Colleen Hoover Novel Rankings and Reading Order from a High School English Teacher

Looking for Colleen Hoover novel rankings and reading order? You’ve come to the right place!

If you haven’t heard of Colleen Hoover, you’ve probably been living under a rock. (Kidding, kind of.) Currently, she has seven titles ranking in the top ten for paperback fiction on the New York Times’ Best Sellers List. (Seriously… SEVEN.) I loved reading this feature on her (and it’s a great read if you don’t know much about her personally). She has outsold most best-selling authors including Stephen King and got her start through self-publishing her own work. If you follow her on social media, you also know that even though she’s become a major player in the publishing world, she’s also incredibly down to Earth and does a lot for charity.

I hate to admit it, but I was introduced to Colleen Hoover by my teenaged students. I have A LOT of thoughts about teenagers reading her work (hint hint: I don’t condone it), but I was intrigued enough to pick up Heart Bones and start there. I was immediately hooked and whipped through her entire catalogue in less than six months. (If you need some alternative titles for teens similar to Colleen Hoover, click here to see my list.)

I realize that Colleen Hoover’s books are not for everyone. She uses the f-word quite a bit, there are a lot of sex scenes (sometimes too many… looking at you, Ugly Love), and her writing can be lackluster at times. However, if you want an engaging, highly entertaining read with heart, humor, and a hard-hitting gut punch, Hoover is your girl. There is a reason so many of her novels are on the best-sellers list. They’re difficult to put down. The stories grab you and take you for a ride. She writes characters you can’t help but care about. There are so many things that Colleen Hoover does well that if you focus on the few things that make some of her stories weak, you’re going to miss out on all of the great. And there is plenty of great.

Before I rank these, I want to add a disclaimer. I wrote an entire post about how I rate books simply because I do a lot of it and I wanted to explain my process. With that being said, I truly believe in Reader Response Theory and feel that there is something very personal that happens when a reader engages with a text. You bring all of your own experiences, your mood, and a plethora of other factors with you when you read a book. I’m ranking these based on perceived literary merit, but know that I’m fully aware that there is subjectivity when it comes to ranking books. (If you want to follow along with all of my reviews, here is a link to my Goodreads account.) We’re going to do it here anyways because it’s fun.

So, without further ado, here are my Colleen Hoover novel rankings of all 23 of her currently released books.

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#23: Losing Hope

I’m obviously a fan of Colleen Hoover (considering I read and am now ranking all of her novels), but this book is just painful. It’s an alternate point of view to Hopeless (which was actually pretty good). It’s nearly an identical book just told from Holder’s point of view. There was nothing inherently new or fresh about it. I was bored to tears. Why does anyone need the same book just written from an alternate point of view? No one does. This is why you’re ranked #23, Losing Hope.

“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.”

#22: Maybe Now

This is #3 (or #2.5 if you’re really counting) in the Maybe Someday series. I wanted to like Maggie, I really did, but her character just annoyed me. I don’t know why. I found the story boring and hard to finish. There wasn’t enough tension. I wasn’t particularly drawn to her love interest. I just didn’t care about anyone in this story the way I did in the first and even slightly in the second. Boring.

“What is more important? Friendship, loyalty, or love?

Ridge and Sydney are thrilled to finally be together guilt-free. But as the two of them navigate this freedom, Warren and Bridgette’s relationship is as tumultuous as ever, and Maggie grapples with her illness.

When she comes across an old list of things she wanted to do “maybe one of these days,” Maggie decides to live life to the fullest and accomplish these dreams. Maggie keeps Ridge updated on her adventures, but he can’t help but worry, even as Sydney grows more and more suspicious about their friendship. But if she’s going to move past this jealousy, she’ll need to reconcile how she and Ridge came together with the fact that Maggie will always be in their lives somehow…or end up walking away from the man she loves so much.”

