Unabridged Audiobook
I feel a bit guilty for wanting the "bad one" to be ok up until the end, when the last chapter changed it all. Very important book. Makes you think, feel and understand a bit more those women. Narrator was a bit flat most of the times..
In the end, I did like this book, it had a great message. Some parts were pretty corny and had a teen literature feel. It’s worth a read/listen.
I have mixed emotions, angry at lily at first, in order for her to save her marriage she should be transparent and honest.. but also was thinking, past is past, what matters is the present and the future. Also i alluded her for standing up for her self and her offspring. The narrator i am not sure if im liking her or not… but the novel is very worth reading/listening.
This book was ok. Like some others said before, it had a little bit of a young adult read feeling to me. I, however, was NOT a fan of the narrator. I feel like had I been reading this book on my own I would have really enjoyed the characters but the narrator cause them all to fall flat and not likable.
Bottom line, the underlying message was meaningful but I it took much to long to get to arrive, before navigating through some cheesy love scenes.
I am not a fan of this book - I struggled through it because I hate leaving a book unfinished; however, it was really difficult. I believe that the message is important and I thought the author made some excellent points (e.g., "Why do people never question the abuser in an abusive situation; why do we always ask 'why doesn't he/she just leave'"). The dialog was cheesy and predictable. At times I felt like she was trying to capture Christian Gray to portray Ryle. The plot was predictable after the scene where she was hit.
I assume I've chosen a teen read by mistake; I stopped reading books like this when I was 12! Characters have no depth or complexity whatsoever, scenes are completely devoid of atmosphere and dialogue is so cheesy and immature it's cringeworthy. I honestly can't believe this is for adults!
I have no idea how this book has such a high rating! Perhaps a listener in the 10-13 age group would fine it appealing? Poorly written, very predictable.
BEST narration I’ve heard in a while; captivated me into the read automatically and kept me there for the entirety. Pretty gimmicky with the heavy sex, a Cinderella story heroine, and a gorgeous millionaire lifestyle; but I understood it as a SUPER useful tool to captivate a broad audience into a SUPER important topic. So hats off to Colleen. She’s doing good work bringing awareness and education to a generation (or a few generations) who unknowingly NEED to learn about domestic abuse and homelessness. Will be recommending.
This book had me smiling and sobbing in 5 minutes. Absolutely amazing.
I've read this book before and I am reading the second book. This book made me cry but I absolutely loved it and I am amazed about how good it was I really loved it!! :))
This book was a tad Cheesy and felt a little like a teen read. I found the main character annoying a lot of the time, however the message was important and I did find myself wanting to finish the book to find out what happened to the characters.
I loved the book and the second book. People don’t understand physical abuse or mental abuse and if you never experienced abuse you can’t know what you do. First off you love this person, you may have children and at first you don’t want to be a broken family. So you try and at first it’s not bad but as years pass it gets worse but may not happen for months and then he loses a job and he takes out on everyone at home the children it’s verbal abuse and with you it’s physical abuse. It took m 20 years to get out, me and my children left together. This books should be read by all women, bc my husband was not like that when I married him and dad was not that way. He use to tell me it was my fault.
Meh. It was just okay. I honestly don’t get all the “Colleen Hoover Hype.”
I really enjoyed this book. Yes it is fast paced, but that's the harsh reality of how fast relationships can develop and explode.
Mostly enjoyed “It ends with us”. Found some of the situations too corny. The point was well presented and Olivia Song a very good narrator.
This is a really, really good book, I really liked it and I recommend reading it
This book was torture - maybe I’m too old for this kind of ‘romance’ tied with abuse. It has no appeal to me - I just kept yelling at her to get out!!
A good listen though felt the story line took too long to get to the end.
It was a bit predictable, the sex scenes were redundant, but overall a good read.
Absolutely terrible. Felt like a teenage drama.
Eye opening read.
Narrator was fantastic! Great and different storyline! Looking forward to the next one!
Good story, but a wee bit long
Captivating yet completely believable story of how sometimes love really isn’t enough.
this book is so awful, the book style is not for me
a good book. narrator was great. a little sad but has a nice ending.
