Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

264 reviews

nadiavuko's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I found the second part of the book series somewhat less interesting than the first.

I liked that the story continued in a positive direction, but the lack of suspense put me off the book.

It took me quite some time to finish it. I probably wouldn't recommend the book to someone who wants suspense, but it is suitable for someone who prefers a quiet read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse and Domestic abuse

thatsssorachael's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Gaslighting and Child abuse

taylorp98's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse

mitsyleigh's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting

chewiegirl's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Abandonment

Minor: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, Outing, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Blood, Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Infidelity

_bookmark_babe_'s review against another edition

2.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse

ink_and_wings's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Abandonment, Physical abuse, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content

Moderate: Cursing, Violence, and Misogyny

Minor: Classism, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Infidelity

livia3_answorth's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gaslighting, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual violence, Injury/Injury detail, Panic attacks/disorders, and Mental illness

Moderate: Addiction and Alcoholism

emptzuu's review against another edition

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

The depiction of the cycle of abuse is portrayed without a clear resolution. Lily's relationships with Ryle's sister and best friend intensify this challenge, making it difficult for her to break free from the cycle. The casual discussions about Ryle by Allysa and Marshall, minimizing his abusive tendencies, feel unsettling and fail to provide the necessary support for Lily's healing process. It becomes evident that Lily requires a robust support system to effectively heal, including going no contact with her abuser and anyone associated with him as a crucial first step. 

While the portrayal of Lily's legal battle with Ryle may reflect the realistic challenges faced by survivors of abuse, the ending leaves a sense of unease. It's understandable that winning a legal case against Ryle would be arduous, but the narrative's conclusion, with Ryle still involved in Lily's life, raises concerns about the safety of both Lily and her daughter. Lily's continued excuses for Ryle's behavior underscore the lingering impact of abuse and the necessity for her to prioritize her own well-being. 

Contrary to the narrative's suggestion, love alone cannot heal the trauma of an abusive relationship, especially when the only common ground is shared trauma. Seeking therapy is crucial for Lily's recovery; relying on Atlas or any external figure won't suffice. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse

kzweig13's review against another edition

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Ending felt fushed, but good book. Can be triggering with its story line.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Domestic abuse