'It Starts with Us' serves as both sequel and companion to Colleen Hoover's breakout hit, following Lily Bloom as she navigates new love with Atlas Corrigan while co-parenting with her abusive ex-husband Ryle. This book will satisfy readers who desperately wanted more after the first book's ending, particularly those invested in the Atlas-Lily romance that felt underdeveloped previously.

Hoover excels at creating emotionally charged scenes and tackles serious themes like domestic violence recovery and blended family dynamics with genuine care. The dual timeline structure, alternating between Atlas's teenage years and present-day events, provides welcome backstory that enriches both characters.

However, the pacing feels uneven—the present-day romance progresses almost too smoothly, lacking the tension that made the first book compelling. While Lily's healing journey feels authentic, Atlas sometimes reads more like wish fulfillment than a fully realized character.

The book's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of trauma recovery and the complexities of co-parenting with an abuser, showing how Lily maintains boundaries with Ryle for their daughter Emerson's sake. Hoover doesn't shy away from the messy realities of these situations.

The writing remains accessible and emotionally direct, though some dialogue feels stilted and the resolution perhaps too neat. Readers seeking intense drama might find this installment tamer than its predecessor, while those hoping for deeper character development may feel shortchanged by the focus on romantic wish fulfillment. The book works best for fans of the original who want closure and are willing to accept a more straightforward love story. Skip this if you haven't read 'It Ends with Us' first, as it relies heavily on emotional investment from the previous book. Also pass if you prefer more complex relationship dynamics or are sensitive to detailed discussions of domestic violence and its aftermath.