The fan theories about where the series could go next are fun, but for now, the official series order is a closed loop. Two books that complement each other perfectly. Trying to insert other stories in between would disrupt the very specific emotional journey.
I’ve read 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover, and no, it’s not part of a series. It’s a standalone novel that packs a powerful emotional punch. The story follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a complicated relationship with Ryle, a neurosurgeon, while reflecting on her past with Atlas, her first love. The book deals with heavy themes like domestic violence and personal resilience, making it a deeply moving read. While it doesn’t have sequels, Colleen Hoover did release 'It Starts with Us,' a companion novel that explores Atlas’s perspective and continues their story. But 'It Ends with Us' itself is complete and doesn’t require follow-ups to feel satisfying. The emotional depth and raw honesty in the book make it unforgettable, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a thought-provoking romance.
Okay, hot take: you could technically read 'It Starts With Us' alone and follow the plot of a couple getting together, but you'd be missing the entire point. The point isn't the 'what', it's the 'why'.
The first book's intense exploration of cyclical violence and difficult choices is what gives the second book's domestic bliss its meaning. Without that background, the sequel reads like a fairly generic romance. The power is in the contrast, so please do yourself a favor and read them in order. It makes the hopeful ending of the duology actually feel earned.