Love triangles seem to be part of a good romance’s golden formula—at least, there’s been an era of it between literature and cinema. They’re a great way of introducing complexity and tension to any story.
It feeds a hunger all readers have—a want for drama, fantasy, and the extraordinary. Because while love triangles do happen in real life, they’re not as pretty as those that happen in stories don’t they?
Books with Love Triangles
From emotional entanglement to heavy decisions, here are some of the best books with love triangles you can read.
1. More Than Words by Jill Santopolo
Nina Gregory has always been a good daughter, taught by her father the importance of family, reputation, and legacy. But when her father dies and she discovers his secrets, she finds herself at a crossroads that is further complicated by her boyfriend and her boss.
2. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
For Belly, summer was always the best time of the year. It was time spent at the beach, with Susannah, and the Fisher brothers. But one terrible and wonderful summer changes things forever as she finds herself in a love triangle with Conrad and his laid-back brother, Jeremiah.
3. Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Kate Garfield and Anderson Walker are the best of friends. They’re so close that people regularly tease them as co-dependent.
That’s until Matt Olsson, their shared crush, comes to school. Because when real feelings get involved, all’s fair in love and war.
4. Odd One Out by Nic Stone
Courtney Cooper and Jupiter Sanchez have known each other since they were seven years old. They’re next-door neighbors, best friends, and partners in crime.
But lately, Cooper wants more than friendship from Jupiter. Then Rae Chin moves to town, further shaking things up.
5. Frankly in Love by David Yoon
Frank is of Korean descent but was born in Southern California and barely speaks the language. Still, his parents expect him to end up with another Korean.
But he’s already with Brit Means—who is white. He turns to family friend Joy, who is dealing with the same dilemma. Things work for a while until life throws a curveball at the three of them.
6. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette Ferrars can kill with one touch. It’s why the Reestablishment isolated her for a long time. Now they want her to become a weapon.
But what if she wants to fight for herself? For someone who has been isolated for so long, genuine connections matter. Which one will she choose when she’s offered two from opposing sides?
7. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Celestial and Roy are newlyweds whose life together is abruptly ripped apart when Roy is sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. They hold on for the first few years, but the march of time has them slowly grow apart.
Celestial’s career takes off and she finds comfort in her childhood best friend, Andre. When Roy is released early, the three must make decisions that will forever alter their futures.
8. One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Emma Blair marries her high school sweetheart, Jesse. They go on adventures, leave their parent’s and hometown’s expectations, and live their life to the fullest. Then Jesse disappears while on a helicopter over the Pacific.
So Emma quits her job, moves back home, and eventually falls in love again—this time with Sam, an old friend. But then Jesse is found alive and she finds herself torn between the two.
9. My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Ayoola has always been the favorite child, the beautiful one, the girl who gets everything. Korede’s stuck in the shadows, cleaning up after her sister’s messes—including the murders of her last two boyfriends.
But when Korede’s long-time crush asks for Ayoola’s number, she is faced with a choice. Will she keep on protecting her possibly sociopathic sister, or finally claim what she wants?
10. Love & Other Natural Disasters by Misa Sugiura
Nozomi is enlisted by Willow, the gorgeous girl working in the gift shop, to act as her new girlfriend to make her ex jealous. This wasn’t what Nozomi planned for summer, but she is willing to do it nevertheless.
But she’s got a different plan. Nozomi’s going to show Willow exactly why she’s better than a substitute. Things go quickly whack though…
Love Triangles in Fiction
Plenty of romantic epics feature love triangles. Titanic has Rose, Jack, and Caledon. Romeo and Juliet has Romeo, Juliet, and Paris. The Three Musketeers has D’Artagnan, Constance Bonacieux, and the Duke of Buckingham. The list goes on.
Most of these love triangles lead to conflicts ranging from petty to disastrous. Some even lead to wars and multi-generational feuds.
It’s a story structure that continues to be popular today. You can find plenty of contemporary romance and young adult fiction that feature this trope. Twilight, The Hunger Games, and The Selection come to mind.
Don’t mistake a love triangle for a ménage à trois though. While the latter involves three people, it’s a polyamorous arrangement with full knowledge and consent from everyone involved. But just like love triangles, it also does lead to interesting situations in fiction.
What other books with love triangles do you like? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
