Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f contemporary romance
-enemies to lovers
-forbidden romance
-this is just a hookup
-workplace romance
-angst

Some books truly have me wondering how these two people ever can get together. How To End a Love Story is a layered story with just one of my favorite romances I've ever read at it's beating center. A story of grief, of trauma bonding and also allowing yourself to be happy after deep, deep heartache.

Helen is a successful author after the death of her sister, yet walks into the writers room of her show to see the last person she ever expected to, Grant. Helen and Grant's story is so intertwined. About figuring out your path, the weight your parents and your past put on your shoulder. Just what being an adult is like, making friends, what its like to come home. This book is such a specific moment in time that so many can relate to. This book is messy, angsty, and just grabs you by the heart in the best way to put you back together because sometimes love really does win.

But gosh Helen and Grant. Their love story was so beautiful, how these two slowly broke down each other's walls, and gosh the chemistry. The steam in this book, is incredible, and hot and just so intertwined as these two battle theri feelings and try to figure out how they can make it work with so much built against them. Read this book, reread this book, and then just sit with me as we wait to read whatever brilliance Yulin writes next. Truly a talent.

Stories that are for me: ones about people who think they are fundamentally unloveable finding out that they are not.

I really loved this story. It was one of my anticipated reads for 2024, but once I started reading it I had this thought of, *This is already the most dramatic premise to start the story on, where can we even go from here?* But boy was I wrong, there was a lot of ground to explore. Instead of going for drama on top of drama, Kuang dove deeper into her characters and the mundanity of their relationship, despite its rocky origins. They were still just two people who needed to practice how to love and be loved. In some ways it’s a workplace romance, even though that’s not the first descriptor I’d use for obvious reasons. It’s about leaving home, it’s about making friends who see you.

I feel like Kuang cracked open my head like a coconut and wrote about the feelings that I and (I hope!) the rest of the world have but would never admit to. The petty thoughts, and the inappropriate horniness, and the anger, and the patheticness that sometimes we want to hide but is more real than anything else.

This is a book for people who are not their best friends’ best friend and it’s hope that that’s okay, you’ll figure it out.

Can’t wait to read what’s next from Yulin Kuang and I’m very happy knowing that Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation are in her wonderful, safe, capable hands.

If there was one little thing about the writing that I think could’ve been improved it’s that a few things needed more screentime. I wonder if this is related to Kuang’s background in writing for the screen but I think we needed just 1 more scene or montage showing Helen and Grant warming up to each other before things are wheels up in their relationship. I also think they could’ve talked about their pasts just a tad more while in the middle part of their relationship.

That said, I love how Kuang gave us mentions of conversations and close moments that were presumably happening off-page because it was such an effective way to add depth to their relationship without bogging us down in too many scenes (maybe also a screenwriter thing? I don’t know enough about screenwriting to say but sounds plausible!)

I really enjoyed How to End a Love Story. It was heartwarming and captivated me from the start. I think that the book started to drag at the last 15%, but I still very much enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see read what Yulin Kuang writes next.

Despite its genre, the book transcends mere love story tropes, delving into the complexities of trauma and familial relationships with a refreshing depth. As Helen and Grant navigate their pasts and possible future, the narrative explores (dramatically at times) the challenges of forging new connections amidst this connected past.

What sets this book apart for me is its rich cultural component, offering insight into Helen's complex relationship with her family. The humor woven throughout the story adds levity to the ups and downs of their journey, making the reader feel intimately connected to Helen's experiences. While the book occasionally feels a bit lengthy and overly detailed, the overall narrative maintains a captivating momentum. I do wish we had more of Grant's POV and personality shine through at times. As the reader, I enjoyed immersing myself in the intricacies of Helen and Grant's dynamic. I look forward to more books from Yulin Kuang beyond her forthcoming book to film adaptations. .

Thank you to Book Club Girl Early Read program for an advanced ebook copy!

I was really looking forward to reading this, firstly because of the description and secondly, the amazing reviews I’ve read about it. In some ways, it lived up to my expectations, and in others it didn’t.