A great book, takes a while to get use to the narrators voice.
My first audio book and it was great
Seen the movies and i loved it but the book its just amazing!! More details etc. Love!!
That is an amazing book. I was really sad that it ends so fast. The plot is catchy and the problem that was highlighted is today’s problem all over the world…adore this book
Excellent story
Loved it!
Loved this book
Fascinating. Can’t wait to see the movie
In the end I liked the book, makes you think and understand women in similar situations. Didn't like the narrator as much, gave me a feeling of reading a book for a teenager.
Loved the book and the narrator brought it to life. I so recommend reading the book before seeing the movie of the same name as ones imagination brings it to life.
I really enjoyed the book. we'll written. really sad, but great as well.
I enjoyed listening to this book. It had some important messages but was also an easy listen.
I enjoyed this book and the in depth thought that made me look at some situations differently.
Genuinely awful. Colleen Hoover cannot write.
Was a great read, was surprised at the ending but made it that much better!
I truly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t wait to read more & more. The narrator was great too!
The un naked truth about physical and mental abuse.
Personally I loved it! I think it was a great book with a great message! Starting on “it starts with us” now
Really enjoyed this book, it gave a good insight into why women stay in domestic violence relationships
It does project a real life abusive household. I totally understand and identify with the story. I also want to end with us. Abusive households are so hard to overcome. Very well narrated and I love all the details.
Great book!
really really enjoyed this book
Coming off the heals of reading a Kristen Hannah Novel (the Women), this felt like young adult. Lots of cheesy lines. It perpetuates fantasy relationships. Emotionally unavailable man who is strictly into one nightstands all of a sudden changes his way for one girl. He initially offers her a situationship and she accepts knowing she likes him and wants more.
Kept me wanting more
I loved this book. I loved the narrator as well. It makes me want to watch the movie to see how much is aligned with what was in the book. it's a real life situation with real day to day struggles, and you can relate to it really well, even if you haven't experienced what the main characters have. and I absolutely love that they have a "part two" to this book, " it starts with us". there are two sides to a story and part two is the other side and I love that they kept the narrator for Lily in part two. very good book.
Loved the narrator and transition of characters. The book is so honest as the author intended.
This was everything...
Loved it from start to finish
Woman trying to do a man's voice... distracting. lol
This made me happy, this made me cry. Great story
Amazing book. Hard to read at times and very emotional but a book you just can’t seem to put down!
A great read that has a strong message.
I loved this book so much. Instantly a Colleen Hoover fan now!
Loved the narrator, story hard to hear but a great read
When I finished this book, I was like woah. That is me. I’m breaking the cycle. I was not expecting that. I just went into this novel as a suggestion from a friend, then found myself dreading the times I got tired of listening. Book gets a little spicy in the middle, but I liked it! Showed human vulnerability in a way we hope to have with our lifelong partners. My dad was abusive. His dad was abusive. My husband, he is not.
I found it trite at best
It was really good
Good book. A bit slow at times and very much focused on abuse. Well done!
I Personally Haven't Been In A Physically Abusive Relationship But Mentally & Emotionally It Was That. He Cheated & I Forgave Him Constantly. He Is A Narcissist, Emotional Abuser, A Liar & A User. I Have 2 Of His Kids & He Doesn't See Them. He Blames Me For Everything, All His Problems. I Walked Away For My Kids, I Was Tired Of Being Hurt. It Wasn't Easy But He Made Me See I Didn't Have A Choice. I Loved Him Sooo Much & Sometimes I Think I Still Do, I Just Don't Care For Him. I Can Relate So Much To This Story, Im Happy I Listened To It.
Great book
I really enjoyed this book.
The narration of the male characters drove me nuts! Not a fan.
Great read and great narration.
Good
I loved the book. When I read the reviews I thought it would be a cliche young adult Rom Com. But it was a great read. I was sad it didn’t work out with the husband.
Not my cup of tea at all. Expected more depth after those rave reviews. But guess it is written for young adults? While the subject is very important, it all felt very superficial
Very sophomoric love scenes, sounding like they were written by a teenager.
