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Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Last Updated on August 20, 2023 by Louisa

In the enthralling novel It Ends With Us, bestselling author Colleen Hoover showcases the complexities of love and highlights the profound strength required to break free from the cycles of abuse.

I was excited to read It Ends With Us after reading her highly acclaimed thriller novel, Verity, and had high expectations from page one.

With her signature style of delivering emotional depth and raw storytelling, Hoover’s It Ends With Us promises to be no different.

It immerses you in a gripping narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into the depths of human resilience.

Through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist, It Ends With Us takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring all the twists and turns of complex relationships, personal boundaries, and the power of self-love.

If you’re thinking of reading It Ends With Us but you’re not sure if it’s right for you, here is my complete and honest book review of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through any of these links. 


Book Review of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover Book Review

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves deep into the complexities of love, personal identity, and the strength to break free from toxic relationships.

It Ends With Us is a prime example of Colleen Hoover’s talent for crafting compelling and addictive stories that resonate with readers.

The story follows Lily Bloom, a young woman who finds herself torn between two men: Ryle Kincaid, a handsome and charismatic neurosurgeon, and Atlas Corrigan, her first love and the person who knows her best.

As Lily navigates the intricacies of love and relationships, she must confront her past and make difficult choices that will shape her future.

Reviewed by Louisa Smith

It Ends With Us Book Cover
Storyline
Writing style
Uniqueness
Character development
Likelihood of reading the sequel

Summary

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that explores the devastating effects of abuse and the strength of self-love.

4.2

What I liked

Colleen Hoover’s writing style is yet again as captivating and addicting as her other novels, drawing you into Lily’s world and evoking a range of emotions as you navigate your way through the story.

The raw and emotive portrayal of Lily’s journey tugs at the heartstrings, immersing you in her joys, struggles, and heartbreaks.

I enjoyed how Hoover tackles tough topics with sensitivity, highlighting the impact of domestic violence and the importance of self-worth but in a way that doesn’t come across too upsetting.

One of the strengths of It Ends With Us lies in its realistic and relatable character development.

Lily’s growth throughout the story is both believable and inspiring, reminding you of the resilience and strength within yourself.

Hoover has successfully navigated the complexities of relationships with nuance, shining a light on the blurred lines between love, loyalty, and personal boundaries.

The novel also offers a glimpse into the challenges and pressures of college life, portraying friendships, parties, and academic stress in a believable manner.

The authenticity of these elements adds depth to the narrative and enhances the your connection to the characters’ experiences.

What could have been better

While It Ends With Us is an engaging and well-written novel, it does share some common tropes found in college romances and can be somewhat predictable in places.

The on-and-off nature of the main characters’ relationship was a bit frustrating at times, and so I don’t recommend this book for readers seeking a more stable and linear narrative.

Additionally, the book contains toxic dynamics that can be triggering for some readers, so again if you’re not into dark romance or toxic relationships, this is not the book for you.

Some of the supporting characters in the story lack the same depth and development as the central relationship, with the focus primarily centered on Lily’s journey.

However, I did find it was easier to delve deeper into the complexities of Lily’s personal growth and decision-making process by having the attention on her throughout the book.

Similar Works

If you’re not sure whether It Ends With Us is right for you, then I would say you would enjoy it if you enjoyed reading The Deal by Elle Kennedy and Wait For You by Jennifer L. Armentrout.

These books also touch on themes of young love, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating relationships during college.

Related Reading: Books Like It Ends With Us

It Ends With Us Trigger Warnings

It Ends With Us contains trigger warnings of;

  • Spousal Abuse / Domestic violence
  • PTSD/depression/anxiety
  • Death of a family member
  • Sexual assault
  • Attempted r*pe
  • Cancer
  • Violence
  • Explicit scenes
  • Implied suicide
  • Alcohol abuse

Romance Tropes

It Ends With Us features the following romance tropes:

Where to find it?

You can find It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover in most good bookstores. Or you can purchase a copy from any of these links.


The Verdict: Would I Recommend It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover?

It Ends With Us is a romance novel that will have your heart feeling it all. It’s both a heartbreaking and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of love, personal identity, and the courage to break free from toxic relationships.

While it shares similarities with other college romances, it offers a unique and impactful perspective on these themes.

While It Ends With Us contains some trigger warnings and themes that some readers may find triggering, particularly if they are sensitive to depictions of domestic violence or abusive relationships, it has been done with sensitivity in mind.

Overall it’s yet another novel that showcases Colleen Hoover’s ability to craft compelling stories filled with raw emotions and relatable characters.

Have Your Say…

Now you know what I think, it’s time to let the Epic Book Society know what you think. Have you read It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover? Share your opinion of the book in the comments.


The Details:

  • Pub Date: August 2nd, 2016
  • ISBN: 1501110365
  • Page Count: 384
  • Publisher: Atria Books

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It Ends With Us Book Review
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About Louisa Smith

Editor/Founder - Epic Book Society

Louisa is the Founder, Editor, and Head Honcho of Epic Book Society. She was born and raised in the United Kingdom and graduated from the University for the Creative Arts with a degree in Journalism. Louisa began her writing career at the age of 7 when her poetry was published in an anthology of poems to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Upon graduating university, she spent several years working as a journalist writing about books before transitioning to become a Primary School Teacher. Louisa loves all genres of books, but her favorites are Sci-Fi, Romance, Fantasy, and Young Adult Fiction. Read more Louisa's story here.

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