💔 Books Like Colleen Hoover (But Better 👀)

Let’s be real: Colleen Hoover has taken over BookTok, Bookstagram, and every Target and Walmart shelf near you. Her books are emotional, twisty, and wildly addictive. But if you've ever found yourself thinking, “I want more depth, better writing, or just something new,” you're not alone.

Whether you're burnt out on her tropes or simply looking to expand your romance TBR, here are 6 books like Colleen Hoover, but better. More tension, better character arcs, and stories that stick with you long after the last page.

📖 1. Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

Why it’s better:If you love the emotional intensity of It Ends With Us but crave more lyrical writing and real-life reflection, this second-chance romance delivers. The story follows two artists who reconnect 15 years after a life-altering moment and it hurts so good.

• 🌶️ Spice: Mild

• 🎭 Tropes: Second chance, missed connection

• 💫 Bonus: A love letter to NYC and your college self

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

📖 2. Say You Still Love Me by K.A. Tucker

Why it’s better:Tucker brings the drama without leaning too heavily on trauma. Her characters are more grounded, and the romance is full of tension, nostalgia, and redemption. If you liked Reminders of Him, you’ll love this.

• 🌶️ Spice: Medium

• 🎭 Tropes: Rich girl x rebel boy, past & present timelines

• 💫 Bonus: The chemistry is chef’s kiss

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

📖 3. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Why it’s better:This is one of those books that isn’t really about the romance—but it hurts like one. Like Colleen Hoover, Serle plays with fate and heartbreak, but this story explores love in all its messy, unexpected forms. It’s short, thought-provoking, and perfect for a one-sitting read.

• 🌶️ Spice: Low

• 🎭 Tropes: Destiny, friendship, emotional gut-punch

• 💫 Bonus: You'll cry. But in a cathartic way.

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

📖 4. The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

Why it’s better:Yes, another Tucker pick — because she does what Hoover does, but with more nuance. This one has grumpy x sunshine energy, slow-burn angst, and an Alaskan setting that adds major cozy appeal.

• 🌶️ Spice: Medium

• 🎭 Tropes: Opposites attract, forced proximity, emotional growth

• 💫 Bonus: There’s a whole series if you fall in love with the characters

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

📖 5. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Why it’s better:If Ugly Love left you aching for a romantic payoff, this delivers in a big way. Childhood friends. Big mistake. Long-held secrets. The writing is dreamy, and the nostalgia hits hard.

• 🌶️ Spice: Medium

• 🎭 Tropes: Friends to lovers, dual timeline, emotional tension

• 💫 Bonus: Total beach read vibes, but with heart

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

📖 6. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Why it’s better:This is emotional, character-driven, and filled with slow-burn intensity that CoHo fans live for. If you want heartfelt romance without over-the-top plot twists, this one delivers beautifully.

• 🌶️ Spice: Mild

• 🎭 Tropes: Childhood friends to strangers to lovers

• 💫 Bonus: The writing feels like a hug and a heartbreak in one

Affiliate Link: [Buy on Amazon]

✨ Final Thoughts

Colleen Hoover may be a household name in the book world, but she’s not the only author who can wreck your heart in 300 pages or less. These picks give you all the emotion, romance, and healing you’re craving — just with a little more soul (and sometimes, better writing 😉).

Have you read any of these?👇 Drop your favorite “better than CoHo” book in the comments!