"Confess" Colleen Hoover: Summary (Chapter-by-Chapter)
Published: 10 April 2023Written by Penny Somerset
Who is Colleen Hoover?
Colleen Hoover is an award-winning #1 New York Times bestselling author who has written twenty-four books in the New Adult and Young Adult contemporary romance categories, as well as psychological thriller genres. In 2015, her novel "Confess" won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance, followed by "It Ends With Us" in 2016 and "Without Merit" in 2017.
To further her contribution to literature, Colleen founded The Bookworm Box in 2015, a charity bookstore and book signing event. The Bookworm Box has since donated over $1 million to food banks and other charities across the country. Before becoming an accomplished author, Colleen was a social worker for several years and a counselor at WIC - a nutrition program for women, children and infants. Inspired by Slam poetry, and with spare time during her son's play rehearsals, she wrote "Slammed" (2012) which became her first published book to be featured on USA TODAY's Best-Selling Book List.
Who is Colleen Hoover?
Colleen Hoover Books in Order
• Slammed Series (2012 - 2013)
• Maybe Someday Series (2014 - 2018)
• Hopeless Series (2012 - 2019)
• Never Never Series (with Tarryn Fisher 2015 - 2016)
• It Ends With Us Series (2016 - 2022)
• Stand-alone, Non-Series Colleen Hoover Books
• Anthologies (2020 - 2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Who Would Like Colleen Hoover Books?
• Recommended Age Rating for Colleen Hoover Books
• What's the Best Order to Read Colleen Hoover Books?
• Which Colleen Hoover Book Should I Read First?
• What is Colleen Hoover's Most Popular Book?
• Related Posts
Colleen Hoover Books in Order
We've compiled the comprehensive list of Colleen Hoover books in order for each of her series, as well as her stand-alone novels. Enjoy!
Slammed Series (2012 - 2013)
Slammed (2012)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Colleen Hoover's debut novel, "Slammed", is an emotional, romantic roller coaster about first love. Eighteen-year-old Layken is a strong, resilient woman whose life does a 180 when her father dies and she meets her new neighbor Will, who's a few years older and good with words. Sparks fly between them on their first date but their relationship hits the brakes when a shocking discovery threatens to keep them apart. Through their struggles they learn to speak the truth and realize that love should be cause for celebration not regret. This book captures all the magic and confusion of first love, making it a must-read for any romantic at heart!
Point of Retreat (2012)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Layken and Will have had an emotional journey, but now a shocking revelation about Will's past leaves them questioning their relationship. They must decide if they're willing to fight for the future they imagined together or retreat back into solitude. Will is dedicated to proving his love for Layken, but it will take something extraordinary to keep them together. Decisions about the couple and the answers they seek could affect not only their lives, but that of those around them. It's a romantic story full of emotion and uncertainty - will Layken and Will find their happily ever after?
This Girl (2013)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Will and Layken are deeply in love despite the struggles they've faced together. With their marriage growing more secure, Layken wants to know everything about her husband, even his most difficult memories. Will finally opens up and shares his past, recounting the good and bad moments of their relationship from his perspective. In Colleen Hoover's romance novel The Girl, readers join Will on his journey as he recounts his side of the love story, making it the perfect conclusion to the beloved Slammed series!
The Girl serves as a reminder that true love can survive anything. The intimacy and vulnerability that Will and Layken share creates an inspiring tale of hope and resilience - a story for anyone who believes in the power of love.
Maybe Someday Series (2014 - 2018)
Maybe Someday (2014)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
"Maybe Someday" by Colleen Hoover is a gripping and passionate tale of friendship, betrayal and romance. Sydney is enjoying a great life- in college, working a steady job with her best friend Tori and in love with her boyfriend Hunter. However, things take an unexpected turn when Sydney discovers Hunter's infidelity. Enter Ridge, her attractive and mysterious neighbor who plays the guitar passionately on his balcony every evening. Sydney finds herself captivated by him and soon they develop a strong bond between them that goes beyond just being neighbors. Who knows what the future has in store for them? This heart-wrenching story will keep you glued to the pages until the very end!
Maybe Not (2014)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Living with a female roommate is a prospect that has Warren excited for a fresh start. But when he meets Bridgette, tensions run high as the two can't seem to stand the sight of each other. Will Bridgette be able to open her heart and learn to love? Warren thinks so; he believes that her passion for hate can be transferred into passion for love. He's determined to be the one to test this theory, so only time will tell if his strategy will pay off. This exciting story follows Warren as he tries to break down Bridgette's walls and prove that maybe, just maybe, they have a chance at something special.
