Amazon.co.uk:Customer reviews: It Ends With Us: The emotional #1 Sunday Times bestseller

vicki.reads.books

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2021

I'd heard so much about Colleen Hoover, I just had to see what all the fuss was about - so I picked up this book, and boy was I glad I did. It Ends With Us is compulsively readable with a heartbreaking and powerful story. The characters are so well drawn, there is no black and white here - which is hugely important considering the subject matter. To make your reader fall in love with a character and also hate them is quite a feat. I also really liked the simple yet sharply observed descriptions of how the characters moved; I don't think I've ever visualised that so vividly, and it really added to the action in each scene. I was completely drawn in and sat staring at the book long after I'd finished it. Thank you Colleen Hoover for bravely writing this story.

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Siobhan Davis

Still Reeling from ALL the Feels

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2017

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I apologize in advance if this review rambles but my head is still reeling from this experience. I'd also like to caution that this review may contain slight spoilers, although I'll try my best not to mention anything specific, as I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, yet it's difficult to discuss how I'm feeling without mentioning a few things.

This book put me through the ringer, and I'm still feeling the aftershocks. I love books that make me question my own beliefs and really give me pause to stop and think. It Ends With Us is one of those books.

I have no personal experience of the subject matter but I have always had sympathy for anyone going through such a situation. It was no surprise that I really felt for Lily and shared her pain, grief, heartache, and confusion. I found myself constantly stopping to imagine how I might feel, how I would act, if I was in a similar situation, and I honestly don't know how I would deal with it.

What shocked me, what was entirely unexpected, was how much I felt for Ryle. Don't get me wrong, I wanted her to do what she did, and he was definitely in the wrong, but he wasn't a really nasty person. He was hugely flawed, damaged, and he couldn't control his emotions, but there was no doubt in my mind that he loved her. Probably too much which is where his issues stemmed from.

When I reflected on the initial scene where they met (so so good - the dialogue was unbelievably brilliant) I could see how self-aware he was. He indulged in one night stands with no strings and he didn't have relationships because he knew he was incapable of same. He should have stuck to that, but then we wouldn't have had a story.

I loved the letters to Ellen and the retelling of her time with Atlas. It was heartwarming and gut-wrenching at the same time. I really felt their connection, and I was rooting for them and then I became conflicted because Ryle was so perfect at the start and I felt their chemistry and their love and then...

Gosh, my heart is pounding again. And that twist - oh my Lord, I was cut up all over again when that happened.

I don't think I'll every forget this book. The last one that ripped my insides apart was Bright Side by Kim Holden (so good - go read it if you haven't already.) Different story but it delivered the same powerful emotional turmoil.

My only complaint is that I wanted more of "present day" Atlas but I'm greedy like that! A little novella now would be great, Colleen, hint hint!

I loved the personal note Colleen included at the end, and the personal connection she had to this story shines through.

It is quite simply masterful. Absolutely superb. She nailed the emotions and managed to end it on a positive note and I'm going to be feeling all the feels for a lot while.

Highly Recommended, but make sure you have a box of tissues because you'll need them.

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SPOILERS ALERT

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 March 2019

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A new author for me and one who has left an impression.

Ryle is definitely not my favourite character but I surprisingly finished this book with no burning sense of hatred towards him. I was ready to really despise Ryle once the first incident/event happened, but as the book progressed those damn shades of grey became more apparent. The complexity of being in such a situation, and the internal conflict one can go through was depicted so well through Lily – I couldn’t help but feel for her, even as I cringed sensing strongly that the first incident/event wouldn’t be the last.

There is a bit of a love triangle in this but not in the traditional sense so to speak and not in a way that had me thinking hell no, there’s no cheating (physical or emotional). Rather Lily finds herself making difficult decisions that align her path once again with her first love - Atlas.

Still not sure how much I believe the “There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.” But in the context of this book and the characters the author did wonderfully at highlighting those varying shades of grey that manifest in messy ways in lived reality. One of the key reasons that I always say ‘I hope I would do….’, when talking to friends and family, because you just never know what you would do if you found
yourself in such a situation.

