It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

September 15th, 2016 Kimberly Review 77 Comments

15th Sep
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
It Ends with Us
by Colleen Hoover
Narrator: Olivia Song
Length: 11 hours and 11 minutes
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 4 cups

Sometimes it is the one who loves you who hurts you the most.

Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

INFURIATING ROMANCE TEARJERKER warning

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover narrated by Oliva Song explored the complexities of loving those who hurt us. This might surprise you, but I always go into Hoover’s stories blind. I never read the blurb, avoid reviews and just experience them.  It Ends with Us was heartbreaking and while there is romance this book is more about a serious issue.

I will keep this review spoiler free and only share my thoughts

Caffeinated Aspects

  • I loved how the story began and liked Lily’s voice from the onset.
  • Ryle and Lily share a slow-building relationship and I enjoyed the banter.
  • Despite what you may think, there is no love triangle or cheating.
  • Hoover used journal entries written by Lily to a celebrity as a young teen. I loved the references to a character they portrayed. It allowed me to understand Lily and her relationship to Atlas.
  • I adored Atlas and his story.
  • Hoover addresses a complex subject and calls out those who do not understand the whys and how. This happens every day and it is so easy to say, “I would do this” or “what is wrong with her?”
  • I think Hoover made a strong case for Lily’s behavior, reasoning and reactions. While Lily makes mistakes, I understood her struggle and appreciated her growth. Ultimately, I am satisfied with the outcome.
  • I appreciated the emotional support, and sound advice presented even if I wanted more. This is after all one of those “dirty-little-secrets”
  • The author’s note was raw and honest giving substance to Lily and Ryle’s story.
  • Oliver Song was perfect for this narration. I think she captured Lily. Her male voices were strong, and did not have that raspy hoarse tone we often hear from a female narrator.

Decaffeinated Aspects

  • While we learn about Ryle’s past, I did not feel like it was explored enough. I could not grasp what connection the author was trying to make between events that take place and his past. I would have gone another more proven route.
  • Lily’s BFF had an issue and despite loving the thread that followed  it felt forced to answer a question. I just do not think it was the right one.
  • While this story was about Lily, I would have liked to have had seen dialogue between Ryle and his family.
  • I liked the ending but would have liked to hear professional counseling was involved. Although in reality, this is not always the case.

It Ends With Us contains a subject that may be a trigger for some readers. Warning: Clicking spoiler does share subject matter View Spoiler »

 

 

The audio of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover was a powerful tale with a slice of happy Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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77 Responses to “It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover”

  1. Melanie Simmons

    I’ve not read Colleen Hover before. This sounds like a really good book. I do the same thing and go into some books blind, especially if it is an author I love. Every now and then it bites me on the butt, but mostly I like it better that way. Great review. 🙂

  2. AngelErin

    Excellent review! I just bought this recently myself and I hope I will like it too. I don’t blame you for going into her books blind, that sounds like a great idea for her novels.

  3. Nicole

    I just won this book recently and I can’t wait to read it. I agree that sometimes it’s better to go into a book blind. I know enough about this one to know that it tackles a tough subject, but that’s it. I should probably just stop reading reviews for it until I read it! 🙂

  4. verushka

    I admire your decision to go in blind to this — I could never do that! I definitely feel a little lost not knowing what to expect going into a book. I am curious about the complex issues Hoover address, but impressed that she tackles it realistically, I think.

  5. Deborah

    Am intrigued what this would have been like on audio. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it as I’d not read anything by Hoover and didn’t expect it to be my kind of book.

  6. Jeann

    Oh gosh, I know this is going to be a heart wrenching book but I don’t really like how Hoover uses these subjects as a plot twist. They should be explored deeper as you said in a healthy way.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Jeann, I really felt like this was the subject and not plot twist. While I didn’t really feel her backstory on Ryle was sufficient, she really touches on the why particularly for women. I think she providing understand for those who cannot understand how a women allows herself to be in this situation.

  7. Michele

    I really need to get back to reading CoHo. This sounds like another great one, and I’ll be sure to add it to the list. Thank you for the spoiler-free review, my friend! 🙂

  9. Emma

    I’m not a fan of romance but having read November 9 know Hoover is more complex than you might get with others of the genre. Plus I’m intrigued here by what the spoilers might be. I have added to my to read list.

  10. Sophia Rose

    I’ve not read any of her books yet, but each review I see seems to explore some pretty emotional situations. I’m glad that for the most part she does a good job handling the deeper stuff. One day I will get to her books.
    I appreciated your thoughts on the book and recognize that you were being careful so the reader could appreciate it for themselves.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Sophia. Yeah the situation isn’t mentioned and I tried to express my thoughts without spoiling it. She writes about messy stuff with characters you become invested in.