The premise essentially was of the protagonists knowing of each other years ago in high school, and truly crossing paths due to an unfortunate incident that is the cause of both of their largest pain in the present moment. They meet in a professional capacity and start out mutually avoiding each other with just niceties, which very quickly morphs into attraction and friendship, and the rest is history. This had all the makings of a really poignant, meaningful relationship, and yet … it sort of fell short for me. It just didn’t capture me in the ways I thought it would.

Helen and Grant’s long and deep-rooted trauma featured each other as the main characters, although the pain wasn’t directly caused by the other. There is a sense of hurt, avoidance, and guilt on both fronts. While there was importance given to the healing process and finding their way through it, I thought it could’ve been fleshed out a lot more. I felt like they didn’t have as many conversations as they should’ve about their past, and there wasn’t as much depth in their dynamic as I expected. Once they’d established they liked each other, it seemed like it became mostly about mutual attraction — a little too surface level for me, when there was so much background that could’ve been given more importance.

However, looking past that aspect of their relationship, I loved both Helen and Grant, and it was simply enjoyable to read about their journey. I went through this book so fast because it was just so easy to read (in a good way). The spice was unexpected and very well-written, and Grant’s unwavering support for Helen really sealed the deal. When she was going through tensions with her family towards the end, while I thought those chapters seemed a bit rushed, it was ultimately her and Grant’s bond that made up for everything. Just so so cute.

So while there were definitely some things about the pace and depth of How To End A Love Story that didn’t live up to the mark, I thoroughly enjoyed the story, as well as all the characters involved. This was a really adorable romance!

This is a solid 4 star book, when all things are taken into consideration. Review contains spoilers.

I had high hopes for this book and I think when given the plot - MMC was behind the wheel during a fateful accident that ended the life of the FMC's sister - it delivers. I didn't know how it could not be entirely tragic or cliche, and Kuang manages it to make it only mildly tragic and barely cliche.

While I wasn't overly invested in Grant or Helen as individuals, their journey and relationship is what kept me reading. Kuang has a distinct style that's more screenwirter than flowery-prose and it works for the story. Some reviews point out that the writing tends to be a little stilted and the switches in character focus can lend a disjointed air to it, I find that it helps tell the story more as a whole.

I wouldn't necessarily promote this entirely as a romance, as it does lend itself to processing grief and growth more prominently. Overall, a wonderful debut and I look forward to what Kuang puts out next, including their screenplays.

Thank you to the author, Harper Voyager, Avon and Net Galley for a copy for review.

I loved every single second of this book!! I literally could not get enough of it, it was just so good. The writing was incredible and so well done, and the characters had me by the throat. I absolutely loved the plot and found it so compelling. I also wasn't upset about the third act break up because it just made sense. Cannot wait for this to be out because everyone needs to read this

I LOVED this book. Kuang's writing is so beautiful and her ability to say so much through touch and looks is what every romance author strives for. Helen and Gran'ts story is complicated and why they can't be together makes sense and is messy and hard. At times I couldn't put this book down because I was obsessed with what was happening- and other times I was scared to keep reading because my heart was breaking. I love that this book also navigates topics like Helen trying to figure out who she is as a writer, friendships, her relationship with her parents. This book was so heavy and Kuang navigated it perfectly. Helen and Grant have a special place in my heart, and I am excited to read more from her in the future.

Given this is a romcom, I did expect to cry oh my goodness!! It was such a good book, I had an amazing time reading this!

The book is cute for a romcom but don't think it won't catch you off guard by being unexpectedly emotional because it was! And that is the reason I could feel so connected to this book because of its emotional depth!

It is a gut-wrenching and tragic love story between two troubled individuals. The plot involves Helen's sister's tragic death involving Grant, and the shared trauma and forced proximity between Helen and Grant. The main characters, Helen and Grant, have interconnected pasts and are brought together again when Grant helps adapt Helen's book into a screenplay.
The tension, angst, and romance between the characters was so palpable it took my breath away.

