Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Louisa
If you love a bad boy book boyfriend to swoon over, then it’s no surprise you’re looking for other books like Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire.
Though the good girl at college falling for the stereotypical bad boy isn’t a new concept, the way that Jamie McGuire executes this story is unique.
The storyline is full of angst, tension, and hot, hot romance.
If you’ve just finished Beautiful Disaster and you’re wondering what to read next, then you’ve come to the right place.
These tantalizing romance books will have you feeling hot under the collar, just like Beautiful Disaster did.
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Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
If you need a book fast but don’t have much time, don’t worry. These are my top three favorite books similar to Beautiful Disaster.
Our Favourites!
#1 Best Highly Acclaimed Novel
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
- New York Times bestselling author
- A romance story about two lovers who struggle with commitment
- A contemporary romance story about a fresh out of college grad falling for a neurosurgeon
#2 Best in College Romance
After by Anna Todd
- About a good girl who has a nice boyfriend back home, but finds a bad boy in college she can’t resist
- A five-part series
- Now a major motion picture!
Summary of Beautiful Disaster
Before I reveal the best books similar to Beautiful Disaster, let’s quickly recap the story. Don’t worry, I won’t reveal any spoilers if you haven’t finished reading it yet.
Beautiful Disaster is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling novel. It’s the typical college romance story about a good girl who falls head over heels in love with a bad boy.
We follow Abby Abernathy who’s the typical goody-two-shoes who wants to go to college and put the past behind her.
Easier said than done, as a one-night stand changes everything.
She meets Travis Maddox who is the dictionary definition of a bad boy. Each night he spends gambling at a floating fight ring, and during the day he’s the college campus charmer.
He doesn’t like that Abby seems resistant to his appeal, so he tricks her with a bet.
If he loses, he must go celibate for a month, and if she loses, she must move in with him.
While most college romances are innocent, Beautiful Disaster is a little misleading from the title, as the story is anything but beautiful.
It’s destructive, obsessive, and fringes on the line of abusive – but this is what readers love about it. It’s not your typical starry-eyed girl who falls in love with a troublemaker.
There are some deeply troubling personality traits in Travis that our level-headed heroine must overcome.
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Books Like Beautiful Disaster
Now you have a rough idea of the story and what to look for in these similar books, it’s time to show you the best books to read if you liked Beautiful Disaster…
1. The Deal – Elle Kennedy
The Deal is an angsty romance novel that’s part of the ‘Off Campus’ series by Elle Kennedy but can be read as a standalone novel.
It follows good girl Hannah Wells who has finally met a boy who sparks an interest in her. There’s only one thing though, she’s not confident in the bedroom.
To make him notice her, she steps out of her comfort zone, even if it means tutoring the cocky captain of the Hockey Team so she can set up a pretend date.
Garrett Graham has only ever wanted to play hockey in a professional league but his GPA is threatening his future prospects. When he meets the sarcastic Hannah Wells, he’s only interested in improving his GPA and making it to the professional league.
However, one kiss between them leads to a night in the bedroom they will never forget. Is a deal of a date to seduce another going to cut it for Garett?
With plenty of swoon-worthy scenes, thrilling plot twists, and insights into what it means to truly love someone, this story will be sure to leave you wanting more!
This is a steamy fake relationship romance novel you won’t be able to put down.
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Read my complete review of The Deal by Elle Kennedy here or you can find some similar titles here.
2. Wait for You – Jennifer L. Armentrout
All Avery Morgenstern wants to do when she starts college thousands of miles away from her home is to forget a dreadful night that happened five years ago—but it’s never that easy in college romance novels, isn’t it?
Meet Cameron Hamilton, former bad boy who finds himself falling for this quirky and unusual girl. Avery tries to stay away, for his presence threatens to shake the foundations of her defenses—but his charm is irresistible.
The love that blooms between them is real and passionate, yet leaves you wondering: will Avery manage to survive unscathed this time?
The journey of self-discovery and exploration of genuine emotions experienced by both lovers make this book an unforgettable experience.
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3. The Year We Fell Down – Sarina Bowen
No one can predict the paths our lives will take, and Corey Callahan is definitely no exception.
