Colleen Hoover Best Sellers In Order Popular Reads And Reader Favorites

Colleen Hoover has become a defining voice in contemporary romance and women’s fiction over the past decade. With emotionally charged storytelling, complex characters, and narratives that often blur the lines between love, trauma, and redemption, her books have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From viral TikTok sensations to New York Times bestsellers, Hoover’s work continues to dominate bookshelves and reading lists. Whether you're new to her writing or looking to revisit her most impactful novels in sequence, understanding the order and popularity of her best sellers offers valuable insight into her literary evolution.

The Rise of a Literary Phenomenon

What began with self-published success has evolved into a publishing empire. Colleen Hoover first gained attention with *Slammed* (2012), but it was *It Ends with Us* (2016) that catapulted her into mainstream acclaim. The novel’s unflinching exploration of domestic abuse, interwoven with a poignant love story, sparked widespread discussion and cemented Hoover’s reputation as an author unafraid to tackle difficult themes. Since then, her backlist has seen explosive growth in sales, particularly due to the BookTok community, which has revived interest in both older titles and new releases.

Her ability to balance heart-wrenching drama with moments of levity and genuine connection makes her work accessible across demographics. Many readers report finishing her books in a single sitting, drawn in by tight pacing and first-person narration that creates an intimate reading experience.

Colleen Hoover’s Best Sellers in Order of Release

While reading Hoover’s books out of order won’t hinder comprehension—most are standalone novels—a chronological approach reveals the progression of her craft and thematic depth. Below is a curated list of her most popular works in order of publication, highlighting reader favorites and commercial successes.

Title	Year	Genre Focus	Reader Rating (Goodreads)
Slammed	2012	Young Adult Romance / Poetry	4.12 ★
Point of Retreat	2013	Sequel (Romance / Drama)	4.35 ★
This Girl	2013	Conclusion to Slammed Trilogy	4.39 ★
Hopeless	2012	Dark Romance / Trauma Recovery	4.47 ★
Maybe Someday	2014	Musical Romance / Love Triangle	4.33 ★
Ugly Love	2014	Emotional Romance / No Strings Attached	4.32 ★
November 9	2015	Fated Encounters / Long-Distance Love	4.26 ★
It Ends with Us	2016	Domestic Abuse / Realistic Fiction	4.39 ★
It Starts with Us	2022	Sequel / Continuation of Lily’s Journey	4.35 ★
Verity	2018	Psychological Thriller	4.19 ★
Reminders of Him	2022	Grief, Redemption, Small-Town Drama	4.41 ★
Too Late	2023	Forbidden Love / Legal Drama	4.17 ★

Why Reading Order Matters

Though each novel stands alone, reading them chronologically allows readers to witness Hoover’s growth—from early experimentation with poetic dialogue in *Slammed* to the psychological complexity of *Verity* and the emotional maturity in *It Starts with Us*. Her later works reflect deeper research, more nuanced character development, and bolder narrative risks.

Tip: Start with Hopeless or It Ends with Us if you want to experience Colleen Hoover at her most powerful. These novels represent her signature blend of emotional intensity and social commentary.

Reader Favorites and Cultural Impact

Certain titles have transcended mere popularity to become cultural touchstones. *It Ends with Us*, for example, has been praised by advocates for its sensitive portrayal of cyclical abuse and the difficulty of leaving a loved one. Readers frequently share personal stories about how the book helped them recognize patterns in their own relationships.

*Verity* took a sharp turn into thriller territory and became a sleeper hit before exploding on BookTok. Its unreliable narrator and disturbing manuscript-within-a-novel structure drew comparisons to classics like *Gone Girl*, yet retained Hoover’s distinct emotional resonance.

“Colleen Hoover doesn’t just write love stories—she writes human stories. Her characters carry scars, make mistakes, and love imperfectly. That’s what makes them unforgettable.” — Sarah Mitchell, Literary Critic & Book Reviewer

Mini Case Study: How ‘It Ends with Us’ Sparked Conversations

In 2020, a college student named Jenna began reading *It Ends with Us* after seeing it recommended on Instagram. Initially drawn by the cover and blurb, she found herself unable to put it down. The protagonist Lily’s struggle with loving a man who becomes abusive mirrored her own relationship. Within weeks, she reached out to her campus counseling center and eventually ended the relationship. She later started a读书 club focused on books that address mental health and emotional wellness. Her story, shared anonymously in a local newspaper, echoed thousands of others online—all citing Hoover’s novel as a catalyst for self-awareness.

How to Approach Colleen Hoover’s Catalog: A Step-by-Step Guide

For readers overwhelmed by the number of options, here’s a clear path to navigating her work based on preference and emotional readiness.

1. Assess your genre preference: Do you lean toward romance, psychological suspense, or emotional drama? This helps narrow choices.
2. Start with a flagship title: Pick *It Ends with Us* for emotional depth or *Verity* for suspense.
3. Read companion sequels: Follow *It Ends with Us* with *It Starts with Us* to see character growth.
4. Explore standalones: Try *Reminders of Him* or *Ugly Love* next for varied tones.
5. Dive into early works: Circle back to *Slammed* or *Hopeless* to appreciate her evolution.
6. Join a community: Engage with BookTok, Reddit threads, or local clubs to discuss themes and interpretations.

Tips for Maximizing Your Reading Experience

• Keep a journal to reflect on emotional reactions—many readers find her books trigger personal insights.
• Avoid spoilers, especially for twist-heavy novels like *Verity*.
• Pair reading with playlists; Hoover often curates music for her books (e.g., the *Maybe Someday* soundtrack).
• Don’t rush. Some novels benefit from slow, reflective reading.
• Revisit books after life changes—you may interpret them differently years later.

Tip: Read *It Ends with Us* with access to support resources. The subject matter can be triggering, and emotional preparedness enhances the experience.

FAQ

Should I read 'It Ends with Us' before 'It Starts with Us'?

Absolutely. While *It Starts with Us* is a sequel, it assumes familiarity with the events and emotional arc of the first book. Reading them out of order diminishes the impact of character decisions and growth.

Is 'Verity' typical of Colleen Hoover’s usual style?

No—*Verity* is a departure from her romance roots. It’s a dark psychological thriller with elements of horror and suspense. Fans of twist-driven narratives will enjoy it, but those seeking heartfelt romance may find it unsettling.

Are any of Colleen Hoover’s books connected?

Most are standalone, but there are minor cross-over appearances. For example, Lily from *It Ends with Us* appears briefly in *Finding Cinderella* (a novella). However, these cameos don’t affect plot understanding, so no strict reading order is required beyond direct sequels.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Colleen Hoover’s best sellers offer more than escapism—they invite introspection, empathy, and sometimes, transformation. Whether you’re drawn to the ache of forbidden love, the tension of a psychological mystery, or the quiet strength of a survivor’s journey, her books meet readers where they are. By exploring her work in order, you gain not just entertainment, but a deeper appreciation for how storytelling can evolve alongside its audience.

🚀 Ready to dive in? Start with It Ends with Us this week, join a reading group, or share your thoughts online. Your next favorite book—and perhaps a new perspective—is waiting.