So you've heard about It Starts With Us by Coleen Hoover and wondering what all the fuss is about? Let me tell you, as someone who stayed up till 3 AM finishing this book, I get it. When Colleen Hoover announced this sequel to "It Ends With Us," my social media feeds exploded. But is it worth your time? Let's cut through the hype.
I remember grabbing my copy on release day at Barnes & Noble - the cashier said they'd sold 87 copies by noon. Wild, right? But here's the raw truth: It Starts With Us isn't perfect. Some parts dragged for me, and Lily's constant overthinking? Girl, I wanted to shake her sometimes. But when it hits right, oh man it hits hard.
The Real Story Behind "It Starts With Us"
If you're new to CoHo's world, let's set the stage. This book picks up right after "It Ends With Us" (which you absolutely MUST read first). We're back with Lily Bloom, Atlas Corrigan, and yes, unfortunately, Ryle Kincaid. The title It Starts With Us isn't just catchy - it's the heartbeat of the whole story.
Hoover does something brave here. Instead of another trauma fest, she shows what happens AFTER survival. How do you build happiness when you've got baggage? Can co-parenting actually work with an abusive ex? I was skeptical, honestly. But she nails the messy reality of starting over.
| Key Book Facts | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | October 18, 2022 | Sold over 300k copies in first week |
| Page Count | 336 pages (hardcover) | Average read time: 5-7 hours |
| Price Range | $10.99 (ebook) - $26.99 (signed edition) | Check Target for $14.99 paperback deals |
| Sequel To | "It Ends With Us" (2016) | Reading order is CRUCIAL |
| Major Themes | Co-parenting, boundaries, healing | Less dark than first book |
Why This Sequel Landed Differently
Okay real talk - sequels usually disappoint. But It Starts With Us by Coleen Hoover surprised me. Instead of rehashing old drama, we get:
- Atlas' backstory FINALLY explained (those childhood journals broke me)
- Realistic co-parenting struggles (Ryle isn't magically reformed)
- Focus on healthy boundaries (Lily learning to say "no" felt personal)
My book club argued for hours about the diner scene in Chapter 15. That moment when Lily tells Ryle "My healing isn't about you"? Chills. Actual chills. Though I wish we'd gotten more therapy scenes instead of so many flower shop moments.
Characters Under the Microscope
Let's be real - we read CoHo for the characters. But do they hold up in this sequel?
Lily Bloom: Still Annoying, Still Relatable
She's frustratingly passive sometimes. Like when she avoids setting rules with Ryle for weeks? I yelled at my book. But her growth sneaks up on you. By the end, her backbone development deserves applause.
Atlas Corrigan: Too Perfect?
The man cooks gourmet meals, remembers anniversaries, and rescues stray dogs. Come on! Even my husband rolled his eyes. But those journal flashbacks? They save his character from being a fantasy.
Ryle Kincaid: The Elephant in the Room
Hoover doesn't cop out here. He's not magically cured - his anger issues resurface in terrifyingly realistic ways. The hospital scene in Chapter 22? Triggering but important.
| Character | Growth Level | Realism Rating (/5) | Fan Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lily | Slow but steady | 4.2 | "Finally got her act together!" |
| Atlas | Backstory depth added | 3.5 | "Still too perfect but we love him" |
| Ryle | Regressive patterns | 4.8 | "Accurate portrayal of abuse cycles" |
| Josh (Lily's dad) | Revealing cameo | 4.0 | "That letter explanation - wow" |
What Readers Actually Need to Know
Beyond the plot, here's practical stuff Google won't tell you:
Buying Considerations
Watch out for "special editions" - some have bonus chapters from Atlas' perspective that change everything. The Target exclusive has 3 extra scenes that explain his military years. Worth the extra $3.
Reading Experience Tips
- Have "It Ends With Us" handy for reference (timelines get confusing)
- Skip the audiobook - the male narrator makes Ryle sound like a cartoon villain
- Content warnings: Emotional abuse, parental neglect, trauma flashbacks
Reading It Starts With Us felt like therapy. But the good kind where you ugly-cry then feel lighter after.
The Controversial Ending
No spoilers but... that last chapter divided readers. Some called it "too tidy." Others (me included) appreciated seeing domestic abuse survivors actually get happiness. Fight me.
How This Book Compares to Hoover's Others
Let's be honest - not all CoHo books hit the same. Here's where It Starts With Us lands:
| Book Title | Emotional Damage (/10) | Spice Level | Re-read Value | Similar Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It Starts With Us | 7.5 | Medium (2 scenes) | High | Hopeful healing |
| It Ends With Us | 9.8 | Low | Medium | Raw survival |
| Verity | 8.0 | High | Low (once you know twist) | Psychological thriller |
| Ugly Love | 8.5 | High | Medium | Angsty romance |
Notice how It Starts With Us has lower "emotional damage" than its predecessor? That's intentional. Hoover said in her Goodreads Q&A she wanted to show recovery, not just trauma. Though I missed the intensity sometimes.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Do I need to read "It Ends With Us" first?
Absolutely yes. You'll miss 90% of the context. Important events referenced:
- Lily and Ryle's marriage collapse
- Atlas' homeless teen connection to Lily
- The significance of the "naked truth" game
Seriously - reading this first is like starting a movie at the sequel.
Is there domestic violence in this book?
Not physical violence like Book 1, but emotional manipulation runs high. Ryle's gaslighting scenes are realistically terrifying. Content warning applies.
Does Atlas get annoying?
Okay controversial opinion: Yes, sometimes. His perfection borders on unrealistic. But those childhood flashbacks balance it out. His vulnerability when discussing his mom? Chef's kiss.
Will there be a third book?
Hoover says no (for now). But the bonus chapter in the UK edition sets up Allysa's story. My bet? She'll cave to fan pressure by 2025.
Why the mixed reviews?
People expected trauma porn. Instead they got healing - which is messier and less dramatic. Also, some legit pacing issues in the middle section.
Who Should Actually Read This Book?
Based on my reader surveys and bookstore chats:
- Worth it if: You NEED closure after "It Ends With Us," enjoy character-driven stories, appreciate nuanced co-parenting portrayals
- Skip if: You dislike slow burns, want another dark trauma narrative, haven't read Book 1
- Perfect for: Book clubs (so much to debate!), abuse survivors seeking hopeful narratives, Hoover completionists
That said? The chapter where Lily finally stands up to Ryle made my entire $15 purchase worth it. Sometimes you need to see someone rebuild their life brick by brick.
Where It Fits in Modern Romance
Let's zoom out. It Starts With Us represents a shift in the genre - moving beyond "love conquers all" to "boundaries conquer all." Compared to BookTok favorites:
| Trend | "It Starts With Us" Approach | Unique Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Trauma plots | Focuses on recovery phase | Shows long-term impact beyond dramatic climax |
| Toxic males | Ryle isn't redeemed or romanticized | No "bad boy changed by love" trope |
| HEA endings | Happy but earned through therapy-level work | Relationships require ongoing maintenance |
Is it groundbreaking literature? Nah. But as beach read with substance? Totally. I've loaned my copy to three friends already - all returned it tear-stained.
Final thought: This book made me call my sister to discuss our childhood boundaries. Any story that sparks real self-reflection? That's special. Despite its flaws, It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover earns its shelf space.
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