It Starts with Us: A Disappointment in the Sequel That Didn’t Need to Be
As a book blogger, I often find myself grappling with the question: “Did this book really need to exist?” Instead of delving into the cozy world of new releases, I ventured into the realm of Colleen Hoover’s It Starts with Us—the sequel to her wildly successful It Ends with Us. I approached it with hesitance, as It Ends with Us was the only book of hers I could somewhat tolerate, but I felt compelled to explore what this sequel had to offer… Spoiler alert: it wasn’t much.
A Cash Grab in Disguise
From the start, it felt like Hoover was capitalizing on the unexpected success of It Ends with Us—almost as if this sequel was a cash grab. The plot revolves around Atlas and Lily’s relationship and delves deeper into their past, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was all a stretch. Why is Atlas suddenly romanticized as some kind of hero? Yes, he had his troubles, but the narrative tries too hard to make him palatable, breaking the fourth wall with awkward justifications about their history.
Romance Without Chemistry
Atlas and Lily seem to be built on a foundation of trauma rather than genuine connection. Their relationship lacks the spark you hope for in a romance. I was expecting growth and development, yet I was left with the sense that their dynamic was just a way for Hoover to rehash the same painful experiences in a rather bland manner. Frankly, their relationship had zero chemistry aside from their shared misery.
Recycled Content and Questionable Choices
Let’s talk plot recycling. Hoover incorporates so many flashbacks from It Ends with Us that it felt like reading a novella rather than a sequel. Meanwhile, I found myself scratching my head at character choices—like naming Lily’s daughter Emerson Dory Kincaid. Seriously? It felt like the worst thing Lily could have done in a book already filled with questionable decisions.
The most jarring aspect was how Hoover transformed the story into a straight-up romance after addressing serious themes like domestic abuse. The inclusion of letters supposedly crafted to offset Ryle’s character just felt forced, as if the author herself was saying, “Look, they’re in love!” But honestly, it was just a thin veneer over their lack of authenticity.
The Problem with Supporting Characters
Lily’s support system was almost laughable. Having her abusive ex-husband’s sister as her best friend isn’t exactly a healthy circle. And why is she still writing to Ellen? Talk about regressive character development! In an age where social media is everywhere, it’s hard to believe Lily, a millennial, would still be clinging to the past like that.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while some readers may find solace in the romance and character arcs, I was left unimpressed. This book feels like a vehicle to cater to fans of It Ends with Us, but for anyone seeking a strong narrative or depth in romance, you might just want to skip it. If you loved It Ends with Us and crave more of Lily and Atlas, you might enjoy this. However, if you’re seeking something with real substance, perhaps look elsewhere. After all, sometimes even beloved authors stumble, and while I appreciate Hoover’s previous work, I think it’s time to hang up my Colleen Hoover hat for now.
Happy reading, friends! What are your thoughts on sequels? Do they ever live up to the original?
Discover more about It Starts with Us (It Ends with Us, #2) on GoodReads >>