Loved that it had some of the sauciness of a beach read with very real, hard life content. Well done.
Absolutely loved the book and the ending has me wanting more. Couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
Loved these books.
I enjoyed the book especially because it sends a message to all abused women! End it now...
it was full of emotions
Great Listen!
I loved this book! Listening to the follow up now.
i loved it so much!!! I couldn't stop listening!!! make me want to listen to all her others books!
I struggled to finish this book, hoping, waiting for some crazy plot twist. Maybe it was a disservice I read Verity first loaded with thrillers and plot twists. This book felt like it was written for the teenage audience. Cliche, predictable. Not AT ALL thrilling.
This book was so good! It’s the reason I started reading again!
Loved this!!
Loved loved this book !!!
amazing book
Such a great story. I love that it wasn’t a fairytale because more people are in touch with the reality of what love is. And more than not, it’s less than a fairytale. Looking forward to the next book.
I balled my eyes out to this book. This is amazing and it can relate to many other people as well.
amazing
a bit sappy,, and being Rile had such aggressive issues maybe someone should have tried to convince him to seek therapy,, after all in the end the author writes she wrote this in order to hopefully help others in an abusive situation,, maybe a mention to seek the therapy one needs to combat the anger would hae been warrented, the story is ok, repetative, and constantly oversuing the character's names, lily,, rile, lilly , lilly , lilly,, ugh,
Loved this book from the beginning to the end! Can’t wait to read the second book!
Colleen Hoover is an excellent writer. Her story line is one many women face. The narrator was ok
While the writing was average, I appreciated the issues and content about domestic violence and the difficult decisions victims have to make.
Colleen Hoover has done it again! So good!
Absolutely loved this, couldn’t stop listening
Not sure what the whole hype is about , it’s the cringiest , cheesiest , poorly written book ever. I could not feel with the characters at all and especially not Lilly . As a woman reading about domestic abuse should move me and make me sympathize, but this book did not really get deep into that , it felt like I was reading a teenage sweet valley high novel and she sprinkled some domestic abuse over it to give it a twist of darkness . Since the author went through this experience herself , I’m sure she could’ve done a better job with the storyline and characters to give it deeper context . The narrator makes it worse with her tone .
I think this book took so much time to finally get to the point at the end. And the end wasnt that great.
I’ve read other books by this author and loved them all
The story seemed predictable and suited more to a young adult audience, however it provided a powerful message hidden in the title. It actually became tearful at the end. I thought the narrator was great.
Very good read and highly confortable narration. I thouroughly enjoyed both!
This book was okay. It wasn't what I expected, and Lilly writing to Ellen was annoying.
The characters were well developed and the intrigue in the beginning kept me wanting more. However it turned dark and I kept thinking it would turn back around and there were glimmers of that but it never did. I don’t enjoy movies that don’t have somewhat of a happy ending, so I guess I feel the same about books as well. I can read the newspaper or watch the news if I need reality.
Love this book!
So endearing that I immediately downloaded the second novel in this series.
Loved the book. Narrator, not a huge fan. Sorry.
The first Colleen Hoover book I have read. More aimed at a younger audience I feel, but was able to finish it.
Nope, not the saddest or most heartbreaking story. I feel like this was over hyped and it didn't live up to it. There are better colleen Hoover books.
hated it. deplorable.
Great novel
I really enjoyed this book. Not only did I enjoy the process of Lily's journey thru teen to adult life, then falling in love, it was quite a lesson in how woman who get abused whether verbally or physically still stay in the relationship. As Colleen wrote, we need to start blaming the abuser and not the victim. Having never experienced abuse, it was an eye opener of how easily in can develop with someone who seems so wonderful. Loved the book and highly recommend it! Looking forward to hearing more of her work.
Good story highlighting one of life's horrible truths
5 stars, easy!
Emotional rollercoaster, amazing though!
Loved it! It was an easy read.
Ok..very emotional and very true of an abusive person.
