Book Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

 Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

Switching between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts with Us picks up right where the epilogue for the “gripping, pulse-pounding” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of Perfect Neighbors) bestselling phenomenon It Ends with Us left off. Revealing more about Atlas’s past and following Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband, it proves that “no one delivers an emotional read like Colleen Hoover” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author).

My Thoughts

This sequel was highly anticipated by me because I loved 'It Ends With Us'. While Colleen Hoover's writing in this book was excellent and did not disappoint, it was not my favourite by her so far.

It was a very romantic story though. Lily and Atlas had so much love for one another. It was really nice to read. The story gave the ending that these characters deserved so because of that the story was meaningful. It could have had a little more action for my taste but in all it was a good story.

BOOK REVIEW: YOU MADE A FOOL OF DEATH WITH YOUR BEAUTY BY AKWAEKE EMEZI

 

Feyi Adekola wants to learn how to be alive again.

It’s been five years since the accident that killed the love of her life and she’s almost a new person now—an artist with her own studio, and sharing a brownstone apartment with her ride-or-die best friend, Joy, who insists it’s time for Feyi to ease back into the dating scene. Feyi isn’t ready for anything serious, but a steamy encounter at a rooftop party cascades into a whirlwind summer she could have never imagined: a luxury trip to a tropical island, decadent meals in the glamorous home of a celebrity chef, and a major curator who wants to launch her art career.

She’s even started dating the perfect guy, but their new relationship might be sabotaged before it has a chance by the dangerous thrill Feyi feels every time she locks eyes with the one person in the house who is most definitely off-limits. This new life she asked for just got a lot more complicated, and Feyi must begin her search for real answers. Who is she ready to become? Can she release her past and honor her grief while still embracing her future? And, of course, there’s the biggest question of all—how far is she willing to go for a second chance at love?

Akwaeke Emezi’s vivid and passionate writing takes us deep into a world of possibility and healing, and the constant bravery of choosing love against all odds.

My Thoughts

I went into this book not knowing what it was about because the title gripped me. What I enjoyed was the concept, what I did not enjoy was the execution.

In this book we meet Feyi, a young artist, who upon losing her husband is trying to get her life back on track. In comes the handsome Nasir who tries the subtle approach to sweep Feyi off her feet.

On a trip to the islands, Feyi meets celebrity chef Alim who is none other than Nasir's father. This encounter will change the whole direction of the story as Feyi and Alim share a connection that is very deep.

While this book was not a favourite of mine. I will still recommend it to someone. I think it started well but somewhere around the middle the concept was lost.