#21: This Girl

This book wasn’t particularly bad. It was moderately entertaining, but obviously not the best of Hoover’s books or it wouldn’t be ranked so low. At this point in the series, I think she said everything that needed to be said about Layken and Will. I really only read it because I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to miss anything. Spoiler alert: I didn’t miss a single thing. This is almost as bad as Losing Hope because it’s told from Will’s point of view and a lot of the scenes overlap. I really, really dislike that (if you can’t tell already). I definitely need fresh storytelling in a sequel, not a rehash of what I already read.

Layken and Will’s love has managed to withstand the toughest of circumstances, and the young lovers, now married, are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union. 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 installment of the beloved Slammed series.”

#20: Maybe Not

The only thing that saved this book and ranked it higher than the others was the fact that I found Warren both charming and hilarious. The banter between Warren and Bridgette was entertaining. I also enjoyed getting to know more about Bridgette as a character. It gives you some perspective after reading Maybe Someday and probably not liking her very much. My view changed after this one. Hoover probably could’ve dug into this and made it a full-length novel instead of a novella. It might have ranked higher had it actually had some depth.

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.

#19: Point of Retreat

This is book #2 in the Slammed series. Again, Colleen Hoover has a long way to go when it comes to writing a series. None of the follow ups are ever even slightly as good as the first book. This one wasn’t terrible. I was mostly invested in finding out what happens to Layken and Will. There was good tension in this book. I did actually care how it ended. Therefore, it ranked higher than the others.

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.

How far does Will have to go to prove to Layken his love for her will last forever? It will require something truly extraordinary to keep this couple together, and the decisions they make and the answers they find will change not only their lives, but the lives of everyone around them.”

#18: Too Late

So, Too Late has an interesting back story. It was written and published originally on Wattpad. (As a self-published author myself, this point is very near and dear to my heart.) As far as the story goes, it’s somewhere in the middle. People who like Verity will love the dark aspects of it. (It’s reeeeeeaaaaal gritty. Just like Verity.) Hoover says she wrote this as a side project when she was stuck on other scenes, but it stands alone on its own. Sure, the plot is ridiculous and the writing is so-so, but you can see hints of the things she does really well, too. It’s entertaining enough and will certainly keep people intrigued.

“Sloan will go through hell and back for those she loves. And she does, every single day. After finding herself stuck in a relationship with the dangerous and morally corrupt Asa Jackson, Sloan will do whatever it takes to get by until she’s able to find a way out. Nothing will get in her way. Nothing except Carter. Sloan is the best thing to ever happen to Asa. And if you ask Asa, he’d say he’s the best thing to ever happen to Sloan. Despite Sloan’s disapproval of Asa’s sinister lifestyle, he does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead in his business. He also does exactly what he needs to do in order to stay a step ahead of Sloan. Nothing will get in his way. Nothing except Carter. Recommended for readers 18+ due to scenes of graphic violence, including rape, murder and other sensitive issues.”

#17: Layla

I went into Layla with an open mind which is why I think it ranks so high here. I was expecting nothing other than Colleen Hoover with some ghosts. That’s exactly what I got. The story isn’t inherently good. In fact, it’s laughable in a lot of parts. However, I love seeing authors dip their toe in other genres and it’s admirable that she chose to try something new. Entertaining read that won’t take too long to get through. Go in with an open mind. You’ll laugh along the way too.

“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.

Feeling distant from Layla, Leeds soon finds solace in Willow―another guest of the B&B with whom he forms a connection through their shared concerns. As his curiosity for Willow grows, his decision to help her find answers puts him in direct conflict with Layla’s well-being. Leeds soon realizes he has to make a choice because he can’t help both of them. But if he makes the wrong choice, it could be detrimental for all of them.”

#16: Without Merit

This is the ONLY book on this list I would allow in my classroom library. I know that teens love reading Colleen Hoover, but as an ELA teacher, I can honestly say that this is the only novel I’d ever allow to live on a shelf in my classroom. It’s firmly in the YA genre. The darker themes are there, but they’re handled in a much more “closed door” way. I liked Merit as a character. The family dynamics are definitely twisted in a very Colleen Hoover fashion, but it’s not nearly at the level of the other novels.

“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.

