I’m just a bit frustrated by how many of the books I read have a “romance is of course the whole point” bit in it lol. I don’t know, I don’t really like dating and prefer being single, and I love my friends a lot, and several of them even feel the same as me about it. But for some reason fiction usually values romance more and it’s hard to avoid it, and even harder to find a story that focuses on friendship instead.
Any suggestions? They do NOT need to be books that are intentionally putting friendship first. Just books without romance, or with romance only with side characters, and that have strong friendship themes (whether that be about lifelong best friends or the main character just getting along really well their elderly coworker, just anything!)
by angelic_creation
11 Comments
Secret History?
Dysfunctional friendships.
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women and Lion Women of Tehran
Duma Key by Stephen King. Great male friendship and no romance.
I just finished Kill the Beast by Serra Swift. It’s a cozy revenge tale with a Beauty and the Beast twist, and a reluctant allies-to-friends arc.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
This is a touching historical novel about the lifelong friendship between Lily and Snow Flower, bonded as laotongs in nineteenth century China. Their relationship evolves over decades as they face marriage, hardship, and loss, showing how life can challenge even the deepest connections. Despite misunderstandings and distance, their bond remains strong, and the emotional storytelling and rich cultural detail make this book especially memorable.
Island of Sea Women and Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See.
“The robbery bride” de Margaret Atwood.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Pale Grey Dot, by Don Miasek, for non-romance sci-fi. Basically Jason Bourne meets the Expanse.
Sisters of Jade, by James Downe, for non-romance fantasy. Basically Lord of the Rings meets Pirates of the Caribbean.
*Remarkably Bright Creatures* by Shelby Van Pelt
*What Moves the Dead* by T. Kingfisher
*Every Heart a Doorway* by Seanan McGuire
*Firekeeper’s Daughter* by Angeline Boulley
The Jane Hawk series (5 books in all) starting with the book The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz is a straight up thriller. No real romance to speak of. The main character is a recent widow.
The prevalence of romance might be the genre you are reading in. Many books don’t have romance in them at all. Unless you are looking for decidedly single protagonists, you shouldn’t be having trouble finding books that fit your specifications.