Book Summary Contents
Heartfelt It Starts with Us Summary: Love After Trauma
Why This Book Felt Like a Warm Hug
I cried through It Ends with Us. When I heard Colleen Hoover wrote a sequel for readers, giving Lily and Atlas their happy ending? I needed it like oxygen.
It Starts with Us isn’t just a romance—it’s a raw, hopeful roadmap for healing after trauma. Picking up right after Lily leaves Ryle, this story dives into co-parenting nightmares, unexpected family, and the quiet courage to choose love again. As a survivor myself, Lily’s journey hit deep.
This It Starts with Us summary unpacks every tender, triumphant moment.
Quick Summary: The Essence of Their Journey
What It’s About: Lily and Atlas reunite post-divorce, battling Ryle’s manipulation while building a blended family with Lily’s daughter Emmy and Atlas’s newfound brother Josh.
Vibe: Healing-centered romance with real-world co-parenting struggles. Hopeful but honest.
You’ll Love If: You rooted for Atlas in It Ends with Us or crave stories about breaking toxic cycles.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars for emotional payoff; lighter than Book 1).
Perfect For: Fans of Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You or Taylor Jenkins Reid’s character-driven dramas.
Pros: Atlas’s empathy, Lily’s growth, realistic co-parenting portrayal.
Cons: Ryle’s repetitiveness; Josh’s subplot wraps too neatly.
What Readers Say (Real Goodreads Feels!)
“Atlas Corrigan healed pieces of MY soul. This book is a balm for anyone who’s survived trauma.”
“Hoover gets co-parenting with an abuser RIGHT. Lily’s boundaries are masterclasses in self-respect.”
“Josh’s story WRECKED me. Atlas choosing him? I sobbed for hours.”
“When Lily took back her key? CHEERED. Small victories = huge healing.”
“Hank the dog deserves his own spin-off. That’s all.”
“Atlas’s wedding vows? I want them engraved on my heart.”
It Starts with Us Summary & Review
What Happens After “The End”?
It Starts with Us opens 1.5 years after Lily leaves her abusive husband, Ryle. She’s running her flower shop, raising daughter Emmy, and navigating shared custody—but Ryle still has a key to her apartment and a grip on her peace. Everything changes when Lily literally bumps into Atlas Corrigan, her first love and the man who protected her as a teen. Their chemistry is instant, but Lily freezes: “How do I love Atlas without reigniting Ryle’s rage?”
Meanwhile, Atlas faces his own chaos. His Boston restaurants, Bib’s and Corrigan’s, keep getting vandalized. Instead of calling police, he leaves food out—remembering his own homeless hunger. While investigating, he learns he has an 11-year-old brother, Josh, living in squalor with their neglectful mother. Atlas takes Josh in, determined to break the cycle of abuse that defined his childhood.
As Lily and Atlas tentatively reconnect, their bond deepens through:
Midnight texts and nostalgic diner dates
Atlas meeting Emmy (who adores him)
Lily supporting Atlas through Josh’s angry outbursts
But Ryle’s jealousy simmers. When he discovers Lily dating Atlas, he threatens custody battles and smears Atlas to Lily’s face. Lily’s growth shines as she:
Demands her apartment key back from Ryle
️ Enforces strict boundaries (e.g., “No unannounced visits”)
Confronts him: “You hit me because I laughed. Atlas would’ve laughed with me.”
The climax isn’t a twist—it’s a quiet triumph. Lily and Atlas move in together, blending their “patchwork family” (Emmy, Josh, and Atlas’s dog, Hank). Atlas’s wedding vow says it all: “Even if our love ends one day, I’ll be grateful it existed. You taught me I deserve this.”
It Starts with Us Summary By Chapter
Chapter 1: Atlas
Atlas finds Bib’s restaurant vandalized (red paint, shattered glass). His employee Darin wants police, but Atlas refuses—remembering his own hungry teen years stealing food. He suspects the vandal is desperate, not malicious. Distracted, he edits Lily’s contact from “Kincaid” back to “Bloom,” aching for her text.
