It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

I can honestly say that I loved this book! I was so invested in the story that I read it in one day. I have not seen the movie yet, but I would certainly like to now. From all the controversy surrounding the movie, I would guess that most people know this book is about domestic abuse. I'm not sure what the controversy within the movie cast is actually about, even though I tried looking it up, but it didn't detract from how much I liked the story. The movie has done phenomenally well, so.... there is that as well.

Lily Bloom (15) grew up in a home (in Maine) with domestic violence. Her father beat her mother repeatedly throughout their marriage, which lasted until he was too weak from cancer to continue his abuse. Atlas Corrigan was a homeless teenager (18) that was kicked out of his home after his mother married his stepfather. She basically chose her husband over her child, even though he was still in High School. Lily and Atlas become friends, and eventually lovers. Then, Atlas moves away to Boston and eventually spends 8 years in the military.

Lily eventually moves to Boston herself and meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon who is finishing up his residency. They are instantly attracted to each other, even though Ryle does not want a relationship with anyone. His preference is one-night stands, which isn't Lily's way. So, despite their mutual attraction, they don't pursue a relationship, or even a friendship initially. This changes when Lily buys a building, with her inheritance from her father's death, to open up a flower store. Her first "employee" is the extremely wealthy Allysa, who just happens to be the sister of Ryle. One of those small-world moments I guess. ;)

I guess you can probably tell which direction this is heading! Ryle has a trauma history himself, which causes significant problems in his relationship with Lily. Lily develops a whole new understanding of what her mother went through - and why she stayed with her abusive husband. All hell breaks loose when Lily unexpectedly runs into Atlas. Super jealous and possessive Ryle can certainly NOT handle this bit of news.

I love how the subject of domestic abuse is handled in this book. There is only one way this book could reasonably end, and I was nervous for a bit - to the point where I had to take a sneak peek of the end to make sure it would end the way it needed to - but the ending is solid, in my opinion. I am already halfway through It Starts With Us!

Wendy's Rating: *****