I’m looking for series recommendations that have romance – minus the love triangle. I’m not too picky on the genre or YA vs Adult (although it’s almost unheard to read YA without one so I would be really happy with a YA series rec!). I would just like it to be a series with one continuing main couple. They can fight, break up, stay together the whole time….I don’t care. Just no third parties please.
There are a few that I can think of that I enjoy (see below) but I would love to find more.
Read – Adult:
Kate Daniels Magic series by Ilona Andrews (Kate & Curran)
Night Huntress series by Jeanine Frost (Cat & Bones)
WVMP Radio Vampire series by Jeri Smith-Ready (Ciara & Shane)
Sirantha Jax series by Ann Aguirre (Sirantha & March)
YA:
Razorland trilogy (Enclave/Outpost/Horde) by Ann Aguirre (Deuce & Fade) I know a lot of people think there’s a triangle here but I really don’t see it that way – and Aguirre has said in interviews that there isn't one so that’s good enough for me.
Divergent trilogy by Veronica Roth (Tris & Four)
Ghost and the Goth trilogy by Stacey Kade
Can anyone help this blogger out???
Yeah, lets hear it for the non love triangle. Its actually quite scary that not a single series automatically comes to my mind.
ReplyDeleteI know! You have to hunt them down lol
DeleteI can't stand love-triangles! x_x Here are some series I love that don't have love-triangles between the main characters:
ReplyDeleteBloodlines series by Richelle Mead
There is a love-triangle between the secondary characters, but it's no big deal to me. ;)
Lharmell trilogy [Blood Song, Blood Storm, Blood Queen] by Rhiannon Hart
Yara Silva trilogy [Intrinsical, Indelible, Inevitable] by Lani Woodland
I actually thought I got a love-triangle vibe in book 2, but later I realized I was just suspicious about the other guy. Haven't read book 3 yet because it's not out!
Lumatere Chronicles [Finnikin of the Rock, Froi of the Exiles, Quintana of Charyn] by Melina Marchetta
The main characters in Finnikin of the Rock have smaller roles in books 2 & 3, although there are chapters from their perspectives in those books!
Thank you!
DeleteI have the first Bloodlines book but I was waiting to see if a love triangle developed before diving in. The Indigo Spell cover and Marcus Finch hype made me thing there was one.
I've read a few standalones without the love triangle, but as for series...I mean, series focusing (among other things) on a steady relationship that evolves...sorry but can't think of any! Though I have a couple not focusing on the love interest, if you are interested. Mainly sci-fi, mind you.
ReplyDeleteStand alones aren't hard to find and even if there is a triangle it's resolved pretty quickly. Those three year long (trilogies) ones kill me lol
DeleteI'll always take recommendations for good books! Romance or not.
Here ya go:
ReplyDeleteYA (even I can't believe I can add to this list):
Jennifer Estep's Frost Series (at least not as of book 3)
The Farm by Emily McKay (at least not in book 1)
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
That is all I got LOL
Most of the UF I read has a love triangle unfortunately :(
Doesn't Scarlet introduce one for Cinder/Kai & a new guy?? I have Scarlet sitting right here on my desk but I'm afraid to start it lol
DeleteI was confused about that too. Yes, there is a new guy introduced in Scarlet, but Marissa actually introduces another heroine named Scarlet and she is shipped with the new guy.
DeleteI know Scarlet is with Wolf but I thought there was another guy that Cinder hangs out with. I just assumed it was triangular in nature lol I think his name was Thorne or something.
DeleteThere is a new guy that hangs out with Cinder but he is not her love interest. In fact, I can kind of guess who is going to be with and their interactions are more brother/sister (Cinder/Ship Captain) like. Marissa even said that he was not a love interest for Cinder (at a signing) so I already had that in my head when I read Scarlett so it never even had a romantic vibe to me.
DeleteUhh, okay then. Here are a few. I don't know which of these you've alredy red, but I'll just make a list and you take it from there.
