It Ends with Us

Wow! Just wow! This book really knocked me for a loop. Because my daughter works with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, I thought I wouldn't learn anything new . That was not the case.

Not many authors can take us behind the scenes of an abusive marriage. It relies on a life experience and Colleen Hoover had that experience. I'm so glad she was willing to take her personal experience, put it out there for all to see, and let the chips fall where they may.

The main character, Lily's, relationships with both Ryle and Atlas are breathtaking. Either seems like a man any woman would want to have a relationship with. Good-looking, charming, successful, and over the moon in love with her. But, as this book shows, love isn't like a romance novel.

The trajectory of both relationships is believable. The one with Atlas was derailed by circumstance, and the one with Ryle progressed too quickly and too dangerously.

I'm wondering if victims of domestic violence should read this book when they are grappling with how to leave their relationship. Maybe those who have a friend or loved one in such a relationship would understand the quandary a little better after reading this novel. It does give insight into why women stay with abusive men and why they can't stop loving them. I won't give away the ending, but I will say it was spot on.