Oh, Colleen Hoover. She’s the author whose books you’ll spot in every bookworm’s photo on Instagram. You know, the ones strategically placed next to a cosy cup of coffee and a knitted blanket? Her books have captivated millions of readers, and even if you haven’t read them, you’ve probably heard of them – and had to duck for cover as opinions about her work get thrown around faster than you can say “book club.”
But let’s take a deeper dive into Colleen Hoover’s ever-growing collection, and I’ll give you a few quick summaries so you know what all the fuss (and the eye rolls) are about. We’ll keep it fair and balanced, but maybe lean a little toward the sceptical side, just to keep things interesting.
Slammed (2012)
Summary: A love story between 18-year-old Layken and her enigmatic neighbour, Will, who just so happens to be her new high school teacher. Ah, forbidden love with an extra side of slam poetry. Because nothing says “true romance” quite like poetry night, right?
Point of Retreat (2012)
Summary: The sequel to Slammed sees Layken and Will battling new challenges as a couple, including family drama and past traumas. It’s a love story that insists on being told in multiple books – because we couldn’t possibly get enough of the teaching-and-dating conundrum.
This Girl (2013)
Summary: Yep, it’s Slammed again – only this time from Will’s point of view. Because there’s nothing like rehashing a plot you’ve already read, but with a different flavour of angst. You asked for more slam poetry, right? No? Too late!
Hopeless (2013)
Summary: Sky meets Dean Holder, and their romance is intense… and mysterious… and, oh, there’s a deep, traumatic twist. It’s a story about young love but drenched in pain and past secrets that nobody wants to talk about. (Seriously, don’t read this if you’re having a bad week.)
Losing Hope (2013)
Summary: It’s Hopeless, but wait – this time it’s Holder’s perspective! Hoover likes her double narratives. On the plus side, at least you get to see why Holder is such a brooding mess. Maybe it’ll explain all those angsty sighs.
Finding Cinderella (2014)
Summary: A novella that revisits Hopeless characters, Daniel and Six. They meet in a dark closet – because that’s where true love sparks, naturally – and the rest is a whirlwind romance. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’ll have you asking: “Do people really fall in love in closets?”
Maybe Someday (2014)
Summary: A love triangle featuring Sydney, Ridge, and some awkward emotional boundaries. There’s music, there’s betrayal, and there’s a “maybe someday” quality to their decisions, which is as vague as it sounds. Also, Ridge is deaf – because Hoover loves adding that extra layer of complexity.
Maybe Not (2014)
Summary: A companion novella to Maybe Someday focusing on Warren and Bridgette’s relationship. It’s got a lot of the same push-pull dynamics, but with more sarcasm and slightly fewer guitars.
Ugly Love (2014)
Summary: Tate meets Miles, who doesn’t want love, just physical intimacy. They make a pact, but this being a Hoover novel, emotions inevitably get involved, and both are forced to confront their pasts. The book is quite literally about ugly love – brace yourself for baggage. Lots of it.
Confess (2015)
Summary: Auburn falls for Owen, an artist with secrets who paints based on anonymous confessions. The art is cool, but the love story? Let’s just say that if my dating life included this many secrets, I’d need a nap.
November 9 (2015)
Summary: Fallon and Ben meet every year on November 9th. No contact between meetings, no strings attached. Because nothing could possibly go wrong in a relationship with such a weird set of rules, right?
It Ends With Us (2016)
Summary: Lily meets Ryle, and they start a romance despite some serious red flags. Domestic abuse and difficult choices are handled in this one, often in a way that makes you question if you’re supposed to like Ryle or not (hint: you’re not). And don’t get me started on the name Ryle…
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Without Merit (2017)
Summary: Merit Voss feels invisible in her dysfunctional family until a new guy, Sagan, turns everything upside down. It’s a story about secrets, mental health, and family – and how communication might have saved everyone a lot of pain.
All Your Perfects (2018)
Summary: A love story told in dual timelines – because why have just one timeline of relationship dysfunction when you can have two? Quinn and Graham’s marriage is falling apart, and you get to watch it both in the past and the present. Fun!
Verity (2018)
Summary: Lowen is hired to complete the works of famous author Verity, who’s mysteriously incapacitated. In the process, she finds a manuscript that’ll make you question everything. A thriller with a dollop of twisted romance, it’s Hoover trying her hand at a different genre. Spoiler alert: it’s creepy.
Regretting You (2019)
Summary: Morgan and her daughter Clara navigate the messy dynamics of family and love after a tragic accident. Hoover manages to make teen angst and mother-daughter drama equally exhausting and compelling. You’ll need a cup of tea afterward.
Heart Bones (2020)
Summary: Beyah and Samson meet under odd circumstances at a beach town and find solace in each other’s brokenness. It’s got an “opposites attract” vibe, but be prepared for deep dives into past trauma because that’s just how Colleen rolls.
Layla (2020)
Summary: Leeds falls for Layla, but things get… supernaturally weird after a terrible accident. Think Ugly Love, but throw in ghosts and weird possession incidents. It’s Hoover’s take on paranormal romance, and let’s just say it’s a lot to process.
Reminders of Him (2022)
Summary: Kenna returns to town after a stint in prison and struggles to reconnect with her daughter. It’s a redemption story wrapped in grief and forgiveness. Plus, there’s Ledger, the love interest with the most ironic name ever. Good luck with the emotional rollercoaster.
It Starts With Us (2022)
Summary: This sequel to It Ends With Us follows Lily and Atlas as they get a second chance at love. Essentially, it’s the book everyone wanted because Atlas was too good to be true in the first one, and fans demanded more of his perfection. Ryle’s still there, but, thankfully, we’ve moved past that mess.
Love Her or Hate Her, Hoover Is Here to Stay
That’s the thing about Colleen Hoover. Love her or hate her, you can’t ignore her. She’s either your favourite comfort author, or you’re someone who wonders why there’s so much drama and trauma in every romance. Do people really meet their soulmates in closets? Do we need two perspectives on every book? Must every couple have so many secrets?
Whatever your opinion, Hoover’s mastered the art of storytelling that resonates with people, especially those who like their love stories extra complicated. She touches on abuse, trauma, redemption, and secrets in a way that’s uniquely hers. Even if you occasionally roll your eyes at a plot twist, you’ve got to admit – her books are always a conversation starter.
Not a Romance Fan? Let’s Talk Self-Help!
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the emotional rollercoaster that is a Colleen Hoover collection and need something to help you get your life in order (without the closet confessions and forbidden romances), let me introduce you to Wizdom. It’s an app that provides bite-sized summaries of some of the best self-help books out there – perfect for those who want a quick dose of inspiration without having to read through 300 pages of fluff.
Whether it’s tips on managing your time, boosting productivity, or just living a happier, more balanced life, Wizdom has got you covered. And hey, maybe reading about emotional intelligence is a better use of time than reading about emotionally unavailable fictional men. Just saying.
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