The book delves into the complexities of mental health and the impact it has on relationships. The author skillfully weaves in themes of forgiveness, redemption, and second chances.The characters are flawed and struggle with self-worth and the belief that they deserve love.

The setting of Hollywood adds to the appeal of the romance. The pacing, character development, humor, romance, smut, and dialogue were all perfect and flowed smoothly!
I love how the author's writing style is commended for its readability and ability to handle heavy themes.

The screenwriting skills of the author are evident in the storytelling and exploration of the connection between the characters and the ups and downs of love are beautifully done.
- The characters face their problems, including grief, panic attacks, and feelings of inadequacy, and grow throughout the story. Overall, it was a brilliant debut romance that I absolutely recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for sending an arc my way in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for allowing me the great privilege and honor of reading this book early. 🫶🏼 Here are my thoughts:

The way I knew this book would alter my brain chemistry. Yulin writes in a way that GRABS AHOLD of you and doesn’t let go.

I have so much to say about this book, once my brain actually processes everything I read LOL. I adored this book and these characters so much I could cry. (I did cry, multiple times.)

The way that Yulin writes just captivates you completely. It kind of grabbed me by the throat and wouldn’t let go. You’re immediately immersed in the story and the characters. It’s a rare thing, in my opinion. And I’m forever grateful to her for this book.

A main theme in this books is grief and the way you have to heal around it because it never truly goes away. Helen and Grant are forever connected through this tragic event from high school, but that’s not the only thing that connects them. It was truly moving to see how people’s lives are intertwined. I’m OBSESSED WITH THEM! 🫶🏼

I don’t think I’ve ever related to a fictional character more than Helen. Her relationship with her parents and how she was the mediator and peacekeeper for them HIT SO HARD. As an oldest child/eldest daughter myself, it was truly a stab to the gut to watch someone else do the very things that I had to do and still do. Her inability to vocalize her love for others is also something that made me bawl like a baby. When you’re not used to hearing people’s expressions of love, you quite literally cannot express your own. It’s a difficult thing to navigate, and Yulin managed to hit the nail on the head. Helen is layered, flawed, and SPECTACULAR. I love her SO MUCH.

As for Grant, he’s flawed in his own ways. He had his own grief and trauma that he’s working through. He’s gentle and patient and caring. He pays attention and reads the silent signals Helen gives off. He’s complex, too. He has his own goals and dreams, and he works for them.

I just love when two complex, kind of damaged people come together and help the other heal. Together they make quite the pair, and I don’t even have words to express how much I loved them together. Not only were they just so horny for each other, but I truly felt the love and care they had for each other through the pages. You can feel their connection and their chemistry and their tension. It was HOT, but also just really sweet and lovely. The building of their relationship felt organic and cosmic, like it was always bound to happen.

I hit the 75% mark, and just cried for the rest of the book. Usually, I despise third act conflicts for various reasons, but this conflict felt inevitable. They were always going to have to fall apart so they could grow back together. They did need space from each other after building this deep connection between them. They needed to piece themselves back together.

I also just enjoyed how DOWN BAD Grant was for Helen. Four months pass and this man is still DEEP in love with her. He’s truly a top tier love interest, and even so that’s not all he was written for.

I will say that I think this book needs to stop being attached to Emily Henry so much. Listen, I’m an EmHen stan for life, but I don’t love how much people are comparing the two authors and their books. Obviously, I understand that from a marketing perspective, it’s really beneficial to have that endorsement from Emily. Considering that they’re going to be working together on the movie adaptations of Emily’s book, I understand that there will always be that connection. However, I really truly feel like this book deserves to stand on its own. I’m mostly talking about the people who can’t talk about this book unless they also talk about Emily Henry’s work. LET IT BE IT’S OWN THING!! Anyways, I think I’ve babbled enough.

I will be thinking about this book FOREVER, and I cannot WAIT to get my hands on a physical copy just so I can cry big, ugly tears onto the pages. Yulin is a master as writing, and I will be reading everything she ever writes

Truly a joy to read. I thought the story handled grief in a fashion that didn’t overwhelm the reader, and allowed for empathy from all aspects. 10/10 recommend!

