’re painfully familiar with the Non-Spice Reader Problem.

You go to the library or bookstore looking for a new novel to sink your teeth into, but you find yourself pulling up book reviews for every single book. You scroll countless websites trying to find content warnings. You’ve forgotten what it’s like to see a book and just start reading because you’ve been scarred too many times by unneeded bedroom scenes.

Surely there has to be a better way to find books, right?

I’ve found that having some go-to authors is a great solution. So, here are 11 authors I wish I’d known about as a teenager. They write God-honoring fiction that keeps steam, spice, and smut off the page while still exploring the challenges of what it’s like to be an adolescent in the world.

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1. Abbie Emmons

Abbie Emmons writes YA romance that’s full of sunshine boys, sibling banter, and compelling character arcs. With over 463 thousand subscribers on YouTube, Abbie has built a creative and thriving community of writers who have fallen in love with both her debut novel, 100 Days of Sunlight and her latest novel, The Otherworld (this one does include some passionate kissing scenes, but it never crosses over into spice.)

For more about these books, check out my reviews of 100 Days of Sunlight and The Otherworld.

2. Abigayle Claire

Abigayle Claire writes Christian YA stories that include some sweet romance. Her novels don’t shy away from real world problems, but they explore them in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling violated. She’s a highly praised editor within the indie publishing industry, and her debut novel, Martin Hospitality, won an honorable mention for the 2017 Readers’ Favorite Award in the Christian Fiction category.

3. Brooke Riley

Brooke Riley is a YA author of dark stories that show how the light always wins. While her debut trilogy, How We Rise, hasn’t seen the same level of commercial success as some of the other authors on this list, it’s perfect for fans of the 2010 dystopian era. Her standalone new adult romantasy novel, The Dreams Between Us, is coming in October 2024.

4. Erin Phillips

Erin Phillips writes dark YA fantasy that’s filled with light. Her novel, A Crown of Chains was a 2023 Realm Makers Fantasy finalist and her latest novel, A Bond of Briars, won the 2024 Realm Makers Reader’s Choice Award. I haven’t read any of her work yet, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these to anyone who wants some good YA Christian fiction.

5. Kara Swanson

Kara Swanson is a multiple award-winning YA author who tells stories for the dark and whimsical girls. Her Peter Pan retelling duology, The Heirs of Neverland, has become a fan favorite among the Christian speculative community, and her latest novel, Ignite, set out to remind us that we are made for so much more than we’ve ever known.

For more about the first book in the Heirs of Neverland duology, check out my Goodreads review!

6. L. E. Richmond

L.E. Richmond is a new YA author who made her splash in the industry with her debut novel, The Mermaid’s Tale. This 2024 Carol Award finalist is perfect for anyone who wants some wholesome adventure and subtle Christian themes. The sequel, The Locket’s Revenge, comes out in October 2024.

For more about The Mermaid’s Tale, check out my Goodreads review!

7. Megan McCullough

Megan McCullough also broke into the YA publishing industry last year with the release of her duology, The Vigil & Ante Files. These books are perfect for fans of pop culture, musical theater, and Marvel. In addition to writing superhero books, Megan is also a well-respected cover designer in the indie publishing industry.

For more about the first book in the Vigil & Ante Files, check out my review!

8. Angela R. Watts

Angela R. Watts is an award-nominated author of over 40 books. Her stories range from gritty dystopias to dark fantasy, but the main theme of searching for light in dark places remains throughout all of them. Her most popular books include The Infidel Books, The Remnant Trilogy, and Rogue Survivors. If you’re looking for a standalone, I’d recommend A Solstice of Fire and Light and Death Bargains (which she co-authored with Irene Sylvan).

9. Nadine Brandes

Nadine Brandes is a 4-time Carol Award winner who creates immersive fictional worlds and complex characters that have captured readers’ hearts for years. Her debut trilogy, Out of Time, launched her career with Enclave Publishing, and her latest novel, The Nightmare Virus, has already garnered widespread attention with YA readers.

For more about Nadine’s other books, check out my reviews of Fawkes and Romanov.

10. Sara Ella

Sara Ella is an award-winning YA author who loves fairytales and portraying the light of Christ through writing. Her trilogy, Unblemished, is a great choice for readers who need a gentle reminder that they are lovable, and her Curious Realities duology is perfect for fans of fairytale retellings.

11. Victoria Lynn

Victoria Lynn is a Christian storyteller who weaves deep Biblical themes into all of her novels. With over 43 thousand followers on Instagram, she’s built a community of dedicated Christian writers and readers who thrive on wholesome, clean fiction. Her most popular (and ongoing) series, The Chronicles of Elira, has captured fantasy lovers of all ages.

For more about the first book in The Chronicles of Elira, check out my review!

Let’s Talk!

Who are your go-to authors? Have you read any of these books? Which ones are you adding to your TBR? Let’s talk about our favorite no-spice YA authors and books in the comments down below!