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The Hottest Movie of Summer Is Based on a Best-Selling Book—& You Won't Be Able to Put It Down

'It Ends with Us' is everywhere right now

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it ends with us cover
JUSTIN TALLIS/getty images

If you've been on the internet over the past week, you've likely seen some sort of press from the buzziest movie of the summer, It Ends with Us, starring Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni and Jenny Slate. But did you know the film is based on a best-selling 2016 book by Colleen Hoover (Verity)? Here's the scoop.

It Ends with Us, which is based on the relationship between Hoover's parents, centers on Lily Bloom (played in the film version by Lively). She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up and has started her own business. When she meets Ryle, a gorgeous neurosurgeon, her life starts to seem too good to be true. And it just might be. Eventually, red flags start to pop up in Lily and Ryle's relationship, especially as Lily reconnects with her first love. (Trigger warning: The book and film both include scenes of domestic abuse.)

With 4.7 out of 5 stars based on more than 330,000 Amazon ratings, the novel has garnered a devoted fan base. One reviewer raves, "I absolutely love this story. It had so much going on that I couldn't put it down. There was fun, a little steam, drama, action, and it made me go through so many emotions, that my mind was just as confused as Lily's. I loved all the characters in the story and their chemistry together. I loved Lily's strength, Atlas' love, and even Ryle's determination to be better. Fantastic story with a great message for all."

In his review of the film adaptation, VP of News and Entertainment Phil Mutz writes, "It Ends with Us is a beautiful but tough watch (for reasons of the emotional variety, not the filmmaking variety). The performances are super solid (especially from Lively and Slate) and for those who haven't read the book, the twists in the second half of the film are fast and furious."

Heartbreaking but still full of hope, it's no wonder that It Ends with Us —per The New York Times—has sold 4 million copies. If you aren't one of those 4 million people...what are you waiting for?


sarah stiefvater

Wellness Director

  • Oversees wellness content
  • PureWow's resident book reviewer
  • Has worked in lifestyle media for 11 years