Best Colleen Hoover Books Ranked: The Ultimate Guide to Her Most Popular Novels

The best Colleen Hoover books ranked reveal why she's become one of the most beloved romance authors of our time, with her emotionally gripping stories capturing millions of readers worldwide. As a publishing phenomenon known for hugely popular books featuring romance and dramatic plot twists, with titles like "It Ends With Us" becoming a #1 New York Times bestseller and TikTok sensation with over one billion tags, Hoover's novels consistently top bestseller lists and dominate social media discussions. Whether you're new to her work or looking to revisit her catalog, this comprehensive ranking helps you discover which Colleen Hoover books deserve your attention first.

The Top Tier: Essential Colleen Hoover Reads

#1: It Ends With Us (2016)

According to Goodreads, "It Ends With Us" stands as Colleen Hoover's most reviewed book and has been reviewed on the platform by over three million readers, making it the undisputed champion among the best Colleen Hoover books ranked by popularity and impact. This powerful novel tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence through Lily Bloom's story, combining romance with serious social commentary in a way that resonates deeply with readers.

The book's success extends far beyond typical romance novel boundaries, sparking important conversations about toxic relationships and personal growth. Its recent film adaptation starring Blake Lively has introduced even more readers to Hoover's compelling storytelling, solidifying its position at the top of any Colleen Hoover books ranking.

#2: Verity (2018)

Verity ranks as another of Colleen Hoover's most reviewed books according to Goodreads, representing her successful venture into psychological thriller territory. This dark, twisted tale follows struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh as she uncovers disturbing secrets while completing a bestselling author's book series.

Verity showcases Hoover's versatility beyond romance, proving she can craft suspenseful narratives that keep readers guessing until the final page. The book's popularity among both romance and thriller readers demonstrates why it consistently appears near the top of best Colleen Hoover books ranked lists.

#3: November 9 (2015)

November 9 tells the unique story of Fallon and Ben, whose relationship unfolds through annual meetings on the same date over several years. This innovative storytelling structure allows Hoover to explore how people change and grow while maintaining deep emotional connections across time.

The novel's exploration of healing from trauma, pursuing dreams, and finding love against difficult odds resonates powerfully with readers. Its creative premise and emotional depth secure its place among the essential Colleen Hoover reads that define her storytelling prowess.

Second Tier: Fan Favorites Worth Reading

Ugly Love (2014)

Ugly Love presents a raw, intense relationship between Tate and Miles that explores the difference between love and desire. The dual timeline structure reveals how past trauma affects present relationships, creating a deeply emotional reading experience that showcases Hoover's ability to handle complex psychological themes.

This novel appeals particularly to readers who enjoy emotionally challenging stories that don't shy away from difficult topics. The book's unflinching look at how past pain can interfere with future happiness makes it a standout in contemporary romance.

Hopeless (2012)

Hopeless follows Sky, a teenager who discovers shocking truths about her past that completely reshape her understanding of her life and identity. The book tackles serious subjects including abuse and memory suppression while maintaining the emotional intensity that defines Hoover's best work.

The novel's exploration of healing and finding strength after trauma resonates strongly with young adult and new adult readers. Its combination of mystery, romance, and serious social issues demonstrates why it remains popular among Colleen Hoover fans.

Maybe Someday (2014)

Maybe Someday combines romance with music, following Sydney's complicated relationships with her roommate's boyfriend Ridge and her own boyfriend Hunter. The story's integration of music as both plot device and emotional expression adds a unique dimension to the typical romance formula.

The book's exploration of attraction, loyalty, and following your passion creates compelling tension that keeps readers engaged. Its popularity led to companion novels and demonstrates Hoover's ability to create series that maintain reader interest across multiple books.

The Slammed Series: Where It All Began

Slammed (2012) - The Foundation

The suggested reading order begins with the Slammed series, and you could start from the beginning with Slammed, making it historically significant as Hoover's debut novel that launched her career. The story of Layken and Will introduced readers to Hoover's signature style of emotional storytelling combined with poetry and deep character development.

