Bestselling author and BookTok sensation Rebecca Yarros is known for her intense storytelling, quick-paced writing and dramatic, heart-wrenching moments. With more than 15 books under her belt, including the hit The Empyrean series, it’s no wonder Yarros has risen to fame and sold millions of copies. While she’s been publishing sweet and emotional contemporary romances since 2014, she blew up after the release of Fourth Wing—her first venture into romantasy—in 2023.
If you’re new to Rebecca Yarros or need something to devour after bingeing her latest #1 New York Times bestseller Onyx Storm, you’re sure to find something to add to your TBR (to be read) pile here. We compiled 10 of Rebecca Yarros’ best books, according to book lovers and First editors. From emotional contemporaries to heart-racing tear-jerkers inspired by her own life as a military spouse, Yarros’ backlist is guaranteed to keep you occupied. Are you a fan of the second-chance romance trope? Give Variation a try. If you’d rather have a soul-stirring family story that will leave you grasping for tissues, start with The Last Letter. Keep scrolling for all our Rebecca Yarros book recommendations!
Unforgettable characters, simmering romance and epic adventure abound in Fourth Wing—the #1 New York Times bestselling novel that put Yarros on the map and the first in The Empyrean series. Violet was supposed to live a quiet life among books, but the commanding general—Violet’s mother—has ordered her to become a dragon rider instead. Now, Violet must fight her way to the top and hope that her enemy, Xaden Rioson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader, doesn’t kill her in the process. What follows is a battle of strength, knowledge, trust and love.
What readers are saying: “This epic adventure pulled me out of my funk,” says Carey Ostergard, FIRST Executive Editor. “With danger, slow-burn romance and a cliffhanger, this book kept me engaged from cover to cover.”
In the first installment of Yarros’ Flight and Glory series, readers are introduced to December “Ember” Howard, an army brat, and Josh Walker, the hockey star who lives next door. After understanding how the military works for her whole life, Ember knows that when soldiers randomly show up at her door, it can only mean one thing: the death of her father. Enter Josh: He can take the pain away with one glance and is there for Ember at every turn. And as much as Ember wants to deal with this herself, she can’t help but notice the chemistry between them—until Josh reveals something that could change their lives forever.
What readers are saying: “This book ripped my heart out, stomped on it and then—thankfully—put it back together in the most beautiful way. Full Measures is an emotional rollercoaster that pulls you in from the very first page and refuses to let go. Josh and Ember’s story is one of loss, healing, and a love so powerful it defies all odds.”
Yarros’ latest foray into contemporary fiction deals with family drama and secrets, plus a second-chance romance. Allie Rousseau is an elite ballerina who’s no stranger to pressure. But when an injury changes everything, Allie returns to her summer home to heal. Hudson is a Coast Guard swimmer who knows that a split second can be the difference between life and death. He’s always done everything right, especially with Allie, but his biggest regret is leaving her behind to attend basic training.
Suddenly, Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep with questions about who her birth mother is. And Allie finds herself in a difficult spot because her past and present with Hudson are complicated. What connected them years ago is starting to unravel and the truth could bring them closer or keep them apart forever.
What readers are saying: ‘If you have only read Rebecca Yarros as a romantasy writer, I highly recommend reading her contemporary work. I loved the little world Yarros created, which was deep inside the world of dance and its harsh realities. I loved the secrets and the (quite a few) twists and turns. Most of all I loved Hudson’s hopelessly romantic POV, as he pined and pined for Allie.”
This sweet yet emotional romance follows Izzy Astor, who doesn’t realize that one chance encounter will change her life. She doesn’t think much of it when she gets on a plane to go home for the holidays. However, when she meets her seatmate, charming Nate Phelan, she can’t help but feel a connection between them. Izzy didn’t believe in destiny, but she does now.
Things change when suddenly their plane goes down in the Missouri River. Spanning over 10 years, Izzy and Nate’s lives change immensely after that day. He enlists in the military and goes overseas while Izzy takes up a political career. They find each other a few times, but the timing is never right—until a high-stakes reunion in Afghanistan, where Nate must save Izzy’s life. And he’ll do anything to protect her if it means he can also win her heart.
What readers are saying: “In the Likely Event will easily pull on one’s heart. It was emotional, steamy and impossible to put down. The dual timeline was brilliantly done and the characters were beautifully flawed and leapt from the pages.”
