8 Books to Read Instead of ‘It Ends With Us’ by Colleen Hoover (the BookTok Sensation)
Colleen Hoover is having a golden moment as an author right now and as someone who snapped up her books way back in 2015, I love to see it. But no shade, you’ve either read all of Colleen Hoover’s current and back catalogue, or you’re perhaps a bit skeptical because of the hype. Either way, I have some recommendations for you to read next. We’re talking similar vibes, an emphasis on an emotional push and pull, a bit of a heart-squeezer, evocative reads.
Some of these might be obvious, but I’m sure there will be something here that will surprise you.
So, if you’re done with ‘It All Ends With Us’, if you’ve read ‘Ugly Love’ cover to cover ten times over, then it’s time to branch out…
‘Ten Tiny Breaths’ by K. A. Tucker
I would have rolled over onto my back and let this author tickle my tummy because I was obsessed with this series when it came out. Did it destroy me? The term “emotional wreck” comes to mind. But all the best books have that effect, right?
‘Wait for You’ by Jennifer L. Armentrout (writing as J Lynn)
As a steadfast fan of Armentrout’s YA writing, I was pleased as punch that they went on to release these New Adult titles (is NA still a thing?) I gobbled up this series while deep inside a College Sports Romance addiction. It’s perhaps a little more softer than the intensity of some of the titles here, but I loved all the more for it.
‘Birthday Girl’ by Penelope Douglas
If you have not discovered or read a book by Penelope Douglas yet then I’m not sure what you’re doing with your Kindle and you should probably delete it. Dramatic? Maybe, but ‘Birthday Girl’ is one of those books that you’ll binge read until 3am and bemoan the fact that you have to sleep when you could be reading.
‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy
Another must-read series, imho. You’ll easily zoom through one, two, three… They are just so delicious. The right balance of sweet and spicy. Hockey jocks? Yes. Relationship drama? Of course. Lovable characters? Every damn one of them.
‘All Rhodes Lead Here’ by Mariana Zapata
I feel like Zapata is another author that has been almost quietly building an army of dedicated readers and releasing trustworthy reads, somewhat under the radar? I know you probably know of Zapata, but the catalogue of titles and the varying storylines might surprise you. I read ‘Under Locke’ back in 2014… So… I know, I’m old. But I’ve also had my eye on this author since then.
I picked ‘All Rhodes Lead Here’ because I love the cover. It was the only fair way to do it.
‘When We Collided’ by Emery Lord
Wait. I’m putting YOUNG ADULT titles on this list? Yes. Yes I am. Because it’s my opinion that no one does emotional upheaval and sweeping, devastating love stories and character arcs like a YA author. Especially those at the top of their game and there is something about ‘When We Collided’ that left me breathless.
‘Paper Butterflies’ by Lisa Heathfield
This book is a lot on your emotional self. Don’t go into it unless you’re feeling ready to. This read made me heart-sore, but it’s one of those stories that feels like it leaves an impression on you somewhere, like you might find a small dent somewhere on your skin years later.
‘This Raging Light’ by Estelle Laure
Another one that utterly wrecked me in the most exquisite way. First love is the best/worst and this book explores this in shockingly accurate detail.
So, what say you? Are you going to be checking out any of these titles?
Written by Sarah
