It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

"In future, if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again...fall in love with me."

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover follows the story of Lily Bloom, a simple girl from a small town in Maine who recently moved to Boston with one dream: to open her own flower shop. While pursuing her ambition, she meets a charming neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid, and falls for him.

As their relationship develops, things take a dark turn when Ryle’s loving nature shifts into something more abusive, pushing Lily back to the past she thought she’d left behind—back to the memories of her mother’s suffering in a similar situation. To complicate things further, Atlas Corrigan—Lily’s first love—unexpectedly reappears in her life, offering the comfort she craves, yet also adding tension between her and Ryle. So, what does Lily choose to do?

Honestly, the book was very hyped, so I gave in and decided to read it. The story was intriguing and had me hooked from the first page. The powerful way CoHo has written this story—drawing from her own experiences—is impressive. The central message about having the strength to break the cycle of abuse is both moving and important.

While there were a few triggering moments, I appreciated many aspects of the book. One of my favorite parts was the friendship between Lily and Alyssa—it was beautiful to read. And Atlas? He’s literally the kind of character every girl dreams of—caring, loving, and a chef. There’s nothing to dislike about him.

At first, I liked Ryle too, but as the story unfolded, I wouldn’t say I completely hate him. Both he and Lily are flawed, and that makes them real—but that also means both deserve accountability in their own ways.

The language of the book is captivating, and it keeps readers engaged till the last page. The ending was satisfying. My favorite element was the letters Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres. They were deeply personal and gave so much insight into her life, her bond with Atlas, and the kind of person he truly is.

Overall, it’s a powerful and thought-provoking read that sheds light on the silent struggles of those in abusive relationships. I enjoy Colleen Hoover’s writing style, and It Ends with Us is definitely a good book to read.

My Rating- 3.5/5