After a heartbreaking setback that ends her dreams of being a star ice hockey player, she’s faced with an unexpected twist: the boy stuck in the disabled room next to her shares the same fate.
When late nights turn into long conversations, Corey finds herself slowly falling for Adam–the only person who truly understands what she’s going through.
As things start to heat up between them, it becomes clear that he still has ties to his old life, including his beautiful trophy girlfriend by his side.
Can Adam choose love over all else?
This is an angst-filled sports romance book like Beautiful Disaster–but with its own unique twists and turns!
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4. The Love Game – Emma Hart
Maddie knows better than to be taken in by Braden’s charms, but her friends challenge her to step into The Love Game.
As they dance together in this thrilling college romance story, Maddie soon discovers that there is more depth and emotion between them than she initially thought.
Though the language can be crass at times, their stories are full of heart and soul. Join Maddie and Braden on their journey as they explore what it truly means to love.
Emma Hart‘s The Love Game is a captivating college romance but with a surprise twist!
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5. The Partnership – Charlotte Penn Clark
When Kyle and Lani find themselves in the same Extra Credit class at college, there couldn’t be two people more different.
Kyle hates writing and Lani is uncomfortable with attention, but they’ll have to collaborate if they want to graduate on time.
What begins as a partnership out of necessity soon blossoms into something more – love is the ultimate subject in Charlotte Penn Clark’s The Partnership.
This fun, flirty romance provides the perfect escape from reality while still offering its own share of conflict.
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6. Rock Me – Cherrie Lynn
When Candace steps into her cousin’s ex-boyfriend Brian’s tattoo shop, the sparks that fly rekindle an old flame.
But this love story has more elements than a typical romance – she’ll also have to face criticism from those closest to her if she wants to be with Brian.
Cherrie Lynn’s novel Rock Me doesn’t shy away from the tough decisions in life; instead, it invites you to follow along as Candace navigates a forbidden path.
With intense emotions, characters with depth, and an engaging writing style, you’ll be kept on the edge of your seat for this whole steamy forbidden romance book.
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7. Perfect Chemistry – Simone Elkeles
Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles is a classic high-school romance with a twist – the star-crossed lovers, Alex and Brittany, meet in Chemistry class.
Alex is a macho bad boy on the outside but underneath he has an innocence that is hard to resist.
Brittany, on the other hand, is the beautiful yet popular girl who must manage being with Alex in spite of their differences.
Despite its clichéd premise, this well-thought-out bad boy romance novel proves that it has substance and depth on every page, giving readers one of the best romantic stories of its kind.
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8. It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover’s highly acclaimed novel, It Ends With Us, is sure to be a hit with romance fans!
The story follows Lily, a small-town girl who has worked hard to build her own business in Boston and meet her aspiration of success.
Enter Ryle, the gorgeous neurosurgeon who seems to offer Lily the perfect life – but things are never as they appear.
As Lily’s relationship with Ryle begins to deepen, an old flame unexpectedly shows up on the scene.
Atlas Corrigan is an unstoppable force that threatens to destroy all of the progress that Lily has made and stands in the way of getting her happily ever after.
With unexpected twists and turns, this book will leave readers on the edge of their seats as Lily fights for a future she desperately desires.
If you love suspenseful medical romance books with drama just like Beautiful Disaster, then you’ll definitely want to delve into this page-turner!
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Related Reading: Books Like It Ends With Us and Book Review of It Ends With Us
9. After – Anna Todd
After by Anna Todd follows Tessa, a teenage girl whose life has been mapped out by her overbearing mother.
Everything was going according to plan until she meets Hardin Scott – the handsome bad boy with a cold and arrogant demeanor.
Despite his reluctance to show it, Tessa can’t help but fall for him and is thrown into a world of questionable decisions and tumultuous emotions.
As their relationship progresses and the stakes get higher, Tessa finds herself getting pulled deeper and deeper into Hardin’s chaotic world.
With tension building at every turn and an ending that’s sure to leave you reeling, this five-book saga is an unforgettable journey of love, loss, and letting go.