ReplyDeleteYA:
Unraveling duology by Elizabeth Norris is love triangle free.
I agree about Lumatere and Yara Silva.
The Revenants trilogy by Amy Plum.
Adult:
Amanda Carlson's Jessica McClain series - fantastic UF
The Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens
Patricia Briggs' Alpha and Omega series (I don't count the 'triangle' in Mercy Thompson either, it was light and it ended quickly) and my personal favorite, the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones.
Oh, also, InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire.
This list is devastatingly short. I hope it helps.
Ooh that makes me happy about Unraveling because I have the first book already and DUOLOGY! No love triangle and not a trilogy??? Nirvana lol
DeleteI have the Mercy Thompson series - I've only read the first two. i don't count that as a triangle either. She has different relationships until her HEA but she's not stringing anyone along.
I love the Alpha & Omega series. Forgot about that one. That is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for!
Okay, I'm going to try to make you a list of YA. I'll look over my review archive and ponder this question.
ReplyDeleteBut I agree -- it does seem like series do use the love triangle as a way to create more drama….
You can find me here: Jen @ YA Romantics
:-)
DeleteI don't mind them entirely. I would just like to see more relationship variety I guess. It says something when people have to really ponder the question when we all read over 100 books a year and can't come up with anything lol
J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death series - Eve Dallas and Roarke are an amazing couple with good supporting characters. Not really necessary to read in order.
ReplyDeleteGarth Nix - Abhorsen trilogy - the romance is tiny part of the story in Sabriel, and not really any in Lirael and Abhorsen, but are awesome books with female leads.
Erin Hart - Haunted Ground + 3 more books. Mysteries set in modern Ireland have a little of everything - history, bog bodies, music, romance, angst.
I've read the first In Death series book. I think I'm just intimidated that there are about 100 books already out to catch up on lol (slight exaggeration but aren't there about 30?) It's good to know that I don't have to go in order though.
DeleteThanks for the other suggestions. I will look them up.
I think In Death is up to about 40 books! I've never been less than 4 books behind. Occasionally a spoiler for a previous book, but nothing that ruins enjoyment of the series.
DeleteMaybe I'll just read one when I get a chance and not be so intimidated by the total number :-)
DeleteThis is sad, I can't think of any! You got me thinking....
ReplyDeleteAuthors need to stop the third wheel situation, really.
It might be because I haven't read THAT many books but still nothing comes to mind.
Try The Demon's Trapper Daughter by Jana Oliver. I absolutely love this series, is original and unique. There is some sort of third party involved but it is NOT a love triangle. More like playing the field and getting to know you and making mistakes and all that. I think you'll like it.
I have the first Demon Trapper book but was waiting on LT status lol It seemed like there might be one.
DeleteIsn't it sad that it takes such an effort to come up with a series without one??
Good, read it now! lol Yes, it seems there is one but not really. Don't want to explain much in order to avoid spoilers. Like I said is just relationship variety, MC is not stuck with someone from start to finish, I liked that. Different IMO.
ReplyDeleteSooo sad!!! I usually don't mind LT but like you said the depression and heart broken I don't like that part. I'm getting tired of it too lol it's like the only way to add drama or twist and turns. Enough is enough. :P
Oh wow, big ask.
ReplyDeleteYA, Croak by Gina Damico (plus it's HILARIOUSLY funny)
The Paranormals by J.L. Bryan
Ashfall by Mike Mullin
The Tomorrow Series by John Marsden
Aaaand that's pretty much all I have, and none of them are just plain ole romances LOL! I hate love triangles, boo!
Sista I FEEL ya!
ReplyDeleteIf I come across any I will let you know.
None are currently coming to mind.
I am NO help! I could only think of Night Huntress and WVMP, and I know you've read those...
ReplyDeleteHm, dunno really, I am sure you have read most of mine..maybe
ReplyDeleteOddly enough I get excited when the triangle DOES work. I don't like them because to me it really doesn't work. :)
ReplyDeleteLooking at the recs and trying to think of some that don't repeat...