The journal entries from Lily’s youth had me loving Atlas.

Throughout this book my emotions were engaged, and at 95% I could feel the tears emerging, stinging my eyes - Lily is one strong, brave woman.

A book that had me absorbed and one I’ll remember, and I so see myself re-reading this at some point.

However, whilst I was absorbed in this book, there are a few things that concern me a tad now I’ve had time to think a little after reading. For example, there seems to be no concern/consideration of the fact that no matter how much he doesn’t want to Ryle may hurt the next women he dates/marries – something his child, Lily’s child could witness, but there’s no sense of how he will stop himself from raising his hands/fists. Shouldn’t this be something Lily would also be concerned about?

Also, the attempted rape – I don’t know as I sit back and let what happened sink further into me, I just don’t feel like Ryle was truly confronted with the horror what he almost did – although when Lily reminds him of what he did and askes him if he would want his daughter to stay with such a man – that scene is pretty powerful.

Part of me does wish the author had made me feel a little less pity for Ryle, although whilst I was a tad sympathetic it wasn't a lot. I’m SO GLAD this book ended how it did, I sighed with relief.

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zoebeesbooks19

I’m a Colleen Hoover fan

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 June 2021

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Well I have and truly popped the Colleen Hoover cherry now, still a novice but now 2nd book in

Without giving spoilers - please maybe read up on what book entails if you have any triggers at all as this book covers such a sensitive and emotive topic which may be triggering for some people (or message me) If you don’t have triggers it is best to go in without any knowledge of what is going to occur.

This is an amazing book. The synopsis may suggest that this story is a love triangle - it runs so much deeper than that.

I loved Lily the main protagonist of the story, I admired her resilience, determination and kindness. She radiates warmth all the way through and I liked the relationships she built along the way with over characters. I never felt the love for Ryle but I adored Atlas.

The writing and knowledge of the issues covered in the book is brilliant. It is easy as an outsider to think some things in life are black and white and even though this is a fictional story reading this I felt I had a better understanding on how and why people cope and put up with certain situations.

If you haven’t read any Colleen Hoover books I would highly recommend you start with this one. I loved Layla but I thought this book just had something a little more special and is a powerful read.

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IS

Five stars and more!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2020

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It’s the third book I read from Colleen... I started it and read it in a day - couldn’t put it down... I was so engaged that I wanted to see what happens next...
Things that I loved in this book:
Loved the way that she gets right to the story - from the first page you are right in it, you don’t have to read 50 pages setting the scene. Loved the characters - all are somewhat imperfectly perfect. Loved that the story was about choices in life, how sometimes life doesn’t turn out like you thought it would, personal limitations, and that sometimes there is no black and white. Loved the fact that all the characters had a purpose in the book and while I can keep going, I loved the mum/daughter relationship that becomes so powerful in the decision making. (“I want to be you when I grow up”). Definitely worth a read and five stars!

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Victoria Pamela

Perfect!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 September 2016

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I am ashamed to say this is my first EVER CoHo read and I can promise it won't be my last!

Let me start by saying I had no idea what I would find written on these pages and I hadn't read the blurb or anything any one else written. I bought this book because I fell in love with the cover. Yes just for the cover.

After beginning this book I learnt that the subject matter was one that is extremely close to my heart and one I have been through myself. Colleens words are on point, powerful and thought provoking. This is a story that once finished will never leave your heart and will for me always be a favourite. Colleens words are beautiful and raw, they are brutally honest and beyond perfect for telling this story. There were parts where in real life I couldn't find explanations for that Colleen explained them perfectly and the reasons for Lily making the decisions she did are the reasons we all make or made those decisions and they aren't decisions any one would understand unless they themselves are in that situation. For a hard hitting subject matter, It Ends With Us is beautifully told, nothing is shied away from and Colleen brings an understanding to the subject that few people understand. I do not have enough words to say how much I loved this book, even though it broke my heart and then pieced it slowly back together, even though there were times I could have killed some of the characters, this book is just perfect.

