If you’ve seen It Ends with Us all over BookTok, heard your friends rave about it, or come across the new movie adaptation, you’re probably wondering: What’s the deal with this book? Is it really as good as people say?
Today, we’ll answer all your questions surrounding the It Ends with Us book and the It Ends with Us book series, so you can decide whether this book is worth adding to your reading list.
Let’s talk about what It Ends with Us is about and why it’s become such a massive hit.
Who Wrote the Book It Ends with Us?
It Ends with Us was written by Colleen Hoover, a best-selling author and major figure in modern romance. Known for stories that explore real-life situations, struggles, and emotions, Hoover’s writing is emotional, raw, and often tear-inducing. Many of her fans love her for the way she portrays relationships with an honesty that makes readers feel, love, and sometimes cry alongside the characters.
Colleen Hoover has written and published many other bestsellers. She’s actually one of the bestselling authors of 2023 and 2024. During these last few years, Hoover has gained immense popularity on platforms like BookTok, the book-focused side of TikTok. Here, a new generation of readers has discovered her work.
If you enjoy stories that take you on an emotional rollercoaster – often with lots of romance – then Colleen Hoover is an author worth checking out.
What is The Book It Ends with Us About?
Without giving away too much, It Ends with Us follows a young woman named Lily Bloom as she is trying to deal with her career, love life, and the lingering effects of her past. She’s working to build a life she can be proud of when she meets Ryle, a charismatic neurosurgeon. As their relationship develops, she starts to question what she really wants from love and life. Something that adds to the whole emotional rollercoaster and mess, is that her first love, Atlas, reappears.
This story is not your typical romance…it’s a realistic, messy, and sensitive depiction of relationships and love that challenges you. There are themes of love, self-discovery, resilience in the face of hardship, and yes, also domestic violence, woven throughout. Hoover has been praised for handling these sensitive topics with honesty and respect.
Is It Ends with Us the First Book?
Yes, It Ends with Us is the first book in the storyline, but due to its popularity and the demand for more, Colleen Hoover released a follow-up titled It Starts with Us. This sequel provides fans with additional insight into Lily’s story. If you’ve read It Ends with Us and find yourself wanting more (which is likely), you’ll be glad to know there’s a sequel to satisfy your curiosity. However, we won’t be discussing the plot of this book further to avoid any spoilers.
How Many Books Are in the It Ends with Us Series?
Currently, there are two books in this It Ends with Us book series, which are both on the list of the best BookTok books of 2023 and 2024:
- It Ends with Us (the original, heart-tugging tale).
- It Starts with Us (the follow-up, diving deeper into Lily and Atlas’s story).
At the moment, it doesn’t appear that any additional books will be added to the It Ends with Us book series, but this two-part series already gives readers the full arc of Lily’s story. It includes both her struggles and her growth over time.
What Genre is the Book It Ends with Us?
It Ends with Us spans multiple genres and could be classified as contemporary romance, though it has a twist. It’s not lighthearted – rather, it’s emotionally intense and addresses serious issues like trauma, domestic violence, and resilience.
Colleen Hoover doesn’t shy away from these heavy topics, which is why her books resonate with so many readers. They appreciate romance novels that feel real and thought-provoking. For some, this story might even be relatable in a way that makes it meaningful to see someone else’s story, their decisions, and their growth.
Is the Book It Ends with Us Good?
Good? Well, according to thousands of readers and viral BookTok videos, it’s more than just good — it’s gripping. Fans of the book praise Hoover for her unique storytelling and her ability to evoke genuine emotion. Many readers find the book powerful, heart-wrenching, and surprisingly relatable.
However, this book may not be for everyone. It can be a heavy read and touches on difficult themes. For some readers, it may be too emotionally intense or too relatable. If you’re looking for a light, breezy romance, this is not the book for you.
But if you’re in the mood for a book that stays with you long after you finish reading, then It Ends with Us might be worth picking up.
What Book Comes After It Ends with Us?
After It Ends with Us, the sequel It Starts with Us doesn’t go into Lily’s backstory but instead picks up exactly where the first book leaves off. Without revealing spoilers, it gives readers a chance to see how Lily continues to grow and heal. It’s perfect for those who finished It Ends with Us and weren’t quite ready to leave Lily’s world.
Should You Read It Ends with Us?
If you’re undecided, the quick answer is yes — give it a try. It Ends with Us offers a different perspective on romance. It’s more of a realistic look at life, love, loss, and resilience.
However, if you’re a very young reader or feel that topics like domestic violence might be a trigger, you may want to skip this one. In that case, there are many other lighthearted Colleen Hoover books to explore instead – check out the best Colleen Hoover books, in our opinion.
