book report on it ends with us

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover: In-Depth Review and Analysis

If you’ve been anywhere near BookTok —or have not been living under a rock for the past years—you’ve probably heard of It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover . This book has taken TikTok by storm, sparking countless videos of readers gushing—or crying—over its emotional rollercoaster of a story. Hoover’s novels, in general, have had a massive surge in popularity, but It Ends with Us is easily one of her most popular. With over a billion tags on social media, it’s fair to say this book is everywhere.

Originally published in 2016, It Ends with Us isn’t a typical romance . It dives into some pretty heavy themes like domestic abuse, trauma, and difficult relationships, making it stand out from the sea of lighter love stories. But as much as readers are raving about it, not everyone’s on the same page. Some love it, some find it a bit problematic, and a lot of bookworms are stuck somewhere in between.

It Ends with Us

So, without further delay, let’s dive into what makes this book such a big deal and explore why it got everyone talking long before the movie adaptation was even announced.

Trigger warning, this article, much like the book itself, speaks of heavy subject matters such as domestic violence and abuse.

Also, spoiler warnings for both the book and the movie .

What is It Ends With Us In a Nutshell About:

It Ends With Us is a romance-drama novel that centers around Lily Bloom’s life—a young woman navigating a complicated love life while confronting the cycle of domestic abuse. Set in Boston, the story begins when Lily meets Ryle Kincaid, a charming and ambitious neurosurgeon who is initially committed to a no-strings-attached lifestyle. They initially decide to stay away from each other since they want completely different things. Lily goes on to use her father’s inheritance to open her own business, a flower shop. She meets and befriends Alyssa, who starts working with her. And by complete luck, Ryle happens to be her new best friend’s brother. The two reconnect, and despite their differing views on relationships, they develop a serious romance. However, cracks begin to show as Ryle’s temper and possessive behavior lead to increasingly violent outbursts.

Through flashbacks from her teenage diaries, we learn how Atlas Corrigan, a homeless teenager, was Lily’s first love, protector, and confidant during a turbulent period in her childhood. His reappearance complicates Lily’s relationship with Ryle, stirring jealousy and tension.

As Ryle’s violent behavior escalates, Lily is forced to confront her painful past, which mirrors her mother’s own experience with physical abuse. Pregnant and torn between love and safety, she realizes that staying with Ryle would perpetuate the same cycle she swore to break. The novel’s title, It Ends With Us, reflects Lily’s resolve to end the cycle of abuse for the sake of her daughter.

Ultimately, the story is about finding the strength to let go of a toxic relationship, self-empowerment, and choosing to break free from generational patterns of trauma. It’s a poignant exploration of the complexities of love, family, and resilience.

For a more in-depth summary, continue reading here !

Reception and Popularity:

It wouldn’t be too much to say Ends With Us has become a cultural phenomenon in recent years, especially with the rise of Booktok. It seems like everyone’s either reading it, posting about it, or discussing it with their book clubs .

Despite its enormous success, the book’s reception isn’t without some controversy. A lot of readers have praised Hoover for shining a light on the cycle of abuse, while others have been more critical. Some feel that the romance between Lily and Ryle sends mixed signals, especially in how Hoover writes Ryle—his character comes with a tragic backstory that almost makes you feel sorry for him, despite his abusive behavior. Others have also pointed out the lack of proper content warning for such a heavy topic, which some felt was needed, especially for people who may have personal experiences with abuse.

Still, none of this stopped It Ends With Us from becoming a massive success. It’s sold millions of copies, it has been translated into multiple languages, and even became the best-selling novel of 2022. Not to mention, Hoover followed it up with another story, It Starts With Us, which dives deeper into Lily and Atlas’s relationship—a part of the story that fans had been craving more of.

And if that wasn’t enough, the book was adapted into a film this year starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. While the film had mixed reviews from critics, and the press tour caused another controversy, it still drew in huge crowds at the box office.

In conclusion, one thing is clear: It Ends With Us has left an undeniable impact on the literary world, sparking countless discussions and resonating with readers worldwide. You can love it, or question parts of it, or fall somewhere in between, but it’s clear the book continues to make waves.

Pros of It Ends With Us

Emotional depth.

Colleen Hoover takes us into the emotional complexity of abusive relationships, which can be really eye-opening for those who may not have personally experienced it. You feel everything with Lily—her love, her fear, her confusion. It's raw and real.

