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. 

Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Title: Confess
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: March 10th 2015 by Atria Books
Genre: New Adult ~ Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

  

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a new novel about risking everything for love—and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight and there’s no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover Owen is keeping major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can’t seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin…

Confess was a surprising, beautiful and unique book. It's my second one I've read by Colleen Hoover but I can alread say it's one of my favorite books now.

This book is about Auburn Reed (love her name!) and Owen Gentry. They meet when Auburn is looking for extra cash and Owen is looking for help in his art studio. They're instantly attracted to one another and turn out to have more in common than their middle name.

I really loved reading in both Auburn and Owen's points of view. I enjoyed getting to know them and them trying to get to know each other. Owen, especially was an amazing character. I just adored him. What can I say, I'm a sucker for charming artists.

The art and confessions, though, was my favorite part of the book. How could I not love that? The art inside the book was so beautiful and the confessions were compelling as well, especially because they came from readers. 

It wasn't until the last chapter of the book that it became an emotional read for me. That was the moment were I thought, yes this is a full five star read for me. I never read a book quite like it due to the art and confessions but the story was beautiful as well. 

  About the Author

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Colleen Hoover's love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled "Mystery Bob" and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest. Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, "Slammed." She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT's bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT's bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term "author" still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn't work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting. Colleen's newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.

Co-Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

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

This is based on Novel Ink's co-discussion posts.

Title: Ugly Love
Author: Colleen Hoover
Publication: August 5th 2014 by Atria Books
Genre: New Adult ~ Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo
Rating: 5/5

 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with a new heart-wrenching love story.

When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn't have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.
Don't expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can't handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly. 

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

Christina: Probably the fact that we got two stories in one. We had Tate’s POV which took place in the present and then there were Miles’ POV, but his took place six years earlier, which of course does not bode well.  I really loved that it was done like that, it was different, in the best way. 

Stephanie:  Definitely! The thing that stood out the most to me was how there was a “normal’ POV for Tate but there was also a POV for Miles, but this one took place six years ago. You just know something bad is going to happen because of that. It was like two storylines in one. It was so unique! But that was probably my favorite thing in the book. 

What are your thoughts on Miles and Tate and also Miles and Rachel in the book?

Christina: It was actually weird kind of cheering for Miles to get both girls almost, but yeah kind of did. Even when things with him and Rachel could not end well I was still somehow hoping for the best, even though him being like he is in Tate’s POV in the present, then it really could not go well for them. I loved him and Tate, just from the moment they met, so hilarious. It was also sort of different to know more about Miles and the way he acted than Tate did. For her it is them having sex and her hoping maybe he will open up meanwhile we discover more and more about his past and I really feared that he would never come around. 

Stephanie: Well, I loved Miles and Tate, obviously… but I also liked reading about Rachel and Miles. I liked Miles and Tate’s relationship because it started as just sex and you just know it wouldn’t stay just sex. And like I said before the Miles chapters were really unique. And the thing was I kind of shipped both Miles and Tate and Rachel and Miles. I don’t know if this makes any sense to anyone but still. Of course I knew this could never happen since Rachel and Miles were in the past.

How would you describe Ugly Love in one or two words?

Christina:  Beautifully emotional.  

Stephanie: Heavy emotional. 

What's your favorite quote of the book?

Christina:  He shakes his head. “I didn’t fall in love with you, Tate I flew.”  

Love this, it is so sweet!  

Stephanie: “I didn’t fall in love with you… I flew.” 

What did you think of the writing in the book?

Christina: So beautiful! One of my favorite things were actually the little thoughts both characters had. Miles had more of that, I could pretty much feel I was in a teenage mind, it was amazing and even more obvious when we actually get a POV from him that is in the present, totally different, loved that detail.  

Stephanie:  The writing was simply perfection to me. There were quite a few gorgeous quotes and passages in this book and the Miles chapters (yes those again…) were written a little differently but it was so beautiful!  

What are your overall thoughts?

Christina:  Loved it! I was so eager to read it when I got it and then it was over so fast! Too fast! Truly amazing and so emotional.  

Stephanie:  I loved loved loved this book! Ugly Love was my first (full) Colleen Hoover book and I’m definitely not disappointed. I tried to be critical about the book because there’s a lot of hype around it, but honestly, it’s so worth the hype. It’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year. I also like how the cover is linked to the story, with the water and all. And I’m very excited for the movie with Nick Bateman. He’ll do great, I’m sure! 

       About the Author

       Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Colleen Hoover's love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled "Mystery Bob" and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest. Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, "Slammed." She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT's bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT's bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term "author" still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn't work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting. Colleen's newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.

Review: Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Title: Never Never
Authors: Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher
Series: Never Never #1
Publication: January 8th 2015 by Hoover Ink
Genre: New Adult
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Rating: 3/5

  

Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen.
Complete strangers since this morning.
He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget.

Never Never is my first book by Colleen Hoover as well as Tarryn Fisher and it was not a bad read for a 140 page book but it wasn't the best either. 

I guess I'm feeling a little underwhelmed by the overall story. Sure, I love a good mystery but it wasn't all that exciting. I did like the writing, it was pretty good and I love dual points of view. 

Starting this book I had no clue what was going on. I had a lot of questions along with the main characters, Charlie and Silas. I also liked the chemistry between the two, though there wasn't a whole lot of romance yet. And I do love me a good mystery so I thought bring it on! 

I enjoyed the story but not a whole lot happened so it's hard for me to say if I love it yet.  I just really wanted some real answers as to what in the world is going on with Charlie and Silas that causes them to lose their memories like that. And then there was that cliffhanger. Hmm... I guess only time and the next book will tell.

Overall, Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher had a pretty intriguing storyline but in the end not enough happened. It was also a very short book that I finished very quickly. Not that there's anything wrong with that but I just needed more, you know? Bring on the next part, please!

About Colleen Hoover

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Colleen Hoover's love for writing began in 1985 when she was five years old. Her first story was titled "Mystery Bob" and was a huge hit with her mother, who was really good at faking interest. Colleen continued to write short stories for friends and family until December of 2011, when she decided to write a long story she titled, "Slammed." She self-published SLAMMED to Amazon in January, 2012 and it hit the NYT's bestsellers list in May, 2012. She has since signed with Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, and now has six NYT's bestsellers. Colleen prefers to be called a writer, as the term "author" still terrifies her and makes this feel like a job with expectations. She doesn't work well under pressure and hopes writing will always remain fun and exciting. Colleen's newest novel, UGLY LOVE, releases August 5th, 2014. She is currently working on a new novel, CONFESS, which she is writing as fast as she can before she wakes up from this crazy dream.

About Tarryn Fisher

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Tarryn Fisher is cooler than you, but not one to rub it in your face. She graduated first in her class at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. She is a lover of human nature, and a real life villain (House of Slytherin). Her heart is dark, but she loves you with it anyway. Currently she lives in Washington with her son and daughter, and is working on her fifth novel, Marrow.