Oh man, if you liked 'Beautiful Disaster' but want something that keeps the heat and the angst without glorifying manipulative behavior, I’ve got a little stack of favorites you can sink into.
First up, try 'The Hating Game' — it’s snappy, full of enemies-to-lovers banter, and both leads actually communicate and respect boundaries as things heat up. Then there’s 'The Kiss Quotient', which balances steamy chemistry with real consent and emotional growth; the protagonist’s needs are honored and the love interest learns to be a better partner. 'The Flatshare' is gentler: quirky, warm, and focused on kindness and emotional slow-burn intimacy instead of drama. For something with more emotional stakes but healthier handling, 'It Ends with Us' is raw and difficult but ultimately about agency and breaking cycles.
If you want a rom-com with modern feels, try 'Red, White & Royal Blue' or 'The Unhoneymooners' — both keep the tension fun and don’t revel in emotional harm. My rule of thumb: look for books where characters apologize, change, and respect consent — that’s the fastest way to avoid toxicity. Happy reading — I’ll always trade recs.