Fed up with the lies, Merit decides to shatter the happy family illusion that she’s never been a part of before leaving them behind for good. When her escape plan fails, Merit is forced to deal with the staggering consequences of telling the truth and losing the one boy she loves.

#15: Finding Perfect

I really like Daniel and Six’s story and I think that’s why this little novella ranks so high on my list. I loved seeing how things panned out for both couples. It’s a beautiful sentiment. I also really love Daniel as a narrator, so getting to read another book in his voice was fun.

“Finding Perfect is a novella that brings back several of Colleen Hoover’s most beloved characters. Told from the point of view of Daniel from Finding Cinderella, readers will finally get the conclusion they’ve been hoping for. For the best reading experience, make sure you’ve read all four books that come together to make up this heartwarming story; Hopeless, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella and All Your Perfects.”

#14: All Your Perfects

There was something in this novel that was missing for me that stopped it from ranking higher. I know a lot of people love this book, but it fell flat for me. The “make me care” factor was missing. No heart strings were tugged. Sure, I sympathized (and even empathized) with the characters and the conflict, but I couldn’t connect. This is something that Hoover usually does well, but in this book, the pull was missing.

“Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. 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.

All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?”

#13: Finding Cinderella

I read the Hopeless series out of order and ended up reading Finding Cinderella first. I love Daniel as a narrator. His voice is fresh, funny, and highly entertaining. The problem with reading out of order, though, is that I knew the end of Hopeless before I read it. (HUGE bummer missing out on that plot twist.) But, I digress. I loved the story anyways. It’s a little twisted, a little unbelievable, and yet I absolutely cared about these characters and their plight. I rooted for them. I can even remember the story long after I read.

A chance encounter in the dark leads eighteen-year-old Daniel and the girl who stumbles across him to profess their love for each other. But this love has conditions: they agree it will last only one hour, and it will be only make-believe.

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.

One year and one bad relationship later, his disbelief in love-at-first-sight is stripped away the day he meets Six: a girl with a strange name and an even stranger personality. Unfortunately for Daniel, finding true love doesn’t guarantee a happily ever after . . . it only further threatens it.

Will an unbearable secret from the past jeopardize Daniel and Six’s only chance at saving each other?”

#12: It Starts with Us

As far as sequels go, this one is Colleen Hoover’s best. Admittedly, Hoover is not an expert series writer. Most of her writing shines as a standalone. I think this novel was born out of fan request and I do like what she did with it. Although she didn’t go as far into Atlas’ backstory as I wanted her to, it was nice to revisit the characters and see how things went after It Ends with Us was over. Also, the line from which the novel gets its title will leave you in tears. A solid Hoover offering even for a sequel.

Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting 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.”

#11: Slammed

I’m surprised at myself for ranking this so high because it’s Colleen Hoover’s first published novel, however, I think I’m right on this one. This book is a clever little read. I’d probably even be fine with it in a classroom library. (There is one plot point that gives me reservations, but I won’t reveal that here because spoilers. Read and judge for yourself, but I mostly think it’d be fine.) The thing that makes this book so great is that you get a glimpse of slam poetry up close. I found the whole thing fascinating and loved the poems. It’s not quite as deep as the top 10, but it’s a solid read.

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.

Not long after a heart-stopping first date during which each recognizes something profound and familiar in the other, they are slammed to the core when a shocking discovery brings their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together and the forces that tear them apart. Only through the poetry they share are they able to speak the truth that is in their hearts and imagine a future where love is cause for celebration, not regret.”

#10: Hopeless

Let me start off by saying that this is a hard read. I knew more than I should about it because I accidentally read Finding Cinderella first and I STILL sobbed. The subject matter is difficult and let’s just say there should be a laundry list of trigger warnings. That being said, the book is fantastic. The internal character growth is as palpable as the love between Sky and Holder.  It’s a gripping story and it really says something about how good the top 10 is if this ranks #10. (Note: Technically, this one is YA, but I absolutely would not keep it in a classroom library.)

“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 defenses 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.

Only by courageously facing the stark revelations can Sky and Holder hope to heal their emotional scars and find a way to live and love without boundaries. Hopeless is a novel that will leave you breathless, entranced, and remembering your own first love.”

