Best Colleen Hoover Books Ranked for Every Type of Reader

Colleen Hoover has taken the literary world and especially BookTok by storm. From heart-wrenching romances to psychological thrillers, Hoover’s books are known for their raw emotions, flawed characters, and gut-punch plot twists.

What began as self-publishing success quickly evolved into a global phenomenon, especially among young adult and new adult readers craving emotional authenticity and compelling love stories.

Whether you’re new to her world or already a devoted “CoHort,” there’s a Colleen Hoover book for every type of reader and we’re here to guide you through the best of the best.

1. It Ends with Us (2016)

• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Domestic Drama
• Best for: First-time Hoover readers, emotional rollercoaster fans

A powerful, heartbreaking story that dives deep into love, trauma, and resilience. It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a complex and painful relationship, confronting cycles of abuse with raw honesty. This is the book that catapulted Hoover to viral fame, thanks to its unflinching emotional depth and relatability. It’s perfect for those who want a romance that hurts but also heals.

2. Verity (2018)

• Genre: Psychological Thriller, Romantic Suspense
• Best for: Fans of dark twists and mind games

A huge departure from her usual romance-heavy style, Verity is a twisted, seductive thriller that keeps you guessing until the final page. When struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh is hired to finish an injured author’s manuscript, she uncovers a chilling, confessional autobiography. With disturbing secrets and a tense atmosphere, this book is tailor-made for readers who love morally gray characters and gasp-worthy endings.

3. Ugly Love (2014)

• Genre: New Adult Romance, Emotional Drama
• Best for: Hopeless romantics and fans of tragic love stories

This one’s for the tear-jerkers. Ugly Love follows Tate and Miles—two people bound by chemistry and haunted by past heartbreaks. Their “no strings attached” arrangement slowly unravels as deeper emotions surface. Told in dual timelines, it explores grief, healing, and love that isn’t always pretty. It’s Hoover’s classic emotional blueprint at its finest.

4. November 9 (2015)

• Genre: New Adult Romance, Meta-Literary Twist
• Best for: Readers who love fate, books about books, and one-day-a-year love stories

When Fallon and Ben meet on November 9 and decide to meet every year on that same date, their connection becomes the backbone of both a romance and a novel-in-progress. With twists that will keep you guessing and an emotional reveal that hits hard, November 9 is a love letter to storytelling itself.

5. Reminders of Him (2022)

• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Redemption Arc
• Best for: Fans of second chances and emotional healing

Fresh out of prison, Kenna returns to the town where everything went wrong, desperate to reconnect with her daughter. But forgiveness is a steep hill, especially with a community that hasn’t forgotten her past. Reminders of Him is about redemption, motherhood, grief, and finding hope after devastation. It’s one of Hoover’s most mature, heartfelt works.

6. Maybe Someday (2014)

• Genre: New Adult Romance, Musical Love Story
• Best for: Music lovers and slow-burn romance fans

When Sydney discovers her boyfriend’s betrayal, she finds herself emotionally and creatively drawn to her neighbor Ridge, a talented but deaf musician. Their emotional and musical connection becomes the heart of this beautiful, melody-infused romance. The novel even has a companion soundtrack, adding another layer to its experience.

7. It Starts with Us (2022)

• Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sequel
• Best for: Readers craving closure after It Ends with Us

This highly anticipated sequel picks up where It Ends with Us left off, giving readers a chance to explore Lily and Atlas’s love story in more depth. While it’s less emotionally jarring than the first book, it serves as a comforting and satisfying continuation for fans seeking resolution and hope.

8. Heart Bones (2020)

• Genre: YA/New Adult Romance
• Best for: Beach-read lovers and those new to Hoover’s style

Set against a summer backdrop, Heart Bones is a story about two broken people finding connection and meaning in unexpected places. While slightly more toned-down than Hoover’s other works, it’s still full of depth and emotional insight—perfect for readers looking for a gentler introduction to her universe.

9. Confess (2015)

• Genre: Romance, Art and Secrets
• Best for: Fans of emotional storytelling with a creative twist

Auburn and Owen are two characters burdened by secrets. Owen’s art is inspired by anonymous confessions submitted by strangers—confessions that play a major role in the plot. This book is layered, romantic, and full of small heartbreaks and beautiful revelations. It even inspired a TV series adaptation.

10. Without Merit (2017)

• Genre: YA Contemporary, Family Drama
• Best for: Readers drawn to quirky, flawed characters and dysfunctional families

Less romance-focused and more of a psychological family portrait, Without Merit explores mental health, communication, and the pressure to appear perfect. Hoover leans into humor, weirdness, and emotional messiness, making this a standout for readers who want something different from her usual love story formula.

11. Slammed Series (2012–2013)

• Genre: YA Romance, Poetry
• Best for: Teens, poetry lovers, and long-term fans of Hoover’s beginnings

Hoover’s debut novel Slammed kickstarted her career. It’s a sweet, emotional love story wrapped around slam poetry and teenage grief. While the writing reflects her early days, the trilogy holds nostalgic value and emotional weight, especially for those interested in her roots as a storyteller.

Must-Reads Based on Your Mood:

For Newbies: It Ends with Us, Reminders of Him

For Thriller Fans: Verity

For Swoony Romance: Ugly Love, Maybe Someday

For Emotional Gut-Punches: November 9, Confess

For a Light Touch: Heart Bones, Without Merit

For Series Lovers: Slammed Trilogy, It Starts with Us

Ready to cry, swoon, and scream? Start reading and don’t forget to share your favorite CoHo moments .💬📚💖