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It Ends with Us #1-2
It Ends with Us / It Starts with Us
#1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover’s “glorious and touching” (USA TODAY) phenomenon and its long-anticipated sequel are together in this collection that is perfect for new and longtime fans of the evocative story of Lily, Ryle, and Atlas.
In the “brave and heartbreaking” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author) #1 New York Times bestselling TikTok sensation It Ends with Us, Lily is overwhelmed with passion for the inflexible and proud Ryle. But her too-good-to-be-true romance is suddenly a lot more complicated when her first love, Atlas, suddenly comes back into her life.
Then, in It Starts with Us, read Atlas’s side of the story as Colleen Hoover explores more of Atlas’s past and what comes next for him, Lily, and Ryle.
In the “brave and heartbreaking” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author) #1 New York Times bestselling TikTok sensation It Ends with Us, Lily is overwhelmed with passion for the inflexible and proud Ryle. But her too-good-to-be-true romance is suddenly a lot more complicated when her first love, Atlas, suddenly comes back into her life.
Then, in It Starts with Us, read Atlas’s side of the story as Colleen Hoover explores more of Atlas’s past and what comes next for him, Lily, and Ryle.
643 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2022
2249 people are currently reading
7703 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Hoover
106 books759k followersInternational and #1 New York Times bestselling author of romance, YA, thriller, women's fiction and paranormal romance.
I don't like to be confined to one genre. If you put me in a box, I'll claw my way out.
My social media username is @colleenhoover pretty much everywhere except my email, which is colleenhooverbooks@gmail.com
Founder of www.thebookwormbox.com charity and Book Bonanza.
I don't like to be confined to one genre. If you put me in a box, I'll claw my way out.
My social media username is @colleenhoover pretty much everywhere except my email, which is colleenhooverbooks@gmail.com
Founder of www.thebookwormbox.com charity and Book Bonanza.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
August 29, 2024
Date: 7th November 2022
Am I the only person on this planet to ever want a full length book on Theo and their most likely forbidden romance?!
Am I the only person in this entire universe wanting Colleen Hoover to write an amazing queer rep romance?!
Am the only one?! The ONLY ONE?!
Damn me. Been going crazy about this since one whole month before actually saying all this out loud.
Am I the only person on this planet to ever want a full length book on Theo and their most likely forbidden romance?!
Am I the only person in this entire universe wanting Colleen Hoover to write an amazing queer rep romance?!
Am the only one?! The ONLY ONE?!
Damn me. Been going crazy about this since one whole month before actually saying all this out loud.
October 31, 2022
LOVE THIS
January 10, 2025
I needed something light after being stuck for so long with VanderMeer's Absolution, and this one piqued my interest after seeing a few reels from the movie. I was not disappointed.
It's not as light as I imagined, and its strongest point is that it's realistic. It's not your usual romance, the subject is quite tough, with strong characters and a story to match them.
Its only downside is that it has a few cliches borrowed from Fifty Shades of Grey (you could have done better without them, Coleen Hoover), but the overall story makes them forgettable.
All in all, great story, totally worth the time to read it.
It's not as light as I imagined, and its strongest point is that it's realistic. It's not your usual romance, the subject is quite tough, with strong characters and a story to match them.
Its only downside is that it has a few cliches borrowed from Fifty Shades of Grey (you could have done better without them, Coleen Hoover), but the overall story makes them forgettable.
All in all, great story, totally worth the time to read it.
June 2, 2023
It shattered my heart, but never put the pieces together.
August 8, 2024
Still really enjoyed this book the second time around and I’m ready to see the movie now.
February 14, 2024
I did really enjoy both of these books. I have seen so many mixed reviews that Hoover is "Glamorizing" toxic behaviors but I do not see it that way. To me it was more so relating to people who may have been in similar situations, and being unapologetically real. Love her writing style as well. These were books I personally would read again and again. They are what we call "comfort" books <3
July 23, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this series..it’s definitely really spicy. There is a lot of cussing and details in the book. I lot of people hate on Colleen Hoover (idk if that’s how you spell her name lol) but honestly I loved this series so much. I kinda wish there was a third book cause it kinda ended on a cliffhanger.
If you like a lot of spice this book is definitely for you. I finished this series in 2 days. It was that good. I would of probably rated it a 5 star if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger.
I loved how each character was different in their own ways..how it tells the background story from when they were younger on the characters, Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. This story takes place In Boston, i thought was really cool cause I been to Boston. That’s what made it so much better to me.
One of the things I hated was how Ryle treated Lily..it reminded Lily of her Abuses father and what he did to her mom. Lily kept thinking how she’s turning into her mom by staying with an abusive husband, which she divorces him after the birth of their baby girl Emerson Dory. Ryle got mad at her for holding onto her first love Alta, she kept all the things about him from her childhood and even got a small tattoo on her collarbone where he kissed her. Ryle found out and became furious which ended to him being abusive and trying to rape her.
Eventually everything turns out good in the end. Atlas and Lily get back together and eventually get married. Which was a massive cliffhanger cause he’s rereading his vows and the books ends. 😢
Anyways, i definitely recommend this book! 😁
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really enjoyed this series..it’s definitely really spicy. There is a lot of cussing and details in the book. I lot of people hate on Colleen Hoover (idk if that’s how you spell her name lol) but honestly I loved this series so much. I kinda wish there was a third book cause it kinda ended on a cliffhanger.
If you like a lot of spice this book is definitely for you. I finished this series in 2 days. It was that good. I would of probably rated it a 5 star if it didn’t end on a cliffhanger.
I loved how each character was different in their own ways..how it tells the background story from when they were younger on the characters, Lily, Ryle, and Atlas. This story takes place In Boston, i thought was really cool cause I been to Boston. That’s what made it so much better to me.
