book review it starts with us by colleen hoover

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New York Times Bestseller

IT STARTS WITH US

by Colleen Hoover ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 18, 2022

Through palpable tension balanced with glimmers of hope, Hoover beautifully captures the heartbreak and joy of starting over.

The sequel to It Ends With Us (2016) shows the aftermath of domestic violence through the eyes of a single mother.

Lily Bloom is still running a flower shop; her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid, is still a surgeon. But now they’re co-parenting a daughter, Emerson, who's almost a year old. Lily won’t send Emerson to her father’s house overnight until she’s old enough to talk—“So she can tell me if something happens”—but she doesn’t want to fight for full custody lest it become an expensive legal drama or, worse, a physical fight. When Lily runs into Atlas Corrigan, a childhood friend who also came from an abusive family, she hopes their friendship can blossom into love. (For new readers, their history unfolds in heartfelt diary entries that Lily addresses to Finding Nemo star Ellen DeGeneres as she considers how Atlas was a calming presence during her turbulent childhood.) Atlas, who is single and running a restaurant, feels the same way. But even though she’s divorced, Lily isn’t exactly free. Behind Ryle’s veneer of civility are his jealousy and resentment. Lily has to plan her dates carefully to avoid a confrontation. Meanwhile, Atlas’ mother returns with shocking news. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself.

Pub Date: Oct. 18, 2022

ISBN: 978-1-668-00122-6

Page Count: 352

Publisher: Atria

Review Posted Online: July 26, 2022

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2022

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE | GENERAL FICTION

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by Colleen Hoover

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SEEN & HEARD

by Kristin Hannah ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 6, 2024

A dramatic, vividly detailed reconstruction of a little-known aspect of the Vietnam War.

A young woman’s experience as a nurse in Vietnam casts a deep shadow over her life.

When we learn that the farewell party in the opening scene is for Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s older brother—“a golden boy, a wild child who could make the hardest heart soften”—who is leaving to serve in Vietnam in 1966, we feel pretty certain that poor Finley McGrath is marked for death. Still, it’s a surprise when the fateful doorbell rings less than 20 pages later. His death inspires his sister to enlist as an Army nurse, and this turn of events is just the beginning of a roller coaster of a plot that’s impressive and engrossing if at times a bit formulaic. Hannah renders the experiences of the young women who served in Vietnam in all-encompassing detail. The first half of the book, set in gore-drenched hospital wards, mildewed dorm rooms, and boozy officers’ clubs, is an exciting read, tracking the transformation of virginal, uptight Frankie into a crack surgical nurse and woman of the world. Her tensely platonic romance with a married surgeon ends when his broken, unbreathing body is airlifted out by helicopter; she throws her pent-up passion into a wild affair with a soldier who happens to be her dead brother’s best friend. In the second part of the book, after the war, Frankie seems to experience every possible bad break. A drawback of the story is that none of the secondary characters in her life are fully three-dimensional: Her dismissive, chauvinistic father and tight-lipped, pill-popping mother, her fellow nurses, and her various love interests are more plot devices than people. You’ll wish you could have gone to Vegas and placed a bet on the ending—while it’s against all the odds, you’ll see it coming from a mile away.

Pub Date: Feb. 6, 2024

ISBN: 9781250178633

Page Count: 480

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: Nov. 4, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2023

FAMILY LIFE & FRIENDSHIP | GENERAL FICTION | HISTORICAL FICTION

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by Kristin Hannah

PERSPECTIVES

BOOK TO SCREEN

THE RULE BOOK

by Sarah Adams ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2024

Haphazard and undemanding.

A sports agent’s first official client is the man she dumped years ago in college.

After two years of hard work as an underling, Nora Mackenzie is finally being promoted to full-time sports agent. She’s worked hard, kept quiet, and allowed men in the office to call her Mac—a nickname she hates—all to show she’s a team player and “one of the guys.” Unfortunately, her boss instructs her to sign Derek Pender, a football player coming off an injury, who happens to be the man she heartlessly dumped in their senior year of college. Derek signs with her for revenge, seeing it as his opportunity to pay Nora back for callously breaking his heart eight years earlier. He insists she be at his beck and call: answering his emails, running his errands, cooking dinner for his dates. He also refuses to let her explain why she broke up with him without warning or explanation. Nora feels she has no choice but to acquiesce to Derek’s humiliating demands, since she’s worked too hard to let him ruin her dream job. She hopes he’ll thaw and they might become friends, but Derek’s bad behavior is designed to hide the fact that he’s still in love with her. Nora’s characterization is uneven, veering between anger at how she’s treated in the male-dominated field to immature bickering and bantering with Derek. Although Adams likely meant for Derek and Nora’s interactions to have an enemies-to-lovers vibe, the characters instead seem juvenile and stuck in the past. The novel is fueled by a string of tropes—second chance romance! married in Vegas! only one bed!—each randomly deployed to keep the book going despite thin characterization and wan plotting.

Pub Date: April 2, 2024

ISBN: 9780593723678

Page Count: 368

Publisher: Dell

Review Posted Online: Jan. 5, 2024

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2024

ROMANCE | CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE | GENERAL ROMANCE

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Review: ‘It Starts With Us’ takes readers through the pain of new beginnings

Colleen hoover illustrates the messiness and necessity of starting a new life after abuse..

“It Starts With Us” is Colleen Hoover’s sequel to her best-selling novel and BookTok sensation, “It Ends With Us.” The sequel begins directly after “It Ends With Us ” and brings the reader through the intricacies of life after divorce and domestic abuse. “It Starts With Us” is a lighter read than its predecessor,  allowing the reader to experience Atlas and Lily’s relationship as they navigate divorce, found family and starting a new life after abuse. In many ways, Hoover presents a “second-chance” romance that alternates between Atlas’s and Lily’s points of views. “It Ends With Us” must be read first in order to fully understand the magnitude of some of the trivial events in “It Starts With Us.”

It’s clear that Hoover trusts her audience and doesn’t shy away from harsh themes in any of her novels; she certainly does not portray an uncomplicated love in “It Starts With Us . ” While playing with the sweet idea of a reunited first love, Hoover makes the struggle of relationships clear: You always have to work towards love. “It Starts with Us” consistently provides intriguing storylines that feel honest for the lives of the characters, showing both the messy and the beautiful. 

Unique among sequels, the story didn’t feel dragged out: “It Starts With Us” has enough action and driving themes to make it its own individual story. While not a standalone, the plotlines reflected in this novel feel fresh and separated from “It Ends With Us,” developing the story in a tasteful way.  

As a child of divorced parents and a childhood filled with co-parenting, “It Starts With Us” deeply resonated with me and felt like an accurate portrayal of the difficulties of marriage which I saw growing up. Almost half of marriages end in divorce, and this novel makes this statistic come to life. 

Initially toying the line between respecting her ex-husband, Ryle, and his position in her life and wanting to move on in her love life, Lily eventually sees what she deserves in a romantic relationship and takes the steps to having a better life, following her divorce at the end of “It Ends With Us.”

In “It Starts With Us,” Atlas and Lily attempt to rekindle the love they felt for each other as teenagers, but must deal with the repercussions their love may have now as adults. Hoover illustrates a beautiful, innocent love between Atlas and Lily. Atlas and Lily love each other like kids. They love each other like cheesy one-liners from “Finding Nemo” — a frequent inside joke throughout both books . Their love is sweet and embarrassing, but is much healthier than the toxic relationships they both experienced before. Perhaps love should be a bit naive, Hoover suggests. 

