In What Order Should I Read Colleen Hoover Books

I’ve been a huge fan of Colleen Hoover for years, and I’ve read almost all her books. If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend beginning with 'Slammed'. It’s her debut novel and gives you a great feel for her writing style. After that, move on to 'Point of Retreat', which is the sequel. Then, dive into 'Hopeless', which is one of her most emotional works. Follow it up with 'Losing Hope', which is the same story from a different perspective. After that, 'Maybe Someday' is a must-read for its unique storytelling and music element. 'It Ends with Us' and 'It Starts with Us' are also essential, but I’d save them for later because they’re heavier and more impactful. Finally, don’t miss 'Verity', which is a bit different from her usual romance but absolutely gripping. This order lets you appreciate her growth as a writer while keeping the emotional intensity balanced.

Lurking here and taking notes. My TBR pile is already scary, and you're all making me add like ten more books. I guess I'll start with whatever my library app has available first. Probably 'Verity' since there's always a waitlist. The hype is real, huh?

I approach authors by sampling their work across time. For Hoover, I'd pick one early popular book ('Hopeless'), one mid-career hit ('It Ends With Us'), and one recent wild card ('Verity' or 'Reminders of Him'). That three-book sampling will tell you more about whether you like her as an author than reading the top four in a row. You'll see her evolution in prose, plotting, and thematic ambition. Then you can fill in the gaps based on which era you liked best.

It honestly depends what you want out of her books. If you're looking for that classic, heavy-hitting emotional drama she's famous for, then 'It Ends with Us' is probably the one. It was my first and it kind of ruined me for a week, but in a good way. That book tackles some really tough stuff but it's so raw and personal feeling. Some people will tell you to start with 'Slammed' since it's her first published novel and has the poetry angle, which is cool. I found the pacing a little slower though, and you can tell she's still finding her feet a bit. The later books have a tighter grip on the emotional rollercoaster.

Colleen Hoover's books don't all follow a single series, but several are interconnected or have companion novels. If you're diving into her emotionally charged worlds, I'd recommend starting with 'Slammed', her debut novel, which pairs beautifully with its sequel 'Point of Retreat'. The raw, poetic intensity of these books sets the tone for her writing style. Then, pivot to 'Hopeless', a gut-wrenching story that later connects to 'Losing Hope' (same events from another character's perspective) and 'Finding Cinderella' (a novella spun off from it). The 'Maybe' series ('Maybe Someday', 'Maybe Not', 'Maybe Now') stands alone but shares her signature blend of music and romance. For her most talked-about works, 'It Ends with Us' and its sequel 'It Starts with Us' should be read back-to-back—just keep tissues handy. Her standalone novels like 'Verity' (a psychological thriller!) or 'Ugly Love' can be read anytime, but I suggest spacing them out between heavier series books to avoid emotional whiplash. Personally, I stumbled into her books out of order and still loved them, but there's something magical about watching her writing evolve chronologically. The way 'Confess' plays with art and secrets feels richer after you've experienced her earlier character-driven works. Don't stress too much about perfect order though—each story grips you on its own. What stays consistent is her ability to make you laugh through tears, whether you pick up 'November 9' or 'Regretting You'. I still get chills remembering how 'All Your Perfects' reframed my view of love stories.

The practical answer: Google 'Colleen Hoover series in order' and look at the image results. There are a dozen infographics that map it all out visually. Save one to your phone. Problem solved. Trying to remember verbal lists from forum comments is how you mess it up. A picture with arrows and boxes is the way to go. Trust the infographic makers; they've done the work for us.

I can confidently say that 'It Ends with Us' is the perfect starting point. This novel is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, blending raw heartbreak with moments of profound hope. The characters feel incredibly real, and the way Hoover tackles difficult themes like domestic violence is both sensitive and unflinching. If you enjoy that, 'Verity' is a fantastic follow-up—it’s a gripping psychological thriller with a romantic undercurrent that will leave you questioning everything. For a lighter but equally impactful read, 'Ugly Love' delivers a steamy, angsty romance that’s impossible to put down. Each of these books showcases Hoover’s versatility, making her one of the most compelling authors in contemporary fiction.