Top 23 Colleen Hoover books

Colleen Hoover is a #1 New York Times bestselling author renowned for her emotionally rich novels spanning the genres of contemporary romance, young adult fiction, and psychological thrillers. Her work has rocketed in popularity since her 2012 debut.

Without further ado, here are the top 23 Colleen Hoover books. 

Hopeless (2012)

The Hopeless series consists of Colleen Hoover’s first successful novels.

Amazon describes this book as "Sky, a senior in high school, meets Dean Holder, a guy with a promiscuous reputation that rivals her own. From their very first encounter, he terrifies and captivates her. Something about him sparks memories of her deeply troubled past, a time she's tried so hard to bury.

Though Sky is determined to stay far away from him, his unwavering pursuit and enigmatic smile break down her defences and the intensity of the bond between them grows. But the mysterious Holder has been keeping secrets of his own, and once they are revealed, Sky is changed forever, and her ability to trust may be a casualty of the truth."

Losing Hope (2013)

Amazon describes this book as "Haunted by the little girl he couldn’t save from imminent danger, Holder’s life has been overshadowed by feelings of guilt and remorse. He has never stopped searching for her, believing that finding her would bring him the peace he needs to move on. However, Holder could not have anticipated that he would be faced with even greater pain the moment they reconnected.

In Losing Hope, Holder reveals the way in which the events of Sky’s youth affected him and his family, leading him to seek his own redemption in the act of saving her. But it is only in loving Sky that he can finally begin to heal himself."

Finding Cinderella (2013)

A shorter novella forming part of the Hopeless series where the relationship between two side characters, Daniel and Six's unexpected love story, unfolds. Eighteen-year-old Daniel and a girl who stumbled upon him had a chance encounter, leading to them confessing their love for each other. However, they set conditions for their love: it would last only an hour and be make-believe.

Amazon describes this book as "When their hour is up, and the girl rushes off like Cinderella, Daniel tries to convince himself that what happened between them seemed perfect only because they were pretending it was. Moments like that happen only in fairy tales."

All Your Perfects (2018)

This Colleen Hoover book brings us into the life of Quinn and Graham, a couple whose marriage is on the brink of collapse due to life's disappointments and unmet expectations. 

As outlined by Amazon, this book is depicted as "The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair."

Finding Perfect (2019)

This novella by Colleen Hoover provides a deeper dive into the lives of beloved characters Daniel and Six. Finding Perfect is a wonderful conclusion to this debut series. 

Amazon describes this book as "Friends Daniel, Six, Holder, Sky, and Breckin are planning to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday with a Friendsgiving dinner at Sky's parents' house.

Slammed (2012)

The Slammed series is a trilogy of romance novels written by Colleen Hoover. The series explores the intense and emotional relationship between Layken Cohen and Will Cooper, tackling themes of love, loss, and resilience.

Amazon describes this book as "Following the unexpected death of her father, eighteen-year-old Layken becomes the rock for both her mother and younger brother. She appears resilient and tenacious, but inside, she's losing hope. Then she meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome twenty-one-year-old whose mere presence leaves her flustered and whose passion for poetry slams thrills her."

This Colleen Hoover novel delicately handles life's highs and lows and delves into topics of emotional expression. 

Point of Retreat (2012)

According to Amazon, this Colleen Hoover book is characterised as "As Layken and Will’s emotion-packed story continues, a stunning and unforeseen revelation about Will’s past leaves them questioning everything that they thought they knew about each other. With the foundation of their relationship at risk, they must decide whether they are willing to fight for a future together or to retreat back into solitude and heartache.

This Girl (2013)

Another companion novel to Slammed, "This Girl," revisits Lake and Will's love story, offering insight into their relationship and how Will's past leaves an indelible mark.

Amazon describes this Colleen Hoover book as "As much as Layken relishes their new life together, she finds herself wanting to know everything there is to know about her husband, even though Will makes it clear he prefers to keep the painful memories of the past where they belong.

Still, he can’t resist his wife’s pleas, and so he begins to untangle his side of the story, revealing for the first time his most intimate feelings and thoughts, retelling both the good and bad moments, and sharing a few shocking confessions of his own from the time when they first met.

In This Girl, Will tells the story of their complicated relationship from his point of view. Their future rests on how well they deal with the past in this final instalment of the beloved Slammed series."

