Top Ten Tuesday: Platonic Love

This week’s Top Ten Tuesday prompt is a Valentine’s Day/Love Freebie. I’ve covered lots of love topics in previous Top Ten Tuesday prompts so this time I thought I’d highlight my favorite platonic relationships. There just aren’t enough books where a guy and a girl can be friends without things turning into a romance. I need more!

*There might be slight spoilers for some of the books/series I’ve included, so be warned.*

Darien and Jessica from Once Upon a Con series by Ashley Poston: I don’t think there was ever a moment where these two were ever “in love” even though they dated for press reasons. But I like there fun banter and their support of one another in their chosen careers.

Nikolai and Alina from Shadow and Bone trilogy by Leigh Bardugo: Part of me wishes Alina had said yes to Nikolai and become his queen, but I’m totally okay that she didn’t as well. I think Nikolai was meant for someone else… and Alina and Mal make sense.

Helene and Elias from An Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir: Even though their relationship had a bit of romantic love twisted among the layers, I’m glad they found their place as best friends instead of lovers. Helene always deserves better and Elias is way too wrapped up in Laia to be what Helene needs (or wants).

Nina and Kaz from Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo: I could say this about multiple dynamics in the Crows, but I love the banter between Nina and Kaz. Nina just doesn’t put up with his garbage and he believes in her so much. It’s refreshing.

Aila and George from The Disappearances by Emily Bain Murphy: At the beginning George might have been infatuated with Aila because she’s new and different, but I like that they settle into a strong friendship. It was such a nice relief from books that throw in unnecessary love triangles.

Eren and Mikasa from Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama: These two have such a strong bond, but I’m convinced it’s not romantic at all. It’s just… different and I love how it strengthens and changes over the course of the manga.

Gen and Eddis from The Queen’s Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner: I’m not sure if these two were ever supposed to be paired romantically. I swear I remember reading in one of the books talk of them marrying because of being cousins and political reasons and whatever, but I’m so glad they aren’t romantic in the slightest and they each found their own person to love.

Katniss and Finnick from The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins: I know people who ship these two, and while I understand it, I love that they can be friends without any romantic tension. Plus, Finnick and Annie are my OTP for the series.

Jackaby and Abigail from Jackaby series by William Ritter: I love these two and their dynamics. There isn’t a whisper of romance between them. In fact, it would probably kill each of them outright if there was. It’s perfect.

Sophie and Dex from Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger: I never though Sophie would make a choice about all the boys who seem to love her in these books. But after reading Nightfall recently, she did! And I’m glad she and Dex can just be friends. It makes so much more sense, even if I understand why Dex had a crush on her.

What platonic relationships do you love from literature? Don’t forget to join the link-up!

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