Ranking Colleen Hoover's Novels: A Journey Through Complex Relationships

Have you heard of Colleen Hoover? Is that a silly question? I have been a reader for a very long time. I am mainly a fantasy reader but every now and then you need a palette cleanser. What I mean is every now and then you need to read a book in a different genre. I don’t read a lot of contemporary romance, but I usually enjoy the ones I pick up. For the most part. Some romances are cringey and completely unbelievable. That brings me to a point I feel like I need to discuss before I list these books.

Romance is something that everyone has a different opinion on.

While I acknowledge that romance in literature may not always mirror real-life experiences, occasionally, certain stories captivate us entirely. In my case, there's a particular genre that I'm genuinely obsessed with, despite my sister-in-law's strong aversion to romance and fantasy books. Interestingly, my extended family shares a collective belief that the books I find joy in are essentially worthless, devoid of any meaningful purpose.

I firmly believe that everyone has the right to choose their reading preferences. If a particular genre brings joy and happiness, then it's worth holding onto with enthusiasm. Despite facing consistent criticism and negativity regarding my choice of reading material, I've come to accept and embrace my preferences.

Now, shifting gears to Colleen Hoover—her books are remarkably accessible, easily consumable within a day. She specializes in crafting romances featuring characters entangled in complex relationships often marked by toxicity. These couples grapple with a myriad of problems, ranging from enemies-turned-lovers to friends-turned-lovers or the unique dynamic where a partner's demise leads to the best friend falling in love with the widow. Hoover's narratives are laden with drama and toxicity, yet they possess an undeniable allure that captivates readers and draws them into the intricacies of her stories.

So without further ado…here is my ranking order:

VERITY (4.5/5 Stars)

Colleen Hoover skillfully ventures beyond the realms of contemporary romance in this novel. Lowen, a struggling writer, experiences a transformative twist in her career when her husband, Jeremy, commissions her to finish the remaining novels in a series authored by the renowned writer Verity. The plot takes an intriguing turn when Lowen stumbles upon Verity's autobiography in the office, unraveling a web of drama and revelations from Verity's tumultuous life.

The narrative of this book is undeniably mind-bending, with some readers claiming to have unraveled the mystery before reaching the conclusion. However, my experience was quite the opposite—I found myself genuinely surprised as I turned the last page.

IT ENDS WITH US (4/5 Stars)

Lily has finally embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, and in the process, she hires an assistant who introduces her to an incredible neurosurgeon, Ryle. A swift and deep love blossoms between Lily and Ryle, despite Ryle having a steadfast "no dating" policy, which, predictably, is eventually broken by Lily. As their relationship unfolds, Lily gradually discovers the true nature of Ryle's character, just as a long-lost friend, Atlas, resurfaces at a crucial moment.

This is the point where Lily is confronted with crucial decisions about the limits of her relationship and what constitutes an absolute deal-breaker. Colleen addresses the complexities of relationships, portraying elements of domestic violence that contribute to the toxicity of certain couples. Lily, who had pledged to avoid a relationship marred by violence based on her parents' experiences, finds herself grappling with a difficult decision when love is at stake.

Colleen Hoover skillfully delves into the complexities of real-life decisions and the challenges of following through on one's convictions, especially in matters of the heart. The narrative unfolds swiftly, characterized by straightforward writing that may lack complexity but is undeniably compelling, keeping readers hooked throughout the story.

IT STARTS WITH US (#2 TO IT ENDS WITH US) 4/5

Warning: Spoilers Ahead - Read at Your Own Risk

For those who haven't read the preceding book, please steer clear of this review.

Following the conclusion of Ryle and Lily's story, we find Lily navigating the challenges of single motherhood while managing her flower store. A serendipitous encounter at a restaurant reveals that Atlas is now working there as a chef. In this installment, Lily and Atlas finally get the opportunity to explore their chance at love. Dive into the narrative to uncover whether their newfound connection stands the test of time.

"It Ends with Us" proved to be an emotionally charged and heart-wrenching journey. My feelings became intricately entwined with Lily's emotional roller coaster. The narrative raises poignant questions about the impact of a second love, especially when the first one leaves a lingering sense of fear. The book delivers a fantastic conclusion to the overarching story, providing a satisfying end to the emotional odyssey it takes readers on.

REMINDERS OF HIM (4/5)

Kenna once enjoyed a wonderful life with a beautiful baby and a loving partner until one fateful night changed everything in a car crash that could have been avoided. In the aftermath of a life-altering decision, she found herself serving a five-year sentence. Now released, all she yearns for is to reunite with her daughter, but her partner's death has stained her reputation.

Returning to town, Kenna unexpectedly encounters Ledger, her late partner's best friend, who is adamant about her departure. He emphasizes the disdain her in-laws hold for her and urges her to leave. Despite Ledger's resistance, Kenna persists, revealing her determination to rebuild and reconnect. Over time, Ledger begins to recognize the positive changes in Kenna, and together, they work towards the shared goal of reuniting her with her child.

I devoured this novel, unable to set it aside until reaching the conclusion. Though the story carries a weight of sorrow, the ending provided a sense of closure that I found satisfying.

NOVEMBER 9 (4/5)

Fallon and Ben forge a unique friendship, meeting annually on the same date. As Ben draws inspiration from Fallon for his story, their lives intertwine, marked by shared challenges and personal struggles.

However, the evolution of their dynamic didn't resonate with me. Initially appealing, it took an unexpected turn when Hoover introduced another event into the narrative. Colleen Hoover is adept at crafting characters with flaws—ones who lie, engage in toxic behavior, and make questionable life decisions. Yet, the story's charm diminishes when characters lack relatability. While flawless characters might make a story unrealistic, I found it challenging to connect with anyone in this particular narrative, causing it to fall flat for me.