Colleen Hoover, the bestselling author known for her emotionally charged novels, released "It Starts with Us", the much-anticipated sequel to "It Ends with Us". This sequel dives deeper into the lives of Lily Bloom, her ex-husband Ryle Kincaid, and her first love, Atlas Corrigan, continuing the emotionally complex narrative that captured the hearts of readers worldwide.

A Quick Recap of "It Ends with Us"

"It Ends with Us" is a powerful novel that sheds light on the complexities of abusive relationships, personal growth, and finding strength in love and self-worth. The story follows Lily as she navigates a difficult marriage with Ryle, who struggles with controlling and violent behavior. Her love for Atlas, her childhood sweetheart, re-emerges, leading to difficult decisions that force Lily to choose between her past, her present, and her future.

The Story of "It Starts with Us"

"It Starts with Us" picks up right where the first book left off. While "It Ends with Us" was about Lily's journey to breaking the cycle of abuse and finding the courage to start over, "It Starts with Us" delves into the aftermath of her choices and focuses more on her relationship with Atlas, a figure from her past who symbolizes hope and a better future.

This sequel shifts the focus from the trauma of Lily’s relationship with Ryle to her path to healing and discovering what a healthy relationship looks like with Atlas. The book also gives Atlas a much more central role, allowing readers to learn more about his past, struggles, and inner emotions.

Themes of Healing and Second Chances

Unlike the raw emotional intensity of "It Ends with Us", "It Starts with Us" brings a more hopeful tone, focusing on healing, self-discovery, and the possibility of second chances. Lily's journey is now about learning to trust herself and others again, particularly Atlas, who represents the kind of love she deserves.

One of the most important messages of this novel is that healing from trauma is not linear. Lily's growth is gradual, and Hoover does an excellent job of portraying the real-life struggles of balancing single motherhood, co-parenting with a difficult ex, and opening her heart to love again. The novel emphasizes the importance of self-love and the courage it takes to break free from cycles of hurt.

Ryle’s Continued Presence

Although Lily has decided to end her marriage with Ryle in "It Ends with Us", his presence in her life is still strong, primarily because they share a daughter, Emerson. This co-parenting dynamic brings tension to the story as Lily tries to maintain boundaries while ensuring their child has a relationship with her father.

Ryle’s character continues to reflect the complexities of abusive individuals. He is both remorseful and possessive, making Lily’s journey toward peace and happiness more challenging. This dynamic provides an insightful commentary on the lasting impact of emotional and physical abuse, even after a relationship ends.

Atlas’s Role in Lily’s Life

Atlas has always been Lily’s symbol of hope and love. In "It Starts with Us", his character is explored in greater depth, and readers gain insight into his backstory, his life as a restaurant owner, and his ongoing feelings for Lily. His patience and understanding provide a stark contrast to Ryle, and his journey intertwines beautifully with Lily’s, as they both strive to overcome the traumas of their pasts.

Critical Reception

While some fans feel that "It Starts with Us" doesn’t carry the same level of emotional intensity as the first book, it has been praised for offering closure and a more hopeful narrative. Hoover’s writing remains engaging and heartfelt, and the book gives readers what they craved: a deeper exploration of Atlas and Lily’s relationship.