It Ends with Us

Honest and from the heart are two words that perfectly describe this story. It Ends With Us is personal for Colleen Hoover, and it shows. There's an underlying intensity and truth, especially with Lily and her emotional conflicts and self-talk. It feels real. I think there is a powerful message to anyone struggling to understand domestic abuse and questions why women stay in bad relationships. I also believe there is a powerful message in Ryle's character; no one would ever suspect he has a dark side. But, again, this is real; most people are shades of grey.

I like that the author tackles a critical topic that is not commonly discussed. In addition, I like that this is a romance story with grit, out of the box, not just boy meets girl. And I like how the novel explores the patterns we all learn and follow. They start in childhood. They are hard but not impossible to break.