It Starts With Us is the sequel to the very popular It Ends With Us novel by Colleen Hoover. Many readers of It Ends With Us were keen to know what happened next in Lily and Atlas’ story, so Hoover decided to write the aftermath for the fans. Read on to find out my thoughts on the novel.
Note: This is a sequel. If you’ve not yet read It Ends With Us, make sure to check out my book review of that here.
Plot
It Starts With Us picks up right where It Ends With Us finished. The sequel focuses on Lily’s next steps and tells the story of how she starts a new life for herself and her daughter, Emmy, after leaving her abusive marriage with Ryle. A big element of the novel is Lily and Atlas’ relationship, who both fell in love as teenagers. They rekindle their romance, but it’s made a lot more complicated by Ryle’s controlling and abusive behaviour. As Ryle is Emmy’s father, he will always be in Lily’s life, and she has to navigate her relationship with Atlas around Ryle’s anger and jealousy.
In the sequel, the reader gets to learn a lot more about Atlas and his past. As the novel switches between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, this is the first time the reader gets an insight into his mind. Atlas has his own obstacles to handle in the novel, and with his story comes two great new characters — Josh and Theo.
Review
I enjoyed Lily and Atlas’ relationship development in the novel. The two have a strong connection, amazing chemistry and understand each other deeply. This results in a slow burn, second chance romance that is very lovely to read.
As I mentioned, we gain a deeper insight into Atlas’ character in the story. I think this was very effective as it gives Atlas a much-needed voice. The reader falls in love with Atlas again: his kindness, humbleness, protectiveness and dependability are strongly conveyed. Readers are also given the opportunity to see Lily through Atlas’ eyes, and celebrate all that she has overcome and achieved as a survivor of domestic violence.
The plot is not as strong as It Ends With Us. There aren’t any major twists or turns, it’s slower in pace than the first book, and there aren’t many dramatic, page turning moments. Having said this, after the pain and turmoil Lily experiences in the first book, this reflects what Lily needs in her life. I still enjoyed the novel and read it fairly quickly.
It Starts With Us Rating – 3.5/5
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (+ 1/2)
Overall, It Starts With Us is an enjoyable read and nice ending to the series. I would recommend this novel to those who enjoyed It Ends With Us, and are curious to find out what comes next for Lily and Atlas on their journey. Although it isn’t as gripping as its predecessor, it’s a heart-warming, comforting love story that is easy to read and won’t leave you disappointed.
Are you a fan of Colleen Hoover novels? Let me know in the comments 🙂