I had really high expectations going into this book (Emily Henry's screenwriter?! Say no more!) and it blew them out of the water. Kuang's voice is so precise, sharp, funny, and heart-wrenching—a little wry, her characters self-protective, but that only makes it more satisfying when they let down their walls. Their journey to a HEA is hard and grounded, and it makes a lot of sense; and when they grow enough to earn happiness together, I truly cried happy tears. This book has some seriously steamy workplace sex scenes (deliver on that promise of the premise, baby! readers will be satisfied!!) and just as perfect intimate conversations. It's a new favorite, and I can't wait to see what Kuang does next.

How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang is going to be a HUGE hit. I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book trhough NetGalley- and now I can't wait for the audiobook, and for the rest of world to get to read it.

Here's the basics of the plot- the heroin, Helen, experiences a devastating loss in high school, and years later when she is a successful author, she is reunited with Grant, who was also involved in the same tragic accident. They have to work in very close proximity and learn how to cope with each other's presence and their shared history.

From the very beginning of this book, I felt literally grabbed by the emotion. I could feel the underlying sadness of Helen, and her struggle to overcome her loss in the pit of my stomach. And I was so angry for her and with him, when she was forced to face Grant and live with his presence in her life. But as the story progressed, their connection was just so palpable and his character so well-developed, that I found myself rooting for him just as much as I was rooting for her. There is also some great humor, and I loved the backdrop of the story which gave a little window (maybe? I really don't know) into how tv shows get developed.

The only thing that I'd recommend is somehow making the timeline a little more clear. In one chapter specifically, one conversation seems to get carried through 3 different scenes and I had to re-read it a few times to understand what day it was. Maybe it's just me but I kind of wanted a clearer countdown of where we were on the production timeline since that's such an important part of the story.

It is shocking that this is Yulin Kuang's first book (and it also makes me even MORE excited for her work on the Emily Henry novel adaptations). I can't wait for her next story. Will she stay in the same universe? Nicole could use a love story, don't you think??

I got this book as an ARC and was completely surprised by it. This was such an interesting story and I haven't read anything like it. The story of Helen and Grant is complex and has so many layers to it. Both characters are grieving in their own ways after experiencing a tragic loss where their paths cross again 13 years later. There were some very heavy moments. I do wish I got a little bit more from Grant POV and how things affected him but really liked the flow of how this was written! Overall, it was a good read that had some heavy moments with characters who aren't perfect and have real problems!

This one HURT, in all of the most tenderly brutal ways. Several times, I caught myself unconsciously rubbing my chest while reading, trying to make the ACHE dissipate. That’s how invested I was in this couple finding their way together, even when the path there was treacherous. Their every interaction was charged and full of tension – of all kinds. I loved how raw and emotional it got, which paired perfectly with the vibrant, banter-filled moments when they gave into the attraction that sparked between them. It’s got some serious sexual tension and the kind of spice where the intimacy bleeds from the page. I adored the sweetheart of a hero. And as much as I’d typically be driven a little crazy by the reluctant heroine, I truly could see where she was coming from. The forbidden element plays a major role in the story, so I was glued to the edge of my seat, aching to see them find a way through. It’s a little stunning that it’s a debut, and easily one of the most memorable books I’ve read this year.

This romance won’t be for everyone, there is definitely some heavy, potentially triggering content. The story follows Helen, a woman who has never fully healed from the death of her sister 13 years ago. When Helen’s sister was 16, she intentionally walked in front of a car and ended her life. Her death has shaped Helen into the woman she is today, and the emotional wounds still feel raw whenever they’re exposed. Helen has thrown herself into her career, and she’s reached a new level of success – her YA book series is being turned into a TV show, and Helen will be included in the writing process. Things seem to be heading in the right direction until Helen enters the writer’s room that first day and sees Grant… the man who was driving the car that struck her sister. He’s not a man Helen wants to get to know better, but their work situation means they’ll be spending every day together for the foreseeable future – and there’s no avoiding the way their lives are forever tied together.

