Did It Ends with Us leave you emotionally wrecked? Colleen Hoover returns with It Starts with Us—but does this long-awaited sequel mend our broken hearts or twist the knife even deeper? (Spoilers ahead!)
We’ve walked through Lily Bloom’s emotional journey—her toxic relationship with Ryle, and the unexpected return of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Now, It Starts with Us picks up right where the heartbreak left off, offering the closure fans hoped for… or maybe a few surprises we didn’t see coming.
⚠️ Heads up: This review contains spoilers! If you haven’t read It Ends with Us yet, I highly recommend starting there first.
👉 Check out my spoiler-filled review of It Ends with Us here: "It End With Us" by Colleen Hoover
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Lily’s New Battle: Single Motherhood & Ryle’s Shadow
It Starts with Us picks up exactly where It Ends with Us left off, with Lily navigating life as a single mom to her daughter, Emerson. Ryle, the father of her child and former husband, is still in the picture—he’s trying to be a good father but can’t escape the darkness of his past abusive tendencies. Meanwhile, Atlas—Lily’s childhood love—is back, and their chemistry is undeniable. This time, the universe seems to be aligning in their favor, but of course, it’s never that simple.
Colleen Hoover immediately pulls us back into the world she built in the first book, and you can almost feel the emotional baggage these characters carry. It's like reuniting with old friends—you know them so well, yet there are still parts of their story you haven’t uncovered.
Colleen Hoover immediately pulls us back into the world she built in the first book, and you can almost feel the emotional baggage these characters carry. It's like reuniting with old friends—you know them so well, yet there are still parts of their story you haven’t uncovered.
Atlas Unmasked: Why His Backstory Stole the Sequel
One of the highlights of this sequel is how Hoover gives us a more in-depth look at Atlas’s perspective. We didn’t get much of that in It Ends with Us, but now, we get to see what he’s been through over the years. Atlas is not just the sweet, caring guy we knew—his character is layered with his own trauma, struggles, and a deep sense of responsibility. It makes his relationship with Lily feel even more meaningful.
Lily’s internal struggles also continue to shine. She’s torn between wanting to move on with Atlas and dealing with the constant presence of Ryle in her life. There’s a very human exploration of co-parenting in this book. Lily is trying to protect her daughter while navigating her own healing, and you can feel the tension in every interaction between her, Atlas, and Ryle.
Lily’s internal struggles also continue to shine. She’s torn between wanting to move on with Atlas and dealing with the constant presence of Ryle in her life. There’s a very human exploration of co-parenting in this book. Lily is trying to protect her daughter while navigating her own healing, and you can feel the tension in every interaction between her, Atlas, and Ryle.
Spoiler Deep Dive: Does Atlas & Lily’s Love Survive?
The novel opens with a heart-wrenching letter from Atlas—proof that he never forgot Lily, even after all these years. Now a successful chef, he finally reaches out… and Lily, freshly free from Ryle’s grip, is ready to risk love again. But is the timing really perfect? With Ryle still looming as Emerson’s father, their reunion is far from simple.
Do you think Ryle deserved a redemption arc? 👇 Vote below in comments!
👍 Yes – He’s flawed but trying.
👎 No – Abuse shouldn’t be excused.
The Reunion: When Lily and Atlas finally reunite, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Unlike her volatile relationship with Ryle, being with Atlas feels like home to Lily.
Their relationship is filled with tender moments, deep conversations, and a mutual understanding that’s been missing from Lily’s life for far too long.
However, Lily's happiness with Atlas is complicated by her ongoing relationship with Ryle, the father of her child. Ryle struggles with his jealousy and anger, and his character’s presence remains a significant source of tension in the novel.
However, Lily's happiness with Atlas is complicated by her ongoing relationship with Ryle, the father of her child. Ryle struggles with his jealousy and anger, and his character’s presence remains a significant source of tension in the novel.
Despite the fact that Ryle is still in Lily’s life, the novel explores how she manages to set boundaries, finally standing her ground against him.
[Team Atlas or Team Ryle? Let’s argue in the comments! 💬]
Co-Parenting Challenges: Much of "It Starts with Us" focuses on Lily’s struggles with co-parenting. While she wants to maintain a civil relationship with Ryle for Emerson’s sake, she also wants to protect her daughter from Ryle’s temper.
[Team Atlas or Team Ryle? Let’s argue in the comments! 💬]
Co-Parenting Challenges: Much of "It Starts with Us" focuses on Lily’s struggles with co-parenting. While she wants to maintain a civil relationship with Ryle for Emerson’s sake, she also wants to protect her daughter from Ryle’s temper.
The delicate balance she must maintain adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, showing the complex realities of moving on from an abusive relationship.
Themes: Love, Healing, and Empowerment
Second Chances: The primary theme of "It Starts with Us" is second chances. For both Lily and Atlas, their relationship is a second chance at love—one that they both deserve after the hardships they’ve faced. Atlas's love is a balm for Lily's wounds, offering her the peace and stability that were missing from her previous relationship.
Healing from Trauma: Lily’s journey throughout the novel is one of healing. Having survived abuse, she’s now focused on creating a life of safety and happiness for herself and her daughter. The novel does a wonderful job of showing the long-term impact of trauma, but it also emphasizes that healing is possible.
Empowerment and Setting Boundaries: One of the most satisfying elements of the book is watching Lily reclaim her power. Throughout "It Starts with Us," she refuses to let Ryle dictate her life, and she sets clear boundaries to protect herself and her daughter. It’s a powerful message for readers, especially those who have experienced toxic relationships.
Character Development: Growth and Maturity
Lily Bloom: Lily’s growth is evident throughout the novel. She is stronger, more resilient, and more self-assured than she was in "It Ends with Us." Her decision to pursue a relationship with Atlas, while still managing a difficult situation with Ryle, shows her newfound sense of self-worth. Lily is no longer willing to settle for less than she deserves.
Atlas Corrigan: Atlas is the embodiment of patience and understanding. His love for Lily has only deepened over the years, and he is more than willing to wait for her as she navigates her complicated life. He is also dealing with his own family drama, including reconnecting with his estranged brother, Josh, which adds another layer to his character.
Ryle Kincaid: Ryle’s character continues to evoke complex feelings in readers. While "It Starts with Us" doesn't paint him as a villain, it doesn't shy away from his flaws either. He is a man who is deeply flawed, and while he loves Lily and Emerson, his anger issues make it impossible for him to be the partner Lily needs.
🚀 3 Reasons to Read It Starts with Us:
- Atlas’s POV finally revealed – His trauma makes the romance richer.
- Lily’s boundary-setting – A masterclass in post-toxic relationship growth.
- The ending we craved – Hopeful but not unrealistically perfect.
Conclusion: A Satisfying Sequel
It Starts with Us isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to survival. Hoover masterfully balances Atlas and Lily’s tender romance with the harsh realities of healing from abuse, proving that second chances aren’t given… they’re fought for. If It Ends with Us broke you, this sequel stitches you back together—with scars, but hope intact.
What did YOU think of Lily and Atlas’s ending? Did it heal your It Ends with Us wounds, or did you want more? Sound off below! ⬇️
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The Silent Patient Review: Why This Psychological Thriller Will Haunt You
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