Lily is a character that will from now on will rank right up there on my list of favourites. She is a character who will forever stay in my heart along with her story. She is not a perfect person, she has her flaws just like the rest of her and maybe that's what makes her so identifiable and relatable, but she will make you fall in love with her over and over again. Between her past and her present you are given so many reasons to love her and her very witty personality, also her love of Finding Nemo! I am not going to go into too much more detail, I will leave you to find the rest out for yourselves, however I will add that I LOVE Atlas! Atlas is just... *swoons* Ryle, ladies Ryle will get your pulses racing for all kinds of reasons!! And his sister Alyssa is so funny!

In short...

This book is beyond perfect, Colleen I bow to your amazing talent to form words in a way that will leave a very permanent imprint in peoples souls. It's almost like you are a superhero and your special power is writing words that will bleed ALL emotion out of all who read it. Thank you for this experience. There are very few authors who hit as powerfully as you have!

THIS BOOK NEEDS TO BE READ BY ALL!

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Siobhan

A powerful read!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 2022

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**TW**
Domestic ab*se, r*pe, manipulation, s*icide, homelessness, child neglect, death, substance ab*se
This book contains a lot of sensitive themes, if a sensitive reader, this book may not be suited for you.

Where to begin? This book was powerful in its own way. The character development of Lily was amazing and she definitely showed what it was like to come out on the brighter side.

Her relationship with Ryle though, that was clearly toxic from the start with many red flags to view. But she loved him and it can be difficult to see past the love you have for someone.
There were scenes where he was kind and gentle with her but coming into the middle of the book, and onwards, his behavior started to change and his attitude towards Lily was not at all kind and gentle.
Reading the interactions they have together really makes you think long and hard about the type of people they are. Yes, they cared for each other, but they had to think of themselves too. Lily's mother gave some great advice towards the end of the book and I love that.

Speaking of Lily's mother, their relationship had some great development as we got further and further into the book. Their bond grew stronger as they found some common ground. Lily's mother gently pushed her daughter to make the decision that kept her safe.

Of course, if anyone has been on TikTok or Instagram, then you know there is another love interest mentioned in this book and his name is Atlas. Dear, sweet Atlas. Always compassionate Atlas.
Our first encounters with him are mostly through Lily's journals and we learn an awful lot about his character. At such a young age, Lily showed strong compassion and determination when it came to Atlas, and giving him what felt like a home, and he never once took advantage of her.
Their connection with Ellen DeGeneres was beautiful and the continuing messages of 'Just Keep Swimming' was enough to put a sop smile on my face while reading.

The ending of this book was beautiful. I loved that there was a positive and that everything seemed to start to slot itself in place. It truly showed the development of Lily's character. And, as her mother said, Lily is definitely brave and bold.

This book deals with many issues that people face in real life and it truly gets you thinking about your own life and values. Many people have advertised this book as a romance, but I see it differently, it's a book of life. Of a difficult life that does have a brighter outcome. Even when everything may feel wrong, it can get better.

I do highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more of Colleen Hoover's books in the near future.

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Beautifully heartbreaking

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 April 2022

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This book is soul destroying in it’s portrayal of domestic abuse and being homeless. I urge you to read the author’s note at the end to fully grasp just how much.

Featuring two timelines, we meet a young Lily and read her diary entrees where she writes to TV’s Ellen to spill her soul. With Atlas squatting in the abandoned house next door also becoming privy to her secrets. Then we have present day Lily about to embark on finally achieving her dream of owning her own florists and meeting Ryle on a rooftop.

I had so much hope for Lily but at times it felt like she had jumped out of the frying pan and straight into the fire. Red flags quickly becoming apparent but while the reader grasps them it seems Lily is blinded by love. Excuses are made and like a lot of victims self blame comes into play.

History and family ties bind Lily in a way that is both clever and disconcerting. I never thought I would feel sorry for an abuser but the author shows the truth behind it, that most are charming.

Ryle and Atlas both love Lily. I loved all three, the characters are everything in this book and that goes for other family and friends too. All the relationships are realistic whether that is parental, romantic or friendship. Allysa was a firm favourite, she burst into Lily’s life and their friendship became such a huge and integral part of the story.

