If you’re looking to dive into the world of emotional storytelling, intense romance, and unforgettable characters, then Colleen Hoover’s books are a must-read. Known for her powerful prose and gripping plots, Hoover has built a literary empire that spans standalone novels, duologies, and bestselling series. But with so many titles released over the years, figuring out the correct order of books can be confusing.
Whether you're a new reader or a long-time fan who wants to re-read her books in sequence, this guide will walk you through Colleen Hoover's complete bibliography. You'll learn how to navigate her romance series in the best order and gain insights into how her books interconnect.
Understanding Colleen Hoover’s Writing Universe
Colleen Hoover writes across several genres, primarily contemporary romance, with themes of young adult drama, trauma healing, and heart-wrenching love stories. While some of her books are part of a series, others are standalone novels. A few characters even make appearances across different books, making it more rewarding to read them in the right sequence.
For the ultimate reading experience, we recommend going in publication order or following the internal timeline of interconnected books and series. Let’s break it down.
The Slammed Series – Her Debut Romance Journey
Order of Books:
1. Slammed (2012)
2. Point of Retreat (2012)
3. This Girl (2013)
This was Hoover’s debut series and introduced readers to her emotionally rich storytelling. Slammed follows Layken and Will, two people thrown together by tragic circumstances who find hope and healing in poetry and love.
This Girl is a retelling of Slammed from Will’s perspective and is best read last to avoid spoilers.
Hopeless Series – A Deeper Emotional Ride
Order of Books:
1. Hopeless (2012)
2. Losing Hope (2013)
3. Finding Cinderella (2013) – Novella
4. Finding Perfect (2019) – Novella
This fan-favorite series deals with trauma, self-discovery, and love that transcends past scars. Hopeless introduces Sky and Holder, whose dark pasts intertwine in unexpected ways. Losing Hope gives Holder’s side of the story, while the novellas add layers to side characters like Daniel and Six.
Maybe Someday Series – Music, Love, and Betrayal
Order of Books:
1. Maybe Someday (2014)
2. Maybe Not (2014) – Novella
3. Maybe Now (2018)
Set against a musical backdrop, this series explores forbidden love and complicated relationships. Maybe Someday follows Sydney and Ridge, whose chemistry sparks through music even when love feels impossible.
The novella Maybe Not focuses on side characters Warren and Bridgette, and Maybe Now continues the main story from where Maybe Someday left off.
It Ends With Us Series – A Powerful Duology
Order of Books:
1. It Ends With Us (2016)
2. It Starts With Us (2022)
This is arguably Colleen Hoover’s most critically acclaimed and emotionally powerful series. It tells the story of Lily Bloom, her past, and her journey through love, abuse, and healing.
It Ends With Us is a standalone that was later expanded into a duology with It Starts With Us, offering Atlas’s perspective and a continuation of Lily’s journey. These are best read in the listed order for the most emotional impact.
Standalone Novels by Colleen Hoover
These novels are not part of a series and can be read independently. However, some characters make cameos or cross over subtly.
List in Publication Order:
1. Ugly Love (2014)
o A steamy, heartbreaking story about emotional walls and healing.
2. Confess (2015)
o Focuses on secrets, art, and second chances in love.
3. November 9 (2015)
o A story of fate and timing that centers around two characters meeting once a year.
4. Without Merit (2017)
o A blend of family drama, dark secrets, and a bit of romance.
5. Verity (2018)
o A psychological thriller that diverges from Hoover’s usual style but became a massive hit.
6. Regretting You (2019)
o Explores mother-daughter relationships and romantic complexities.
7. Heart Bones (2020)
o A summer romance between two emotionally scarred teenagers.
8. Layla (2020)
o A paranormal romance involving the afterlife and love that defies logic.
9. Reminders of Him (2022)
o A deeply emotional story about redemption and motherhood.
These novels can be read in any order, but reading them by publication date allows you to experience Hoover’s evolution as a writer.
Colleen Hoover’s Books in Chronological (Publication) Order
To make it easier for readers who prefer reading by release date, here is a full list of Colleen Hoover’s books in the order they were published:
1. Slammed (2012)
2. Point of Retreat (2012)
3. Hopeless (2012)
4. This Girl (2013)
5. Losing Hope (2013)
6. Finding Cinderella (2013)
7. Maybe Someday (2014)
8. Ugly Love (2014)
9. Maybe Not (2014)
10. Confess (2015)
11. November 9 (2015)
12. It Ends With Us (2016)
13. Without Merit (2017)
14. All Your Perfects (2018)
15. Verity (2018)
16. Finding Perfect (2019)
17. Regretting You (2019)
18. Heart Bones (2020)
19. Layla (2020)
20. Reminders of Him (2022)
21. It Starts With Us (2022)
Recommended Reading Path
If you’re wondering how to get the best out of Hoover’s universe, here’s a suggested path:
1. Start with the Slammed series – It’s her debut and sets the emotional tone.
2. Move to Hopeless – A fan favorite with deep emotional themes.
3. Then explore the Maybe Someday trilogy – Especially if you love music and passion.
4. Dive into the standalone novels – Go in publication order for growth and variety.
5. End with It Ends With Us & It Starts With Us – These are emotionally heavy and provide a strong finish.
Final Thoughts: Why Reading in the Right Order of Books Matters
Reading Colleen Hoover’s books in the correct order of books helps you fully appreciate character development, recurring themes, and emotional growth. Some of her books are interconnected, while others stand strong on their own. Following this reading guide will ensure that you experience her stories in the most impactful way possible.
Whether you’re here for heartbreak, healing, or just a page-turner, Colleen Hoover offers a world you’ll want to immerse yourself in again and again.
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