Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up – she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.
Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily, but Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.
As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan – her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.
With this bold and deeply personal novel, It Ends With Us is a heart-wrenching story and an unforgettable tale of love that comes at the ultimate price.
This special collector’s edition of It Ends With Us includes a limited-edition cover, a Q&A with author Colleen Hoover, and an excerpt from her best-selling book All Your Perfects.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
At first glance, you expect this book to be one thing, and it ends up being another. Lily is a character that you love from the first page. She is very strong, independent, compassionate and as the reader, you see yourself in her from the beginning. Like Lily, I instantly fell in love with Ryle. He has that alluring personality and charm and, to be fair, sounds very attractive too. Lily’s journals then allow us to learn about Atlas, and then inevitably, you fall for him also. Colleen’s writing allows us to feel for these characters and invest ourselves in their relationships. She makes us laugh and aw and opens us up to not only the good, but also the bad and the ugly. Despite the heavy content, this book is still a love story. It’s just not the kind of ending we expected. It’s not a love story between two people, it’s Lily’s love story. Some of it with Ryle, some with Atlas, but ultimately with herself. Lily learns to love herself enough to put her first. It’s written in such a delicate and eloquent fashion and provides us with beautiful imagery throughout. It made me cry and I cannot recommend this book enough. Emma, QLD, 5 Stars
It Ends With Us is the perfect book for individuals to get into reading, which comes as no surprise since it’s what has taken the book industry aback within the past two years. Hoover has constructed a page-turning book that will have you shocked with each turn of events. A truly wonderful representation of the abuse her mother encountered throughout Colleen’s childhood bringing awareness to such events. Kate, VIC, 5 Stars
This book pulls you into Lily’s story – the present, the past, and where they collide. Lily’s relationship with Ryle is like a fairytale, until it isn’t; her relationship with Atlas is heart warming. I found myself hoping that they could both work out! As someone without firsthand experience with domestic violence, I feel this story provides a realistic insight. Make sure you read the Note from the Author for even more understanding. Looking forward to reading It Starts With Us. Dalia, WA, 5 Stars
This was heartbreaking to read. Lily grew up in an abusive household. Although he never touched her, her father beat her mother and Lily often put herself in between them. She couldn’t understand why her mother didn’t leave. This was such a hard read – what I thought to be black and white has so many grey areas, and I ended up feeling torn by the decisions Lily makes and wishing things not to play out as they did! It also made me feel very grateful about my own situation in life! That said, I absolutely devoured the book, and it had me hanging on the edge of my seat. It was an absolute roller coaster of a read, and I laughed and cried throughout. I would recommend the read but it comes with a trigger warning. It was so well written and I wasn’t surprised to learn at the end that it was based on the author’s true experience. I can’t wait to read It Starts With Us! Laura, NSW, 5 Stars
This was a fantastic book, I could not put it down. Very easy to read while reaching very different emotions. Cannot wait to read the next one. I think I may have just found a new favourite author. Amanda, SA, 5 Stars
It Ends With Us is an amazing novel by Colleen Hoover. I have not read any of her other books but I am definitely going to buy them all for myself as Christmas presents now that I have read this one! Christine, WA, 5 Stars
A wonderful read! My first Colleen Hoover book and I utterly enjoyed it from start to finish. It also taught me many things about relationships with good and bad moments for the different characters. A definitive must read 😊 Angela, NSW, 5 Stars
“It Ends With Us” was my first Colleen Hoover novel, but definitely not the last. I immediately rushed out to purchase the sequel. Being such a well established author, Colleen Hoover certainly has a way with words and her writing style drew me in immediately. I couldn’t put the book down and became fascinated by the relationship between Lily and Ryle who meet by chance on a rooftop at the end of a rough day. Their relationship develops quickly despite Ryle’s hesitation and things seem too good to be true – because sadly they are. Eventually Ryle’s true colours are exposed as is Lily’s strength and refusal to be subjected to the same poor treatment that she witnessed between her parents growing up. Atlas is a character I just adore in the novel. He is strong and protective of Lily during their teen years and comes back into her life unexpectedly, as though it’s meant to be. I found this book brave and inspiring and strongly commend Colleen Hoover for writing it based on her own personal experience as mentioned in “Notes from the Author” and continuing the dialogue on highly important societal issues. Rory, NSW, 5 Stars