It Ends with Us (2016)

As outlined by Amazon, this book is depicted as "Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true.

Ryle is assertive, stubborn, and maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. And the way he looks in scrubs certainly doesn’t hurt. Lily can’t get him out of her head. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. Even as Lily finds herself becoming the exception to his “no dating” rule, she can’t help but wonder what made him that way in the first place.

As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan—her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened."

This book is one of Colleen Hoover's most popular novels and marks her debut as a book-to-movie adaptation. According to reports, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will star in the upcoming film adaptation, slated for release in early 2024.

It Starts with Us (2022)

As stated in the Amazon listing, this book is presented as "Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil co-parenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that, for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.

But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.

Switching between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts with Us picks up right where the epilogue for the bestselling phenomenon It Ends with Us left off."

This Colleen Hoover book navigates the murky waters of past relationships, lingering love, and the challenges of moving on. 

Maybe Someday (2014)

Maybe Someday is part of a two-part series, which includes Maybe Not.

The book beautifully captures the complications of relationships, morality, and the power of love. In the Amazon listing, this book is described as "At twenty-two years old, Sydney is enjoying a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her best friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers that Hunter is cheating on her—and she’s forced to decide what her next move should be.

Soon, Sydney finds herself captivated by her mysterious and attractive neighbour, Ridge. She can't take her eyes off him or stop listening to the passionate way he plays his guitar every evening out on his balcony. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either. They soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one."

If you're a fan of well-rounded characters forced to navigate ethical grey areas in the pursuit of happiness, this novel by Colleen Hoover is an excellent exploration of those themes. 

Maybe Not (2014)

Maybe Not is a novella spin-off for Maybe Someday. Here, we follow the love story of Warren and Bridgette. 

Amazon describes this book: "When Warren has the opportunity to live with a female roommate, he instantly agrees. It could be an exciting change.

Or maybe not.

Especially when that roommate is the cold and seemingly calculating Bridgette. Tensions run high and tempers flare as the two can hardly stand to be in the same room together. But Warren has a theory about Bridgette: anyone who can hate with that much passion should also have the capability to love with that much passion. And he wants to be the one to test this theory.

Will Bridgette find it in herself to warm her heart to Warren and finally learn to love?

Maybe.

Maybe not."

It's a perfect pick for readers who loved Maybe Someday and craved more insights into the lives of these side characters. Hoover’s ability to weave subplots from side characters is sublime here.

Ugly Love (2014)

Ugly Love is one of Hoover’s most successful books.

According to the Amazon description, this Colleen Hoover book, "When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she doesn't think it's love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her:

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all."

Confess (2015) 

From bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a new novel about risking everything for love - and finding your heart somewhere between the truth and lies.

In the words of Amazon, this book is defined as "Auburn Reed has her entire life mapped out. Her goals are in sight, and there's no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn't expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a risk and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping some major secrets from coming out. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything important to Auburn, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it.

The last thing Owen wants is to lose Auburn, but he can't seem to convince her that truth is sometimes as subjective as art. All he would have to do to save their relationship is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin."

November 9 (2015)

November 9 follows the lives of Fallon and Ben, who decide to meet just once a year. This unconventional premise is perfect for those who enjoy slow-burn romances and narratives questioning love's nature. 

Amazon describes this book as "Beloved number-one New York Times best-selling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse.

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon's last day in LA together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist."

Verity (2018) 

If you enjoy gripping thrillers with romantic elements that leave you questioning everything you've read, Verity is an edge-of-your-seat novel with more adrenaline-packed themes than some other Colleen Hoover books. 

In the Amazon listing, this book is described as "Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night their family was forever altered. But the more she learns about the couple they used to be…the more she questions why they were ever together to begin with."

Regretting You (2019)

One of Colleen Hoover's standalone novels, Regretting You, presents a heartfelt exploration of family, love, and how we cope with pain.

Amazon describes this book as "Morgan is determined to prevent her daughter from making the same mistakes she did. By getting pregnant and married way too young, Morgan put her own dreams on hold. Clara doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. Her predictable mother doesn't have a spontaneous bone in her body.

