It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover is the emotional sequel to It Ends with Us, giving readers a deeper look into Lily and Atlas’s love story. Now a single mom, Lily is focused on co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ryle, when fate brings Atlas back into her life. As they reconnect, Lily must navigate her past traumas, Ryle’s lingering presence, and her hopes for a future with Atlas. Told in dual perspectives, this novel offers a heartwarming and hopeful journey of healing, love, and second chances.

AuthorColleen Hoover
Publication dateOctober 18, 2022
Goodreads Rating3,86
Page count323 pages
GenresFiction, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Chick Lit, Love, New Adult, Young Adult, Drama

It Starts with Us Summary

It Starts with Us picks up right after the events of It Ends with Us, continuing Lily Bloom’s journey as she tries to heal from her past and move forward in life. Now a single mother to her daughter, Emerson (Emmy), Lily is balancing running her flower shop and co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid. While she has managed to escape her abusive marriage, Ryle still has a strong presence in her life, making it difficult for her to truly move on.

A Chance Encounter with Atlas

One day, fate intervenes when Lily runs into Atlas Corrigan—her first love, the boy who once protected her during her difficult teenage years. Atlas, now a successful chef and restaurant owner, has never stopped thinking about Lily. Despite their years apart, their feelings for each other are still very much alive. Seeing Lily again gives Atlas hope that they can finally have the relationship they were meant to have.

Shortly after their reunion, Atlas reaches out to Lily, asking if she would be open to getting to know each other again. But Lily knows that Ryle won’t handle her moving on well, so she is hesitant. Still, she can’t deny that she wants to be with Atlas.

Atlas’s Family Struggles

Meanwhile, Atlas is dealing with his own challenges. He has always carried the trauma of his abusive childhood and being homeless as a teenager. Now, he discovers that his estranged mother is still in town, and worse—she has a young son, Josh, who is actually Atlas’s half-brother. Josh, neglected by their mother, reminds Atlas of himself at that age, and he feels responsible for giving him a better life. As he tries to connect with Josh and offer him stability, Atlas is forced to confront his painful past and the mother who abandoned him.

Lily and Atlas’s Relationship Grows

Despite her fears about Ryle’s reaction, Lily decides to take a chance on Atlas. They start seeing each other in secret at first, but soon, Lily chooses to stand up for herself and be open about their relationship. Atlas treats Lily with kindness, patience, and love—everything she never had with Ryle. He also builds a beautiful bond with Emmy, further proving that he belongs in Lily’s life.

Ryle’s Jealousy and Tension

As expected, Ryle does not take the news well. He becomes possessive and angry, using his position as Emmy’s father to intimidate Lily. He tries to make her feel guilty, insisting that she is being selfish by moving on with Atlas. He even threatens Atlas, making it clear that he will never approve of their relationship.

But this time, Lily refuses to let Ryle control her. She sets firm boundaries, making it clear that he has no say in her personal life. With the support of Atlas, her best friend Allysa (who is also Ryle’s sister), and her mother, Lily gains the strength to stand up for herself. She ensures that Ryle understands his place—he can be in Emmy’s life, but he will not dictate hers.

A Happily Ever After

By the end of the novel, Lily and Atlas’s love proves to be unbreakable. Atlas legally takes in his brother, Josh, giving him the family he never had. Lily and Atlas are finally able to be together openly, and she finds peace in knowing that she has chosen a love that is healthy and safe.

Unlike It Ends with Us, which was heartbreaking and heavy, It Starts with Us is more about healing, hope, and the possibility of a happy ending. It gives readers closure by showing Lily’s journey toward true love and freedom—proving that after darkness, light can always follow.

It Starts with Us Ending Explained

Lily and Atlas finally get their happy ending after years of heartbreak. Despite Ryle’s aggressive reaction to their relationship, Lily stands her ground, legally setting boundaries to protect herself and Emmy. She no longer allows Ryle to control her life.

Atlas takes full custody of his younger half-brother, Josh, breaking the cycle of neglect he once endured. Instead of a traditional wedding, Atlas and Lily exchange heartfelt letters, symbolizing how their love has come full circle.

The ending is all about healing, second chances, and choosing happiness. Unlike It Ends with Us, this book is hopeful, showing that after pain, love and peace are possible.

What Happens to Ryle in It Starts with Us?

In It Starts with Us, Ryle Kincaid remains a major obstacle in Lily’s journey toward happiness. As Lily tries to move forward with Atlas, Ryle reacts with jealousy, anger, and possessiveness, proving he has not changed since their divorce.

When he finds out about Lily and Atlas’s relationship, he becomes aggressive and controlling, confronting both of them. He tries to intimidate Lily into ending things with Atlas, but this time, she refuses to back down. Realizing the danger he poses, Lily takes legal action, setting boundaries to limit his control over her and Emmy’s life.

By the end of the book, Ryle loses his grip on Lily but is still a presence in Emmy’s life as her father. Unlike in It Ends with Us, where he was portrayed with some complexity, this book shows that he is unwilling (or unable) to change. He ends the novel bitter and alone, while Lily moves on to a healthy and loving relationship with Atlas.

It Starts with Us Characters

The novel shifts between Lily and Atlas’s perspectives, introducing new characters while deepening the roles of familiar ones. The book focuses on healing, second chances, and the power of choosing love over fear. Below is a breakdown of the key characters who shape the story.

