I have not read The Hobbit and I know there is a difference between the books and the movies. I did like Tauriel however, this is how a badass chick should be written and I hope to see more characters written like her.
When her people first showed up fighting spiders and capturing Bilbo’s company, all the male elves still looked competent. Legolas was still a badass, shown in a way that can keep him his fans.
Tauriel was introduced at the end, showing that she was also competent with a blade. This showed why she was here and that she fitted with her guards who were male. She can keep up and fight and the movie didn’t make her guards look bad.
They also showed that she can still be feminine as she curiosity talks with Filli, she even has the ability to smile. She cares enough about him later when she finds out he got poisoned to go after the company to heal Filli. She can still be tough and choose to go with Legolas after the orcs or she can be feminine and heal Filli. She chooses to be a healer instead of a fighter. She is not denied her femininity.
As for the love triangle, I can see why both male characters liked Tauriel. She is not just a skilled fighter, but a caring and loyal friend. Though it is funny to think that this (in the movies), is why Legolas might not of liked dwarfs. He had to compete with one for a woman's affections.
I hope more badass chicks are written like Tauriel, tough but she isn’t denied her feminine energy.
“I’m going to save him.” Tauriel- The Desolation of Smaug