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jordynbean's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse
_bookmark_babe_'s review against another edition
2.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
tegan_watts's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
aroush's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
faerietears's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
It Starts With Us reads as a direct continuation of It Ends With Us.
This is the love story Lily deserved from the start.
As soon as the love interests were introduced in the original book, it was clear that Lily and Atlas belonged together. Ryle was never her perfect match.
While this book does feel a little preachy at times - by that I mean, less like I'm reading a fictional story as someone on a soap box telling me what is and isn't okay - I still absolutely loved it. It was a satisfying end to Lily and Ryle, and the new beginning for Lily and Atlas.
I also love Atlas' family story in here too. What a surprise that was!
I'm looking forward to my next CoHo book. (Once I get through some of my backlog that is...)
This is the love story Lily deserved from the start.
As soon as the love interests were introduced in the original book, it was clear that Lily and Atlas belonged together. Ryle was never her perfect match.
While this book does feel a little preachy at times - by that I mean, less like I'm reading a fictional story as someone on a soap box telling me what is and isn't okay - I still absolutely loved it. It was a satisfying end to Lily and Ryle, and the new beginning for Lily and Atlas.
I also love Atlas' family story in here too. What a surprise that was!
I'm looking forward to my next CoHo book. (Once I get through some of my backlog that is...)
Content Warnings
Minor: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, and Child 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
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
virginiais4lovers's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse and Domestic abuse
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, and Emotional abuse
owls_rainbow'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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Domestic abuse
moniquemariek's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Kinda thought there’d be more spice, but a nice ending for them. Nice to have a good outcome to the first book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Gaslighting