Story gives good insight of why women stay in these relationships.
Good book
Loved it! Couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed the young adult feel of it. It brought me back to my Judy Blume days. There is an important message about strength and resilience for men and women if all ages. I kept wanting to find out what decisions and responses each character was going to have. That’s why I found it hard to put down.
It's OK.
This book had me in tears. “it stops here. with me and you. it ends with us.” that line practically broke me
Lily is only 25 and I feel like there was an immaturity to much of the storyline. As another reviewer mentioned “teen drama” feel is accurate. At points it was drawn out and I thought it ended quite abruptly and it felt unfinished for me at the end.
Really wanted to like this book, I was hoping with each chapter it would get better. It did not. It was very much a waste of time. I feel it’s good for some but def not for everyone of us that has not encountered what Lily went through.
Such a great book.
Such a great novel. Powerful read and the narrator delivered the story amazingly.
Hard to listen to, being ambushed with the change in Ryle half way through. The father was enough to read about, although I understand the message. Having lived through a similar situation, not a book that I would have chosen to read. The reader was good but the cadence wasn't our favorite all the time.
Such an emotional good book
Very Good Book
good
Very well written! Loved it!
Great storytelling by a captivating narrator on an important under-acknowledged topic.
Another great book by Colleen Hoover
Horrible
I’m not into romance novels but this one and her newest sequel to it had such high reviews that I wanted to see what it was all about. It was a great story and the narrator was brilliant!!! I just don’t like romance novels so I gave it a 4. If you like this kind of fiction then I highly recommend!!
This story got me hooked so bad!!! I was so invested in everything that was happening since the beginning!! Such a serious topic and I believe the author handled it beautifully. And that author’s note, wow; it makes so much sense!! Thank you for this!! Bravo to the narrator, she was great!!
I could not stop listening to this book.
It gives an understanding on why someone might choose to stay in an abusive relationship, or at least some reasons why. A difficult subject for many.
I loved this book so much don’t play it around children
I needed this read more than I knew.
This was such an epic read. It is a must read. It’s complex interesting and still feel good in the end in spite of the heartbreaking twists and turns.
Absolutely LOVE IT!!!!!! Couldn't stop listening to it!!
it's good
Only made it 12 minutes in. Dialog is full of clichés, “there are no bad people only people who do bad things” is supposed to be a surprising, unheard of insight? The narrative is incongruous with the description of the main character (no 23 year old talks like this) I laughed out loud when this supposed 23 year referred to the guy getting high as “toking” and made it seem like something he could get in trouble for. I also struggle listening to the narrator knowing she is supposed to be the voice of a 23 year old, especially one the describes the sound of her own voice as “weak.” The narrator has a great voice but definitely does not sound 23 or could be described as a “weak” voice. Just not a book I can continue; bummed cause I’ve liked other things from the author and the reviews were so high.
The narrator was the only reason I begrudgingly finished this book. Do not believe the hype, this book is dull, the love scenes I’m assuming are what made people flock to this book. The abusive relationship was not it and this book is just trauma after trauma for no reason.
Not for me Good message which is very obvious.
I love it so so much
First book by this author - will definitely read more!
SUCH a great book! This was my first Colleen Hoover book and now I’m hooked! I ordered 2 more that are being delivered to my house tomorrow. Highly recommend this book and Colleen as a writer!
Great Book!
Such a gripping look at domestic abuse. Extremely well told. Kudos Colleen. #gemsforgemscanada
Really good read. Team Atlas
I enjoyed the book a lot!!
Very good book. The author did a great job of relating to a subject, emotions and situations many women have gone through. loved the characters. Very raw and emotional. I enjoyed this one. I recommend.
I really enjoyed this book, had me hooked and a very important message.
The story is good but the narration can be so juvenile at times. I thought I was listening to 8th grade drama during some of it.
I think this is the very best book I have listened to in a very long time! Excellent!!
Really great book! The narrator's voice was awful but the story line was really great and relatable.
Such a good book. Learning that IT'S OKAY to let go, was the best part that I took from this book. Thank you to Colleen for sharing this story.