Relatable Characters

While not everyone may love or relate with every character—looking at you, Ryle, Hoover writes characters that feel like real people with flaws and struggles. Lily, in particular, is easy to root for because of her strength and resilience, even in the face of really tough decisions.

For a deeper dive into the It Ends With Us characters, you can continue reading here !

Unique Take on Romance

It’s not your typical “happily-ever-after” romance. It Ends With Us explores the gray areas of love—the idea that sometimes love just isn’t enough and that leaving can be the bravest thing a person can do. It’s refreshing to read a romance novel that challenges those fairy-tale endings we’re so used to.

Powerful Message

One of the biggest strengths of the book is its message of breaking the cycle of abuse. The title itself, It Ends With Us, hints at that decision to stop the pattern of violence, which can resonate with so many readers, especially those who have faced similar struggles in their own lives.

Heartfelt Author’s Note

If you’ve read the author’s note at the end, you know how personal this book was for Hoover. Knowing that it was inspired by her mother’s real-life experience with domestic abuse adds an extra layer of emotion to the story. It’s clear Hoover wrote this book from a very personal place, which makes the story feel even more genuine.

Cons of It Ends With Us

Predictability .

While the emotional journey is intense, some plot points feel a bit predictable. If you’re a seasoned romance bookworm, you might see where the story is headed fairly early on. There aren’t a lot of shocking twists, which could leave some readers wanting a bit more surprise.

Simplistic Writing Style

Colleen Hoover’s writing is straightforward, which makes the book easy to read, but for some, it can feel a little too simplistic. If you’re looking for more lyrical or complex prose, this may not be the book for you. The writing doesn’t always dive deep into character development or setting, so it can feel a bit surface-level

Lack of Depth in Supporting Characters

While Lily is fleshed out, other characters, like Ryle or even Atlas, could have been explored a bit more. Ryle’s trauma is explained, but the exploration of his character beyond his violent tendencies felt a bit shallow. Atlas, too, serves more as a symbol of Lily’s past and future rather than a fully developed character in his own right.

Heavy Themes Without Trigger Warnings

For a book that deals with such subjects like domestic abuse, some readers feel there should have been clear trigger warnings. Many pick this book up thinking it’s a light romance, only to find themselves in the middle of an intense, sometimes distressing, story. It’s important to know what you’re walking into, and It Ends With Us doesn’t make that super clear.

In conclusion, It Ends With Us offers a very emotional and thought-provoking story that explores love, trauma, and the strength it takes to make difficult choices. While the book has its imperfections, it also shines in its portrayal of resilience and the complexities of relationships.

You could be picking it up because of the BookTok hype, or you could simply be curious about the journey; either way, it’s a novel that leaves a lasting impression and encourages important conversations.

For more Colleen Hoover content, join our world , and for more bookish deep dives and posts like this one, join our crewfiction and subscribe to our Tea & Cakes Newsletter !

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main message of it ends with us.

The central message of It Ends with Us is breaking the cycle of domestic abuse. Colleen Hoover uses Lily’s journey to showcase the complexities and emotional struggles that come with abusive relationships. The story highlights how hard it can be to leave someone you love, even when they hurt you, and emphasizes the importance of self-worth and making tough decisions to protect yourself and those you care about.

Is It Ends with Us based on a true story?

Yes, the novel is partly inspired by Colleen Hoover’s own experiences. In her author's note, Hoover reveals that her mother suffered domestic abuse, and this deeply personal connection helped shape Lily’s story. The raw emotions and difficult decisions that Lily faces are rooted in Hoover’s desire to shed light on the reality of abuse and its impact on families.

Nina Siscou

First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.

ADMIN AREA MY BOOKSHELF MY DASHBOARD MY PROFILE SIGN OUT SIGN IN

Awards & Accolades

Our Verdict

New York Times Bestseller

IndieBound Bestseller

IT ENDS WITH US

by Colleen Hoover ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 2, 2016

Packed with riveting drama and painful truths, this book powerfully illustrates the devastation of abuse—and the strength of...

Hoover’s ( November 9 , 2015, etc.) latest tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with romantic tenderness and emotional heft.

At first glance, the couple is edgy but cute: Lily Bloom runs a flower shop for people who hate flowers; Ryle Kincaid is a surgeon who says he never wants to get married or have kids. They meet on a rooftop in Boston on the night Ryle loses a patient and Lily attends her abusive father’s funeral. The provocative opening takes a dark turn when Lily receives a warning about Ryle’s intentions from his sister, who becomes Lily’s employee and close friend. Lily swears she’ll never end up in another abusive home, but when Ryle starts to show all the same warning signs that her mother ignored, Lily learns just how hard it is to say goodbye. When Ryle is not in the throes of a jealous rage, his redeeming qualities return, and Lily can justify his behavior: “I think we needed what happened on the stairwell to happen so that I would know his past and we’d be able to work on it together,” she tells herself. Lily marries Ryle hoping the good will outweigh the bad, and the mother-daughter dynamics evolve beautifully as Lily reflects on her childhood with fresh eyes. Diary entries fancifully addressed to TV host Ellen DeGeneres serve as flashbacks to Lily’s teenage years, when she met her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she found squatting in a neighbor’s house. When Atlas turns up in Boston, now a successful chef, he begs Lily to leave Ryle. Despite the better option right in front of her, an unexpected complication forces Lily to cut ties with Atlas, confront Ryle, and try to end the cycle of abuse before it’s too late. The relationships are portrayed with compassion and honesty, and the author’s note at the end that explains Hoover’s personal connection to the subject matter is a must-read.

Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5011-1036-8

Page Count: 320

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: May 30, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE

Share your opinion of this book

More by Colleen Hoover

BOOK REVIEW

by Colleen Hoover

More About This Book

Dav Pilkey Had Bestselling Print Book of 2021

SEEN & HEARD

Colleen Hoover Is Back. Let the BookTokking Begin

by Nora Roberts ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2005

Roberts does it again with this fast-paced romantic mystery that's both steamy and thrilling, despite its somewhat obvious...

Beautiful Italian babe with a passion for fire and doomed hunks joins the arson squad and discovers that someone has held a torch for her since she was a child.

When Reena Hale is 11 years old, she watches her family's Baltimore pizzeria go up in flames. Thanks to a local arson detective, John Minger, and the girl's keen memory, police determine that a neighborhood crook whose young son had recently attacked Reena was out for revenge, and soon cops publicly haul the dirt bag off to jail. The large and loving Hale family bands together and rebuilds; Reena grows up curious about the origins of fire. She attends college and, after her boyfriend dies in an accident, joins the police force and learns the inner workings of the fire department. Eventually, she teams with Minger to solve the city's suspicious fires. Meanwhile, over the years, a shady character has been hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to violently sabotage Reena's relationships (usually with the help of explosives). Somehow Reena doesn't put together that all of her boyfriends have been in the path of catastrophic (occasionally deadly) events, so her stalker hits the phone lines to clue her in with dirty messages that become more and more intimate. When Reena launches a torrid love affair with her new neighbor, whose truck soon explodes, she begins to get it. Fearing for her family's safety, Reena reopens past cases and learns that her troubles started when she was a child. The tale builds to a breathless climax as she (literally) races to beat out the flames of one fire before determining where the next one will be set.

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2005

ISBN: 0-399-15306-3

Page Count: 448

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2005

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

More by Nora Roberts

by Nora Roberts

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

by Debbie Macomber ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 4, 2016

Another heartwarming seasonal Macomber tale, which fans will find as bright and cozy as a blazing fire on Christmas Eve.

Friendly Julia Padden can’t stand her grumpy neighbor, Cain Maddox, but when her best friend goads her to kill him with kindness for the Christmas season, both their lives begin to change for the better—until he discovers she’s chronicling the experiment on a blog.

Julia’s life isn’t perfect, but she has a job at Macy’s that pays her bills while she’s looking for a marketing position. She also volunteers at her church and at the Boys and Girls Club, which helps her stay in the holiday mood even when she can’t get back to visit her family because of her hectic retail schedule. She tries hard to keep a positive attitude, so perhaps that’s why her neighbor across the hall in her apartment building is so vexing. He seems to go out of his way to be unpleasant. But when she’s complaining about the man, her best friend challenges her to be even kinder, in the true spirit of the season—and encourages her to use the experience as blog fodder, since Julia is in the running for a corporate social media position and her success depends on her ability to create a successful audience. So she begins, 12 days before Christmas, but as the days pass, she discovers that her kind acts have softened not only Cain’s demeanor, but her heart as well—and created a huge blog following. The two become friends, and Julia learns how painful Cain’s life has been and exactly why he keeps himself at arm’s length. Just when it looks like they’ll be hanging stockings together, Cain discovers Julia’s blog—which pushes every abandonment and trust button he has. Time is running out, but Julia knows that a job and a blog are nothing compared to the forever happiness just beyond their grasp, and making it right will be the best Christmas gift ever, if she can just figure out how.

Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-553-39173-2

Page Count: 266

Publisher: Ballantine

Review Posted Online: July 19, 2016

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2016

GENERAL ROMANCE | ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

More by Debbie Macomber

by Debbie Macomber

Discover Books Fiction Thriller & Suspense Mystery & Detective Romance Science Fiction & Fantasy Nonfiction Biography & Memoir Teens & Young Adult Children's
News & Features Bestsellers Book Lists Profiles Perspectives Awards Seen & Heard Book to Screen Kirkus TV videos In the News
Kirkus Prize Winners & Finalists About the Kirkus Prize Kirkus Prize Judges
Magazine Current Issue All Issues Manage My Subscription Subscribe
Writers’ Center Hire a Professional Book Editor Get Your Book Reviewed Advertise Your Book Launch a Pro Connect Author Page Learn About The Book Industry
More Kirkus Diversity Collections Kirkus Pro Connect My Account/Login
About Kirkus History Our Team Contest FAQ Press Center Info For Publishers
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Reprints, Permission & Excerpting Policy

Popular in this Genre

Hey there, book lover.

We’re glad you found a book that interests you!

Please select an existing bookshelf

Create a new bookshelf.

We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!

Please sign up to continue.

It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!

Already have an account? Log in.

Trouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.

Almost there!

Industry Professional

Welcome Back!

Sign in using your Kirkus account

Don’t fret. We’ll find you.

Magazine Subscribers ( How to Find Your Reader Number )

If You’ve Purchased Author Services

Don’t have an account yet? Sign Up.

Book Review: It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

By Yasi Agah Posted on 9.9.21

CW: domestic abuse

Have you ever witnessed your friend or family member in a toxic relationship? Have you yourself ever been in a toxic relationship? To an outside perspective it seems impossible why anyone would ever stay in an unhealthy relationship. But to the person inside the relationship…it’s not that easy. In this story, Lily Bloom (yes, that is her adorable name) is a free-spirited Maine native with a seemingly normal life…until she meets Ryle.

After she graduates with a business degree from college, she moves to Boston and decides that she wants to pursue her dream of opening a flower shop (Yes. You read that correctly. Again – adorable). When she moves to Boston she meets a mysterious man, Ryle Kincaid, a smooth-talking neurosurgeon with a sprinkle of mystery. Lily and Ryle hit it off with a flirtatious rooftop encounter and have an immediate connection – Lily thinks that she’ll never see him again but she has no idea what’s in store. Ryle turns out to be the love of her life and she can see a future with him. However, a wrench gets thrown into her life when a past flame and her first true love, Atlas, comes back into her life. On the outside, Lily’s life seems amazing. She has a beautiful doctor boyfriend, has an incredible career and is living out her dreams. But on the inside, there’s much more to the story. Check out Colleen Hoover’s thrilling romance novel, It Ends With Us , for a story about how love doesn’t always turn out the way you think.

AH. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entireee time. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, going back and forth between the men in Lily’s life and constantly thinking – why doesn’t she leave if she isn’t happy? I won’t give away any spoilers but there is a heavy theme of domestic abuse throughout this book and helps show the internal debate that women have when they’re in a toxic relationship. It’s extremely easy to see someone in an abusive relationship and think “why doesn’t she leave already?” but it’s truly not that simple.

Based on true events from the author’s life, this book outlines the terrifying cycle of domestic abuse and the effects it can have on women for generations to come. It Ends With Us is an eye-opening and suspenseful story that shows how all consuming and catastrophic domestic abuse can become. This book showed me the insider’s perspective to a terrifying situation and the rationale that women use to stay in unhealthy relationships – it is never as easy as it seems. There were many moments throughout this book that left me teary eyed and I wouldn’t be surprised if it did the same for you. It’s a binge read that somehow breaks your heart and then puts it back together. If you know someone who has experienced domestic abuse and needs help, please check out the resources at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Here is their website https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/ and you can call 800.799.SAFE (7233).

Get the Latest on IG

Get into the loop

Want to get a heads up on the book of the month before anyone else? Want to be on the VIP list for special offers and deals? Well, get on the list and you’ll be officially in the FBC loop!

Website by FirstTracks