I have never read a book by Colleen Hoover I did not love; “It Starts With Us” was no different. 

For people who haven’t read the first book, stop reading, spoilers ahead! In the previous book in the series, “It Ends With Us,” the main character, Lily Bloom, is in an abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid. At the start of the book, Lily moves to Boston after college to begin a new life. She meets Ryle, and, eventually, they fall in love. After many chapters of their relationship being on and off, they finally end up in a happy marriage—until Ryle hits her. Like most abusive partners, the hitting and yelling becomes a constant cycle of Ryle apologizing, giving her gifts, being “the perfect husband,” until he hits her again. When Lily was younger, she fell in love with a boy named Atlas. Ryle finds out that Lily and Atlas were still in touch, and he shoves her down a flight of stairs. Shortly after, Lily finds out she is pregnant. During the pregnancy, she avoids Ryle. After she gives birth, she realizes she does not want her baby to grow up around Ryle and his narcissistic behavior. They get a divorce, and that is where “It Ends with Us” concludes. 

“It Starts With Us” follows the story of Atlas and Lily’s relationship after her divorce with Ryle. Lily and Ryle co-parent their daughter, Emerson, with Lily having custody most of the week. The author illustrates the “puppy love” Atlas and Lily once had for each other and their feelings they have now while they navigate through their adult lives. 

I don’t want to spoil this book too much, but it is such a good read, especially if you have read the first book in the series. Colleen Hoover never disappoints. It starts out a little slow in the beginning, like most plots do. “It Ends With Us” is full of drama and conflict. Even with less drama and conflict, “It Starts With Us” will still keep you hooked until the very last page. 

The author demonstrates harsh topics other authors can be afraid to write about: abuse, narcissism and divorce. Some readers can relate to these topics and this can make the book feel more personal. The toxic, abusive relationship demonstrated between Lily and Ryle is a real world problem many people face. I think authors being able to help readers relate to the story they are reading, makes them feel more connected and keep them reading. 

The ending of this book made me so happy. Readers who are “Team Atlas” will love the end. To be fair, I’m not sure who would be “Team Ryle” after all of the bad things he has done to Lily. Lily is such an innocent, lovable character and the things Ryle did to her are disgusting. 

In the beginning of “It Ends With Us,” Ryle is depicted as the handsome neurosurgeon who is going to sweep Lily off of her feet. In the flashbacks of “It Ends With Us,” Atlas is a high school outcast who could never get a girlfriend. By “It Starts With Us,” Atlas is sweeping Lily off of her feet. Atlas and Lily’s relationship continues to grow throughout the book, and even with their ups and downs, they get their happy ending. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic and dramatic books. This contemporary fiction novel will definitely keep readers intrigued right up until the very last page.