Book Review - It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

Review by Nicole Klunder

When we think of love, marriage, or a close relationship, what’s the first feeling that comes to mind?

Love? Of course!

Connection? Yes!

Souls meeting. The BEST!

Respect? Definitely.

We are getting closer!

Safety and comfort?

100%!

When I first started to read It Ends With Us by the very popular novelist Colleen Hoover, I didn’t know what I was about to get into. I have read many book reviews by this author, bought many of her suggested books, and dived into this one because it pulled me in. I just thought this was yet another popular romance novel.

The hook of this story, well, was a hook!

‘It Ends With Us’ is primarily based on Lily Bloom and her experiences as she falls for an attractive neurosurgeon Ryle in Boston while she grapples with the ghosts of her past in her hometown Maine.

The meeting of two people, Lily and Rylee, was the usual meet. It was teasing, flirting, and pretty hot! It intrigued me very much. They simmered off the page. Quiet literally.

The character profile of these two people were amazing. You felt their connection, and love for one another that only grew as the book continues to unfold, and the safety was there. It rooted you in place with them entirely.

As their love story unfolds, the author gracefully intertwines chapters with Lily and Rylee to then skillfully using letters, without resorting to flashbacks, to show her life growing up in Maine and meeting her true love, Atlas. They both grew up in an abusive household and they were crutches for each other. He was presented as the homeless boy next door. She began to leave him food when they first met. Then as time went on, she invited him to her house to hang out when her parents weren't home.

They developed such a bond that it was bittersweet. Heartwarming. How can you let this type of love slip away. It gutted me.

The highlight throughout their story was the widely popular Disney character, Nemo. The reference “just keep swimming” was always referenced to their lives and what they were going through. They would tell each other that when things would make one of the feel like one of them was drowning. It was a reminder to keep going.

Nemo is such a beloved character and it provided that comfort even for the reader as well as the characters.

The language is simple and lucid, and the grammar and punctuation are flawless.

The characters are brilliant. Lily, the protagonist, is a lovable character. She is strong and yet has vulnerabilities, which makes her so real.

I found myself rooting for her until the very end. Atlas was another unforgettable character; I could feel for him throughout and wanted to see him happy. And despite his flaws, I could relate to Ryle; I could understand his perspective.

‘It Ends With Us’ is not a light read by any means. It delves into the theme of domestic abuse. It’s deep. The grappling fear from these scenes penetrated me as if I were living through it.

The ending was also perfect, and I found myself smiling through my tears.

A brilliant, heart-wrenching read with unforgettable characters, making it into my top ten favorite novels. 4.8 stars from my side.

Give it a go!