Best Colleen Hoover Books: 10 Bestsellers That Are Impossible to Put Down
Known for her dramatic and heart-wrenching novels, Colleen Hoover has written more than 20 books, including fandom-favorite It Ends With Us, which was just adapted into one of summer’s most-anticipated movies, starring Blake Lively. Since 2011, Hoover has dominated bestseller lists, selling more than 20 million books and counting. With legions of dedicated fans behind her, BookTok is certainly partly responsible for Hoover’s meteoric rise to fame (#ColleenHoover on TikTok yields more than 140 million posts and on Instagram her hashtag has more than 750,000 posts) over the last decade.
If you’re new to Colleen Hoover (or “CoHo” as her readers call her) or you’re trying to decide what to read after It Ends With Us, you’re in the right place! We gathered up 10 of the best Colleen Hoover books, according to readers and FIRST editors. These books all deliver an emotional, sometimes shocking, journey from page one so make sure you have a box of tissues nearby before dipping in. Are you a reader who enjoys adrenaline-fueled mysteries? Give Verity a try. If you’re more in the mood for an angsty college romance with a surprising twist, pick up Maybe Someday, described as one of Hoover’s “best, most underrated stories.” Keep scrolling for the rest of our CoHo book recommendations!
It Ends With Us
This heartbreaking, honest novel is one of Colleen Hoover's most-read stories across BookTok, Bookstagram and GoodReads — and it's now a major motion picture starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The story centers on young Lily Bloom, who hasn't had the easiest life. After graduating college, Lily moves to Boston to pursue her passions and start her own business — and it's here she meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid. Ryle is passionate, smart and a little arrogant, and Lily finds herself drawn to him. As Lily and Ryle grow closer, she can't help but think of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. Atlas and Lily were true kindred spirits, but Lily is determined to keep him part of her past — until Ryle’s dark side comes out and Atlas shows up again, rocking Lily and Ryle's relationship to its core.
What readers are saying: "The powerful passion and pain represented in this story is jaw-dropping," says Lauren Stachiw, FIRST Beauty Director. "I was late to the game in reading this novel, but I finally picked it up last week — and once I did it was impossible to put down. I can't wait to see how Blake portrays Lily's compelling story on screen, too."
Ugly Love
With more than 150,000 ratings on Amazon and thousands of 5-star reviews from readers, Ugly Love delivers all of Colleen Hoover's trademark emotion and heartbreak. When Tate Collins first meets airline pilot Miles Archer, it's lust at first sight. What soon transpires is a convenient, no-strings-attached relationship and an undeniable spark that seems to burn hotter with each passing day — no matter how much Miles and Tate try to ignore it. A heart-shattering, passionate story.
What readers are saying: "I've yet to read a Colleen Hoover book that hasn't stirred a deep emotional response. It's not merely the concept of attaining love that captivates us, but rather the 'ugly' journey we endure to embrace the beautiful notion of love. The quote 'It's the beautiful moments like these that make up for the ugly ones' from the book's conclusion really resonates with me. To fully grasp the context, you must read this incredible book."
Verity
The plot follows writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is asked by famous author Verity Crawford’s husband, Jeremy, to finish his wife’s series after she got in a terrible car accident and is unable to continue writing. Before Verity’s accident, the family suffered the loss of their twin daughters during two separate tragedies. As Lowen goes through Verity’s office and writing, she discovers more and more secrets about the Crawford family.
What readers are saying: "This book got me out of a long reading slump," says Anna Travers, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. "The story is creepy, atmospheric and addictive — and each chapter closed with a bigger cliffhanger than the last! If you like mysteries and thrillers with lots of twists, you will devour this.”
Maybe Someday
Friendships, betrayals and romance abound in Colleen Hoover's Maybe Someday. Sydney is enjoying her life: She’s busy in her last year of college and dating her longtime love, Hunter. But on the night of her 22nd birthday, she discovers that Hunter is far from the man she thought he was. While figuring out her next move, Sydney finds herself drawn to her mysterious neighbor-, Ridge, who plays guitar on his balcony every night. Ridge’s kindness quickly leads to a deep friendship, and soon the two realize they need each other in more ways than one.
