As an avid reader who gobbles up over 50 novels per year, I‘ve found few contemporary authors that can match Colleen Hoover‘s magical storytelling powers. In just a decade, her raw emotional portraits of love in all its messy glory has catapulted her to become the undisputed queen of new adult fiction.
With over 20 million books sold worldwide and an army of diehard fans dubbing themselves "CoHorts", Hoover reigns supreme when it comes to stories that unpack the human condition through unconventional romantic relationships. Whether she‘s exploring domestic abuse, grief, trauma, or mental illness, Hoover infuses heaviness with hope, compassion, and second chances at happiness.
Below I‘ve compiled reviews of Colleen‘s 12 most unforgettable books that left an indelible mark on my heart. As someone constantly scouring shelves for my next favorite novel, I‘m thrilled to guide fellow bookworms to Hoover‘s special brand of thought-provoking, ugly cry-inducing fiction!
By The Numbers: Inside Hoover‘s Staggering Success
Before diving into recommendations, let‘s quantify Hoover‘s meteoric literary rise:
- 13 novels published since 2012, 4 of them reaching #1 on New York Times Bestseller list
- Over 20 million copies sold worldwide, mainly through Amazon and Indie bookstores
- 1 million+ ratings/reviews on Goodreads, with almost all books maintaining a 4+ star average
- Won Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance 3 times
- Has 5 film/TV adaptations currently in development
- Hoover founded Tarryn Fisher‘s "F*ck It All" self-publishing conference in 2018
Simply put, almost no writer has dominated recent Romance/New Adult scenes like Hoover. She clearly possesses an unmatched talent for scenarios and prose that resonate almost supernaturally with the masses. Now let me convince you to become her next starry-eyed groupie!
#1 It Ends With Us
Lily Bloom seems headed toward a bright future with renowned neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, despite troubling episodes of anger from him. But when first love Atlas re-enters her life after 14 years, Lily is determined not to repeat her mother‘s painful history of domestic abuse.
- My Take: Hoover‘s deeply personal novel shines light on cycles of violence passed between generations. You‘ll ache for headstrong Lily trapped between the man she once adored and one who symbolizes home. The ultimate tale of sacrifice versus self-worth stays with you long after the final page.
#2 Verity
Wheninjured writer Verity Crawford‘s husband approaches editorial assistant Lowen Ashleigh with a lucrative ghostwriting offer, Lowen is shocked to read private autobiographical manuscripts cataloguing Verity‘s sinister exploits. But how far is she willing to go for the story?
- My Take: I screamed out loud no less than 5 times as Hoover took me on a wild, psychologically unsettling ride with this genre departure into domestic suspense. Moral ambiguity abounds thanks to complex character motivations and gasp-worthy twists I couldn‘t predict to save my life.
#3 November 9
Aspiring writer Ben crosses paths with Fallon, a headstrong young woman hiding scars from her unstable upbringing, for one enchanted day in New York City. Despite the physical distance between them, their instant connection spirals into an enduring long distance relationship plagued by past and present demons.
- My Take: Hoover utilizes clever callbacks and structural parallels to craft an epic love chronicle spanning almost a decade. I delighted in her two stubborn, broken leads finding solace together before external forces threatened their hard-won intimacy. Their emotional ride is turbulent but beautiful.
#4 Ugly Love
Airline pilot Miles finds his rules for casual dating challenged when nurse Tate moves into his apartment building and sees beyond his prickly exterior. But family trauma haunts Miles, making him resist entanglements despite their magnetic chemistry.
- My Take: Few authors nail intimacy, miscommunication and angst quite like Hoover – and this friends-with-benefits tale delivers them in spades! By revealing Miles‘ backstory slowly, she had my heart lurching for him right beside infatuated Tate. Their sexy will-they-won‘t-they tension builds exquisitely.
#5 Confess
When artist Owen discovers the woman behind a series of popular anonymous confession paintings, he‘s compelled to know more about Auburn‘s hidden pain. But Owen doesn‘t realize Auburn is swimming in secrets – even from those dearest to her.
- My Take: Hoover smoothly shifts between Auburn and Owen‘s perspectives to unveil decades-long betrayals from loved ones that compel sympathy for both. I admired Owen‘s patience giving Auburn space to open up, leading to hard-won catharsis and healing. The story entertains while preaching radical honesty and forgiveness.
#6 Maybe Someday
When Sydney finds her boyfriend cheating with her roommate and best friend, she finds a comforting confidante in mysterious neighbor Ridge. As their online intimacy deepens, Sydney struggles to resist their intense attraction in real life – even as devastating secrets threaten everything.
- My Take: Sydney and Ridge have electric chemistry tempered by conflicting loyalties. While Hoover has explored love triangles before, the added layer of Sydney‘s musical aspirations struck a deep chord in me as an artist. No one writes yearning and passion like her!
#7 Without Merit
The death of their manipulative father upends the eccentric Voss family, especially black sheep Merit. As buried sins and lies rise to the surface, Merit must confront harsh truths about her relatives and herself if she hopes to escape the dysfunction.
- My Take: Gut-wrenchingly hilarious and sad (I cried as much as I laughed!), this darkly comedic tale gave Hoover room to flex her character development skills. Even unlikable people seem worthy of redemption by the powerful ending when Merit finds liberation.
#8 All Your Perfects
On the verge of divorce after several miscarriages strain their marriage, Quinn and Graham reckon with guilt, fading intimacy, and diverging paths from the people they once were.
