Fifteen seconds. That’s all it takes to completely change everything about a person. Fifteen seconds that we’ll never get back.
HOLY WOW! It Ends With Us is one of the most powerful books of 2016 and one of the most raw, honest, inspiring, and profoundly beautiful stories I’ve ever read. It wasn’t anything like what I expected, but it delivered so much more than I ever hoped for. This is the kind of book that I want to give to every woman and just be like… READ THIS BOOK. NOW. Come to think of it, all the men should read it too. EVERYONE should read this book. Absolutely everyone. It’s a story of unshakable love and finding the strength to make the right choice in the hardest situation. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of a heroine. I’ve loved Colleen Hoover’s books for a long time because she always writes unique stories… and this one left a lasting mark on my heart. It is a MUST-READ!!
This is a completely spoiler-free review. I’m not even going to add the blurb or tell you what this book is about. It’s a Colleen Hoover book. That should be enough to tell you it’s amazing. But I really feel that you should just dive into this book without knowing anything about the plot. To be honest, I’m the usually the kind of reader who likes to know every little thing about what to expect in advance, but I’ve really learned to trust Colleen’s writing and her storytelling so even I went into this book without knowing anything at all… and I was blown away by the story!
This book is unputdownable. You’ll notice as you read that there are no good stopping points. None at all. I began reading it late at night and every time I tried to put it down to go to sleep, I just had to get back up and keep reading because I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t finish until almost 5AM but my gosh was it ever worth it!
Of all the heroines I’ve ever read, Lily was most certainly one of the ones I admired the most. I knew loved her from the first few pages, but having finished the book, I truly couldn’t be prouder of her. Her strength and conviction over the course of this story made her into a heroine I’d want every girl and woman to read about and look up to. She was so real and vulnerable as we all are, but the strength with which she took control of her life was admirable on such a deep level. I just wanted to hug her and cheer. I don’t think I’ve been this proud of a fictional character before.
There’s an incredibly powerful message in this book that is very subtly woven in from the start. It begins in the first chapter, but you don’t yet realize how significant each of these moments truly are… and as you read more, these pieces of the story come together forming a scenario that gives such a raw, honest portrayal of an incredibly relevant issue. I’m not mentioning it on purpose because I don’t want you to expect it. The fact that it’s unexpected for you as the reader is very important because it’s also unexpected for the heroine. As she begins to realize what kind of situation she’s in, so do you. And this realization very much allows you to experience her journey with her.
The only thing I want to address head on is the question of the ‘love triangle’ because a few of you have read the blurb and have asked about it. All I want to say is to please try and move away from that thought. I don’t want to spoil the plot at all, but that is so not what this book is about. That is not the point, or the focus. Whatever it is you’re thinking this book is, just trust me — it’s so much bigger than that. Seriously, trust Colleen. I did.
As a romance reader, I found this book incredibly refreshing. As much as I adore the romance genre (and I really do), it sometimes can get a little repetative. As both an avid reader and a blogger, I’m always looking for books that step outside the lines a little; ones that do something different or take the issues a little deeper. This book represented exactly what I wish I could be reading all the time — not this literal story, but just the fact that it went in such a different direction and gave me such an unexpected story that left me with such a strong message.
One of the things that intrigued me the most and had me wondering when I heard about this book was what the title really meant — and there’s this very specific moment when the title is echoed in the story that just had such a strong impact as I read it. That was my cheer moment. I just sat back and went ‘woah!’. The title is truly perfect.
In order to write this review, I went back over the book a second time and one thing I noticed strongly was how many intricate layers there were to the story that I couldn’t possibly have known about in my first read. I loved that this is one of those books you experience differently (in a good way) both the first and second time though.
I have to say that this book would make a seriously amazing movie. I could picture every scene so clearly as I read. This is also such an incredibly relevant story for many people — whether they’ve personally been through what happened to Lily or they know of someone who has — so I really do hope that one day this makes it to the big screen.
My copy of this book is literally filled with highlighted quotes in every single chapter but I made a conscious decision not to add any to this review because I really truly do not want to give anything away about the story. Just trust me and jump into this story blind. I promise that it is a reading experience you don’t want to miss.
This began as one of my most highly anticipated books of 2016 and it is now of my top favorite books of the year. I was unable to put it down from the moment I started reading and I know that this is one of those profoundly beautiful and unforgettable stories that will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend it to everyone!