In addition to love, Hoover also explores the complexity of hate — playing with the readers’ sense of right and wrong. In making her readers feel empathy for the antagonists in the novel, Hoover effectively proves that there is no true “antagonist” in life. 

Every antagonist in “It Starts With Us” fell into a gray, middle-ground role of both victim and enabler, including both ex-lovers and ex-mothers. These complex characters were taught or treated poorly, leading them to be hurt and lash out against Lily and Atlas. The “antagonists” in the novel were not easy to dislike: They simply didn’t have the same resources as Lily and Atlas. They remained in a cycle of relationship violence, despite their efforts to start something new. The novel never paints them in a negative light but rather shows how these people may not fit in the lives of those recovering from abuse. The antagonists in “It Starts With Us” have the potential to be protagonists — if only given the proper help.

“It Starts With Us” digs deeper into Atlas’s story than its predecessor. Where the previous book often highlighted Lily’s point of view, “It Starts With Us” shows us more of Atlas’s perspective. The novel dives beneath the surface, and provides backgrounds on Atlas, Lily and Ryle. The flashback scenes between younger Atlas and Lily show us the enduring impacts of abuse. Readers can see how abuse can affect every relationship the victim has and will continue to have. It can end the cycle of violence or perpetrate it; regardless, it’s difficult to blame the victim.

Simply, “It Ends With Us” is about someone who has the support and resources to break out of the cyclical nature of violence. “It Starts With Us” instead focuses on recovery and starting a new life of healthy love. It’s a story about feeling loved for the first time and giving the love you believe others deserve from you. This book explains that not all parental love is unconditional and not all romantic love will end. I feel certain that readers will find parallels between the novel and their own life, particularly the messiness that comes with love and loving. 

“It Starts With Us” explores the  reality of relationships: Falling in love is easy, but loving is hard work. And in some way, all relationships are flawed — we simply must choose which imperfections we are willing to accept. As we grow older, we all redefine relationships, perhaps reflecting your parents’ love or an act of caring that you received when you were twelve. Some love arrives all at once, like typical parental love, and some love is felt in an instance.

Overall, “It Starts With Us” is a beautiful read to complete the story started in “It Ends With Us . ” The novel gently resolves some of the trauma at fault in the first novel and demonstrates to readers the possibility of happiness in fearful new beginnings. While lacking the emotional depth that made its predecessor so powerful, “It Starts With Us” successfully continues Lily’s story by telling the story of second chance love.  

Rating : ★★★★☆

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Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

December 12, 2022 Angela Reviews , Romance , Second Chance Romance

Before It Ends with Us , it started with Atlas. Colleen Hoover tells fan favorite Atlas’s side of the story and shares what comes next in this long-anticipated sequel to the “glorious and touching” ( USA TODAY ) #1 New York Times bestseller It Ends with Us . 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).

It Starts With Us is Colleen Hoover’s love letter to fans of her wildly popular book, It Ends With Us . She heard the cries of readers who begged to know all the details of Lily and Atlas’s happily ever after, and she answered their calls for a follow-up in spectacular fashion. It Starts With Us picks up immediately after the end of the previous book, and the mood is so much lighter.

We see Lily struggle to pursue her own happiness while taking Ryle’s feelings and sometimes volatile moods into consideration. Even with those challenges, Lily is stronger than ever, and I think it’s wonderful that she is able to create boundaries while maintaining compassion. I loved seeing Lily as a mom.

It was so insightful to finally get Atlas’s point of view. His unconditional love for Lily, and his limitless patience and understanding made me admire him even more.

Ryle’s complexity is one of the things that drew me to him in the last book. It’s a shame that Ryle is painted with just one color in this story and exhibits little character growth. Lily and Atlas are magic together, though, so it’s difficult to be too disappointed. This epilogue to It Ends With Us is another CoHo must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Second chance romance Survivors Chefs

About Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty two novels and novellas. Hoover’s novels fall into the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller.

Colleen Hoover is published by Montlake Romance and Atria Books. Colleen also has several indie titles, including her psychological thriller,  Verity .

In 2015, Colleen’s novel CONFESS won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance. That was followed up in 2016 with her latest title, It Ends With Us, also winning the Choice Award for Best Romance. In 2017, her title WITHOUT MERIT won best romance.

Her novel CONFESS has been filmed as a series by Awestruck and is available on Prime Video via Amazon and iTunes. Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper star in the series.

Colleen founded The Bookworm Box, a charity subscription service and bookstore, with her family in 2015. The Bookworm Box is a subscription service that provides readers with an exciting opportunity to receive signed novels in the mail each month from authors all over the world. All profits from the subscription service are donated to various charities each month. To date, The Bookworm Box has donated over $1,000,000 to help those in need.

Purchase books  here .

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4 responses to “ Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover ”

I read your thoughts on Ryle, and I disagree. I’ll explain why. This wasn’t his redemption story. He WAS complex and had a magic that drew the reader to him, but I don’t think he deserved anything here. He was painted with one color because that’s the person he was to Lily, Atlas, and this story. He’s an abuser. Being charismatic and complex is what drew Lily to him. He’s not going to change his colors until he undergoes mental health and anger management counseling. That would be another story completely and not part of Lily and Atlas’ romance. I honest wish he had LESS impact on their romance. I was mad about so many of the things Lily let him get away with still. That’s just my opinion, though. I know Ryle has people divided. I guess maybe you’re also thinking of this as an epilogue to a women’s fiction book while I’m thinking of it as an entirely new romance novel. Great review! I’m glad you enjoyed this one for the most part.

You raise some valid points. I agree that Lily let Ryle affect her too many times. I was just disappointed that he hadn’t grown much by the end. Didn’t he wind up taking anger management classes? I guess I wanted to see some results at the end.

I think that was a condition at the end of this book for him to continue to see his daughter, after he lost it at the end.

I loved this book. It’s not as intense as It Ends With Us, but I liked the lighter tone too. Terrific review.

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It Starts With Us – Picking Up Where It Ends With Us Ended

23 Feb It Starts With Us – Picking Up Where It Ends With Us Ended

Purchase the book on bookshop.org

The story picks up with Lily managing her flower shop and caring for her daughter, Emerson. As fate would have it, Lily runs into her first love, Atlas Corrigan, rekindling old feelings and presenting new challenges. The plot of “It Starts With Us” revolves around Lily’s hesitation and fears in starting a new relationship with Atlas, especially given her responsibilities as a single parent and concerns about Ryle’s anger issues. Despite these fears, Lily and Atlas’s relationship grows, showcasing Hoover’s skill in developing their romance in a healthy and mature manner, contrasting significantly with Lily’s past toxic relationship with Ryle​​.

Character development is a strong suit in this novel. Lily’s journey from a young girl seeking closure to a strong, independent woman and a loving mother is remarkable. Atlas emerges as a paragon of the ideal male character in fiction, embodying qualities like thoughtfulness, compassion, and progressive attitudes. The book also introduces other significant characters like Josh, Atlas’s brother, and Allysa, Ryle’s sister, who add depth and dimension to the narrative​​.

The novel handles dark themes such as depression, abuse, and PTSD with sensitivity. Hoover skillfully balances these with the romance and personal growth of the characters, avoiding overly dramatic plot twists yet maintaining an engaging pace throughout the story​​.

