First, know this: Colleen Hoover writes emotional rollercoasters that leave you ugly-crying in your car during your lunch break. Her books are not a one-size-fits-all. You’ve got the gut-punch dramas, the slow-burn romances, and the thrillers that make you side-eye your own roommate. Your first pick is like choosing your starter Pokémon—get it wrong, and you’ll swear off the whole franchise forever.
So, where do you begin? Imagine you’re at a party where someone says, “Oh, you haven’t read Colleen Hoover? You have to start with It Ends With Us!” And you panic because that’s the one everyone talks about, but also the one that makes people say, “I’m not okay.” That’s your first clue: don’t let the hype bully you.
The Safe Bet: Maybe Someday
If you want a gateway drug that won’t shatter your soul on page one, pick up Maybe Someday. It’s the book equivalent of a warm blanket and a box of donuts—sweet, slightly messy, and you’ll feel good about finishing it. The main character, Sydney, catches her boyfriend cheating, moves in with a mysterious neighbor, and there’s music involved. Yes, actual sheet music and lyrics. You’ll feel like you’re in a indie film, but with fewer pretentious beard scratches.
The romance is slow, the tension is juicier than a soap opera, and you won’t need therapy afterward. It’s the Colleen Hoover you bring to a beach, not the one you save for a rainy day when you want to ugly-cry into your pillow.
The “I Want to Feel All the Feels” Pick: Ugly Love
Now, if you’re the kind of person who watches a sad dog commercial and thinks, “Yes, I’d like more of this pain,” then Ugly Love is your jam. It’s the literary version of eating a ghost pepper—it hurts, you sweat, but you can’t stop. The story follows Tate and Miles, a pilot with a past so dark it could block out the sun. You’ll scream, “Just talk to each other!” at the pages. Spoiler: they don’t.
This book is not for your book club debut. Save it for a weekend when you’re alone, the cat is ignoring you, and you want to feel something other than the existential dread of your 401(k). It’s a five-handkerchief read, but the payoff is a hug in literary form.
Here's Where to Start if You Want to Read Colleen Hoover Books
The Plot Twist Queen: Verity
Wait, did you think Colleen Hoover only wrote romance? Ha. Verity is her “I’m about to ruin your life” moment. It’s a psychological thriller with a plot twist so wild, you’ll google “did Colleen Hoover write this” halfway through. Imagine if Gone Girl and a soap opera had a beautiful, chaotic baby. That’s Verity.
Start here if you love being gaslit by a book. The main character, Lowen, is a writer hired to finish a series for a famous author who’s been in an accident. Then she finds an autobiography so twisted, you’ll check under your bed for a stalker. This is the dark horse of Hoover’s catalog. If you’re not into romance, start with this. It’s like skipping the appetizer and going straight for the dessert that might give you nightmares.
The Gateway to Tears: November 9
Here’s the middle ground: November 9 is a romance with a gimmick—they meet on the same day every year. It’s like a Hallmark movie, but with actual emotional damage. The banter is sharp, the chemistry is electric, and there’s a scene in a restaurant that will make you laugh so hard you snort. Then, bam, a twist that punches you in the feels.
This is the perfect first read if you want a taste of Hoover’s signature “okay, I’m crying” without full emotional bankruptcy. It’s the training wheels for It Ends With Us. Read this, then graduate to the heavy stuff.
Colleen Hoover's book series in order: A complete reading guide - YEN
The Elephant in the Room: It Ends With Us
Okay, fine. You’re going to read It Ends With Us eventually. It’s the Mona Lisa of the Hooververse—everyone talks about it, and it’s genuinely beautiful, but also heavy. This book deals with domestic abuse, forgiveness, and the choices we make when love gets messy. It’s not a light Friday night read. It’s a “I need to sit in silence for 30 minutes after” read.
If you start here, don’t say I didn’t warn you. It’s like jumping off the high dive before you’ve learned to swim. But if you want to understand the hype, and you’re ready to feel something real, go for it. Just keep a box of tissues and your therapist’s number handy.
Final Advice (From Someone Who’s Been There)
Pick the book that matches your current mood, not the one that’s trending. If you’re feeling fragile, grab Maybe Someday. If you’re feeling brave, grab Verity. And if you’re feeling reckless, grab It Ends With Us and block out your afternoon.
No matter what you choose, you’ll end up sending a friend a screenshot of a highlighted quote at 11 p.m. with the caption, “This is us.” Welcome to the club. Now go forth and read—your TBR pile is waiting, and it’s not going to judge your choices.