- My Take: Hoover doesn‘t shy away from the painful reality that even soulmates hit insurmountable rough patches. I relished the hard-won moments of understanding between two fundamentally decent people beaten down by grief and a loss of identity. Have tissues handy for the gut punch climax!
#9 Hopeless
High school senior Sky questions her quiet life when she becomes enthralled with Dean, her eccentric reform school classmate rumored to dabble in frightening exploits and home to darkness she recognizes all too well.
- My Take: One of Hoover‘s early breakout hits, this coming-of-age tale captures the thrilling free-fall of first love between two troubled teens. She conjures Sky‘s family background slowing through ominous hints before a final shattering reveal. Suspense blended with romance set the mold for Hoover‘s signature style!
#10 Layla
Though struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, Brighton endeavors to convince herself and long-term boyfriend Aidan that she‘s happy. But when hints of his unfaithfulness emerge, Brighton spirals in her search for stability and control.
- My Take: Hoover bravely explores mental illness through the sympathetic lens of charming perfectionist Brighton, whose ordered world implodes when faced with betrayal. I admired Aidan for providing patience and reassurance during her darkest moments rather than pity. An atypical romantic lead who promotes understanding!
#11 Regretting You
A shocking tragedy leaves successful businesswoman Clara struggling to support her rebellious teenage daughter while coping with her own regret-filled upbringing at the hands of a cold mother.
- My Take: Though light on romance, I savored this complex mother-daughter drama unfolding poignant truths on adolescence, rebellion, grief and the legacy of childhood wounds across generations. Plenty of wry humor balances heavier themes about destiny and self-forgiveness.
#12 Heart Bones
Grieving the loss of her father, Sabrina crosses paths with charming, adventure-loving Bram at her family‘s hotel. His thirst for living contrasts with Sabrina‘s depression but could be exactly what inspires her own emotional reawakening.
- My Take: Hoover captures the messiness of mourning and healing with empathy and warmth. I adored romance finally helping Sabrina embrace life‘s beauty without guilt. The coastal small town setting, uplifting messages, and cozy ending left me sighing with contentment.
Why Hoover Speaks Directly To Your Soul
When dissecting why Hoover strikes such a powerful emotional chord with fans, I think it stems from how imaginatively she chronicles universal human experiences. Her stories tap into our deepest fears of loss and heartbreak. We effortlessly empathize with her leads navigating mental illness, trauma, grief and inner turmoil because we all have pain points their journeys evoke for us personally.
And if you love romance as I do, Hoover perfectly encapsulates the agonizing ecstasy of yearning for someone – whether it‘s questioning texts left unanswered for days or enjoying a lover‘s company before bigger baggage inevitably surfaces. She validates how intimacy and trust require bravery, how unconditional love challenges personal walls so we keep growing into best possible versions of ourselves.
While escapist fiction has its place, Hoover grounds fantastical scenarios in genuine emotion. Her gift lies in crafting troubled characters seeking hard-won happiness we instantly care about. They remain long after you‘ve turned the last page – like friends you hope found peace.
Hoover Book Recommendations For:
Based on which Hoover novels have moved, thrilled and shattered me the most, here‘s personalized suggestions based on interests!
For Fans of Epic Forbidden Love Stories: It Ends With Us, November 9
For Hopeless Romantics: Confess, Heart Bones
For Cathartic Ugly Crying: Without Merit, All Your Perfects, Maybe Someday
For Swoon-Worthy Page Turners: Verity, Ugly Love
For Inspiring Messages of Self-Worth: It Starts With Us, Hopeless
Getting Started With Hoover‘s Books
If you‘re anxious to dip into Hoover mania, I‘d advise the following addictive reads first:
- Contemporary Romance: It Ends With Us
- New Adult: Hopeless or Maybe Someday
- Psychological Thriller: Verity
Then explore gems like Confess, Without Merit, Layla, and more!
Hoover FAQs From A Devoted Reader
Let‘s wrap with common questions I get from newbies about properly appreciating all things Colleen Hoover!
Should I read Hoover books in order of publication?
Not necessary! Each novel stands alone well. But it‘s interesting to see her writing evolve across different genres and formats if you read chronologically.
Which novel is your personal favorite and why?
It Ends With Us remains closest to my heart thanks to the resilience and compassion Lily shows escaping domestic violence cycles. I cried, raged, and cheered for her refusing to simply endure more pain elegantly. Such an inspiration!
What first drew you into Hoover‘s work and world?
A bookstagram friend raved nonstop about Ugly Love back in 2015. Miles and Tate sucked me instantly with their angsty friends-with-benefits dynamic. I admired Tate‘s determination breaking down Mile‘s surly emotional barriers at their own pace. Once Hoover gets her hooks in, you‘re a goner!
Anything else a newbie should know?
Just brace yourself because Hoover‘s stories stay with you for weeks after! Re-reading favorites helps when I need an emotional pick-me-up. And hercatalog keeps expanding, so there‘s always an exciting new release on the horizon for devoted fans.
Well friends, I hope my personal musings on all things Colleen Hoover inspire you to grab one of her life-altering books immediately! Just don‘t blame me for the unsightly sobs, reading hangovers, or throwing previous favorite authors over for our beloved queen of feels. Consider yourself warned!
Now who‘s willing to start a neighborhood book club devoted to dissecting Hoover greatness?