Chapter 2: Lily
Lily trembles after hugging Atlas—their first contact in 18 months. At her flower shop, she arranges “apology bouquets,” flashing back to Ryle’s violent “sorries.” Journals to “Dear Ellen” about her divorce: “Ryle still has a key. He hopes we’ll reconcile.” Her biggest fear? “If I date Atlas, Ryle will make my life hell.”
Chapter 3: Atlas
Atlas vents to 12-year-old “therapist” Theo about Lily’s cold “You too” text. Theo jokes: “Maybe she memorized your number for emergencies.” Atlas texts Lily: “Good seeing you,” clinging to hope.
Chapter 4: Lily
Ryle brings dinner, overstays. Lily demands her apartment key back. Ryle explodes: “I’ll keep Emmy overnight! Modify custody!” Lily flees, rereading her abuse list:
“Slapped me laughing.”
“Pushed me downstairs.”
“Bit my shoulder.”
Chapter 5: Atlas
Corrigan’s vandalized (“ATLASS” spray-painted). Security footage shows a teen sleeping outside. Atlas’s estranged mom Sutton calls: “Your brother Josh ran away.” Atlas reels—he never knew Josh existed.
Chapter 6: Lily
Atlas surprises Lily with lunch. Allysa bursts in: “Ryle’s here!” Atlas hides in Lily’s closet. Ryle interrogates Allysa about “chicken barabadoulameat” smells. Post-Ryle, Atlas vows: “You deserve happiness. Emmy’s my first-best thing… us is second-best.”
Chapter 7: Atlas
Theo mocks Atlas’s “cheesy” closet confession. Atlas asks if Theo likes anyone. Theo hints at a boy—Atlas supports him instantly.
Chapter 8: Lily
Video call with Atlas turns flirty. They plan a Saturday date. Lily reveals: “Ryle read my journals—blames you for our fights.” Reads a teen entry where Atlas calmed her panic. Atlas shares the vandal story, showing empathy.
Chapter 9: Atlas
Vandalism hits 4x. Atlas tells Brad/Theo: “Ryle’s the man I fought.” Protects Lily’s privacy. When Lily FaceTimes, Atlas screenshots her for Theo.
Chapter 10: Lily
Preps for first date! Allysa babysits feverish Emmy. Marshall stays “neutral” on Lily/Atlas.
Chapter 11: Atlas
Atlas picks up Lily—she’s exhausted. Gives him her journal. He reads their first kiss entry while she sleeps. Skips fancy dinner for burgers.
Chapter 12: Lily
Ashamed she slept. Atlas shares a “Dear Lily” letter: “You made me feel worth something.” Reveals Sutton called—Lily tearfully hugs him.
Chapter 13: Atlas
Meets Sutton at Bib’s. She wants help finding Josh. Atlas connects dots: Josh misspelled “Atlass.” Sees Lily crying on FaceTime—drives over just to hug her.
Chapter 14: Lily
Frantic pre-hug prep! Atlas arrives, kisses her quickly. Lily journals: “Ryle’s shadow dims my joy.”
Chapter 15: Atlas
Reads Lily’s journal: Her dad beat him with a bat. Spots Josh vandalizing Bib’s—offers him food.
Chapter 16: Lily
Mom critiques Emmy’s outfit, hints at Atlas. Atlas calls: “The vandal is my brother Josh.”
Chapter 17: Atlas
Bonds with distrustful Josh. Sutton slaps Josh—Atlas takes him to ER. Files custody papers.
Chapter 18: Lily
Allysa prods: “Why does Ryle hate Atlas?” Lily admits: “He was my first. Journals made Ryle jealous.” Atlas agrees to Lucy’s wedding.
Chapter 19: Atlas
Josh starts school. Theo/Josh bond over manga. Josh is a “bully to bullies.” Atlas preps for wedding kiss.
Chapter 20: Lily
Atlas zips Lily’s dress. Sees her heart tattoo—and Ryle’s bite scar beneath it. Rage floods him: “He did this because of me?” Their first adult kiss is fire and comfort.
