The question which book is first in It Ends with Us is common among new readers discovering Colleen Hoover’s bestselling series. The reading order begins with the standalone novel It Ends with Us, published in 2016, and extends through its direct sequel, It Starts with Us, released in 2022. This guide explains the correct sequence, related titles, and what each book covers so you can follow the storylines and characters with confidence.
Which Book Is First: It Ends with Us
It Ends with Us is the first book in the sequence and the foundation of the series. It introduces Lily Bloom, her move to Boston, her marriage to Ryle Kincaid, and the complex patterns of past and present love and abuse. Published in 2016, this standalone novel establishes the emotional arc, character dynamics, and themes that recur throughout the series. If you are asking which book is first in It Ends with Us, the answer is simply this title itself.
Correct Reading Order
Following the chronological order helps the character development and relationships make sense, especially because events from the first book strongly influence the second. Below is the recommended reading order, including publication years and key focus of each main entry.
| Book | Year | Narrative Focus |
|---|---|---|
| It Ends with Us | 2016 | Lily’s origin story, first love, and domestic challenges |
| It Starts with Us | 2022 | Continuation with Lily and Atlas, parenting, and past trauma |
| It Ends with Us (Movie tie-in edition) | 2024 | Film edition with supplementary material |
| Uprooted (Hulu novella) | 2024 | Side story connected to the film universe |
Reading Path for New Readers
Begin with It Ends with Us, then continue to It Starts with Us for the most coherent experience. The film tie-in edition can be read after the main two books as an optional companion. Because of strong continuity, skipping the first book may cause confusion in the second, especially regarding Lily’s backstory and key relationships.
It Ends with Us: Key Story Elements
In the first book, Lily Bloom moves to Boston to start a new life and meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. Their relationship begins ideally but becomes complicated when Ryle’s controlling behavior escalates. The narrative alternates between Lily’s present marriage and her past with her mother and an earlier romantic connection, gradually revealing how childhood trauma influences adult choices. The book addresses consent, cycles of abuse, and the complexity of leaving a difficult relationship.
It Starts with Us: Continuation and Resolution
It Starts with Us picks up several years later with Lily and Ryle married and raising a daughter. The arrival of Atlas Corrigan, an old acquaintance from Lily’s past, introduces new emotional tensions and forces Lily to reconsider what love and safety mean. The sequel revisits decisions from the first book, explores co-parenting, and attempts to reconcile the pain of the past with the hope for a healthier future.
Related and Companion Titles
While the main narrative is contained in the first two books, readers often ask about other stories linked to this world. Uprooted is a short novella released alongside the film adaptation, offering a side perspective rather than a core continuity point. It is not required to understand the main series arc but can provide additional context for viewers of the movie adaptation.
- Read It Ends with Us first to understand character motivation.
- Follow with It Starts with Us for the sequel continuation.
- Consider the film tie-in edition after reading the main books.
- Uprooted is optional and focused on a supporting viewpoint.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because the series spans multiple releases, readers often wonder about movie adaptations, publication dates, and how the stories connect. The first film adaptation brought new attention to the series, while the sequel film followed years later. Knowing the difference between main novels, tie-in editions, and side stories helps you choose what to read next based on your goals.
Final Recommendation: Start with the First Book
To experience the series as intended, start with It Ends with Us, then proceed to It Starts with Us. This path preserves the intended emotional impact and ensures that plot twists and character decisions land with full context. Whether you are reading for romance, drama, or personal reflection, following the correct book order supports a richer and more coherent understanding of Lily’s journey.