Colleen Hoover is a bestselling American author known for her contemporary romance and young adult novels. Her books have captured the hearts of readers around the world with their emotional depth, complex characters, and engaging plotlines. In this article, we take a closer look at Colleen Hoover's life and career, her bestselling books, and why people enjoy reading her work.
Colleen Hoover’s Early Life
Colleen Hoover was born on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. She grew up in Saltillo, Texas, and attended Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she earned a degree in social work. After college, Hoover worked as a social worker and a teacher before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
Hoover had always enjoyed writing, but she didn't follow her passion seriously until her husband challenged her to write a book. She began working on her debut novel, "Slammed," in her spare time, and eventually self-published it on Amazon after failing to find a traditional publisher. The book quickly became a bestseller, catching the attention of a publisher who offered her a book deal.
Btw If you are a keen writer – this is a great example of how self-publishing can really help bring your work into focus for publishers. Being a great writer and publishing a best-seller helps too of course! You might even find your books on the shelves of Chapters some day!
Career as an Author
Since the success of "Slammed," Hoover has written several more successful books, including "Point of Retreat," "Hopeless," "Ugly Love," "Confess," and "It Ends with Us." Many of her novels have been optioned for film or television adaptations, further cementing her status as one of the most popular authors of contemporary romance and young adult fiction.
Hoover's writing style is known for its emotional depth and complex characters. She often tackles heavy themes such as grief, abuse, and mental illness, and her books have garnered a reputation for being both heart-wrenching and uplifting at the same time – offering hope and a sense of healing. Her stories are often told from multiple perspectives, allowing readers to get a deep understanding of each character's motivations and struggles.
People also love Colleen Hoover's books because of the way she writes about love and relationships. Her characters demonstrate strength and resilience yet they are flawed and relatable, and she doesn't shy away from portraying the messy, complicated nature of love and the harsh realities of life. Her stories are also known for their plot twists and surprises, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Hoover's books have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising her writing style and ability to tackle difficult subjects with sensitivity and grace. Her book "It Ends with Us," which deals with the subject of domestic violence, received widespread praise from readers and critics alike for its honest portrayal of a difficult and often misunderstood topic.
Hoover's impact on the world of contemporary romance and young adult fiction cannot be overstated. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into dozens of languages. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance in 2014 and the National Indie Excellence Book Award for Best Young Adult Fiction in 2019.
Beyond her success as an author, Hoover is also known for her dedication to her readers. She frequently interacts with fans on social media and at book events, and she has been praised for her generosity and kindness towards her fans.
Colleen Hoover’s Popular Books
Click the name of each book to see it in our store!
It Ends With Us
"It Ends with Us" - This novel tells the story of Lily, a young woman who falls in love with a charming and successful businessman named Ryle. But when Ryle's dark past comes to light, Lily must confront the harsh realities of domestic violence and decide whether to stay with the man she loves or leave him. "It Ends with Us" is a powerful and emotional story that tackles an important and often taboo subject with sensitivity and grace.
It Starts With Us
"It Starts With Us", the sequel to “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover, is the same heart-wrenching story, but told from the perspective of fan favourite character, Atlas. "It Starts With Us" is a total rollercoaster that explores the complexities of love and relationships. If you liked “It Ends With Us”, then this is a must read.
Verity
"Verity" is a psychological thriller that centers around Lowen, a struggling writer who is hired to finish a bestselling series after the original author is injured. While going through the author's notes, Lowen discovers a disturbing autobiography written by Verity, the author's wife, that raises questions about Verity's sanity and the truth behind her past. As Lowen delves deeper into the manuscript, she finds herself caught in a web of deceit and danger that threatens to consume her. "Verity" is a gripping and twisted story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Ugly Love
"Ugly Love" - This novel tells the story of Tate and Miles, two strangers who find themselves drawn to each other despite their painful pasts. But Miles is guarded and secretive, and Tate must navigate the complicated and often heart-breaking nature of their relationship. "Ugly Love" is a powerful and emotional story that explores the complex nature of love and the healing power of human connection.
Heart Bones
"Heart Bones" - This novel follows the story of Beyah, a young woman who escapes her troubled home life to spend the summer with her estranged father. There, she meets Samson, a boy with his own secrets and scars. Together, they learn to trust each other and find healing in unexpected ways. "Heart Bones" is a moving and heart-warming story about family, love, and the power of forgiveness.
Maybe Not
"Maybe Not" - This novella is a companion to Hoover's "Maybe Someday" and tells the story of Warren, a side character from the original book. Warren is a funny and irreverent guy who meets his match in Bridgette, a tough and guarded girl who challenges him in unexpected ways. "Maybe Not" is a fun and light-hearted story that explores the ups and downs of relationships and the importance of being true to oneself.
Maybe Now
"Maybe Now" is a sequel to "Maybe Someday". The book follows the story of Sydney and Ridge, who face new challenges in their relationship. Sydney is struggling with her feelings towards Ridge and the betrayal of someone close to her. Meanwhile, Ridge is trying to balance his music career and his love for Sydney. "Maybe Now" explores the themes of forgiveness, trust, and love.
Without Merit
"Without Merit" - This novel follows the story of Merit, a teenage girl who is struggling to come to terms with her family's dysfunction and her own sense of identity. When she meets Sagan, a boy who is also dealing with his own family issues, Merit begins to unravel the secrets that have been keeping her family apart. "Without Merit" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the complexities of family relationships and the power of forgiveness.
Regretting You
"Regretting You" - This novel follows the story of Morgan and her teenage daughter Clara, who are struggling to cope with a family tragedy that has left them reeling. When Morgan begins to uncover secrets about her late husband that threaten to upend everything she thought she knew, she must confront the truth about her past and her future.
Finding Perfect
"Finding Perfect" by Colleen Hoover is a coming-of-age story about a teenage girl named Fallon, who struggles with OCD. After her mother's death, Fallon moves to a new town with her father and tries to adjust to a new school. Along the way, she meets a boy named Ben, who helps her confront her fears and overcome her struggles. "Finding Perfect" is a heartwarming story that sheds light on the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on a person's life. The book explores themes of friendship, family, love, and the power of self-acceptance. Hoover's writing style is engaging, and readers will find themselves rooting for Fallon as she learns to embrace her imperfections and find her version of perfect. Overall, "Finding Perfect" is a moving and inspiring read that will resonate with readers of all ages.
In conclusion, Colleen Hoover is a talented and bestselling author who has captured the hearts of readers around the world with her emotional depth, complex characters, and engaging plotlines. Her books tackle heavy themes with sensitivity and grace, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you're a fan of contemporary romance or young adult fiction, Colleen Hoover's books make for great reading and are sure to leave a lasting impression. Enjoy!
You can find all of these and more, here - in our Colleen Hoover Collection.