It Starts with Us

It Ends with Us, Book #2

By Colleen Hoover

ISBN#  9781668001226

Author’s Website:  https://www.colleenhoover.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Lily and Ryle are divorced now, trying to make co-parenting work, without putting their daughter, Emerson, at risk of Ryle’s temper.  Ryle has been pretty agreeable to Lily’s demands so far, but he is hopeful the two of them will eventually get back together.

After running into her childhood love, Atlas, Lily finds herself conflicted.  She wants to try a relationship with him, but worries how Ryle will react.  Things are going good right now and she doesn’t want to rock the boat.  However, she yearns to be with Atlas, the one man she never has to fear hurting her.

Atlas and Lily decide to take things slow, but quickly fall into a rhythm, despite the hurdles life throws at them. Atlas’s restaurants keep getting vandalized at night and Ryle isn’t taking the news of Atlas being back in Lily’s life very well.  Not to mention, Atlas finds out he has a brother and is determined to save him from the childhood he had!

I didn’t realize Hoover was writing a sequel to It Ends with Us.  I loved that book, as heartbreaking as it was, so I had no choice, but to buy it and dive right in!  I enjoyed this new installment, although I don’t think it was quite as good as the original.  This story was sweeter than its heart-wrenching predecessor. 

Atlas is kind and dependable, as always.  He will do whatever it takes to protect the ones he loves.  And, Lily needs his quiet strength and a chance at a love that doesn’t hurt.

This is a decent story that even gave a few chuckles, but it wasn’t the emotional read I always expect from this author.  I’m a little sad about that, if I’m being honest.  Overall, this was a sweet read that I didn’t want to put down.