While it may not rank as highly as her later works in terms of polish and sophistication, Slammed remains important for understanding Hoover's evolution as a writer and the foundation of themes that would become central to her later novels.

Point of Retreat (2012) and This Girl (2013)

These sequels continue Layken and Will's story, exploring their relationship's challenges and growth over time. While they provide satisfying conclusions to the series, they don't quite reach the emotional heights of Hoover's standalone novels.

The series demonstrates Hoover's early experimentation with poetry integration and multiple perspectives that would become refined in her later, more successful works.

Books for Specific Audiences

Heart Bones (2020) - Recent Addition

Heart Bones represents Hoover's more recent work, showing her continued evolution as a storyteller. The novel explores themes of identity, family secrets, and finding your place in the world through the relationship between Beyah and Samson.

While it may not have achieved the same cultural impact as her earlier blockbusters, Heart Bones offers mature storytelling that appeals to readers who have grown with Hoover's career.

Layla (2020) - Paranormal Romance

Layla ventures into paranormal territory, combining romance with supernatural elements in a way that divides readers. Some appreciate the creative risk-taking, while others prefer Hoover's more grounded contemporary stories.

This book demonstrates Hoover's willingness to experiment with different genres while maintaining her core focus on emotional storytelling and complex relationships.

Books Like Colleen Hoover for Extended Reading

Readers seeking books like Colleen Hoover should explore authors such as Taylor Jenkins Reid, Christina Lauren, and Emily Henry, who share similar approaches to emotional storytelling and contemporary romance. These authors offer comparable blend of humor, heartbreak, and hope that defines the best contemporary romance.

Young adult mystery books readers who enjoy Hoover's suspenseful elements in novels like "Verity" might also appreciate authors like E. Lockhart or Gillian Flynn for darker psychological elements, though these target different age groups than Hoover's typical new adult audience.

Reading Order Recommendations

For newcomers wondering where to start with the best Colleen Hoover books ranked, beginning with "It Ends With Us" provides the fullest representation of her impact and storytelling ability. Follow this with "Verity" to experience her range, then "November 9" to understand her creative storytelling techniques.

Since "Ugly Love" and "November 9" have common characters, reading "Ugly Love" first prepares you when those characters enter "November 9", demonstrating how some of her standalone novels connect in subtle ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Colleen Hoover book for beginners?
"It Ends With Us" offers the best introduction to Hoover's style and themes while being her most acclaimed work. Its cultural impact and emotional depth represent her writing at its finest.

Are Colleen Hoover books appropriate for young adults?
The majority of Colleen's books are intended for mature audiences, containing adult themes, situations, and content that may not be suitable for younger teen readers.

Should I read Colleen Hoover books in publication order?
While most novels are standalone, starting with her most popular works like "It Ends With Us" and "Verity" gives you the best sense of her abilities before exploring her complete catalog.

What makes Colleen Hoover's books so popular?
Her combination of relatable characters, emotional intensity, contemporary issues, and unexpected plot twists creates deeply engaging stories that resonate with modern readers seeking both entertainment and meaningful content.

Which Colleen Hoover book is most like "It Ends With Us"?
"November 9" and "Ugly Love" share similar emotional intensity and complex relationship dynamics, though each explores different aspects of love and healing.

The Colleen Hoover Phenomenon

The best Colleen Hoover books ranked consistently appear on bestseller lists because they combine accessible storytelling with meaningful themes that spark important conversations. Her ability to tackle serious subjects like domestic violence, trauma, and personal growth within engaging romance narratives has created a unique space in contemporary fiction.

Whether you're looking for emotional catharsis, relationship insights, or simply compelling characters and plot twists, the top-ranked Colleen Hoover books offer something for every reader seeking contemporary romance with depth and substance. Start with her most celebrated works and discover why millions of readers have embraced her emotionally powerful storytelling.