I was lucky enough to receive this beautiful collector’s edition of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover from @betterreadingau. This edition includes a look at the first chapter of All Your Perfects which will whet your appetite. I love this book so much. I gave it a big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ when I read it some time ago, and I still think about it today. It definitely altered my views on domestic abuse and how people find themselves in these situations and find it so difficult to leave. Colleen Hoover cemented herself as one of my favourite authors with this book. I am now enjoying popping back into Atlas and Lily’s lives with the sequel, It Starts With Us. Thank you to @betterreadingau and @simonschusterau for this gorgeous edition. Emma, VIC, 5 Stars
I was very grateful to have received a collector’s edition of this novel. I was moved by the story, especially after reading it was inspired by the author’s family experience. I am looking forward to reading the sequel, It Starts with Us, and watch the upcoming movie adaptation. Luciana, WA, 5 Stars
I was hesitant about reading this book, as it isn’t usually my style. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I was totally drawn into the life of Lily and her relationships with both Ryle and Atlas. The subject manner was done in such a thoughtful manner and it was good to see how Lily’s childhood intertwined with her adult relationships. I cannot wait to read “It Starts With Us”. Melinda, VIC, 5 Stars
Thank you for the copy of It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. This is a book with more than one theme. It is the story of Lily Bloom who has dreams for the future. Her childhood was a bit difficult and she wants to change her future and be strong and independent. Then she meets Ryle Kincaid who is a busy surgeon. They work well together even though he never wanted a relationship. Then things change and she feels life repeating itself. She is brought back to a time when her best friend, confidante and soul mate was Atlas Corrigan. Can she get herself out of her situation or will the past repeat? It’s never as easy when you’re in the middle of it and nothing is black and white. It is a book that is not light, but has a lightness, and hard times, but times which are to be cherished. This is real life which is not always easy, but good friends in all forms make it easier to get through. There is a lot of strength displayed and I can’t wait to read the sequel. Tara, SA, 5 Stars
Captivating from the first page, Colleen Hoover has a way of drawing her readers in. The story of Lily had me interested right from the start to the end. Lily has to deal with a lot but is very mature and I could relate to her story. Finding hope, strength and kindness in the simplest of things but realising she can be brave and strong also. True love is real but we must travel a different and difficult path to find where we belong and Atlas is the perfect match for Lily. Evelyn, NSW, 5 Stars
Rebekah NSW From the first chapter, I already decided I didn’t like Ryle. In only a few pages, he already rubbed me the wrong way. There was an arrogance, forcefulness, and intimidating feel to him I really didn’t like. A bit further into the story, I realised why. I was nervous about Lily, hoping this story would not be one where the woman would drop everything and change everything to be with the man. Her story is so much stronger, more raw and real than I had ever imagined. It brought up a lot of memories from my childhood, and made me think differently about victims of abusive relationships. The question posed by Lily, ‘Shouldn’t there be more distaste in our mouths for the abusers than for those who continue to love the abusers?, is simple yet mind-blowing. The story is complicated, triggering, and a must-read for all women. I think I’ll keep it for my daughter to read when she is older. Rebekah, NSW, 5 Stars
This is the first time that I have loved a book even more the second time around! It Ends With Us was my third CoHo book and I just keep on being impressed. Such a great read, with characters you just fall in love with straight away. This thought-provoking and emotional story really resonated with me, and the author delivers it well. It certainly tugged at my heartstrings. The author’s note broke me… Thank you so much Better Reading and Simon & Schuster for a copy of this beautiful Collector’s Edition of It Ends With Us to review. Ellen, NSW, 5 Stars
Before I wouldn’t pick up this genre and skip straight to a thriller… until THIS book! With each word I felt as though I were right there in the pages of this story. Hooked on every line, every chapter, as the story unfolded more and more. The suspense continues to lightly build with no downfall and just at the moment where you are so wrapped up with one part of Lily’s life, she hits you with a memory that open so many questions, and then back to her reality. The way this book is written gives you a yearning to know more and more until that final page, and once you do reach that final page…. bring on the next book! Sara, SA, 5 Stars
