Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vs It Ends With Us Collection (2026): Which to Read?

Choosing between The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and the Colleen Hoover It Ends With Us / It Starts With Us collection comes down to the kind of emotional journey you want. Evelyn Hugo is a glamorous, sweeping single novel about a Hollywood icon's secrets; the Hoover set is a contemporary two-book romance dealing with heavier real-life themes. Readers wanting one unforgettable standalone lean Evelyn Hugo; those wanting a continuing emotional romance lean Hoover.

Quick Verdict

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel frames the life of a fictional Hollywood legend through a tell-all interview full of love, ambition, and secrets. Pros: gripping structure, rich characters, satisfying emotional payoff, superb book-club discussion fuel. Cons: single book, some heavy themes. Who it's for: readers who want one immersive, beautifully crafted standalone story.

Colleen Hoover 2 Book Collection

This set pairs It Ends With Us and its sequel It Starts With Us, following a relationship through difficult, resonant themes. Pros: emotionally intense, highly readable, continuation across two books, strong value. Cons: handles sensitive subject matter that may be triggering, divisive prose for some. Who it's for: readers who want an emotional contemporary romance with a follow-up.

Head-to-Head

For literary craft and a self-contained payoff, Evelyn Hugo wins. For sheer readability, emotional momentum, and two-book value, the Hoover set wins. Discussion depth favors Evelyn Hugo; binge value favors Hoover.

Our Pick

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is our overall winner — it delivers a complete, masterfully told story that satisfies on its own and rewards rereading. Choose the Colleen Hoover collection if you want a fast, emotional two-book romance, noting its heavier themes.

FAQ

Do I need to read It Ends With Us before It Starts With Us? Yes, the second book is a direct sequel and should be read in order.

Is Evelyn Hugo part of a series? No, it is a standalone, though it shares a loosely connected universe with the author's other novels.