11 YA Novels with Epic Love Triangles
This summer, I’ve been rewatching “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Amazon Prime. Needless to say, it’s been making me think a lot about love triangles. This is such a popular trope, especially in YA fiction. So many characters from classic literature have had hearts torn in two directions. Bella Swan, Katniss Everdeen, Elena Gilbert, to name a few. Although it’s not my favorite trope, there is something so addicting and infuriating about a classic love triangle.
As someone who has never experienced a love triangle, I find it hard to believe that you can honestly be in love with two people at once. But, as we’ve learned from the Bachelor franchise, when two polar opposite but equally gorgeous people are in love with you at the same time, the choice paralysis is real.
Although I don’t anticipate ever being caught in a love triangle, this romantic conundrum definitely makes for an entertaining read. If you love the trope, or are just looking for a good, angsty, YA romance, here are 11 YA Novels with Epic Love Triangles!
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
Obviously I have to include this trilogy by Jenny Han. The series follows Belly Conklin over the course of three summers as she comes into her own and gets romantically caught between brothers, Conrad and Jeremiah.
As you can imagine, things get messy QUICKLY. Especially when Belly has to make a choice between the two. The love triangle trope is a driving thematic force in this series. I genuinely did not know who Belly was going to choose. Are the relationships in these books extremely messy? Yes. Are Belly’s decisions consistently rational? Absolutely not. The drama that ensues makes for a binge-worthy read that will have you picking sides. Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah??
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
The Iron King is the first in a fantasy series about Meghan Chase, a half-human/half-fey teenager caught between both worlds. When her little brother is kidnapped by fairies, Meghan must travel through the dangerous and unpredictable Nevernever to bring him home. As the series progresses, she becomes more entangled in the world of the fey. Meghan also gets caught in a love triangle. She has to choose between her best friend (who gives golden retriever energy), and a dark and broody ice prince. The vibes are *chef’s kiss*
Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
If you love YA fantasy, you will love Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Set in nineteenth century London, this is the first in the Infernal Devices series, a prequel to Clare’s famous Mortal Instruments. The novel follows Tessa Gray, as she travels to London in search of her missing brother. Her search puts her in the path of Will and Jem, best friends and Shadowhunters, and throws all three into an epic battle against evil.
There’s action, adventure, and romance, plus werewolves and vampires. What more do you need? This is the beginning of a series, with the foundations for an epic love triangle already set.
American Royals by Katharine McGee
American Royals is an alternating perspective series that imagines the United States as a nation under a monarchy. This series seems to have it all, forbidden romance, arranged marriage, drama, betrayal, and of course a love triangle. Prince Jefferson, America’s boyfriend, is caught between conniving Daphne and girl-next-door Nina. This relationship has twists and turns across the series with both women going to extreme lengths to win the prince’s heart.
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
The Davenports is another multi-perspective novel that follows the lives of four women as they navigate societal and familial demands in 1910 Chicago. The pressures to marry well conflict with desires of the heart, and binge-worthy drama ensues. This book is set up to be the first in a series with a lot of the key romances to be resolved later on. If you like American Royals, Downton Abbey, or Bridgerton, you will devour this novel!
Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean
Tokyo Dreaming is the sequel to Emiko Jean’s Tokyo Ever After and picks up with Izumi’s graduation from high school. Her post-grad path is uncertain and she’s forced to make a choice between following her dreams and following royal protocol. Her relationship with her former body guard-turned boyfriend is also put into question when life, and a new royal-approved suitor, get in the way.
This is an exceptionally cute series, perfect for lovers of “Princess Diaries” and American Royals. It’s a coming of age tale that will have you rooting for Izumi as she continues to navigate new royal and familial dynamics.
When We Caught Fire by Anna Godbersen
This historical fiction novel imagines the cause of Chicago’s Great Fire to be a complicated love triangle. Emmeline, Fiona, and Anders are childhood friends each facing drastically different futures. While Emmeline is a society darling set to marry Chicago’s most eligible bachelor, Fiona and Anders are members of the working class dreaming of better lives. Although Emmeline is planning the wedding of the season, her heart remains with her childhood friend.
In classic love triangle fashion, Fiona also happens to be harboring feelings for Anders. This novel is full of romance, drama, and epic betrayal, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s most devastating fires. If you love historical fiction and all the drama of Downton Abbey, you will devour this book!
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Ahh ToG. This is one of YA’s most popular fantasy novels, and though I’ve often complained about this book, it truly is a fantastic series. The novel follows infamous assassin Celaena Sardothien as she fights in a royal competition for her freedom. The series starts off with a love triangle that has our heroine caught between the heir to the throne and the captain of the guard. As the series progresses, threats, challenges, and character growth cause Celaena’s heart to change direction.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Another popular title by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that follows protagonist Feyre, as she navigates the ruthless world of the Fae. I’m not sure if this one officially counts as a love triangle because the second love interest doesn’t appear until the end of the book. However, Feyre does end up having to choose between two suitors, so I’m keeping the book on this list!
Readers should note that these are Rated R.
The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson
This fantasy novel follows Princess Lia as she flees home on her wedding day. Unwilling to live her life as a political pawn, Lia escapes to a small village where she can begin her life on her own terms. Her idyllic life is disrupted when an assassin and her jilted fiancé converge upon the village at the same time. Lia is forced to confront the past, while struggling to keep from losing her heart to two drastically different men.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs is an average high school student working hard to obtain a college scholarship so she can start her life on her own terms.
When eccentric billionaire Tobias Hawthorne randomly makes Avery the sole beneficiary of his fortune, she’s puzzled to say the least. The money rides on the condition that Avery move into his mansion, where she encounters his propensity for riddles, and his four grandsons. The mysterious, intelligent, and attractive Hawthorne boys have been raised to inherit the Hawthorne fortune. They’re not willing to let Avery take everything so easily.
The world of the Hawthorne’s is one of riddles and puzzles, and Avery must keep her wits about her if she’s to survive the mansion with her inheritance intact. As the riddles get more and more complex, so do Avery’s relationships with each of the boys.
That wraps up my list of 11 YA Novels with Epic Love Triangles! If this is one of your favorite tropes and I didn’t mention your favorite book, feel free to drop the title in the comments!
Xx, M