Maybe Now (2018)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's Maybe Now is the thrilling finale to the beloved Maybe Someday series. In this novel, Sydney and Ridge are finally together without guilt - but their newfound freedom comes with its own set of problems. Meanwhile, Warren and Bridgette's relationship has hit a few bumps and Maggie is struggling with her illness. Maggie decides to confront her illness head-on; she carves out an adventure for herself, ticking off her old bucket list one by one.
The story follows their lives as they explore loyalty, friendship and love. Sydney starts to become suspicious of Ridge's closeness to Maggie, but if she's going to stay in the relationship, she'll have to accept their connection and learn to trust her partner. Tune in for the touching conclusion to this heartwarming series full of self-discovery and romance!
Hopeless Series (2012 - 2019)
Hopeless (2012)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Trigger Warning: rape, incest, child sexual abuse, suicide
Hopeless is an emotional roller coaster of a story by Colleen Hoover that explores the complexity of life, love, trust and truth. Sky is a high school senior who's been dealing with a troubled past and when she meets Dean Holder, a guy with a promiscuous reputation, sparks fly. But there are secrets holding them back from getting too close.
Through their passionate journey of self-discovery they learn the true power that comes with facing the truth. It won't be easy but Sky and Holder stand to gain so much from healing their emotional scars and living without fear or boundaries. So if you're looking for an intriguing tale about first love, Hopeless is it! Feel free to buckle up for an emotional ride full of heartwarming moments, intense connections and life-changing revelations.
Losing Hope (2013)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's #1 New York Times bestselling novel, Losing Hope, is an enthralling story of redemption. Follow Dean Holder, a man haunted by guilt, who is searching for the little girl he failed to save from danger. But when they reunite, Holder discovers that the pain from his past still lingers. He must confront his own demons to find peace and hopefully save Sky from her own suffering. Uncover the truth behind Holder's inner struggle and discover how loving Sky helps him heal. With its powerful and captivating narrative, Losing Hope will leave you unable to look away until the very end.
Finding Cinderella (A Novella) (2013)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
The romantic adventure of Colleen Hoover's novel, "Finding Cinderella", follows eighteen-year-old Daniel in a whirlwind romance. It all begins with a mysterious chance meeting in the dark with a girl he barely knows. They share a passionate hour long love affair, but when their time is up, she vanishes like Cinderella. Daniel can't help but feel like what he experienced was only possible because it was pretend.
A year later, Daniel finds himself in another misguided relationship when he meets the intriguing Six. This second encounter shatters his disbelief in insta-love and sparks the hope of finding his own happily ever after. But as Daniel discovers, Cinderella doesn't have control over their destiny and sometimes love isn't enough to guarantee happily ever afters.
All Your Perfects (2018)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's latest masterpiece, All Your Perfects, is a powerful, heartbreaking story of a couple struggling to keep their marriage alive. Quinn and Graham are perfect for each other but their imperfect marriage is tearing them apart. They have built up years of memories, mistakes and secrets that seem to be driving them in opposite directions.
But hope is not lost - the one thing that could save their marriage may also be the thing that pushes it beyond repair. This emotionally wrenching novel explores the complexities of relationships and asks if true love can survive in an imperfect world. All Your Perfects will have readers flipping pages late into the night as they follow Quinn and Graham's journey to find out if their marriage can be saved by promises made in the past.
Finding Perfect (2019)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's romance novel "Finding Perfect" is the final installment of the much-loved Hopeless series. It follows a tightknit group of friends - Daniel, Six, Holder, Sky and Breckin - as they plan a Friendsgiving dinner at Sky's parents' house. But things are not what they seem as secrets from the past come to light. Daniel must search for answers that could either bring joy or despair to the one he loves most in the world.
Hoover is a renowned author who has been compared to Jennifer Weiner and Jojo Moyes. With her signature heartfelt and gripping writing style, this book is sure to stay with readers long after they finish it. Readers will be brought on an emotional journey as they discover what happens next in this unforgettable conclusion.
Never Never (with Tarryn Fisher 2015 - 2016)
Never Never: Part One (2015)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
In Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher, a gripping romantic mystery unfolds as Charlie and Silas try to figure out what happened to them, while also facing the uncomfortable truth that they kept secrets from each other. With new revelations unraveling the deeper they look into their forgotten pasts, will they be able to come through this and remember why they ever fell in love in the first place? Find out this and much more in the captivating story of Never Never.