Chapter 21: Atlas
Leaves wedding early. Piggybacks Lily home. Theo outs Atlas: “He talks about you ALL the time!”
Chapter 22: Lily
Closet make-out turns passionate. Breastfeeding leak stains Atlas’s shirt—he laughs it off. First time making love: “I’ve never felt so safe.”
Chapter 23: Atlas
Shares custody fears. Reveals cops blamed him after Lily’s dad’s attack. Lily soothes his guilt.
Chapter 24: Lily
Ryle’s texts: “Atlas is homeless trash.” He storms her shop, threatens career. Reads Atlas’s love letter in the park.
Chapter 25: Atlas
Josh struggles with a family tree. Lily arrives crying: Ryle pushed her against a door. Atlas vows: “With you, I’m bulletproof.” They define their relationship.
Chapter 26: Lily
Drunk Ryle texts: “You’re a pathetic mom.” He screams at her shop: “I pay for your life!”
Chapter 27: Atlas
Ryle attacks Atlas in an alley: “You stole Lily!” Atlas stays calm: “We need to co-parent Emmy.” Post-fight, he comforts Lily with intimacy.
Chapter 28: Lily
At Emmy’s party, Allysa/Marshall force Ryle into supervised visits. Lily watches Atlas lead his kitchen—in awe.
Chapter 29: Atlas
Morning passion. Reveals his “Lily emergency kit” (toothbrush, pillows). Sutton arrives, slaps Josh. Josh yells: “Atlas is my dad now!”
Chapter 30: Lily
Cooks for heartbroken Josh/Atlas. Tells Josh: “Atlas was homeless—be kind.” Atlas finds Josh’s dad’s address.
Chapter 31: Atlas
Road trip to meet Tim (bio-dad). Josh flips him off: “Let’s make our own family tree. Just us.”
Chapter 32: Lily
Intervention with Ryle: Allysa/Marshall enforce therapy + supervised visits. Ryle caves.
Chapter 33: Atlas
Sutton signs custody papers. Josh’s homework: a seedling family tree—only “Josh + Atlas.”
Chapter 34: Lily
Atlas’s anniversary note reveals: “I kissed your shoulder first at 15.” Asks her to move in. Lily sobs: “Yes. You’re my home.”
Chapter 35: Atlas
Lily/Emmy move in. Marshall thanks Atlas: “You make Lily happy.” Ryle watches stiffly.
Chapter 36: Lily
Josh/Theo bond over Finding Nemo. Theo comes out; Josh supports him. Lily’s mom recalls Atlas’s “knowing hug” years ago.
Chapter 37: Atlas
Writes wedding vows: “Even if love ends, I’ll cherish ours.” Adds Nemo line: “Be my fish.”
Characters: The Heart of the Story
| Character | Role | Key Arc | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lily Bloom | Protagonist / Single Mom | Learns to prioritize her joy over Ryle’s temper. Finds strength in boundaries. | Her journey mirrors real survivors reclaiming agency. |
| Atlas Corrigan | Love Interest / Chef | Steps up as Josh’s guardian while supporting Lily unconditionally. | Embodies empathy; his quiet strength anchors the story. |
| Ryle Kincaid | Antagonist / Ex-Husband | Struggles with anger issues; weaponizes co-parenting. | Shows the lingering control abusers exert. |
| Josh | Atlas’s Brother | A wounded kid learning to trust. His “seedling family tree” symbolizes new beginnings. | Represents breaking generational trauma. |
| Allysa | Lily’s BFF / Ryle’s Sister | Supports Lily fiercely despite family ties. | Stands for chosen family over blood. |
Themes: More Than a Romance
Hoover weaves deeper messages into the love story:
| Theme | How It’s Explored |
|---|---|
| Breaking Cycles | Lily protects Emmy from her mother’s fate; Atlas gives Josh the stability he never had. |
| Boundaries = Love | Lily’s key demand from Ryle shows self-worth isn’t negotiable. |
| Chosen Family | Atlas + Josh’s bond proves biology doesn’t define kinship. |
| Co-Parenting Realities | Lily’s anxiety over Ryle’s reactions mirrors real survivors’ struggles. |
| Healing Isn’t Linear | Atlas’s nightmares; Lily’s guilt—both grow despite setbacks. |
Symbolism: Hidden Meanings
Objects carry emotional weight:
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lily’s Key | Autonomy and safety | Ryle having it = invasion; taking it back = reclaiming power. |
| Atlas’s Croutons | Empathy in action | He feeds the vandal instead of punishing them. |
| Josh’s Seedling Drawing | Building a new family legacy | His family tree starts fresh with Atlas. |
| “Just Keep Swimming” (Finding Nemo) | Resilience | Lily names Emmy’s toy Dory as a hope mantra. |
| Flowers | Growth and renewal | Lily’s shop = her rebirth after Ryle. |
Colleen Hoover: Queen of Emotional Fiction
Texas-based Colleen Hoover (“CoHo”) is a #1 NYT bestselling author with 23+ novels. Her superpower? Turning gut-wrenching topics into hopeful page-turners. Key facts:
Background: Worked in social work before writing. This empathy shines in her trauma-informed stories.