What sets “It Starts With Us” apart is its realistic portrayal of the intricacies of relationships. It doesn’t shy away from showing the hard work required to maintain love and the imperfections inherent in all relationships. The novel also delves into themes of hate and empathy, challenging the reader’s perceptions of right and wrong by depicting complex characters who are both victims and enablers in their situations. This nuanced portrayal emphasizes that there is no absolute antagonist in life, as everyone has their struggles and reasons for their actions

Main Characters:

• Lily Bloom: A resilient and compassionate character, Lily embodies the strength of a survivor. Her journey from a victim of domestic abuse to a confident, independent woman highlights her profound personal growth.
• Atlas Corrigan: Atlas, marked by a troubled past, shows remarkable growth and empathy. His dedication to Lily and her happiness, even in the face of personal sacrifice, defines his character.
• Ryle Kincaid: Lily’s ex-husband, Ryle, is a complex character struggling with his own demons. His journey is a nuanced portrayal of redemption and the struggle to overcome deeply ingrained patterns of behavior.

In-Depth Analysis

• Emotional Depth: Hoover skillfully captures the emotional complexities of her characters, making them relatable and authentic.
• Realistic Portrayal of Relationships: The novel excels in depicting the nuances of rebuilding a relationship on the foundations of past traumas.
• Character Development: Both Lily and Atlas show significant personal growth, making their journey compelling.

Weaknesses:

• Predictability: Some plot elements may feel predictable to seasoned readers of Hoover’s work.
• Intensity of Themes: The heavy focus on themes of abuse and trauma might be overwhelming for some readers.

Uniqueness: The novel’s realistic approach to sensitive issues like domestic abuse and the challenges of starting over in life sets it apart.

Literary Devices:

• Dual Perspectives: The use of dual narratives from Lily and Atlas provides a well-rounded view of their relationship.
• Flashbacks: These are effectively used to reveal the protagonists’ past and deepen the reader’s understanding of their motivations.

Relation to Broader Issues: The book touches on significant societal issues such as domestic abuse, the complexities of divorce, and the stigma associated with starting over, making it relevant and thought-provoking.

Potential Audience: Fans of romance and contemporary fiction, particularly those interested in realistic portrayals of complex relationships and personal growth.

Comparisons: The novel can be compared to “Normal People” by Sally Rooney, as both explore intricate human relationships and emotional growth.

Final Recommendations: “It Starts with Us” is a must-read for those who appreciate a deep, emotionally driven narrative that doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of life.

Thematic Analysis

The central themes of the book include:

• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: The characters’ ability to overcome their past and build a new future.
• The Complexity of Human Relationships: Exploring the dynamics between characters as they navigate forgiveness, love, and trust.

Stylistic Elements

Colleen Hoover’s writing style is engaging and emotive, drawing readers into the story with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue.

Comparisons to Other Works

This novel, as a sequel to “It Ends with Us,” deepens the exploration of the themes introduced in the first book, offering a more hopeful perspective.

Bibliographic Info

The bibliographic information for “It Starts with Us” by Colleen Hoover is as follows:

• Author: Colleen Hoover
• Title: It Starts with Us: A Novel
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Publication Date: October 18, 2022
• ISBN-13: 9781668001226
• Series: It Ends with Us, #2
• Page Count: 336 pages

Books in the Series

It Ends With Us It Starts With Us

Some FAQ Questions and Answers

• Question: What are the main themes explored in “It Starts with Us”? Answer: Resilience in the face of adversity and the complexity of human relationships.
• Question: How does Colleen Hoover use the characters of Lily and Atlas to convey the novel’s message? Answer: Through their personal growth and the evolution of their relationship, Hoover illustrates the themes of healing and starting anew.
• Question: What makes “It Starts with Us” different from other contemporary romance novels? Answer: Its realistic portrayal of sensitive issues like domestic abuse and the depth of character development.

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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover: A happy ending for star-crossed lovers

This novel is the most pre-ordered book in the history of publisher simon & schuster.

Colleen Hoover has legions of devoted fans and a knack for high-voltage emotional drama. File photograph: New York Times

First, a confession: I read them in the wrong order. Asked to review the new Colleen Hoover, It Starts With Us, I predicted, correctly, that this sequel novel would include enough back story to fill in events of the first book, the phenomenally successful It Ends With Us. But having finished It Starts With Us with little idea of why this book became one of the fastest-selling novels of all time in its first week, I decided to go back to the beginning.

It Ends With Us is the better novel: a strong opening and set-up, sharper writing, cleaner dialogue, a plot full of tension. In a nutshell, it’s a classic tale of a love triangle with a contemporary, issue-driven storyline of domestic abuse. First published in 2016, the novel gained a huge fanbase through TikTok over lockdown and hasn’t been out of the bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic since. The credit is in part due to Hoover herself, who has steadily built up her following on social media platforms since self-publishing her debut Slammed in 2012.

To put her success in perspective, It Starts With Us is the most pre-ordered book in the history of its publisher Simon and Schuster. The original print run of 2.5 million copies for the US and 800,000 copies for the UK and other markets has already gone to reprint. It’s a lot for one book to live up to. Hoover writes in an afterword that she never envisioned a sequel because she felt she’d put her heroine Lily Bloom through enough torment: “But then #BookTok happened, and the online petition, and the messages and videos, and I realized most of you weren’t asking for me to put them through more pain.”

In a departure from It Ends With Us, where Lily was the sole narrator, the sequel alternates between both characters’ perspectives

The “them” is Lily and Atlas, two people from difficult families who help each other as teenagers and ultimately fall in love. These past sections are related through Lily’s diaries, a device that also featured in the first book. In fact, many of the diary entries are repeated verbatim in the new book, which seems blatantly cheeky, but Hoover just about gets away with it by having Atlas read the diaries for the first time, an awakening of sorts as he realises that the relationship meant as much to Lily as it did to him.

‘My wife wants another child, but I would be in my 80s when they go to college’

‘I learned to hide my Irish accent, or at least to feel deeply ashamed of it’

Home of the Year winner revealed: restored 1920s redbrick ‘full of style and bold design’ lands the big prize

‘When my grandad arrived he was illiterate, and now his grandson is earning this country an Oscar nomination’

In a departure from It Ends With Us, where Lily was the sole narrator, the sequel alternates between both characters’ perspectives. The present-day storyline (spoiler alert) picks up where the first book ended: Lily has divorced her abusive neurosurgeon husband Ryle Kincaid, with the couple trying to keep things amicable as they share custody of their infant daughter Emmy. When Atlas re-enters the picture, life becomes more complicated. Hoover sets up the story as a will-they-won’t-they for Lily and Atlas, but it is obvious from early chapters that the answer is a big fat yes, which considerably lessens the dramatic tension.

Other issues include a lack of specificity in place and character. The book is ostensibly set in Boston, but it could be any city, or town, in any part of America. Villain Ryle is less believable in this book than he was in It Ends With Us, where his violence was tempered by an awful, haunting self-awareness. Jealousy is a harder emotion to pull off, the ugly tantrums repellent and cliched. Although Ryle still has a key to Lily’s apartment (why?), the stakes are significantly lessened by the fact that Lily is no longer in a relationship with him, and crucially, no longer in thrall to him. Lily herself feels underwritten in this second book, a kind of blandness to her character, in comparison to the original, which is perhaps an issue of sequels generally: the work to establish a character has already been done.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Colleen Hoover (@colleenhoover)

Will any of this matter to Hoover’s huge fanbase? Not at all. The Texas author gives her readers what they want: a happy ending for her star-crossed lovers, which is commendably believable. Hoover, a former social worker, grounds her stories in reality. She is particularly good on fractured families, domestic abuse, bad parenting, on the damage that can be handed down through generations: “There’s this toxic belief that family should stick together simply because they’re family. But the best thing I ever did for myself was walk away from them.”

