Colleen Hoover Books in Order

Who is Colleen Hoover?

Colleen Hoover is an American author of new adult and young adult romance novels, along with writing psychological thrillers. Hoover has written twenty-four novels and novellas, many of which ranked #1 on New York Times Bestselling Lists.

Collectively her books have 20 million books and she was also named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.

Hoover was born and raised in Texas and graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce with a degree in social work. Before working fulltime as a writer, Hoover worked as a social worker and taught.

Now, Hoover lives with her three sons and husband in Texas. She has self-published many of her novels before being picked up by a publishing house. Colleen Hoover’s books are known for being emotionally driven, engaging, and introspective.

Her characters are relatable and the book delves into their inner worlds which helps the readers resonate with their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities.

She regularly explores themes such as loss, trauma, mental health, and personal growth. While romance is usually the central theme of her books, she doesn’t shy away from exploring the challenges that relationships can bring, addressing personal boundaries, trust, and communication.

Colleen Hoover Book Series Reading Order

Here is the reading order of different Colleen Hoover series.

It Ends With Us Series Reading Order

1) It Ends With Us

2) It Starts With Us

Maybe Someday Series Reading Order

1) Maybe Someday

2) Maybe Not

3) Maybe Now

Slammed Series Reading Order

1) Slammed

2) Point of Retreat

3) The Girl

Hopeless Series Reading Order

1) Hopeless

2) Losing Hope

3) Finding Cinderella

4) All Your Perfects

5) Finding Perfect

Colleen Hoover Book Series in Publication Order

1) Slammed (2012, Ages 14+)

This is the first book in the Slammed series. It follows the story of Layken, a young woman who moves to Michigan after her father’s death. There, she meets Will, a captivating poet, and they embark on a passionate and forbidden romance filled with love, loss, and the power of words.

Slammed is a beautifully written heart-wrenching story that will emotionally invest readers from start to finish. Through the story of Layken, the main protagonist, Hoover explores the themes of loss, love, and the power of words.

2) Point of Retreat (2012, Ages 14+)

The second book in the Slammed series continues Layken and Will’s journey as they face new challenges in their relationship. Secrets, misunderstandings, and unexpected events put their love to the test, forcing them to make difficult choices for the sake of their future.

As Hoover continues the story of Layken and Will, she takes her readers on a journey of self-realization. The book delves into the complexities of trust, forgiveness, and the importance of communication.

3) This Girl (2013, Ages 14+)

This Girl is the third book in the Slammed series. It follows Layken and Will, a now-married couple who are beginning to feel safe and secure in their union.

No matter how content Layken feels, she still has an undying curiosity about her husband Will and his painful memories from the past. However, due to his love for his wife, he starts untangling his story and reveals some bad moments and intimate thoughts.

Hoover skillfully weaves a tale where readers get a glimpse of Will’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations. As the final book, it ties up any and all loose ends and provides a satisfying conclusion to Layken and Will’s story.

4) Hopeless (2013, Ages 17+)

Hopeless is the first novel in Colleen Hoover’s Hopeless series. Hopeless is a young adult romance that deals with the themes of abuse and friendship. Sky Davis is completely enamored by Dean Holder, a reputation that rivals her own and invokes feelings in her she’s never had before.

While she tries to keep her distance, Holder insists on learning everything about her. When she is unable to deny their intense connection, she discovers that Holder is very erratic and his behavior can be very unpredictable at times.

This causes her to question her faith in the relationship and in the person she is most attracted to. The book not only deals with their romantic relationship but also focuses on her tumultuous childhood, which includes being adopted later in life and being homeschooled by extremely religious people.

Hopeless is a well-paced book with great pacing and character development. It unravels the back story of different characters with utmost care that is explored further in its sequels.

5) Losing Hope (2013, Ages 17+)

Losing Hope is the second novel in the Hopeless series. This companion novel “Hopeless” tells the story from Dean Holder’s perspective. It delves into his journey of redemption, self-discovery, and the relentless pursuit of truth as he tries to find solace after devastating losses.

