Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
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It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is one of those novels that stays with you long after you’ve closed the final page. It’s a raw and emotional story about love, resilience, and the complicated choices people face in difficult relationships. This isn’t your typical romance – it’s heavier, more layered, and deeply personal, drawing on themes that resonate with many readers. While some moments soar, others may leave you conflicted, which is exactly why this book has sparked so much conversation since its release.
Key Takeaways: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Who Is Colleen Hoover?
If you read much book news online, especially in some of the book groups on Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms, you’ve probably noticed that Colleen Hoover is referred to as CoHo.
Colleen Hoover is an award-winning American #1 New York Times bestselling author of many books and novellas in the romance, young adult, and psychological thriller genres. She lives in Texas with her husband and three boys.
In addition to being a successful author, Colleen Hoover is also the founder of The Bookworm Box, a charity book box subscription service and bookstore.
What It’s About
Lily Bloom has fought hard to build a new life for herself in Boston, opening her own business and embracing her independence. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome and brilliant neurosurgeon, their chemistry is undeniable. Despite his aversion to long-term relationships, Lily soon finds herself swept into a romance that seems almost too good to be true.
But the cracks in their relationship begin to show, and Lily starts questioning Ryle’s behavior as red flags emerge. At the same time, her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears, bringing back memories of her past and forcing Lily to face truths she thought she had left behind.
It Ends With Us is an emotional journey through love, heartbreak, and resilience, exploring the difficult choices women make when confronted with toxic relationships and the courage it takes to break free.
My Review Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars.
It Ends With Us is a powerful story that tackles heavy subjects with honesty. I appreciated the emotional depth and the way Colleen Hoover wove Lily’s past and present together, but at times the story felt uneven, with characters who didn’t always feel fully realized. Still, it’s an important and moving novel that continues to resonate with readers for good reason.
What I Liked
The Setting
I liked the dual settings of Boston in the present day and Lily’s small-town past. The contrast between Lily’s new life and the memories of her old one highlighted her growth, making her journey more impactful.
The Characters
Lily Bloom is a strong, complex protagonist. Her determination to build a life for herself, despite the shadows of her past, makes her both relatable and inspiring. Atlas was also a standout for me – the quiet strength of his character and his connection to Lily gave the story its heart.
The Plot
The way Hoover intertwined Lily’s current relationship with Ryle and her past with Atlas gave the novel emotional layers. The journal entries, the difficult choices, and the raw honesty made the book more than just a romance – it’s a story about resilience and the power of breaking cycles.
What I Disliked
While the book carries an important message, I sometimes found the characters uneven. Ryle’s transformation felt rushed, and his behavior didn’t always feel nuanced enough for such a sensitive topic. I also felt the pacing faltered at points, especially in the middle of the book, which pulled me out of the story.
I also did not care for the theme of domestic violence. I thought the situation with Ryle was creepy, and I was afraid for the character Lily all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions About It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Is It Ends With Us part of a series?
Yes, it’s the first book, followed by the sequel, It Starts With Us, which continues Lily and Atlas’s story.
Is this book being adapted into a movie?
Yes, It Ends With Us was adapted into a film, which premiered in 2024. The film adaptation has increased buzz around the novel.
What genre is this book?
It’s contemporary fiction with elements of romance, but it’s much heavier than a typical love story.
Do I need to read It Starts With Us after this?
Not necessarily, but fans of Lily and Atlas will likely want to continue their story in the sequel.
Conclusion: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
This book isn’t an easy read, but that’s exactly what makes it impactful. It Ends With Us blends romance with a raw exploration of difficult topics, leaving readers both heartbroken and hopeful. While not perfect in its execution, it’s easy to see why this novel has struck a chord with so many.
I started out thinking I was going to be reading a romance. After I got into the book, nothing about it felt romantic at all, and at times, I truly disliked it immensely, but this may be because I had different expectations. The bottom line is, It Ends With Us is definitely a love story, but one between some damaged individuals.
Even though I got something somewhat different from what I expected here, I still think It Ends With Us is a worthwhile read. And, there is a sequel to this book, and I found the sequel much more appealing. If you want to read the sequel, great – but make sure you read them in order! Here’s my full review of It Starts With Us (the sequel).
If you’re interested in more Colleen Hoover reads, check out my Colleen Hoover books in order post or my review of Reminders of Him. You can also see my thoughts on It Starts With Us and Verity.
And if you’re reading this for book club, grab the It Ends With Us book club questions before your discussion meeting.
📚 Did You Know?
Colleen Hoover originally self-published Slammed, her debut novel, before becoming a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She’s one of the few authors whose fan community – known as “CoHorts” – is as famous as her books.
You Might Also Like
- Colleen Hoover Books in Order
- Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
- It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
- Authors Like Colleen Hoover
