In What Order Should I Read Colleen Hoover Books? And Why Does It Feel Like Solving a Puzzle?

Colleen Hoover, often referred to as CoHo by her fans, is a bestselling author known for her emotionally charged and thought-provoking novels. Her books span various genres, including romance, young adult, and contemporary fiction, often blending heart-wrenching drama with moments of humor and hope. With such a diverse and extensive bibliography, it’s no wonder readers often ask, “In what order should I read Colleen Hoover books?” The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might think, and it feels a bit like solving a puzzle—where each book is a piece that fits into a larger, emotional picture.

Understanding Colleen Hoover’s Writing Style

Before diving into the reading order, it’s essential to understand what makes Colleen Hoover’s books so unique. Her writing is deeply emotional, often tackling heavy themes like trauma, loss, and mental health, but she balances these with moments of levity and romance. Her characters are flawed, relatable, and often face morally complex situations. This blend of intensity and relatability is what draws readers in and keeps them hooked.

Should You Read Colleen Hoover’s Books in Publication Order?

One approach to reading Colleen Hoover’s books is to follow their publication order. This method allows you to experience her growth as a writer and see how her storytelling evolves over time. Here’s a brief overview of her major works in chronological order:

1. Slammed (2012) – The first book in the Slammed series introduces readers to Layken and Will, whose love story is intertwined with poetry and personal struggles.
2. Point of Retreat (2012) – The sequel to Slammed, continuing Layken and Will’s journey.
3. This Girl (2013) – The final book in the Slammed trilogy, offering a deeper look into Will’s perspective.
4. Hopeless (2013) – A standalone novel that explores dark secrets and first love.
5. Losing Hope (2013) – A companion novel to Hopeless, told from Holder’s point of view.
6. Finding Cinderella (2014) – A novella connected to the Hopeless series.
7. Maybe Someday (2014) – A standalone romance with a musical twist.
8. Ugly Love (2014) – A steamy and emotional standalone novel about love and heartbreak.
9. Confess (2015) – A novel that combines art and secrets in a unique way.
10. November 9 (2015) – A love story that unfolds over several years on the same date.
11. It Ends with Us (2016) – A powerful and emotional novel about love, resilience, and difficult choices.
12. Without Merit (2017) – A quirky and heartfelt story about family and self-discovery.
13. All Your Perfects (2018) – A poignant exploration of marriage and infertility.
14. Verity (2018) – A psychological thriller that stands out from her usual romance novels.
15. Regretting You (2019) – A mother-daughter story filled with secrets and second chances.
16. Heart Bones (2020) – A summer romance with themes of self-discovery.
17. Layla (2020) – A paranormal romance with a twist.
18. Reminders of Him (2022) – A story of redemption and second chances.
19. It Starts with Us (2022) – The highly anticipated sequel to It Ends with Us.

While publication order provides a structured approach, it’s not the only way to enjoy her books. Some readers prefer to start with her most popular works or dive into standalones before tackling series.

Starting with Standalones: A Beginner-Friendly Approach

If you’re new to Colleen Hoover’s work, starting with her standalone novels might be the best option. These books don’t require any prior knowledge and offer a complete story in one volume. Here are a few recommendations:

• It Ends with Us – Often considered her magnum opus, this book deals with heavy themes but is a must-read for any CoHo fan.
• Verity – A departure from her usual romance, this psychological thriller is gripping and unpredictable.
• November 9 – A unique love story that unfolds over several years, perfect for fans of emotional rollercoasters.
• Ugly Love – A steamy and heartbreaking romance that’s hard to put down.

These standalones give you a taste of Hoover’s writing style and themes without committing to a series.

Diving into Series: For the Committed Reader

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in Colleen Hoover’s world, her series are a great place to start. Here’s a breakdown of her major series:

The Slammed Series

1. Slammed
2. Point of Retreat
3. This Girl

This series is a great introduction to Hoover’s early work. It’s heartfelt, poetic, and full of emotional moments.

The Hopeless Series

1. Hopeless
2. Losing Hope
3. Finding Cinderella

This series delves into darker themes and complex relationships, making it a favorite among fans who enjoy intense storytelling.

Thematic Reading: Tailoring Your Experience

Another approach is to read Colleen Hoover’s books based on themes or moods. For example:

• For Emotional Depth: It Ends with Us, All Your Perfects, and Reminders of Him.
• For Lighthearted Romance: Maybe Someday and November 9.
• For Thrills and Chills: Verity and Layla.

This method allows you to tailor your reading experience to your current mood or interests.

Why the Order Feels Like a Puzzle

The question of reading order feels like a puzzle because Colleen Hoover’s books are interconnected in subtle ways. Characters from one book might make cameo appearances in another, and themes often recur across her works. For example, Finding Cinderella is a novella connected to the Hopeless series, but it can also be enjoyed on its own. Similarly, It Starts with Us is a sequel to It Ends with Us, but the latter was written years earlier. These connections create a web of stories that can be approached in multiple ways.

Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Way to Read CoHo

Ultimately, there’s no “correct” order to read Colleen Hoover’s books. Whether you start with her most popular works, follow publication order, or pick books based on themes, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. Each book offers a unique emotional experience, and the order in which you read them can shape your understanding of her storytelling.

Related Q&A

Q: Do I need to read Colleen Hoover’s books in order?
A: Not necessarily. While some books are part of series, most of her works are standalones and can be read in any order.

Q: What is Colleen Hoover’s most popular book?
A: It Ends with Us is widely regarded as her most popular and impactful novel.

Q: Are Colleen Hoover’s books suitable for young adults?
A: While some of her books are marketed as young adult, many contain mature themes and are better suited for older readers.

Q: Is Verity a romance novel?
A: No, Verity is a psychological thriller and differs from Hoover’s usual romance-focused works.

Q: Should I read It Starts with Us before It Ends with Us?
A: No, It Starts with Us is a sequel to It Ends with Us, so it’s best to read them in order.

By exploring Colleen Hoover’s books in a way that resonates with you, you’ll uncover the emotional depth and storytelling brilliance that have made her a beloved author worldwide.