You know those books where you have to stop part way through, just to tap the person next to you and make them care about what you’re reading?? Like you physically can’t help but verbalize the thoughts and emotions circulating your brain because all the layers throughout the storyline suddenly converged… And You Just. Need. To. Tell. SOMEONE!
It Ends With Us is that kind of book, setting up the romantic conflict within the first chapter. However, romance alone never makes me rave about a book. It was the underlying plot developing throughout the storyline that explores a sensitive issue, but it’s so well crafted that you don’t even realize it’s the theme until it’s too late. You are suddenly hit with overwhelming twists and conflict, emotional turmoil, and difficult choices that no one wants to make.
I love how Colleen Hoover explores character strengths and especially their flaws, making each character real and relatable. The reader understands why these characters make the choices they do, and what seems like the “right choice” is less obvious when you’re torn in the middle. Rigid thinking, where all decisions are black and white, is often flawed in itself. The author bravely pulls her readers through a storm of emotions that eradicate easy answers, and all the while, the romance continues. The plot thickens. And you just can’t stop ignoring your kids for a few minutes longer so you can turn another page… and then, with the final words of the book, sit up and smack your husband’s arm and say, “Are you ready to hear how it ends? I have to tell you how it ends.”
That was me, anyway, completely captivated by how so many things came back full-circle, leaving me scrolling through the storyline again in awe of how it all played out.
Now… for the only parts that make it difficult for me to raise the flags and call all attention to this book: it is definitely a steamy romance with all the intimate details! Personally, I feel awkward and like an intruder reading the dirty details, so I don’t. I scroll past those sections, knowing from past reads that Colleen Hoover doesn’t spare readers. Some people love her books for that, while others would be put off with the distasteful display. Strong language also pops up more than I care for in this new adult, contemporary romance.
However, as an author myself, researching the type of books that make me want to be a better writer, the other elements of It Ends With Us leave me feeling inspired and giddy and ready to tackle my manuscripts with fervor!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
