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Colleen Hoover: Bestselling Romance Author
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Colleen Hoover is a bestselling American author known for her romance and young adult fiction novels, with her 2016 book "It Ends with Us" catapulting her to widespread popularity. As reported by Time magazine, Hoover was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2023, having sold approximately 20 million books as of October 2022.

 

Colleen Hoover's Early Life

britannica.com
britannica.com
Colleen Hoover, born Margaret Colleen Fennell on December 11, 1979, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, faced significant challenges during her early years. Growing up on a small dairy farm in Saltillo, Texas, Hoover experienced financial struggles and witnessed domestic violence, as her father was physically abusive to her mother
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Despite these hardships, she pursued her education, graduating from Saltillo High School in 1998 and later earning a degree in social work from Texas A&M-Commerce
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Before becoming an author, Hoover worked various jobs, including as a counselor for a federal nutrition program, while living in a trailer home with her husband, a long-haul trucker, and their three children
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Her journey as a writer began unexpectedly in 2011 when she wrote her first novel, "Slammed," on a borrowed laptop, initially intended as a Christmas gift for her mother
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Hoover's Writing Style and Themes

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berkleyspectator.com
Colleen Hoover's writing style is characterized by its accessibility and emotional intensity, often featuring dramatic plot twists in romance narratives. Her works, primarily categorized as new adult and young adult fiction, explore complex emotional relationships and controversial themes like domestic violence and toxic dynamics. This is exemplified in her best-known novel "It Ends with Us," which draws from her personal experiences.
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While some readers appreciate Hoover's candid portrayal of difficult subjects, others criticize her for potentially romanticizing abusive relationships, especially given her large young adult readership.
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Her books are known for their fast-paced plots and relatable characters, which contribute to their widespread popularity, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok.
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Top Colleen Hoover Books: Must-Reads and User Reviews

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Colleen Hoover Slammed Series 3 Books Collection Set (Slammed, Point of Retreat & This Girl)
$29.86
$26.97
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Reminders of Him
$13.56
$15.95
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Verity (Hardcover)
5.0
$30.00
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Colleen Hoover: It Ends With Us [2016] paperback
$15.00
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Colleen Hoover: It Starts with Us [2022] paperback
$12.00
29% off

Colleen Hoover Slammed Series 3 Books Collection Set (Slammed, Point of Retreat & This Girl)

$18.99
$26.97
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The Slammed series by Colleen Hoover receives mixed reviews from readers. While some readers adored the first book, many found the subsequent books less engaging. The series is described as a feel-good romance by some, but others found it repetitive and boring. The third book, which retells the first book from the male perspective, received particularly divided opinions.
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Buy this if you enjoy emotional young adult romance series with poetic elements and don't mind some repetition in later books
  • Engaging start
  • Feel-good romance
  • Declining quality
  • Repetitive content
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14% off

Reminders of Him

$13.56
$15.95
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Past Forward
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Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story about love, grief, and forgiveness. The novel follows Kenna Rowan, a young mother who returns to her hometown after serving 5 years in prison, hoping to reunite with her 4-year-old daughter. While most people reject her, she forms a connection with Ledger Ward, a local bar owner linked to her daughter. Readers found the characters well-developed and the emotional journey compelling, though some felt the romance aspect was secondary to the larger themes of redemption and forgiveness.
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Buy this if you enjoy emotionally intense stories that explore complex themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the challenges of rebuilding one's life after tragedy
  • Emotional depth
  • Character development
  • Compelling narrative
  • Potentially triggering
  • Romance secondary
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Verity (Hardcover)

5.0
(9)
$30.00
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Verity by Colleen Hoover is a gripping psychological thriller that has polarized readers. Many praise its suspenseful plot and intense twists, while others criticize its implausible storyline and underdeveloped characters. The book follows struggling writer Lowen as she uncovers dark secrets about bestselling author Verity Crawford while completing her unfinished book series.
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Buy this if you enjoy fast-paced psychological thrillers with romantic elements and don't mind graphic content or morally ambiguous characters
  • Suspenseful plot
  • Page-turner
  • Atmospheric writing
  • Implausible plot
  • Underdeveloped characters
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Colleen Hoover: It Ends With Us [2016] paperback

$13.00
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Readers overwhelmingly praise 'It Ends with Us' for its emotional impact, compelling storytelling, and thought-provoking exploration of domestic abuse. Many found it difficult to put down, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot. While some criticize the sexual content and pacing issues, most reviewers consider it a powerful, eye-opening read that offers new perspectives on abusive relationships.
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https://www.theslateonline.com/article/2023/10/book-review-it-ends-with-us-and-it-starts-with-us favicon
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Buy this if you're looking for an emotionally charged, thought-provoking novel that offers a deep dive into complex relationships and personal growth
  • Emotional Impact
  • Character Development
  • Insightful Portrayal
  • Mature Content
  • Pacing Issues
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Colleen Hoover: It Starts with Us [2022] paperback

$12.99
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Colleen Hoover's 'It Starts With Us' is a sequel to the popular 'It Ends With Us', focusing on Lily and Atlas's relationship after Lily's divorce. While some readers found it less impactful than the first book, others appreciated its exploration of life after abuse and the complexities of relationships. The novel delves deeper into Atlas's backstory and presents a realistic portrayal of co-parenting and moving on after divorce.
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https://www.amazon.com/Starts-Us-Novel-Ends/dp/1668001225 favicon
Buy this if you enjoyed 'It Ends With Us' and want to see how Lily and Atlas's story continues, or if you're interested in a realistic portrayal of relationships after divorce and domestic abuse
  • Character Development
  • Realistic Portrayal
  • Standalone Plot
  • Pacing Issues
  • Unresolved Conflicts
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Hoover's Criticism and Controversy

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Despite her immense popularity, Colleen Hoover has faced significant criticism for her portrayal of sensitive topics like domestic violence and abusive relationships in her novels. Critics argue that her books, particularly "It Ends with Us" and "Ugly Love," sometimes romanticize or gloss over toxic dynamics, which can be especially problematic for her younger audience
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The controversy peaked when a proposed coloring book based on "It Ends with Us" was met with intense backlash for being tone-deaf given the book's serious themes, leading Hoover to request its cancellation
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Many readers and reviewers express concern that Hoover's writing may normalize abusive behaviors under the guise of romance, potentially misleading young women about healthy relationships
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Personal Life and Influence

usatoday.com
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Colleen Hoover's personal experiences have significantly shaped her writing and the themes she explores in her novels. Growing up in a household affected by domestic violence, Hoover draws from these difficult experiences to inform her portrayal of complex relationships and emotional struggles in her books
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Her background in social work, which she studied at Texas A&M–Commerce, has also contributed to her nuanced understanding of human relationships and psychological challenges
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This combination of personal history and professional training allows Hoover to create emotionally resonant stories that tackle sensitive subjects like abuse, trauma, and resilience. Her ability to weave these elements into compelling narratives has been a key factor in her rise to literary stardom and her connection with millions of readers worldwide
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Closing Thoughts on Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover has established herself as one of the most successful authors in the contemporary romance and new adult book genres, captivating readers with her wonderful books and brilliant stories. Her ability to produce compelling narratives book after book has earned her a dedicated fanbase, with many considering her works their favorite books. Available in both digital and paperback formats, Hoover's novels resonate with readers navigating the complexities of adult life. Her storytelling prowess has not only made her one of today's favorite authors but has also inspired countless readers to explore her entire catalog, eagerly anticipating each new release. While some critics raise concerns about her portrayal of sensitive topics, Hoover's impact on the literary world is undeniable, with her wonderful stories continuing to touch the lives of millions
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