Adult series
Horngate Witches
Kitty Norville (although there was a point where it looked like it would be a triangle, but did not go there)
Arcadia Bell
Iron Druid Chronicles (although he is a self professed man whore... LOL)
Black Knights Inc.
YA series
Darklight by Darynda Jones (well, not the first one anyway... don't know about later).
I could probably think of more YA, but I'm stuck at the moment... LOL
I love Arcadia Bell and Lon (& Jupe)! I sense something brewing though lol I have you read the latest book yet? I'm waiting for someone else to go first. I follow Jenn on Twitter and she's scared the crap out of me when she was writing it.
DeleteI haven't read it yet, but I swear I'm drooling for that next one! LOL
DeleteWords can't describe how much I also hate love triangles.
ReplyDeleteYA: Blood Red Road (not much romance in this one, but there is a love interest)
Adult:
The Hollow series - Kim Harrison (UF with very little romance but lots of snarky humor)
Darkfever - Karen Marie Moning (there is a little love triangle, but I never took it seriously and there is a clear winner at the end)
Parasol Protectorate series - Gail Carriger
God Save the Queen - Katie Locke
Downside Ghosts series - Stacia Kane (there is a tiny love triangle in this one and some people maybe be holding out for the other guy, but I feel like the heroine has ultimately made a choice)
Immortal Beloved - Cate Tiernan (I've only read the 1st book in this series and it was really good and no love triangles in sight!)
I do not recommend the Abby Sinclair series by Allison Pang, which I just finished. The heroine actually appears to be in love with both guys. Ugh, stab me with a spoon!
I love the Downside Ghost series. I agree that she's chosen but it's also a rare case of me understanding the appeal of both although I'm totally team Terrible!
DeleteOMG that Abby Sinclair series!! Pissed me off SO bad! I loved the first book and then it all went to hell. i was so disappointed. THAT is exactly the kind of triangle I hate. They just get dragged along....back and forth...for the whole series.
I forgot the Parasol Protectorate. That's a good one.
Totally Team Terrible!
DeleteI stopped after the 2nd Abby book (which I barely finished). I read spoilers for the end of the 3rd book and it sounds so horrible. It seems like the series is headed for a never ending Stephanie Plum love triangle :(
I skimmed reviews and spoilers for #3. Nope. Not for me.
DeleteYA: across the universe ( didn't see one)
ReplyDeleteadult:
Gini alien series :)
downside ghost ( terrible)
I was also going to suggest God Save the Queen by Kate Locke. Books 1 and 2 are out now, and book 3 is out in November. I read 1 and loved it, I was just about to re-read it before I start 2.
ReplyDeleteThat was mentioned a few times so it's definitely on my list. I've never heard of it.
Delete1. Blaire & Rush from Too Far series by Abbi Glines
ReplyDelete2. James & Bianca from Up In The Air series by R.K. Lilley
3. Eva & Gideon from Crossfire series by Sylvia Day
4. Anastasia & Christian from Fifty Trilogy by E.L. James
5. Ethan & Brynne from The Blackstone Affair series by Raine Miller
These are a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy these series as much as I did. :)
Thanks. I've heard of a few of these series but I haven't read any of them.
DeleteJasper Dent, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Night Prince, Elder Races, Awaken...
ReplyDeleteDaughter of Smoke and Bone is a good one!! i forgot about my poor Akiva and Karou.
DeleteThanks!
Great question...I have no suggestions but will be stalking the comments to see what others suggest!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to give the God Saves the Queen a shot since so many people recommended that one.
Deletehear, hear, i absolutely hate lover triangles. you should definitely try nalini singh. she writes adult paranormal. i love her psy/changeling and guild huntress series. there's none of that extremely-annoying-roller-coaster-romance-drama you read in YA. another favourite series is the night prince trilogy (VLAD!!!! <3) by jeanine frost. AND you have got to try jennifer l. armentrout's Lux series AND the adult and new adult books she's written under the pen name j. lynn. my favourite so far is wait for you.