#9: Regretting You

The thing I loved most about this novel was the mother-daughter relationship. This was a different theme for Hoover, but one I generally liked watching her explore. In what is very on-brand for Colleen Hoover, the story is pretty messed up. However, the exploration of family dynamics and the overall emotion of the story is very well done. I really liked Miller as a character as well. He had unexpected depth and heart much like many of the men of Hoover’s stories.

Morgan Grant and her sixteen-year-old daughter, Clara, would like nothing more than to be nothing alike.

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.

While struggling to rebuild everything that crashed around them, Morgan finds comfort in the last person she expects to, and Clara turns to the one boy she’s been forbidden to see. With each passing day, new secrets, resentment, and misunderstandings make mother and daughter fall further apart. So far apart, it might be impossible for them to ever fall back together.”

#8: November 9

The concept of this novel is clever. Each year, Fallon and Ben meet for one day on November 9th. They don’t have any other contact information for each other. Just the time and place each year. That alone made the novel intriguing, but once you get in there and start to unpack all of the other layers of the story, it just gets better. You can see as we move up the list, the themes are explored a lot more in depth. Starting with number 10 and up, you can really see her writing turn more thoughtful and poignant. I saw that a lot in this one.

“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 Los Angeles 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.

Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?”

#7: Confess

I was surprised by how much I really liked this book. So many of Hoover’s novels have these incredibly clever concepts and this was one. People leave anonymous “confessions” that an artist paints. Again, overlapping plotlines and themes add some major meat to this story. It really tugs on the heart strings. Going on the journey with Auburn as she finds herself and fights for the life she deserves is so incredibly satisfying. Such a good read.

“At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is 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 chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret 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.

To save their relationship, all Owen needs to do is confess. But in this case, the confession could be much more destructive than the actual sin.”

#6: Maybe Someday

I am sort of embarrassed to say that this book taught me a lot about the ways deaf people have to operate in their daily lives to be able to communicate clearly. There were so many things I just never knew. Books certainly create empathy, and for me, this one really opened my eyes to so many of the ways the world makes it hard for people who can’t hear. A lot of people criticize this book because of the way the two main characters get together, but I think it’s part of this book’s message. So much about life is just messy. There is so much that is out of our control. Sometimes within the mess, something beautiful can happen. I also really loved the music angle here. So much to unpack with this story.

“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 neighbor, 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.”

#5: Verity

If you have a weak stomach or can’t handle any grit in your books, don’t read Verity. I’m ranking Verity so high because first, it’s incredibly clever. It’s a masterclass in mood and tone. The suspense writing is fantastic. I’m not often scared by books, but this one gave me quite the jolt more than once. Second, Verity is the way many people are introduced to Colleen Hoover, so I felt the need to rank it appropriately. There are scenes in this book that will (unfortunately) stay with me forever. It’s a psychological thriller which isn’t her typical genre. I often tell people not to read Verity first, but if you’re okay with the darker themes, then go ahead and read it after you are more aware of what Colleen Hoover is about. Verity is not typical of her writing, but it’s still a solid read.

“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 her family was forever altered.
 
Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen’s feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife’s words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her.”

#4: Ugly Love

My warning for this book is always, “If you don’t like to read spicy scenes, don’t read Ugly Love.” I will just come out and say it: this book has A LOT of sex in it. At one point, I found myself rolling my eyes and asking, “Again?!” However, within the slivers of space where the characters are not, in fact, having sex, there is this beautifully raw story with so much depth and emotion. It explores grief deeply and how it can affect our future relationships. These scenes are what I love most about Colleen Hoover. Her ability to make you care about a story is uncanny. I can still feel my heart break a little when I think about Miles and that’s 100% knowing he is fictional. This is definitely a tearjerker.

“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.

Hearts get infiltrated.
Promises get broken.
Rules get shattered.
Love gets ugly.”