It Ends With Us was my first Colleen Hoover book. I thought the writing style, the plot and the characters felt real and (strangely and unexpectedly) relatable. I didn’t expect to feel so many different emotions while reading it. I couldn’t put it down and, due to the easy writing style, managed to finish it over a couple of days. Highly recommended. Natalie, NSW, 5 Stars
The storyline switches between a teenaged Lily Bloom and the older version in her twenties. Lily had a hard life whilst growing up, and worked hard to get her floristry business. She meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome neurosurgeon who seems to have it all. As sparks fly between them, Ryle doesn’t want a relationship, he prefers one-night-stands. This rings alarm bells for Lily. Over time the relationship between them develops, strengthening to the point where they get married. After randomly running into her first love, Atlas Corrigan, whom she hadn’t seen for years, there had been some minor jealousy incidents on Ryle’s behalf which made Lily uneasy, but she figured that no relationship is perfect and forgave him. With things taking a turn for the worse, Lily is put in a very dangerous situation and has so many mixed feelings. This works out to be a very complicated, disturbing, and confusing time for Lily. She finally makes a heart-wrenching decision that will provide the best outcome for everyone involved. This book had me enthralled from the start with the plot and interesting characters. Putting myself in the same situation it would be emotionally draining, and tragic whatever decision you decided to make. Vicki, VIC, 5 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Colleen Hoover and it definitely won’t be the last. In fact, I ran out today and bought It Starts With Us because I am hooked and need to know what happens next!! The storyline deals with some heavy themes, including love, loss, grief, domestic abuse and homelessness. I thought these themes were handled with a rawness and an authenticity of how real people can find themselves in unexpected situations. I loved the theme of resilience and Dory’s motto of “just keep swimming”. I loved the various characters that Lily Bloom encounters and the various relationships that play out. I found this book hard to put down, it kept me captivated and wanting more. Bree, NSW, 5 Stars
This was such a great story. I fell into the story so quickly and soon became very passionate about some of the things that were happening in the book. I felt as though Colleen Hoover did justice to the characters and I really felt the emotions in each moment. The ending was so heart wrenching but also kinda beautiful? There were so many parts I highlighted as I thought it offered so much to think about and insight into some things. The author’s note at the end as well really was perfect. Sammy, NSW, 5 Stars
This story has it all – in equal parts funny, gutwrenchingly honest, tragic and uplifting. While the storyline is confronting, the characters are engaging and endearing. Would definitely recommend and can’t wait to read the sequel! Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things”. Oh my goodness! This book was something else. So much joy and happiness then all of a sudden so much pain and heartache. Sometimes I couldn’t breathe and sometimes I couldn’t stop crying. I wasn’t planning on reading this in a single sitting but I was completely drawn into this book and couldn’t stop. I have the ultimate book hangover now! The life Lily has been through really hurts and took my breath away. But she’s so damn strong and so amazing and brave, she is the best. Wow. Just wow. That was intense. I feel completely crushed. I can now see why everyone was counting down for It Starts With Us to come out last week. What happens next?! Thank you @betterreadingau and @simonschusterau for sending me this book in exchange for a review. I’m so glad I had the chance to read it. This book was something else 💔 Marie, NSW, 5 Stars
A very interesting read, could not put it down. Can’t say much about the details of the book as it will give away the story line. Based on the true life experience of her own mother and herself in her younger years. Very heart-wrenching at times, but uplifting at others. Such a hard decision made in this story has life-long effects and proves the strength of the woman involved. It proves the strength and resilience of the women in the story. Took a lot of courage for Colleen Hoover to write a book like this. Great story line, very engaging. Sometimes in life, our first love is always the strongest. At times, young love is ridiculed, but in this case it proves to be the strongest and has a very positive outcome. Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
