Both books, wow! Exceptional and entertaining! Great insight into the human psychology of abusive relationships and how to end them and then navigate the future when children are involved and new partners come along. The relationship between Lily and Atlas is so fascinating and tender, oh my! I really enjoyed reading this so much!

Thank you, Colleen Hoover, for giving Lily and Atlas their happily ever after. I truly appreciate it because they are my favorite couple in one of the books. They have now found a place in my top five couples, a list I love to revisit. This story is one of forgiveness and healing. I am so glad that Lily was given the freedom to love who she chooses. There were moments in the book when it seemed touch and go. I imagined various scenarios where Ryle lost control and hurt Lily, but thankfully, it didn't escalate to that. Ryle's issues stem from what was revealed in 'It Ends With Us': he shot his brother with a loaded gun as a child, an event that undoubtedly scarred his psyche. Whether he received help or not, or whether he pretended to be helped or was not encouraged to overcome his issues, remains unclear. Then there's Lily, who grew up in an abusive household and knew she had the strength to walk away if she ever met someone like her father. I am relieved she recognized that abuse is not love. Regardless of Ryle's actions, he always tried to blame her or thought an apology would suffice. I've heard it said that 'sorry' is a word for sorry people, but I don't believe that applies to Ryle. He had a sister who adored him and loving parents, so perhaps the trauma of accidentally killing his brother left him with unresolved anger. Lily, seeking and obtaining a divorce, still faces anger from her ex, who blames Atlas for their breakup rather than acknowledging his own abusive behavior as the cause. Then there's Atlas, dubbed the 'Greek Adonis' by Alyssa, who was abused by his mother—a twist, as I initially believed it was his stepfather. The revelation that Atlas's mother had another child adds yet another layer to his story.

Colleen Hoover is a New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us(book 1) and It Starts With Us(book 2). In It Starts With Us it begins with Atlas and Lily running into each other. Atlas and Lily may also rekindle their love from when they were teenagers. However, there is a problem with Lily’s ex-husband who believes Atlas could potentially be the reason his marriage ended with Lily which can potentially harm Lily and Atlas’s chance at a relationship. The novel is a young adult romance that involves some domestic abuse and child abandonment. The title of the book refers to how it ended with Lily and Atlas meeting again at the end of the first book It Ends With Us and in the second book It Starts With Us it begins with Atlas and Lily running into each other. Which explains why the author chose to title the novel. Additionally, throughout the book, it switches between the perspectives of Atlas and Lily in every chapter. Even though the perspective changes it wasn’t complicated for me to understand what was happening throughout the story. Having two different perspectives helped me understand the views of each character more fully. However, if it is hard for you to keep track when there is more than one perspective then this book may be more difficult. Colleen Hoover's writing captivates people who want to read novels. As the second book of a series, it wasn’t as enjoyable as the first book was, however, it still was an amazing read. The book was fast paced in certain moments but had points where it wasn’t as fast-paced. Before getting into this author's books I wasn’t reading many books, however, this book was extremely interesting and after I began reading it I finished it in a few days. I would recommend anyone who enjoys romance novels to read this book however the domestic abuse and child abandonment could be harder for some to handle. Although these are difficult topics Colleen Hoover does a good job of making them lighter and more readable, unlike the first book of the series which had more graphic scenes of domestic abuse. I look forward to more of Colleen Hoover’s novels in the future.

I'm an avid reader. I read A LOT. I read this book in a day and It Ends With Us, the two days before. It was also the first CH books I've read, and let me just say, I am floored by how good it was. Absolutely loved the writing style. Theo is a wonderful therapist and gosh, his interactions with Atlas made me laugh. There are some heavy scenes in the books that made me pause, cry, laugh and find closure in some things in my own childhood that was unexpected, but freeing, too. It was real and raw. That's what books bring to my life - a different perspective that heals sometimes. The idea that a story can make someone believe that there is a way out of pain and heartache and that true love can heal all the broken parts of us. Also, the reality of how first love changes us in ways we sometimes cannot understand until years later. Then there is the clarity that comes with knowing that our childhoods shape who we are, but that our future is what we make of it! You can rise above it all. It is okay to put the past behind you and that toxic relationships ending; be it with a family member, partner or friend, can be the start of something beautiful in your life. Wonderful books. Glad I finally read both.

This book was no different than the first, I found it hard to put down and I still want more of Atlas & Lily’s life! Their love is refreshing, their life is interesting, and the life challenges they face are inspiring in how they handle them. It is just as much a self help book as it is a “can’t put it down novel”. Thank you Colleen for your amazing artistry in writing and you continuing the story. (Hopefully!!!). I pray you will continue it into their next decades & even further into their senior years and how their decisions are rewarded in the lives of Josh, Emmy and even Sutton and Tim. This book gives hope and encouragement.