Alright, folks, strap in because I’m about to gush over a book like it’s the last day of summer camp. Yulin Kuang, who’s relatively new to the romance game, popped onto my radar when she snagged the gig of screenwriter and writer/director for Emily Henry’s film adaptations (yes, she’s the genius behind “People We Meet on Vacation” and “Beach Read” on the big screen). So, when I heard she’d written her debut novel, I was like, “Alright, Yulin, show me what you got.” Spoiler alert: she did not disappoint.

First off, this book isn’t your run-of-the-mill fluffy rom-com. Nope, it’s got some serious heft. We’re talking deep dives into trauma, the messy business of growing up, and all those awkward high school moments that stick with you like gum under a desk. Helen, the protagonist, is so well-crafted I started wondering if Yulin had peeked into my own teenage diary. Helen’s self-doubt, her knack for never saying the right thing, and her chronic case of “I’m not good enough” hit way too close to home.

Then there’s Grant, the hero. This guy wears his heart on his sleeve like it’s the latest fashion trend. He’s open, vulnerable, and somehow both strange and mesmerizing to Helen. Watching these two interact was like watching a cat and a dog becoming best friends—unexpected, but oh-so-satisfying. Yulin serves up a slow burn romance that will have you shouting at the book, “Just kiss already!” and then melting when they finally do.

But let me warn you, this book is heavy. Like, “I need to put this down and go hug my pet” heavy. Yulin handles uncomfortable and weighty subjects with the grace of a figure skater and the precision of a surgeon. The fallout of these themes years down the line is also beautifully explored, making you think about life long after you’ve turned the last page.

Helen’s relationship with her mother is another gem. It’s like looking in a mirror and realizing why you have commitment issues—thanks, Mom and Dad! The way Helen’s thoughts on love were shaped by her emotionally distant parents was both heartbreaking and enlightening.

I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say this book has secured a top spot in my heart (and on my bookshelf). It’s a solid 5 stars from me, and let’s be real, I’m usually stingier with stars than Scrooge McDuck with his money.

Who is Yulin Kuang?

Yulin Kuang is an up-and-coming author and filmmaker known for her unique storytelling and fresh perspective in the romance genre. Before venturing into novel writing, she made a name for herself as a screenwriter and director, notably for the film adaptations of Emily Henry’s popular books, “People We Meet on Vacation” and “Beach Read.” Yulin’s background in film brings a cinematic quality to her writing, making her debut novel a captivating read. Her ability to delve into complex emotions and relationships sets her apart as a new voice in contemporary romance.

*image taken from Yulin’s instagram

What the Book’s All About (Synopsis)

How to End a Love Story follows the life of Helen, a young woman grappling with the lingering effects of her high school years. This is not your typical romance novel; it’s a deep, introspective look at trauma, personal growth, and the long-lasting impact of our formative years.

Helen struggles with self-doubt and the feeling of never quite fitting in. Her journey is marked by a series of pivotal moments that have shaped her view of herself and the world around her. Enter Grant, a character who is the embodiment of vulnerability and openness. Despite their differences, Helen and Grant form a beautiful friendship, navigating their shared trauma and learning to heal together.

The story is a slow-burn romance that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting each emotionally charged moment between the two protagonists. It explores not only the blossoming of their relationship but also the intricate dynamics between Helen and her mother, highlighting how familial relationships influence our understanding of love and self-worth.

Through tender and careful storytelling, Yulin Kuang addresses heavy and uncomfortable topics, making How to End a Love Story a poignant and thought-provoking read.

Editorial Reviews

“How to End a Love Story is one of the sexiest, smartest, funniest, and most effective novels I’ve read in a long time. Yulin Kuang’s voice is strong, sure, and singular—I’ll read anything she writes. An absolute star.”
— Emily Henry, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“I was hooked on the very first page of How to End a Love Story, the absurdly delicious debut from Yulin Kuang. The chemistry between Helen and Grant is pure magic, as is Yulin’s gorgeous writing. I need seven other books from her ASAP. Don’t miss this one!” — Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“An utterly compelling debut complete with romance secret sauce—a couple with a real reason to stay apart…and simply can’t. Emotional, relatable and binge-worthy.”  — Tessa Bailey, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author 

“This captivating novel is a sexy and emotional read that deals with the aftereffects of trauma in a realistic and heartrending way. Readers looking for a contemporary romance with a passionate and grand love story, characters that leap off the page, and an original storyline will relish screenwriter and director Kuang’s debut novel.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Screenwriter and director Kuang will break readers’ hearts and then put them back together with her brilliantly written debut romance… an exceptional love story replete with all the witty banter and electric chemistry any romance reader could ever crave.” — Booklist (starred review)

“[A] mature, compelling and relatable story of healing that resists simplifying its characters at every turn. … Kuang’s own experiences as a screenwriter shine through on every page. Her depictions of writer’s rooms and meetings with executives are lush, smart and visual, with each sentence packed full of insightful nuances and quiet moments of reflection. These are characters who have battled their demons and come out the other side, stronger than before. Were this a movie, it would be Oscar-worthy.”  — BookPage (Starred Review)

“Screenwriter Kuang’s debut beautifully probes the lingering effects of grief and guilt while offering readers a glimpse behind the curtain of Hollywood glamour. … Kuang handles her characters’ complex emotions with sensitivity and skill, and makes the chemistry between Helen and Grant leap off the page. Readers will have no trouble rooting for these two.” — Publishers Weekly

“Alternating between Helen’s and Grant’s perspectives, How to End a Love Story is a poignant and charming enemies-to-lovers romance that gracefully explores grief, forgiveness, and growth.” — Bustle

“A bond that starts with a tragic death transforms into love … in her debut romance novel [Yulin Kuang] starts with high stakes.”  — Kirkus Reviews

“This is without doubt one of my favourite romance novels of the year. It’s so smart, rich and emotional, so beautifully written – I can’t rave about it enough. I truly adored it.” — Beth O’Leary, Sunday Times Bestselling Author

“Yulin Kuang’s How to End a Love Story is a smart, sexy, and powerful page-turner. The insider’s look at Hollywood is just as fascinating as the complicated characters who work in the writers room. I couldn’t put this book down–but also didn’t want it to end!” — Jill Santopolo, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Two complicated people in an impossibly complicated situation, drawn to each other in spite of a deeply complicated past: How to End a Love Story is moving, compelling, and heart-flutteringly sexy. Yulin Kuang writes with a sure-footed confidence here, with impeccable knowledge of who her characters are…and how to get them to their hard-won happy ending.” — Kate Clayborn, author of Georgie, All Along

“Yulin Kuang has a wonderful voice, poignant and funny, she grabbed me from the first paragraph. I stayed up way too late reading this!” — Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author

“How to End a Love Story is a sharp, sexy debut. Fans of Emily Henry and Colleen Hoover will love Yulin Kuang’s wistful second chance romance.”  — Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask 

“How to End a Love Story is everything you need in a romance novel: Complex characters, hilariously witty banter, and that spice level? Off the charts! If you need me, I’ll just be over here dousing myself with cold water. And then reading it again.” — Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise

“Impossibly tender, funny, sexy, and heart-wrenching, How to End a Love Story is a gorgeously original romance — and so much more — that will leave you laughing, sobbing, and desperately wishing that it would never end. This is the kind of glorious gut-punch of a book that you’ll want to share with all your friends, and reread over and over. I fell in helpless love with Helen and Grant’s unforgettable story, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” — Lana Harper, New York Times Bestselling Author