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It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover, book cover

Book 2 of 2 in It Ends with Us

It Starts with Us

by Colleen Hoover

Spice 2 out of 5, Simmer2/5 · Simmer: Closed door

Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

Switching between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts with Us picks up right where the epilogue for the “gripping, pulse-pounding” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of Perfect Neighbors) bestselling phenomenon It Ends with Us left off. Revealing more about Atlas’s past and following Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband, it proves that “no one delivers an emotional read like Colleen Hoover” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author).

Spice
2/5
Burn
Medium
Pages
~336
Ending
HEA

KU Is it on Kindle Unlimited? Check on Amazon

How spicy is It Starts with Us?

It Starts with Us is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.

  • Steam: Behind closed doors
  • Burn: Medium burn
  • Pairing: One man, one woman
  • POV: Dual POV (both leads)
  • Ending: Happily ever after

Content warnings

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Show 2 content warnings
  • Domestic / partner abuse
  • Child abuse (past or present)

Our editorial notes, which may be incomplete. If something is a hard limit for you, check the author's own content notes too.

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    It Starts with Us: quick answers

    How spicy is It Starts with Us?

    It Starts with Us is a 2 out of 5 on our spice scale: simmer (closed door). Sex happens, but the door closes (or it is brief and non-graphic). Tension without the details.

    Is It Starts with Us a standalone?

    No. It Starts with Us is book 2 of 2 in It Ends with Us. Start with It Ends with Us. The series is complete.

    What tropes are in It Starts with Us?

    It Starts with Us features second chance, single parent, cinnamon roll hero. It is a medium burn M/F romance that ends with a happily ever after.

    Does It Starts with Us have content warnings?

    Our notes for It Starts with Us include: domestic / partner abuse, child abuse (past or present). This list may not be complete; check the author's own content notes if anything is a hard limit for you.

    What should I read after It Starts with Us?

    If you loved It Starts with Us, try Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall, Regretting You by Colleen Hoover, The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez. They share its second chance and single parent energy at a similar spice level.