Colleen Hoover Books: Reading Order, Criticisms, and Age Ratings

If you’ve scrolled through BookTok anytime in the past few years, you’ve almost certainly seen a Colleen Hoover novel. Her books dominate bestseller lists and spark fierce debates in equal measure.

Books published: over 20 ·
First book: Slammed (2012) ·
New York Times bestsellers: multiple ·
Instagram followers: 1.8 million ·
Most popular book: It Ends with Us

The table above captures the essential biography, but the real story lies in the gap between her sales figures and the criticism she attracts.

What are the criticisms of Colleen Hoover?

Portrayal of toxic relationships

• Critics argue that some of her romance novels, particularly It Ends with Us, romanticise abusive dynamics. A review from The Guardian (culture section) notes that the novel’s framing of domestic violence as a “twisted love story” has drawn sharp pushback.
• Her Campus (student lifestyle site) warns that readers should be aware of “heavy emotional themes” before diving into the Hopeless series.

Writing style critiques

• Some readers and reviewers find her prose simple and repetitive. Next Book in the Series (book recommendation site) calls Verity “her most technically accomplished” but notes that Hoover’s style generally prioritises emotional impact over literary polish.
• Good Housekeeping (trusted lifestyle magazine) presents her standalone books chronologically, implying that publication order offers the smoothest reading experience.

Controversies around It Ends with Us

• The novel’s portrayal of a love triangle involving an abuser has sparked debate on BookTok and beyond. A ScreenRant analysis notes that the duology (It Ends with Us and It Starts with Us) is often recommended with trigger warnings.
• Hoover’s official Books page (author site) states that “the majority of her books are intended for mature audiences,” acknowledging the adult content.

The pattern is consistent: each criticism reflects the same emotional intensity that fuels her popularity.

In what order do I read Colleen Hoover’s books?

Five series and several standalones, one pattern: start with the Slammed series if you want to follow Hoover’s own writing journey, or jump into the It Ends with Us duology if you want the most viral experience. Here is a step-by-step guide combining the official suggested order from Colleenhoover.com (author site) and the chronological list from Good Housekeeping (trusted lifestyle magazine).

1. Slammed series: Slammed (2012), Point of Retreat (2012), This Girl (2013) – ScreenRant
2. Hopeless series: Hopeless (2012), Losing Hope (2013), Finding Cinderella (2013) – ScreenRant
3. Maybe Someday series: Maybe Someday (2014), Maybe Not (2014), Maybe Now (2018) – ScreenRant
4. Standalone entry point: Ugly Love (2014) – recommended as a fast, lighter read by Next Book in the Series (book recommendation site)
5. Verity and Finding Perfect: Verity (2018), Finding Perfect (2019) – ScreenRant
6. It Ends with Us duology: It Ends with Us (2016), It Starts with Us (2022) – ScreenRant
7. Later standalones: All Your Perfects (2018), Regretting You (2019), Reminders of Him (2022), If Only I Had Told Her (2024) – Readers Warehouse (bookseller)

Comparison table: Series vs. Standalones

The table below maps each title against its type, genre, and intended age, showing the pattern of escalating maturity across her catalogue.

The implication: age ratings climb as Hoover moved from YA romance to adult-themed drama and psychological thriller.

What is Colleen Hoover’s most loved book?

It Ends with Us – fan favorite

• It Ends with Us is her highest-rated book on Goodreads and has sold millions of copies. Next Book in the Series (book recommendation site) calls it “the book that best shows why BookTok loves Hoover.”
• Its emotional devastation and discussion of domestic abuse have made it a cultural touchstone.

Verity – thriller hit

• Verity (2018) is a psychological thriller that draws a different audience. ScreenRant lists it as a standalone entry point, and many readers consider it her most technically accomplished work.

November 9 – romantic favorite

• November 9 (2015) is a standalone romance that fans often rank just below It Ends with Us. It is not listed in the reading order guides but appears on many BookTok recommendation lists.

The catch: which book resonates most depends on whether the reader prizes emotional catharsis, thriller pacing, or romantic chemistry.

What age group is Colleen Hoover books for?

Young adult vs new adult

• Hoover’s early works like Slammed are classified as young adult (YA) and are suitable for readers 14+. The official books page (author site) notes that the majority of her books are intended for mature audiences.

Mature content warnings

• Books like It Ends with Us and Verity contain explicit sexual content, domestic violence, and psychological trauma. Colleenhoover.com (author site) warns that they are “not for everyone.”

Age recommendations by book

• Slammed series: 14+ (mild romance, some teen themes)
• Hopeless series: 16+ (sexual content, emotional trauma)
• It Ends with Us: 18+ (domestic abuse, explicit scenes)
• Verity: 18+ (explicit sex, violence, dark themes)
• Reminders of Him: 16+ (mature themes but less explicit)

The pattern: age suitability rises with each series, and readers under 16 should start with her earliest YA works.

Is Colleen Hoover Irish?

Colleen Hoover’s birthplace and nationality

• Colleen Hoover was born in Texas, United States, and is American. Her maiden name is Fennell, which some readers assume is Irish, but she is not Irish. Colleenhoover.com (author site) confirms her American background.

Her maiden name Fennell

• Fennell is an Irish surname, but Hoover has no known Irish citizenship or heritage. The confusion stems from the surname’s origin.

American author

• She is unequivocally an American author, born and raised in Texas. The official site (author site) lists her location as Sulphur Springs, Texas.

The implication: the surname Fennell creates a misconception, but the facts point clearly to her Texas roots.

“The majority of Colleen Hoover’s books are intended for mature audiences.”

— Colleenhoover.com Books page (official author site)

“It Ends with Us best shows why BookTok loves Hoover because it is emotionally devastating.”

— Next Book in the Series (book recommendation site)

Colleen Hoover’s books are not one-size-fits-all. The same emotional intensity that makes them addictive for millions also fuels the criticism that they romanticise pain. For the reader who picks up her work, the choice is clear: engage with the emotional rollercoaster, or step away. For the critic, the debate is about what responsibility authors have when their stories blur the line between love and harm.

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