22 Books Like It Ends With Us
Dive into the world of emotional complexity and gripping storytelling akin to Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us.”
From poignant narratives to characters navigating through life’s tumultuous journey, these books offer profound insights into love, resilience, and the journey through inner pain and turmoil.
Whether you’re drawn to heartfelt romance or profound self-discovery, these recommendations are sure to keep up with this Colleen Hoover bestseller.
Let’s go.
Best Books Like It Ends With Us
1. “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover
“Ugly Love” delves into the story of Tate Collins and Miles Archer, two individuals who think they can handle a relationship with just two rules: Never ask about the past and don’t expect a future. The emotional depth of their story unfolds as Tate learns the pain behind Miles’s rules, revealing a heart-wrenching story of love and loss. This novel explores the complexities of relationships and the pain of past traumas.
Major Similarities: Both novels are written by Colleen Hoover, known for her ability to weave deep emotional narratives with complex characters. “Ugly Love” shares with “It Ends With Us” themes of confronting painful pasts and the challenge of moving beyond trauma in the pursuit of love.
2. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
In “Me Before You,” Louisa Clark becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a man left cynical after an accident that rendered him quadriplegic. Their relationship transforms both their lives in unexpected ways, touching on themes of life’s worth, love, and making difficult choices. The book beautifully captures the essence of human vulnerability and resilience.
Major Similarities: Both novels tackle challenging life situations and moral dilemmas, pushing characters to explore the depths of their strength and emotions. They also focus on the transformative power of love and the importance of making choices that align with one’s values and desires.
3. “After You” by Jojo Moyes
The sequel to “Me Before You,” “After You” follows Louisa Clark as she struggles with grief and her path forward after Will’s death. As she begins to heal, Louisa’s story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and the journey to finding love again, despite the shadows of the past.
Major Similarities: “After You” continues to explore themes of love, loss, and the process of moving on, much like “It Ends With Us.” Both books deal with the aftermath of life-altering decisions and the complex emotions involved in starting anew.
4. “All Your Perfects” by Colleen Hoover
“All Your Perfects” is a poignant exploration of the imperfections in marriage and the devastating impact of infertility on a couple deeply in love. Quinn and Graham’s story is a testament to the enduring power of love through the darkest times, focusing on forgiveness, healing, and the challenges of holding onto each other when the future seems uncertain.
Major Similarities: Written by Colleen Hoover, this novel shares her signature emotional depth and complex character dynamics with “It Ends With Us.” Both novels explore the theme of enduring love through significant personal and relational challenges.
5. “November 9” by Colleen Hoover
“November 9” follows Fallon and Ben, who meet on the same day each year, keeping their connection alive through letters and rare encounters. Their unique relationship is tested by secrets and the truth about their past, exploring themes of destiny, forgiveness, and the impact of timing on love.
Major Similarities: Like “It Ends With Us,” “November 9” delves into the complexities of relationships affected by past traumas and secrets. Both books showcase Hoover’s talent for creating emotionally charged narratives that examine the power of love to heal and transform.
6. “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo
This novel follows Lucy and Gabe, two individuals whose lives intertwine on September 11, changing their futures forever. As they pursue their careers and other relationships, their connection remains a beacon of what could have been, exploring themes of love, choice, and the paths not taken.
Major Similarities: “The Light We Lost” and “It Ends With Us” both explore the lingering impact of first loves and the complex decisions characters face between duty and desire, highlighting the enduring influence of past relationships on present choices.
7. “Before We Were Strangers” by Renée Carlino
Grace and Matt’s love story, lost and then rekindled over fifteen years, captures the essence of timing, fate, and the enduring power of first love. Their journey from college sweethearts to estranged adults, and back to each other, explores themes of destiny, love lost and found, and the importance of timing in relationships.
Major Similarities: Both books delve into the heartache and beauty of rekindling lost love, emphasizing the impact of timing and fate. The emotional depth and focus on second chances mirror the thematic elements seen in “It Ends With Us.”
8. “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover
Sky, seventeen and homeschooled, meets Dean Holder, a guy with a notorious reputation that rivals her own. As their relationship deepens, they both confront their darkest secrets, leading to revelations that challenge their understanding of love and truth.
Major Similarities: “Hopeless” shares with “It Ends With Us” a profound exploration of traumatic pasts and the redemptive power of love. Both novels feature Hoover’s signature emotional intensity and characters who must confront their histories to embrace their futures.
9. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
A departure from Hoover’s typical romance genre, “Verity” is a thrilling romantic suspense novel. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete the remaining books of successful author Verity Crawford, whose injuries prevent her from writing. Discovering Verity’s unsettling autobiography manuscript reveals dark secrets that challenge Lowen’s perceptions of truth and morality.
Major Similarities: While “Verity” leans more towards suspense, it shares with “It Ends With Us” the theme of uncovering painful truths and the moral complexities faced by the characters. Both novels captivate readers with gripping narratives and deep emotional engagement.
10. “A Thousand Boy Kisses” by Tillie Cole
Poppy and Rune’s story is a heart-wrenching tale of childhood love, profound loss, and the beauty of experiencing life to its fullest. Their journey from childhood friends to lovers, and the challenges they face, underscore themes of carpe diem, the impact of grief, and the power of love to inspire growth and change.
Major Similarities: Like “It Ends With Us,” “A Thousand Boy Kisses” explores the depth of first love and the pain of loss, with characters who face life-altering challenges. Both stories emphasize the transformative power of love and the importance of cherishing every moment.