This is a love story and also not a love story. It is uncomfortable at times and heartbreaking at others. It is the age old story of wanting what you can’t have and then taking off those rose tinted glasses and not liking the reality you finally get to see. Will Lily become another statistic or will she find a way to live happily ever after? Will it be with Atlas or Ryle?

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Sgeorgina1997

Please stop romanticising this brilliant book...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2022

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Disclaimer: This book may make you cry. a lot.

It has to be said that this is not a romance novel as social media likes to often portray it. This is Lily's story about domestic abuse with love interests involved. I feel this book has been romanticized a little too much.

This book is so gripping that I read it in 1 day. I can't begin to tell you how much of a page-turner this was. I absolutely loved Lily's character and the innocent diary entries to tell the story of her past. I note some people weren't a fan of the authors writing style but I personally felt the short sentences helped build suspense in some of THOSE chapters (once you've read you'll see what I mean). There's a time and place for that writing style and I feel it can apply here.

If you want a romance book, look elsewhere. If you want a raw tale following someone's path to finding themselves and happiness after being surrounded by domestic abuse, look no further.

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Broc's Bookcase

I've loved every CoHo book I've ever read but this one is miles above them all. Absolutely INCREDIBLE!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 August 2017

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"Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person. Fifteen seconds that we’ll never get back."

I don't think I have cried so much at a book, or had such a massive bookish hangover since I read Noughts and Crosses (Malorie Blackman) when I was 12 years old. This book was so different to what I expected it to be but so much more than I had hoped it would be and it took me 2 whole days to recover before I could even begin to attempt to write a review for this book.

I started this book after getting home from work, absolutely knackered but kept awake by my excitement to start reading this book, and finished it within 4 hours (totally beat Amazon's 7 hours estimated reading time!). It then took me another hour to calm down before I could even think about going to bed and the next morning I feel totally emotionally exhausted.

I couldn't put the book down, nor did I want to. I have to admit to a couple of mini breaks in order to wipe the heavy amount of tears from my eyes and prepare myself for what was coming next, but other than that I read this book in one go.

CoHo has written us some amazing characters to fall in love with in the past, but I don't think I have ever been so proud of a heroine (CoHo's or anyone else's) than I was of Lily in this book. I loved her from page one and my admiration for her and her strength and conviction only grew the more I got into the book. She was real and vulnerable and she managed to find the strength to make the right choice in the hardest of situations. I honesty don't think I've admired a character more, and I feel like she is a heroine not just in this book, but for every girl and woman to look up to and be inspired by.

I want to clear up one thing in this review, and it is the only thing I will say about the story line of this book. Do not be afraid of a love triangle. After reading the description it was exactly where my mind went to, but having read a lot of CoHo books before I totally trusted her, and it was the right thing to do. Yes, there are two male characters in this book, but in no way are they or a love triangle the focus of this book. The story is so much bigger than them and I really hope that people don't get scared away from this book because of an assumed love triangle.

There is a very powerful message that is woven into this book, right from chapter one. It starts subtle, but as you read on you start to realise just how significant these moments are as the story comes together and gives us a raw and honest portrayal of a very realistic story.

I've purposely said very little to nothing about the storyline because everyone should go into this book blind, that way you won;t expect anything. This is very important because it is totally unexpected for our heroine too. We realise at the same time as our MC the situation she has ended up in and this allows us to experience her journey with her, which makes it all the more powerful.

We often hear authors telling us about how much of themselves they have poured into their books, and this book must have had gallons from CoHo, which is proved to us by the honesty of her authors note. I can honesty say that I have only cried at one other authors note before (Sweet Fall - Tillie Cole) but CoHo deserved every single one of my tears.

On a final note I have to say how much I love the title and cover of this book, the reasoning for both becomes apparent as you read the book, and for the title especially has a very strong impact emotionally.

"That’s what fifteen minutes can do to a person. It can destroy them. It can save them."

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5 star		74%
4 star		16%
3 star		6%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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