With warring personalities and conflicting goals, Morgan and Clara find it increasingly difficult to coexist. The only person who can bring peace to the household is Chris—Morgan's husband, Clara's father, and the family anchor. But that peace is shattered when Chris is involved in a tragic and questionable accident. The heartbreaking and long-lasting consequences will reach far beyond just Morgan and Clara."

Heart Bones (2020)

Heart Bones story follows Beyah, a young woman with a harrowing past, and Samson, a privileged young man whose worlds collide one summer.

As described by Amazon, this book is presented as "After a childhood filled with poverty and neglect, Beyah Grim finally has her hard-earned ticket out of Kentucky with a full ride to Penn State. But two months before she’s finally free to change her life for the better, an unexpected death leaves her homeless and forced to spend the remainder of her summer in Texas with a father she barely knows.

Devastated and anxious for the summer to go by quickly, Beyah has no time or patience for Samson, the wealthy, brooding guy next door. Yet, the connection between them is too intense to ignore. But with their upcoming futures sending them to opposite ends of the country, the two decide to maintain only a casual summer fling. Too bad neither has any idea that a rip current is about to drag both their hearts out to sea."

This Colleen Hoover novel beautifully explores love, grief, and the power of resilience. If you are a fan of compelling character growth and love stories set against personal struggles, Heart Bones is an excellent read and another one of Hoover’s touch novels. 

Too Late (2016)

Too Late is a suspenseful love triangle that revolves around Carter (also known as Luke), Sloan, and Asa. It's a darker narrative compared to Hoover's other works, dealing with heavy themes like abuse and addiction. 

Amazon describes this book as "Sloan will go through hell and back for those she loves. And she does so, every single day. Caught up with the alluring Asa Jackson, a notorious drug trafficker, Sloan has finally found a lifeline to cling to, even if it’s meant compromising her morals. She was in dire straits trying to pay for her brother’s care until she met Asa. But as Sloan became emotionally and economically reliant on him, he in turn developed a disturbing obsession with her—one that becomes increasingly dangerous every day.

When undercover DEA Agent Carter enters the picture, Sloan’s surprised to feel an immediate attraction between them, despite knowing that if Asa finds out, he will kill him. And Asa has always been a step ahead of everyone in his life, including Sloan. No one has ever gotten in his way.

No one except Carter.

Together, Sloan and Carter must find a way out before it’s too late"

Without Merit (2017)

This novel centres on Merit, a girl from a uniquely dysfunctional family who believes she's the only sane one. 

Amazon describes this book as "The Voss family is anything but normal. They live in a repurposed church, newly baptized Dollar Voss. The once cancer-stricken mother lives in the basement, the father is married to the mother’s former nurse, the little half-brother isn’t allowed to do or eat anything fun, and the eldest siblings are irritatingly perfect. Then, there’s Merit.

Merit Voss collects trophies she hasn’t earned and secrets her family forces her to keep. While browsing the local antiques shop for her next trophy, she finds Sagan. His wit and unapologetic idealism disarm and spark renewed life into her—until she discovers that he’s completely unavailable. Merit retreats deeper into herself, watching her family from the sidelines, when she learns a secret that no trophy in the world can fix."

Layla (2020)

Layla is a refreshing divergence from Hoover's usual romance-driven style if you're a Colleen Hoover fan and enjoy a sprinkle of supernatural elements in your romance novels. 

According to Amazon's account, this book is introduced as "When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her - until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences."

An exciting take on Hoover’s style that received a somewhat mixed reception – but it’s definitely worth a read if you’re into paranormal fiction. 

Reminders of Him (2022)

Amazon describes this book as "After serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake, Kenna Rowan returns to the town where it all went wrong, hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter. But the bridges Kenna burned are proving impossible to rebuild. Everyone in her daughter’s life is determined to shut Kenna out, no matter how hard she works to prove herself.

The only person who hasn’t closed the door on her completely is Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links to Kenna’s daughter. But if anyone were to discover how Ledger is slowly becoming an important part of Kenna’s life, both would risk losing the trust of everyone important to them."

Never Never (2023)

An immediate New York Times bestseller, Never Never is a collaboration between Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, is a riveting, romance-tinged mystery series. 

Amazon summarises this book as "Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of 14. Complete strangers since this morning. He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget."

Never Never centres around Charlie Wynwood and Silas Nash, best friends since childhood and lovers since adolescence, who one day find themselves complete strangers to each other, all memories of their shared past inexplicably erased. 

