20 Heart-Wrenching Books Like "It Ends With Us



“It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover is a powerful and honest story that explores the complexities of love, pain, and the bravery required to break the cycle of abuse. This novel has touched the hearts of countless readers with its candid portrayal of challenging themes woven into a captivating romantic plot.

If you are looking for books that offer similar emotional depth and a compelling storyline like Lily’s tale, then you have come to the right place. Here are 20 books that will capture your heart just as “It Ends With Us” did.

The 20 best books to read if you enjoyed reading “It Ends With Us”



1. “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover



This novel explores the painful sides of love through a complicated relationship, echoing the emotional depth found in “It Ends With Us”.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Deals with complex romantic relationships.
• Themes of personal pain and healing.
• Colleen Hoover’s distinctive emotional narrative style.



2. “All Your Perfects” by Colleen Hoover



A poignant portrayal of how the past can affect present relationships, showcasing Hoover’s skill in exploring love’s complexities.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Focuses on the challenges within a romantic relationship.
• Examines the impact of personal trauma.
• Engaging and emotional storytelling.



3. “November 9” by Colleen Hoover



This book tells the story of a love tested by time and circumstance, reminiscent of the emotional turmoil in “It Ends With Us.”

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A unique, compelling love story.
• Characters with deep personal issues.
• Engages with the theme of overcoming adversity.



4. “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes



A heartrending story of love and loss, where two people find each other in their most desperate times.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A powerful, unconventional love story.
• Deals with life-changing decisions.
• Themes of sacrifice and personal growth.



5. “After” by Anna Todd



The intense love story between Tessa and Hardin explores themes of passion, betrayal, and the power of first love.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A tumultuous, intense romantic relationship.
• Characters struggle with their past traumas.
• Evokes a strong emotional response from readers.

Looking for more Romance books? Explore our curated list of best romance titles 

6. “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo



This novel navigates the complexities of a love bound by fate and choice, echoing Lily’s emotional journey.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Explores fate, love, and choices.
• Emotional and thought-provoking.
• The impact of past decisions on present relationships.



7. “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks



A timeless love story demonstrating the enduring power of love through decades.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• An epic love story.
• Themes of enduring love and overcoming obstacles.
• Emotional depth and unforgettable characters.



8. “Sea of Tranquility” by Katja Millay



A story of healing and finding love in the aftermath of tragedy, reflecting the hope found in “It Ends With Us.”

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Characters dealing with personal traumas.
• A journey of healing and self-discovery.
• The healing power of love.



9. “Before I Let You Go” by Kelly Rimmer



This book tackles the complexities of sisterly love and addiction, mirroring the emotional stakes in “It Ends With Us.”

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Focus on family and love beyond romantic relationships.
• Deals with serious and heavy themes.
• A story about healing and forgiveness.



10. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney



Explores the intricate dynamics between two people drawn to each other but struggling to find common ground.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A nuanced look at a complex relationship.
• Themes of love, mental health, and socio-economic barriers.
• Raw and realistic portrayal of young love.



11. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover



A departure into the psychological thriller genre, this novel continues to showcase Hoover’s raw, gripping storytelling with a side of romance.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Written by Colleen Hoover, ensuring an emotionally impactful narrative.
• Elements of romance intertwined with deeper, darker themes.
• An intense, page-turning experience with complex characters.



12. “The Unhoneymooners” by Christina Lauren



While lighter in theme, this romantic comedy explores the development of unexpected love and the overcoming of personal obstacles.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A focus on the development of a complex romantic relationship.
• Characters overcoming personal and external challenges.
• Engaging storytelling with emotional depth.



13. “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover



Diving into a young love filled with secrets and revelations, this novel explores themes of identity and emerging hope.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Deep exploration of personal trauma and its impact on relationships.
• A compelling mix of romance and dramatic storytelling.
• Characters undergo significant emotional growth and healing.



14. “My Oxford Year” by Julia Whelan



An enchanting blend of romance and self-discovery, this novel takes readers on an emotional journey across the Atlantic.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A poignant love story fraught with challenges.
• Strong, relatable characters undergoing personal transformation.
• Themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams.



15. “Attachments” by Rainbow Rowell



Set against the backdrop of an office romance, this story unfolds through a series of emails, exploring themes of love and destiny.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Unique storytelling method that adds depth to the romance.
• Explores the concept of fate in love.
• Characters face personal dilemmas and growth.



16. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas



Blending romance with fantasy, this story explores the boundaries of love, sacrifice, and the fighting spirit within.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A strong, resilient female protagonist.
• Themes of sacrifice, healing, and empowerment.
• A beautifully crafted, emotionally charged romantic subplot.



17. “Everything, Everything” by Nicola Yoon



This novel touches on the intense desire to live and love to the fullest, despite physical limitations, echoing themes of overcoming obstacles for love.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Features a unique, compelling love story.
• Themes of overcoming personal and external barriers.
• Emotional depth with engaging, relatable characters.



18. “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston



A delightful and moving story about love in unexpected places, breaking boundaries, and the power of acceptance.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A complex and beautifully evolving love story.
• Characters face societal and personal obstacles.
• Themes of identity, acceptance, and the transformative power of love.



19. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens



While not a traditional romance, this novel encapsulates themes of isolation, resilience, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit.

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• A strong, independent protagonist facing life’s trials.
• Themes of survival, love, and justice.
• A compelling narrative that explores the depth of human emotions.



20. “Five Feet Apart” by Rachael Lippincott



A touching story about love and the challenges of closeness in the face of physical barriers, resonating with the emotional intensity of “It Ends With Us.”

Elements in common with It Ends With Us:

• Explores the complexities of love under constrained circumstances.
• Engages with themes of health, distance, and the fight for a shared future.
• Emotional and unforgettable characters on a journey of self-discovery and love.

Explore any of these 20 books to embark on journeys similar to “It Ends With Us”. Each book reveals new layers of love, resilience, and the human spirit.

Whether you prefer tales of tragic love or stories of healing and redemption, there’s a book on this list that will resonate with you, just as Colleen Hoover’s unforgettable narrative did. Happy reading! May you find a story that speaks to your heart as profoundly as her book did.



Start your free 7-day trial