It Ends With Us order of books is one of the most searched topics among U.S. readers discovering Colleen Hoover’s work for the first time or returning after hearing about the story through social media and the screen adaptation. The series is a tightly connected two-book narrative, and reading it in the correct sequence is essential to fully understand the characters, their emotional journeys, and the meaning behind the title.
Unlike many romance series that include multiple spin-offs or side stories, this one follows a clear, fixed order. There are only two novels, and each plays a specific role in telling a complete, chronological story about love, trauma, healing, and the courage it takes to break destructive patterns.
Understanding the Series Structure
Colleen Hoover wrote It Ends With Us as a deeply personal and emotionally intense novel. Years later, she released a direct continuation that answers lingering questions and shows what life looks like after the events of the first book. These two novels form a complete duology, meaning the story begins in the first book and reaches its resolution in the second.
There are no prequels, companion novellas, or alternate timelines connected to this storyline. The narrative is linear, and the characters’ development depends on experiencing their story in the order it was written.
The correct reading order is:
- It Ends With Us
- It Starts With Us
This sequence reflects both publication order and story chronology.
Book One: It Ends With Us
The journey begins with It Ends With Us, a novel that introduces Lily Bloom, a young woman determined to build a life different from the one she witnessed growing up. Her childhood was marked by domestic conflict, and those memories shape how she views relationships, strength, and self-worth as an adult.
After moving to Boston, Lily meets Ryle Kincaid, a successful and ambitious neurosurgeon. Their connection is immediate and intense. Ryle is charming, confident, and driven, and at first he seems to represent everything Lily hopes for in a partner. As their relationship deepens, however, cracks begin to appear. Ryle’s behavior reveals patterns that echo the painful dynamics Lily saw in her parents’ marriage.
Interwoven with Lily’s present-day story are memories of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Through journal entries and flashbacks, readers learn how Lily and Atlas met as teenagers and how their bond formed during a time when both were emotionally vulnerable. Atlas represents safety, understanding, and the kind of love that does not rely on control or fear.
As the novel progresses, Lily is forced to confront a painful truth: love alone is not enough when harm is present. The story does not soften or glamorize abuse. Instead, it shows how difficult it can be to recognize it, especially when it comes from someone you care about deeply.
The emotional climax of the book centers on Lily’s realization that she has the power to stop the cycle of violence that affected her family for generations. The title It Ends With Us reflects this choice. The novel closes with a moment of profound strength, but it also leaves readers wondering what the future holds for Lily and the people she loves.
This ending is meaningful, yet open enough that many readers longed to see what came next. That desire led to the creation of the second book.
Book Two: It Starts With Us
It Starts With Us continues the story from where the first novel left off. Despite the title, it is not the beginning of the timeline. Instead, it represents the beginning of a new chapter in the characters’ lives.
This novel shifts the narrative perspective by including both Lily and Atlas as point-of-view characters. For the first time, readers are able to see inside Atlas’s thoughts and understand how his past experiences shaped the man he has become. His journey from hardship to stability adds depth to the story and highlights the long-term impact of kindness, patience, and perseverance.
Lily, now navigating motherhood and personal healing, is learning how to build a peaceful, healthy life after trauma. The book explores the challenges of setting boundaries, co-parenting, and learning to trust again. These themes are handled with sensitivity, focusing on growth rather than perfection.
The relationship between Lily and Atlas develops gradually. Their connection is rooted in mutual respect and emotional safety, offering a contrast to the intensity and volatility of Lily’s previous relationship. The story emphasizes that healthy love is steady, supportive, and built on communication.
Rather than relying on dramatic twists, the novel finds its power in quiet moments of understanding and hope. It shows that moving forward is not about erasing the past, but about learning from it and choosing a different future.
By the final chapters, readers are given a sense of closure. The characters are not portrayed as suddenly free from all pain, but they are on a path defined by honesty, healing, and new beginnings.
Why the Order Matters
The emotional impact of the series depends on reading the books in sequence. It Ends With Us lays the foundation by introducing the characters, their histories, and the central conflicts. Without that context, the events and relationships in It Starts With Us would lose much of their meaning.
The titles can be confusing for new readers. Some assume that It Starts With Us should come first. In reality, the title reflects the theme of starting over, not the beginning of the storyline. The story itself begins with It Ends With Us and concludes with It Starts With Us.
Reading them out of order would reveal major plot developments too early and weaken the emotional journey that unfolds across both books.
Chronological Flow of the Story
The timeline of the series is straightforward:
- The first book covers Lily’s early adulthood, her relationship with Ryle, and the reappearance of Atlas.
- The second book takes place after those events and focuses on the aftermath, personal growth, and the possibility of a healthier future.
There are no time jumps that require rearranging the order. Everything unfolds naturally from one novel to the next.
Standalone vs. Complete Experience
While It Ends With Us can be read on its own and still deliver a powerful message, the story feels more complete when followed by It Starts With Us. The sequel answers emotional questions that remain at the end of the first book and provides a fuller picture of the characters’ lives.
It Starts With Us, however, is not designed to stand alone. It assumes familiarity with the events, relationships, and emotional stakes established earlier. For that reason, the reading order should always begin with the first novel.
Ongoing Popularity in the United States
The series continues to attract readers across the U.S. due to its honest portrayal of difficult topics and its focus on resilience. Book clubs, online discussions, and classroom conversations often highlight the novels for their realistic depiction of relationship dynamics and personal strength.
Interest in the story has remained high following its adaptation for the screen, which introduced the characters to a wider audience. Many viewers who discover the story through the film later seek out the books and want clear guidance on where to begin.
As of now, there are no additional installments that alter the established sequence. The duology remains complete with two titles.
Simple Reading Checklist
For quick reference, the correct It Ends With Us order of books is:
- It Ends With Us – The beginning of Lily Bloom’s story and the emotional core of the series.
- It Starts With Us – The continuation that focuses on healing, growth, and new beginnings.
This order is fixed and recommended for all first-time readers.
Final Thoughts
Following the correct It Ends With Us order of books allows readers to experience the full emotional arc that Colleen Hoover intended. From the first painful realizations to the quiet hope of a new beginning, the story unfolds with greater depth and clarity when read in sequence.
Whether you are discovering Lily Bloom’s story for the first time or returning to it after hearing renewed discussion, starting with It Ends With Us and continuing with It Starts With Us ensures a complete, meaningful, and powerful reading experience.