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lovesbug787's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Cursing, Pregnancy, Addiction, Gaslighting, and Sexual violence
Minor: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Outing, Bullying, Alcohol, Kidnapping, and Mental illness
aprilyvonne's review against another edition
3.75
“It Starts With Us” had so much potential. I understand that CoHo was convinced to write this for her fans, and I commend that effort. I was slightly disappointed that it just didn’t live up to some of her previous writing. It was a bit flat to me.
Now, I wasn’t a fan of Ryle in the first book, so I was excited to see Atlas have his own story. Of course, I also wanted Lily to be happy and safe. There was still some tension and stress, but the drama was lacking. Not that I wanted more violence. I suppose there wasn’t enough rising action (or even a true climax) in my opinion.
Again, I appreciated the author’s note about her why and her vision, like before. So, based on that, Hoover did exactly what she had intended. The story was more happy, but I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if there was just a little extra to make that joy impact me as a reader.
At least the sequel didn’t upset me as much as the first. 🤓
Moderate: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Physical abuse, Stalking, Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, and Addiction
karin_goodreads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Hoover's books have always been easy to read for me - time kind of flies by and they're fairly simple. The plot on the other hand is... wild.
First of all, Ryle's entire existence makes me want to erase him from my memories. Why didn't he lose everything? I know I'm just observing the story that's being told, but come on! He had it too easy.
Even Allysa and Marshall got tainted by the shadow he left. It's a weird situations all over.
I may not be perfect, but I don't deserve to fear for my life every time I make a mistake.
Atlas' and Lily's love story was fine. I feel like they have a trauma bond rather than being so unbelievably in love. Every other second there had to be a mention how Lily saved Atlas, which is fine, but that kind of muddles the waters for understanding where else the love is growing from.
At some parts I forgot Lily even existed, because I was so into Atlas' family's story. To be honest, I liked Atlas' story on it's own the most. I would genuinely like some Atlas and Josh only content.
FYI, I need everyone to know that Atlas' 12-year-old therapist Theo was the star of this book! He had my heart with those quips. Not sure what his purpose was, but I would like to keep him, yes & thank you!
I can draw a seedling with two tiny branches. Yours and mine. We’ll be on our own brand-new, tiny family tree—one that starts with us.
(That part was so satisfying.)
Now, the ending was just way too easy. How is every "villain" suddenly having a change of character (
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Abandonment, Gaslighting, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Blood, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
kaylasbookgram's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love that we got more of the story with Atlas and Lily. This was everything and more! I loved watching Lily grow as a mother and standing up for herself to raise her daughter away from abuse and conflict. I absolutely love Colleen Hoovers books I can’t praise them enough!
Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Infidelity, Alcohol, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse
becca_w_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Alcohol, Blood, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Minor: Vomit, Gore, and Rape
gmbooks11_'s review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Alcohol, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
issyd23's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Bullying, Classism, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Violence, Sexual violence, Misogyny, Grief, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Sexual harassment, Sexism, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Physical abuse
kaynic22's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Sexual content, Violence, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
ellaticonstellation's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Cursing, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Bullying, Domestic abuse, and Gaslighting
worldofv33's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Infidelity, Violence, and Mental illness