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veritas19's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Moderate: Cursing, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Toxic relationship
shesflippinpages'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? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Blood, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Emotional abuse, and Domestic abuse
sophie______a's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic friendship, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Sexual violence, and Gaslighting
laurenellisx'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? No
4.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Vomit
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
crystal689'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
5.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Physical abuse
hemmr3252's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Domestic abuse
eefam's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, and Physical abuse
kristiannatrinidad's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
annabananadel's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
“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.”
It’s a good story to end the duology and I’m so happy that Colleen had written it after IEWU was popularized. To be honest, I was surprised to know that there was a second book because I was very much happy with how it ended but after reading this now, I’m just so grateful.
I love how they showed how Lily was still traumatized of Ryle even after being divorced. Divorcing/Being separated your abuser does not clear out the trauma that was already in place. A little bit of action or phrases that might be connected to what had happened could easily scare you. Trauma is not that easy to erase and it was evidently seen in this second book. It showed how Lily, as a mother, was always there to protect her daughter. Fighting for her. And I’m so glad to see her support system because everybody who’s going thru the same situation should have had at least one person who supports and be constant. It makes me cheer for Lily because she’s been through so much.
With Atlas and his new addition family member, I was kind of skeptical with it because why add a step-brother, right? Why not just focus on his love and relationship with Lily? But I later learned that it is a good addition to the story because I was able to see and understand Atlas clearly. How he became the man he came to be. Also, Josh is an amazing character together with Theo. I’m glad LGBTQ+ was added as well and at an early age too.
Overall, I love this story but less of an impact compared to the first book. If asked if I recommend this book, I would say that it is a good way to end the story once they’ve read the first one.
Graphic: Abandonment, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Mental illness
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Alcohol, and Emotional abuse