I knew next to nothing about the story before diving in, I just loved the blurb. So I was shocked when I read the acknowledgments and discovered that this debut author is the screenwriter of Emily Henry’s upcoming film. That’s quite the pedigree, and this story lives up to the promise. It’s so layered and nuanced, with moments that had me tearing up, laughing, smiling, and even fanning myself. It truly put me through my paces emotionally, and it is a romance through and through. Since Helen and Grant work together, there’s tons of forced proximity and so many tense interactions. I loved watching them slowly shift from adversaries to reluctant co-workers to something more, and I really did empathize with both characters. The accident has changed Grant just as much as it did Helen, and my heart hurt for the ways he was broken. It’s not a particularly tropey read, but you could call this a “he falls first, black cat/golden retriever, forbidden romance.” Grant is such a compelling character (loved him!), and he makes the perfect complement to the more reluctant Helen. There’s a definite push/pull situation that cranked up the angst and tension, but I loved the way these two kept finding their way together. My love for the story grew and grew, and it’s the kind of book that I will remember for a long time. I loved it!

5 Stars

When I tell you I ran to request this ARC as soon as I heard about it—solely because I learned that Yulin Kuang was working with Emily Henry on Beach Read and People We Meet On Vacation! I didn’t even read the synopsis but I knew I wanted it.

How to End a Love Story had the exact elements I’m looking for and love in all my favorite books, movies, and tv shows. Two flawed main characters with issues. It was angsty and yearning! It had a main male character not afraid to express his feelings and fight for what he wanted. I loved it so much truly. It had great banter & humor which is so needed in a book like this. It was also a lot sexier than I was expecting and I did not hate that. Be sure you check the trigger warnings though because it’s definitely heavy.

Thank you to Net Galley, Avon & Harper Voyager for the ARC of How to End above Story in exchange for an honest review!

This was one of my highly anticipated books of this year. On one hand, this is an admirable romance debut from screenwriter/director Yulin Kuang. It follows a great formula and makes sure to deliver on its promises of high angst, spice, romance, and an exploration of grief, especially in immigrant families. I can see what they were trying to do and for the most part, I do think they succeeded in doing so.

I actually finished this in one day because a) it was fast-paced, easy prose to read and b)I found that I enjoyed reading about screenwriters and our characters. There was an underlying tension in the forbidden romance between Helen and Grant that kept me wondering what would happen next and how they would manage to get past the very obvious elephant in the room.

On the other hand, there was a strange moment in the book that really soured the experience for me.

The things I enjoyed:
I thought our FMC Helen was actually pretty relatable. As a daughter of an immigrant, I really resonated with how she dealt with the grief of her sister's death individually and as a part of the family. A lot of the themes explored regarding this were really well done and not on the nose. Yulin expertly weaved in the distance between Helen and her parents and her Chinese identity without it being heavy-handed and I, for one, actually really appreciated this. How this all then translated into Helen's stiff personality and her tendency to keep people at a distance, even those that she loves, because she doesn't like being comforted and can't put names to her feelings, is a very common trait in eldest immigrant daughters. I thought the way Yulin wrote her was very relatable.

I also thought the way the romance was explored was great and Yulin's background in screenwriting really shines through with her ability to maneuver us around a setting, and especially through the dialogue as well. I could really see this as a movie and I think that's a pro on Yulin's part.

It was also interesting and fresh to get a peek behind the "Writier's Room" and see how books are adapted for the screen. Yulin was able to translate her knowledge on this field without adding too much jargon and gave us a look behind the curtain which I thought was a fascinating take on the main character as a writer trope.

The things I disliked:
The main reason why this is not an automatic 5 stars is because of the extremely dramatic, over-the-top, almost soap opera-esque turn of the third conflict. Yulin chose to do a very strange 2 conflict third act that makes absolutely NO SENSE and actually cheapens the story. I thought we were doing SO well after the first conflict in the third act, but the second I flipped the page and realized what she was planning to do, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Especially because there was NO REASON for it to be so melodramatic (and also anticlimactic because this second conflict added nothing to progress the story). I found it really cringe and really wished that didn't happen because it all seemed to go downhill after that.

