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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book tugged at my heart strings. It was a realistic experience with domestic violence that feels all too familiar for some, but can be eye opening to others. I loved that it always kept me wanting to read more. The author choosing to switch back and forth between the different character’s perspectives made it enjoyable and easy to read.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A book about domestic abuse needs to be written with care and empathy, not used an epic plot twist to make a spectacle out of.
Poorly researched (see: 30 y/o neurosurgeon), cliché (dark flowers), and downright embarassing (ellen diaries).
Bottomline
Don’t read.
Poorly researched (see: 30 y/o neurosurgeon), cliché (dark flowers), and downright embarassing (ellen diaries).
Bottomline
Don’t read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content
fast-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Rape, Sexual assault
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
I’ve made it a habit to read popular books only after all the hype dies down. With It Ends With Us, I had mixed feelings from the start because I’d seen both glowing praise and harsh criticism. Now, here’s mine. (Spoiler warning!)
First off, I have to admit the book is catchy—it flew by in my hands. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel that domestic abuse was handled too superficially. From the beginning, the author presents the story as if there are two sides, almost trying to justify Ryle’s actions by painting him as "not a bad person" but rather "someone who makes mistakes."
I also couldn’t shake the thought: if Ryle weren’t a rich, successful neurosurgeon but instead a guy earning minimum wage, would his character spark the same internal conflict in readers? Would Lily still hesitate as much? It seems like the book wants to explore why women stay in abusive relationships—just as Lily’s mother did—but the execution falls flat.
Here’s the thing: times are changing. Young readers picking up this pink, cute-covered book shouldn’t walk away thinking that men like Ryle deserve endless chances simply because of their trauma. And honestly, his excuse for his violent tendencies—that he shot his brother by accident as a child—felt weak and unconvincing.
Another frustrating aspect is how women are often portrayed as the ones responsible for "fixing" broken men, turning them into good husbands and fathers. It shouldn’t be another woman’s duty to heal a grown man’s trauma or mistakes. Ryle deliberately waited for Lily to react—he knew who had bought the magnet, he had read her diaries—yet the story frames this as some sort of emotional trigger rather than manipulation. This is exactly the kind of dynamic that guilt-trips women into blaming themselves, pushing them to stay and "help" the abuser instead of recognizing the red flags and leaving.
What should be emphasized instead is the importance of financial stability and independence as a means of escaping abusive relationships. This book had the opportunity to educate readers about abuse, but it focused more on the romance between Lily and Ryle rather than the harsh reality of domestic violence. Even their first encounter is telling—Lily meets Ryle as he’s aggressively kicking chairs on a rooftop, openly admitting to his rage issues. That should have been a red flag, not the beginning of a love story.
Overall, It Ends With Us romanticizes a situation that too many women face in real life. A book about domestic abuse shouldn’t become a bestseller because of its fiery romance—it should be praised for its depth, awareness, and impact. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark.
First off, I have to admit the book is catchy—it flew by in my hands. But at the same time, I can’t help but feel that domestic abuse was handled too superficially. From the beginning, the author presents the story as if there are two sides, almost trying to justify Ryle’s actions by painting him as "not a bad person" but rather "someone who makes mistakes."
I also couldn’t shake the thought: if Ryle weren’t a rich, successful neurosurgeon but instead a guy earning minimum wage, would his character spark the same internal conflict in readers? Would Lily still hesitate as much? It seems like the book wants to explore why women stay in abusive relationships—just as Lily’s mother did—but the execution falls flat.
Here’s the thing: times are changing. Young readers picking up this pink, cute-covered book shouldn’t walk away thinking that men like Ryle deserve endless chances simply because of their trauma. And honestly, his excuse for his violent tendencies—that he shot his brother by accident as a child—felt weak and unconvincing.
Another frustrating aspect is how women are often portrayed as the ones responsible for "fixing" broken men, turning them into good husbands and fathers. It shouldn’t be another woman’s duty to heal a grown man’s trauma or mistakes. Ryle deliberately waited for Lily to react—he knew who had bought the magnet, he had read her diaries—yet the story frames this as some sort of emotional trigger rather than manipulation. This is exactly the kind of dynamic that guilt-trips women into blaming themselves, pushing them to stay and "help" the abuser instead of recognizing the red flags and leaving.
What should be emphasized instead is the importance of financial stability and independence as a means of escaping abusive relationships. This book had the opportunity to educate readers about abuse, but it focused more on the romance between Lily and Ryle rather than the harsh reality of domestic violence. Even their first encounter is telling—Lily meets Ryle as he’s aggressively kicking chairs on a rooftop, openly admitting to his rage issues. That should have been a red flag, not the beginning of a love story.
Overall, It Ends With Us romanticizes a situation that too many women face in real life. A book about domestic abuse shouldn’t become a bestseller because of its fiery romance—it should be praised for its depth, awareness, and impact. Unfortunately, this one missed the mark.