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Related Reading: Books Similar to After and After by Anna Todd Review
10. Hush Hush – Lucia Franco
Hush Hush is an age-gap romance novel that captivates readers from start to finish.
21-year-old Aubrey is a college student juggling multiple jobs to pay for her tuition and provide for her grandmother.
When she takes on a job at Sanctuary Cove, an exclusive club where she meets sexy silver-haired James, the attraction between them is undeniable.
James has been in a loveless marriage of convenience with his wife, who allows him to visit Sanctuary Cove in exchange for privacy over his needs – which he finds in spades with Aubrey.
The romantic relationship blossoms amidst their taboo arrangement, but when Aubrey refuses to become ‘exclusive’ out of fear of losing her job and financial security, the stakes get even higher.
Filled with captivating drama and sizzling erotica, Hush Hush is sure to keep you turning pages until the final twist!
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11. Punk 57 – Penelopes Douglas
Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas will make any fan of Beautiful Disaster swoon. The story follows Misha and Ryen, two fifth graders who’ve been pen pals for years and have become the best of friends.
To maintain the strong bond between them, they agree on three rules – no pictures, no phone calls, and no social media.
But when a certain online profile catches Misha’s eye, everything changes. As they struggle to reconcile their feelings with the growing bond between them, can they find a way to finally come together?
With a hint of mystery and plenty of romance, this book is sure to keep you turning pages until the very end! If you’ve already read Punk 57, then you may like these similar books.
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12. Bared To You – Sylvia Day
If you’re looking for a steamy romance novel similar to Beautiful Disaster, then Eva Tramell and Gideon Cross’s story is sure to hit the spot.
Eva has her own demons that she’s working hard to overcome, and she meets Gideon at just the right time – or so it seems.
Sparks fly between them but their relationship quickly becomes complicated as Gideon reveals his own struggles and his insistence that he doesn’t want a relationship.
This twist of fate takes readers on a suspenseful, steamy ride full of unexpected surprises.
With a confident female protagonist who knows exactly what she wants at its center, this book is perfect for an enjoyable beach read!
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13. Ugly Love – Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover strikes again in another powerful romance story, with just the right amount of suspense.
If you loved the love-hate relationship that Beautiful Disaster is based on, Ugly Love is your next great read!
When Tate Collins and Miles Archer meet, there’s an undeniable attraction between them, but love is not on the table.
Both are willing to settle for a no-strings-attached type of relationship, they have an agreement: no questions about the past and no expectations of a future.
The arrangement goes smoothly at first, but as emotions become more involved things start to get complicated.
With their rules broken and their love getting more intense, will it all be too much for them in the end?
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Related Reading: Books Like Ugly Love
14. Beautiful Bastard – Christina Lauren
Chloe Mills is a smart and ambitious woman, but her dream of an MBA is being hindered by her boss, Bennett Ryan.
Bennett has returned to Chicago from France to lead his family’s media business and he discovers that the assistant who had been helping him remotely is now working with him every day.
He’s never been one for office romances, but Chloe’s temptation proves too strong.
In Beautiful Bastard, alpha billionaire romance novels meets heat, fire and sultry scenes as Chloe and Bennett’s journey becomes one full of passionate moments all around the office.
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15. Rule – Jay Crownover
Meet Rule – a complicated and wild bad-boy who has been haunted by the memory of his lost brother ever since a car accident.
He’s known for his striking hair colors, tattoos and piercings, as well as what some consider a ‘womanizer’ lifestyle.
The perfect foil to Rule is Shaw, a wealthy, loyal and hardworking love interest who will soften his rougher edges.
Rule is one of those lighter-hearted romance books in its subgenre, full of fun and intrigue that’ll have you turning the pages till the very end.
If you’re in search of the same kind of cocky bad boy romance featured in Beautiful Disaster, then look no further than Rule!
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Final Word on Books Like Beautiful Disaster
So there you have it, those are the top books like Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire. As you can see, there are a lot of similar books with captivating romance stories.
Whether you’re looking for a bad boy MC or a college romance, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Do you have any more to add? Let me know in the comments.
