Who Is The Author Of 'This Could Be Us'?

As someone who devoured both books back-to-back, I can say 'It Starts With Us' is more than just a sequel—it's a healing journey that picks up where 'It Ends With Us' left off. While the first book focused on Lily's painful decision to leave her abusive marriage, the sequel dives into her rebuilding phase. We see her co-parenting with Ryle while cautiously exploring love with Atlas, her childhood sweetheart. The connection lies in how it flips the narrative—instead of ending with trauma, it starts with recovery. Key scenes mirror each other, like Atlas's restaurant appearing in both, but now representing safety rather than danger. The emotional whiplash comes from seeing Lily's growth—where she once tolerated red flags, she now sets boundaries fiercely. Ryle's sporadic appearances remind us healing isn't linear, and Lily's journal entries tie both timelines together beautifully.

I'd totally say some hilarious and relatable memes come from the 'Distracted Boyfriend' format. It's such a classic! Then there's the 'Woman Yelling at Cat' meme, which cracks me up every time. I love how they can express so much with just a single image! The 'This is Fine' dog meme also hits close to home with its existential vibe. Memes like these keep the humor alive in my day-to-day life.

I just finished reading 'This Could Be Us' last week, and I was so invested in the characters that I immediately searched for a sequel. From what I found, there isn't one yet. The author hasn’t announced any plans for a continuation, but the ending left enough open threads that a follow-up could happen. The protagonist’s journey felt complete, yet the world-building hinted at more stories—like the unresolved tension between the two rival factions. The book’s popularity might push the author to revisit this universe. If you loved it, check out 'The Stars Between Us' for a similar vibe of emotional sci-fi with rich relationships.

Reading 'It Ends with Us' and 'It Starts with Us' back-to-back feels like witnessing the evolution of a storm. The first book, 'It Ends with Us,' is raw and unflinching, diving deep into the complexities of love, abuse, and self-preservation. Lily’s journey is heartbreaking yet empowering, as she grapples with the cycle of abuse she inherited from her parents. The emotional weight of her decisions, especially the one to leave Ryle for the sake of her daughter, is palpable. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and it leaves you with a sense of hope, even if it’s a bittersweet one. 'It Starts with Us,' on the other hand, feels like the calm after the storm. It’s a gentler, more hopeful narrative that focuses on Lily’s healing and her rekindled relationship with Atlas. While the first book is about breaking cycles, the sequel is about building something new and healthy. The contrast between the two is striking—one is about survival, the other about thriving. If you’re someone who loves stories of resilience and second chances, 'It Starts with Us' will feel like a warm hug after the emotional turmoil of the first book. For readers who enjoyed these, I’d recommend 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' for another layered exploration of love and sacrifice, or 'Normal People' for a similarly nuanced take on relationships. If you’re into TV series, 'Big Little Lies' offers a gripping look at the complexities of marriage and abuse, while 'This Is Us' beautifully captures the messiness and beauty of family dynamics.

As someone who devoured both books back-to-back, the connection between 'One of Us Is Next' and 'One of Us Is Lying' is brilliant. The sequel picks up a year after the Bayview High scandal, with a fresh but equally deadly game of truth or dare. The original characters like Maeve and Knox return, but the focus shifts to new targets—Phoebe, Knox’s sister, and two others. The anonymous tormentor uses Simon’s old gossip app, Truth or Dare, proving his legacy still haunts the school. The tone is darker, with higher stakes—physical harm replaces secrets as punishment. What ties them together is the theme of consequences; the first book’s events directly fuel the second’s chaos, showing how trauma doesn’t just disappear.

I've been following 'This Could Be Us' since the first chapter dropped, and I'm always hunting for updates on adaptations. Right now, there's no official film or TV adaptation announced, but the buzz is real. The novel's emotional depth and complex relationships would translate beautifully to screen—imagine those raw family moments with A-list actors. Rumor has it a major studio optioned the rights last year, but production hasn't started. If you crave similar vibes, check out 'Our Souls at Night' on Netflix—it captures that bittersweet domestic drama with stellar performances. Personally, I hope they keep the adaptation faithful to the book's quiet intensity rather than Hollywoodizing it.

I’ve been obsessed with 'Us Dark Few' since I stumbled upon it last winter—it’s one of those books that lingers in your mind like a shadow you can’t shake off. The author, K.S. Merbeth, has this knack for crafting stories that are equal parts brutal and beautiful, and 'Us Dark Few' is no exception. Merbeth isn’t just a name on a cover; she’s a storyteller who dives headfirst into the grittiest corners of human nature. Her background in post-apocalyptic and dark fantasy themes shines here, but what really hooked me is how she balances violence with these fleeting moments of tenderness. The way she writes makes you feel like you’re trudging through the mud alongside her characters, lungs burning, heart racing. Merbeth’s style is unmistakable—sharp, unflinching, and oddly poetic in its rawness. She doesn’t spoon-feed you hope, but she leaves just enough light in the darkness to keep you turning pages. I’ve read her other works like 'Bite' and 'Bad Karma,' and while they’re all fantastic, 'Us Dark Few' stands out because of how it tackles loyalty among outcasts. It’s not just about survival; it’s about what happens when the world has already ended, and you’re left with nothing but the people who’ve somehow stuck by you. If you’re into stories that leave you breathless and a little haunted, Merbeth’s your go-to. Her Twitter feed is a goldmine for behind-the-scenes tidbits, too—she often shares snippets of her writing process, which makes me appreciate the book even more.

I grabbed 'The Darkness Within Us' from Amazon last month - super fast delivery and the paperback quality was solid. The Kindle version's also available if you prefer e-books. For physical copies, Barnes & Noble usually stocks it in their horror section, and I've spotted signed editions at independent bookstores like Powell's. If you're outside the US, Book Depository ships worldwide with no extra fees. Pro tip: check the author's Twitter for occasional discounts on their website. The audiobook version narrated by James Marsters is phenomenal too, available on Audible and Spotify.