Style: Unflinching yet accessible. Uses dual POVs (Lily/Atlas) to build intimacy.
Impact: It Ends with Us sparked global conversations about domestic violence. This sequel answers fan pleas for “what’s next.”
Philanthropy: Runs The Bookworm Box nonprofit bookstore.
Fun fact: She wrote It Starts with Us as a “thank you” to readers who demanded Atlas and Lily’s healing.
Our Books Summaries of Colleen Hoover:
- Heart Bones Summary by Colleen Hoover: A Heartfelt Journey of Love
- Ugly Love Summary: Heartbreak, Healing & Colleen Hoover’s Raw Romance
- Verity Book Summary: A Chilling Psychological Thriller by Colleen Hoover
- Too Late Summary: Sloan’s Escape from Hell
- It Ends with Us Summary: Love, Trauma & Breaking Free
- Reminders of Him Summary A Tale of Redemption
Your FAQs Answered
Q: What’s It Starts with Us about?
A: It’s a direct sequel to It Ends with Us, following Lily and Atlas as they rebuild their lives, navigate co-parenting with abusive ex Ryle, and form a blended family.
Q: Should I read It Ends with Us first?
A: YES. Book 1’s events (Lily’s marriage, abuse, Atlas’s role) are essential context. Hoover confirms reading order matters.
Q: Is Colleen Hoover appropriate for 14-year-olds?
A: Not this duology. Mature themes (domestic violence, trauma) make it best for 17+. Try Hoovers’s Slammed for younger teens.
Q: Do Atlas and Lily end up together?
A: YES! They commit fully—moving in, planning marriage, and raising Emmy and Josh together.
Q: Is Ryle redeemed?
A: No. He remains volatile, though Lily’s boundaries minimize his impact. The focus is her healing, not his growth.
Q: Why is it “lighter” than Book 1?
A: Per Hoover, it’s a “thank you” to fans. Less trauma, more healing and hope.
Final Take: Why This Book Matters
Finishing It Starts with Us felt like exhaling after years of holding my breath. Hoover doesn’t sugarcoat the aftershocks of abuse—Lily’s fear of Ryle’s temper, the custody anxieties, the guilt. But she does show the other side: the slow bloom of safety, the power in saying “this key is mine,” the miracle of being loved without conditions.
Atlas isn’t a knight; he’s a partner who says, “Your past doesn’t scare me. Let’s build something new.”
This sequel is a love letter to survivors: Your joy isn’t selfish. Your boundaries are sacred. And yes—you deserve a love that starts, and stays, with you.
Ready to heal with Lily and Atlas?
Grab It Starts with Us now—and keep tissues close.
Get Your Copy
Sources & References
- Amazon’s book page
- Goodreaders’s book page
- Author’s image source: glamour.com
- Book Cover: Amazon.com
- Quotes Source: Goodreads.com
