50 Books with Love Triangles That We Simply Adore

You know that feeling when you’re cozied up on the couch, a cup of tea in hand, diving into a book that just gets you? For me, nothing quite compares to the emotional rollercoaster of a well-crafted love triangle. It’s that delicious tension of “Will they or won’t they?” mixed with a dash of “But what about…?” that keeps me turning pages late into the night.

I’ve always been a sucker for stories where the heart has to make an impossible choice. Maybe it’s because love triangles mirror the complexities of our own relationships—messy, unpredictable, and oh-so-human. So, I’ve compiled a list of 50 books with love triangles that I simply adore, and I think you’ll fall head over heels for them too.

But before we dive in, let’s chat a bit about what makes a love triangle so darn irresistible.

What Is a Love Triangle in a Book?

Ah, the classic love triangle—a trope as old as storytelling itself. But what exactly is it?

In its simplest form, a love triangle involves three characters entangled in a romantic dilemma. Typically, one character (let’s call them Alex) is torn between two potential love interests (we’ll name them Sam and Jordan). The tension arises from Alex’s indecision, Sam and Jordan’s rivalry, or sometimes both.

But a great love triangle is more than just a romantic tug-of-war. It’s a deep dive into characters’ emotions, desires, and flaws. It forces them—and us—to confront tough questions about love, loyalty, and self-discovery.

Why Do We Love Them So Much?

Let’s be honest: we’ve all faced choices that weren’t black and white. Love triangles tap into that universal experience. They make us question, “What would I do in their shoes?” Plus, they add layers of conflict and suspense that keep us glued to the story.

Personally, I think love triangles also give us a safe space to explore our own feelings about relationships. They let us vicariously experience the thrill of new love, the comfort of familiarity, and the pain of tough decisions—all without the real-world consequences.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff!

The List: 50 Love Triangle Books You Can’t Put Down

1. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins

Who can forget the tension between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale? Set against the backdrop of a dystopian world, this triangle explores love, survival, and revolution.

2. “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer

Bella’s heart is torn between Edward the vampire and Jacob the werewolf. This series reignited the love triangle trope for a whole new generation.

3. “The Selection” by Kiera Cass

America Singer must choose between her first love, Aspen, and Prince Maxon in a competition that’s a mix of “The Bachelor” and royal politics.

4. “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell

Scarlett O’Hara is caught between the charming Rhett Butler and the honorable Ashley Wilkes in this epic historical romance.

5. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

A classic tale where Jane must navigate her feelings for Mr. Rochester, complicated by the mysterious presence of another woman.

6. “The Infernal Devices” by Cassandra Clare

Set in Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds herself torn between two shadowhunters: the brooding Will Herondale and the gentle Jem Carstairs.

7. “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Brontë

Heathcliff, Catherine, and Edgar Linton form a tumultuous triangle that explores passion, revenge, and the darker sides of love.

8. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard

Mare Barrow’s heart is pulled between the two princely brothers, Cal and Maven, in a world divided by blood color.

9. “Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette’s touch is lethal, but her heart is very much alive as she grapples with feelings for Adam and Warner.

10. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A tale of obsession and unrequited love, where Jay Gatsby pines for Daisy Buchanan, who’s married to Tom.

Phew, that’s just the beginning! I remember reading “The Great Gatsby” in high school and being utterly fascinated by the tangled web of relationships. It made me realize that love triangles aren’t just about romance—they’re a lens through which we explore society, class, and identity.

Let’s keep going!

11. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre’s journey leads her from Tamlin’s Spring Court to the enigmatic Rhysand of the Night Court.

12. “The Vampire Diaries” by L.J. Smith

Elena Gilbert is caught between vampire brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Trust me, the books are just as gripping as the TV show.

13. “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas

Assassin Celaena Sardothien navigates her feelings for Prince Dorian and Captain Chaol Westfall amidst political intrigue.

14. “Delirium” by Lauren Oliver

In a world where love is considered a disease, Lena Haloway must choose between safety with Julian or rebellion with Alex.

15. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon

Claire Randall’s heart is split between her 20th-century husband, Frank, and 18th-century Scottish warrior, Jamie Fraser.

16. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

Celia and Marco are bound in a magical competition, but complications arise with the presence of the charming Isobel.

17. “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo

Alina Starkov is torn between her childhood friend Mal and the enigmatic Darkling.

18. “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne

A workplace rivalry takes a romantic turn, but complications ensue when a promotion is at stake.

19. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, but her relationship with her steady boyfriend, Patrick, becomes strained.

20. “Divergent” by Veronica Roth

While not a traditional love triangle, Tris Prior’s relationships with Four and her duties to her faction create emotional conflicts.

I have to pause here and gush about “Outlander.” The way Diana Gabaldon weaves history, romance, and a touch of sci-fi is nothing short of magical. I found myself utterly invested in Claire’s impossible choice between two loves from different times.

21. “An Ember in the Ashes” by Sabaa Tahir

Laia’s mission intertwines her fate with Elias and Keenan, each pulling her in different directions.

22. “The Kiss Quotient” by Helen Hoang

Stella Lane hires Michael Phan to teach her about love, complicating her budding feelings for her coworker.

23. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger

Clare’s relationship with Henry is complicated by his uncontrollable time travel and the presence of others in his different timelines.

