“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
Welcome back to Mes Curls Reads!
Today, I'm diving into Colleen Hoover's It Ends with Us, a novel that is so much more than just another love story. It is a raw, emotional rollercoaster that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on its themes long after you've turned the last page.
Warning: This review contains spoilers, as I want to discuss the book in detail! 🚨
From the very first chapter, It Ends with Us captures you with its deep exploration of relationships, love, and the strength it takes to navigate through life’s toughest moments. Hoover takes us on an unforgettable journey with Lily Bloom, a young woman building a new life for herself while dealing with the shadows of her past.
Colleen Hoover’s writing is both beautiful and heart-wrenching, fearlessly delving into tough topics like domestic violence, self-empowerment, and the difficult choices we face in relationships. Through Lily's eyes, we experience the intense highs and lows of her relationship with Ryle Kincaid and the painful re-emergence of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. The characters are so richly developed that their emotions feel tangible, their interactions genuine, and their struggles, real.
Based on Hoover's own family history, It Ends with Us is more than a story—it's a tribute. Hoover herself described it as "the hardest book I've ever written," and it shows. The narrative doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of domestic violence and emotional abuse, making it a poignant and necessary read for everyone.
“And as hard as this choice is, we break the pattern before the pattern breaks us.”
Lily Bloom is a 23-year-old who moved to Boston with dreams of opening her own floral shop. (yes, I know we all wish we could open a flower shop that’s also a cozy cafe and a library—don’t we, book girls?). Little does she know that life has some unexpected twists waiting for her.
Lily’s childhood wasn’t easy; she grew up in a broken home with a father who physically abused her mother. A striking moment early in the book is when Lily recalls her father's funeral. She boldly announces she will list five things she loved most about him for the eulogy, then stands in silence before walking off.
Hoover masterfully weaves flashbacks of Lily’s past with her current life, giving us glimpses of her childhood diaries where we meet Atlas Corrigan, her first love. Atlas, who was homeless and found refuge in Lily’s kindness, later joined the military but promised to return to her when his life would be good enough to include her in it. (Yes, yes, the social media hero, the "Green Forest" Atlas Corrigan!) These flashbacks show us a different kind of love—one that is tender, kind, and a stark contrast to what is to come.
Lily's journey takes a drastic turn when she meets Ryle Kincaid, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a complex past. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Ryle’s fear of commitment complicates things at the start. As they attempt to navigate their relationship, they introduce a pact of "Naked Truths"—honesty without sugarcoating—which adds a unique twist to their dynamic. But please note:
“Naked truths aren’t always pretty.”
Just when things start to settle between the two, an unexpected incident throws everything into chaos. One night, Lily laughs when Ryle accidentally drops a casserole, and he angrily slaps her before frantically apologizing. Lily is reminded of her childhood; while horrified, she decides they are different from her parents and accepts his apologies but warns him that she will leave if he hurts her again. As their relationship blossoms, Lily's past reemerges, bringing with it the painful memories of her first love, Atlas; on the other hand, Ryle’s temper flares in a way that feels all too familiar to Lily, reminding her of her parents' toxic relationship. Hoover takes us through Lily's inner turmoil as she grapples with whether to stay or leave, capturing every ounce of her pain, confusion, and hope.
“Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person. Fifteen.”
The narrative builds tension as Lily reconnects with Atlas, who now owns a successful restaurant. This makes Ryle instantly jealous, despite Lily’s insistence that Atlas is only a friend. The layers of emotional conflict deepen, making every chapter feel like walking on a tightrope.
However, when Lily and Ryle impulsively get married in Vegas, it seems like a new beginning. But their marriage turns out to be anything but stable. Ryle’s jealousy and trauma boil over, leading to more violence. In one of the most intense scenes, Ryle pushes Lily down the stairs and later attempts to rape her, believing she is having an affair with Atlas. The violence escalates until Lily decides to end the cycle of abuse once and for all.
“You are my wife. I’m supposed to be the one who protects you from the monsters. I’m not supposed to be one.”
The novel’s ending is both powerful and poignant. It doesn’t provide the typical “happily ever after” but instead offers a hopeful and realistic resolution that honours Lily’s journey. After giving birth, Lily realizes she does not want her daughter to grow up witnessing Ryle's aggressive outbursts. She chooses to divorce Ryle, asking him how he would react if their daughter told him she was being abused by her partner. This is a defining moment where Lily chooses to break the cycle of abuse in her family, telling her daughter:
“It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”
Why the Book is Better Than the Movie Adaptation:
Though the movie adaptation of It Ends with Us has brought the story to a wider audience, the book remains unparalleled in its depth and emotional impact. The novel allows for a nuanced exploration of Lily's inner thoughts and growth—something a movie's limited runtime simply can't convey. Hoover's detailed portrayal of the intricacies of Lily's relationships and her personal journey offers a richer experience that can't be fully captured on screen. Many readers found that the essence of key scenes and powerful dialogues was missing in the film. (And trust me, that's why I've included so many quotes from it! I wish I could share even more, but honestly, nothing compares to experiencing them firsthand on the page. )
So, if you haven't read the book yet, trust me—you’re missing out on the true magic of this story! This is one book you won’t forget.
If you’re looking for a book that will challenge you emotionally and make you reflect on the complexities of love and relationships, It Ends with Us is an excellent choice. Share your thoughts with me either on Instagram, by email or in the message form. I’d love to hear what you think!
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
“In the future . . . if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again . . . fall in love with me.”-Atlas
If you’re curious to learn more about The Atlas, stay tuned for my next review of It Starts with Us!
Don’t forget to follow me on Mes Curls Reads for all the latest updates and bookish fun!
Happy reading! 📚✨