Colleen Hoover has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with her poignant storytelling, complex characters, and emotional depth. Her novel It Ends With Us has been made into a major motion picture, bringing her powerful narrative to an even wider audience. As we eagerly await the film adaptation due out in theatres on August 8th, let’s dive into what makes It Ends With Us and six other standout novels by Hoover so remarkable.
It Ends With Us
‘It Ends With Us’ tackles the difficult subject of domestic violence with sensitivity and realism. The story follows Lily Bloom as she navigates a complicated relationship with Ryle Kincaid while also confronting her past with Atlas Corrigan. The novel is a raw and honest portrayal of the cycle of abuse and the courage it takes to break free. Hoover’s ability to create deeply relatable characters and her fearless exploration of tough topics make this book a must-read. I have to say, I absolutely can’t wait for this to be in theatres. I think Blake Lively is the perfect choice to portray Lily Bloom. Honestly, I think Blake Lively is pretty much the perfect choice to portray any character she wants, but that is just my humble opinion.
It Starts With Us
‘It Starts With Us’ is the highly anticipated sequel to *It Ends With Us—wait… isn’t something bass-ackward here? How can you end before you begin? …I know I know, bad joke. I can almost hear my daughter rolling her eyes at me.
It Starts with us continues Lily’s story. This novel dives deeper into Lily’s relationship with Atlas and her journey toward healing and self-discovery. Hoover’s fans will appreciate the closure and new beginnings that this book offers. The sequel maintains the emotional intensity and complex character development that Hoover is known for, making it a definite compelling follow-up to its predecessor.
Verity
In ‘Verity’, Hoover steps into the realm of psychological thrillers, delivering a spine-chilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete the bestselling series of injured author Verity Crawford. As Lowen digs into Verity’s notes, she uncovers horrifying secrets. The novel’s suspenseful plot, combined with Hoover’s knack for creating morally ambiguous characters, makes ‘Verity’ a gripping read that fans of thrillers won’t be able to put down.
Heart Bones
Once again, Colleen Hoover hits the nail right on the head with ‘Heart Bones’. This is a beautifully written story about love, loss, and finding oneself. The story follows Beyah Grim as she navigates a summer of unexpected romance and self-discovery. After a troubled childhood, Beyah’s plans for the future are upended when she meets Samson. He is a boy with secrets of his own. Hoover’s lyrical prose and ability to capture the essence of young love and resilience make ‘Heart Bones’ a standout novel that resonates with readers of any age.
Ugly Love
‘Ugly Love’ explores the complexities of love and loss through the relationship between Tate Collins and airline pilot Miles Archer. Their no-strings-attached arrangement quickly becomes complicated as Tate learns about Miles’ traumatic past. Hoover’s ability to portray raw emotion and intense chemistry between characters is on full display here. The alternating perspectives between the past and present give readers a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations, making this novel a heart-wrenching and unforgettable experience.
November 9
In ‘November 9’, Hoover weaves a unique love story that unfolds over a series of annual meetings. Fallon and Ben meet by chance on November 9th, and their connection is instant. They decide to meet on the same day every year, without any contact in between. As their lives evolve, so does their relationship. This novel stands out for its creative structure and the way it explores themes of fate, timing, and self-discovery. Hoover’s skillful storytelling and the emotional journey of the characters make this book a standout in her bibliography. The twist in this one is one that got me right in the gut!
Never Never
‘Never Never’, co-written by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, is a gripping mystery about memory loss and love that defies categorization. This novel hooked me with its deliciously twisted tale of deceit, love, friendship, well…and it’s creepy vibe.
The story follows childhood friends and lovers, Charlie and Silas, who suddenly lose all their memories. Together, they must uncover the truth about their past and the reason behind their amnesia. The novel’s intriguing premise, combined with Hoover’s and Fisher’s masterful storytelling, creates a suspenseful and romantic narrative that keeps readers guessing long after the heart-stopping end.
As the book’s mysterious circumstances begin to unveil, Silas and Charlie’s story takes shape. The plot-driven approach peppers fragments of who they are slowly, as they react to situations and each other. Their tale is twisted and unusual, with shocking truths that change everything, revealing that nothing is as it seems. These truths add a definite sinister feel to the story.
Wrapping it all up
Colleen Hoover’s novels are a testament to her talent for creating stories that touch the heart and challenge the mind. From the powerful narrative of It Ends With Us to the suspenseful twists of Verity, each of her books offers a unique and captivating experience. As we anticipate the cinematic adaptation of It Ends With Us, it’s the perfect time to explore the rich, emotional worlds Hoover has crafted in her other works. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Colleen Hoover, or new to her writing, her novels promise to leave a lasting impact.
If you need to pick up your copy of any of these great novels you can get it here. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible. Or your local library is always a great option too!
Until next time, you bookish babes, keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep true to you!
