Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

167 reviews

jade_v's review

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship

sweetcass20's review

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.25

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship

mitsyleigh's review

dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting

livia3_answorth's review

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness

Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism

emptzuu's review

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

The depiction of the cycle of abuse is portrayed without a clear resolution. Lily's relationships with Ryle's sister and best friend intensify this challenge, making it difficult for her to break free from the cycle. The casual discussions about Ryle by Allysa and Marshall, minimizing his abusive tendencies, feel unsettling and fail to provide the necessary support for Lily's healing process. It becomes evident that Lily requires a robust support system to effectively heal, including going no contact with her abuser and anyone associated with him as a crucial first step. 

While the portrayal of Lily's legal battle with Ryle may reflect the realistic challenges faced by survivors of abuse, the ending leaves a sense of unease. It's understandable that winning a legal case against Ryle would be arduous, but the narrative's conclusion, with Ryle still involved in Lily's life, raises concerns about the safety of both Lily and her daughter. Lily's continued excuses for Ryle's behavior underscore the lingering impact of abuse and the necessity for her to prioritize her own well-being. 

Contrary to the narrative's suggestion, love alone cannot heal the trauma of an abusive relationship, especially when the only common ground is shared trauma. Seeking therapy is crucial for Lily's recovery; relying on Atlas or any external figure won't suffice. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse

kyaranelson's review

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Emotional abuse

lovesbug787's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Pregnancy, Addiction, Gaslighting, and Sexual violence

Minor: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, Bullying, Alcohol, Kidnapping, and Mental illness

cam_cameron44's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Misogyny, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Alcoholism

chelle's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

I am glad she did a sequel to “It ends With Us” but I did find it a hard to believe story for the most part. A little bit too “it works out for everyone in the end” for me. Atlas does not seem like a realistic character. Very Gatsby waiting for Daisy. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

sjpflock's review

emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I felt like the book got a little redundant in the format of going back and forth between Atlas and Lily's perspectives. Similarly to It Ends With Us (and probably as a product of being a mental health therapist) I just kept screaming why wasn't anyone getting professional help!? In a story about overcoming DV I felt it kind of glorified white knuckling the very serious situations the characters found themselves in. It also just all worked out very well which made it less believable. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Abandonment