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thequiltyreader'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? Yes
4.0
Not quite as good as the first book but also not quite as upsetting / tough read. I did find that I was left wanting to know more about
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting
aprilyvonne's review
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: Addiction, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting
jennyg1234's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Physical abuse and Stalking
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: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
nick13's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Stalking
sldibened's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Grief, Stalking, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
amgarrido's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Stalking, and Pregnancy
thatswhatshanread's review
- 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
WHEN I TELL YOU I READ THIS THROUGH MANY TEARY EYES—well two eyes. I only have two eyes. But there were many tears on the surface of said eyes. WHATEVER THE CASE, I WAS AND CONTINUE TO BE IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTIONS.
Having read “It Starts With Us” earlier in the year, and thinking about it nearly everyday since, I was all too eager to dive into this one. I loved that it started right where the original left off. I loved that it gave us the story from Atlas’ POV in addition to Lily’s. I loved that it focused on the several different complicated relationships in both of their lives. I loved Atlas + Lily in love in present day. I loved it all.
I appreciated the fact that Hoover didn’t make this sequel one big happily ever after with no hitches or conflicts. Although it was much lighter and much sweeter in overall tone, it didn’t brush over the heavy topics of the first one. It laid out the realities of domestic abuse and child abuse with ironclad honesty. How hard it can be to move on from something so terrible, and how easy it can be to want to forgive for the sake of peace and past feelings.
Hoover is exceptional at injecting her characters’ feelings right into your veins. I felt every bit of emotion being revealed on the pages. From Lily to Atlas to Josh, I felt it. Even Ryle, which really is a testament to how well written the characters are.
And can I just say that I’m sooooooo happy that Lily and Atlas’ lives finally started to bloom together in the same place and the same time??!! Ugh. I love their love.
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Drug use, Infidelity, Misogyny, Stalking, and Alcohol
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Pregnancy