Like any good romance novelist, Hoover writes credible, non-cringeworthy sex scenes, with plenty of that old staple — delayed gratification — which perhaps goes some way to understanding her appeal among younger readers, a demographic not hugely familiar with the concept. Her other undeniable skill is to imbue her stories with a genuine heartwarming quality. Irrespective of what order you read the books, Atlas and Lily are characters to root for, like Dickens’s orphans, surviving adversity with hopes of better times ahead.

Sarah Gilmartin

Sarah Gilmartin is a contributor to The Irish Times focusing on books and the wider arts

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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover – Book Review

A sequel to It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, this novel, as the title suggests, comes out with a positive note and a joyous predicament as readers could expect – It Starts With Us. The book became an instant bestseller because its predecessor broke a few records. It Begins With Us carries on the story from where it ends in the previous instalment. Before I start with the book review, let me begin with a brief synopsis of the storyline so that readers can catch up (those who have read the previous novel already).

Summary of It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover:

The love story continues between Atlas Corrigan and Lily Bloom as they navigate obstacles like Lily’s abusive ex-husband, Ryle, and Atlas’s newfound brother, Josh. Despite the challenges, they become a couple, with Atlas supporting and protecting Josh from their abusive mother. Ryle’s jealousy and aggression lead to confrontations, but Lily stands her ground, insisting on supervised custody of their daughter and anger management classes for Ryle. As their relationship deepens, Atlas proposes that Lily moves in with him, and they prepare for their wedding, reflecting on the significance of their past and the strength they’ve built together.

Critical Comments & the Book Review:

The above storyline revolves around the theme of love and relationships, particularly focusing on the complexities and challenges that can arise in romantic connections. It portrays a love story that is not merely a fairy tale but one that involves real-life issues and struggles. This aspect can be seen as a strength of the storyline, as it adds depth and authenticity to the characters and their emotions. By exploring the impact of abuse, jealousy, and family dynamics on the relationship between Atlas and Lily, the narrative becomes more relatable and relays an important message about the complexities of love.

The theme of love is depicted through various relationships in the story, such as the bond between Lily and her daughter, Emerson, and the newly found brotherly connection between Atlas and Josh. These relationships showcase different aspects of love and how it can manifest in various forms. The presence of a troubled past with an abusive ex-husband challenges the conventional notion of love, shedding light on the importance of standing up for oneself and setting healthy boundaries in a relationship. The encounter between the past and the present adds the necessary conflict for the novel to keep moving.

However, one potential criticism of the storyline could be the inclusion of abuse and jealousy as significant elements in the narrative. While these themes do add drama and conflict to the story, some readers may find them distressing or triggering. Such sensitive topics need to be handled with care and sensitivity to avoid romanticising or trivialising serious issues like abuse. Additionally, the quick progression of the relationship between Atlas and Lily, despite the ongoing turmoil in their lives, might raise questions about the realism of the portrayal of their love story. However, readers, thousands, have loved and approved of the story… by reading and liking the novel. And therefore, we can only put critical conjectures for the sake of letting readers know what is and what could be an alternate version.

However, the book, It Ends With Us, as many readers and critics have pointed out, would have done well without this sequel as well. The novel is more like a sympathy aggregator or crowdfunding for empathy – do you see it? The novel literally cries and howls, after 10 pages or so, to show some sympathy for the characters, Atlas and Lily. Do so because they have suffered a lot. Eventually, a reader with critical eyes may find out that the novel is no more about a story but about making a case for the protagonists who want to assert their love – in awkward ways – almost in a vacuum.

“If it takes a million kisses for her not to think about the scars that surround her heart tattoo, then I’ll kiss her there a million and one times.”

The quote above may make a perfect case for such criticism (also attempted above). And likewise, a reader may find many such generic utterances of love and declaring how one is dedicated to another… almost out of nowhere and without much valid context. And it might fill the novel with unlimited declarations of love without an actual story that would gleefully accommodate all these flowery wishes and statements. It is almost overpowering without any power.

It is true that romantic novels that prioritise romance over a well-developed story often fall into the trap of superficiality, sacrificing substance for sentimentality. In light of this observation, Colleen Hoover’s novel It Starts With Us perfectly fits into the slab! It is apparent that the characters and their interactions become one-dimensional, overshadowed by contrived and clichéd romantic situations, albeit in words more often than in action. Such an excessive emphasis on the romantic aspect can lead to a lack of depth in the plot and weak character development, ultimately leaving readers feeling unsatisfied and disconnected from the narrative. The novel by Colleen Hoover, instead of exploring genuine emotions and complex relationships, tends to rely on predictable tropes and idealised notions of love, failing to tackle more profound themes or issues that could make the story truly impactful and relatable. As a result, readers seeking a more engaging and thought-provoking experience may find themselves disappointed with this book that prioritises fleeting emotions at the expense of a compelling and well-rounded storyline.

In conclusion, I can only say that these novels (including the ones by Colleen Hoover, EL James, and their Indian counterparts like Chetan Bhagat, Durjoy Datta and Ravinder Singh) may offer respite from the mundane realities that we often want to ignore. Nevertheless, a respite does what it does. It offers comfort for a few moments and then we are back to reality with nothing to ponder. On the other hand, serious novels may offer you something to think about once the novel ends. In short, It Starts With Us may end right at the end of it. Works of serious substance, on the other hand, may continue with the thoughts and inspiration you may gather from them… Precisely, It Starts With Us is not up to the mark and expectations that it raised in the wake of the first novel in the sequence, It Ends With Us. It falls flat… lands heads down!

Review by Ashish by ReadByCritics

• ReadByCritics Rating

It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover offers no beginning… in terms of newness. It bangs on the doors of love. Does it again. Again and again. And that’s it. A storyline that accompanies the novel is poorly sketched and seldom can it hold serious readers (even of romantic novels).

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Heidi Dischler

Book review: it starts with us by colleen hoover.

The long awaited sequel to  It Ends with Us , my review for  It Starts with Us will tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful book and exactly why Colleen Hoover is the best romance author of our generation. Prepare for you heart to break in all the best ways. 

Book Information

Lily is finally free from the abusive cycle of relationships that started with her mother and ended with her. But just because she isn’t in the abusive relationship anymore doesn’t mean that Ryle isn’t in her life. 

As her newfound relationship with Atlas grows, Lily begins to fear more and more of what Ryle will do once he finds out that they’re together. All she wants is happiness and a life that she always dreamed of with Atlas, but with her daughter’s relationship with her father on the line, what is Lily willing to risk to find the happiness she always dreamed of?

Review | Heidi Dischler

This is it. The moment we’ve all been waiting for all year long. Colleen Hoover’s newest novel,  It Starts with Us , finally giving us a little bit more with the romance between Lily and Atlas. And let me tell you. It. Was. Glorious. 

To be honest with you guys, I wasn’t supposed to post this so soon after the book came out, but I found myself reading so fast that I knew I just had to finish it and post/video my review as soon as possible. Atlas is a complete gem and I’m pretty sure he’s the reason I powered through this book within a day (during the work day, no less!)

Everything about this book was all that I could’ve hoped for. It touched on issues that  It Ends with Us never delved into like how the separation with Ryle actually went. Not to mention how Lily dating complicated everything. Having that sense of  we’re finally seeing what happens next because you just know that it doesn’t end at the end of the first book was amazing. Seeing how much Atlas loves Lily all over again? Definitely could’ve brought me to tears. What. A. Man. 

