It Starts With Us

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

Reviewed by Tanya
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So I’m sad to say I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped I would. I was expecting so much more but it just felt rushed. As a reader, I would‘ve been content with It Ends With Us as the ending was left open but hopeful. I finished that book feeling like Atlas and Lily were going to end up together and I was happy with that.

If it wasn’t for #booktok, people begging for a sequel and due time taken to write a follow up novel…this one could have been great.

Having said all of that, I did love reading Atlas’ POV on things especially about the past and present. He was a sweetheart and was exactly what Lily needed. It was sad and sweet how they both found comfort in each other as kids and even though they were going through so much still managed to love each other.

The main thing that irked me was Atlas having a 12 year old therapist? To be clear, Atlas is a 30 something year old man and I just don’t see a 12 year old giving such amazing advice. I know it’s a novel but no, this was stupid and inappropriate.

I hated Ryle. I really thought he was going to redeem himself in this book but he was a narcissistic piece of work! I wish Atlas wasn’t so nice and just knocked him out cos he really did deserve it the cocky little douche lol.
As an aside, I absolutely adored Alyssa and Marshall. They were such a great support system for Lily, even though technically Alyssa’s loyalties should lie with her brother Ryle. Alyssa still stood by Lily through it all, and was an amazing friend.

I didn’t hate this but I definitely won’t be picking it up again. I don’t know if I’d recommend it either.