The End of Our Story audiobook

4.5 stars.This review appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews.I received a review copy from the publisher via Edelweiss. All thoughts and opinions are my own.Trigger warning: domestic violenceThe End of Our Story is a book that I picked up solely because it contains my favourite romance trope of all time, second chance romance. But it ended up wowing me for so much more than just the romance. I loved the themes that were explored in this book and I thought the author handled them all very well.This novel is told from dual perspectives and two different timelines. In the present, we follow our lead female, Bridge, as she deals with seeing her former best friend and boyfriend, Wil, now with a different girl after her betrayal a year ago. When a tragic loss in Wil’s family presents Bridge with the opportunity to reconnect with Wil and be there for him in his time of grief, Bridge jumps at the chance to earn his forgiveness. But there are dark secrets in Wil’s family that prevent them from making any progress in their relationship, and we get to find out what these secrets are from Wil’s perspective, which is written from the past. I absolutely loved the writing in this book and found it really easy to follow the dual timelines. I connected with the story from the very first page and I was so captivated by the story and the storytelling that I finished the novel in just one sitting. I did find some things to be slightly predictable but I actually didn’t mind it because I don’t think this novel was intended to be a suspenseful read in any way. I liked having little seeds planted in my mind as I read the book and I enjoyed everything as they were revealed.This book tackles some heavy topics, just like Meg Haston’s previous YA novel, Paperweight, which dealt with eating disorders. This book deals with domestic violence and I thought it was handled well and given enough thought and page-time that the novel really did it justice. It was uncomfortable to read at times but I liked the way that the story played out and thought it was successful in shining a light on the issue. My only criticism and why I took off half a star from my rating is because I felt like the ending could have been a little bit more resolved. But I also did like it the way that it was.“She is who she is. Whatever she’s done to piss you off doesn’t make her a bad person. People aren’t the things they do.”I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Both of the main characters are flawed and it was so easy to relate to them. I liked the first person narration a lot and enjoyed reading about their insecurities and it allowed me to really appreciate their strength and resilience. I really loved Bridge as a main character and found her to be really likable. It was nice to see her character growth throughout the novel and I finished the book wanting to know more about her and read more about her. I loved the way she interacted with her mother and her younger brother throughout the book and the way that she tried to be a great friend to those who matter to her. I also absolutely loved Wil as well and thought he was such a sweetheart. Bridge and Wil’s relationship together was definitely one of my favourite aspects of the book because of how well the second chance romance was executed. I thought all of the anger and the tension between the two were extremely valid and I enjoyed reading about the two of them together and would be happy to read a dozen more books about the two of them.I thought The End of Our Story was a brilliantly executed book that tackles some heavy topics with great care. I enjoyed the plot of the book and fell in love with the characters and the friendships in the novel. It’s made me extremely excited for Meg Haston’s next YA release.

“I don’t think you have to understand every little corner of a person to love them, I think you can love them first, and you spend the time you have trying to learn the parts you don’t know.” Can you believe that after I read this, I was crying big fat tears at 3 in the morning? My heart was shattered, my feels were everywhere. Man, this was a total heartbreak to me! As soon as the Acknowledgement page hit, I literally just dropped my phone, and cry ugly tears absorbing what just happened. Damn that inconclusive ending! I seriously did not expect this to be brimming with so much sadness, but still capable of being beautiful.Bridge and Wil have been best friends since they were young. Best friends who took years before their feelings for each other bloomed. But it only took one night to ruin everything. While they were apart, an unwanted tragedy happened to Wil's family, and Bridge wanted nothing but to piece back Wil through this horrible time in his life. Bridge is certain that Wil needed her more than anything, but is her story with Wil over? Can they ever fix what that they had together?I liked how this book surprised me. I thought it would be solely focused on the break-up story of Wil and Bridge, and the question of will they still get back together. But I was proven wrong. I thought the story would be your typical melodramatic, sappy, break-up story, but it was more than that. There was depth to their characters, including the story elements that made them who they are. The family and peer aspects were handled well. It also had a dark issue, which I did not totally see that coming until hitting that 20% mark reveal. From that point on, I knew I had to finish it. I was deep in thought about what would happen next, and the next thing I know, intense happenings and revelations pop-out making me very eager know what would happen next.The sudden dark twists and turns, got my heart racing so fast, I just want to get at the end of it already. Each progressive chapter, the happenings intensify until it reaches its ultimate, ugly truth type of climax. It was my first time reading a Meg Haston's work, and I can say I was delightfully impressed by her writing. It was captivating, and thought-provokingly beautiful. She handled well the heavy issue of familial and peer aspects.The bittersweet romance moved me in different ways. It describes well that nothing is perfect, and we are all flawed, but we aren't what we think we are because of our flaws. I loved how it also explored the darkness in the cracks, how breathing and living through the gray area of life feels, and that was really eye opening.Overall, The End of Our Story was a powerful and deeply-rooted story about the realities and ugly truths each of us are struggling in. I like endings with bows to tie up the story, whether it was neat or messy, at least I get to see something that things were patched up. But this book was a total cliffhanger, and honestly it felt kind of lazy, and I think some closure would have been nice. However, despite that, this was a really interesting read. Wil & Bridge will make you want to capture your childhood memories like fireflies in a jar and hold onto them in hopes they won't ever burn out.

This was a really good read. YA Contemporary/Romance is a hard genre sometimes for me because the books all seem the same after a while. It has to have something different for me to enjoy, not just about a teenage angsty romance. And this book delivered with a little something different. There was a lot to reflect on with this book so my full review will have to wait a bit. :)

My daughter recommended this book to me and I loved it. She knows my taste in books.I kind of guessed at the end and even though I was right I still really enjoyed the book. Will and Bridge were a cute couple and I liked how the author made what seemed like a perfect family not perfect at all. In fact it broke my heart. I loved Minna, Bridges court appointed project but later friend and sounding block. I could read a story just on Minna's life too. Good book if you want a fast paced read.

I'm not sure what to say. Well written. Heart breaking. Open ended... I need a feel good book now!

My Thoughts: I was really torn on this one. We are introduced to Wil and Bridge. They have been friends since they were kids, and then got romantically involved, and then things didn’t turn out quite how they wanted it too.I really liked Bridge and Wil both but at times, I was hesitant to like either of them. Each had their ups and downs to their personalities. I really enjoyed the plot of this one. Wil’s dad isn’t who everyone thought he was, and there was more to the story. And when it all comes out, Wil knows what he must do and it’s hard for him. It’s hard to really even admit his dad wasn’t the perfect guy everyone thought he was. And Wil is afraid he’ll be just like him. This one was complicated as heck! This one really pulled at my heartstrings. It was just so emotional and having lost people in my life, I understood the heartbreak. I liked this one, and while reading it I needed to know what happened next. I haven’t read Paperweight yet by this author, so I will add that to my list! Overall: I’m not sure if I ever really liked Bridge or Wil. This one did make me tear up a few times but at others, I wanted to throw something! HAHAHA. I’d say this is probably more between a 3.5 and 4 cupcake rating for me! Cover: Love it! It’s so romantic. I really like it! What I’d Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes_____Taken From Princess Bookiewww.princessbookie.com

No soy de llorar con libros,mayormente me dejan triste pero este 💔 realmente es tan triste, desde el comienzo hasta el final. Pero me encanto 😭 toca temas que no pensé que ni siquiera iba a mencionar, los personajes son increíbles y amé a todos y cada uno, tiene unas frases hermosas, me encanta la manera en la que escribe la autora, la edición es hermosa... Es todo simplemente hermoso 😭👌 Realmente se los recomiendo y esperó poder publicar la verdadera reseña en el blog.

Bridge is a pussy ass weak.

Una increíble sorpresa... adoro que los libros YA tomen temas serios y profundos, de esos que nos topamos día a día en los noticiarios, libros que son para recordar y regalar a nuestros jóvenes, de los que puedes reflexionar y conversar en familia. Muy feliz de conocer a esta autora a través de este

Well...that was a hell of a rollercoaster ride.

I really enjoyed this book, the author was good at pacing and lots of things happen in it. My favorite part is the ending.

The End Of Our Story by Meg Haston is basically about a breakup. It begins with a break up between Wil and Bridge. Read my full review here Review goes live 7/12/2017

3,5/5 después de unos días sin leer por el colegio🤢🤢 pude terminarlo, OMG, pense que iba a ser un romance pero no, sinceramente termino muy abierto para mí, pero pude conectar tanto con los personajes que estoy llorando mientras escribo esto, la manera de escribir de la autora es un chef kisspero sin embargo creo que bridge era muy estúpida a veces, pero bueno, creo que la autora la represento como una HUMANA y lo pude entender, en fin, lo recomiendo

*ARC Kindly provided by Harper Teen thru Edelweiss for review*It’s been a day since I finished reading this book and still I’m having a hard time grasping for words on how to describe how I felt when I’m reading it and after reading it. I’m having a hard time right now choosing words and thoughts without spoiling anything. I’m happy, surprised, baffled and I don’t know. My thoughts and feels are everywhere. But one thing I’m certain about is I do enjoy reading The End of Our Story.For some, breaking-up is the end. But for Bridge & Wil, it’s just the beginning. Bridge & Wil has been best friends since they are young. Best friends whose feelings for each other turned into something more. They are solid: snack-dates, school dances and first kisses. It took them years to get to that point and it all vanished because of a very unwanted situation.I like Bridge & Wil. Together and/or separately. Bridge is our female lead who’s very easy to read and like. She’s an open book. I like how she appreciates her mom, brother and best friend Leigh. Wil is our male lead with penchant for making boats. They are not perfect. They are your typical teenagers who make mistakes and learns from it.>“Tragedy is a powerful magnetic force. It either draws people in or pushes people away.”A year after they parted ways, a tragedy hits Wil’s family. Bridge knows for certain that she needs to help Wil. Not knowing that in just 1 year that they are apart a lot  has changed.Just when I thought the story would focus more on the break-up of our two main characters, I was proven wrong. The story focuses more on the familial and social aspects. What happened with Bridge & Wil was revealed on the early part of the story and after it was revealed, more thought-provoking & stay-in-your-seats scenes begins to happen.The sudden turn of events got my heart racing so fast wanting the pages to turn faster to get to the end of it. Plus, there are literally a lot of emotional blows over the course of reading this book.I don’t know the technical term to use but I really love how the story was written. I guess we can call it lyrical or just plain catchy? (please feel free to correct me here) Each word just flows. It took me half-day to finish reading this and it was one of the fastest reading I have done!I also appreciate the alternating POV’s on each chapter as well as the alternating timeline. Though it may come quite confusing at times but it gives me as a reader a glimpse of the past which makes us understand the current happenings. “I don’t think you have to understand every little corner of a person to love them, I think you can love them first, and you spend the time you have trying to learn the parts you don’t know.” In all, The End of Our Story is a powerful and heartbreaking story about life realities, family, choosing who you really are and doing the “right” thing for the sake of you loved ones. The ending left me quite hanging but I guess that is the best way to end it because in that way we have enough space for possibilities on the future of Bridge & Wil.*For more reviews, please feel free to visit Reads and  Thoughts*