Colleen Hoover is an astounding author, having written 26 books to date. Each one brings a unique aspect for readers’ enjoyment. The young adult romance genre is Hoover’s bread and butter. She’s repopularised reading within young adults with her charming storytelling, relatable characters and thrilling plot.
Hoover initially published her first book Slammed in 2012, and the author hasn’t looked back since. Winning multiple awards and becoming a #1 New York Best Selling Author. Another notable achievement to tick is the book-to-screen adaptation of her novel It Ends With Us starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Scheduled to release on the big screen in June 2024.
Without getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of novels, it’s hard to get started. This article is a quick guide to steer you in the right direction. Whether it’s a book series or a standalone favourite, it’s all covered in detail.
Slammed Trilogy:
Slammed – 2012
The First of the Slammed Trilogy by Hoover follows the story of 18-year-old Layken Cohen and 21-year-old Will Cooper navigating their way through the intricacies of life. After the loss of her father, Layken is the hope for her mother and younger brother. She starts losing hope, but the arrival of Will brings back a ray of light in her life.
Reading Order: 1st
Point of Retreat – 2012
The second part of the trilogy continues as Layken and Will go through several obstacles to prove their love for each other. The past starts to creep up and take hold of them as they search for the meaning of their relationship.
Reading Order: 2nd
This Girl – 2013
The final chapter of the Slammed Trilogy unfolds with This Girl, which begins as the lovers decide to spend their lives together through their marriage. It takes an ambiguous turn as the longing for connection drives Will to share his past stories, both the good and the bad.
Reading Order: 3rd
Hopeless Saga:
Hopeless – 2012
The truth can sometimes be more terrifying than the lies themselves. Hopeless follows Sky, an adopted 17-year-old girl who encounters a childhood friend named Dean, as she attends public school for the first time. When the two start meeting, secrets from the past are set out and invoke unimaginable feelings.
Reading Order: 1st
Losing Hope – 2013
The follow-up to Hopeless, Losing Hope takes a turn as Dean shares all his dark secrets from the past that involve Sky.
Reading Order: 2nd
Finding Cinderella – 2013
The Hopeless Saga’s third book Finding Cinderella begins with a fortunate encounter between Daniel and a young teen who pretends to fall in love for just one hour. But after this short-lived love story, Daniel ponders on whether it was truly fake. A year later, Daniel meets Six, a girl with a strange name and personality. But, he can’t help but fall in love at first sight.
Reading Order: 3rd
All Your Perfects – 2018
Is a perfect marriage possible in the modern age? This novel delivers the story of Quin and Graham, a married couple that starts to break apart slowly. Memories and promises have built up over the years and push the couples marriage to the edge.
Reading Order: 4th
Finding Perfect – 2019
Finding Perfect is the finale in the Hopeless Saga series which brings together all parts to give one final send-off message to the reader. It’s narrated by Daniel from Finding Cinderella and brings a wrap to the series. It touches on the imperfection in relationships and how amidst the chaos, love can still exist.
Reading Order: 5th
Maybe Series:
Maybe Someday – 2014
The series begins by following 22-year-old Sydney, a college student living her best life with her boyfriend Hunter and roaming around with her best friend Tori. But everything changes the day Sydney discovers her boyfriend is cheating. This is where the story takes a drastic turn.
Reading Order: 1st
Maybe Not – 2014
A continuation from Maybe Someday, focusing on the charismatic side character Warren. The impulsive decision to live with a female roommate is instantly regretted. Especially when it’s polar opposite characters that despise each other. But Warren has a plan to turn things around from enemies to lovers. Will this clever scheme work?
Reading Order: 2nd
Maybe Now – 2018
The final novel from the trilogy Maybe Now starts with both relationships of Sydney and Ridge from Maybe Someday alongside Warren and Bridget from Maybe Not. As the protagonist Maggie fights her illness, she stumbles upon a list of everything she’s wanted to do “Maybe one of these days.” Despite all the negatives, she decides to live her best life.
Reading Order: 3rd
It Ends with Us Series
It Ends With Us – 2016
The award-winning romance novel It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover is set around Lily, a hard-working and genuine small-town girl who starts her own business in the city of Boston. Everything changes as she encounters the gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. Unable to think of anything else, the two fall closely in love. That’s until her first love, Atlas Corrigan, reappears in her life.
Reading Order: 1st
It Starts with Us – 2022
The end of the series It Starts with Us is the continuation of the previous novel, It Ends with Us. Lily and her ex-husband Ryle end up forming a co-parenting agreement. Shortly after, she encounters Atlas Corrigan, which sparks a light leading to a first date. This novel explores the history and the connections between Lily and her first love Atlas.
Reading Order: 2nd
Standalone Book: Verity – 2018
Alongside the numerous book series, Hoover has published 11 stand-alone novels. A notable and personal favourite being Verity. A romance thriller which follows Lowen, a struggling writer on the brink of giving it all up. Until, she receives an opportunity of a lifetime to complete a series of unfinished books by the famous author Verity Crawford. Whilst sorting through Verity’s notes, Lowen finds an unfinished autobiography with a dark twist in the story.
FAQ
What Colleen Hoover Should I Read First?
If you want to read Hoovers novels from the beginning, then start with the Slammed series, which were the first few published by Hoover in 2012. But If your looking to read some of her most famous then start off with It Ends with Us or Verity.
What is the most famous Colleen Hoover Book?
Collen Hoovers most notable novel It Ends with Us has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. Published in 2016, it has resurfaced and has touched the hearts of millions worldwide.
What Genres Does Colleen Hoover Write about?
Hoover is renowned as the queen of the young adult and romance genre, with most of her work centred around these ideas. She has also explored unique styles of thriller and mystery in some of her latest works.
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