“How to End a Love Story” by Yulin Kuang – A Review
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Year Published: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Rom-Com
Page Count: 384
Quick Summary
This book hurts in the best way. How to End a Love Story follows Helen Zhang, a novelist haunted by the tragic death of her younger sister, Michelle, thirteen years ago. Life throws her a curveball when she lands a job in the writer’s room for her own book-to-TV adaptation—only to find out that Grant Shepard, the guy tied to her sister’s accident, is working on it, too. Cue a deeply emotional story about grief, guilt, and unexpected second chances.
What I Loved
The raw emotion. This book doesn’t just talk about grief—it immerses you in it. Helen’s pain is palpable, and the way the story handles grief and forgiveness is incredibly moving.
The sibling dynamic. Helen’s memories of Michelle, the way she knew her in ways their parents never could—it was all so deeply relatable and beautifully written.
Grant’s character. He’s dealing with his own guilt and trauma, making his dynamic with Helen even more layered. Their history is messy, complicated, and so well done.
The take on suicide prevention messaging. Helen’s frustration with the oversimplified “reach out” rhetoric really hit home. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the helplessness that can come with loss.
That last 20%. Absolutely heartbreaking. If you’re prone to crying over books, have tissues ready.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me
The romance pacing. Helen and Grant’s relationship works, but the shift from uneasy co-workers to friends to lovers felt really fast. I wanted more of a gradual development instead of what felt like a sudden emotional switch.
A little more closure would’ve been nice. The book wraps up well, but I wouldn’t have minded a longer conclusion to sit with everything.
Who Should Read This?
If you love deeply emotional stories that deal with grief and healing.
Fans of complicated, messy romance with characters who have real baggage.
Anyone who appreciates nuanced family dynamics and sibling relationships.
If you’re okay with heavy topics like suicide, guilt, and trauma (definitely check trigger warnings first!).
Final Thoughts
This book wrecked me. It’s raw, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. While the romance pacing felt a little rushed, the emotional weight of the story more than made up for it. If you’re in the mood for a book that will make you feel, How to End a Love Story is definitely worth picking up.
