How Does 'It Starts With Us' Connect To 'It Ends With Us'?

The antagonist in 'It Starts With Us' is Atlas Corrigan's abusive father, Richard. This guy is pure nightmare fuel—a manipulative, violent drunk who made Atlas's childhood hell. He's not just a typical bad dad; he's the kind of villain who leaves scars both physical and emotional. What makes him terrifying is how real he feels. He doesn't have superpowers or a dramatic backstory—just raw, unchecked cruelty that echoes the kind of abuse survivors actually face. His presence looms over the story even when he's off-page, affecting Atlas's relationships and self-worth. The book shows how this kind of damage doesn't just vanish when you grow up.

The main conflict in 'It Starts With Us' revolves around Lily Bloom's struggle to break free from her toxic past while navigating a new relationship with Atlas Corrigan. Her abusive ex-husband, Ryle Kincaid, refuses to let go, creating constant tension and danger. The story digs deep into the emotional scars of domestic violence, showing how hard it is to fully escape even when you find happiness elsewhere. Lily's internal battle between fear and hope drives the narrative, making readers root for her courage. The book also explores Atlas's own demons, adding layers to their relationship. It's raw, real, and painfully relatable for anyone who's faced similar battles.

As someone who devoured 'It Starts With Us' in one sitting, I can confirm the ending leans toward hopeful rather than perfectly happy. While the main characters find a way to break free from toxic cycles, their resolution feels earned rather than sugarcoated. Lily finally stands firm against Ryle's manipulation, and Atlas gets his chance at genuine love without baggage. The emotional scars aren't magically erased—there are still custody battles and trauma echoes—but the final chapters show them planting seeds for healthier futures. What makes it satisfying is the realism; they don't get fairy tale endings, they get messy human ones where happiness is a choice they keep making daily.

The author wrote 'It Starts With Us' to continue the emotional journey from 'It Ends With Us', diving deeper into the complexities of love, trauma, and second chances. This sequel focuses on Lily and Atlas, showing how their relationship evolves after the events of the first book. It's a raw exploration of healing and rebuilding trust, especially for those who've survived abusive relationships. The story highlights how love can be messy but worth fighting for when both people are willing to grow. Fans of the first book will appreciate seeing Lily's strength and Atlas's unwavering support as they navigate life's challenges together. The author likely wanted to give readers closure while also addressing themes of resilience and hope.

Reading 'It Ends with Us' and 'It Starts with Us' back-to-back feels like witnessing the evolution of a storm. The first book, 'It Ends with Us,' is raw and unflinching, diving deep into the complexities of love, abuse, and self-preservation. Lily’s journey is heartbreaking yet empowering, as she grapples with the cycle of abuse she inherited from her parents. The emotional weight of her decisions, especially the one to leave Ryle for the sake of her daughter, is palpable. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of life, and it leaves you with a sense of hope, even if it’s a bittersweet one. 'It Starts with Us,' on the other hand, feels like the calm after the storm. It’s a gentler, more hopeful narrative that focuses on Lily’s healing and her rekindled relationship with Atlas. While the first book is about breaking cycles, the sequel is about building something new and healthy. The contrast between the two is striking—one is about survival, the other about thriving. If you’re someone who loves stories of resilience and second chances, 'It Starts with Us' will feel like a warm hug after the emotional turmoil of the first book. For readers who enjoyed these, I’d recommend 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' for another layered exploration of love and sacrifice, or 'Normal People' for a similarly nuanced take on relationships. If you’re into TV series, 'Big Little Lies' offers a gripping look at the complexities of marriage and abuse, while 'This Is Us' beautifully captures the messiness and beauty of family dynamics.

I just finished reading 'It Starts With Us' and can confirm it's absolutely a sequel to Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends With Us'. This book picks up right where the first left off, diving deeper into Lily and Atlas's relationship. While the first novel focused on Lily's struggles with Ryle, this one shifts to her healing journey and rekindled romance with Atlas. The emotional depth carries over, but the tone feels more hopeful. Some references might confuse new readers, so I'd recommend reading 'It Ends With Us' first to fully appreciate the character development and subtle callbacks woven throughout the narrative.

I'd totally say some hilarious and relatable memes come from the 'Distracted Boyfriend' format. It's such a classic! Then there's the 'Woman Yelling at Cat' meme, which cracks me up every time. I love how they can express so much with just a single image! The 'This is Fine' dog meme also hits close to home with its existential vibe. Memes like these keep the humor alive in my day-to-day life.

I just finished reading 'This Could Be Us' and had to look up the author because the writing style felt so familiar. The novel is written by Kennedy Ryan, an author who's been making waves in contemporary romance with her emotionally rich storytelling. Ryan has this knack for creating characters that feel painfully real - flawed, complex, and completely unforgettable. What stands out about her work is how she balances steamy romance with deep emotional wounds and healing. 'This Could Be Us' follows this pattern perfectly, blending scorching chemistry between the leads with profound discussions about trust and self-worth. If you enjoy authors like Talia Hibbert or Jasmine Guillory, Ryan's work should be next on your list.