11. “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks
This classic romance tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers torn apart by social class and war, only to find their way back to each other years later. Their timeless love story, narrated from the perspective of an elderly Noah to his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, explores themes of enduring love, memory, and the sacrifices made in the name of love.
Major Similarities: “The Notebook” shares with “It Ends With Us” the theme of overcoming obstacles for love, the impact of past decisions on present relationships, and the exploration of love’s power to endure life’s challenges.
12. “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel
A novel that spans centuries and explores the lives of several interconnected characters, “Sea of Tranquility” delves into themes of time, reality, and human connection. With its blend of historical, contemporary, and science fiction elements, the story examines the enduring nature of human experience and the quest for meaning.
Major Similarities: While thematically different, “Sea of Tranquility” and “It Ends With Us” both challenge readers to consider the impact of past events on the present and future, exploring the depth of human emotions and the complexity of relationships through a unique narrative lens.
13. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel tells the captivating story of Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood movie icon who decides to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life to an unknown magazine reporter, Monique Grant. Through her recounting, themes of ambition, love, identity, and sacrifice are explored, revealing the complexities behind her many marriages and the true love of her life.
Major Similarities: Both “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” and “It Ends With Us” delve into the complexities of love and relationships, with strong, resilient female protagonists who navigate through their turbulent lives with strength and determination, facing moral dilemmas and the consequences of their choices.
14. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Set in the quiet town of Barkley Cove, “Where the Crawdads Sing” is the story of Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl,” who grows up isolated from the community. The novel weaves together a coming-of-age story with a murder mystery, exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the search for love and belonging.
Major Similarities: Like “It Ends With Us,” “Where the Crawdads Sing” features a strong, independent female protagonist who faces significant challenges and prejudices. Both novels explore the impact of past experiences on present actions and the human capacity for resilience and love in the face of adversity.
15. “One Day in December” by Josie Silver
Laurie and Jack’s story begins with a missed connection at a bus stop, leading to years of near-misses and what-ifs. Their story explores themes of fate, love, and the timing of relationships, as they navigate their feelings for each other over a decade.
Major Similarities: Both “One Day in December” and “It Ends With Us” explore the theme of love over time, examining how relationships evolve and the impact of timing and fate. The novels delve into the complexities of love, friendship, and the choices that define our lives.
16. “You Had Me At Hello” by Mhairi McFarlane
Rachel and Ben were inseparable at university, but life led them down different paths. A chance reunion a decade later forces them to confront their past and the feelings they’ve carried since. The novel is a blend of humor, romance, and poignancy, examining the complexities of rekindled friendships and love.
Major Similarities: The themes of rekindled relationships and the impact of timing resonate with “It Ends With Us.” Both novels address the complexities of navigating past and present emotions, offering a blend of humor and depth in exploring the characters’ journeys.
17. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant’s life is marked by routine and social isolation until she and a coworker save an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk. This act of kindness leads Eleanor on a journey of self-discovery, challenging her to confront her past and open her heart to friendship and love.
Major Similarities: While “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” focuses more on personal growth and friendship, it shares with “It Ends With Us” themes of overcoming a troubled past, the importance of support systems, and the transformative power of human connection.
18. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
Connell and Marianne weave in and out of each other’s lives from high school through college, exploring the complexities of intimacy, power dynamics, and the impact of social and personal obstacles on their relationship. Their story delves into themes of love, friendship, and the nuances of human connection.
Major Similarities: “Normal People” and “It Ends With Us” both offer a deep, nuanced exploration of relationships, including how past traumas and societal pressures affect personal connections. Both novels are celebrated for their realistic portrayal of emotion and the intricacies of love and friendship.
19. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Set in France during World War II, “The Nightingale” tells the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who resist the German occupation in their own ways. The novel explores themes of survival, resistance, and the strength of women through the lens of war, family, and love.
Major Similarities: Although “The Nightingale” is set against a vastly different backdrop, it shares with “It Ends With Us” themes of resilience, the strength of female protagonists in the face of adversity, and the complexity of human emotions and relationships during challenging times.
20. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
Exploring the intertwined fates of the Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives, “Little Fires Everywhere” examines the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, and the ferocious pull of motherhood. The novel also delves into the moral complexities of the characters’ decisions and the impact of past actions on present lives.
Major Similarities: Both “Little Fires Everywhere” and “It Ends With Us” explore themes of family dynamics, secrets, and the moral complexities of relationships. The novels provoke thought on societal norms and the challenging decisions that define us.
21. “The Girl He Used to Know” by Tracey Garvis Graves
Annika and Jonathan meet again years after their unexpected breakup, reigniting their deep connection and confronting the reasons behind their separation. The novel explores themes of love, redemption, and the impact of personal growth on relationships, offering a poignant look at second chances.
Major Similarities: Like “It Ends With Us,” “The Girl He Used to Know” focuses on the complexities of rekindled love and the importance of understanding and growth in relationships. Both novels offer a deep dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of love and second chances.
22. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman, a genetics professor with social difficulties, launches a project to find a wife, leading him to Rosie Jarman, who is everything he’s not looking for. As Don helps Rosie search for her biological father, he learns about love’s unpredictability and the importance of compatibility beyond his initial criteria.
Major Similarities: While lighter in tone, “The Rosie Project” shares with “It Ends With Us” the exploration of love’s complexities and the journey of self-discovery through relationships. Both novels highlight the unpredictability of love and the growth that comes from embracing unexpected connections.
