Colleen Hoover books in order
Most Colleen Hoover books are standalones, so "in order" really means "which one first". Here's the order that works, plus the two pairs you genuinely do need to read together.
Where to start
It Ends With Us if you want the one everybody talks about (read It Starts With Us straight after). Ugly Love if you want the classic dual-timeline heartbreak. Verity if you want the thriller side of her writing.
It Ends With Us
- 1
It Ends with Us2016
Lily hasn’t always had it easy, but that’s never stopped her from working hard for the life she wants. She’s come a long way from the small town where she grew up—she graduated from college, moved to Boston, and started her own business. And when she feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, everything in Lily’s life seems too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily.
My review (4/5) - 2
It Starts with Us2022
Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan are finally ready to build the future they’ve always dreamed of, but the past still has a hold on Ryle Kincaid, and Lily must decide how far forgiveness can stretch.
Standalones
- 1
All Your Perfects2018
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends with Us--whose writing is "emotionally wrenching and utterly original" (Sarah Shepard, New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars series)--delivers a tour de force novel about a troubled marriage and the one old forgotten promise that might be able to save it. Quinn and Graham's perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart.
My review (3.5/5) - 2
Confess2015
At age twenty-one, Auburn Reed has already lost everything important to her. In her fight to rebuild her shattered life, she has her goals in sight and there is no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn't expect to find a deep attraction to the enigmatic artist who works there, Owen Gentry. For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is keeping a major secret from coming out.
My review (4/5) - 3
Layla2020
When Leeds meets Layla, he’s convinced he’ll spend the rest of his life with her—until an unexpected attack leaves Layla fighting for her life. After weeks in the hospital, Layla recovers physically, but the emotional and mental scarring has altered the woman Leeds fell in love with. In order to put their relationship back on track, Leeds whisks Layla away to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once they arrive, Layla’s behavior takes a bizarre turn. And that’s just one of many inexplicable occurrences.
My review (4/5) - 4
November 92015
Beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover returns with an unforgettable love story between a writer and his unexpected muse. Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon's last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel.
- 5
Ugly Love2014
ATTRACTION AT FIRST SIGHT CAN BE MESSY… When Tate Collins finds airline pilot Miles Archer passed out in front of her apartment door, it is definitely not love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. But what they do have is an undeniable mutual attraction. He doesn’t want love and she doesn’t have time for a relationship, but their chemistry cannot be ignored.
My review (5/5) - 6
Verity2018
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish. Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started.
My review (5/5)
Reading through a whole series? build a mystery bundle of three for €25.99 pre-loved or €39.99 new, posted from Ireland in 5–7 days. Check Irish postage times and costs before you order.
Every title above links to my full spoiler-safe review. If you've finished Colleen Hoover and want something with the same feeling, the guide that pairs best is Dark romance books, or Best book club books. You'll find the physical copies I own on my bookshelf, and more author orders on the series reading order hub.
Frequently asked questions
- Do Colleen Hoover books need to be read in order?
- Only two pairs do: It Ends With Us then It Starts With Us, and Hopeless then Losing Hope. Everything else is a standalone you can pick up in any order.
- Which Colleen Hoover book should I read first?
- It Ends With Us is the usual entry point, but it deals with domestic abuse — if that's not for you right now, start with Ugly Love or Reminders of Him instead.
- Are Colleen Hoover books spicy?
- Mild to medium. There are open-door scenes, but the focus is emotional rather than explicit.