In the book, we realize that Holder’s life has been overshadowed by feelings of guilt and remorse ever since he couldn’t save from imminent danger. He believes that finding her would bring him the peace he needs. However, what he didn’t anticipate was that reconciliation would be harder than he could ever imagine.

This book is Colleen Hooper at her best. In Losing Hope, she is the master of her domain as she uses words with such impeccable skill and intent that can make us feel a range of emotions. I would totally recommend this book to anybody who enjoys romance novels and would not shy away from tearing up a bit.

6) Finding Cinderella (2014, novella, Ages 17+)

Finding Cinderella is a novella that is part of the Hopeless series but it can also be read as a standalone book. Daniel, an eighteen-year-old boy, stumbles across a strange girl where they profess their love for each other. However, their love has some conditions applied to it- it will only last an hour and it will be only make-believe.

When the hour ends, the girl rushes off like Cinderella and Daniel tries to convince himself that his feelings were real only in the moment. A year after a string of bad relationships, Daniel no longer believes in love at first sight but when he meets Six, his world changes.

Finding Cinderella is a great book with an interesting male lead. Hoover has a skill when it comes to writing a fake book boyfriend that is unmatched. This book is a must-read wholesome romantic ride.

7) Maybe Someday (2014, Ages 17+)

Sydney, a talented musician, discovers her boyfriend’s infidelity and finds solace in her mysterious neighbour, Ridge. Their shared love for music leads to a unique and intense connection, blurring the lines of friendship and romance.

Sydney and Ridge’s connection with each other evolves into something deeper through their shared passion for music.

Hoover exceptionally captures and portrays the complexities of their relationship, building tension, and chemistry, which keeps readers hooked until the very last page.

Read more about Colleen Hoover’s Someday series order here.

8) Maybe Not (2014, novella, Ages 17+)

Warren is a hilarious and charismatic man who is ecstatic about the opportunity to live with a female roommate. However, her new roommate, Bridgette is harsh, cold, and calculating. Warren wonders whether he can break Bridgette’s harsh exterior in this short novella.

Through this novella, Hoover masterfully showcases her talent for crafting characters with undeniable chemistry and fiery banter. Although Maybe Not is a companion book in the Maybe series, it is able to add depth to the entire series by offering fresh perspectives and further exploring the complexities of love and vulnerability.

9) Ugly Love (2014, Ages 17+)

Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover is a standalone novel that is rated mature. The story revolves around Tate and Miles. Both of them are extremely attracted to one another and realize that their situations are perfect for each other. While Miles isn’t interested in a romantic fling, Tate doesn’t have time for romance.

They strike up an arrangement to have sex, as long as Tate agrees to not ask Miles any questions about his past and that she doesn’t expect a future with him.

However, when they both start developing feelings for one another, they realize that just being physical is too much for them to handle. With compelling characters, Colleen Hoover is able to engage her audience with a snap of her fingers.

This character-driven story is told from the point of view of both protagonists- Tate and Miles. We learn why Miles is reluctant to be in a relationship whilst simultaneously observing two characters falling in love with one another.

This romance novel is perfect for people who love a slow-burn romance with wounded protagonists. Also, this is the perfect first book to read by Colleen Hoover as it is a great representation of her storytelling and character development.

10) Never Never (2015, Ages 14+)

Never Never is a collaboration between Colleen Hoover and New York Times bestselling author of books like The Wives, Tarryn Fisher. Charlie and Silas have been best friends since they were young kids. In their teenage years, they fell in love.

However, one day they wake up with no memory of their first kiss or first fight. One day they wake up to being complete strangers. Charlie and Silas must work together to uncover the truth about what happened to them.

Hoover and Fisher’s collaboration results in a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

11) Confess (2015, Ages 17+)

Auburn Reed crosses paths with Owen Gentry, an artist who displays anonymous confessions in his gallery. Their lives intertwine as they navigate secrets, sacrifices, and the healing power of love.

The story explores the power of secrets, love, and forgiveness. Hoover possesses the remarkable ability to interweave art and storytelling shines through, providing a deeply emotional and thought-provoking experience.