The fourth book in the Flight and Glory series is filled with Yarros’ standard heart-wrenching moments and emotions. Josh Walker and Ember Howard have fought tirelessly to keep their romance alive—through grief, distance and the military. But when Josh is called to Afghanistan, fear strikes Ember, as that’s where she lost her father. As Josh heads off, Ember must decide if this is an obstacle that love can conquer.
What readers are saying: “This amazingly well-written, gut-wrenching follow-up to Ember and Josh’s story will leave you with a book hangover. Cannot recommend this entire series and this book enough!”
Paxton Wilder is only 22, but he has already won five X Games medals and is the leader of the Renegades. In an attempt by his father to boost his grades before they affect his stunts and his team, Wilder enrolls in a study program run on a ship and is assigned to a tutor. The tutor? Eleanor ‘Leah’ Baxter, who needs the money and the push out of her comfort zone to take an adventure and live a little. When the two meet, sparks fly almost instantly, but they both need to focus to stay at the top of their game.
What readers are saying: “I was hooked from the very beginning with nonstop action, mystery, and a swoon-worthy, tattooed, bad boy who’s into all things extreme. You can feel Leah and Paxton’s chemistry sizzling off the pages and how after each page they’ve fallen just a little bit more for each other.”
The highly anticipated third installment in Yarros’ beloved The Empyrean series takes readers on a spellbinding journey. As Violet Sorrengail nears the end of her time at Basgiath War College, a battle is brewing, and she doesn’t know who to trust. Then she travels to seek allies from unfamiliar lands. As her strength and wits are put to the test, a dangerous secret threatens to destroy her and all she’s working toward. Iron Flame is book two of the series and should be read before this book.
What readers are saying: “This story had me on the edge of my seat as Xaden and Violet’s bond is tested every single chapter of this book. This book ends on quite a cliffhanger, and OMG I can’t wait for the next book in this series. This one is as re-readable as the rest and so action-packed.”
The Last Letter follows single mom Ella MacKenzie, who’s doing her best to raise her young twins in a small town in Colorado. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she starts exchanging letters with her brother’s best friend—Beckett Gentry, an honorable overseas soldier. When tragedy strikes and Ella’s brother Ryan is killed, Beckett keeps his promise to take care of Ella and her twins, but he carries secrets and trauma of his own. As Ella and Beckett move their relationship from letters to real life, they must navigate their grief and the possibility of love.
What readers are saying: “Oh my god. This book absolutely wrecked me. I cried at the beginning, I cried at the end and in the middle, I hoped to get through it without crying more. Ella was such a strong character, and her determination and independence were inspiring. Beckett had many admirable qualities, and I loved how he continued showing up for Ella and the kids. This was my first foray into Yarros’ contemporary romance, and I was not disappointed. I loved the small town, the found family, and the letters that started each chapter.”
When Camden Daniels returned from war without his younger brother, no one in Alba, Colorado, would forgive him, especially his father. So he left without looking back. However, a message from his father brings everything back, from the betrayal and pain of his brother’s death to the woman he left behind. Enter Willow, the one woman Camden can never have, thanks to the secrets he thought he had buried long ago.
What readers are saying: “I absolutely loved the banter between Cam and Willow. It was so so so good! The story took a turn at the end, and my jaw literally dropped. I loved the balance in the plot, so I wasn’t sobbing the entire time. Highly recommend this book!”
After giving up her friends, her pride and more due to a brutal divorce, 28-year-old Georgia Stanton is starting over at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado. While back home, she runs into Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of various romance novels. She finds him just as arrogant in person as he is in interviews, and she’s reluctant to have him be the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel. As the pair read through Georgia’s grandmother’s manuscript, they realize she based the story on her real-life romance with a WWII pilot, and needless to say, the story doesn’t have a happy ending. Georgia and Noah have chemistry, but will they put their differences aside to finish the story and have a happily ever after for themselves?
What readers are saying: “This is one you will want to read from start to finish—and likely more than once. The present-day tale of Georgia and Noah captivates with its ups and downs and touches of angst and heartache. The bittersweet story of Scarlett and Jameson is sure to evoke strong emotions, especially heartbreak, but also moments of sweetness and joy. What truly sets the narrative apart are the unexpected twists and turns that will leave you breathless; some may even provide a sense of peace to balance the sorrow.”