Never Never: Part Two (2015)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher are back with their much-anticipated sequel to the New York Times best seller Never, Never. The stakes have been raised, as Silas races against time to unravel truths and Charlie is in trouble. Between "I love yous" and "never nevers" and "never agains", a truth lies waiting to be discovered. As an ever increasing clock counts down, will Silas be able to bridge the chasm between their past and present? Will Charlie be found before it's too late? Get your copy of Never Never: Part 2 and join the characters on their journey of self-discovery as they search for new truths within the depths of their hearts.
Never Never: Part Three (2016)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
The conclusion to the Never Never novella series from authors Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher is here! Silas Nash and Charlize Wynwood embark on a quest to uncover who they used to be before it's too late. This desperate race against time will determine if they can reclaim their old lives and love for each other. Will their journey bring them the answers they seek, or will time run out? Find out in the thrilling conclusion to the Never Never series!
It Ends with Us Series (2016 - 2022)
It Ends with Us (2016)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Trigger Warning: this book contains elements of toxic relationships.
Colleen Hoover's novel "It Ends With Us" tells a tale of finding true love and all the obstacles that come with it. The story follows Lily, a hardworking woman who has created her own success in life, and the sparks she feels with Ryle Kincaid, a gorgeous neurosurgeon. Despite his aversion to relationships, Lily finds herself drawn to him and starts to question what made him that way. Then Atlas Corrigan, Lily's first love re-enters her life and threatens the new relationship she's built with Ryle. This brave and heartbreaking novel will pull you in and make you think about your own journey towards lasting love. It'll make you ask yourself how far you're willing to go for someone you care about, as well as how much of your history is still lingering with you today.
It Starts with Us (2022)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Love is a mysterious thing and it can be hard to let go when you've experienced true love. When Lily meets up with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, after two years of being apart she is overjoyed and says yes to his date invitation. But what should be a happy moment is dampened by the fact that her ex-husband Ryle, still plays an active role in her life. The book follows Lily and Atlas as they attempt to make their relationship work while having to contend with Ryle's animosity. "It Starts With Us", tells fan favorite Atlas's side of the story of his relationship with Lily. Going into further detail about Atlas' past as well as exploring Lily adapting to a possible new chance at true love with all its difficulties, "It Starts With Us" adds a whole new perspective on this romantic duo's journey. From exploring their struggles, and their desire for one another, it proves that Colleen Hoover has a special way of making us feel the power of love - no matter how complicated the situation may be.
Stand-alone, Non-Series Colleen Hoover Books
Ugly Love (2014)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Trigger Warning: death of a baby.
Ready for a juicy read? Colleen Hoover's #1 New York Times bestselling romance novel "Ugly Love" is sure to hit all the right spots! When Tate Collins and Miles Archer meet, it's not the conventional love at first sight story. Their mutual attraction is undeniable, so they decide to have an unconventional arrangement - plenty of sex with no strings attached. As long as Tate follows two rules: never ask about the past and don't expect for a future, all should be well. But as we all know, life doesn't always go according to plan. Before long, hearts get infiltrated, promises are broken, rules are shattered and love gets ugly! Be enthralled by this captivating tale of unexpected attraction and the consequences of living in the moment.
November 9 (2015)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
November 9 is an incredible love story between two unlikely lovers written by Colleen Hoover. Fallon, a girl on the brink of a move to another state, meets Ben, an aspiring novelist who is seeking creative inspiration. Against the odds, they spend Fallon's last day in LA together and develop a strong connection. For years they continue to meet up annually on the same date, but eventually Fallon starts to wonder if Ben has been telling her the truth or making up a fantasy for his novel. Will their relationship have a happy ending or will it end in heartache? Colleen Hoover tells an entrancing tale of love and dreams that will keep you captivated and engrossed until the very end.
Confess (2015)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's romance novel, "Confess", is a story of love, loss and self-discovery. Auburn Reed has lost everything that matters to her and is now struggling to make a fresh start. In an effort to keep her head down and stay focused she finds herself in a Dallas art studio looking for a job. What she didn't expect was to find herself developing an instantaneous deep attraction to the enigmatic artist there, Owen Gentry.
Auburn risks her heart and puts trust in Owen but soon discovers he has been keeping a major secret from her. The magnitude of his past threatens the future of their relationship, leaving Auburn with the only option of cutting Owen out of her life completely. To keep their love alive, Owen needs to confess his truth - but will his confession end up doing more harm than good?
If you love this book, we have a chapter-by-chapter summary of Confess.
Too Late (2016)
Trigger Warning: Abusive relationship, rape, substance addiction, schitzophrenia, murder, violence.