One of the things I hated was how Ryle treated Lily..it reminded Lily of her Abuses father and what he did to her mom. Lily kept thinking how she’s turning into her mom by staying with an abusive husband, which she divorces him after the birth of their baby girl Emerson Dory. Ryle got mad at her for holding onto her first love Alta, she kept all the things about him from her childhood and even got a small tattoo on her collarbone where he kissed her. Ryle found out and became furious which ended to him being abusive and trying to rape her.
Eventually everything turns out good in the end. Atlas and Lily get back together and eventually get married. Which was a massive cliffhanger cause he’s rereading his vows and the books ends. 😢
Anyways, i definitely recommend this book! 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2023
Loved these books.
These books tug at the heart strings as you navigate through the complicated relationships, abuse, and love. Every girl deserves an Atlas, and every boy deserves a Lily.
These books tug at the heart strings as you navigate through the complicated relationships, abuse, and love. Every girl deserves an Atlas, and every boy deserves a Lily.
February 7, 2024
The series was okay! I liked the idea of the story but maybe wasn’t executed as well as it could have been.
I see that it is being made into a movie, and honestly I feel like it may be a better story told on screen than in book.
I see that it is being made into a movie, and honestly I feel like it may be a better story told on screen than in book.
July 8, 2023
zawsze ta książka będzie dla mnie na pierwszym miejscu. kocham ja tak bardzo, jak lily kocha atlasa! niesamowicie boli mnie serce widząc jak ryle traktował lily, chciałabym ja przytulić i powiedzieć po prostu płyń dalej.. kocham każda stronę tej książki, każda kropkę, przecinek i każde wykrzyknienie. kiedy dorosnę, chce być tobą lily, myślałam ze jesteś słaba, teraz wiem ze jesteś jedna z najsilniejszych osób jakie udało mi się odnaleźć wśród tych wszystkich opowieści.<3
(robiłam sobie rereading)
(robiłam sobie rereading)
August 17, 2024
Finished the sequel book and wow!!! Again I was left wanting more with each turn of the page. Could not have been more happy with the ending too. 💕
September 2, 2024
I read both of these in two days. I am not keen on realistic fiction like this, but it was so so good. I could not put it down!
January 26, 2025
Love love love ! I enjoyed both of these books!
September 21, 2024
I loved hearing their story! Reading of a love so deep and impactful! You never know what comes from one simple kind gesture! It could change your whole life and someone else’s!!
February 7, 2025
Because I have issues, I was hoping she could fix him, but well...felt like her falling into the old relationship was kind of predictable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2024
okay loooooooooveeeedd this series! i don’t know how but miss colleen hoover had me feeling empathetic for ryle throughout ‘it ends with us’ despite his actions (i did NOt excuse them) - there was still a very soft soft spot for him to me, but nonetheless im really happy with how the series ended.
July 6, 2023
Better
Not as horribly gut wrenching and maddening! Also not as much of a page turner. But close.
Not my usual genre, but still very good!
Not as horribly gut wrenching and maddening! Also not as much of a page turner. But close.
Not my usual genre, but still very good!
July 11, 2023
DNF. I need to remember that although the books author Colleen Hoover sound good from the description they always contain a lot of profanity and other material I don't enjoy reading.
August 10, 2023
Loved these books, deffo worth a read
February 16, 2024
❕BOOK REVIEW❕
⭐️ Rating - 2.7 stars
✨"it ends with us" series by colleen hoover ✨
The story follows Lily Bloom as she deals with a difficult relationship, providing a challenging perspective on difficult decisions and the impact of the past on the present.
I finished it ends with us a few months ago, and i kinda liked it especially the ending because it was the best decision for lily’s character development. I didnt like lily’s personality in the beginning because it was weak, but when the ending came i felt relieved because it felt like she had progressed and made me feel like she is stronger now. The ending was good and it should’ve stopped right there, i liked it because it left us to imagine what will happen next.
i dont think the second book was necessary tbh. And the only thing i liked about ( it starts with us ) was atlas and getting to know him and his past better and watching how well he’s progressed through it all and how strong he’s become. I also loved all his romantic moments with lily because they both deserve each other.
what made me dislike the second book was lily’s personality, because I thought that she had overcome all her weaknesses and had finally become stronger but this book crushed all of those thoughts for me.
she had literally been divorced for 2 years after all of the abuse she went through and she still fears ryle and is considerate of his feelings and opinions about her personal dating life? Like wtf? His opinion shouldn’t matter after all the shit he made lily go through.
her excuses for ryle is always for her daughter not to go through a complicated life but thats so stupid because Ryle hasnt changed at all and that makes him dangerous even for emmy, so its not something to excuse and she should’ve reported all his past abuse but she hadnt! And she didnt even report his actions when he pushed her and was about to hit her!
i hated everything about lily’s personality when it came to ryle and what he did to her and i felt like she was being too nice to him.
the ending was beautiful but i hoped for an ending where i could sense lily’s personality progressing to be stronger, but that didn’t happen unfortunately
⭐️ Rating - 2.7 stars
✨"it ends with us" series by colleen hoover ✨
The story follows Lily Bloom as she deals with a difficult relationship, providing a challenging perspective on difficult decisions and the impact of the past on the present.
I finished it ends with us a few months ago, and i kinda liked it especially the ending because it was the best decision for lily’s character development. I didnt like lily’s personality in the beginning because it was weak, but when the ending came i felt relieved because it felt like she had progressed and made me feel like she is stronger now. The ending was good and it should’ve stopped right there, i liked it because it left us to imagine what will happen next.
i dont think the second book was necessary tbh. And the only thing i liked about ( it starts with us ) was atlas and getting to know him and his past better and watching how well he’s progressed through it all and how strong he’s become. I also loved all his romantic moments with lily because they both deserve each other.
what made me dislike the second book was lily’s personality, because I thought that she had overcome all her weaknesses and had finally become stronger but this book crushed all of those thoughts for me.
she had literally been divorced for 2 years after all of the abuse she went through and she still fears ryle and is considerate of his feelings and opinions about her personal dating life? Like wtf? His opinion shouldn’t matter after all the shit he made lily go through.
her excuses for ryle is always for her daughter not to go through a complicated life but thats so stupid because Ryle hasnt changed at all and that makes him dangerous even for emmy, so its not something to excuse and she should’ve reported all his past abuse but she hadnt! And she didnt even report his actions when he pushed her and was about to hit her!
i hated everything about lily’s personality when it came to ryle and what he did to her and i felt like she was being too nice to him.
the ending was beautiful but i hoped for an ending where i could sense lily’s personality progressing to be stronger, but that didn’t happen unfortunately
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2023
DNF - although, I got about 80% there in the first book.