  11. The Bibliophile Babe

    Fantastic review! I really did not like this one; as the child of xxxxx and xxxxxx, I felt I was in a good place to analyze her actions. I didn’t understand her thought process and she infuriated me on so many levels.
    I also agree that Ryle’s excuses weren’t up to snuff, and I didn’t get the connection that was suppose to be made there.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I feel you, a close family friend shares your experience. Odd how Lily felt the exact same way you did until it happen to her. She made bad choices, but I think Hoover did a good job expressing her struggles. Nope the Ryan past thing didn’t work for me at all. Sorry this one didn’t work out for you.

  15. Genesis

    I found this to be okay. During the first half of the novel, I felt so disconnected from the characters. I couldn’t feel anything for them at all! Afterwards, I started feeling for Lily a lot, but I don’t know. I couldn’t love this, unfortunately. I’m glad you did, though 🙂 Great review!

  17. Lorna

    I’ve wanted to read this one so bad but all the reviews mention something bad,!but no spoilers so I didn’t buy it. I am so happy you included the spoiler info because I really wanted to know. So thank you for that! Now I can buy it! Great review as always 🙂

  19. Tracy Terry

    Not a genre that typically appeals to me but I do like the idea of the exploration of loving those who hurt us as I think many of us will relate to it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yep, I liked how she allowed others to understand. It is so easy to judge, and say I would do this. It is so different when you are living it.

  21. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    Yours is the first really positive review I’ve seen, and I loved reading a different opinion. I wouldn’t mind the more difficult subjects, but I don’t know that I’m up for something heart-wrenching right about now. When I read it, I’ll definitely go with audio.

  23. Rowena

    Wonderful review Kim!

    The last book I read by Hoover completely wrecked me and I haven’t been able to pick another book by her up. I’m just not in the mood for something that emotional again…but man does your review of this one tempt me something fierce.

  24. Angela

    I’ve read a few of her books but I must have missed this one coming out., Adding it to my list when I want something a bit heavier.

  25. Heidi

    I just finished listening to this one the other day, and I loved it. I so appreciated that she called attention to XXXXXXXXX and XXXXXXXX. I had a few niggles too, but all in all it is one of my faves of the year.

  27. Leona

    I’ve never read a Hoover story and I don’t think I will since I already have a good number of authors who factor into my therapy bill and I don’t want to add more lol. I’m glad you continue to enjoy Hoover’s stories again and again, it’s hard to find authors like that.

  29. Lauren H.

    Wow. Your review was wonderful. I loved the book as well but did ultimately have some of the same issues that you had. I would have loved to listen to the audio. But this book will not be one that I can re-read/listen too. It was just too raw and emotional. I can’t put myself through that again. 😉

  30. Rita

    I like the idea of slow-building relationships in a book, but I’ve heard a bit about what this story is about, and I think I have to pass, based on your spoiler warning, having experienced that as a young woman, I don’t like to relive that theme if possible, so thanks for the warning. Glad it was a pretty good read for you! I know CoHo is an esteemed author 🙂

  32. Lekeisha

    I’m hoping to have my first great experience with one of her books. I’m debating on reading this one next or Confess.

  33. kindlemom1

    This was definitely more of an emotional read for me that her others were. I don’t know if it was because of the author’s note at the end (which is a must to read) or I just really connected to the story for some reason. I don’t know but I loved it, heartbreak, tough subject matter and all.

  34. Deborah Haupt

    Wow is about all I can say Kim, the way you go into each of her stories blind tells me that you trust her and yet are able to be surprised by her. This does sound interesting but I did peek at the spoiler and so I’m putting this low on my wish list. Thanks for this inspiring and informative w/o revelations review!

  35. Bookworm Brandee

    This is an incredible review, Kim. I can tell the book affected you despite the decaffeinated elements. CoHo always seems to deliver, doesn’t she? I’m anxious to get my hands on this one. Oh, and I know I always read the synopsis of her books as well as reviews but by the time I get to them, I don’t remember. *haha*

  36. Berls

    I haven’t read this book but so far I’ve loved everything of Colleen Hoover’s I’ve read. You’ve got me very curious about this potentially triggering issue, but I didn’t click to see it. I don’t go into her books blind, but I like to keep out the major details. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yeah, if it was mentioned in the synopsis I will talk about it..but this wasn’t making it very hard to discuss the issue without spoilers. I think I did it.

  37. Lexxie

    Oh my gosh, Kim! You hit this on the nail, it was a very strong story, and I think it’s also a necessary story to tell, you know?
    I go into CoHo’s books blind, too. She’s an auto-buy author for me, and I stay away from everything until I’ve read the newest book myself.
    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Lexi..ha and I am glad I am not the only one who goes in blind. Sometimes I will start reading and will IM Christy..with things like “tell me now there is no cheating.”

  38. Melliane

    Despite some little things it sounds like a great one I confess that I’m quite curious because I loved what I tried from the author for now!

  39. Kathryn

    Great review, I have I admit been reading the reviews as they have been published and intend this book being my first CH book and want to listen on audio. Love your balanced review.