Book name: It Starts with Us

Author: Colleen Hoover

Publications: Simon & Schuster

Rating: 4.5/5

I recently read the sequel to “It Ends with Us” called “It Starts with Us,” written by Collen Hoover. The series has been highly anticipated, and I was excited to get my hands on it. The story follows the lives of Lily, Atlas, and Ryel, and the unexpected twists kept me hooked. I found myself falling in love with one of the characters, but you’ll have to read it to find out who!

In the plot, Lily decides to leave her abusive marriage with Ryle after giving birth to their child, Emmerson. This comes as a shock to Ryle, who believed his occasional outbursts were harmless until the very end. Starts when Ryle reads the letters, she wrote addressing Elle about Atlas in her diary in her teen years.

It starts with us. The present:

Lily is a single mother who manages a flower business. One day, she unexpectedly encounters Atlas, her former teenage love. If you want to learn more about their past relationship, read “It Ends with Us.” This encounter brings up a flood of emotions for Lily.

After the tense morning scenario, she tries to avoid any contact with Atlas. She is aware that Ryle’s misunderstandings and abuse are related to Atlas. Although Lily and Ryle have agreed on co-parenting, she wants Ryle’s approval of anyone she brings around Emmerson.

She finally met Atlas and makes it clear that she wants to take it slow. And hands over one diary which she mentions about them. She was scared of the consequences of dating Atlas and her fears have come true! As time passed by, they were seeing each other.

He guesses it while he was visiting her to get Emmi, who happens to be at her mother’s place. Seeing the wine glasses and her clothes near the couch. Ryle was furious and took it all out on Lily. She tries to deal with the other two outbursts for herself, and after reaching the tip of the iceberg, she finally confronts him.  

It Starts with Us: Her support

Lily was lucky enough to have someone who loves her- Atlas and Ryle’s sister and her husband. They seem to be the backbone for Lilly while confronting Ryle. Atlas has his friends and his step-brother to count in.

The character Lilly has fears that are too real for devoiced and co-parenting parents. She made sure that Ryle was ok having Atlas around Emmi. Her fears are real. Her willingness to walk out of the marriage to break the abuse chain was real. A strong independent woman, who wanted her family to be complete.

Ryle was a highly professional doctor who was in love with Lilly. He took absolute care of her until he found out about her teenage love. Despite Lilly saying that was long ago he didn’t bother to talk about it but took his abusive actions for granted

Atlas, who always had the love for Lilly couldn’t let her go after life gives him a second chance over his love. Being true to his love and feeling concerned is what makes his character stand out! My favorite character in this series.

This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla. 

You can also read my other book reviews:

Hyderabad. II. The Partition Trilogy by Manreet Sodhi Someshwar. Book review by Sadvika Kylash

Pursuit Drawn by Destiny. Book review by Sadvika Kylash