Clearly, Ms. Hoover is a great content writer. Her visuals are on point and I can almost, but not quite feel what the character is feeling, that being said....
1) Quite a few grammatical errors. I was surprised as popular these books and author are; I thought there'd be better editing. I definitely went into the wrong profession.
2) There is nothing happy about this book. It's depressing, it's awful and up until 80% of the way through, I got nothing out of it. Never liked Ryle, it didn't change, once I knew the 'real' Ryle, I didn't even care to read the chapters he was in.
I never wanted to read past midnight. I never picked up the book while at my kids' soccer practices. I've always finished books, even if I hate them, even when the book gets super political, but this one just made me unhappy, and it reflected in my mood after reading. Probably first and last C.H. book.
Clearly, Ms. Hoover is a great content writer. Her visuals are on point and I can almost, but not quite feel what the character is feeling, that being said....
1) Quite a few grammatical errors. I was surprised as popular these books and author are; I thought there'd be better editing. I definitely went into the wrong profession.
2) There is nothing happy about this book. It's depressing, it's awful and up until 80% of the way through, I got nothing out of it. Never liked Ryle, it didn't change, once I knew the 'real' Ryle, I didn't even care to read the chapters he was in.
I never wanted to read past midnight. I never picked up the book while at my kids' soccer practices. I've always finished books, even if I hate them, even when the book gets super political, but this one just made me unhappy, and it reflected in my mood after reading. Probably first and last C.H. book.
March 25, 2025
Both of these books are honeslty so good and the story is amazing I love the first but the second was my life omll atlas is so sweet and im so happy for Lilly
July 23, 2025
A lot of people don't like Colleen Hoover's books and writing. But I think these books, especially the first one, are proof of how heart-wrenching her stories can be. The first book made me shed so many tears I lost count how many times I SOBBED. The second one I read all in one night. It kept me up the whole night. School started at eight AM, and I was done with the book, still in bed, by a quarter to 7. If you don't wanna read the second one, at least read the first. It's an amazing experience.
February 23, 2024
I like Colleen's books and writing style. It was not surprising to read the ending of the book, but I liked the story line and twists.
Summary. Spoiler
It Starts With Us begins in the moments following Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s unexpected reunion on the streets of Boston. Reeling from his encounter with his first love, Atlas returns to one of his restaurants to investigate a case of vandalism that has occurred. Upon seeing the vandal has stolen food, Atlas empathizes with the mysterious stranger and decides not to call the police. While at the restaurant, he eagerly awaits a text from Lily.
At work, Lily struggles to concentrate after her run-in with Atlas. As a survivor of domestic violence, Lily worries about her abusive ex-husband Ryle’s reaction to her dating again. She and Ryle co-parent their young daughter, Emerson. Overwhelmed by this train of thought, Lily delays reaching out to Atlas. Back at his restaurant, Atlas confides in his coworker’s son, Theo, about his dilemma with Lily. After following Theo’s advice to text Lily, Atlas is disappointed by Lily’s short response.
Lily returns home that evening and discovers her ex-husband in her home. Frustrated by his lack of boundaries, Lily requests Ryle return her key. The two argue over Lily’s refusal to allow Ryle to keep their daughter overnight, and she worries about Ryle’s uncontrollable temper.
The next morning, Atlas discovers his other restaurant vandalized. Shortly thereafter, he receives an unexpected phone call from his estranged mother. He hangs up on her and blocks her number. Atlas surprises Lily at her florist shop with lunch, reaching out once again in an attempt at communication. When Ryle arrives without notice, Lily hides Atlas. To avoid further confrontation with Ryle, they agree to speak over the phone later that evening. When Atlas calls, he asks Lily out on a date, and she agrees. Lily shares with Atlas her concerns over Ryle’s hatred of Atlas due to his discovery of their previous relationship as teenagers. After Atlas requests it incessantly, Lily reads him a portion of her teenage journals.
The next day, Atlas cleans up after a third night of vandalism at one of his restaurants, and in the days that follow, he and Lily continue to talk on the phone. When the day of their date arrives, Lily leaves her daughter with her friend and Emerson’s aunt, Allysa, but she falls asleep on the drive to their date. Atlas allows Lily to sleep and reads from another journal she gifted him instead. Inspired by Lily’s journals, Atlas writes Lily a note about his history before meeting Lily and shares it with her when she wakes up. After their date, Lily returns to Allysa’s house to pick up Emerson and discovers Ryle there. Ryle confronts Lily about their daughter’s name, which was inspired by the movie Finding Nemo. Ryle is aware of the movie’s significance to Lily and Atlas as teenagers; he grows aggressive and storms off.
Atlas’s mother, Sutton, appears unannounced at his work and informs Atlas that he has an 11-year-old brother named Josh who is missing. Atlas grows frustrated at his mother’s lack of concern for the boy and her preoccupation with the potential legal trouble she faces if Josh does not return. Shortly after, Atlas receives a phone call from an upset Lily, and he rushes to her. Lily gives Atlas the next journal to read; later that evening, Atlas reads Lily’s journal and awaits the appearance of the vandal. When the vandal appears, Atlas confronts him and discovers it is his brother, Josh, who has been vandalizing Atlas’s businesses for attention. Protective of Josh, Atlas feeds him and invites him to stay with him. The next morning, Atlas calls his mother on the advice of his lawyer, and she orders Atlas to return Josh. Upon returning Josh to his mother, Atlas witnesses Sutton abusing Josh and takes him back to his home.