What readers are saying: "It's hard to deny that Colleen Hoover is a masterful storyteller. But there's something about Maybe Someday that stands apart from all her other novels — I feel it's one of her best, most underrated stories. I always recommend it when talking to fellow CoHo readers because I find it a bit more lighthearted than some of her other books, but not lacking in emotion or passion in the least. There's just something special about Ridge and Sydney's relationship that stays with you — and the twist revealed early on in the story is so unique and compelling, you'll find yourself turning pages late into the night."
November 9
When Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before moving out of Los Angeles, the spark between them not only ignites Ben’s imagination — and the idea for his novel — but also an annual tradition wherein they meet on the same date each year. But will their story end in love or heartbreak?
What readers are saying: "Between the captivating premise and the fast-paced drama, I couldn't stop reading after one chapter of this book," says Carissa Mosness, FIRST Assistant Digital Editor. "This is a gripping story that doesn't let you go."
Heart Bones
Moving, passionate, emotional…Heart Bones checks all of Hoover's signature boxes. When Beyah Grim gets a full ride to Penn State, she can’t wait to get out of Kentucky. But before she is supposed to leave, a death forces her to spend two months in Texas with a father she barely knows. She soon meets the handsome Samson, and their summer fling turns into much more than they both ever imagined.
What readers are saying: "What sets Heart Bones apart is its blend of romance and suspense. The chemistry between Beyah and her love interest is palpable, drawing the reader into their whirlwind romance. At the same time, the underlying mystery adds an element of intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end."
Regretting You
For fans of P.S. I Love You and One Day, Colleen Hoover’s new novel delivers moments that are evocative and heartfelt. The plot follows Morgan Grant and her 16-year-old daughter, Clara, who struggle to get along. Chris, Morgan’s husband and Clara’s father, is the anchor who brings peace to their family. So when Chris is in a tragic accident, their lives are forever changed. A stirring mother-daughter story full of hope, loss and great love.
What readers are saying: "Hoover's ability to create multidimensional and relatable characters shines through in Regretting You. Morgan is a loving and compassionate mother, while Clara is a teenager trying to find her voice amidst the chaos. Their mother-daughter relationship is beautifully portrayed, filled with both love and conflict, making it incredibly realistic and relatable."
Too Late
In this heart-racing suspense saga, Sloan will do anything for those she loves. To help her brother, she finds herself reliant on notorious drug trafficker Asa Jackson. But Asa develops an obsession with her. When undercover DEA agent Carter steps in, Sloan is drawn to him. Together, they must find a way to take Asa down.
What readers are saying: "This book touches on many very difficult subjects so my advice is to check the trigger warnings before reading! But once you're aware of that, Hoover really does weave a suspenseful and fascinating story that is full of twists and unexpected turns."
Slammed
Strong themes of family and romance combine with a memorable cast of characters in Hoover's debut novel Slammed. Originally self-published, this story follows 18 year-old Layken after the unexpected death of her father. Layken becomes the glue keeping her mother and younger brother together and though she appears courageous and resilient, inside she's suffering. When Layken meets her new neighbor Will, a handsome 21 year-old with a penchant for slam poetry, a spark ignites. But after an unforgettable first date, Layken and Will are shocked to discover something that brings their blossoming relationship to an immediate halt. Only able to speak through poetry, they must navigate the next steps of their relationship and their futures.
What readers are saying: "And just when you think it can't get any better, BAM! The bottom drops out. So I can't reveal why this happens because that would be major spoiler-y. But something is revealed that completely changes things and Lake and Will can't be together. The entire mood and tone of the book shifts and what remains is how Lake and Will deal with the aftermath."
It Starts With Us
The long-anticipated sequel to bestselling author Colleen Hoover’s novel It Ends With Us delivers all of the author’s signature heart and soul. The story switches perspectives between Lily and fan-favorite character, Atlas. After Lily’s previous relationship, she runs into Atlas and the love they once had is immediately rekindled. But as more of his past is revealed, will they be able to grant each other a second chance after so much time apart?
What readers are saying: "It Starts with Us was a beautifully written and heartwarming sequel to It Ends with Us. This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. This book picks up immediately after the ending of It Ends with Us, so I would highly recommend just reading that book first. I also suggest checking the content and trigger warnings before reading."
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