15 Books Like After by Anna Todd
“After” by Anna Todd is known for its intense romance, compelling characters, and emotional rollercoaster ride.
If you’re searching for similar reads that will ignite your emotions and keep you turning the pages, you’re in luck!
This curated list features some books that share the themes of love, desire, and the complexities of relationships, offering an array of stories that will satisfy your craving for passionate romance. From forbidden love affairs to tumultuous relationships and unexpected connections, each book promises to deliver the same heart-pounding excitement and emotional depth that made “After” a beloved sensation.
So, let’s check them out.
Books Like After by Anna Todd
1. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
“Beautiful Disaster” is a novel that revolves around the intense and tumultuous relationship between Abby Abernathy and Travis Maddox. Abby is a good girl with a dark past who wants to reinvent herself in college, while Travis is the quintessential bad boy with a reputation for being a ladies’ man and participating in illegal fights.
As their paths cross, their attraction is undeniable, leading them into a passionate and unpredictable relationship.
Major Similarities:
Like “After,” “Beautiful Disaster” explores the dynamics of a complicated and intense relationship between two characters with contrasting personalities. Both novels delve into themes of love, redemption, and the challenges of overcoming personal demons.
The college setting and the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the protagonists also draw parallels between the two stories, appealing to readers who enjoy new adult romance with a mix of drama and passion.
2. Easy by Tammara Webber
“Easy” follows the story of Jacqueline Wallace, a college student who, after a sudden breakup with her high school boyfriend, encounters a traumatic experience that leads her to Lucas, a mysterious and protective guy with his own troubled past.
As Jacqueline deals with the aftermath of her assault and her growing feelings for Lucas, she learns about trust, love, and the strength to fight back against her fears.
Major Similarities:
Both “Easy” and “After” are set in a college environment, offering a backdrop for the unfolding romance and personal growth of their characters. They tackle serious issues like trauma and consent, wrapped within the fabric of a compelling love story.
The element of a strong, protective male lead with a complex personality and a troubled past echoes the dynamic seen in “After,” making “Easy” a resonant read for fans of Anna Todd’s work.
3. Wait for You by J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)
“Wait for You” is centered around Avery Morgansten, a girl with a haunting secret from her past, and Cameron Hamilton, the charming and persistent guy she meets upon starting college in West Virginia.
As Avery tries to escape her past and Cam breaks down the walls she’s built around her heart, they both discover that their connection might just be worth waiting for.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “After,” “Wait for You” features a romantic storyline set against the backdrop of college life, complete with all its challenges and opportunities for growth.
The themes of dealing with past traumas, the healing power of love, and the development of a deep emotional connection between the protagonists are central to both novels. This book will appeal to readers who appreciate stories about overcoming obstacles and finding love where least expected.
4. Rule by Jay Crownover
“Rule” introduces readers to Rule Archer, a tattooed and pierced bad boy with a reckless streak, and Shaw Landon, a girl from a pristine background who has harbored a secret love for Rule despite their differences.
Their story is one of undeniable attraction, personal growth, and the journey to accepting each other’s flaws and pasts.
Major Similarities:
Like “After,” “Rule” explores the theme of opposites attracting and the complexities that arise from a relationship between a bad boy and a good girl.
The novel delves into themes of love, redemption, and the transformative power of relationships. Readers who enjoy the emotional depth and the challenge of accepting someone for who they are, despite their troubled backgrounds, will find “Rule” similarly compelling.
5. Slammed by Colleen Hoover
“Slammed” is the story of Layken Cohen, an 18-year-old girl who relocates to Michigan with her family following the sudden death of her father.
There, she meets Will Cooper, her attractive neighbor with a passion for slam poetry. As their relationship deepens, they face unexpected challenges and secrets that could threaten their future together.
Major Similarities:
Both “Slammed” and “After” feature young protagonists navigating the complexities of love and life’s unexpected challenges. The unique element of slam poetry in “Slammed” adds a creative depth to the story, much like the intense emotional and romantic turmoil in “After.”
Themes of love, loss, and overcoming obstacles are prevalent in both books, making “Slammed” a fitting recommendation for fans of “After” looking for stories with emotional depth and resilience.
6. On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
“On Dublin Street” tells the story of Jocelyn Butler, a young woman who moves to Edinburgh, Scotland, to start a new life while hiding from her painful past.
Her world turns upside down when she meets Braden Carmichael, a wealthy and attractive businessman who is determined to get past her defenses. Their relationship evolves from a proposition to something deeper, forcing Jocelyn to confront her fears and the possibility of love.
Major Similarities:
Like “After,” “On Dublin Street” features a strong-willed female protagonist with a troubled past and a charismatic male lead who challenges her in every way.
The story is set against the backdrop of a beautiful city, adding a sense of place to the intense emotional and romantic development between the characters.
The themes of healing, self-discovery, and the transformative power of love mirror those in “After,” making it a compelling read for fans of passionate romance stories.
7. The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski
“The Edge of Never” is a captivating tale of self-discovery and love that follows Camryn Bennett, a young woman who, disillusioned with her life, sets out on a road trip without a destination.
Along the way, she meets Andrew Parrish, a fellow traveler with secrets of his own. Together, they embark on a journey that teaches them about life, love, and the importance of living in the moment.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Edge of Never” and “After” explore themes of self-discovery and the impact of a passionate, life-changing romance. The journey aspect of “The Edge of Never” parallels the emotional journey undertaken by the characters in “After,” with both sets of characters facing internal and external challenges that test their love and personal growth.
The intense emotional connection and the transformative power of love present in both stories will resonate with readers who enjoy new adult romance.