Days later, Atlas brings Lily lunch again, and she invites him to a wedding. On the day of the wedding, Atlas picks up Lily and helps her get dressed. He notices Lily’s heart-shaped tattoo near her shoulder, and she reveals that he is the inspiration for the tattoo. Lily and Atlas kiss for the first time as adults. After the wedding, they have sex, and afterward, they discuss their past. Lily falls asleep, and Atlas leaves her a letter and returns home to Josh. The next morning, Ryle awakens Lily by pounding on her apartment door. Upon discovering the evidence of Lily’s night with Atlas, he pushes Lily. Afraid for her and her daughter’s safety, Lily picks up her daughter from her mother and escapes to Atlas’s home.
At Atlas’s home, Lily and Atlas become an official couple and discuss Lily’s custody battle with Ryle. Lily receives a series of verbally abusive text messages from Ryle in the days following his outburst, and eventually, he shows up to her work. When he arrives, Lily informs him of her intention to speak with a lawyer about his custody of Emerson. Ryle storms off to Atlas’s restaurant, and Lily calls to warn Atlas.
When Ryle arrives at Atlas’s restaurant, he immediately punches Atlas, who does not fight back. Atlas attempts to calm Ryle down and reason with him, but Ryle storms off. Later that night, Atlas meets with Lily and comforts her. A few days later at Emerson’s birthday party, Ryle attempts to approach Lily, but she refuses to speak to him alone. After Allysa offers to babysit, Lily spends the night with Atlas and shares her idea to stage an intervention for Ryle with the support of his sister and brother-in-law. Afterward, they discuss their timelines for living together and marriage.
The next morning, Atlas’s mother arrives at his home and demands to take Josh with her, but Josh refuses to leave and expresses his desire to live with his estranged father in Vermont. Atlas drives Josh to Vermont later that day to see his father, but after observing his father at a distance and learning about his father’s abuse of Atlas as a child, Josh decides not to reunite with his father. Later that evening, Lily meets with Ryle and his family and informs Ryle that he must attend anger management classes and have supervised visits with his daughter. To Lily’s surprise, he begrudgingly agrees. At his restaurant, Atlas prepares dinner for his mother and asks her to relinquish her parental rights to Josh. He thanks her for her work as a single mother and invites her to join him and Josh for family dinners every week. She agrees.
Six months later, Atlas writes Lily a letter asking her to move in with him, and she accepts. On move-in day, Ryle arrives to drop off Emerson; despite his anger, the drop-off goes smoothly, much to Lily’s relief. A year and a half later, Atlas prepares for his wedding day with Lily. He reviews his vows and includes a reference to Finding Nemo and commits himself fully to Lily.
Summary. Spoiler
It Starts With Us begins in the moments following Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s unexpected reunion on the streets of Boston. Reeling from his encounter with his first love, Atlas returns to one of his restaurants to investigate a case of vandalism that has occurred. Upon seeing the vandal has stolen food, Atlas empathizes with the mysterious stranger and decides not to call the police. While at the restaurant, he eagerly awaits a text from Lily.
At work, Lily struggles to concentrate after her run-in with Atlas. As a survivor of domestic violence, Lily worries about her abusive ex-husband Ryle’s reaction to her dating again. She and Ryle co-parent their young daughter, Emerson. Overwhelmed by this train of thought, Lily delays reaching out to Atlas. Back at his restaurant, Atlas confides in his coworker’s son, Theo, about his dilemma with Lily. After following Theo’s advice to text Lily, Atlas is disappointed by Lily’s short response.
Lily returns home that evening and discovers her ex-husband in her home. Frustrated by his lack of boundaries, Lily requests Ryle return her key. The two argue over Lily’s refusal to allow Ryle to keep their daughter overnight, and she worries about Ryle’s uncontrollable temper.
The next morning, Atlas discovers his other restaurant vandalized. Shortly thereafter, he receives an unexpected phone call from his estranged mother. He hangs up on her and blocks her number. Atlas surprises Lily at her florist shop with lunch, reaching out once again in an attempt at communication. When Ryle arrives without notice, Lily hides Atlas. To avoid further confrontation with Ryle, they agree to speak over the phone later that evening. When Atlas calls, he asks Lily out on a date, and she agrees. Lily shares with Atlas her concerns over Ryle’s hatred of Atlas due to his discovery of their previous relationship as teenagers. After Atlas requests it incessantly, Lily reads him a portion of her teenage journals.
The next day, Atlas cleans up after a third night of vandalism at one of his restaurants, and in the days that follow, he and Lily continue to talk on the phone. When the day of their date arrives, Lily leaves her daughter with her friend and Emerson’s aunt, Allysa, but she falls asleep on the drive to their date. Atlas allows Lily to sleep and reads from another journal she gifted him instead. Inspired by Lily’s journals, Atlas writes Lily a note about his history before meeting Lily and shares it with her when she wakes up. After their date, Lily returns to Allysa’s house to pick up Emerson and discovers Ryle there. Ryle confronts Lily about their daughter’s name, which was inspired by the movie Finding Nemo. Ryle is aware of the movie’s significance to Lily and Atlas as teenagers; he grows aggressive and storms off.
Atlas’s mother, Sutton, appears unannounced at his work and informs Atlas that he has an 11-year-old brother named Josh who is missing. Atlas grows frustrated at his mother’s lack of concern for the boy and her preoccupation with the potential legal trouble she faces if Josh does not return. Shortly after, Atlas receives a phone call from an upset Lily, and he rushes to her. Lily gives Atlas the next journal to read; later that evening, Atlas reads Lily’s journal and awaits the appearance of the vandal. When the vandal appears, Atlas confronts him and discovers it is his brother, Josh, who has been vandalizing Atlas’s businesses for attention. Protective of Josh, Atlas feeds him and invites him to stay with him. The next morning, Atlas calls his mother on the advice of his lawyer, and she orders Atlas to return Josh. Upon returning Josh to his mother, Atlas witnesses Sutton abusing Josh and takes him back to his home.
