A Critical Review on "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover

Rating: 1 / 5

Review (spoilers follow):

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is widely known as an emotional contemporary romance; but for me, it fell completely flat. This book is plot-driven to a fault, lacking meaningful character development or depth. Lily, the protagonist, feels more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out character, and the supporting cast appears briefly, often with no purpose beyond moving the story along.

As someone who has personally experienced a verbally abusive relationship, I found this book incredibly difficult to read. The narrative dangerously blurs the line between portraying abuse and romanticizing it. Hoover claims the book isn’t written for entertainment, yet it’s packaged, marketed, and consumed like it is — with a storyline that prioritizes drama over emotional healing or growth.

One of the most troubling aspects is the portrayal of Ryle, an abuser shown as a "good person who does bad things." This framing diminishes the very real impact of abuse and excuses harmful behavior under the guise of love. While Hoover may have intended to create a complex character, the result feels more like a justification of manipulation and control.

There is minimal character evolution. Instead of exploring Lily’s recovery, motherhood, or self-discovery, the plot rushes her into another relationship. The opportunity to present a story of empowerment and healing was missed entirely.

From a literary standpoint, the writing lacks nuance and subtlety. It reads more like a first draft than a published bestseller. As someone who values thoughtful prose and intentional storytelling, this book left me incredibly disappointed.

Final Thoughts:

This review isn’t meant to attack Colleen Hoover as a person, but rather to express concern over the content and messaging in It Ends with Us. Romanticizing trauma and toxic relationships under the umbrella of love is not just harmful — it’s dangerous. If you’re looking for books that handle difficult topics with care and sensitivity, I recommend exploring other authors who prioritize emotional depth, realistic healing, and empowering narratives.

Just a heads up — this is an Amazon affiliate link, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through it (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for supporting the blog!