9 Books Similar To Beautiful Disaster [2026 Updated]

If you are reading this, you likely just finished Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster and are currently staring at your ceiling, nursing a massive book hangover. I get it. There is something about Travis Maddox the tattoos, the underground fighting, the absolutely unhinged levels of possessiveness that ruins you for regular romance novels. You aren’t just looking for a love story; you are looking for an obsession. You want the angst, the screaming matches, the “I can’t live without you” intensity, and that specific college setting where everything feels like life or death.

Welcome to the club. In 2026, the “New Adult” romance genre has evolved, but the craving for that original bad-boy-meets-good-girl magic remains untouched. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Maddox brothers or a new reader who found this gem through BookTok, finding the right follow-up read is crucial. You need a book that replicates that adrenaline rush, the butterfly-inducing tension, and the emotional rollercoasters.

The following list curates the absolute best books similar to Beautiful Disaster. We have included the genre-defining classics that shaped the 2010s and the modern 2026 viral hits that carry the same torch. Prepare your Kindle, because your sleep schedule is about to take a serious hit.

The “New Adult” Classics: The Holy Trinity of Angst

These are the foundational texts of the genre. If you loved the era of Beautiful Disaster, these books are non-negotiable reads that deliver the same level of emotional devastation and addictive romance.

1. After by Anna Todd

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

If there is one book that rivals Beautiful Disaster in terms of sheer cultural impact and polarizing intensity, it is After. Originally a One Direction fanfiction that exploded into a global publishing phenomenon, this story introduces us to Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. Tessa is the quintessential good girl with a reliable boyfriend and a perfectly planned future. Hardin is the rude, tattooed, British bad boy with a dark past and a cruel streak. Their collision is not just a romance; it is a demolition derby of emotions.

The parallel to Travis and Abby is undeniable here. Hardin possesses that same volatile, jealous nature that Travis is famous for, but he amps up the toxicity to a level that keeps you furiously turning pages. The relationship is a constant push and pull, filled with miscommunications, explosive arguments, and inevitable makeups that feel earned because of the pain it took to get there. While Travis fights with his fists, Hardin fights with his words and his demons. This series is perfect for readers who want that “us against the world” vibe but with a grittier, more modern edge. It is messy, it is frustrating, and it is completely impossible to put down once you start.

2. Thoughtless by S.C. Stephens

“I don’t want to be your friend, Kiera. I want to be your everything.”

Before the rockstar romance trope became a saturated market, Thoughtless set the gold standard. This book features a love triangle that will genuinely stress you out. Kiera moves to a new city for college with her sweet, dependable boyfriend, Denny. However, they end up moving in with Denny’s friend, Kellan Kyle. Kellan is the local rock god gorgeous, talented, and the kind of guy who has a different girl leaving his bedroom every morning. He is the definition of trouble, and naturally, Kiera finds herself gravitating toward him when her relationship hits a rough patch.

Readers who loved the “roommates” aspect of Beautiful Disaster will feel right at home here. The proximity forces an intimacy that builds slowly and agonizingly. Kellan Kyle is often mentioned in the same breath as Travis Maddox because he fits the “tortured artist” archetype perfectly. He is not fighting in a ring, but he pours that same intensity into his music. The angst in this book is palpable; the cheating trope is heavy, so be warned, but it delivers that stomach-churning anxiety that fans of high-stakes romance crave. You find yourself screaming at the characters to make better choices while simultaneously rooting for the forbidden romance to succeed.

3. Real by Katy Evans

“You’re the only thing that’s real.”

If the underground fighting element was your favorite part of Beautiful Disaster, then Real by Katy Evans is your immediate next read. In fact, Remington “Riptide” Tate might be the only book boyfriend who could actually take Travis Maddox in a fight. The story follows Brooke, a sports rehab specialist who gets hired to travel with Remington, an underground fighter with a body of steel and a mind that is constantly at war with itself. Remington is primal, animalistic, and intensely focused on Brooke from the moment he sees her.

