It Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover explores the complex relationship between Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid as they navigate love, family, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of their tumultuous past, the narrative delves into themes of forgiveness, healing, and the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. This sequel to It Ends With Us continues to follow Lily's journey as she confronts her feelings for Atlas Corrigan and the challenges that arise from her choices. Readers will appreciate the emotional depth and character development that Hoover is known for, making this a compelling read for fans of contemporary romance and women's fiction.

Key Points

  • Follows Lily Bloom as she navigates her relationships with Ryle Kincaid and Atlas Corrigan.
  • Explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the effects of past trauma on present relationships.
  • Continues the story from Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel It Ends With Us.
  • Features a rich character development and emotional storytelling that resonates with readers.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Colleen Hoover
252 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Literature
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Colleen Hoover
252 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Literature
288
/ 252
Chapter One
Atlas
The way ass whole is misspelled in red spray paint across the back door of
Bib’s makes me think of my mother.
She would always insert a brief pause between syllables, making it
sound like two separate words. I wanted to laugh every time I heard it, but it
was hard to find the humor in it as a child when I was always the recipient
of the hurled insult.
“Ass… whole,” Darin mutters. “Had to be a kid. Most adults know how
to spell that word.”
“You’d be surprised.” I touch the paint, but it doesn’t stick to my fingers.
Whoever did this must have done it right after we closed last night.
“Do you think the misspelling was intentional?” he asks. “Are they
suggesting you’re so much of an asshole that you’re a whole entire ass?”
“Why do you assume they were targeting me? They could have been
targeting you or Brad.”
“It’s your restaurant.” Darin takes off his jacket and uses it to pry a large
shard of exposed broken glass out of the window. “Maybe it was a
disgruntled employee.”
“Do I have disgruntled employees?” I can’t think of a single person on
payroll who would do something like this. The last person I’d had quit was
five months ago, and she left on good terms after getting a college degree.
“There was that guy who did the dishes before you hired Brad. What was
his name? He was named after some kind of mineral or something—it was
super weird.”
“Quartz,” I say. “It was a nickname.” I haven’t thought about that guy in
so long. I doubt he’s holding a grudge against me after all this time. I fired
him right after we opened because I found out he wasn’t washing the dishes
unless he could actually see food on them. Glasses, plates, silverware—
/ 252
End of Document
288

Figures

It Starts With Us - Colleen Hoover — Figure 1
MAYBE NOW
All Your Perfects
Without Merit
It Ends With Us
November 9
Confess
COLLEEN HOOVER is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more

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FAQs

What incident occurs at Bib's restaurant in the first chapter?
In the first chapter, a misspelled insult, 'ass whole,' is spray-painted on the back door of Bib's restaurant. The main character, along with his friend Darin, speculates about the possible motives behind the vandalism. They consider whether it was a disgruntled employee or simply a random act. During this time, they discover that someone broke in and stole a prepared container of croutons, leading to discussions about desperation and the nature of theft.
How does Atlas feel about his encounter with Lily in Chapter Two?
In Chapter Two, Atlas reflects on his unexpected encounter with Lily, feeling flustered and shaken. He recalls how happy she seemed to see him and how their hug felt significant, awakening emotions he thought were dormant. Despite the chaos of the day, he is preoccupied with thoughts of her, indicating that their meeting has stirred up feelings he is eager to explore, yet he is also anxious about how their past and her current situation might complicate things.
What does Lily think about apology flowers in Chapter Two?
Lily expresses her disdain for apology flowers, which she finds to be her least favorite type of bouquet to assemble. She becomes preoccupied with the reasons behind the apology, wondering if it pertains to a fight or a more serious issue. This thought process reflects her own past experiences with apologies and highlights her concern about the implications of such gestures, showing her sensitivity to the emotional weight they carry.
What is the significance of the croutons being stolen from Bib's?
The theft of croutons from Bib's restaurant serves as a poignant moment in the narrative, highlighting themes of desperation and survival. The main character, Atlas, relates to the act of stealing food, recalling his own experiences of hunger. This incident serves to evoke empathy and raise questions about societal issues surrounding poverty and the lengths people will go to when in need.
How does Atlas feel about texting Lily after their encounter?
After running into Lily, Atlas feels a mix of excitement and anxiety about reaching out to her. He is eager to text her but is also apprehensive, worrying that she might have regrets about their conversation. His internal struggle reflects his deep feelings for her and the hope that they can explore a relationship now that she is single, but he is also cautious about complicating her life further.
What does Darin suggest Atlas do after the break-in at Bib's?
Darin suggests that Atlas should call the police to report the break-in at Bib's restaurant, as they need to file a report for insurance purposes. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the security issue, especially since the restaurant was an easy target for the thief. Darin's insistence highlights the tension between wanting to protect the restaurant and Atlas's reluctance to involve law enforcement over what he perceives as a minor theft.
What does Lily's employee Lucy complain about in Chapter Two?
In Chapter Two, Lily's employee Lucy complains about the last-minute issues regarding their wedding place cards, which were discontinued and never arrived. She expresses her frustration and disillusionment with the wedding planning process, suggesting that it has become overwhelming and tedious. This conversation reveals the stress and complications that can arise in personal relationships, paralleling Lily's own struggles with her past and current romantic interests.

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