What To Read If You Like Colleen Hoover
Okay, so you’ve officially devoured every single Colleen Hoover book, haven’t you? Like, you know the plot twists before they even happen, can quote Ryle and Atlas like they’re your own personal spirit animals, and probably have a minor identity crisis every time you finish one. I get it, I really get it. It’s like a drug, this CoHo addiction. And now you’re sitting there, clutching your e-reader (or, you know, your actual book, you old soul), wondering, “What now? Where do I go from here?”
Don't even stress about it, my friend. I've been there. We’ve all been there. It’s a dark, Colleen-less abyss, and it’s terrifying. But fear not! I’ve done the hard yards, the extensive research (read: I stayed up way too late reading, naturally), to bring you the ultimate guide to what to read if you’re currently experiencing the post-Colleen Hoover blues. So grab your favorite mug, settle in, and let’s talk books!
The "OMG, My Heart Can't Take This Anymore (But I'll Read It Anyway)" Vibe
You love Colleen Hoover because she rips your heart out, right? Like, she’ll have you sobbing into your pillow one minute and then obsessing over the swoon-worthy hero the next. It’s a wild ride, and you’re here for all of it. So, let’s start with authors who are really good at making you feel all the feels.
Brittainy C. Cherry: The Queen of Heartbreak (with a Side of Hope!)
If you’re looking for that same emotional rollercoaster, you have to check out Brittainy C. Cherry. Her books? They are intense. Like, cry-your-eyes-out, ugly-cry, snot-running-down-your-face kind of intense. But here’s the thing: she also knows how to weave in the hope. It’s never just sad. There’s always that little spark of light at the end of the tunnel, which is exactly what we need after a CoHo book, am I right?
Start with The Words We Couldn't Say. Oh. My. Gosh. This one is a stunner. It’s got a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, love story, and it deals with some really heavy themes. Prepare yourself. Seriously. Have tissues ready. More tissues than you think you’ll need. And maybe a weighted blanket. You know, for emotional support.
Another one that will totally wreck you in the best way is Clean Sweep. It’s part of a series, but you can totally read it as a standalone. It’s about finding love when you least expect it, and it’s got all the angst and passion you’ve come to expect from your favorite authors. Plus, the characters are just so real, you’ll feel like you know them.
Brittainy C. Cherry is just masterful at building these characters who feel like your best friends. You’re rooting for them, you’re hurting with them, and you’re celebrating every little victory with them. It’s that deep connection that makes her books so darn addictive.
K.A. Tucker: When the Drama is Chef's Kiss
Okay, K.A. Tucker. She’s another one who knows how to deliver the drama. And the romance. And the heat. If you’re into the whole “forbidden love” trope, or just stories with a lot of emotional baggage (which, let’s be honest, CoHo excels at!), then Tucker is your girl. Her characters often have these complicated pasts that come back to haunt them, and watching them navigate that is just… everything.
You absolutely must pick up the Keep Me Posted series. The first book, Keep Me Posted, is a fantastic start. It’s about a long-distance relationship, and let me tell you, the letters! The emails! The texts! It’s all so deliciously romantic and angsty. You’ll be checking your own inbox like, “Is that him?” even if it’s just your mom asking if you want pizza.
And if you want something with a bit more of a darker, more mature edge, try The Simple Wild. This one is set in Alaska, and it’s got this incredible enemies-to-lovers vibe. The scenery is stunning in your head, and the characters… oh, the characters. They are so flawed and real, you can’t help but fall for them. It’s got that CoHo intensity, but with a slightly different flavor, you know?
K.A. Tucker is also a pro at making you feel like you’re right there with the characters, experiencing their struggles and their triumphs. It’s that immersive storytelling that makes her books so hard to put down. You’ll be up all night, I’m warning you now!
The "I Need a Hero Who Will Literally Save My Life (And My Heart)" Energy
Colleen Hoover often gives us these heroes who are, shall we say, complicated. They might have issues, they might make questionable decisions, but at the end of the day, they’re usually pretty darn devoted. So, if you’re looking for that next book boyfriend who’s going to sweep you off your feet and make you believe in love again, here are some contenders.
Mia Asher: For When You Want Some Serious Angst and Protective Love
Mia Asher is another author who just gets it. She writes these stories with a lot of emotional depth, and her heroes? They’re often the protective, devoted type who have a whole lot of angst brewing under the surface. It’s that combination of vulnerability and strength that makes them so incredibly appealing.