That’s what fifteen minutes can do to a person. It can destroy them.
It can save them.
Rating: 5+ STARS! Standalone.
Emmy says
The book I want to read most this year! Can’t wait!!
Aestas says
It was my most highly-anticipated too 🙂
Stacey says
NEED THIS BOOK NOWWWW!!!!!
Aestas says
YES!!!!!!! 😀
Melissa says
The wait is painful but I now it’ll be worth it. Everything she writes is gold!
Aestas says
It’s definitely worth it!! This book is just gorgeous 🙂
Andie says
Pre-ordered and eagerly awaiting release day! This sounds like it’s gonna be amazing… 😀
Aestas says
Woohoo!!! It’s totally amazing 😀
Stephanie M. says
I’m officially DESPERATE for this book!!!!!!!!! I’ve loved her books since Slammed and can’t wait to get my paws on this one 😀
Aestas says
Ahhhh Slammed was amazing!! Got me hooked on her books too 🙂
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) says
I can’t wait for this one! So jealous that you’ve already got to read it. 🙂
Aestas says
It’s worth the wait!! I promise <3
Leslie says
I have never read Colleen Hoover. Is this a good book to start reading her?
Aestas says
Oh my gosh!!!!! You’re in for a TREAT if you’ve never read her books yet! Yes, you could definitely read this as a first book. But if you want to start sooner, one of her other books MAYBE SOMEDAY is temporarily on sale for $1.99 here: http://amzn.to/28OmI9Y (it’s a standalone)
Vanessa says
Already pre-ordered and the wait is excruciating. I’ve read so many reviews already saying that this book is so amazing and people’s favorite book of 2016. I can’t wait to dive into this book and get lost in Colleen’s words.
Aestas says
It’s really amazing! Everything they’re saying about it is true! 🙂
Sylvie says
Great review!! Really looking forward to this book :-))
Aestas says
Thank you!! 🙂
Kim Box Person says
Thank you for the spoiler free review. I’ve stayed away from any/ALL reviews because I don’t want to know more than the synopsis on Amazon when I start this book. We’ve talked about how I absolutely despise spoilers and I go into books blind since I need that “whoa” or “awe” moment. I knew I could trust your review and after reading it my excitement for the release of this book has multiplied by 1,000,000,000 times! Awesome review!
Aestas says
You’re so welcome, Kim!! It’s funny when I was writing the review I had this whole list of quotes saved to use and I even started writing it talking “about” the book but then I literally backspaced all of it and just decided to talk only about my feels. I don’t want to take the “experience” of this book away from anyone even a little and I think everyone at this point trusts Colleen enough to just dive in blind. Gah, this one is really just such a powerful read. I can’t wait for you to read it!! 🙂
Marie Radtke says
Aesta,
When does the book come out?
I follow your blog daily. I noticed that you read different genres. A few, I wouldn’t have picked up. I on the other love the billionaire type books, and have a ton. Where could I find more. I find alot on Amazon, but it’s a hit and miss as most. It seems to be a miss more. Thank you,
Marie
Aestas says
The release date is posted in the Amazon link that I linked up in the review (it always is). As for billionaire type books, you’re right it’s hit or miss. I have a “billionaire” category on my blog with some recommendations (you should be able to see it linked in the blog’s right sidebar. I think once any sub-genre gets oversaturated (as the billionaire one did after Fifty), there are bound to be a lot of misses. If I find any new ones that I think sound good, I will always post them in the weekly new releases lists. So just keep checking there and if new ones come up, I’ll add them in there 🙂
kay says
Just pre ordered, can’t wait
Aestas says
😀 😀
Rhonda Brant says
I’ve had this book preordered for MONTHS! Can’t wait for it to finally come out!
Aestas says
Woohoo!! 🙂
Crissy says
paperback here in Philippines please!!!
fernanda says
love it! can’t wait to read it
Melissa Brooks says
Can’t wait for this book!!
Jackie Wang says
So jealous that you got to read this book before everyone else! I’ve been watching Colleen post on FB for weeks teasers about this book and all the cool artistic interpretations people have done for the cover. Someone recreated the cover on the face of a watch and someone else made a cake that looked like the cover. I’m obsessed with the cover!! And as for your review, I think it’s just one big teaser! I can’t wait to read this book *bites fingernails*
August is still so far away…
Aya Medina says
Awesome review! I read the first chapter of this book and I’m so excited for the release. I really want to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance! I love Colleen and I love your blog ?
