Book Summary

It Starts With Us is a continuation of Hoover’s 2016 book, It Ends With Us, starts about two years after Lily and her abusive ex husband, Ryle, split. Though no longer a couple, they’re managing to civilly co-parent their daughter, Emerson. Then Lily bumps into her old friend and first love, Atlas, and things get complicated.

On one hand, Lily is excited that she has another chance at a love with Atlas, but on the other she dreads the thought of Ryle finding out about their relationship since he thinks Atlas is the reason he and Lily are no longer together. Will love conquer all?

This story is beautifully told from both Lily and Atlas’s perspectives, not only telling their new love story but sharing glimpses back into their teenage years to reveal things they didn’t know about each other to perfectly close the circle that is their relationship.

My Thoughts

This book was so highly anticipated that part of me worried that it wouldn’t live up to the hype, but I was happy to be wrong. I knew I liked Atlas after reading It Ends With Us, but I didn’t realize how much more of him I needed in my (fictional) life. Everyone should have an Atlas in their life.

When I heard this book was coming out, I was curious of what (if any) part Ryle would play in it. Though I’m sure it’s safe to say readers weren’t #TeamRyle, I was glad that he was still a big part of this book and Lily (and Emerson’s) story. I may be in the minority, but I think the story would’ve felt a bit too happily ever after without having Ryle in it.

I could go on for a few hundred more words about everything I love about this book, but instead I’ll suggest you read it for yourself.

And, seriously, I just wish Colleen and I could grab a coffee and hang. Team CoHo, always and forever.

Most Memorable Moment

“If it takes a million kisses for her not to think about the scars that surround her heart tattoo, then I’ll kiss her there a million and one times.”

(But seriously, how can I pick just one quote?)

TLDR

• Book: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
• Release date: October 2022
• Genre: literary fiction, domestic fiction
• Stars: 6/5
• Burn speed: medium
• Steam level: 4/5
• Suspense level: low
• Conclusion: read it now

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