Yes — It Starts With Us (2022) is the direct sequel, continuing Lily's story after the events of the first book. It picks up immediately where It Ends With Us finishes. The two books form a complete two-part story and should be read in order.
Colleen Hoover has said the story is inspired by her own mother's experience with domestic abuse and the complexity of leaving an abusive relationship. It is fiction, but rooted in personal and emotional truth. The book is noted for its nuanced, non-judgmental portrayal of a difficult situation.
It Ends With Us deals directly with domestic violence and abusive relationships — the content is heavy and can be distressing. Colleen Hoover handles the subject with care but does not shy away from the reality of the situation. Trigger warnings: domestic violence, physical abuse, and a non-graphic miscarriage. Many readers recommend reading reviews before starting if you are sensitive to these topics.
Yes — It Starts With Us picks up directly after the end of the first book and assumes full knowledge of what happened. The sequel does not recap events; reading It Ends With Us first is essential.
Yes — a film adaptation was released in August 2024, directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively as Lily and Justin Baldoni as Ryle. The film adaptation sparked significant public discussion both about the book's themes and behind-the-scenes controversy.