Aestas says
Thank you!! 🙂
Edlyn says
I am always scared to read Colleen Hoover books (too many feels), but they never let me down.
Anne Marie says
Hooked! Thanks for your unequivocally wonderful review, Aestas — you gave me the kick in the marine-grade polymer patio chair that I needed to get cracking!
Aestas says
You’re so welcome!!! Happy reading 🙂
Shayra says
Just finished “It Ends with us”. So realistic, brave and inspiring. The Note from the author made me cry. I love Colleen Hoover and read everything that she wrote. She is the best!!!
Aestas says
I agree, the note made me cry too <3
Swaths says
what an amazing book ! you talk about going back and reading the book to expose some new layers. I went back and read this review of yours and it started making more sense and I was also amazed at how you captured the essence of the book without revealing the plot of it. Coming back to the book I felt that it had frequent surprises as I moved along. That made it unputdownable for me. I read it in probably one sitting with just a break for food I think. Its been a long time since I did this. I was kind of fascinated by how she was able to capture the true feelings of a woman going through such a situation at home life and I think her final set of words made it clear !!! Great reco as usual. Thank you !
Swaths
Missy says
This book officially made CH my favorite author. I love every book she’s written and this one just topped my list because I can relate. I just finished it and I really need some time to think and journal because this book is bringing back so many shitty memories and I need to process thru them and just breath. I really hope she writes a novella for this book. Curiosity is killing me on the future of the characters.
Anne Marie says
Super yes to a novella — esp. fleshing out the HEA! Colleen, I hope you read this!!!!
Svetlana says
What kind of tattoo has Lily? i think i missed…
Dana says
I have loved every book the Colleen Hoover has ever written. She is an author that will always give you good quality and a story that you will love. That being said, this book is so different from anything else that she has ever written, but by far the most powerful. I NEED someone else I know to read this book so I can talk about it. I agree with an earlier comment that I want more of the story, but something tells me that the author is going to leave this just the way she left it. As much as I hate to admit it, it would be a disservice to the power of the book to continue. That being said, selfishly I hope that she does.
Pixie says
Hey there! I just subscribed to you damn i should have actually done that ages ago cuz since the start of this year before reading any book i always make a point to read your reviews. You have ended up making me read so many amazing books for which i cant thank you enough. But the gratitude i feel for urging us readers to read this book damn out of this world. Yesterday i started out reading this book in the evening and as you urged us, i didnt even read the blurb, no quotes, no reviews except yours, didnt even check goodreads and damn it was so worth it. After so many months i ended up staying up late for a book till 3:30 am to finish the book and after i read the last word of the book damn it just left me so raw, i cant express my emotions enough, it was beautiful amazing and definitely so unique. I remember gasping and just you know feeling so much when the title was mentioned in the book, it was a eye opener. And damn the author i mean its so brave her to to you know write and not fall for the what ifs that i bet every reader wished would happen at one point in the book but it was reality and i really appreciated it. So THANK YOU for recommending 🙂
Larissa says
There is nothing more to say about Colleen Hoover but that she is brilliant ! Every single book she writes is captivating, heart wrenching, unputdownable, original and utterly addictive ! I have loved every one of them and 40 % into ‘It ends with Us’ , I am captivated and in love with the characters. I have to slow down because I just want it to last. Thank you Colleen, you are an amazing storyteller and I wait with bated breathe for your every word. Thank you Aesta for your reviews and keeping me in the loop 🙂
Maria says
Hi Aestas, thank you for your book reviews. I often visit your page for your recommendations. ?
Dina says
I absolutely adored this book- I’ve been looking for books similar to this one to read next, and came across this blog post while doing so. Your sentiment about loving romance novels but enjoying the unexpectedness of this one as opposed to how repetitive the rest can get was exactly how I felt- I read almost exclusively romance novels, and I love them all, but It Ends With Us stuck with me because of how different it was.
That being said, do you happen to have any recommendations for books that are similar to this one? I’m really looking for something within the romance genre that’s different/unexpected/outside the line, just like this one was.
Melody Sta Ana says
This is such a beautiful book. i enjoyed every part of it, but at the same time my heart broke.