While I liked Helen's FMC POV, I actually was pretty neutral about Grant as our MC POV. I couldn't figure out his personality and although we kept being told he was charming and able to carry the room, I just didn't see it translate in his POV or his actions. There was nothing setting him apart from any other MC that could have taken his place and I think using dual POV was actually a disservice to the book. At times, it was jarring to switch from one POV to the other within a page and while this might work for a screenplay, because both actors require their notes and directions, it was difficult to follow in a book. I can understand wanting to explore the grief through Grant's POV as well since he was affected by the accident, I just didn't necessarily need a POV for each event that took place and sometimes one outshone the other. Moreover, exploring Grant's POV didn't necessarily bring anything new to the table that readers couldn't already infer, other than maybe a more personal examination of his mental health. I don't know, I just felt like it made the book really long and I felt at times it really dragged since there had to be a conflict resolution for both characters.

Yulin also resorted to a lot of verbiage repetition, which is likely due to their screenwriting background. Words like "hm", "huh", and "growled" were the usual dialogue tags, and while this was offputting in how often they were used and thus, pulled me out of the book, I did read the arc so perhaps this will be fixed in the final product. I can't wait to see where Yulin goes next and also how they will adapt Emily Henry's books.

Thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for an arc

As a first-born daughter of immigrant parents that has spent her whole life making up for her younger siblings' choices, this book made me feel seen, but don't get me wrong - it's still a love story about two very broken people that find their way to each other, regardless of the "impossible" (Helen's words, not mine) situation they're in.

Helen Zhang, author of a best-selling YA series turning into a TV show and sister of Michelle who killed herself by jumping out in front of a car, now finds herself sharing a writer's room with Grant Shephard, producer and driver of said car that Helen's sister jumped out in front of. Both of these MCs have done everything they can to avoid their past that doesn't seem to let go of them because, well, trauma and grief just don't work that way.

Kuang touches on all of the most important parts of keeping the perfect pretenses up for our parents' sake and how we have to navigate through life because the world continues to spin, even when someone else's seems to stop. While some things are a little TOO real, like Grant's panic attacks that seem to have stopped after Helen helps him through one and Helen's parents never really saying sorry and moving on, I loved being able to live in the parts that are still, indeed, fiction. This HEA was everything I needed after a third-act breakup that tore me to shreds.

Thank you Yulin for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Helen, now an author, meets back up with Grant, now a screenwriter, thirteen years after the tragedy that entwined their lives together.

Contemp romance is not my fave romance because I usually cry and this book delivered. This was my first book about screenwriters and it really piqued my interest-loved the screenwriters room “talk!” I liked the characters, especially Helen and her Chinese immigrant parents. There were scenes that had me giggling (at the cabin), and scenes that had me crying (letter to sister). It was not a fast read - it was more serious, and a bit sad, but the healing made it worth the work. I really enjoyed the writing and I could picture the hotel scene in my head playing out as a movie. Loved the quote: “Loving can hurt but I want to do it anyway!” I totally recommend reading!

*author is a screenwriter and director for Emily Henry’s Beach Read
*TW - suicide
*you will like if you like: finding love (and it ain’t easy), shared trauma, the writing world, healing, and character growth!

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the Advanced Reader Copy

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book made me so emotional wow. These character’s chemistry and tension was so so good!!

Helen is an author getting her book adapted for a tv show and Grant is one of the writers for the show adaption. The catch is he was involved in the car crash that killed Helen’s sister and they haven’t spoken in YEARS. the tension between them and processing of grief was palpable. This kinda felt like La La Land in book form (but with a happier ending!). I don’t wanna spoil too much since it’s just a great read start to finish.

If you like your romance books with introspective themes, THIS IS FOR YOU!! There is spice as well, for sure open door.

I hope Yulin Kuang writes more books, I’d read them in a heartbeat!

Trigger warnings: suicide, sexual scenes, car crashes, panic attacks.