The “fighting” aspect here is front and center, much more so than in many other college romances. The descriptions of the matches are visceral and sweaty, grounding the romance in a physical reality that is incredibly sexy. What makes Real stand out is the depiction of the hero’s mental health. Like Travis, Remington is not a stable man; he struggles with bipolar disorder, which adds a layer of vulnerability to his alpha persona. The protectiveness he feels for Brooke borders on obsession, ticking that specific box for readers who love a possessive hero. The chemistry is electric, the pacing is fast, and the emotional payoff is huge. It captures that “dangerous love” vibe perfectly.

College Romance & The “Bet” Trope

Sometimes you just want the campus setting, the fraternity parties, and the classic trope where a bet or a deal leads to true love.

4. The Deal by Elle Kennedy

“I’m confident. I’m charming. And I’m great in the sack. It’s the trifecta, baby.”

While Beautiful Disaster leans heavy on the drama, The Deal offers a slightly lighter, wittier, but equally addictive take on the college romance. It is the first book in the Off-Campus series, which has rightfully earned its place as a modern classic. Hannah Wells is a music major who needs help getting the attention of her crush. Garrett Graham is the star hockey captain who needs help passing a class to save his season. They strike a deal: she tutors him, and he helps her make her crush jealous. Spoiler alert: the fake dating does not stay fake for long.

This book is essential for 2026 readers because it bridges the gap between the angst of the early 2010s and the “Hockey Romance” boom we are seeing today. Garrett Graham is a “bad boy” in status but is actually surprisingly emotionally intelligent, offering a refreshing contrast to Travis while still maintaining that alpha swagger. The banter here is top-tier. You get the forced proximity, the “he falls first” dynamic, and the spicy scenes that Elle Kennedy is famous for. It captures the college atmosphere perfectly the parties, the study sessions, and the dorm life making it a comforting yet exciting read for anyone missing the setting of Abby and Travis’s story.

5. Bully by Penelope Douglas

“Love isn’t always pretty. Sometimes you spend all your time hoping it’ll eventually be something different. Something better. Then, before you know it, you’re back to square one, and you lost your heart somewhere along the way.”

Penelope Douglas is the queen of angst, and Bully is her masterpiece of the enemies-to-lovers genre. Jared and Tate were best friends as children until Jared returned from a summer away with a new, cruel attitude. He spends high school making Tate’s life a living hell. But when Tate decides she has had enough and starts fighting back, the dynamic shifts explosively. This is not a soft romance; it is jagged and raw. The tension between Jared and Tate is built on years of shared history and resentment that masks a deep, consuming need for one another.

This book fits the Beautiful Disaster mold because of the sheer intensity of the male lead. Jared is difficult to love at first. He is mean, vindictive, and deeply troubled, much like Travis can be when he is spiraling. However, the redemption arc is where the magic happens. Douglas digs deep into why the bad boy is bad, offering a satisfying emotional resolution that justifies the earlier pain. The “pranks” and bullying escalate into a passionate, fiery romance that feels like a war zone. If you liked the volatility of Abby and Travis, Jared and Tate will be your new obsession.

6. Easy by Tammara Webber

“He watched me the way I imagined a predator watched its prey—with a frightening intensity.”

Easy is often recommended alongside Beautiful Disaster because it features a similarly protective hero who helps the heroine overcome a trauma. Jacqueline follows her boyfriend to college, only to get dumped. After she is attacked at a party, she is rescued by Lucas, a mysterious guy in her class who sketches in the back row and looks like he rides a motorcycle (he does). Lucas is the perfect blend of dangerous exterior and soft interior. He is a tutor, works hard, and has a protective streak a mile wide.

The reason Easy resonates so well with this audience is that it deals with heavy themes—specifically assault and recovery—with grace, while still delivering a swoon-worthy romance. Lucas is arguably a “healthier” version of the bad boy trope. He has the tattoos and the tough background, but his patience with Jacqueline is unmatched. The slow burn here is exquisite. You watch Jacqueline rebuild her confidence with Lucas by her side, and the romance feels earned rather than rushed. It is a story about finding strength in vulnerability, wrapped in a sexy, mysterious college romance package that stands the test of time.

