It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover is the sequel to the bestselling sensation It Ends With Us, published in 2022.
It’s safe to say the It Ends With Us series has been hugely popular. It was a New York Times bestseller and was so popular there is now an It Ends With Us movie in the works starring Blake Lively.
Colleen Hoover books in general are always hugely popular. I’ve previously read two of her books, Verity and It Ends With Us. I wasn’t a huge fan of Verity if I’m being completely honest. However, although it did have its flaws, I did prefer It Ends With Us.
I therefore wanted to read It Starts With Us to see how the story ends.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Plot
Lily and her ex-husband Ryle have managed to establish a civil co-parenting routine after their difficult separation. However, everything changes when Lily unexpectedly runs into her first love, Atlas, after two years apart. Excited about the opportunity to reconnect, Lily agrees to go on a date with Atlas, despite knowing that Ryle will hate having him back in their lives.
Narrated from both Lily and Atlas’s perspectives, the book delves into their individual experiences and sheds light on Atlas’s past. As Lily embarks on a second chance at true love, she must navigate the challenges of a jealous ex-husband who is still an active presence in her life and in the life of their daughter.
It Starts With Us Book Review
I found It Starts With Us to be a decent continuation of the It Ends With Us story. However, I do feel it lacked the impact of the first book.
I was satisfied with the ending of It Ends With Us so I didn’t really feel like a sequel was necessary. However I do appreciate some fans of the book wanted to read more about Lily and Atlas and were hoping for a happy-ever-after.
I just didn’t feel that much actually happened in It Starts With Us. It was quite predictable and everything was wrapped up with a nice bow but I just felt a bit disinterested.
Ryle was still an unsympathetic character and while Atlas is likeable, he appears a little too perfect which makes him feel a little one dimensional. I prefer my male leads to have a bit more depth and nuance. I found in the first book the character development was done well but I found it a bit lacking with It Starts With Us.
However I did like the changes in perspective. It was interesting to read from both points of view and allowed us to get to know Atlas a little more.
I feel that while the story progressed at a steady pace, it just lacked the emotional punch of the first book. I didn’t love the first book but I appreciated the message and I just felt that message was lost slightly.
Overall, I think It Starts With Us will be enjoyed by those who were huge fans of the It Ends With Us. It gives the reader a closer look at Lily and Atlas’s relationship and ties up any loose ends. However I personally found the story a bit lacking and didn’t believe the sequel was really necessary.
Colleen Hoover Books to Read on Kindle Unlimited
Many of Colleen Hoover’s books are currently available to read on Kindle Unlimited. Sign up to Kindle Unlimited for a monthly fee and many Colleen Hoover (and other romance novels) are included in the monthly price. You might even be entitled to a free trial!
This book is featured in the following lists:
Related Books