24. “Legend” by Marie Lu

June and Day are on opposite sides of a dystopian society, but Tess adds another layer to their complex relationship.

25. “Beautiful Disaster” by Jamie McGuire

Abby Abernathy tries to escape her past, but finds herself drawn to bad boy Travis Maddox, complicating her relationship with good guy Parker.

26. “The Bronze Horseman” by Paullina Simons

Set during WWII, Tatiana Metanova falls for Alexander, a soldier, while her sister is in love with him too.

27. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han

Lara Jean’s secret love letters get sent out, causing chaos with her crushes Peter and Josh.

28. “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green

Hazel Grace Lancaster’s relationship with Augustus Waters is complicated by her friendship with Isaac.

29. “The Host” by Stephenie Meyer

An alien named Wanderer inhabits Melanie Stryder’s body, leading to a complex relationship between Melanie, Wanderer, Jared, and Ian.

30. “The Selection” Series by Kiera Cass

Yes, it’s so good it deserves another mention! The love triangle evolves throughout the series, keeping you hooked.

Remember when “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” hit Netflix? I binged it in one night and immediately picked up the books. There’s something so endearing about Lara Jean’s journey through young love and self-discovery.

31. “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell

A heartfelt story of first love complicated by personal struggles and family expectations.

32. “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black

Jude Duarte navigates the treacherous world of Faerie, caught between Prince Cardan and her own ambitions.

33. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney

Marianne and Connell’s on-again, off-again relationship is complicated by their interactions with others over the years.

34. “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman

Mia’s choice between pursuing her musical dreams and staying with her boyfriend Adam becomes even more poignant after a tragic accident.

35. “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon

Natasha and Daniel’s whirlwind day is complicated by her impending deportation and his family’s expectations.

36. “The Princess Diaries” by Meg Cabot

Mia Thermopolis deals with newfound royalty and her feelings for Michael and later, J.P.

37. “Beautiful Creatures” by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Ethan Wate’s life changes when he meets Lena Duchannes, but Ridley Duchannes adds unexpected complications.

38. “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray enters the world of Shadowhunters, entangled between Jace and Simon.

39. “The Luxe” by Anna Godbersen

Set in Manhattan’s high society of the 1890s, Elizabeth Holland is torn between duty and true love.

40. “The MaddAddam Trilogy” by Margaret Atwood

A dystopian series where romantic entanglements are as complex as the world-ending events happening around them.

At this point, my reading list was overflowing, and my sleep schedule? Let’s just say coffee became my best friend. But every lost hour of sleep was worth the emotional journeys these books took me on.

41. “The Winner’s Curse” by Marie Rutkoski

Kestrel must choose between her love for Arin and her duty to her empire.

42. “Graceling” by Kristin Cashore

Katsa’s unique abilities complicate her relationships with Po and Prince Raffin.

43. “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant

A retelling of the biblical story of Dinah, focusing on women’s relationships and love triangles.

44. “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James

Anastasia Steele navigates a complicated relationship with Christian Grey, while José Rodriguez’s feelings add another layer.

45. “Circe” by Madeline Miller

The immortal witch Circe interacts with gods and mortals alike, including complex romantic entanglements.

46. “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks

A timeless tale of love lost and found, involving Noah, Allie, and Lon.

47. “Eclipse” by Stephenie Meyer

The third book in the “Twilight” series intensifies the love triangle between Bella, Edward, and Jacob.

48. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart

A privileged family, a private island, and secrets that complicate young love.

49. “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The dynamics between band members Daisy, Billy, and Camila are as riveting as their music.

50. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen

Elizabeth Bennet navigates her feelings for Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham in this classic tale.

What Is the Best Love Triangle in a Series?

That’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite child! But if I had to pick, the love triangle in “The Infernal Devices” by Cassandra Clare stands out. The dynamics between Tessa, Will, and Jem are heart-wrenching and beautifully written. The Victorian setting adds an extra layer of charm and complexity.

Does “Iron Flame” Have a Love Triangle?

As of my last reading up to October 2023, “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros is the much-anticipated sequel to “Fourth Wing.” While “Fourth Wing” introduces us to a budding romance and a world of dragon riders, readers are speculating whether “Iron Flame” will introduce a love triangle. Given Yarros’s knack for emotional depth, it’s a possibility that could add intriguing tension to the series.

Who Wrote the Best Love Stories?

Now there’s a debate that could last all night! Authors like Jane Austen, Nicholas Sparks, and Emily Brontë have penned timeless love stories that continue to captivate us. In contemporary literature, Colleen Hoover and Taylor Jenkins Reid are making waves with their emotionally resonant tales.

But honestly, the “best” is subjective. For me, Sarah J. Maas crafts love stories with such intricate world-building and character development that I find myself rereading her books regularly.

Final Thoughts

Love triangles have a special place in my heart—and on my bookshelf. They encapsulate the messy, beautiful complexity of human emotions. Whether set in dystopian futures, magical realms, or our own backyards, these stories make us feel deeply and think critically about love and choice.

So, grab a book from this list, settle into your favorite reading nook, and let yourself be swept away by the dilemmas of the heart. Who knows? You might just find a piece of yourself within their pages.

Happy reading!

Did I miss any of your favorites? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. After all, there’s always room for more books on our to-read lists, right?