Co-Review: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

After buddy reading many books, Christina of Booklover's Teaparty and I decided to do something different and do a co-review.

Title: It Ends With Us
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: August 2nd 2016 by Atria Books
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

 

SOMETIMES THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE 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, and maybe even a little arrogant. He's also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle's complete aversion to relationships is disturbing.

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.

With this bold and deeply personal novel, Colleen Hoover delivers a heart-wrenching story that breaks exciting new ground for her as a writer. It Ends With Us is an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.

This book contains graphic scenes and very sensitive subject matter.

Was there anything that stood out with the storyline to you?

Stephanie: It was unique compared to other books in general because there are letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres  when she was younger. This was super interesting because 1. I love Ellen and 2. this way we could find out what happened all those years between Lily and Atlas. 

Christina: The fact that it basically involved two love stories one in the past and one in the present made it different. The past love story were journal entries or letters that Lily wrote to Ellen DeGeneres about her life and a boy, Atlas she befriends. Lily in the present reads these in between her present life so we experience both stories.

What are your thoughts on Lily and Ryle and also Lily and Atlas in the book?

Stephanie: Lily & Ryle: It's hard to say because I don't want to reveal any spoilers for future readers but my heart hurt so much for them with everything that went on between them and all the things Ryle did. I do believe he was story but that obviously didn't make up for it all. 
Lily & Atlas: I can't deny it, my heart hurt for them too. We got to know Atlas through the letters Lily wrote to Ellen and I loved him right away so I was always hoping he'd show up. I won't say if he does or not, though. ;)

Christina: It is really a rollercoaster on your emotions with Lily and Ryle. You love them, but then...(must not reveal) and yet you love them  Then as you get to know Atlas you love him, too and just wonder how can all this even end well. It is just really hard to say much since saying too much would reveal the big dark secret and the twist. I hurt for both Lily and Ryle and Lily and Atlas.

Favorite secondary character?

Stephanie: There weren't that many secondary characters but I was really fond of Allysa and Marshall because even though this book was a little tough to read sometimes, they provided a comic relief that was definitely needed.

Christina: Since there weren’t many secondary characters or ones that had much time in the book it’s kind of hard. I did like Alyssa, she seemed like a good friend to Lily and added some fun to the book. Her and her husband were adorable actually.

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Stephanie: “All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

Christina:

“All humans make mistakes. What determines a person's character aren't the mistakes we make. It's how we take those mistakes and turn them into lessons rather than excuses.” 

And sorry also gotta add this short one,  “I hope you defy the odds of most dreams and actually accomplish yours.” 

Did it turn out how you expected?

Stephanie: In a way it did, and in a way it didn't. I expected that this book would've made me cry and it did like the amazing writer that Colleen Hoover is. And it was unexpected because I didn't expect how hard this book was at times and the relationship it was about concerning Lily and Ryle.

Christina: Actually no. But then again as I was getting into the book I couldn’t really tell how it end to be honest. You start and think, oh it’s gonna end this way and such, but that just kept changing for me and in the end I just really didn’t know what to think. I was happy with the end though, even though it made me cry.

What are your overall thoughts about the book?

Stephanie: I knew right from the start that It Ends With Us was a bit different from this author's usual work. I don't want to reveal too much but I gotta say that some things that happened between Lily and Ryle were a bit hard to read. And yet, on the other hand the way Colleen Hoover wrote it made it a pretty incredible read even it was tough and sad at times.

Christina: Overall I think it was an amazing book. Had some things that were hard to read at times, heartbreaking even, but at the same time it’s a book that really makes you think and has an important message. Beautiful, beautiful book that really plays with all your emotions.