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Content snapshot
Flag an inaccuracy →What's in this book, at a glance — five things readers want to know before they start.
Violence
Some
Moderate; aftermath of domestic violence; Ryle's jealousy and one confrontational scene; less graphic than It Ends with Us
Language
Some
Moderate language
Sexual Content
Some
Adult romantic content; Lily and Atlas's relationship is depicted with adult content
Substance Use
Barely any
Mild social alcohol use
Emotional Intensity
A lot
Strong; the psychology of leaving an abusive relationship; co-parenting with an ex who hasn't accepted the ending; the complicated feelings of new love after trauma
What this book is about
Colleen Hoover's It Starts with Us is the direct sequel to It Ends with Us, following Lily after leaving her abusive husband Ryle and building a new life — including a new relationship with Atlas Corrigan. The novel is significantly lighter than its predecessor, focused less on violence and more on what healing and new love look like after abuse. Ryle remains a presence as co-parent, and the tension of his jealousy runs through the book.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Domestic violence aftermath
Coercive control by ex-partner
Reader Verification
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