mackadams 's review for:

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

4.5

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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Colleen Hoover knows how to rip out your heart, tear it to pieces, then gently put it back together again. 

I had seen a lot about this one before going in, so I knew what to expect. 

So for anyone who hasn’t: read the trigger warnings!!!

This is not a romance. It is much heavier than your typical romance. 

But for what it is, it was brilliant. I think the way she handled this topic was elegant and heartbreaking and right on the nose, which makes even more sense once you read the authors note. 

Particularly in the way she made you fall in love with Ryle in time with Lily, so what he does hurts so much more. A sick little part of me wanted her to take him back, and knew why she wanted to. But most of me was screaming at her to run. I think that’s what made this so brilliant, you were at battle just as much as Lily was. Which makes the ending so much more satisfying and makes you so happy for Lily.

Bonus just to say I love Atlas and I love Allysa. So much.
Only reason it’s not a 5 is because I just wish there was more, especially with modern day Atlas. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Gaslighting

Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent

Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt