The best Colleen Hoover book is It Ends with Us, according to sales and widespread popularity, but Reminders of Him holds the highest average reader rating on Goodreads. Your personal favorite will depend on whether you prefer emotional romance, suspense, or heart-wrenching drama.
Colleen Hoover has written over 20 books spanning romance, young adult, thriller, and women's fiction. Her novels consistently top bestseller lists and have a massive following on social media. This guide ranks her most acclaimed works, explains what makes each one stand out, and helps you choose the right book to start with or read next.
Top Colleen Hoover Books Ranked by Reader Reviews
Based on aggregated reader reviews, Women.com reports that Reminders of Him currently holds first place with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 1.6 million ratings. Close behind are It Ends with Us and Ugly Love, both of which have massive fan bases and high ratings on Goodreads.
Here is a quick comparison of the top-rated books:
| Book | Average Rating | Key Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Reminders of Him | 4.3 stars | Redemption, motherhood, forgiveness |
| It Ends with Us | 4.2 stars | Domestic abuse, resilience, first love |
| Ugly Love | 4.1 stars | Friends with benefits, trauma, healing |
| Verity | 4.0 stars | Psychological thriller, obsession, secrets |
| November 9 | 4.0 stars | Second chances, fate, self-discovery |
Note that ratings fluctuate as more readers discover her books, but these five consistently appear at the top of recommendation lists. For the next step, read our overview of New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.
It Ends with Us: The Most Famous and Best-Selling
It Ends with Us is Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, with more copies sold than any of her other books, according to Forbes. The story follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a complicated relationship with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid while confronting memories of her first love, Atlas Corrigan. The novel tackles domestic abuse with sensitivity and has sparked important conversations among readers.
Its popularity surged on TikTok, leading to a film adaptation released in 2024. Many readers consider it a must-read for its emotional depth and powerful message. If you want to understand why Colleen Hoover became a household name, start here.
Reminders of Him: Highest Rated by Readers
While It Ends with Us may be the most famous, Reminders of Him has the highest average rating on Goodreads, as noted by Women.com. The novel centers on Kenna Rowan, a young mother released from prison after a tragic accident, who returns to her hometown hoping to reunite with her daughter. She faces judgment from the community and forms an unexpected connection with bar owner Ledger Ward.
Readers praise this book for its raw emotion, complex characters, and themes of forgiveness and redemption. It is often recommended for those who want a deeply moving story that stays with you long after the last page.
Ugly Love: A Heartbreaking Romance
Ugly Love is a fan favorite for its intense emotional journey. The story alternates between the present, where Tate Collins falls for her brother's friend Miles Archer, and the past, revealing the traumatic event that made Miles incapable of love. The novel explores grief, guilt, and the healing power of connection.
According to Runaway with Kay, the book's alternating viewpoints and shocking twist make it unforgettable. It is often cited as one of Hoover's most heartbreaking works, so keep tissues handy.
Verity: A Dark Psychological Thriller
For readers who prefer suspense over romance, Verity is a standout. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete the remaining books in a successful series after the original author, Verity Crawford, is injured. While staying at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a manuscript that reveals chilling secrets about Verity's life and marriage.
This book deviates from Hoover's typical romance genre and has been praised for its gripping plot and shocking ending. It is a great choice if you want a page-turner that keeps you guessing.
Other Must-Read Colleen Hoover Books
Beyond the top five, several other Hoover novels are highly recommended:
- November 9: A unique love story about two people who meet on the same day each year. It won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2015, according to Runaway with Kay.
- Confess: A romance centered on an artist who uses anonymous confessions as inspiration. It was adapted into a TV series and won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2015.
- Hopeless: A young adult novel about a girl who discovers dark secrets about her past. It is intense and emotionally gripping.
- Regretting You: A story about a mother and daughter dealing with grief and secrets after a tragic accident.
- All Your Perfects: A poignant exploration of a marriage struggling with infertility and infidelity.
These books showcase Hoover's range and ability to tackle difficult subjects with empathy.
How to Choose the Right Colleen Hoover Book for You
With so many options, selecting your first or next Colleen Hoover book can be daunting. Consider these factors:
- Genre preference: If you love romance, start with It Ends with Us or Ugly Love. For thrillers, choose Verity. For young adult, try Hopeless.
- Emotional intensity: All Hoover books are emotional, but some are heavier than others. Reminders of Him and It Ends with Us deal with serious themes like incarceration and abuse.
- Reading mood: If you want a quick, addictive read, November 9 or Confess are great choices. For a more complex narrative, Verity or Regretting You may be better.
- Trigger warnings: Many Hoover books include sensitive content such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and child loss. Check reviews or summaries if you have concerns.
Ultimately, the best Colleen Hoover book is the one that resonates with you personally. Her writing style—emotional, fast-paced, and character-driven—means that most readers find at least one of her novels that they love.
Where to Find Colleen Hoover Books
Colleen Hoover's books are widely available in print, ebook, and audiobook formats. You can find them at major retailers like Amazon, local bookstores, and libraries. Many of her titles are also included in Kindle Unlimited and other subscription services. For related context, see our guide to 15 Books Like A Good Girl's Guide to Murder.
For a curated list of her best works, check out Bookshop.org's list of the 10 best Colleen Hoover books. Her official Goodreads author page provides a complete bibliography and reader reviews.
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