I know what you are thinking. “Ugh, yet another romance book ending with the happily ever after.” I understand, believe me – but give me the chance to convince you why this one is actually worth reading. 

“It Ends With Us” is a novel by Colleen Hoover. Published in August of 2016, it tells the story of protagonist Lily Bloom. 

The first element that makes this book worth reading is its timeline – which is more of a scribble and not so much a line. Hoover goes back and forth between past and present telling Lily’s story, leading readers to start devising a mental puzzle of sorts in an effort to follow along. 

A second important element to note is that Ellen DeGeneres is one of the main characters of this story — but I won’t give you spoilers. Just keep that random fact in mind. 

Like every good romance, Lily wrestles with the question of “who should I love?” Her first love is Atlas Corrigan, with whom she lives many of her first experiences and a not-at-all traditional romance. When she moves to Boston she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon with a remarkable appearance that steals her attention from the first second.

The truth about this book is that the love it talks about has nothing to do with love triangles or past and present loves. The most important act of love described in this story did not happen in either Atlas’ or Ryle’s relationship with Lily. 

“It Ends With Us” is based on the true story of Colleen Hoover’s mom. The book holds a surprising end that goes beyond anything the reader can imagine.

It’s almost agonizing how you only understand what the title of this book means in its very last pages. Chapter by chapter, the reader follows along with Lily’s decisions and struggles, and it makes you wonder what comes next. Differently than in some books, the epilogue and the note from the author’s sessions are essential to tie up this story and provide the necessary details that expose the reasoning behind every page. 

Lily’s story makes us understand what happens in many relationships. It takes us to a vulnerable place, leading us to question how easy it is to fall into a difficult situation. It makes you deeply ponder how far away boundaries are within what we define as love. 

“Naked truth?” This was the question Lily would ask one of her lovers to let him know the most honest of her thoughts. Now I ask you – naked truth? This book made me cry like I had not done in a long time.

Hoover describes the story as “an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price,” – and that it truly is.

Fans of “It Ends With Us” can anticipate a much-desired catch-up with the novel’s beloved characters with the release of long-awaited sequel “It Starts With Us” this October.

Rating: 5/5 stars