Recommended Age Rating: 21+
In her latest novel, Too Late, Colleen Hoover (writing as C. Hoover) takes readers on an intense journey with her leading character Sloan. Sloan is trapped in a relationship with the dangerous and morally corrupt Asa Jackson. No matter how much she wants to escape, Asa's sinister lifestyle always finds a way to keep her stuck. But when Carter enters the picture, everything changes.
Carter is determined to save Sloan from Asa no matter what it takes and both of their lives will never be the same again. Be warned that this novel contains extreme graphic content including rape, murder and other scenes of violence making it suitable only for mature audiences 18+. If you're looking for an intense read full of suspense and drama, Too Late is perfect for you!
Without Merit (2017)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
From Colleen Hoover, the beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us, comes Without Merit: a powerful and haunting story about family, love, and learning to let go of the lies. Meet the Voss family: they live in a repurposed church they call Dollar Voss, with a mom in the basement battling cancer, a dad who remarried his nurse, and two siblings who are too perfect. Among them is Merit, an outcast with secrets her family keeps her from sharing. When she finds Sagan at an antiques shop--like-minded and fearless--she's drawn to him until she discovers he's completely unavailable.
Fed up with the lies she's been holding back for years, Merit decides to leave her family behind for good. But when her escape plan fails, she must face the consequences of telling the truth--and losing the one boy that has brought light into her life. Without Merit is an honest journey filled with emotion that will have you rooting for Merit as she finds redemption within herself and ultimately discovers what it means to be truly alive.
Verity (2018)
Recommended Age Rating: 21+
Trigger Warning: death of a child, abortion, child abuse, violence.
Colleen Hoover's romance novel "Verity" is a heart-stopping thriller that readers won't soon forget. The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete the remaining books in a successful series that Jeremy Crawford's injured wife, bestselling author Verity Crawford, cannot finish.
Lowen discovers an unfinished autobiography written by Verity which contains shocking admissions about the night their family was forever changed. Lowen must choose between keeping the manuscript away from Jeremy or revealing the truth and potentially destroying his love for his wife. This thrilling story is full of unexpected twists and turns with a romantic edge that will keep you guessing until the very end.
We have a list of books like "Verity" if you're a fan of this amazing novel.
Regretting You (2019)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Colleen Hoover's Regretting You is an emotional tale of family, first love, grief and betrayal. It follows Morgan Grant, a mother determined to prevent her 16-year-old daughter Clara from making the same mistakes she did. Morgan wants to keep her daughter from getting pregnant and married too young, while Clara rebels against her predictable mother. The family finds peace in Chris - Morgan's husband and Clara's father - until his tragic and questionable accident.
The consequences of the accident tear the family apart with secrets, resentment and misunderstandings driving Morgan and Clara further away from each other. Struggling to rebuild everything that has been shattered, Morgan turns for comfort to the last person she expects, while Clara finds solace in a forbidden boy. Could these unlikely forces be enough to bring them back together? Find out by reading Colleen Hoover's Regretting You!
Heart Bones (2020)
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Colleen Hoover's Heart Bones is a captivating romance novel that captures the hearts of her readers. Beyah's parents never gave her much in life, so she decided to carve out her own path and future. However, when an unexpected death leaves her without a place to stay for the summer, she is forced to turn to the last resort of living with her estranged father on a Texas peninsula.
Little does she know, this summer will be full of surprises when she meets Samson--a boy from a life of wealth and privilege. Though opposites on the surface, they share one thing in common; their love for sad things brings them together and creates a connection that neither of them expected. What starts as a summer fling soon spirals into something far more intense than either of them could have prepared for. Heart Bones will sweep you away with its heart-warming characters and story-line that will linger long after you finish reading it.
Layla (2020)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's romance novel, "Layla", is a heartbreaking story of love and tragedy. Leeds and Layla meet, fall passionately in love, and Leeds is sure that they will be together forever. But then an unexpected attack leaves Layla seriously injured in the hospital, both physically and emotionally changed. To help mend their relationship, Leeds takes her to the bed-and-breakfast where they first met. Once there, Layla's behavior spirals into bizarre behavior, adding more tension to their already strained relationship.
Enter Willow, another guest at the B&B with whom Leeds forms a strong connection. As he grows closer to Willow he must choose between helping her find answers or focus on his relationship with Layla. This dilemma leads him to a crucial decision that will have serious consequences for all involved. Heartbreaking and emotional with twists and turns throughout its journey - this novel proves why Colleen Hoover is a #1 New York Times bestselling author!
