Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They’d love to share their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

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This weeks Top Ten topic is …

Top Ten Books I’d Recommend To X Person (your choice — could be to your mom, to a reluctant male reader, to your teenage sister, to dog lover’s, to sports lovers, etc.)

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Hmm… I’m thinking X Person is going to be People Who Aren’t Fond of Romance Books. All of the books listed below will contain romance, but it won’t be the be all and end all of the book.

1. Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

…because Sydney is a very practical and realistic person. She doesn’t go into a situation without looking at the pros and cons, but don’t think that makes her risk averse and boring. She’s one of the bravest, most kick-ass characters I’ve read in YA fiction.

Also, because the romance of the series is very much on the back-burner. The same is true of the VAMPIRE ACADEMY series from which this is a spin-off, but I have a soft spot for this book and series.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

…because this book will break your heart, but it will also make you laugh and go ‘aww’. It feels very real. Green handles the topic with great compassion; he shows the highs and the lows.

3. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

…because it will surprise you. If you’re not a fan of romance based books, and because of that you’ve been avoiding this book – stop. Seriously. This book is as much about learning who you are, and being braver than you think you are, as it is about teh romance.

4. The Pleasures of Autumn by Evie Hunter (Adult)

…because although sex scenes play a prominent role in this book, there is still an actual plot. For real. And it’s an interesting and complex one too.

5. Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

…because Alanna doesn’t let love stop her or define her. She wants to prove that she can be a knight, even though as a Lady she should be shipped off to the convent to learn how to be a wife. The romance doesn’t really kick in until later books though, as Alanna is twelve when we first meet her, but when it does make an appearance it adds something to the plot in my opinion.

6. Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (Adult)

…because love comes in many forms. Also, romance is never really a major plot point in this series, though it hums along happily in the background. This book and series focuses more on survival and friendship.

7. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

…because honestly life threatening situations don’t equal hearts and flowers. I know it’s a shock. This is one dystopian YA where the romance isn’t even a third thought. It’s very much about survival.

8. Falling to Ash by Karen Mahoney

…because you’re never quiet sure if (as the reader) your reading too much into the situation. There’s only one book published in this series so far (and a short story) so things are kind of up in the air, but Mahoney hints at interesting possibilities.

9. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne-Jones

…because love isn’t all hearts and flowers, despite what most romantic fiction would have us think. Romance doesn’t even occur to Sophie – that’s for her sisters, who she loves dearly. This book is also fun to read. Wynne-Jones creates a really interesting world and story.

10. White Cat by Holly Black

…because Cassel has to work for the romance. He’s made some mistakes in the past that have costs he doesn’t realise. The romance is on the whole on the back burner with this series, as it’s more about the mob but when it does make an appearance Black creates a good balance.

Those were my Top Ten Books for X Person. What books that contain romance would you recommend to those who aren’t fans of the romance genre? Let me know in the comments below, or link back to your Top Ten post so I can see what makes your list.