12) November 9 (2015, Ages 17+)

Fallon and Ben meet on the same day every year, November 9th, and form a unique connection. However, their lives are complicated by personal struggles, secrets, and the fear of getting too close.

Each chapter in the novel is structured around their November 9th meetings spanning five years. Each meeting adds depth and anticipation to the story which keeps the readers invested in the characters’ journey of growth and self-discovery.

In the novel, the characters evolve and navigate the complexities of their personal lives and explore the themes of love, loss, and second chances.

13) It Ends With Us (2016, Ages 17+)

It Ends With Us is the first book in the It Ends With Us book series by Colleen Hoover. The book has sold over a million copies and has been translated into twenty languages. It Ends With Us follows Lily, a hardworking woman who is determined to achieve the life of her dreams.

When she starts her own business and meets a gorgeous neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid, her life suddenly seems too good to be true. However, Ryle can be arrogant, stubborn, assertive, and also sensitive. He has a strict no-dating policy even though he has a soft spot for Lily. Ryle’s aversion to romantic relationships makes Lily wonder about what happened to Ryle in the past.

As she questions her new relationship, she starts becoming overwhelmed with the thoughts of her first love- Atlas Corrigan. This book will surely take you on a rollercoaster of emotions- from ecstasy to contentment to deep anger and sadness.

Colleen Hoover hooks you on to the story with fantastic character development and great story progression, whilst teaching us about hope and perseverance in relationships.

14) Too Late (2016, Ages 21+)

Sloan is trapped in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Asa. When she crosses paths with Carter, a persistent cop, she finds herself drawn to him. As secrets unravel and danger escalates, Sloan must make difficult choices to break free from her toxic past.

With Too Late, Hoover takes her readers on a more intense and darker journey as she explores and exposes the harsh realities of domestic abuse while simultaneously exploring the resilience of the human spirit.

15) Without Merit (2017, Ages 17+)

Merit Voss lives in a house filled with secrets and dysfunction. When she meets Sagan, a boy who sees beyond her facade, they develop a deep connection. Together, they navigate family complexities, confront truths, and discover the power of acceptance and forgiveness.

Hoover has a gift for creating flawed yet relatable characters who undergo profound personal transformations. Without Merit is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of acceptance and forgiveness.

16) All Your Perfects (2018, Ages 17+)

All Your Perfects is a novel that is part of the Hopeless series and can be read as a standalone. Considered the saddest novel by Colleen Hoover, All Your Perfects is a book that follows Graham and Quinn, a couple. Their perfect love is threatened by an imperfect marriage due to unresolved memories, mistakes, and secrets that have built up in their relationship for years.

However, they realize that the one thing that can help resolve the issues in their marriage is also the one thing that is pushing them apart from one another.

This profound and sad novel about a damaged couple deals with unkept promises and the effects on their relationship. It also explores the effects of infertility on a couple. Readers and fans of Colleen Hoover’s book have applauded her for writing a sensitive book that depicts a marriage in crisis perfectly.

17) Verity (2018, Ages 21+)

This psychological thriller follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is offered an opportunity to finish a successful author’s book series. As she delves into the work of Verity Crawford, she uncovers dark secrets and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of lies.

With Verity, Colleen Hoover proves her versatility as a writer as she delves into the realm of psychological thrillers. Verity is a gripping and engaging novel that takes the readers on a suspenseful and thrilling journey that will captivate them until the very end.

Hoover does a fantastic job of building tension and suspense throughout the story. With a narrative filled with several twists and turns, Verity explores the themes of obsession and manipulation.

18) Maybe Now (2018, Ages 17+)

Maybe Now is the final book in Colleen Hoover’s Maybe Someday series. A collaboration between Colleen Hoover and Griffin Peterson, Maybe Now brings us back into the world of Sydney Blake and Ridge Lawson. It follows the cast of characters of the Maybe Someday series as they navigate new relationships and old friendships.

As the series progresses, Hoover delves further into the complexities of love, forgiveness, and redemption. She draws the audience back into this emotional rollercoaster with relative ease. This book perfectly highlights her ability to write multidimensional characters who possess flaws, vulnerabilities, and past traumas.