This book was so family-centric and I really appreciated that. I appreciated how most characters tried to act with human decency despite their horrible predicaments. That was honestly my favorite part about the whole book was its humanity. Its kindness. Its way of showing you that good people truly do exist. Need I say more to make you run to the nearest bookstore to buy your copy??

Spoilers Ahead.

Of course, this review had to have spoilers. Too much happened for me to not talk about the spoilers. I told you guys, this blog is here for me to rant and talk about the books I adore, so here I am. Josh’s relationship with Atlas? I wanted to melt every time they were together. Atlas gave Josh everything that he didn’t have and seeing that young boy get so vulnerable around Atlas was heartbreaking. I loved every scene with them. 

Marshall and Allysa always sticking up for Lily even though they were closer to Ryle? Wow. That’s what true humanity is. I can’t imagine being in that situation with one of my brothers and seeing their girlfriend/wife so vulnerable and broken. The fact that they sided with Lily made me love them so much more than I already did. It’s even harder to stand up to people you know rather than people you don’t. 

And one last thing. Lily finally got her garden.  Finally.

Overall, this book will give you everything you ever wanted and more. I found closure and heartbreak and family and love and so many other emotions that I can barely string them all together in this review. Colleen Hoover is undoubtedly, just like I mentioned before, the best romance author of our generation. She deserves a medal. Seriously. 

Source: Personal Copy

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Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover is the sequel to It Ends With Us. And if you find those titles a bit confusing, you’re not alone!

Just to be clear – this book I’m reviewing here – It Starts With Us – is book #2 in the “It Ends With Us” series.

The “It Ends With Us” series has turned out to be a runaway success story for Colleen Hoover. In fact, the first book in the series – “It Ends With Us” apparently has a movie adaptation in the works. So you’ll be able to see on on the big screen at some point.

I’ll be honest – I was late to the Colleen Hoover party.

In fact, I didn’t read the first book in this series until quite a while after it was published. Because honestly, I just didn’t see what all the hype was about. But, I finally caved and read the first book because my book club chose it a few months ago.

You really cannot read either of the books in this series without reading them both. Meaning, if you read one you absolutely must read the other. That being said, you must also absolutely read them in order of publication .

My review of It Starts With Us includes a short synopsis of the book along with my honest opinion about it. And, as always, my three Rs of book reviews. Should you read, reread, or completely reconsider reading It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover?

Who Is Colleen Hoover?

Summary of it starts with us, it starts with us – what i liked, it starts with us – what i disliked, it starts with us – read, reread, or reconsider, review of it starts with us – conclusion.

If you’re an avid follower of literary discussions across various online forums like Facebook groups and Instagram communities, the moniker “CoHo” might have caught your attention. It’s an endearing nickname that fans have lovingly coined for none other than author Colleen Hoover.

Rest assured, the intention behind this affectionate alias is nothing but admiration. Colleen Hoover has amassed a huge following. Her books have consistently earned the coveted title of #1 New York Times bestseller, adding her name to a long list of popular and talented authors. Her pen gracefully navigates through diverse genres, encompassing the realms of romance, young adult fiction, and psychological thrillers.

Colleen Hoover lives in Texas and shares her life with her devoted husband and the joyful company of three vibrant boys.

Before “It Ends With Us” it all started with Atlas Corrigan. This eagerly awaited sequel to the profoundly moving #1 New York Times bestseller “It Ends with Us,” written by the masterful Colleen Hoover delves into Atlas’s side of the story and tells us what came next for him and what comes next for Atlas and Lily.

Having found a fragile equilibrium in co-parenting with her former husband, Ryle, Lily’s world is jolted when her paths cross once more with her first love, Atlas. Nearly two years of separation have given them a chance, a chance that Lily seizes, saying yes to Atlas’s invitation for a date.

However, her elation is swiftly dampened by the realization that, although no longer bound by marriage, Ryle remains a prominent figure in her life—and Atlas Corrigan represents a presence that Ryle will undoubtedly resist in the lives of his ex-wife and daughter.

Shifting between Lily’s and Atlas’s viewpoints, “It Starts With Us” picks up seamlessly where the climactic epilogue of the gripping phenomenon “It Ends with Us” left off. Peeling back the layers of Atlas’s history and accompanying Lily on her journey to grasp a second shot at genuine love, all while navigating the complexities of a possessive ex-husband, this book cements Colleen Hoover’s status as an unrivaled purveyor of emotionally charged storytelling.

When I was about halfway through the first book in this series (It Ends With Us), I honestly didn’t think I would make it to the end of that book, much less into the sequel which is this one that I’m reviewing. You can read my review of It Ends with Us if you want to know why.

However, I’m glad I stuck with it because if I hadn’t finished the first book, I would have never made it to this book.

For me, personally, It Starts With Us was like a breath of fresh air after reading It Ends With Us. That opinion is completely contrary to other reviews that I’ve seen, however, I just did not love the first book. I think I kept reading it just so I could eventually get to this book. And I’m oh so glad I made it here.

It Starts With Us starts right off where the first book left us. And where that first book left me was wanting to know more about the relationship between Lily and Atlas. This book delivered perfectly on that wish!

We get a lot of this story from Atlas’s point of view here, and I enjoyed that because I really liked Atlas. I wanted a forever-after for Lily and Atlas in the worst way because I thought they deserved it.

I still loved Lily’s ridiculous name – Lily Bloom for a florist! Couldn’t have been more perfect.

This book still had Ryle. And I still disliked Ryle immensely. Although I must say that I didn’t dislike him as much as I did in the first book. Still, I think Ryle was a jerk who treated Lily so very badly, and I was worried that she would be mistreated again just because Ryle was around.

There was still a theme of domestic abuse here. And I still disliked it.

I thought this book was a bit predictable, however, everything was tidied up for a nice ending which I felt I needed after the first book which left me feeling so unsettled.

And now, for my three Rs of book reviews. Should you read, reread, or completely reconsider reading It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover?

I was completely satisfied with the way this book ended, and I can’t imagine skipping this one after reading the first book in the series.

Despite the fact that there were many things I disliked in the first book, I felt much better about the story in general throughout this book and I was glad that I stuck with the series all the way through the second book.

So, if you’re in doubt – I definitely recommend reading It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover. But, you must read this one after you have read the first book in the series. And you might also enjoy Reminders Of Him , which is a standalone book, not part of a series.

And speaking of Colleen Hoover, did you know she writes thrillers too? If you like thrillers , see what all the fuss is about over Colleen Hoover’s book Verity .

Is this your first visit to Looks Like Books? If so, be sure and check out my  About  page so you can learn a little more about me and my Looks Like Books mission.

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Mary Emmer, is the founder of Looks Like Books. She is an avid book enthusiast and self-employed entrepreneur, with an inspiring passion for reading and learning.  With a background in the travel industry spanning four decades, Mary has cultivated a diverse range of experiences that have shaped her unique perspective on life and storytelling.  More about Mary .

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It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover: Summary, Characters, And Quotes

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When it comes to writers who have been the most influential names in the 21 st century, there’s no way we can miss out on mentioning Colleen Hoover . Hailed as the queen of romance, the author has crafted several young-adult and new-adult novels that are highly beloved worldwide.

Of those many novels, It Ends with Us is surely one that has a special place in the hearts of readers, which is why the author had been flooded with requests to craft a sequel for it.

Her fans finally gained some joy when she announced that the sequel would come in the form of It Starts with Us. Released in October 2022, about 800,000 copies of the novel were sold on the release day alone, including the first-day sales and preorders.

As per Publishers Weekly, it was the third bestselling novel of 2022 and was also named the Book of the Year by WH Smith in 2022.

