Hey there, dear readers! Have you recently picked up the book “It Ends with Us” or heard about its upcoming movie adaptation and wondered what you’re in for? Or maybe you read the book a while ago and need a refresher before the movie comes out? You’ve come to the right place!
In this blog post, we’re excited to dive into Lily Bloom’s world, explore It Ends with Us summary and plot, and share our thoughts on this thought-provoking story. Plus, we’ll recommend some other great reads you might enjoy!
It Ends with Us Plot

The novel’s plot mainly navigates Lily’s tumultuous past and her challenging present, exploring themes of love, resilience, and the painful complexities of abusive relationships.
It Ends with Us Summary: Chapter by Chapter
The story follows Lily Bloom, our fierce protagonist, who has always worked hard for the life she wants; she graduates from college, moves to Boston, and starts her own flower shop. Enter Ryle, a handsome neurosurgeon with a mysterious “no dating” and “no strings attached” policy. So when she feels an undeniable spark with the handsome neurosurgeon, everything in Lily’s life seems almost too good to be true.
As their relationship progresses, Lily is reminded of her first love, Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she helped during high school. Their bond was deep, but circumstances forced them apart. So, when Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is at risk.
As the story unfolds, we see Lily and Ryle’s relationship develop, with moments of intense passion and troubling conflict. Here’s a more detailed summary of the book by chapter, covering the key events and developments in each part of the story.
Chapters 1-5
In the first chapter, we are introduced to Lily and her complicated relationship with her parents, particularly her abusive father.
The chapter begins with Lily Bloom standing on a rooftop reflecting on her abusive father’s recent funeral and her relationship with him, and how she couldn’t think of something positive to say about him in his eulogy. Then she meets Ryle Kincaid, and they share a meaningful and deep conversation about their lives and dreams, laying the foundation for their future relationship.
Lily Bloom, reflecting on her father’s abusive behavior, meets Ryle, a neurosurgeon, on a rooftop in Boston. They share an honest conversation, marking the beginning of a potential relationship. Lily opens her flower shop with the help of Alyssa, Ryle’s sister. As Lily and Ryle’s relationship progresses, she recalls her first love, Atlas Corrigan, through flashbacks and journal entries addressed to Ellen DeGeneres, revealing her teenage years with him.
Chapters 6-10
As Lily and Ryle grow closer, she unexpectedly encounters Atlas, now a successful chef. This reunion stirs up unresolved feelings and creates tension in her relationship with Ryle. Ryle’s jealousy becomes apparent, and his darker side emerges when an argument escalates into a physical altercation, reminding Lily of her parents’ abusive relationship. She struggles with her emotions and revisits her past with Atlas for strength.
Chapters 11-15
Ryle apologizes and promises to change, revealing his troubled past. Despite their efforts, the relationship remains strained. Lily’s internal conflict deepens after meeting Atlas again and hearing his lingering feelings for her. Another violent argument with Ryle shatters the fragile peace, and Lily realizes she must prioritize her and her baby’s safety and well-being.
Chapters 16-20
Lily seeks support from friends and family, including Alyssa. She reconnects with Atlas and decides to leave Ryle to focus on her own healing. Lily gives birth to her daughter, Emerson, and finds hope in the future. Ryle seeks visitation rights, and Lily sets boundaries, balancing co-parenting while running her flower shop and nurturing her relationship with Atlas.
Chapters 21-25
Lily and Atlas’s relationship deepens as they share more moments of vulnerability and understanding. Lily reflects on her journey, finding peace in her decisions and joy in her work at the flower shop. Ryle continues to struggle with his anger but shows efforts to change for Emerson’s sake. Lily’s mother expresses pride in her daughter’s strength and independence.
Chapters 26-30
Ryle’s presence remains a challenge, but Lily remains firm in her boundaries. She navigates the complexities of co-parenting, finding a balance that works for them and Emerson. Lily and Atlas’s relationship flourishes, symbolizing the power of love and resilience. The flower shop thrives, representing Lily’s growth and fulfillment.
Chapters 31-End
Lily’s relationship with her mother continues to improve as they find healing and understanding. Inspired by Lily’s journey, those around her witness the power of resilience and breaking the cycle of abuse. The novel concludes with Lily, Atlas, and Emerson looking forward to a future filled with love and possibility, embodying themes of strength, healing, and new beginnings.
It Ends with Us Review

This book was like a punch to the gut in the best way possible. I read it ages ago, but Lily’s story just stuck with me. Here I was, all comfy thinking it was a distant memory, and then BAM! Suddenly I’m 18 again, sitting in my university’s forest reading that final chapter.
This book wasn’t your typical fluffy love story, it was raw and complex. But the way Hoover handled the delicate themes of love, loss, domestic violence, and self-discovery with grace and honesty is commendable. Also, her portrayal of complex relationships, especially the dynamic between Lily and Ryle, was both gut-wrenching and eye-opening.
Honestly, this book stayed with me long after I finished it. I remember being particularly moved by Lily’s courage to break the cycle of abuse—a narrative that felt both personal and universal. It made me think about the strength it takes to break free from unhealthy patterns and the importance of self-love.
Now, with the movie trailer out, a wave of nostalgia hits me. Seeing the characters, I once held close to my heart come to life on screen is both thrilling and bittersweet. The trailer brought back vivid memories of the emotional rollercoaster that is “It Ends with Us”.
Maybe it’s time for a re-read?
Books Like It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
While no book is going to be “It Ends with Us”, if you’ve enjoyed it and you’re looking for some book recommendations that you’ll also enjoy, here are 5 books for you:
- “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover
- “November 9” by Colleen Hoover
- “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
- “Things We Never Got Over” by Lucy Score
- “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes
Check out our best picks of Colleen Hoover books and add them to your reading list!
In conclusion, “It Ends with Us” isn’t just a book; it’s an experience. So, if you haven’t experienced it yet, I highly recommend it. Just grab some tissues, because you’re in for a story that will stay with you long after the last page.
In this blog, we covered It Ends with Us summary and review by Colleen Hoover. We also offered you other book recommendations. So we hope you enjoyed it!
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