You cannot go wrong with the Degrassi Shore series. The first book, Broken Toy Boy, is a fantastic place to start. It’s got that raw emotion, that feeling of overcoming past trauma, and a love story that will make your heart ache and then soar. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
And if you’re looking for something that’s a little more intense, a little more gripping, try The Reckless Love Series. These books are full of passion, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption. Asher is brilliant at crafting these narratives that keep you on the edge of your seat, desperate to know what happens next. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you forget to eat, sleep, or do any of the adulting things you’re supposed to be doing.
Mia Asher's characters have this way of drawing you in. You understand their flaws, you root for their happiness, and you fall head over heels for the heroes who are determined to protect them, no matter what. It’s that kind of unwavering love that we all secretly crave, isn’t it?
Jay Crownover: The "Bad Boy with a Heart of Gold" Specialist
Jay Crownover. Oh, Jay Crownover. If you like your heroes a little rough around the edges, with a past that’s a little… questionable, but a heart that’s pure gold, then she’s your author. Her books are often gritty, realistic, and full of characters who are just trying to find their way in the world. And the romance? It’s always steamy.
Definitely check out the Marked Men series. The first book, Rule, is an absolute classic. It’s got that tattooed bad boy hero who’s secretly a softie, and a heroine who’s strong and independent. The chemistry between them is insane. You’ll be fanning yourself, I guarantee it. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to find your own tattooed mechanic, just in case.
And for another dose of Crownover’s signature style, try the Love Song Duet. These books are a little more complex, with a story that unfolds over two parts. But trust me, it’s worth it. The emotional depth, the angsty romance, the characters you just can’t get enough of – it’s all there. Crownover has a knack for writing characters who feel incredibly authentic, even when they’re living these dramatic lives.
Jay Crownover's heroes are the kind you want to fix, but also the kind who end up fixing you. They’re imperfect, they’re passionate, and they’ll make you believe that even the roughest exteriors can hide the most beautiful hearts. It’s that complexity that makes her books so utterly captivating.
The "Okay, I Need a Little Bit of Everything" Blend
Sometimes, you don't want to pigeonhole yourself, right? You want a book that’s got a little bit of that CoHo magic – the emotion, the steam, the compelling characters – but maybe with a slightly different twist. These authors hit that sweet spot.
Sloane Kennedy: For When You Want Strong Characters and Emotional Depth
Sloane Kennedy is another one who excels at creating these incredibly strong, complex characters. Her books often deal with darker themes and have a sense of redemption and healing. If you appreciate a story that’s not afraid to go there, but still delivers a powerful romance, then Kennedy is your new best friend.
You have to read the Realm Series. Start with The King. It’s got this incredible alpha male hero who’s a bit of a protector, and a heroine who’s trying to find her own strength. The romance is intense, the storyline is gripping, and the emotional journey is just… wow. It’s the kind of book that makes you think, and feel, deeply.
And if you want something with a bit more of a found-family vibe, try the Crossing the Line Series. These books are about people who are broken but find solace and love in each other. Kennedy is a master of making you care about her characters, even when they’re going through hell. It’s that raw honesty that makes her books so incredibly moving.
Sloane Kennedy's characters often have to overcome significant obstacles, and it’s watching them do that, with the support of their love interests, that makes her books so rewarding. It’s that journey of healing and finding hope that resonates so deeply.
Helena Hunting: When You Need a Dash of Humor with Your Angst
Helena Hunting! Ah, the queen of the laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy romance. If you love Colleen Hoover, but sometimes wish there were more witty banter and less soul-crushing despair (don’t get me wrong, we love the despair!), then Hunting is your next stop. Her books are FUN. They’re steamy, they’re sweet, and they’re hilarious.
You absolutely must start with the Pucked Series. The first book, Pucked, is a laugh riot. It’s about hockey players, and let me tell you, these guys are not your typical stoic athletes. They’re charming, they’re hilarious, and they’re surprisingly good at falling in love. The banter alone is worth the price of admission.
And for a slightly different vibe, but still with that signature Hunting charm, try the Shacking Up Series. The first book, Shacking Up, is about a fake relationship that turns into something real. It’s got all the tropes you love, but with Hunting’s unique brand of humor and heart. You’ll be giggling and swooning all at once, which is pretty much the perfect reading experience, right?
Helena Hunting's characters are so vibrant and full of personality. They feel like your friends, the ones you can have a good laugh with, but also the ones who will be there for you when things get tough. It’s that perfect blend of humor and heart that makes her books so utterly delightful.
So, What Are You Waiting For?
There you have it, my fellow Colleen Hoover devotees! A treasure trove of books that are just begging to be your next obsession. Whether you’re craving a good cry, a swoon-worthy hero, or a healthy dose of both, there’s something on this list for you. Don’t let that post-CoHo funk get you down. Dive into these pages, let yourself fall in love with new characters, and remember, the book world is a vast and wonderful place. Happy reading!