Book Review of It Starts with Us (It Ends with Us, #2)

It Starts with Us: A Conversational Review

There’s something compelling about sequels, isn’t there? They often carry the weight of expectations, especially when the original left readers longing for more. Colleen Hoover’s It Starts with Us piqued my interest precisely because of the fervor surrounding its predecessor, It Ends with Us. After swearing off her books—except that one—I found myself drawn back into her universe, a bit like a moth to a flame. But, oh, how quickly I was reminded why I had hesitated!

Let me share my thoughts, in the spirit of full transparency, about this latest installment.

Why This Book Existed: Honestly, I can’t shake the feeling that this sequel serves more as a cash grab, capitalizing on the TikTok buzz that propelled It Ends with Us into the limelight. Did anyone truly clamor for more of Lily and Atlas? I mean, did we really need to devote pages to Atlas trying to be the "sexy hero" when the first book was supposed to focus on Lily? The relevance seems lost.

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Character Development: Atlas, bless him, felt flat. Hoover’s attempts to redeem his character—especially with lines asserting that he’d never hit a woman—came off as if she were deliberately trying to counter the sharp edges in It Ends with Us. And while I appreciate that he had a troubled past too, his relationship with Lily didn’t have that solid foundation that turns a “will they, won’t they” into a heart-pounding romance. The chemistry? Nearly nonexistent, aside from shared traumas.
Writing Style and Pacing: Let’s talk about pacing. The flashbacks felt excessive, almost like Hoover was recycling content to pad the pages. It made me question, why not just lower the price if that’s where we’re headed? Reading about Lily’s enduring letters to Ellen seemed not only outdated but questionable—higher stakes reside in a more progressive context, no?
Supporting Characters: And what about Lily’s support system? I found her best friend, Allysa, to be less of a pillar and more of a frustrating hindrance. If your confidante is your ex-husband’s sister, you might want to reconsider that choice! I found myself cringing through many interactions, questioning whether I was meant to sympathize or merely tolerate her.

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Plot Elements: Oh, and the surprises—where do I begin? The seemingly random subplot involving a shared brother felt rush-constructed, serving as a twist that didn’t quite tie together. It seemed like an attempt to deepen their bond—but honestly, it just felt forced.

In conclusion, It Starts with Us did offer a glimpse into the complexities of love and healing, but it left me feeling deflated and longing for the raw intensity that initially captured my interest in Hoover’s writing. If you’re a devoted fan of Colleen, you might still find something to enjoy here, but I’d urge the rest of you to manage your expectations. Sometimes, it’s okay to let things be—as my attempts at ice skating have taught me!

A word of advice: If you loved It Ends with Us for its emotional depth, you might find this sequel lacking. However, if you’re in need of a light read to pass the time, perhaps you’ll find solace in Lily’s journey once more.

So, what do you think, fellow readers? Are we ready to embrace sequels, or shall we leave some stories as they are? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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