Colleen Hoover, a masterful storyteller of contemporary romance and young adult fiction, has penned some of the most captivating and emotionally resonant novels in recent memory. Her books are celebrated for their compelling characters, heart-wrenching dilemmas, and poignant exploration of love and human connection. From the heartwarming “It Ends with Us” to the gripping “Verity,” Hoover’s body of work continues to enchant readers worldwide, solidifying her status as one of the top authors in the genre. With 22 novels under the author’s belt already, which are the best Colleen Hoover books worth adding to your reading list? 

Colleen Hoover’s stories have captivated readers throughout recent years, garnering her media attention and numerous awards in the best romance and fiction categories. As it turns out, getting your nose into a fiction book may even help you in the long-run. A recent study found that reading something from the fiction section may help improve your verbal skills while entertaining you at the same time. Researchers from Concordia University in Canada say reading for fun, especially when it’s fiction, boosts a reader’s scores on language tests.

Another study indicates that leisurely activities (like reading) may even significantly lower the risk of dementia. Among the activities, researchers found that engaging in mental pastimes had the best impact, with people 23 percent less likely to experience dementia onset. These hobbies included reading or writing for pleasure, watching television, playing games or musical instruments, and making crafts.

Why Readers Can’t Get Enough of Colleen Hoover:

The recent spike in interest in Hoover’s books does not come without reason. Here are some of the things you can expect when opening one of her exceptional titles:

Captivating Plots:

• Genre-bending mastery: From heart-wrenching romances to thrilling suspense, Hoover masterfully weaves multiple genres into compelling narratives, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
• Unforeseen twists and turns: Prepare to be surprised! Hoover’s stories are packed with unexpected developments that leave you guessing until the very last page.
• Emotional depth: She tackles complex themes like trauma, forgiveness, and self-discovery with sensitivity and realism, drawing readers into the inner lives of her characters.

Relatable Characters:

• Flawed and real: Hoover’s characters are far from perfect, making them feel utterly relatable and human. They stumble, make mistakes, and grow, just like any of us.
• Fiercely passionate: Whether it’s love, friendship, or ambition, Hoover’s characters burn with a fire that ignites the readers’ imagination.
• Diverse voices: Her stories feature a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and experiences, ensuring there’s someone for every reader to connect with.

Unforgettable Writing:

• Vivid imagery: Hoover’s evocative descriptions paint vivid pictures in your mind, immersing you completely in the world of her story.
• Raw and honest: Her prose is direct and unfiltered, pulling you straight into the emotional rollercoaster of her characters.
• Witty and charming: Humor and banter pepper her narratives, adding lightness and making even the most difficult topics relatable.

Now that you have all the motivation to get reading, where do you start in the beautiful world of Colleen Hoover? StudyFinds visited 10 of the leading expert websites to find the best Colleen Hoover books most frequently recommended by reviewers. Based on these rankings, we’ve compiled a list of the top five Colleen Hoover novels to date. Enjoy and leave your own suggestions in the comments section at the bottom of the page!

The List: Best Colleen Hoover Books, According to Experts

1. “It Ends With Us” (2016)

Colleen Hoover was already well-known in the literary world when “It Ends With Us” was published in 2016, but this is the book that put her on the map for readers everywhere.

“A heartbreaking novel that is impossible to put down until you’ve finished it. A story about Lily, who hasn’t had the easiest starts in life, but she works relentlessly hard to achieve her big goals. Life is good. She has started her own successful business and is dating an attractive neurosurgeon called Ryle Kincaid,” explains The Reading List.

Critics call the novel honest, brave, and tender. “The story infuses themes of jealousy and generational trauma into a classic love triangle. Lily is falling in love with Ryle. But no sooner has she realized this than her first love, Atlas, returns to her life. The endnote from the author reveals that themes from this stand-alone romance come from her own life,” writes Reader’s Digest.

2. “Verity” (2021)

In 2021, fans of Colleen Hoover were surprised to see her venture into a new genre – dark thrillers. And to no surprise, the book was every bit of a page-turner as her previous work.

“This book seamlessly blends romance and horror and is about two writers — Lowen Ashleigh and Verity Crawford. Lowen is asked to ghostwrite Verity’s latest book, but many obstacles get in the way,” adds The New York Post.

Critics call the thriller sensational and bone-chilling. “Verity is my personal top pick, as well as my readers’ top pick, for the best Colleen Hoover book and it’s, without a doubt, also beloved by MILLIONS of readers who couldn’t put it down and were left completely flabbergasted. I read it in ONE sitting, which I never do,” writes Jules Buono.

3. “Ugly Love” (2014)

What do we all love more than a happy love story? A sad one, of course. Grab the tissues and the Ben & Jerry’s, “Ugly Love” is one of Colleen Hoover’s most well-loved, and cried over, novels.

“When Tate and Miles meet on Tate’s path to a fresh start, they don’t particularly like each other but find there’s a physical attraction they can’t ignore. With only two rules — don’t ask about the past, and never expect a future — Tate and Miles fall into a physical relationship, but soon find the line between friendship and love is easy to blur as long-buried pain begins to resurface,” says Business Insider. 

Critics call the novel heart-wrenching, messy and captivating. “As one reader wryly put it, Ugly Love is about sad people being sad together, and it’s one of those contemporary romance novels that would make a perfect indie film,” adds Reader’s Digest.

4. “Heart Bones” (2020)

Heart Bones is a coming-of-age story about overcoming the painful tragedies of life while building new relationships and experiences. 

“Beyah experiences the most life-changing moment of her life when she loses her mother on the brink of turning 18. She is then forced to be taken in by her father who had abandoned her and her mother all her life,” says The Review Geek.

Critics call the novel passionate and unforgettable. “Though Samson and Beyah come from vastly different backgrounds and seem to have nothing in common on the surface, they’re both drawn to sad things (and each other). When Beyah moves to Texas to spend the rest of the summer with her distant father, she and Samson agree to a no-strings-attached summer fling, though each of their secrets threatens to ruin their summer,” adds Business Insider.

5. “Reminders of Him” (2022)

A story of pain, forgiveness, and a hope for the future, “Reminders of Him” has been captivating readers and spreading like wildfire ever since it was released.

“It is a little different from her most famous romance novels, but it is so grippy you can’t put it down. Kenna Rowan gets out of prison after five years for a tragic mistake. She hopes to reunite with her four-year-old daughter, but everyone is in her way. The only hope comes in the form of a local bartender, Ledger Ward who has secrets of his own. They bond in grief and forgiveness,” mentions Fiction Horizon.

Critics call the novel heartbreaking, heartfelt and riveting. “As Kenna navigates their growing connection, she must find a way to absolve her past to create a new future for herself and her daughter. Goodreads reviewers say this is one of Colleen Hoover’s most sob-worthy stories,” says Business Insider.

Honorable mentions:

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