Days later, Atlas brings Lily lunch again, and she invites him to a wedding. On the day of the wedding, Atlas picks up Lily and helps her get dressed. He notices Lily’s heart-shaped tattoo near her shoulder, and she reveals that he is the inspiration for the tattoo. Lily and Atlas kiss for the first time as adults. After the wedding, they have sex, and afterward, they discuss their past. Lily falls asleep, and Atlas leaves her a letter and returns home to Josh. The next morning, Ryle awakens Lily by pounding on her apartment door. Upon discovering the evidence of Lily’s night with Atlas, he pushes Lily. Afraid for her and her daughter’s safety, Lily picks up her daughter from her mother and escapes to Atlas’s home.
At Atlas’s home, Lily and Atlas become an official couple and discuss Lily’s custody battle with Ryle. Lily receives a series of verbally abusive text messages from Ryle in the days following his outburst, and eventually, he shows up to her work. When he arrives, Lily informs him of her intention to speak with a lawyer about his custody of Emerson. Ryle storms off to Atlas’s restaurant, and Lily calls to warn Atlas.
When Ryle arrives at Atlas’s restaurant, he immediately punches Atlas, who does not fight back. Atlas attempts to calm Ryle down and reason with him, but Ryle storms off. Later that night, Atlas meets with Lily and comforts her. A few days later at Emerson’s birthday party, Ryle attempts to approach Lily, but she refuses to speak to him alone. After Allysa offers to babysit, Lily spends the night with Atlas and shares her idea to stage an intervention for Ryle with the support of his sister and brother-in-law. Afterward, they discuss their timelines for living together and marriage.
The next morning, Atlas’s mother arrives at his home and demands to take Josh with her, but Josh refuses to leave and expresses his desire to live with his estranged father in Vermont. Atlas drives Josh to Vermont later that day to see his father, but after observing his father at a distance and learning about his father’s abuse of Atlas as a child, Josh decides not to reunite with his father. Later that evening, Lily meets with Ryle and his family and informs Ryle that he must attend anger management classes and have supervised visits with his daughter. To Lily’s surprise, he begrudgingly agrees. At his restaurant, Atlas prepares dinner for his mother and asks her to relinquish her parental rights to Josh. He thanks her for her work as a single mother and invites her to join him and Josh for family dinners every week. She agrees.
Six months later, Atlas writes Lily a letter asking her to move in with him, and she accepts. On move-in day, Ryle arrives to drop off Emerson; despite his anger, the drop-off goes smoothly, much to Lily’s relief. A year and a half later, Atlas prepares for his wedding day with Lily. He reviews his vows and includes a reference to Finding Nemo and commits himself fully to Lily.
September 18, 2024
I read the book and I saw the movie and both were good. I recommend women in particular going through relationship abuse. This story has value in its teaching and can help many women to to value to self reflect, come into their power and overcome abuse in their lives. The love stories were intense and loved the ending in both.
October 20, 2022
Someone in this book should have never stopped going to therapy. Jan 2019 feels like ages ago & this book def needed to be revisited!
January 3, 2025
I have been meaning to this book for quite a while because the themes tackled in it are important to me and it seems to have reached a lot of people.
I knew it wouldn’t be my favourite book before starting it. Romance novels are not exactly my cup of tea. It’s a genre that relies on cliches. The characterization often lacks depth and is often based on stereotypes. I can see how it would be appealing, the familiarity of the structure reals people in. I understand as well that superficial characters allow you to imagine the personal characteristics that you want, based on your own preferences. The process allows the reader to build personalized fantasies.
The writing is often rushed as well, it’s not worked through and that is fine by me. Building a personal style is not the goal of these writers because that is not the point of these books. The point is to, well, allow women to feel and live their desires.
That being said, I am a sucker for good characterization and unique writing style.
It Ends with Us is everything you would expect from a romance novel. It is the cliches, the stereotypes, and the lazy writing style. The transition between the past and the present are clumsy. The characterization is superficial. Stating that the gay man in the story is two-dimensional would be generous. He is barely one dimensional, and an offensive stereotype.
As for the central characters, they are quite stereotypical as well. I wish Ryle had not thrown that chair in the beginning. While abusive men can be aggressive in nature, they are often not. Violence and aggressivity are two different things. He is very blatantly abusive from the start. He comes off as really self-centered. He love bombs her without her consent. He stalks her. The only compliments he gives to the main character have to do with him. The sudden escalation between the love bombing and the physical violence was a little clumsy. Physical violence tends to be the last form to appear and often does not show up. I would have liked to see a slower build up.
Lily’s attraction to him is quite superficial as well. She likes that he is rich, a doctor, and the fact that someone she perceives as high status finds her attractive. Given the seriousness of the topic, it would have been interesting to flip around the romance novel script and give more depth to Lily’s character. How is she unable to see that Ryle doesn’t seem to desire her, as a person? What makes her unable to perceive that he has never mentioned anything he liked about her, outside of her desire for her? Why does she confuse his desire to possess with a desire for her?
I understand that this is a romance novel, but I wish Atlas from the future had not strategically appeared every time Lily had struggles. It took away from the gravity of the situation.
*****spoiler*****
Again, I understand that these books lack depth in their characterization, that it’s one of their characteristics, but the style did not always mesh well with the topics explored. The mother’s almost S.A. (or SA) scene was poorly handled. Lily’s reaction was not realistic. I do not understand how she did not feel conflicted about Atlas afterward because he basically forced her to let it happen. His « solution » would never have stopped it and, in real life, the Lily would have been traumatized and mad at him. This part was tackled with superficiality which is a shame because exploring those complicated feelings would have given more depth to their bond.