Reminders of Him (2022)
Recommended Age Rating: 17+
Colleen Hoover's romance novel "Reminders of Him" is a story of love, redemption, and hope. The book follows Kenna Rowan, a young woman who served five years in prison for making one tragic mistake. Upon her release, she attempts to reconcile with her four-year-old daughter and rebuild the bridges she burned during her time away. Despite her efforts, nearly everyone stands against her until Ledger Ward comes into the picture.
Ledger is a local bar owner and one of the few remaining links in Kenna's daughter's life. As the two slowly form a connection, their romance grows despite the pressure surrounding them. To make matters worse, if anyone were to discover their relationship both would be risking their reputation with those important to them. Kenna must find a way to absolve her past and build a future of hope and healing in order to achieve true redemption and make this relationship work.
Anthologies (2020 - 2021)
One More Step (2020)
Recommended Age Rating: 21+
One More Step is a collection of stories from twenty-six authors that will make you curious about the creative process of writing. Each story was given the same first sentence, and from there, the authors were free to take their creations in whichever direction they chose. The result is a collection of stories that are all unique and varied in content, but have a common starting point.
The Bookworm Box curated this collaboration with some of the best authors of today as part of their charity drive for 2019. The proceeds from sales will go to different charities supported by them. Authors such A.L Jackson, Aleatha Romig, Amy Daws and many more have come together to create this incredible anthology and support an important cause at the same time! So pick up your copy today to not only enjoy amazing stories but also support those in need!
Two More Days (2021)
Recommended Age Rating: 21+
Two More Days is an amazing anthology book featuring stories from talented authors! Every single story in this collection was given the same starting sentence, but the authors take it in different directions. Every purchase of Two More Days will be going directly to the various charities that The Bookworm Box supports. Plus, you get to enjoy a unique and exciting reading experience! So why wait? Grab your copy of Two More Days today and help support an incredible cause while diving into an amazing collection of stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Would Like Colleen Hoover Books?
Do you love romance novels with unforgettable characters and gripping plotlines? Then you're sure to appreciate Colleen Hoover's books! From YA fiction and steamy romances, to problem novels exploring domestic violence and sexual abuse, there's something for everyone. Fans of the genre will recognize familiar tropes - the gorgeous hero with a glamorous career, insta-love, and swoon-worthy kisses - but they can expect plenty of surprises too. Hoover's works often subvert expectations, tackling powerful issues like abuse while still delivering a satisfyingly romantic ending. If you're eager to experience an unforgettable story with real emotional depth, put Colleen Hoover on your must-read list!
Recommended Age Rating for Colleen Hoover Books
It may be tempting for kids to pick up a Colleen Hoover book, but parents should be aware that they're not suitable for all ages. No Colleen Hoover books are recommended for readers under the age of 14, while only seven books are appropriate for young adults aged 14 and over. Most of her titles are better suited for mature adults aged 17 and older. Lastly, some of her novels contain subject matter that's best suited for persons aged 21 and above. If your kids wish to read Colleen Hoover's books, we recommend checking the age ratings in our list above.
What's the Best Order to Read Colleen Hoover Books?
When deciding whether to read Colleen Hoover books in order, bear in mind that a number of her books are part of a series, like the Slammed series, It Ends With Us series, or Maybe Someday series. It makes sense to read those in their correct order. Otherwise, there's no reason to read each series or her stand-alone books in order.
Which Colleen Hoover Book Should I Read First?
Although you can start enjoying any of Colleen Hoover's books or series, it might be best to start with her debut novel, Slammed. It's guaranteed to make you a Colleen Hoover fan.
What is Colleen Hoover's Most Popular Book?
Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" is an absolute must-read for fans of the best-selling author, as it achieved #1 New York Times bestseller status and has over a million positive reviews. It follows Lily, a college graduate who moves to Boston and starts up a floral business. When she meets Ryle, a neurosurgeon with an odd "no dating" rule, she soon discovers why. As Lily's relationship spirals out of control, Atlas, a male protector from her past is reintroduced into her life, adding yet another layer of complexity to the situation. It Ends With Us is an emotionally gripping story that puts readers in Lily's shoes and forces them to consider what they would do in a difficult situation and whether history is doomed to repeat itself. There's no easy answer here - it will leave you contemplating long after you've finished reading! Trigger Warning: this book contains elements of toxic relationships.
Related Posts
If you're a fan of Colleen Hoover and a lover of romance novels, you might enjoy our list of The Best Romance Books to Read When Bored!
Penny Somerset
I'm an avid reader and bibliophile. With an unquenchable thirst for stories, I love nothing more than burying my nose in a good book - whether it's curled up on the sofa or out in nature. My deep curiosity and appreciation of diverse writing means that there's no one genre that I prefer, but I'm especially keen on books full of adventure and vivid imagination.
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