It Starts With Us

By Colleen Hoover

What it’s about?

From Goodreads:

Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

Switching between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts with Us picks up right where the epilogue for the “gripping, pulse-pounding” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of Perfect Neighbors) bestselling phenomenon It Ends with Us left off. Revealing more about Atlas’s past and following Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband, it proves that “no one delivers an emotional read like Colleen Hoover” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author).

What I think:

It Starts With Us is probably bookstagram’s most anticipated book of the year following the social media sensation of It Ends With Us.

This is Atlas and Lily’s happy ending. But there is a lot to work through before they get.

Their story is a triumph of kindness over cruelty and love over hate.

It’s also about having the courage to hold the people you love to account and supporting them when they need you.

Lily’s fear of Ryle and her hyper vigilance is palpable throughout their encounters. She is constantly watching for tell tale signs that his anger will turn to violence. What’s notable is the differences she acknowledges in her emotions when she sees Atlas get angry. She never feels scared.

I really enjoyed finding out more about Atlas’s family story and watching his relationship with Josh develop.

This was a quick read. The voices are crisp and clear and fans of Lily and Atlas will not be disappointed. It did not have the emotional impact on me that the first book had, but it is very clear that Colleen Hoover has given the fans the hopeful happy ending that they wanted.