It Starts with Us Review: Love, Healing & Second Chances

"It Starts with Us" by Colleen Hoover: A Heartfelt Journey of Love, Healing, and Second Chances (Spoiler Review)

Hey there, fellow bookworms!

If you’ve been with us for a while, you probably remember our review of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. We went deep into Lily Bloom’s world, the emotional rollercoaster that took us through her toxic relationship with Ryle, and the surprising re-entry of Atlas Corrigan, her first love. Well, guess what? The story continues, and It Starts with Us is here to give us the closure we all needed—or maybe didn’t know we wanted.

Before we dive into this, a quick heads up: if you haven’t read It Ends with Us, you might want to catch up because this review will contain spoilers. You’ve been warned!

Before diving into this book's review, make sure to check out the review of the first book in the series for a better understanding!

"It End With Us" by Colleen Hoover 

It Starts with Us Review

The Transition from It Ends with Us to It Starts with Us

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.

 

What Makes It Starts with Us Stand Out?

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.
 
Plot Overview (Spoilers Ahead)

The novel opens with a letter from Atlas to Lily, reminding readers of the deep connection they shared as teenagers. Atlas, who is now a successful restaurant owner, has never forgotten about Lily. He takes a bold step and reaches out to her in hopes of reigniting their romance. For Lily, the timing couldn't be more perfect, as she is finally ready to open her heart to love again, now that she’s distanced herself from Ryle.

Atlas’s Backstory: One of the highlights of "It Starts with Us" is that readers get to learn more about Atlas’s past. His difficult childhood, abandonment by his parents, and experiences with homelessness shaped him into the compassionate man he is today. Colleen Hoover gives us a much more in-depth look at his character, making it easy to understand why Lily is drawn to him.

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. 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.

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.
 
Conclusion: A Satisfying Sequel

Colleen Hoover delivers a heartwarming, emotional, and ultimately satisfying sequel with "It Starts with Us." It’s a story about love, resilience, and the importance of choosing happiness, even when the road is difficult. For readers who fell in love with "It Ends with Us," this follow-up provides closure and hope for a brighter future for Lily and Atlas.

If you're looking for a romance novel that combines deep emotional exploration with real-world issues, "It Starts with Us" is a must-read. It reminds us that no matter how broken we may feel, love has the power to heal and transform.

 

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Final Thoughts: Why You Should Read It

"It Starts with Us" is more than just a love story. It’s a tale of survival, growth, and empowerment. Colleen Hoover masterfully balances romance with deeper themes of trauma and healing, making this book a powerful continuation of Lily’s journey. If you enjoyed "It Ends with Us," this sequel is the perfect complement, offering closure and the hope of a better tomorrow.

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