****
On another note, I think that the writer did make the topic of DV accessible for women who possibly do not know much about it. She did describe the love bombing, the boundary pushing, and the gaslighting. It’s interesting because a lot of women do not know that love bombing is not a good sign. The character also chooses to walk away which usually does not occur that easily, but it’s still a moving role model. I appreciate that aspect of the book.
I knew it wouldn’t be my favourite book before starting it. Romance novels are not exactly my cup of tea. It’s a genre that relies on cliches. The characterization often lacks depth and is often based on stereotypes. I can see how it would be appealing, the familiarity of the structure reals people in. I understand as well that superficial characters allow you to imagine the personal characteristics that you want, based on your own preferences. The process allows the reader to build personalized fantasies.
The writing is often rushed as well, it’s not worked through and that is fine by me. Building a personal style is not the goal of these writers because that is not the point of these books. The point is to, well, allow women to feel and live their desires.
That being said, I am a sucker for good characterization and unique writing style.
It Ends with Us is everything you would expect from a romance novel. It is the cliches, the stereotypes, and the lazy writing style. The transition between the past and the present are clumsy. The characterization is superficial. Stating that the gay man in the story is two-dimensional would be generous. He is barely one dimensional, and an offensive stereotype.
As for the central characters, they are quite stereotypical as well. I wish Ryle had not thrown that chair in the beginning. While abusive men can be aggressive in nature, they are often not. Violence and aggressivity are two different things. He is very blatantly abusive from the start. He comes off as really self-centered. He love bombs her without her consent. He stalks her. The only compliments he gives to the main character have to do with him. The sudden escalation between the love bombing and the physical violence was a little clumsy. Physical violence tends to be the last form to appear and often does not show up. I would have liked to see a slower build up.
Lily’s attraction to him is quite superficial as well. She likes that he is rich, a doctor, and the fact that someone she perceives as high status finds her attractive. Given the seriousness of the topic, it would have been interesting to flip around the romance novel script and give more depth to Lily’s character. How is she unable to see that Ryle doesn’t seem to desire her, as a person? What makes her unable to perceive that he has never mentioned anything he liked about her, outside of her desire for her? Why does she confuse his desire to possess with a desire for her?
I understand that this is a romance novel, but I wish Atlas from the future had not strategically appeared every time Lily had struggles. It took away from the gravity of the situation.
*****spoiler*****
Again, I understand that these books lack depth in their characterization, that it’s one of their characteristics, but the style did not always mesh well with the topics explored. The mother’s almost S.A. (or SA) scene was poorly handled. Lily’s reaction was not realistic. I do not understand how she did not feel conflicted about Atlas afterward because he basically forced her to let it happen. His « solution » would never have stopped it and, in real life, the Lily would have been traumatized and mad at him. This part was tackled with superficiality which is a shame because exploring those complicated feelings would have given more depth to their bond.
****
On another note, I think that the writer did make the topic of DV accessible for women who possibly do not know much about it. She did describe the love bombing, the boundary pushing, and the gaslighting. It’s interesting because a lot of women do not know that love bombing is not a good sign. The character also chooses to walk away which usually does not occur that easily, but it’s still a moving role model. I appreciate that aspect of the book.
November 12, 2022
IT ENDS WITH US - review:
“His touch is everything I need and everything I shouldn’t.”
This book!
Yea, if you allow yourself to get lost it in, it might wreck you a couple times.
I’m not new to Colleen Hoover but there was a certain circumstance (won’t tell you, no spoilers!) made me actually curse her out and hate her for a moment.
Elicting those feelings is impressive enough of course.
The writing’s also addictive and she did a great job setting the book in Boston, so mad props there.
What I especially think is note-worthy is, like in other books, she has a way of putting things in perspective.
Think anyone who stays in an abusive relationship is asking for it? Stupid? Bringing it on themselves? Think again. It’s really easy to judge when you aren’t actually in the sitation.
This lends perspective - and a few different ones at that - to an important subject. Everyone should read this. It might just open your eyes and your mind.
I don’t usually do this, even for Colleen but … 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
IT STARTS WITH US - review:
“He’s a broken man, but he isn’t broken because of me. He was broken before he met me. Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.” —It Stars With Us
***
This seems to start up about 18 months or so after Emerson’s birth and Rile & Lily are divorced. I’m disappointed to learn that Lily didn’t speak about her abuse and therefore she doesn’t have total/ solo parenting rights but I think I sorta get where her head is on this.
She doesn’t seem to have been in regular touch with Atlas, and they’ve just run into each other.
Hoover does a great job of (at least per my own experience) depicting some of Lily’s feelings/ inner thoughts, etc. in regards to being a domestic abuse survivor. It stays with you.
“I’m no longer letting his reactions control my happiness.”
Rile is still extremely toxic. No, contrary to many readers’ I do not feel this, his abuse, etc. is romanticized at all. I don’t understand the people who feel this way, as to me, both of these books clearly paint him as highly toxic, and Lily as a victim. But you do you, interpret it how ever you want to. < Just thought I’d share since I’m reviewing here. :) I love book discussions, hit me up if you feel like it or leave a comment.
Lily is stronger than she thinks, and perpetually trying to be still-stronger. She struggles to / forces herself to set her boundaries and stick to them. I felt this so hard and think Hoover did a great job of depicting this.
I do think Rile had some issues/ there were circumstances for why he was so abusive in the first book. He’d mainly only hurt her when he was black-out drunk or devastated, triggered, etc. But then in this one, he’s seemingly, purposely, when in complete control of himself, full-on attempting to gaslight and manipulate Lily. I’m honestly not sure whether: I was just too forgiving of his emotional / mental issues in the first one … or if he’s devolved into an even bigger jerk / villain in this one. Either way, here we are and it works, as the drama in this one is intense and fun. Definitely prompts feelings (of rage, but still feelings. 😂)
I think it’s important to note that Hoover also paints Lily a very supportive family/friends network—in her instance, her support system in regards to standing up to Rile is his family. Most people likely don’t have this, but it absolutely worked in this instance, for these characters as we’ve come to know them over these 2 books.
