I did not read the book . I felt the story was very slow in the beginning and Lilly was a bit of a boring character. Very beautiful but not much in conversation. The story itself was an important one to tell regarding undertones of violence and it's progression in a relationship as well as how it seems so innocent at first. I think Blake lively is a beautiful actress but I didn't real think she played this role well. The ending was a hopeful one but left some mystery which was unfulfilled.