I have put together a list of some of my favorite books that have little to no romance involved in the story line. If there is a romance involved, it is not a major part of the book and it is not steamy. I have to admit to liking at least a small amount of romance involved in my books, but sometimes it’s nice to read a book that is more about friendship or the adventure of the story rather than the romantic relationship between the main characters.
YA Books with little to no Romance
Harbor Me
This is technically a middle grade book, but I am including it on this list because I think that everyone should read it. First, I love Jacqueline Woodson! She is one of my favorite authors, specifically her middle grade books. They are full of such a beautiful hope for humanity. Harbor Me is about a group of kids who are sent to a room every Friday all by themselves, with no adults, and they begin to open up about their private lives and struggles. They find comfort and security in each other and it is beautiful to read.
ABARAT
This was one of my favorite fantasy series when I was in high school and I rarely see it talked about on bookstagram or in any of the book circles I am familiar with. The series is about a young girl who travels to an alternate fantasy world through a sea that appears out of nowhere. The world is still one of my favorite fantasy world concepts to date! There are 25 islands each representing an hour of the day, along with an extra hour…and I don’t want to give too much away but its magical and sometimes dark and so creative!
The original books also have artwork by the author and that is really what makes these books special! If you have the ability to find the original covers, I definitely recommend them. I linked the original here and it is ridiculously expensive but the original artwork brings the world to life in a whole new way. The series does eventually have a “romance” develop as the books go on but it is secondary to the main events of the novel and focuses more on the emotional connection of the couple rather than any “sexual” attraction between them.
Jackaby
Jackaby is a fun supernatural twist on the concept of Sherlock Holmes. Set in the 1800’s, Abigail Rook arrives in New England and runs into Jackaby in a pub. Right away he begins to investigate all of the details surrounding her person (very similar to Sherlock) and when she retorts back with observances of her own, he offers her a job. The two then investigate a murder looking into the everyday details as well as supernatural. One of the great things about this book is the friendship between these two characters!
Enders Game
I really love this Sci Fi series and I think it is perfect for both YA readers, of any age group, and adult readers. I personally love books with trials and academy type tests involved and this is that…only in space which makes it even cooler! I love reading about the different ways that Ender solves problems and eventually seeing how he must choose what he feels is right versus what he feels is wrong…It is also a cautionary tale about always investigating things for yourself, rather than just doing what you are told.
The Knife of Never Letting Go
Full discretion…I read this book a few years ago and I cannot remember the details. (I have at least one recommendation in each blog post where I can’t fully remember what I read…oops). I am almost positive that there was little to no romance involved in the book though and I remember really liking it. DON’T JUDGE ME AND MY INABILITY TO REMEMBER WHAT I READ!
This is set in a dystopian society with no women and all of the men can hear each others thoughts. Todd, is the only “boy” and he knows something terrible is being kept secret. He decides to flee with his dog and eventually comes in contact with a young girl. How did she survive? This is a beautiful coming of age story with plenty of adventure.
Adult Books with little to no Romance
Eleanor Oliphant
This book brings out a lot of feelings for me. There is definitely a dark comedic underlying tone to the writing, and it is sometimes painful to read from Eleanor’s perspective. But mostly there is a lot to connect to in the writing and with Eleanor’s character. Eleanor is socially awkward in a lot of situations and she is dealing with a repressed trauma from her childhood. There is a slight mystery involved as well and once everything connects you feel so much more for Eleanor.
For me, this was a reminder that we never know what someone else is dealing with or has dealt with. People have so many layers! Eleanor develops a special friendship with a few characters in the book which is really nice to read about though. (Content Warning: Suicide attempt)
Wher’d You Go Bernadette
Full discretion, it has been about 6 solid years since I read this book and A LOT of other things have been put into my brain since then…and my mind palace is a bit rusty. However, I do remember loving the dark humor in this book and I am ALMOST POSITIVE there is little to no romance involved. It is basically about a woman living in suburbia who eventually has enough and just…leaves. The book is about finding her…it’s funny I promise I just can’t really remember much after this! I’M SORRY!! I vow to go back and read it.
We have Always lived in the Castle
I really encourage everyone to read at least one Shirley Jackson book! She has such a unique and suspenseful way of writing and it keeps me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Her endings are what really pull me in though! I am always left with so many questions and I LOVE THAT! This one has a significant gothic vibe and tells the story of a family who is estranged from the rest of their village due to some mysterious happenings inside the house. That is all I will say, you have to read it!
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
This is a fast, easy and entertaining book to read when you are in the mood for something a bit different. The Earth is destroyed and Arthur is saved seconds before it happens…he then spends the rest of the book touring space with a friend (an alien who had been posing as an Earthling for the last few years). Aside from this I actually can’t tell you much more about the book…I have read it 3 times and watched the movie twice and it still mostly confuses me. Somehow, I still find it funny and entertaining though.
Vicious
This one is great for fans of dark academia and fantasy/science fiction. Two college roommates start to investigate how adrenaline and near-death experiences translate to gaining extra abilities…essentially “super powers”. Both characters are on a morally grey character spectrum though and events begin to spiral out of control. Some romantic relationships are mentioned in the books but it is not significant to the plot of the book. The author has also stated that Victor, the main character of the novel, is asexual.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
I love genre bending books and I never know where to place this book. It could be literary fiction, it could be fantasy, or it could even be mystery/horror AND I LOVE THAT ABOUT IT! This is the story of a man who returns to his childhood home and begins to revisit parts of his past that he had forgotten, and that seem too unreal to be true. Is what he remembers true? Or was it something that he made up to protect
