It Ends With Us 2: Everything To Know About It Starts With Us

It Starts With Us: The Next Chapter in Lily and Atlas’s Journey

Colleen Hoover’s wildly popular novel “It Ends With Us” has captivated readers worldwide, and the highly anticipated sequel “It Starts With Us” continues the story of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan. Published in October 2022, this new chapter picks up right where the first book left off, exploring the challenges and triumphs of Lily and Atlas as they navigate life after their reunion.

The Story So Far

“It Ends With Us” follows Lily Bloom, a woman who has escaped an abusive relationship and is starting a new life in Boston. She meets and falls in love with Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon, but their relationship takes a dark turn when Ryle becomes abusive. Lily finds solace in reconnecting with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who encourages her to leave Ryle for her own safety.

The book ends with Lily and Atlas meeting again on the streets of Boston, leaving readers eager to know what happens next. “It Starts With Us” picks up from this moment, with Lily and Atlas’s reunion being cut short due to their busy schedules.

Lily and Atlas’s Rekindled Romance

In “It Starts With Us,” Lily and Atlas’s relationship takes center stage as they navigate the challenges of starting over. Despite the obstacles, their connection is undeniable, and they quickly fall back into a loving relationship.

However, their journey is not without its complications. Ryle, still a part of Lily’s life due to their daughter, tries to convince Lily to give their marriage another chance. When he finds out about Lily’s relationship with Atlas, he becomes violent, choking Lily and forcing her to seek refuge with Atlas.

The book explores the emotional toll of Lily’s past abuse and the difficulties of co-parenting with an ex-partner who is still abusive. Lily and Atlas’s love is tested, but they ultimately emerge stronger, supporting each other through the challenges.

Atlas’s Unexpected Family Reunion

While Lily is dealing with the aftermath of her abusive marriage, Atlas receives an unexpected phone call from his estranged mother. He learns that he has a younger brother, Josh, whom he never knew existed. Atlas takes on the responsibility of becoming Josh’s legal guardian, adding another layer of complexity to his life.

The book delves into Atlas’s past, revealing more about his own traumatic upbringing and the impact it has had on his life. His relationship with Josh becomes a central focus, as he navigates the challenges of being a guardian to a child he just met.

Lily’s Journal Entries and Ryle’s Redemption Arc

One of the most beloved aspects of “It Ends With Us” was Lily’s journal entries to Ellen DeGeneres, and these make a return in “It Starts With Us.” The journal entries provide insight into Lily’s thoughts and feelings as she navigates her new relationship with Atlas.

While Ryle’s actions in the first book were unforgivable, “It Starts With Us” explores the possibility of redemption. The book shows Ryle’s attempts to change and come to terms with Lily’s relationship with Atlas. However, the path to redemption is not an easy one, and Ryle’s anger and jealousy still surface at times.

The Ending and Beyond

“It Starts With Us” culminates in a four-year time jump, where readers see Lily and Atlas getting married and building a life together. Lily’s daughter and Atlas’s younger brother are part of this new family, and the book ends on a hopeful note, showing that love can heal even the deepest wounds.

The ending of “It Starts With Us” leaves readers satisfied, but also curious about what the future holds for Lily and Atlas. Many fans are hoping that the book will be adapted into a movie, following the success of the film adaptation of “It Ends With Us.”

However, the author, Colleen Hoover, has admitted that she hasn’t been writing much lately, focusing instead on the film adaptation of “It Ends With Us.” It remains to be seen whether she will continue the story in a third book or if “It Starts With Us” will be the final chapter in Lily and Atlas’s journey.

Critical Reception

“It Starts With Us” has received mixed reviews from critics and fans alike. While some appreciate the continuation of Lily and Atlas’s story and the exploration of the aftermath of abuse, others feel that the book lacks the emotional depth and impact of its predecessor.

Some reviewers have criticized the pacing of the book, noting that the dual point of view between Lily and Atlas can be frustrating at times. The book has also been accused of feeling “unnecessary” and overshadowing the important message of the first book about the difficulty of leaving an abusive relationship.

However, many readers have found the book to be a satisfying conclusion to Lily and Atlas’s story, appreciating the opportunity to see their relationship develop further and the resolution of some of the trauma from the first book.

“It Starts With Us” is a highly anticipated sequel that continues the story of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan. While it may not have the same emotional impact as “It Ends With Us,” the book offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life after abuse and the power of love to heal.

Fans of the series will appreciate the opportunity to see Lily and Atlas’s relationship grow and the resolution of some of the unanswered questions from the first book. However, those looking for a standalone novel may find the book less satisfying, as it relies heavily on the events of “It Ends With Us.”

Ultimately, “It Starts With Us” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love. It is a story about finding the strength to break the cycle of abuse and embrace a second chance at happiness, even in the face of overwhelming odds.