A review by erinrichards1993
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

dark emotional inspiring sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 I didn't know much about this book before I read it, only that everyone was talking about it. I thought this was going to be a typical romance novel with a love triangle. I was so wrong and I am glad that I was!
I am so glad that the toxic traits associated with male love interests was shown for what they really are.. toxic! Ryle had the classic traits of an abuser. It started with love bombing, he seemed perfect. And then the small cracks start and excuses are made because you just remember all the good things. And then something worse happens, but he makes up for it. He buys the perfect apartment, but without discussion. Everything is on his terms. It is all just part of the control and manipulation. 

And of course you feel for Ryle, his past and and what happened with his brother are of course terrible. He is a broken man and needs true healing from that, but that doesn't give an excuse for abusing your girlfriend/wife. I feel that making Ryle not an obvious terrible person from the start makes him a more rounded character. But we don't have to like him and we don't have to root for him to keep the girl. 

The back story of Lily and Atlas was really sweet, it lets you see how she grew up and why she would fall for someone like Ryle. But it also introduces Atlas and how much a part of Lily he truly is. Of course it was super cheesy to make the journals letters to Ellen, but I couldn't help but smile. It was actually pretty cute.

I really appreciate that Lily didn't fall straight into Atlas' arms when she left Ryle. She was able to process what was happening in her own way and heal without relying on someone else. She didn't need a savior, she was strong enough to heal on her own.

A love story about healing and ending the cycle of abuse. I look forward to reading It Starts With Us and seeing what happens next. </spoiler?
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