Being a sequel to It Ends with Us, the novel picks up right where the first book left off, immersing the readers once again into the world of Lily and Atlas.

If you’re looking for a book review on It Starts with Us, then we’re here to provide you precisely that, along with a fascinating discussion of this long-awaited story.

Table of Contents

The Plot of The Novel

The climax of the novel, it starts with us book review, 1. lily bloom, 2. atlas corrigan, 3. ryle kincaid, 7. jenny bloom, neha jhunjhunwala, summary of it starts with us.

It Starts with Us begins after the events of It Ends with Us.

After Lily divorces Ryle and gives birth to her daughter, Emerson, she becomes busy managing her flower shop, taking care of her baby, and attempting to move on from her past.

After she runs into Atlas again one day, we get to know of her reluctance to initiate a relationship with him and rekindle their romance. It’s because she’s a single parent and is unsure of how that dynamic will work with Atlas, and she’s also afraid of Ryle’s anger issues possibly ruining things for her.

Despite these fears, Lily and Atlas begin dating, and everything progresses in a steady manner. Atlas also meets his mother, Sutton, after years and learns that he has a brother named Josh.

Atlas is a chef who owns two restaurants and has been facing vandalism at his businesses. It’s later revealed that it’s Josh who is behind this act. Atlas then rescues Josh from their abusive mother and gains custody of the kid.

Even though Ryle intervenes every now and then with his violent and unpleasant tendencies, the relationship between Atlas and Lily remains strong, and the two also move in together. Lily also receives ample support from her mother and Allysa, Ryle’s sister, regarding her equation with Atlas.

In the end of the novel, the lovebirds get married and finally begin their life in a fresh way.

The minute someone begins reading It Starts with Us; they are immediately re-immersed into the lives of the characters they came to love in the first book. Colleen Hoover ensures to give them all well-defined character arcs.

Lily transforms from a young girl needing closure regarding her past to a strong woman with firm principles who is able to stand up for herself and finally to a competent and loving mother. It’s interesting to see how her bond with her own mother grows in the process.

Atlas truly emerges as the most exquisite embodiment of the saying ‘men written by women.’ He’s thoughtful, caring, compassionate, progressive, and overall, the most wonderful male fictional character one can ever come across.

Lily and Atlas’ love will indeed go down in bookish history as eternal. Hoover gives their relationship ample space to nurture, bloom, and flourish.

No matter how rough the situations get, she makes sure never to show their love as toxic, thereby proving to be the opposite of what Lily’s relationship was like with Ryle.

Even though no jaw-dropping plot twists take place in the novel, the pacing is still commendable. While the undercurrent of dark themes such as depression, abuse, and PTSD are still present, Hoover deals with them all delicately and adeptly, ultimately giving us a sequel that’s both endearing and enthralling.

Characters In The Novel “It Starts With Us”

Hoover has created plenty of intriguing characters in It Starts with Us, reminding the readers of why they got affected by them in the first novel. A couple of the characters we meet in this story include:

Lily is a single mother who recently divorced her abusive ex-husband. The novel focuses on her relationship with Atlas and how it nurtures their respective lives.

Atlas is Lily’s long-lost love. He deals with family issues of his own while attempting to build a life with Lily.

Ryle is Lily’s ex-husband. He is abusive and has major anger issues, which is why Lily left him quite soon after they got married.

Josh is Atlas’ brother, whom he discovers about much later. He then gets custody of Josh and raises him almost like a parental figure.

Theo is the son of Atlas’ colleague. Even though he’s a kid, he acts as Atlas’ therapist and later becomes Josh’s friend too.

Allysa is Ryle’s sister. Despite everything that happened between Lily and Ryle, Allysa constantly supports Lily and is a positive presence in her life.

Jenny is Lily’s mother. She is a doting grandmother to Emerson, Lily’s daughter.

Sutton is Atlas and Josh’s mother. She was terrible towards Atlas during his childhood days and is also abusive toward Josh.

In true Colleen Hoover fashion, It Starts with Us is filled with memorable quotes that stay with you long after you’re done turning the pages. Some of those quotes are as follows:

“Maybe the idea of love ending being a negative thing is simply a matter of perspective. Because to me, the idea that a love came to an end means that, at some point, there was love that existed. And there was a time in my life, before you, when I was completely untouched by it.”

“I prefer honesty over loyalty any day, because with honesty comes loyalty.”

“Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.”

“My loyalty is to the people who bring positivity into my life. My loyalty is to the people who want to build me up and see me happy. Those are the people I’m going to make decisions about my life for.”

“If it takes a million kisses for her not to think about the scars that surround her heart tattoo, then I’ll kiss her there a million and one times.”

“We don’t focus too much on what isn’t working out in our lives. We focus on what is, and there’s a lot to be grateful for.”

Rarely does it happen that a sequel is as good as its predecessor, but since Hoover is a master of her craft, she managed to debunk this particular myth. It Starts with Us is the perfect homage to the story that readers across the globe fell in love with years ago.

Once you’re done reading the book, it almost feels as if Lily and Atlas’ love story has come full circle, letting them become the same people who had fallen madly for each other as kids. They’re surely one of the fictional couples everybody would root for.

The novel also shows just how much Hoover has grown and matured as a writer. It has a clear distinction from her other stories and is yet just as entertaining and satisfying. If a wholesome love story is what you’re looking for, then this novel will be the perfect pick for you.

This is Neha Jhunjhunwala, one of the writers for this book review website. Her interest in this field is driven by her exposure to a plethora of books from a very early age. By sharing her observations and insights on different books with others on this website, she hopes to motivate and inspire people to read more and more books and help them better their knowledge of different genres and enrich their lives.

Hooked to Books

Book Review: It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

Publisher: Atria Books,  October 18, 2022

Format: Paperback

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (From Goodreads):

Before  It Ends with Us , it started with Atlas. Colleen Hoover tells fan favorite Atlas’s side of the story and shares what comes next in this long-anticipated sequel to the “glorious and touching” ( USA TODAY ) #1  New York Times  bestseller  It Ends with Us . 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).

Read if you like second-chance romance – If you loved It Ends With Us and want to know how the story continued, I recommend you pick this one up. We get to see Lily navigate life after Ryle as a single mom and business owner and how she is able to build a life with Atlas. The author tried to demonstrate the complexities behind leaving abusive relationships and the after effects. It was nice to see Lily find happiness!

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Book Review: It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover; A Mix of Drama and Trauma

Even if you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard of the American author of romance and young adult fiction Colleen Hoover. Hoover’s sensational success may simply be ascribed to BookTok—a subcommunity on the app TikTok.

It Ends With Us , the prequel to It Starts With Us, came out six years ago, but it gained traction on TikTok in 2021. Hoover’s passionate writing style and outlandish plot twists enthralled the bibliophile community of BookTok, as they sought a continuation of Lily Bloom’s too-good-to-be-true love story with Atlas Corrigan.

It Starts with Us was written for CoHo’s CoHorts (Collen Hoover loyal readers), and the Texas author wanted to deliver a much lighter experience to her readers this time. After finishing the book, I can declare, with certainty that it was not a light read at all, as I found it extremely upsetting to recall the pain Atlas and Lily endured in their lives.

What is It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover about?

It Ends With Us ended on the possibility of a future for Lily and Atlas and the readers finally got that future in It Starts With Us.

The novel is divided into 37 chapters that alternately show Lily and Atlas’ perspectives.