ReplyDeleteI have read the Guild Huntress series. I enjoy it but now it's a different couple for each book right?
DeleteI have the first two Vlad books on my Kindle so I'll be reading that one soon.
I've only read #1 from the Lux series but I'm glad to know it doesn't' turn into a triangle. I read the 1st J Lynadult book - can't remember the name though O_o
no, elena and raphael are still the main couple in the series, but nalini singh is also writing books about the other couples based on the Seven. so the books about the Seven complement the main series about elena and raphael :D, kind of like side stories.
Deletesame, i've only read the first Lux book as well, cause although it doesn't turn into a love triangle, the whole YA drama happening in book 2 put me off.
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ReplyDeleteI read Blood Red Road by Moira Young and that does not have a love triangle. Book two is out but I haven't read it yet, I would consider that ya.
ReplyDeleteI love the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix... no love triangles but you meet different characters in the same family.
still thinking.... I'll think some more haha
I'm with you. I generally avoid any books/series with love triangles. Here are the ones I've read:
ReplyDeleteYA:
This Is Shyness (two books)
Lux series + Obsession (another guy is introduced in book 2, but ultimately no love triangle)
Mara Dyer (book 3 out this year)
The Wolves of Mercy Falls (three books)
Cornerstone series by Misty Provencher (book 4 out this year)
The Queen's thief (4 books)
Drake Chronicles (six books)
Bloodlines (no love triangle yet through three books, and so far it doesn't seem like there will be one)
Under the Never Sky
Hunting Lila (two books)
Divergent
Lumatere Chronicles (none of Melina Merchetta's books, really)
Adult:
Arcadia Bell (three books, with book four out next year. and to whoever above was asking about book 3, it was amazing and no love triangle in sight)
Jessica McClain (two books so far)
Alpha & Omega (three books and a prequel)
Elder Races (five books so far)
I'm reading the Night Huntress series right now. :)
Also, are you sure about Razorland? Because I've put that one off for that very reason....
I'm SO happy to hear the Arcadia Bell series still doesn't have one. I was terrified upon learning that a certain ex-wife would be making an appearance in this book.
DeleteI am sure about Razorland. There is a hint of one in Enclave but more because of confusion and not knowing how to deal with feelings. The next two (I've read the last book) clear that up. There are two boys in love with one girl but she only loves one boy.
Even the author Ann Aguirre has said this many times so I feel pretty confident with that answer.
If you like the boy on the losing end you maybe angry lol but there isn't a dragged out thing.
Thanks for all the other suggestions. I have started a few of those series but haven't continued in case one appears. I'm crazy about my LT hatred! haha
Definitely read Arcadia Bell asap! It was the best of the series so far, imo. Don't even sweat it about Lon's ex-wife; he has no feelings for her. I love how maturely Lon and Cady's relationship has been handled so far, and it's safe to say that it's at it's best in book 3.
DeleteMaybe I will give Razorland a try then! From everything I've read, it seemed like there was one. Thanks. :)
And if anyone knows crazy, it's me. I really, really can't stand LTs. ;) I've avoided many popular books because I know I'd just get too frustrated/annoyed.
You have NO idea how happy you've made me about Binding the Shadows! lol The family unit is what makes the series unique and wonderful to me.
DeleteI think with Enclave you'll believe a triangle is coming so without continuing with the series you won't see how it all plays out. I have a friend who hated the first one because of the perceived triangle and went on to love the series because that's not where it went. Let me know if you do read it.
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ReplyDeleteI had the same problem but then I found this website that had roughly 300 series on it without love triangles.
ReplyDeleteThis is it http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/19948.Young_Adult_Books_Without_Love_Triangles
The winner's triology is one of the only YA fantasy series that doesn't have anything close to a love triangle. One of the most refreshing books i've ever read, and the story and characters are pretty good. They did add unnecessary drama in the 2nd book though. But absolutely NO love triangles, so i suggest you read it.
ReplyDelete