It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover: Book Review

It Starts With Us is one of my most anticipated books of 2022. It’s the second book in the author’s “It Ends With Us” series and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first.

[book-info]

From The Publisher:

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).

My Thoughts:

There is a reason why Colleen Hoover consistently has books on the NY Times Bestseller lists. She writes compelling stories with well-developed characters. It Starts With Us is no exception.

The book continues where the first book in the series (It Ends With Us) leaves off. While the second in the series could be read as a standalone, I would suggest reading the series from Book 1 to get the full context of the story.

Emotional and physical abuse is very much a part of both Lily’s and Atlas’ backstories. Despite the fact it had been several years since I read It Ends With Us, I did not feel it difficult to pick up on the story. The intensity of the relationship between Lily and Atlas is never in question. The love that is shared between them is enduring and reflects all the emotions I felt during their younger years.

The book is written in the dual narrative of Lily and Atlas and this works extremely well. I appreciated the individual perspectives which magnified the personal growth of each of these characters. I loved the surprising relationship that Atlas discovers. This was a creative way for the author to reflect on Atlas’ personal story.

I listened to the audiobook version of It Starts With Us which was narrated by Colin Donnell and Olivia Song. I adored their performances and felt they enhanced an already wonderful book. I recommend the audiobook version of this book to those that enjoy this format.

I highly recommend this book to those readers who enjoy romance.

What I Liked:

• The well-developed characters
• The intensity of the relationship between Lily and Atlas
• The well-executed use of dual-narrative to tell the story

Acknowledgments:

I used an Audible credit to purchase this audiobook.

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune