Today's Read Contributor Colleen Hoover is one of the most successful and beloved authors of contemporary romance. Her meteoric rise from a self-published author to a literary sensation is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and undeniable talent. Hoover’s books, including It Ends With Us, Verity, and Confess, have been not only commercial hits but also emotional, thought-provoking narratives that resonate with millions of readers across the world.
As of June 2025, Hoover’s books have sold over 20 million copies globally, and her influence on the genre is undeniable. However, her success didn’t come easily. Hoover, like many authors, faced numerous challenges on her journey to becoming one of the best-selling authors of all time. Today, her books are frequently on the New York Times Best Seller list, but the road to success wasn’t without its struggles.
Born in 1979 in Sulphur Springs, Texas, Hoover’s first experience with writing was not professional. She began writing poetry as a teenager, and it was during this time that she realized her passion for writing. However, Hoover did not immediately turn to fiction writing after school. Instead, she pursued a degree in social work, followed by a career that involved a variety of jobs, including working with abused children, which profoundly shaped her worldview and later influenced many of her works. Her first foray into the literary world came when she wrote Slammed, her debut novel, in 2012.
Hoover self-published Slammed through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), and the book quickly gained traction. The story’s raw emotion, heartfelt moments, and deep characters found a passionate audience, particularly among readers of young adult romance. The novel’s success was largely driven by word-of-mouth recommendations and the rise of social media platforms like Goodreads and Facebook, where readers started discussing and sharing their love for the book.
In an interview, Hoover stated, “I never thought I’d be where I am today. I just wanted to write a story that mattered to me and hoped it would connect with others.” But connect it did. Slammed and its sequel, Point of Retreat, became an instant hit among readers, and Hoover’s career as a writer took off from there. What set Hoover apart was her ability to write books that tackled difficult and often taboo subjects with sensitivity and nuance. In particular, It Ends With Us, which deals with the theme of domestic violence, has struck a chord with readers for its raw and honest portrayal of an abusive relationship.
The success of It Ends With Us in 2016 propelled Hoover to global fame. The novel, which tells the story of Lily Bloom, a young woman who falls in love with a man who is not what he seems, received critical acclaim for its emotionally complex characters and poignant exploration of abuse. Despite the novel’s popularity, Hoover was cautious about her rise to fame. “I wasn’t prepared for the level of attention that came with It Ends With Us,” Hoover said. “But I knew that it was a story that needed to be told.”
Over the years, Hoover has continued to release best-selling books, including Verity, a psychological thriller that dives deep into the dark side of fame, and Confess, which tackles themes of secrets, confession, and healing. Hoover’s diverse range of writing—from romantic dramas to psychological thrillers—has allowed her to reach an even wider audience.
What is perhaps most impressive about Hoover’s success is her ability to remain grounded in an industry that often prizes commercial success over emotional storytelling. Despite her immense popularity, Hoover has been open about the pressure that comes with being a bestselling author. In a 2024 interview, Hoover reflected on her experience with fame, saying, “There’s always this fear that your next book won’t live up to expectations. But I write for myself first, and if the readers connect with it, then I consider it a success.”
One of the major factors contributing to Hoover’s continued success is her active engagement with her fans. Hoover’s relationship with her readers goes beyond the books she writes. She frequently engages with her fans on social media, where she shares personal updates, book recommendations, and behind-the-scenes looks at her writing process. Her transparency and accessibility have helped her build a loyal community of readers who feel personally invested in her journey.
In 2025, Hoover’s social media following has only grown, with millions of fans on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Her relationship with her readers is a reflection of the new era of digital publishing, where authors can connect directly with their audience and build lasting, meaningful relationships. Hoover’s book tours and virtual events have become a fan favorite, allowing readers to interact with her in real-time, asking questions and sharing their personal connections to her stories.
As Hoover continues to write, she remains a highly influential figure in the world of contemporary romance. Her influence has helped pave the way for other self-published authors, and her success has proven that there is room for heartfelt, emotional storytelling in a commercial market that often favors blockbuster thrillers and fantasy novels. In 2025, Hoover remains one of the most prominent voices in the romance genre, and her ability to craft narratives that address real-world issues while also offering hope and healing is something that resonates with readers of all ages.
Hoover’s upcoming release, Reminders of Him, is eagerly anticipated by her fans. The novel, which explores themes of redemption, love, and loss, is expected to become another instant bestseller. With a career that continues to flourish, it’s clear that Colleen Hoover’s impact on the literary world will be felt for years to come.
