Lily and Ryle have just settled into a civil co-parenting rhythm with their daughter, Emerson, when Lily suddenly runs into Atlas nearly two years after they last spoke. Elated that the timing finally seems to be right to give what they have together a real chance, Atlas asks Lily on a date.
But Lily’s excitement is almost immediately replaced by dread and anxiety when she remembers that Ryle, though no longer her husband, is still very much part of her life. And though Ryle would dislike Lily dating anyone but him, Atlas Corrigan is the one man he absolutely will not stand having in his ex-wife and daughter’s lives.
Told from the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts With Us gives readers a deeper look into Atlas’s past as he and Lily reconnect and rekindle the love they shared as teenagers while navigating a volatile ex-husband who believes Atlas to be one of the reasons his marriage with Lily ended.
Thanks to TikTok, It Starts With Us may well be one of the most hotly anticipated sequels ever. When Colleen Hoover wrote It Ends With Us in 2016, few could have anticipated its meteoric rise to the top of bestseller lists. As the book-loving community of BookTok exploded, It Ends With Us became one of the most-loved “BookTok books”. To thank her fans for their support, Hoover wrote the sequel It Starts With Us. Beginning literally hours after the close of its predecessor, the two books should definitely be read in order. If you’ve been patiently waiting like the rest of us, you won’t be disappointed when you binge this read.
This is not a light and fluffy romance – Hoover explores complex and oftentimes abusive relationships. It Ends With Us struck a chord with many readers, made more powerful by the fact that Hoover based the central relationship on the experiences of her own mother. Hoover writes about experiences of domestic violence and toxic relationships with nuance and care. Now that Lily is divorced and has a baby, It Starts With Us feels more hopeful – especially as Lily’s burgeoning relationship with the dreamy Atlas takes centre stage. With more of Atlas’ childhood revealed – growing up in an absuive home and homelessness – Hoover once again doesn’t shy away from darker themes. And as her fans know all too well, Hoover’s romance novels don’t allow you to get too comfortable, and she loves a twist.
If you’re after an addictive, page-turning read that is most definitely worth the hype, add It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us to your TBR pile.
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