Atlas is incredibly sweet, and the polar opposite of toxic. Fans of love stories will enjoy this read.
4.5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“His touch is everything I need and everything I shouldn’t.”
This book!
Yea, if you allow yourself to get lost it in, it might wreck you a couple times.
I’m not new to Colleen Hoover but there was a certain circumstance (won’t tell you, no spoilers!) made me actually curse her out and hate her for a moment.
Elicting those feelings is impressive enough of course.
The writing’s also addictive and she did a great job setting the book in Boston, so mad props there.
What I especially think is note-worthy is, like in other books, she has a way of putting things in perspective.
Think anyone who stays in an abusive relationship is asking for it? Stupid? Bringing it on themselves? Think again. It’s really easy to judge when you aren’t actually in the sitation.
This lends perspective - and a few different ones at that - to an important subject. Everyone should read this. It might just open your eyes and your mind.
I don’t usually do this, even for Colleen but … 5 stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
IT STARTS WITH US - review:
“He’s a broken man, but he isn’t broken because of me. He was broken before he met me. Sometimes people think if they love a broken person enough, they can be what finally repairs them, but the problem with that is the other person just ends up broken, too.” —It Stars With Us
***
This seems to start up about 18 months or so after Emerson’s birth and Rile & Lily are divorced. I’m disappointed to learn that Lily didn’t speak about her abuse and therefore she doesn’t have total/ solo parenting rights but I think I sorta get where her head is on this.
She doesn’t seem to have been in regular touch with Atlas, and they’ve just run into each other.
Hoover does a great job of (at least per my own experience) depicting some of Lily’s feelings/ inner thoughts, etc. in regards to being a domestic abuse survivor. It stays with you.
“I’m no longer letting his reactions control my happiness.”
Rile is still extremely toxic. No, contrary to many readers’ I do not feel this, his abuse, etc. is romanticized at all. I don’t understand the people who feel this way, as to me, both of these books clearly paint him as highly toxic, and Lily as a victim. But you do you, interpret it how ever you want to. < Just thought I’d share since I’m reviewing here. :) I love book discussions, hit me up if you feel like it or leave a comment.
Lily is stronger than she thinks, and perpetually trying to be still-stronger. She struggles to / forces herself to set her boundaries and stick to them. I felt this so hard and think Hoover did a great job of depicting this.
I do think Rile had some issues/ there were circumstances for why he was so abusive in the first book. He’d mainly only hurt her when he was black-out drunk or devastated, triggered, etc. But then in this one, he’s seemingly, purposely, when in complete control of himself, full-on attempting to gaslight and manipulate Lily. I’m honestly not sure whether: I was just too forgiving of his emotional / mental issues in the first one … or if he’s devolved into an even bigger jerk / villain in this one. Either way, here we are and it works, as the drama in this one is intense and fun. Definitely prompts feelings (of rage, but still feelings. 😂)
I think it’s important to note that Hoover also paints Lily a very supportive family/friends network—in her instance, her support system in regards to standing up to Rile is his family. Most people likely don’t have this, but it absolutely worked in this instance, for these characters as we’ve come to know them over these 2 books.
Atlas is incredibly sweet, and the polar opposite of toxic. Fans of love stories will enjoy this read.
4.5 stars.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 15, 2023
**SERIES REVIEW**
This was a wonderful series! It has lived up to the hype on #BookTok! This is a review for the entire series. There are two reviews on my Goodreads page. I will link those reviews below, but you can read those reviews on their separate Goodreads page (and maybe give them a like 😄)
It Ends With Us review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It Starts With Us review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-It Ends With Us (book 1/2)-
5 stars!!
I loved this book so much! I am going to read the sequel “It Starts With Us”
I feel like Colleen Hoover is a hit or a miss for people. I would say give this one a try! It was very good, fast read.
This book is going to be turned into a movie! If you like this book, you should watch it! The film is coming out February 9th, 2024.
TW: domestic violence, abuse, divorce
-It Starts With Us (book 2/2)-
[BELOW: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR IT ENDS WITH US (FIRST BOOK)]
IT STARTS WITH US IS NOT THE FIRST BOOK IN THE 'IT ENDS WITH US' SERIES. That is important to know! It Ends With Us is the first book, and It Starts With Us is the second, and final book in the dualogy.
SERIES IN STARS
It Ends With Us | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It Starts With Us | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is amazing. Just like the first one. I was considering it to be a solid four-star. Until the last chapter. Wonderful!
I started listening to It Starts With Us, but then went to the library and saw it in the "Just Arrived" section. And I thought that I would pick it up and finish it! I'm glad I did! The narrators did such an awesome job! I also listened to November 9 by Collen Hoover on audiobook. Colleen Hoover goes between two characters (Male, and Female). I thought that would be hard to follow but Hoover does such a good job of blending the two different POVs together into the story. She is truly a gifted, and talented author. She is one of top five authors!
I have never HATED a character more than I have ever hated a character before. I HATE RYLE SO MUCH!! I can not stand him! I want to vomit whenever I see his name. Hoover purposely made him like that. Like how can anyone like an abusive person!??!?? Every time that I saw that character's name I shook my head. Like what is he going to try to do now?
This was a wonderful series! It has lived up to the hype on #BookTok! This is a review for the entire series. There are two reviews on my Goodreads page. I will link those reviews below, but you can read those reviews on their separate Goodreads page (and maybe give them a like 😄)
It Ends With Us review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It Starts With Us review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
-It Ends With Us (book 1/2)-
5 stars!!
I loved this book so much! I am going to read the sequel “It Starts With Us”
I feel like Colleen Hoover is a hit or a miss for people. I would say give this one a try! It was very good, fast read.
