If You Loved the After Series, These 16 Books Might Be Your Next Obsessions

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The five-book After series by Anna Todd is beloved by many and has risen to prominence in the new adult genre. In 2019, the first book was turned into a steamy movie starring Josephine Langford as Tessa Young and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin as Hardin Scott. The sequel, "After We Collided," was released in 2020, with Dylan Sprouse joining the cast as Trevor Matthews. That was followed by "After We Fell," and on Sept. 7, the fourth installment, "After Ever Happy," will premiere. Fortunately, a fifth movie — and spinoffs that will expand the "After" onscreen universe — are already on the way.

The books, which began as One Direction fan fiction, are roller coasters full of angst, drama, and passion. So it would make sense if you finished reading "After We Collided" (or the entire After series, including the fifth book, "Before,") and were left wanting more juicy reads. Luckily, we've rounded up some of the best, similar romance novels that will have you hooked from the very first page. Whether you are looking for complex characters, will-they-won't-they drama, friends-to-lovers stories, workplace romances, or just steamy escapades, this list has got you covered!

"Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire
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"Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire

"Beautiful Disaster" ($11.85) by Jamie McGuire tells the story of Abby Abernathy, a clean-cut college freshman who's trying to stay out of trouble. But, things get a bit complicated when she catches the eye of Travis Maddox, the biggest flirt on campus.

"The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillory
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"The Wedding Date" by Jasmine Guillory

At its core, "The Wedding Date" ($15) by Jasmine Guillory is a cute, feel-good romance book. Alexa and Drew have a chance encounter when they get stuck in an elevator during a power outage — and sparks fly. While this, by itself, is an intriguing premise, it is Guillory's writing and ability to create warm, magnetic characters that draws you in from the start.

"Did I Mention I Love You?" by Estelle Maskame
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"Did I Mention I Love You?" by Estelle Maskame

"Did I Mention I Love You?" ($7.96) is the first book in Estelle Maskame's sensational romance trilogy. Just like "After," this book began on Wattpad and tells the story of protagonist Eden's summer in Santa Monica visiting her estranged father. When she meets Tyler, the two butt heads, but you know what they say — there's a fine line between hate and love.

"Lost & Found" by Nicole Williams
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"Lost & Found" by Nicole Williams

"Lost & Found" ($11.43) by Nicole Williams follows Rowen, a girl with a complicated past and rebellious spirit. Her mother sends her to Willow Springs Ranch in Montana the summer before she starts college in hopes that Rowen will stay out of trouble. Rowen thinks she's in for an uneventful summer, but that's before a certain cowboy named Jesse walks into her life.

"Paper Princess" by Erin Watt
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"Paper Princess" by Erin Watt

Erin Watt's "Paper Princess" ($13.36) is a new adult novel that tells the story of Ella Harper, a girl whose dark past has left her just trying to survive. Due to a strange series of circumstances, she is dropped into Reed Royal's lavish world — and he's not happy about it. The popular book is part of The Royals trilogy and is filled with scandalous events, sexual tension, cliffhangers, and complex characters.

"Forbidden Promises" by Synithia Williams
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"Forbidden Promises" by Synithia Williams

"Forbidden Promises" ($5.99) by Synithia Williams is an engrossing romantic story filled with angst and passion. The book focuses on India and Travis's sizzling chemistry and evolving relationship, but there is a catch — Travis used to be married to India's sister.

"The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne
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"The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne

"The Hating Game" ($10.99) is the debut novel that put Sally Thorne on the map. The book follows the steamy and hilarious romance between Lucy and Joshua, two colleagues who are in the running for the same promotion. While they feud and snipe at each other, their sexual tension is undeniable, and over time, it evolves into an intoxicating workplace romance.

"Ugly Love" by Colleen Hoover
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"Ugly Love" by Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is a New York Times-bestselling author in the new adult genre. "Ugly Love" ($9.99) tells the story of Tate and Miles, two people that have a sizzling attraction to each other, but no intentions of ever falling in love. However, along the way, their physical relationship turns into something more.

"Wrong" by Jana Aston
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"Wrong" by Jana Aston

"Wrong" ($0.99) by Jana Aston is a steamy and undeniably spicy romance novel about Sophie, a senior in college who works at a coffee shop. She harbors a tiny crush on an older, sophisticated man who comes into her store often. The crush evolves into something more when she runs into him outside of the shop one day.

"Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert
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"Get a Life, Chloe Brown" by Talia Hibbert

"Get a Life, Chloe Brown" ($11.37) by Talia Hibbert is a witty and funny romantic comedy that is ideal for fans of Sally Thorne or Jasmine Guillory's works. The protagonist, Chloe Brown, is a shy, nerdy girl who decides to spice up her life and be more adventurous. That's when she meets Red Morgan, a handyman by day and artist by night — and the two instantly click.

"Regretting You" by Colleen Hoover
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"Regretting You" by Colleen Hoover

"Regretting You" ($10.64) by Colleen Hoover is a story full of heartbreak, solace, and love. Morgan Grant and her daughter Clara have a rocky relationship after Morgan's husband passes away. However, Morgan finds comfort in someone she least expects to and Clara begins a relationship with a boy she has been forbidden to see. The plot oscillates between Morgan and Clara's points of view, seamlessly intertwining their stories to create a delightful read.

"The Last Letter" by Rebecca Yarros
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"The Last Letter" by Rebecca Yarros

"The Last Letter" ($12.47) by Rebecca Yarros is the perfect book for fans of Nicholas Sparks's classic romance novel, "Dear John." The book follows Ella and Beckett's romance after Beckett serves in the army alongside Ella's recently deceased brother. Their story is filled with secrets, heartache, and passion, and Yarros's engrossing writing makes this book a real page-turner.

"The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren
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"The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren's "The Unhoneymooners" ($8.44) focuses on Olive Torres, a comically unlucky women who has to spend her twin sister's wedding day with her nemesis, Ethan Thomas. When the newlyweds get food poisoning, their honeymoon is up for grabs and Olive can't turn down a free trip to Maui, Hawaii. However, there's a twist: Ethan joins her for what turns into a hilarious ordeal.

"Not So Nice Guy" by R.S. Grey
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"Not So Nice Guy" by R.S. Grey

"Not So Nice Guy" ($14.99) is a cute romantic comedy with a dash of sexiness. Author R.S. Grey creates charming and funny characters who have amazing banter. Its those characters' sexual chemistry that completely captivates your attention and keeps your eyes glued to the pages.

"Wait For You" by Jennifer L. Armentrout
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"Wait For You" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

"Wait For You" ($10.99) by Jennifer L. Armentrout is perfect for people who love a classic, cheesy romance novel. The book starts on Avery Morgansten's first day of college when she runs into the gorgeous, tall Cameron Hamilton — and things escalate quickly.

"People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry
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"People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry

Emily Henry's "People We Meet on Vacation" ($9.98) follows best friends Poppy and Alex, who take annual vacations together — until one week ruins everything. They decide to embark on one last trip to try to fix things, and plenty of romance and charm ensues. The characters' realism and humor set this read apart.