  • Lily Bloom: The protagonist, Lily is a strong, independent single mother who has left her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid. She runs her own flower shop and is trying to rebuild her life while co-parenting her daughter, Emmy. As she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, Lily must navigate the challenges of moving forward while dealing with Ryle’s controlling behavior.
  • Atlas Corrigan: Lily’s childhood love and now a successful restaurant owner. Atlas had a rough upbringing, experiencing homelessness and abuse, but he has built a stable life for himself. When he crosses paths with Lily again, he is determined to finally give their love a real chance. Atlas is kind, patient, and protective, offering Lily the love and support she deserves.
  • Ryle Kincaid: Lily’s ex-husband and Emmy’s father. A skilled neurosurgeon, Ryle struggles with anger management and was physically abusive to Lily in It Ends with Us. Though he claims to still love her, he becomes jealous and possessive when he learns about her relationship with Atlas, making co-parenting difficult.
  • Emerson “Emmy” Kincaid: Lily and Ryle’s young daughter. While she is too young to understand the complexities of her parents’ relationship, she is a major reason Lily fights for a better future.
  • Allysa Kincaid: Ryle’s sister and Lily’s best friend. Unlike her brother, Allysa is supportive of Lily’s happiness and encourages her to be with Atlas. She is married to Marshall and is one of Lily’s biggest sources of emotional support.
  • Marshall Kincaid: Allysa’s husband and Ryle’s best friend. He is fun-loving and laid-back, often acting as a mediator in tense situations. He supports Lily and Allysa, even when it means disagreeing with Ryle.
  • Josh Corrigan: Atlas’s 12-year-old half-brother, whom he didn’t know existed until later in the book. Josh is neglected by their mother, and Atlas takes him in, determined to give him the stable home life he never had growing up.
  • Theo: Atlas’s close friend and employee at his restaurant. Theo is witty, sarcastic, and acts as Atlas’s “younger brother” figure before Josh comes into the picture. He often gives Atlas dating advice and lightens the mood.
  • Cassie: Atlas’s estranged mother, who was abusive toward him in his childhood. She reappears in his life, still manipulative and toxic, showing no remorse for how she treated him.

These characters shape It Starts with Us, bringing depth to Lily and Atlas’s journey of healing, love, and second chances.

It Starts with Us Review

Unlike the first book, which was emotionally intense and heartbreaking, this sequel focuses on healing, second chances, and the power of choosing love. Told from both Lily’s and Atlas’s perspectives, the novel explores their long-overdue romance, the struggles of co-parenting with an abusive ex, and the importance of setting boundaries.

But does It Starts with Us live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Pros

A Sweet and Satisfying Love Story
Unlike the heartbreaking nature of It Ends with Us, this book is softer, giving Lily and Atlas the love story they always deserved. Atlas is the ultimate book boyfriend—patient, kind, and emotionally mature. Their romance feels like a much-needed breath of fresh air after all the trauma in the first book.

Dual POV Adds Depth
The alternating perspectives between Lily and Atlas allow readers to fully understand both characters’ emotions. Seeing Atlas’s side of the story—his past struggles, his journey to success, and his growing relationship with his half-brother—adds layers to his character.

Focus on Healing and Growth
This book is about moving forward, setting boundaries, and choosing happiness. Lily’s journey toward self-empowerment, especially in dealing with Ryle, is inspiring. It’s refreshing to see a character take control of her life and refuse to be manipulated by her past.

Atlas’s Backstory and Family Dynamic
A highlight of the book is Atlas’s relationship with his newly discovered younger brother, Josh. His interactions with Josh add an emotional depth that makes Atlas even more lovable. Seeing him take on a protective, fatherly role mirrors the care he once gave Lily as a teenager.

A Hopeful and Uplifting Tone
For readers who found It Ends with Us too emotionally heavy, It Starts with Us offers a more uplifting, hopeful tone. It’s about second chances, healthy love, and finding happiness after hardship.

Cons

Lacks the Emotional Impact of the First Book
While It Ends with Us was raw, painful, and deeply moving, this sequel feels more like an extended epilogue. There’s less tension and emotional intensity, making it feel slower-paced. Some readers may find it lacks the gut-wrenching depth of the first book.

Minimal Plot Development
Much of the book focuses on Lily and Atlas rekindling their relationship, which is heartwarming but doesn’t add much conflict. The biggest obstacle—Ryle’s disapproval—is present, but it’s not explored as deeply as it could have been. The resolution feels a bit too easy compared to the struggles of the first book.

Ryle’s Character Feels Underdeveloped
For a character who played such a major role in It Ends with Us, Ryle’s presence in this book feels somewhat lacking. While he remains an obstacle, his storyline doesn’t evolve much. Some readers might have wanted a more in-depth look at his struggles with co-parenting and his inability to change.

Short and Rushed Ending
At just over 300 pages, the book moves quickly, and the ending feels somewhat rushed. While Lily and Atlas get their happy ending, some moments—like Ryle’s reaction to losing control over Lily—could have been explored in more depth.

Final Verdict

It Starts with Us is a heartwarming sequel that gives Lily and Atlas the love story they deserve. While it doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as It Ends with Us, it offers a satisfying and hopeful conclusion. If you’re looking for a book about healing, setting boundaries, and choosing happiness, this is a great read. However, if you were expecting more drama, tension, or conflict, you might find it a little underwhelming.

💬 Should you read it?

If you loved It Ends with Us, you’ll likely enjoy this one—just go in knowing that it’s more of a sweet love story than a dramatic rollercoaster.

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