A review by lin00
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang

emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

✔️forced proximity
✔️workplace romance
✔️ enemies to lovers
✔️ family drama

3.75

This is not your typical rom-com. I was sort of expecting a fluffy, cute romcom but found this heart-clenching, emotional, and even sad at times but sweet love story.

Helen and Grant got my attention rather quickly. Their story seemed so intriguing that I was excited to see where it would lead. I loved reading how they fell in love and opened up to each other. Also, it was so fun to read about screenwriting and book adaptations!

There was beautiful character growth, and the love was so raw and honest that it made my heart clench more times than I can count. Helen's emotional journey was one that, as a reader, you not only witnessed but also experienced. I truly felt her anger, grief, loneliness, happiness and love. The ending brought me to tears, and I didn't expect that at all!

The second half of the book got a bit repetitive, and the story dragged on because of that. As much as I liked Helen, she exasperated me a lot at times, especially in the second half of the book. Also, I loved the fact that she made true friends, but I feel like those friendships lacked depth. I didn't feel how close she had become with Nicole and Saskia as it was described.

Despite that, it was a beautiful and poignant story about love, not only romantic love but sisterly. Those letters to her sister made me ugly cry. I know many people will love this book. After reading Yulin I'm even more excited to watch Emily Henry's adaptations.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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