8. Losing It by Cora Carmack
“Losing It” follows Bliss Edwards, a college student who, in an attempt to lose her virginity, ends up in a humorous and awkward encounter with Garrick Taylor, a handsome British drama teacher.
What starts as a night of embarrassment turns into a complicated relationship as they navigate the boundaries between student and teacher, along with their growing feelings for each other.
Major Similarities:
Like “After,” “Losing It” is set in a college environment and deals with themes of young love and the complexities of romantic relationships. The mix of humor, awkward situations, and emotional depth offers a similar blend of entertainment and introspection.
Both novels feature protagonists dealing with personal growth and the challenges of navigating love under unconventional circumstances, appealing to fans of light-hearted yet emotionally rich romance.
9. Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines
“Fallen Too Far” introduces Blaire Wynn, a young woman who, after her mother’s death, moves to Florida to live with her estranged father and ends up clashing with her new stepbrother, Rush Finlay.
Rush is the epitome of a bad boy, with a life of luxury that hides deep family secrets. Despite their initial antagonism, Blaire and Rush’s attraction is undeniable, leading them down a path filled with obstacles, revelations, and unexpected emotions.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “After,” “Fallen Too Far” features a complicated relationship with a bad boy, family drama, and the theme of forbidden love. The emotional intensity, the characters’ personal growth, and the steamy romance are key elements that align with the appeal of “After.”
Fans of Anna Todd’s series will likely enjoy the tumultuous and passionate relationship dynamics presented in “Fallen Too Far.”
10. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
“Hopeless” centers around Sky, a seventeen-year-old girl who has been homeschooled and sheltered from the world by her adoptive mother. Her life changes when she meets Dean Holder, a guy with a reputation that precedes him.
As Sky gets to know Holder, she uncovers secrets about her past and his, which threaten to shatter the new feelings they are developing for each other.
Major Similarities:
Both “Hopeless” and “After” delve into the themes of dark pasts, secrets, and the intense connection between two people drawn together despite the odds.
The emotional depth, the mystery surrounding the characters’ histories, and the journey towards healing and love are compelling aspects that will attract readers who appreciate the combination of romance and personal discovery found in “After.”
11. Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
“Pushing the Limits” follows Echo Emerson, a girl with a troubled past who is desperate to rediscover her old self and the events that led to her acquiring scars she keeps hidden.
Noah Hutchins, on the other hand, is the quintessential bad boy with a soft heart, battling his own demons while in the foster care system.
Their paths cross when they both seek answers and understanding, leading to an unexpected and intense connection.
Major Similarities:
This novel, like “After,” explores the themes of troubled pasts, the journey of self-discovery, and the healing power of love.
The relationship between Echo and Noah mirrors the intensity and complexity of the relationship in “After,” with both couples facing significant obstacles on their path to being together.
The emotional depth and the development of a strong, supportive relationship in the face of adversity are key elements that fans of “After” will appreciate.
12. Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles
“Perfect Chemistry” is a story about Brittany Ellis, a girl who seems to have the perfect life, and Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town.
Their initial animosity and stereotypes against each other are challenged when a chemistry class assignment forces them to partner up.
As they get to know each other, Brittany and Alex discover that they share more in common than they thought, leading to a forbidden romance that defies their worlds’ boundaries.
Major Similarities:
The dynamic between Brittany and Alex in “Perfect Chemistry” closely parallels the intense, passionate relationship seen in “After,” with both stories exploring themes of forbidden love, breaking stereotypes, and the power of love to transcend social boundaries.
The contrast between the protagonists’ backgrounds and the challenges they face in their relationship will resonate with readers who enjoyed the depth and complexity of the romance in “After.”
13. Breathe by Abbi Glines
“Breathe” tells the story of Sadie White, a teenage girl who takes a summer job working for the wealthy Jax Stone, one of the world’s most sought-after rock stars.
Despite her attempts to stay invisible, Sadie captures Jax’s attention, leading to a summer romance filled with challenges, including their different social standings and the public’s scrutiny of their relationship.
Major Similarities:
Like “After,” “Breathe” features a romance that starts unexpectedly and grows into something deep and transformative.
The themes of love overcoming obstacles, the clash between different worlds (in this case, a normal girl and a celebrity), and the growth of the characters through their relationship are central to both stories. This novel will appeal to readers who enjoy seeing how love can develop in the face of adversity.
14. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
“My Life Next Door” focuses on Samantha Reed, who has watched the large, chaotic Garrett family from her window for years with a mix of envy and curiosity.
When she finally meets one of the Garretts, Jase, she is quickly drawn into his world, which is full of life and completely different from her own structured, seemingly perfect life.
Their romance blossoms, challenging Samantha’s preconceptions and forcing her to confront the reality of her own family’s secrets.
Major Similarities:
The romance between Samantha and Jase, like that in “After,” evolves from fascination to deep connection, exploring themes of family dynamics, first love, and the challenges of coming from different worlds.
Both novels highlight the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to stand up for it, appealing to readers who appreciate stories of young love with significant emotional and moral growth.
15. The Deal by Elle Kennedy
“The Deal” revolves around Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham, who strike an unlikely deal: she’ll help him improve his grades to stay on the hockey team, and he’ll help her win the attention of her crush.
What starts as a simple arrangement soon turns into an unexpected and complex relationship. Both Hannah and Garrett have their own issues and past traumas to deal with, which only adds depth to their connection as they open up to each other.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “After,” “The Deal” features protagonists who initially connect for pragmatic reasons but soon find a deep emotional bond forming between them.
The novel combines themes of dealing with personal trauma, the importance of understanding and communication in a relationship, and the unexpected ways love can heal and transform.
Fans of “After” will likely appreciate the blend of humor, heat, and heart, along with the college setting, which is central to the development of the romance and characters’ growth.