As they piece together their past and work to uncover why they've forgotten each other, they start questioning if their relationship was meant to be. 

What is Colleen Hoover's story?

Colleen Hoover is an American author known for her contemporary romance novels that often tackle complex and emotionally charged themes. Born on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, her author journey is exciting and inspiring.

Before becoming a successful author, Colleen Hoover worked in various professions, including social work and teaching. She initially started writing as a hobby and self-published her debut novel, "Slammed," in 2012. The book gained unexpected popularity, and its success led to Hoover Atria Books, a publishing house, signing her.

Her storytelling has made her a prominent figure in the contemporary romance genre, and her books have been translated into multiple languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

Colleen Hoover's books are great if you're interested in stories about love, resilience, and personal growth. Adding her work to your reading list is a worthwhile decision, and the list below can help you choose which Colleen Hoveer book to start with.

What's the best order to read all the Colleen Hoover books?

While Collen Hoover books are often standalone stories, some recurring themes and connections exist between them.

Even though there is no specific order to read Colleen Hoover's books, here's a suggested reading order you may follow:

1. Slammed Series:

• Slammed.
• Point of Retreat.
• This Girl (companion novel).

2. Hopeless Series:

• Hopeless.
• Losing Hope (companion novel). 

3. Confess (Standalone).

4. Ugly Love (Standalone).

5. November 9 (Standalone).

6. It Ends with Us (Standalone).

7. It Starts with Us (Sequel).

8. Without Merit (Standalone).

9. All Your Perfects (Standalone).

10. Verity (Standalone).

11. Heart Bones (Standalone).

12. Reminders of Him (Novella).

13. Never Never Series (co-authored with Tarryn Fisher):

• Never Never: Part One.
• Never Never: Part Two.
• Never Never: Part Three.

What is the recommended age rating for Colleen Hoover books?

Colleen Hoover's books are generally suitable for older teens (16 and up) and adults due to their mature themes and content. While her books may resonate with many readers, they often contain complex relationships, intense emotions, and occasional explicit language or scenes.

Colleen Hoover books often delve into the intricacies of human relationships, portraying characters who navigate challenges, seek healing, and embrace newfound opportunities. For those of us over 50 who have encountered a breadth of life's joys and trials, her stories offer a mirror into our own experiences, reflections on our journeys, and a chance to immerse ourselves in rich storytelling.

Hoover's novels offer more than just engaging themes. They also provide an excellent opportunity for people of different generations to discuss and connect. By exploring her work, you can gain insight into the perspectives and emotions of younger generations, promoting meaningful conversations and connections.

Which Colleen Hoover book should I read first?

Choosing which Colleen Hoover book to read first depends on your preferences and what kind of story you want. Below, we have compiled a list of Collen Hoover books in order of themes and interests.

If you're looking for an emotional rollercoaster: It Ends with Us

This novel is widely regarded as one of Colleen Hoover's most powerful and emotionally charged works. It deals with complex themes and relationships, offering a thought-provoking and impactful reading experience.

If you want a heartfelt romance: November 9

"November 9" is a heartwarming love story about the unexpected connection between Fallon and Ben. They meet just a day before Fallon moves across the country, but their chemistry is undeniable. They spend her final day in Los Angeles together, and Ben finds inspiration in the unique experiences that have shaped Fallon's life. It is a Colleen Hoover book that will leave you

If you like intense and passionate love stories: Ugly Love

"Ugly Love" delves into the intense emotions and challenges that come with complicated relationships, offering a passionate and sometimes heartbreaking narrative. Be warned that this novel by Colleen Hoover is particularly emotionally raw and is likely to pull at your heartstrings.

Should I read Colleen Hoover Books?

While known for their romance, Colleen Hoover books novels offer more than meets the eye. Beneath the surface, they delve into themes that resonate universally, like personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of love. 

Her stories cut across age boundaries, touching upon emotions and challenges that span across generations.

Colleen Hoover's novels are more than books; they are mirrors reflecting the complexities of life, love, and growth that all readers can connect with.

Many readers over 50 have found her novels engaging and relatable as they explore the complexities of human relationships and life experiences.

Whether you're seeking thought-provoking narratives or heartfelt stories that capture the essence of the human journey, Colleen Hoover books offer a literary adventure that knows no age boundaries.

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