This book is going to be turned into a movie! If you like this book, you should watch it! The film is coming out February 9th, 2024.
TW: domestic violence, abuse, divorce
-It Starts With Us (book 2/2)-
[BELOW: CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR IT ENDS WITH US (FIRST BOOK)]
IT STARTS WITH US IS NOT THE FIRST BOOK IN THE 'IT ENDS WITH US' SERIES. That is important to know! It Ends With Us is the first book, and It Starts With Us is the second, and final book in the dualogy.
SERIES IN STARS
It Ends With Us | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It Starts With Us | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book is amazing. Just like the first one. I was considering it to be a solid four-star. Until the last chapter. Wonderful!
I started listening to It Starts With Us, but then went to the library and saw it in the "Just Arrived" section. And I thought that I would pick it up and finish it! I'm glad I did! The narrators did such an awesome job! I also listened to November 9 by Collen Hoover on audiobook. Colleen Hoover goes between two characters (Male, and Female). I thought that would be hard to follow but Hoover does such a good job of blending the two different POVs together into the story. She is truly a gifted, and talented author. She is one of top five authors!
I have never HATED a character more than I have ever hated a character before. I HATE RYLE SO MUCH!! I can not stand him! I want to vomit whenever I see his name. Hoover purposely made him like that. Like how can anyone like an abusive person!??!?? Every time that I saw that character's name I shook my head. Like what is he going to try to do now?
October 9, 2025
Lily and Atlas navigate a lot before they reach their HEA.
It Ends With Us
Lily Bloom, raised in Plethora, Maine. Abusive father. Enabling mother.
Her first love: Atlas Corrigan, homeless teen sheltering nearby. Tender, raw, beautifully done. “When my life is good enough for you to be a part of it, I’ll come find you.”
Fast forward to Boston. Age 23. Meets Ryle Kincaid—handsome, toxic neurosurgeon. A walking, talking red flag. 🚩
The Ellen Diaries. The tattoo. The flower shop. Allysa is standout bestie/SIL.
Ryle’s ambition. The cycle of abuse. Forgiveness tangled with emotional manipulation. Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them…
Characters read older than their ages, but the emotional honesty lands. The teenage Atlas/Lily sections shine.
Convo with her mom—devastating. Epilogue and Afterword—excellent.
Soundtrack lives here:
🎵 “Fifteen” (Taylor Swift), “Ultraviolence” (Lana Del Rey), “Bad Boyfriend” (Garbage), “Cherry” (Lana Del Rey), “Mine” (Taylor Swift).
“You can stop swimming now, Lily. We finally reached the shore.”
It Starts With Us
Picks up immediately after book one. Emerson is Lily’s daughter with Ryle. Co-parenting with her abusive ex while opening her heart again to Atlas.
Atlas runs two restaurants; Lily’s floral business thrives. Their reconnection feels earned. “Don’t think about where we used to be; just think about where we are.”
Ryle? Still Ryle. Leopard, no new spots. …Now that our marriage is over, the blanket has lifted and all I’m left with are the worst pieces of him.
Atlas as ally to Theo. 🥰 His own scars surface. The surprise brother, Josh. The tattoo reveal. Family tree homework—seedling with two branches.
Practical discussions (testing, birth control) are refreshing. Real growth in both Lily and Atlas.
Atlas’s vows. 🩵 🥲 🩵 “And if we somehow had fun together at such a low point in both of our lives, it makes me wonder what we could be like at our highest.”
A sequel that sticks the landing.
I’m exactly where I belong, being loved by Atlas Corrigan.
Together, the duology is raw, messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. Hoover doesn’t flinch from pain, but she gives Lily—and Atlas—the love and peace they deserve.
It Ends With Us
Lily Bloom, raised in Plethora, Maine. Abusive father. Enabling mother.
Her first love: Atlas Corrigan, homeless teen sheltering nearby. Tender, raw, beautifully done. “When my life is good enough for you to be a part of it, I’ll come find you.”
Fast forward to Boston. Age 23. Meets Ryle Kincaid—handsome, toxic neurosurgeon. A walking, talking red flag. 🚩
The Ellen Diaries. The tattoo. The flower shop. Allysa is standout bestie/SIL.
Ryle’s ambition. The cycle of abuse. Forgiveness tangled with emotional manipulation. Just because someone hurts you doesn't mean you can simply stop loving them…
Characters read older than their ages, but the emotional honesty lands. The teenage Atlas/Lily sections shine.
Convo with her mom—devastating. Epilogue and Afterword—excellent.
Soundtrack lives here:
🎵 “Fifteen” (Taylor Swift), “Ultraviolence” (Lana Del Rey), “Bad Boyfriend” (Garbage), “Cherry” (Lana Del Rey), “Mine” (Taylor Swift).
“You can stop swimming now, Lily. We finally reached the shore.”
It Starts With Us
Picks up immediately after book one. Emerson is Lily’s daughter with Ryle. Co-parenting with her abusive ex while opening her heart again to Atlas.
Atlas runs two restaurants; Lily’s floral business thrives. Their reconnection feels earned. “Don’t think about where we used to be; just think about where we are.”
Ryle? Still Ryle. Leopard, no new spots. …Now that our marriage is over, the blanket has lifted and all I’m left with are the worst pieces of him.
Atlas as ally to Theo. 🥰 His own scars surface. The surprise brother, Josh. The tattoo reveal. Family tree homework—seedling with two branches.
Practical discussions (testing, birth control) are refreshing. Real growth in both Lily and Atlas.
Atlas’s vows. 🩵 🥲 🩵 “And if we somehow had fun together at such a low point in both of our lives, it makes me wonder what we could be like at our highest.”
A sequel that sticks the landing.
I’m exactly where I belong, being loved by Atlas Corrigan.
Together, the duology is raw, messy, emotional, and ultimately hopeful. Hoover doesn’t flinch from pain, but she gives Lily—and Atlas—the love and peace they deserve.
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