This is my first Colleen Hoover book and won’t be my last. I do feel it should come with a trigger warning for domestic violence! I really warmed to main character Lily from the start. The dedication leads the reader to some of the storyline which only adds the heart-wrench the story has. It is confronting and raw, shines a light on ‘taboo’ and just shows that the one who loves you most can also hurt you the most. Kate, VIC, 4 Stars
This was a re-read (previously read in 2019) for me in anticipation for the new CoHo book, It Starts With Us. It Ends With Us is a truly emotional, gut wrenching story, it will leave you feeling a whole bunch of emotions. There is a strong message in this book and I don’t want to ruin it for anyone so all I will say is that I now understand how close and personal this is to the author’s heart and how brave of Colleen Hoover to share. Lily our protagonist grew up in a small town in Maine and moved to Boston after graduating from college. It’s there she starts her own florist business and meets a gorgeous looking neurosurgeon named Ryle. When Lily was younger, living with her parents in Maine, she wrote diary entries to Ellen DeGeneres until she was sixteen years old. She wrote about her first love, a homeless boy named Atlas and keeps the letters because nostalgia is a funny thing. This is Lily’s story, her past and present, her love and loss. It’s raw and it will leave you speechless as it’s tragic and beautiful at the same time. I loved the characters in this book they were exceptional and I could picture them so clearly. Don’t miss this one! A cute quote from the book – ‘When life gets you down do you wanna know what you’ve gotta do?………just keep swimming, swimming, swimming’ Gloria, SA, 4 Stars
Here’s a naked truth: It only takes 1 sentence to turn a happy story into a challenging story – and once the author has written it, and you have read it, you can’t take it back. I so wished the characters were perfect, or could be forgiven – I even wished I could stop reading the book – but I had to keep reading, to see what decision Lily would make, and to understand why. Thank you for this challenge. Kirralee, SA, 4 Stars
Lily’s father abuses her mum. No one else knows, but it has driven a wedge between Lily and her Dad, so much so that when she is asked to do the eulogy at his funeral, she literally has nothing to say. We spend time with Lily as a teen, when she falls for the older boy, Atlas, who is homeless and squats at the house next door. We spend time with Lily as she meets Ryle, a handsome neurosurgeon who flicks her switch within 10 minutes of their first meeting, there is an electric connection between them. She befriends Allysa, a rich woman who just wants to work and who becomes Lily’s best friend, but is also Ryle’s sister. Domestic abuse is explored and the decisions Lily makes are heartbreaking. My heart wanted it to be a forever story, but reality intervenes. When Lily has to face her past, Atlas, and her future, Ryle, she is dead locked. The hurt she feels is intense but the love just as intense. Similar to JoJo Moyes, romance and deep emotion. An easy read, a twist of reality and characters that come to life. I cannot wait to read the sequel. Priscilla, ACT, 4 Stars
I found this book delved deeply into the complexities of life, relationships and how early experiences can shape us. Admittedly, it took several chapters before I could really get into it as initially I felt it was perhaps more suited to young adults but then as the story unfolded and the characters developed it became quite riveting. Lily, as the main character, was very likeable and unassuming. She was compassionate and thoughtful so it is no wonder that all the other characters in the story fell in love with her along with the reader. The author is not afraid of contradictions as this story has lightness as well as intensity. It shows great joy and deep sorrow. It feels love and hate all at once. Overall, a brilliant piece of work that highlighted some important social issues while at the same time being an emotional yet inspiring story. Coral, VIC, 4 Stars
Lily is a hardworking woman who has made a successful life for herself despite a difficult past. In setting up her own business she meets Ryle, a neurosurgeon. Despite moments where Ryle seems to keep distance between them, Lily falls deeply in love with him. When Atlas, Lily’s first love, appears, Ryle’s jealousy manifests itself in disturbing ways. This is a powerful story revealing the inner struggle abuse victims face. In the most intimate of relationships, rather than mutual giving, caring and loving is one-sided violent hate at unexpected moments. I found the narrative increasingly compelling as Ryle’s true character was revealed. Hoover’s writing acutely highlighted the deeply emotional connection Lily had to Ryle, and the courage it took to break out of an abusive relationship. She kept the minor characters’ responses realistic and believable. I did find the sexual content unnecessarily detailed, however, this story remains an important insight into abuse, empowerment and love. Made even more real in reading Hoover’s notes at the end. This collector’s edition is well timed with the upcoming release of “It Starts with Us” the sequel, telling Atlas’ story and his continuing journey with Lily. Kath, VIC, 4 Stars
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