Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover picks up exactly where It Ends With Us left off, giving readers the continuation they’ve been waiting for. Told through the alternating perspectives of Lily and Atlas, this sequel explores second chances, healing, and the complications of love when the past is still very much present. While it delivers satisfying closure for fans of Lily and Atlas, it’s also a quieter, more reflective book than its predecessor – one that may feel less urgent but still resonates emotionally.
Key Takeaways: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Who Is Colleen Hoover?
If you’re an avid follower of literary discussions across various online forums like Facebook groups and Instagram communities, the moniker “CoHo” might have caught your attention. It’s an endearing nickname that fans have lovingly coined for none other than author Colleen Hoover.
Rest assured, the intention behind this affectionate alias is nothing but admiration. Colleen Hoover has amassed a huge following. Her books have consistently earned the coveted title of #1 New York Times bestseller, adding her name to a long list of popular and talented authors. Her pen gracefully navigates through diverse genres, encompassing the realms of romance, young adult fiction, and psychological thrillers.
Colleen Hoover lives in Texas and shares her life with her devoted husband and the joyful company of three vibrant boys.
What It’s About
Lily Bloom is learning to navigate life as a single mother, co-parenting with her ex-husband Ryle. Just as things settle into a fragile rhythm, she unexpectedly reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Their chemistry is undeniable, and Lily is eager to embrace a second chance with the man who once protected her and who still knows her heart.
But things are complicated. Ryle is still part of Lily’s daily life, and his resentment of Atlas threatens the fragile peace she’s built. Told through the dual perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts With Us reveals more about Atlas’s past and follows Lily as she balances new love with the challenges of raising a child alongside a jealous ex.
My Review Rating: -3.5 out of 5 stars.
It Starts With Us delivers the closure fans wanted for Lily and Atlas, but it doesn’t quite reach the emotional punch of the first book. While it’s heartwarming to see Atlas’s side of the story and to watch Lily move forward, the pacing and stakes felt softer here. Still, it’s a satisfying continuation for readers invested in these characters.
Review Of It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
In It Starts With Us, Colleen Hoover revisits Lily and Atlas’s story, offering a hopeful continuation to the emotional journey that began in It Ends With Us. In this review, I’ll share what I loved about this sequel, the areas where it fell short, and whether it lives up to the massive anticipation surrounding its release.
What I Liked About It Starts With Us
The Setting
The Boston backdrop continues to feel authentic, and I appreciated how Hoover grounded the story in Lily’s daily life – her flower shop, her role as a mother, and her moments with Atlas that felt both ordinary and meaningful.
The Characters
Atlas finally gets his voice in this sequel, and that perspective was one of my favorite aspects. His past, his integrity, and his tenderness toward Lily added real depth. Lily herself remains a strong, determined character, navigating co-parenting challenges with resilience. I also liked the inclusion of Emerson (her daughter), which added warmth and reality to the story.
The Plot
This isn’t a high-drama novel, but rather a quieter story about healing and moving on. I liked how Hoover showed that life after trauma isn’t about fairy-tale endings but about building steady, healthy foundations. The romance between Lily and Atlas felt like a well-earned second chance.
What I Disliked About It Starts With Us
Compared to It Ends With Us, this book felt slower and lacked the same level of tension. The conflict with Ryle didn’t feel as fleshed out as it could have been, and at times, the story leaned more toward fan service than a fully developed narrative. While I enjoyed seeing Atlas’s perspective, parts of the book felt more like an extended epilogue than a stand-alone novel.
Frequently Asked Questions About It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover
Do you need to read It Ends With Us first?
Yes. This book is a direct sequel and picks up immediately after the events of It Ends With Us.
Who narrates the story?
The novel alternates between Lily and Atlas’s perspectives.
Is this the final book in the series?
As of now, yes. It Starts With Us was written as a continuation and conclusion to Lily and Atlas’s story.
How does this book compare to It Ends With Us?
It’s softer and more hopeful. While It Ends With Us was intense and emotionally raw, It Starts With Us is more about healing and closure.
Review of It Starts With Us – Conclusion
This sequel may not pack the same emotional punch as It Ends With Us, but it gives fans the closure and perspective they were hoping for. By allowing Atlas’s voice into the narrative, Colleen Hoover added richness to the love story and gave Lily the second chance she deserved. For readers invested in these characters, It Starts With Us is a satisfying continuation, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the first novel.
If you’re diving deeper into Colleen Hoover’s work, don’t miss my Colleen Hoover bibliography, or my reviews of It Ends With Us and Reminders of Him.
And speaking of Colleen Hoover, did you know she writes thrillers, too? If you like thrillers, see what all the fuss is about over Colleen Hoover’s book Verity.
đź“š Did You Know?
When It Starts With Us was announced, it became the most pre-ordered novel in Simon & Schuster’s history – proof of just how devoted Colleen Hoover’s readers are.
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- Colleen Hoover Books in Order
- It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
- Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover
- Verity by Colleen Hoover