Having not spoken in two years, Lily and Atlas cross paths. Ryle and Lily are currently divorced and co-parenting amicably. However, Lily is aware that given his jealousy of Atlas, Ryle won’t be exactly thrilled with her dating Atlas. When they were teenagers, Lily and Atlas fell in love, but life led them down separate roads. In the present day, they know that they are meant to be together, but they will need to work around the scar that is Ryle.

Some new characters are introduced in the plot such as Josh and Theo. Atlas’ mom drops a bombshell on him when she tells him that he has a brother named Josh. The book gives a deeper insight into Atlas’ relationship with his family. Theo being the 12-year-old therapist to Atlas brings a lot of comic relief to the book with his one-liners.

Which were the saddest parts of It Starts With Us ?

When Ryle came to Lily’s home and found that Lily was dating Atlas, he completely lost his temper. In a sudden fit of rage, he pinned Lily against the door and grabbed her by the throat. This brought back all the pain which Lily experienced in her relationship with Ryle. Lily was hopeful that the responsibility of their newborn child would change Ryle but she was “shattered” to know that Ryle had not changed even a bit.

The way the author depicted Sutton’s angst towards Josh when Atlas dropped him home was unbearable to read. One can not even imagine what Josh had been through when he told Atlas that he “can usually tell when it’s a concussion.”

Which were the cutest parts of It Starts With Us ?

Atlas and Lily’s official first date was sweet and emotional. Lily fell asleep in the car and they never even made it to the restaurant that Atlas had chosen because she was so exhausted after doing mommy duty the entire night. Atlas let her sleep while reading the journal Lily had given her. It was certainly one of the cutest Lily-Atlas moments. Later, Atlas wrote a heartfelt letter to Lily sharing “a little grittier” version of their past.

The interactions between Atlas and Theo were super adorable. Atlas shared with Theo the story of his encounter with Lily where he said to her, “You can stop swimming now, Lily. We finally reached the shore.” With his humorous one-liners like “Lily, what the heck, our boat is wrecked.” and “Look! It’s sand – we’ve reached land!” Theo kept making fun of Atlas for this throughout the entire book.

Which parts of the novel failed to impress?

The letters to Ellen were an integral part of It Ends With Us but seeing the same letters in It Starts With Us felt like a waste of space. Many of the readers felt as if they were reading an epilogue to the first book.

I found the vows a little underwhelming in comparison to the other notes that Atlas wrote to Lily. The note in which he asked her to move in with him was so romantic. But with all the discussion of statistics, the vows didn’t quite strike the appropriate note.

Does ‘It Starts With Us ‘ has a happy ending?

The novel offers closure to all It Ends With Us fans who yearned for Lily to have a happy ending following the domestic abuse she underwent during her marriage with Ryle. The book ends with Atlas making a few last-minute changes to his wedding vows (YESS! Lily Bloom ended up getting married to Atlas Corrigan).

What is the main message of It Starts with Us ?

It Starts with Us is a ray of hope for women who have been victims of domestic violence and have chosen to break the vicious cycle of abuse. It tells them that they, too, deserve happiness in their lives. It tells them that in a world full of people like Ryle Kincaid, there are also people like Atlas Corrigan.

Are you supposed to read It Starts With Us before It Ends with Us ?

According to the author of the book, Colleen Hoover, “For the best reading experience, It Starts With Us should be read second in the two-book series” as it is the sequel to It Ends With Us . The first novel provides insight into how Lily endured the trauma of an abusive relationship with her ex-husband, Ryle, and how her childhood love returned to her life.

Summary of It Ends With Us

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is about a girl named Lily Bloom who is getting ready to start her new journey after graduating from college. She then meets Ryle Kincaid and falls in love with him. Atlas Corrigan, her first love, reappears and challenges Lily and Ryle’s relationship just as she is developing feelings for him. The story also explores Lily’s early years in an abusive environment, her entry into an abusive relationship with Ryle, and her subsequent divorce.

Colleen Hoover- The Author of It Starts with Us

Colleen Hoover is the bestselling author of twenty-four novels and novellas on the New York Times bestseller list. Hoover’s books are classified as New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance, as well as psychological thrillers. The 42-year-old Hoover has had three to six books on Publishers Weekly’s top 10 bestselling list on any given week for more than a year, claims Slate .

Quotes from the It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover

Lily: You are going to drive five miles just to give me a hug?

Atlas: I’d run five miles just to give you a hug. 

Marshall: When I think about Ryle hitting you … I get absurdly angry. Because I love him. I do. He’s been my best friend since we were kids. But I also hate him for not being better. Nothing you have done and nothing you could do would excuse any man’s hands on you out of anger. Remember that, Lily. You made the right choice by leaving that situation. You should never feel guilty about that. Pride is the only thing you should feel.

Atlas: How in the world she can make me so whole when I had no idea I was only half of myself without her?

Lily: Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.

Atlas: I’m so happy you’re happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. But I will say, nothing beats knowing I’m the one you get to be happy with now.

Atlas: It is my wish for you to be my fish.

Where to buy It Starts With Us ?

For those who want to read this novel full of romance and drama, It Starts With Us is available on Amazon .

Read more :

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Want to read Colleen Hoover’s books? Here’s where to start.

Chances are you’ve heard of Colleen Hoover . She wrote six of the top 10 best-selling books in 2022 — and took home the number one spot on the list. “CoHo” as her fans call her, has become a mega-hit in the bookish sphere thanks to BookTok .  So, what’s all the buzz about?

“[Hoover’s] a good ‘gateway’ into reading,” says Kaitlyn Craig, an employee at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, Ohio, and who has read all of Hoover’s books. “She’s very fast-paced and it’s very easy to get into her books,” she explains, “They’re good if you’re in a book slump, or if you’re not necessarily a reader.” Craig’s co-worker Olivia Walker adds to this notion, saying that Hoover became famous for getting people back into reading during the pandemic with her accessible books that appeal mainly to young women.

If you want to get into Hoover's works, we’ll go over the “need-to-knows” about her books and which ones to start with.

 What genre does Colleen Hoover write?

Hoover writes contemporary romance novels and young adult fiction books as well as psychological thriller . But be aware: Her books don’t always neatly fit into their genre. According to CNN , romance novels have a “happily ever after” or “happy for now” ending, which isn’t the case for some of Hoover’s books. Critics also argue that Hoover’s stories aren’t fulfilling or empowering—descriptors that many expect for stories in the romance genre. This has led some readers to be disappointed. But given Hoover’s success, others clearly aren’t bothered.

What is Colleen Hoover’s best-selling book?

Hoover’s best-selling book is “It Ends with Us.” The novel, which was published in 2016, has sold over four million copies and was the best-selling book of 2022, per Publishers Weekly . “ It Ends with Us ,” tells the story of the female protagonist Lily Bloom, whose relationship with a man named Ryle becomes increasingly complicated when Lily’s first love Atlas reenters the picture. According to AARP , the book — which explores themes of physical, emotional and sexual abuse — is loosely based on “Hoover’s experience seeing her mother grappling with domestic violence.”

"It Ends with Us" is also coming out as a movie in June, starring Blake Lively.

Can a 14-year-old read “It Ends with Us?”

Both Craig and Walker caution young readers against Hoover’s best-seller because of these heavy themes and how they are depicted. “I think that there are books that a 14-year-old can read that cover those themes,” says Walker “but I don’t think Colleen Hoover does it in a clear enough way that clearly denotes ‘This is not okay.’”

She adds, “I think you have to be a very mature reader to read this book and understand what Hoover probably meant … for the message to be.”

What is Colleen Hoover's most romantic book?