19) Finding Perfect (2019, novella, Ages 17+)

Finding Perfect is a novella in which author Colleen Hoover brings back some of her most beloved characters. The novella is told from the perspective of Daniel, the protagonist of Finding Cinderella and it hopes to provide the readers with much-needed closure on his story. As intended the book brings us proper closure and is heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time.

20) Regretting You (2019, Ages 14+)

Morgan Grant’s life takes a devastating turn when her husband and her teenage daughter, Clara, are involved in a car accident. This emotional story explores the complexities of grief, mother-daughter relationships, and the possibility of finding love again.

In Regretting You, Hoover masterfully captures the complexities of grief, love, and the struggle to move forward. Hoover is able to evoke a range of emotions and explores the resilience of the human spirit.

21) Heart Bones (2020, Ages 14+)

Beyah Grim’s summer takes an unexpected turn when she meets the enigmatic Samson. As they embark on a road trip together, their connection deepens, and they discover the power of healing, self-discovery, and living in the present.

In Heart Bones, Hoover explores the themes of loss, forgiveness, and the power of living in the present moment. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their journey toward healing is poignant and deeply satisfying.

22) Layla (2020, Ages 17+)

Layla tells the story of when Leeds meets Layla and is convinced that he’ll spend the rest of his life with her. After an accident, Layla recovers physically but it completely alters the woman Leeds fell in love with. Leeds whisks away Layla to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met to jog back her name.

The book delivers a haunting and atmospheric narrative that grips readers from the start. Hoover effortlessly blends romance and suspense, offering a unique reading experience that will keep readers enthralled until the final page.

23) Reminders of Him (2022, Ages 17+)

Reminders of Him tells the story of Kenna Rowan who is hoping to reunite with her four-year-old daughter after serving five years in prison for a tragic mistake. However, everybody in Kenna’s life is determined to shut Jenna out. But Ledger Ward is the only person that wishes to link Kenna with her daughter.

Hoover is a versatile writer and in Reminders of Him, she presents a different facet of love, heartbreak, and the indelible marks left on the human heart. It also exemplifies her ability to evoke deep emotions and leave a lasting impact on readers.

24) It Starts With Us (2022, Ages 17+)

It Starts With Us is a sequel to Colleen Hoover’s hit 2016 novel, It Ends With Us. Hoover admitted to writing the book as a show of gratitude to fans of the first novel. The book is centered around Lily and Atlas’ romantic relationship with alternating chapters told from the perspectives of Lily and Atlas.

Lily and Ryle have agreed to co-parent their daughter after their divorce. When one day she bumps into her old lover, Atlas, she is elated to meet him and goes on a date with him. However, she is worried that Ryle will not approve of the relationship as he is still a big part of her life.

The book is perfect for romance novel readers who enjoy a storyline that is centered around the friends to lover’s archetypes. Hoover wrote this book because of the love and support she received from her fans for the first book.

She decided to write a purposefully lighter story while still dealing with heavy topics. It portrays the importance of open communication, support, and trust to make a relationship work.

Short Stories

1) “A Father’s Kiss” from The Kiss (An Anthology of Love and Other Close Encounters)

Published in 2014, A Father’s Kiss is a short story that also serves as an epilogue to the Slammed series. Told from the perspective of Eddie, a child that was raised in the foster system. The book starts off with Eddie saying goodbye to her foster mother, Mrs Katie because she is retiring. Then the book moves forward into the present and we meet an adult Eddie, her husband Gavin, and their daughter Katie as they visit Layken and Will who have just given birth to a daughter named Julia.

2) “Saint” from One More Step (An Anthology)

Published in 2020, Saint is a short story that is a part of One More Step by Colleen Hoover. The book is written by a number of authors who were given the same first sentence and they wrote a bunch of different stories that are not related to each other at all.

3) “The Dress” from Two More Days (An Anthology)

The Dress is a story by Colleen Hoover from Two More Days. Just like One More Step, the book is written by a number of writers who were given the same first sentence.

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