#3: Heart Bones

Surprisingly, Heart Bones was my introduction to Colleen Hoover and it’s the book I tell everyone to read first. Why? First, it’s an excellent read. Second, it gives you the introduction to Colleen Hoover that I wish everyone would get instead of Verity. It’s Colleen Hoover “lite”, if you will. You’re getting all of the things Colleen Hoover does really well plus an excellent glimpse into how she can weave a really important theme through the text. It’s a good way to dip your toe into her writing style to see if it’s for you. (I’ll talk more about my preferred reading order below.)

“Life and a dismal last name are the only two things Beyah Grim’s parents ever gave her. After carving her path all on her own, Beyah is well on her way to bigger and better things, thanks to no one but herself. With only two short months separating her from the future she’s built and the past she desperately wants to leave behind, an unexpected death leaves Beyah with no place to go during the interim. Forced to reach out to her last resort, Beyah has to spend the remainder of her summer on a peninsula in Texas with a father she barely knows. Beyah’s plan is to keep her head down and let the summer slip by seamlessly, but her new neighbor Samson throws a wrench in that plan. Samson and Beyah have nothing in common on the surface. She comes from a life of poverty and neglect; he comes from a family of wealth and privilege. But one thing they do have in common is that they’re both drawn to sad things. Which means they’re drawn to each other. With an almost immediate connection too intense for them to continue denying, Beyah and Samson agree to stay in the shallow end of a summer fling. What Beyah doesn’t realize is that a rip current is coming, and it’s about to drag her heart out to sea.”

#2: Reminders of Him

If you’ve read this book and don’t still think of the story from time to time then you probably need to check your pulse. This story is both heart wrenching and hopeful at the same time. It’s heartfelt, honest, and a deep dive into all of the ways we hold ourselves to impossible standards. It’s a deeply layered story and a shining example of the masterful storytelling in which Colleen Hoover is capable.

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.

The two form a connection despite the pressure surrounding them, but as their romance grows, so does the risk. Kenna must find a way to absolve the mistakes of her past in order to build a future out of hope and healing.”

#1: It Ends with Us

To date, this is Colleen Hoover’s magnum opus. What sets this tale apart from the others is the addition of the incredibly astute theme. This is one of those stories that live in the gray area. I believe that’s one of the things Colleen Hoover does best. She’s able to show readers that life isn’t always black and white. Sometimes we live and survive in the gray. After reading this, you have to read the acknowledgements. I almost wish she’d print them first, but I understand why they’re at the end. (It’d give away too much.) The acknowledgements give so much more context to the story and really increases appreciation for the novel.

“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, 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.”

Colleen Hoover Reading Order

There is really no right or wrong way to read an author’s catalogue. Some will tell you exactly how it should be read, but with Hoover, there is more of a guide. She has a really great graphic on her Instagram that I will link below. It shows all of the novels and their companions.

With that being said, here is the order I wish I had read them in. I’ll give a few options.

Colleen Hoover “Casual” Reading: Heart Bones, Confess, November 9, Maybe Someday, Ugly Love, Reminders of Him, It Ends with Us (If you’re okay with a gritty novel, add Verity)

Colleen Hoover Full Catalogue Read (Save the Best for Last): Slammed Series, Hopeless Series, Without Merit, Layla, Maybe Someday Series, Regretting You, November 9, Confess, Ugly Love, Heart Bones, Reminders of Him, It Starts with Us Series (Okay with gritty? Add Too Late near the beginning and Verity near the end.)

What do you think? Do my rankings look like yours? Sound off in the comments below or hop on over to my IG to join in the conversation.

Happy reading!

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2 Comments

  • I don’t know if “writing can be lackluster” and “difficult to put down” can be used next to each other. I’m making it a goal of mine to read It Ends With Us by the end of the year and so far the first chapter is proving this a difficult feat. But I’m going to take your advice and try not to focus on the few things that make her stories weak so I don’t miss out on all of the great. Wish me luck.

    • I know that seems like quite the oxymoron, but it was absolutely true for me! Her stories are captivating even if the writing isn’t always the most poetic. She’s got a very straightforward “tell don’t show” style. Hope you end up enjoying it!

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