The Darker & Grittier Side (2026 Updates)

The genre has shifted toward “Dark Romance” in recent years. These picks are for those who want to dial up the intensity and moral greyness.

7. Rule by Jay Crownover

“Opposites don’t just attract; they ignite.”

Rule marks the beginning of the Marked Men series, and it delivers exactly what the cover promises: tattoos, piercings, and attitude. Shaw Landon is a pre-med good girl from a wealthy family. Rule Archer is a tattoo artist who parties hard and seemingly hates everything Shaw stands for. The catch? Shaw has been secretly in love with Rule for years, despite him being her late ex-boyfriend’s brother. The “good girl/bad boy” dynamic is executed flawlessly here, but with an added layer of family grief and rebellion.

Rule Archer is the visual twin of Travis Maddox. He is colorful, loud, and unapologetic about his lifestyle. What makes this book special is how it handles the class differences and family expectations. Shaw is not just a prop for Rule’s redemption; she is a strong character fighting her own battles against her controlling parents. The chemistry is fueled by their differences. Rule assumes Shaw is a stuck-up princess, and watching him realize she is actually the toughest person he knows is incredibly satisfying. It is gritty, sexy, and features a found family of tattoo artists that you will want to join immediately.

8. Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

“We were perfect for each other. Until we met.”

If you want to see how the genre has evolved into something sharper and more modern, Punk 57 is the answer. Misha and Ryen have been pen pals for years but have never met in person due to strict rules they set for themselves. When Misha accidentally meets Ryen in real life without her knowing who he is, he realizes she is nothing like the poetic, deep girl he writes to. In person, she is a popular, mean girl who bullies others to fit in. Disgusted and intrigued, Misha decides to get close to her to expose her fakeness, starting a high-stakes game of hate and lust.

This book takes the “angst” dial and rips it off the console. Misha is a musician with a bad attitude, fitting the rock/bad boy vibe, but the social commentary on high school popularity and identity adds a fresh layer. The relationship is toxic in the best fictional way—they challenge each other, hurt each other, and ultimately understand each other better than anyone else. It is a standalone novel that captures the bullying/enemies-to-lovers energy of Beautiful Disaster but updates it for a generation obsessed with image and authenticity.

9. Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

“He was the storm, and I was the tree that would bend but never break.”

This is the 2026 “Must Read” for fans of this trope. Although set in Ireland, the “Boys of Tommen” series has taken over the romance world completely. Johnny Kavanagh is the golden boy rugby captain (think Travis’s popularity but in sports), and Shannon Lynch is the invisible, severely bullied girl with a traumatic home life. When Johnny knocks Shannon out with a rugby ball by accident, he becomes inexplicably drawn to her, stepping into the role of her protector against her bullies and her own family.

Binding 13 (and its sequel Keeping 13) is a slow-burn masterpiece. It is much longer than the other books on this list, allowing for a depth of character development that is rare in the genre. Johnny’s protectiveness rivals Travis Maddox’s, but the story feels more grounded in the harsh realities of abuse and survival. It hurts to read at times because of how much the characters suffer, but that makes the romance feel like a literal lifeline. If you want a book that will make you sob, laugh, and fall in love with a massive cast of characters, this is the modern successor to the high-angst throne.

Why These Books Still Matter in 2026

The appeal of Beautiful Disaster and the books listed above lies in the fantasy of the “undeniable connection.” In a modern dating world dominated by swiping, ghosting, and “situationships,” these novels offer a refreshing, albeit dramatic, alternative: a love so powerful it consumes everything in its path.

Whether you choose the fighting pits of Real, the ice rinks of The Deal, or the rugby fields of Binding 13, you are signing up for a story where love is a contact sport. These heroes might be flawed, broken, and occasionally infuriating, but their devotion is absolute. And really, isn’t that what we are all reading for?

Next Steps: If you are unsure which one to pick first:

• Choose Real if you want the underground fighting vibe.
• Choose After if you want the toxic, addictive college drama.
• Choose The Deal if you want something spicy but with more laughs.

Happy reading!