If you are a huge fan of books, you’ve most definitely heard the name Colleen Hoover more than once, and this has surely sparked your curiosity. The popular author has become a name on the tip of everyone’s tongue following her success on social media, especially BookTok on TikTok.
Her easy-to-read and emotional books resonated with a wide audience leading to huge sales of over 23 million copies and massive trends on social media, with some of her books being adapted into movies. We can’t deny how overwhelming it might feel for newcomers in the Colleen Hoover world. With many series and titles to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the world.
The good thing is, you are not alone as there are many other beginners that aren’t sure about the best first Hoover book to choose from. This guide will walk you through a few options with the aim of helping you find your first Hoover book for new romance readers.
Top Picks for Your First Colleen Hoover Read
Here are four great books for beginners looking to start their Colleen Hoover journey.
· It Ends With Us
This is perhaps number one on the list of Hoover’s top novels to read – it is often cited as her signature work with over 20 million copies sold and has also been adapted into a Netflix movie. It centers around Lily Bloom, a recent graduate who opens a florist business with all her savings. Life seems to be on the right path for her, especially when she meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid.
It’s difficult for Lily to love and trust Ryle with no fears attached because she grew up with a physically abusive father. Unfortunately for her, history repeats itself when she finds herself in an abusive relationship with Ryle. When her childhood friend Atlas Corrigan suddenly reenters her life, everything she built with Ryle is threatened.
It Ends With Us is a combination of romance and triggering themes like domestic abuse, rape, and depression. Despite these deep themes, it is quite impactful.
· Verity
Verity is another top choice on the list, especially for fans of mystery, suspense, and psychological tension. It is a darker and more twist-filled story that you may find difficult to put down. It centers on Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who receives a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-write a series with a popular but ailing author, Verity Crawford.
When she begins her work at their home, not only does she spark an attraction for Verity’s husband, – Jeremy Crawford – she also begins to find dangerous and shocking truths, one that eventually reveals the cause of Verity’s illness.
This book is sure to show you another side of Hoover different from the typical romance you hear about. It contains extremely mature themes like child abuse and death. Sit back and enjoy for you’re about to be met with the most shocking ending.
· Ugly Love
This is another book with a lot of emotional weight but not so much a thriller as the previous option. It’s your typical love story that begins as a casual relationship until someone catches feelings. You’re sure to be met with twists and turns, alongside realistic relationship struggles, hardship, and longing.
Tate Collins and Miles Archer very much believe that all they have going on for them is their undeniable attraction towards each other. The former believes she doesn’t have time for love while the former doesn’t want love at all, leaving just sex. Unfortunately, there are actually no rules to love and they eventually realize this when their hearts have already broken countless of their ground rules.
The book contains mature themes, including trauma, and emotional and physical abuse. It may not be one of her easiest emotional reads, but once you begin, you’ll surely find it difficult to stop.
· Reminders of Him
With a 4.38 rating out of 5 on Goodreads, this book has been praised for its sensitivity and depth, giving readers access into the minds of Ledger and Kenna – the narrators. It tells the story of modern romance during the journey of rebuilding one’s life after committing a life-changing mistake.
Kenna returns from prison to connect with her family and fight for personal redemption but is obviously met with a cold shoulder from everyone. Everyone apart from Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and one of the last few links to her daughter. This book is a perfect read for modern romanticists, blending the POVs of both narrators smoothly.
It serves as a calm and light read compared to other Colleen Hoover’s books with dark themes.
Final Thoughts
There is no wrong place to start your Colleen Hoover journey as every book offers a unique story. It all depends on your preferences – if you want something more emotional, start with It Ends With Us or Verity. If you prefer something gentler, consider Reminders of Him. We hope you enjoyed our reading order suggestions. Happy reading!