Colleen Hoover: Do We Need To Give Her A Break?

Okay, so Colleen Hoover. We need to talk about her. If you’re a fan of contemporary romance or psychological thrillers, you’ve probably heard of her, and maybe you’ve even read a few of her books. It Ends with Us, Verity, November 9—these are all huge hits. But for all the love she gets, there’s also a lot of hate. Some people are all about her, while others think her books are problematic or even harmful. So, is Colleen Hoover really as bad as some people say, or do we just need to cut her some slack?

First off, let’s talk about why people love her books. Colleen Hoover has a way of writing that’s totally addictive. Her stories are emotional, raw, and intense, and they have a way of pulling you in. It Ends with Us, for example, tackles domestic abuse in a way that’s pretty eye-opening, and Verity is a wild ride with a twist you won’t see coming. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you stay up way too late reading.

Her characters feel real, and the relationships in her books are messy, complicated, and sometimes kind of heart-breaking. For a lot of readers, that’s what makes her books so engaging. They’re not just about romance; they dive into deep, tough topics like trauma, mental health, and toxic relationships. It’s emotional stuff that gets people talking, and for some, that’s exactly what they’re looking for in a book.

But here’s the thing: not everyone’s a fan. Some readers feel like Hoover’s books romanticize really serious issues, like abuse or mental health struggles. Take It Ends with Us, for example. While it’s been praised for shedding light on domestic abuse, some people feel like it oversimplifies the complexities of leaving an abusive relationship. Others argue that her portrayal of toxic relationships in books like November 9 could send the wrong message, especially to younger readers. Then there’s the whole thing with mental health. Some critics feel like Hoover’s treatment of depression, anxiety, and trauma can be a little too dramatic or exploitative. It’s not that the issues aren’t important, but some people feel like Hoover’s approach to them can sometimes feel a bit… off.

On the flip side, there’s a lot to be said in defence of Colleen Hoover. For one, her books spark important conversations. They get people talking about tough topics that are often hard to discuss. And while her portrayal of some issues might not be perfect, it’s not like she’s trying to make light of them. She’s just writing stories, and sometimes those stories are messy and uncomfortable.

Plus, Hoover’s books provide a form of escapism for a lot of people. They’re dramatic, they’re emotional, and they give readers a chance to lose themselves in a story that’s both thrilling and heart-wrenching. For some, that’s exactly what they need, and it’s why her books have such a loyal following. It’s not always about the “perfect” portrayal of an issue—it’s about the emotional impact, and for many, that’s what makes her work stand out.

Also, Hoover’s not shy about her own struggles with mental health, which gives her writing a bit of a personal touch. She’s been open about her own challenges, and a lot of her fans appreciate that honesty. Her books might not be for everyone, but for those who connect with them, they offer a sense of solidarity.

Here’s the thing: Colleen Hoover’s books are definitely not for everyone. They can be intense, and sometimes they handle sensitive topics in ways that might feel off to some readers. But that doesn’t mean we should completely write her off. Her books spark conversations, they get people thinking, and they offer a kind of emotional depth that a lot of people really appreciate. Colleen Hoover has sold over 30 million copies of her books worldwide, making her one of the best-selling authors of the past decade, so she must be doing something right -even if we don't all agree.

In my opinion, Colleen Hoover's books are pretty cheesy—sometimes they’re almost laughable. The dramatic twists and over-the-top emotional moments can feel a bit much at times. But even though her writing might not be for me, I don’t think she’s the worst person in the world. I get why people enjoy her books; they’re emotional and addictive, even if they’re not always the most realistic or subtle. At the end of the day, I can respect her success and the conversations her books spark, even if I’m not personally a huge fan.

At the end of the day, reading is personal. If you love Hoover’s books, there’s no shame in that. And if you don’t, that’s totally fine too. There’s room for all kinds of stories, and Colleen Hoover’s are just one piece of the puzzle. Maybe instead of labelling her as “bad,” we should just acknowledge that her books are messy, emotional, and sometimes a little controversial—and that’s okay. Everyone’s going to have their own take, but maybe it’s time to stop being so quick to judge. After all, books that make us think, even if they’re imperfect, are still worth talking about.