Which book is considered the “most romantic” is subjective, but the experts do have some thoughts. Walker points to “ November 9 ” as a “fun romance.” Craig suggests “It Ends with Us” as particularly romantic because it plays on the trope of reconnecting with your true love. In an article for Vulture , Hoover chooses “ All Your Perfects ” as her most romantic book.  

Still interested in picking up one of Hoover’s books? If so, here’s where experts recommend you start:

What Colleen Hoover book do you read first?

Craig recommends starting with the most popular titles. She describes “It Ends with Us” as a great book to introduce people to Hoover. “I think that the characters are very interesting and it sucks you in. It’s almost like brain candy,” she says. Hoover’s second and third most popular titles in 2022 were the psychological thriller “ Verity ” and “ It Starts with Us ,” which is a sequel to “It Ends with Us.”

In what order should I read Colleen Hoover’s books?

Hoover mostly writes stand-alone novels. So, for the most part, you can read them in any order that you want. If you still want some guidance, Craig recommends “starting with the more popular ones, and then from there looking into which synopses speak to you the most.” You can also check out various online rankings of her books. There’s this list from Glamour , which ranks Hoover’s novels according to their ratings on the book website Goodreads .

Key Takeaway – You’ve heard of Colleen Hoover, and now you know what all the hype is about. With over books 20 to choose from, there are many chances for you to be converted into a “ CoHort .”

Want to read Stephen King books? Here’s where to start.

24 Books in 2024 Book Review: "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover

W elcome back to Breathe Chile! Today, We’re diving into the amazing world of books that feed our souls and get us thinking. The goal is 24 books in 2024, and today, we’re getting into the deep and emotional world of Colleen Hoover’s book, “It Ends with Us.” Stick around for a review of this powerful novel!

The story of “It Ends with Us” is an extremely emotional story that digs deep into the ups and downs of relationships and how strong people can be. This story really hits home with the messiness of love, the awful impact of bad relationships, and the incredible strength it takes to break free from that kind of situation.

Colleen Hoover tackles love, loss, and self-discovery themes throughout the novel. The narrative sheds light on the importance of setting boundaries and choosing your own well-being. The author invites readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, encouraging reflection and personal growth.

Character development is important in a good story, and “It Ends with Us” is totally on point. The characters in the story are so well-crafted, each dealing with their own struggles and successes. One character who goes through a transformation is Lily, the main character.

We see her persistent determination and guts as she faces her past and works to create a better future for herself. This touching story is a powerful reminder that we all have endless courage inside us, pushing us to take control of our lives and face whatever comes our way with fierce determination.

Throughout the story, we see her grow from a young girl figuring out love to a strong woman who can take on anything. Colleen Hoover really nails it in bringing these characters to life, making the whole storytelling experience so real and deep. It really gets you connected to the characters’ emotional journey.

When you read it, you’re not just watching a love story unfold – you’re taking part in a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As the characters tackle the ups and downs of their lives, you reflect on your own experiences and relationships, making the reading experience truly meaningful and fulfilling.

Lily’s been through a lot, but that’s never stopped her from hustling for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town in Maine where she grew up - she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. So when she feels a connection with a hunky neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life suddenly seems almost too good to be true.

Ryle is very confident, stubborn, and maybe a bit full of himself. He’s also sensitive, very smart, and really cares about Lily. And he looks great in scrubs, which doesn’t hurt at all. Lily can’t stop thinking about him. But Ryle’s strong dislike for relationships is worrying. Even as Lily becomes the only exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what caused him to be like that in the first place.

As she’s dealing with all these questions about her new relationship, she can’t help but think about Atlas Corrigan – her first love and a connection to the past she walked away from. He was her soulmate, always looking out for her. And now that Atlas has shown up out of the blue, everything she’s built with Ryle is in jeopardy.

What does It Ends With Us teach us?

The impact of “It Ends with Us” goes way beyond your typical romance novels. This book’s storyline hits home with readers, making them stop and think. It dives into the nitty-gritty of personal relationships, resilience, and the inner strength needed to break free from toxic cycles that hold you back.

The story is a powerful reflection of the complexities of life. It beautifully captures the essence of the human experience, where we encounter numerous challenges that test our resolve. The themes of strength, courage, and resilience resonate deeply as we navigate through the ups and downs of our individual journeys.

Additionally, life’s unpredictability and the idea that even the most well-meaning people can mess up adds depth and relatability to the story. These thoughts remind us that imperfections and challenges are just part of life, and it’s through these struggles that we often grow and become more empathetic.

Are you ready to embark on an exciting literary adventure? Breathe Chile presents our exclusive Reading Challenge Guide, designed to elevate your reading experience and ignite your passion for books. Simply Click Here to receive your FREE Reading Challenge Guide and embark on a transformative reading experience.

I highly recommend “It Ends with Us” to our readers. Colleen Hoover’s storytelling really dives into love, strength, and the significance of putting yourself first. It’s a must for anyone who wants a book that connects with life’s ups and downs. Read it now before the movie comes out later this year!

Remember to breathe, reflect, and continue on your journey towards a healthier, more mindful life.

The post 24 Books in 2024 Book Review: "It Ends with Us" by Colleen Hoover first appeared on Your Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle .

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It Starts with Us: the highly anticipated sequel to IT ENDS WITH US Kindle Edition

• Book 2 of 2 It Ends with Us
• Print length 332 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publisher Simon & Schuster UK
• Publication date October 18, 2022
• File size 2132 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

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About the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09RX42621
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster UK (October 18, 2022)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 18, 2022
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2132 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 332 pages
• #57 in Dysfunctional Relationships
• #96 in Abusive Family Relationships
• #260 in Parenting & Relationships (Kindle Store)

About the author

Colleen hoover.

Colleen Hoover is the #1 New York Times and International bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. She lives in Texas with her husband and their three boys. She is the founder of The Bookworm Box, a non-profit book subscription service and bookstore in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

For more information and for a schedule of events, please visit colleenhoover.com.

To contact Colleen and her team (Her team's name is Stephanie), please email [email protected]

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• Cast & crew

It Ends with Us

Lily believes she's found true love with Ryle, but when a painful incident triggers past trauma, she must decide if love alone can carry her marriage through. However, things are complicated... Read all Lily believes she's found true love with Ryle, but when a painful incident triggers past trauma, she must decide if love alone can carry her marriage through. However, things are complicated when her first love returns to her life. Lily believes she's found true love with Ryle, but when a painful incident triggers past trauma, she must decide if love alone can carry her marriage through. However, things are complicated when her first love returns to her life.

• Justin Baldoni
• Christy Hall
• Colleen Hoover
• Blake Lively
• Jenny Slate
• Brandon Sklenar

• Atlas Corrigan

• Young Atlas Corrigan

• Young Lily Bloom

• Female Waiter

• (uncredited)

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia The casting of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as Lily and Ryle caused backlash from fans because in the book Lily is 23 and Ryle is 30, while Lively is 35 and Baldoni is 39. Author of the book Colleen Hoover explained in an interview that she wanted to age the characters up in the movie in an effort to correct a mistake she made in the book. She said, "Back when I wrote It Ends With Us, the new adult [genre] was very popular. You were writing college-age characters. That's what I was contracted to do. I made Lily very young. I didn't know that neurosurgeons went to school for 50 years. There's not a 20-something neurosurgeon. As I started making this movie, I'm like, 'We need to age them out, because I messed up.' So, that's my fault."
• When will It Ends with Us be released? Powered by Alexa
• June 21, 2024 (United States)
• United States
• New York City, New York, USA
• Saks Picture Company
• Sony Pictures Television
• Wayfarer Studios
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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