I liked the book. I appreciated the insight it provided into these type of situations.
Great love story but with a twist
I kind of hated it the whole way though. It was pretty cheesy un realistic in so many ways. But I could not stop listening just to see what she did in the end. So I guess it pulled me in like a teen drama would. The final few pages actually had a great message. So maybe it was worth it in the end.
An incredible, captivating read! Was hooked the entire time, even through the epilogue.
Very impowering and inspiring book. It did not end how you thought it would have but the ending was amazing compared to what everyone says. Wouldn't mind reading again
predictable. pretty disappointed with the ending, it felt rushed. overall extremely overhyped. did not make me ‘shed a tear’ at all. really liked the narrator though
This book did not resonate with me. Made a good guy out to be a villain isn’t what I want to read about. There was no depth the characters.
Loved everything about this book! Great Read! I loved the personal experience attached at the end. I liked the narrator!
I had high hopes for this I had heard a lot of good things about Colleen Hoover, I was sadly disappointed. Look as a Fill in don't care too much I'm on holiday novel it was ok, forgotten in a day. But I found the writing juvenile at best considering the topic, as forgive me but a Neurosurgeon that speaks like some plunket from the middle of nowhere, give me a break. As for the narration, I agree with many others this sounded like a Young Adult work. For someone that really wants to get to the heart of the matter in a story that a least sounds plausible there are much better offerings than this. The narrator was wooden and frankly not up to the task at all. Maybe reading the actual book as someone suggested might give you a better feel for the material, but this narrator actually detracted from the material.
Loved everything about this book! Storyline was great. Couldn't stop listening! Enjoyed the narrator as well
Kept me intrigued the whole time.
It’s been a while since a book has made me feel so much. I highly recommend this book.
The ending was perfectly written. Loved this one! It’s a page turner
This book was amazing. It had me on the edge of my seat At the end I feel like she made the right choice and I’m happy that her friend supported her even tho she was Riles sister.
Good Book
This was a good read, definitely made you think and question your own decision making and judgment. The plot itself was a little YA but overall a good read!
The cheese factor for such a powerful subject was offputting. The prose combined with the childlike voicing compounded this. I finished the book but would not recommend it.
Great book. Meaningful
This book is unbelievable. it was my first Colleen Hoover -book. I loved it. It is a Must-Read!
While I did enjoy the book for the most part I was not a fan of the narrator’s voice and felt it took away from the storyline.
Really enjoyed this book. First time I have listened/read any of Coleen’s books. I will be coming back for more.
I loved this book, make me think about abuse situation in another way.
Beautiful, heartbreaking, addicting…all the things Colleen Hoover’s books usually are! Can’t wait for the sequel.
Made me tear up. Wonderful and captivating story.
Narrator did her best with the poor material. But ultimately the book itself was bad and cringey. I think it was made worse to physically hear it and may have been slightly (only slightly) better if it was read instead of listened to. Horrible book. Good message tho.
I really enjoyed it. I did listen at 1.5 speed so that helped it feel a little faster paced. I would recommend it.
Great book, a little Harlequin romance novel like in parts but overall great storyline. Narrator’s voice was okay but there wasn’t much variation in the different character’s voices and after a while got hard to distinguish who was who. My favorite part though, was the author’s personal notes at the end, giving the book the reader just read (or listened to) that much more meaning.
Loved this book. Gave me insight now relationships
So good!!!
Overall a great read with a great message! Definitely will be reading the sequel when it’s released. A few reviews say it seems a little bit for a younger audience, however, the main character is in her early 20’s and reflecting on her teenage years. That was to be expected in my opinion. Author does a great job in investing you in the characters.
grear book
Helps you view people and where they came from a little differently
Great listen and message. Narrator was really good!
Beautiful encouraging story... Realistic Just loved it
Excellent love story! Also mind opening to what abuse looks like from two perspectives. This was a page turner for sure. I loved both of the main characters. So glad i listened to this book. I recommend it to everyone. Important message in this story. Very good narrator also!!
Very gripping. Had to listen to it for four hours straight to finish it. and I'm far from being a teenager.
Really loved this book. Been in a bad relationship and wish I had had the strength her character did.
Beautiful story!
loved the story!
Important read- worth getting through a bit of a predictable beginning, and the many twists and turns that follow. Just keep swimming through. Author's note at the end made this even more powerful.
I was unsure at first about this book. It kept me interested from the very start and took a completely different turn than what I was expecting. I think it's a book every single woman should read. It's very important. The authors note at the end had me crying just as much as the last two chapters. Give this book to your daughters.
great book!!
The writer and the narrator are very good.
Wow—heart wrenching story.
great content but too many F bombs for me and you should know it has very explicit sex acts in it though nicely done . a subject that needs addressing . all in all a good job!
I found this book very authentic and relatable, I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The narrator was excellent, she really brought the characters to life. Although it was a difficult subject matter, it helped me have a better understanding of why strong & intelligent women have difficulties leaving an abusive relationship. Parts of the book were sad and hard to read, but it was a good story, with an inspirational ending.
I really enjoyed this book. It helped me understand how someone could find themselves in such a difficult situation. I found myself wanting her to give him another chance, hoping he’d change but realizing that realistically he would not.
Not a bad story but feels more like it belongs in young adult literature
Such a moving story!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first I thought I'd made a mistake because it seemed like a teenage romance but it certainly wasn't that. Having lived in an abusive relationship myself I could understand the hesitation in her making a decision about whether or not to end her marriage. People often criticise women who choose to stay in an abusive relationship but until you've walked in their shoes you will never understand. This story had a happy ending.
Such a great book. So many emotions throughout the story. Such a sad reality that so many women do go through.
absolutely love this book!
I loved this book, it is one of my favourite Colleen Hoover books. Important story, loved the characters. Sometimes it was tough to read but a great story.
would love a second book!!! I need to know what happens next!!
Wow ... Awesome book .... I personally enjoyed it and was totally into the book.., great insight about abuse ... ty for writing this book and the epilogue .... explaining why 20 Stars if it were possible continue writing Narrator was great too good pick
Good book that touches on a number of social issues. The romance was a bit steamy, but the author eloquently described the thought process and experience of a woman involved in an abusive relationship. It is easy to pass judgement on situations like this if you've never been in a emotionally or physically abusive situation, but in my opinion it was a good message for those who have experienced it, and an educational experience for those who haven't if you have an open mind.
I enjoyed the book. The main characters justifications did get frustrating but overall I agree it is an important message. This was my first attempt to listen to an audio book and won't be my last.
Such an important book! Colleen Hoover did it again!
Awesome! Colleen Hoover has written her best book yet today. This is an eye opening to all.
Loved it. Have told all my friends to get it. My favorite of all her books so far.
Amazing book. Loved every second of it. Also really liked the narrator's voice. All and all; fantastic!
I love this book. Lovely, dangerous and dark. The narrator is a bit awkward at time, but over all, I am glad I read this book.
This was a very powerful book. A learning experience for the unfamiliar with abuse. The ending was unpredictable but showed great judgement and concern for the main character's well being and that of her child.
This is my first read by this author and I loved the book. I loved the characters and found myself totally lost in the story. I listen while I take my morning walk and found I wanted to keep listening so I ended up walking longer. A win win in!
This is by far Colleen Hoover's best work yet. This is not at all like her previous stories. This one is raw and pulls at your heart in so many ways. As you follow young teenaged Lily, your heart breaks for her, then when you follow her as an adult, you're proud of her. Right when you think you know what is going on in her life, and you think you know the direction it is going, the story turns on you. When it happens, it shocks you. At least I was. I literally sat up in my seat thinking, wait did that really happen? I also appreciated the authors note at the end because it helped me understand why Colleen took a different path with this novel. I think because of the honesty she poured into it, that it was able to hit so heavily. This story has burrowed into my skull and I'll most likely listen to it several times the way I have with Ugly Love. I definitely recommend this.
Wonderful! My first time ever listening to a book that wasn't a self help audiobook.
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