book review of verity by colleen hoover

Colleen Hoover

336 pages, ebook

First published December 7, 2018

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I put my hand on the mattress to lift myself up off the floor, but immediately shift backward onto my palms when I catch Verity watching me. Her head is in a different position, turned to the right, her eyes on mine.

my blood runs cold when my eyes are pulled to the figure standing at the top of the stairs. She’s just standing there, watching her husband as his mouth roams over my breast. My entire body stiffens beneath Jeremy. Verity’s fists clench at her sides before she rushes back in the direction of her room.

He fell asleep while I was in the bathroom, attempting to abort his daughters with a wire hanger.

“After all, this is a house full of Chronics. The next tragedy is already long overdue.”

"Find what you love and let it kill you." -Charles Bukowski

I was good at spewing bullshit. It’s why I became a writer.

“Some families are lucky enough to never experience a single tragedy. But then there are those families that seem to have tragedies waiting on the back burner. What can go wrong, goes wrong. And then gets worse.”

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‘Verity’ review: This horror romance is a last ditch attempt at originality

It is bold to say, but after reading “Verity,” I feel no inclination to read another Colleen Hoover book again.

Describing the plot of this book to friends brought myself to the brink of insanity. It is comparable to a fever dream in which nothing makes sense, and the only frightening aspect is that your mind came up with it. Not only is the plot entirely implausible, but it is close to juvenile in construction. There are plot lines present that are completely unnecessary, character motivations that do not line up and just plain cringeworthy lines. The one thing we can praise Colleen for is creativity with this one.

The premise of the book starts with Lowen, a budding author who writes thriller novels. She is approached by an agent who then asks her to co-write the rest of an unfinished series written originally by Verity Crawford. However, instead of simply finding Verity’s old notes and outlines, Lowen discovers a manuscript for Verity’s autobiography. Things progress from there.

I want to preface my full review with the disclaimer that prior to reading this book, I liked Colleen Hoover as an author. Her book “It Ends with Us” is positively leagues above “Verity,” therefore my expectations going into this book were high. I thought fondly of Colleen’s writing, and was anything but a skeptic.

First and foremost, I must address the main character of “Verity” — Lowen. In short, she was woefully underdeveloped. Not only is her moral compass askew for an almost insubstantial reason, but it is clear most of her decisions are written to solely progress the plot.

Reading Lowen’s decision-making process felt like watching a terrible horror movie and screaming at the TV — “Stop! Don’t go in there!” It was with baited breath that I continued to read to simply uncover the underlying reasons for what made Lowen act the way she did.

To my own disappointment however, we never get there. For essentially the entire first half of the book, we are strung along in a chase to figure out what life-altering tragedy occurred to Lowen. This event is talked up to be almost so horrific that it has undoubtedly transformed our main character. Only, it is beyond dissatisfying. Upon discovering the reason I audibly said, “That’s it?” while reading.

To sum up, there was nothing below the surface of Lowen. It just so turned out that she was a bad character paired with bad writing.

Moreover, we have to talk about the subpar love interest of “Verity” — Jeremy. I guess I cannot blame Colleen for putting a mediocre woman with a below average man. The relationship that Jeremy presents is full of distrust blanketed by lust. Again, we are presented with the same problem of shallowness as before. There is almost an odd fixation on Jeremy as a character, and that may have been an intentional choice. However, it completely misses the mark.

This borderline obsessiveness comes off as arbitrary, seeing as Jeremy is written as a tolerable character at best. I did not think it could be done, but Jeremy quite possibly had less substance than Lowen.

Moving on, it is important that I acknowledge how much of the plot is simply just filler. For example, there are conflicts that arise due to the careless mistakes of the characters, however these issues only serve one purpose — To fill pages.

Additionally, there are multiple scenes within the book that provide no relevant information in the slightest. These scenes do not supply background information nor do they give opportunity for character development.

Overall, I gave this book two out of five stars. To be completely candid, the writing reads like something you could find on Wattpad with its nonsensical twists. The plot definitely took me by surprise purely because it is outrageous. It seems the common theme within “Verity” is that you can be sure you will be left with many questions — one of them being “What did I just read?”

Michelle Davis

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Verity (Review, Book Summary & Spoilers)

By colleen hoover.

Book review, full book summary and synopsis for Verity by Colleen Hoover, a thriller-slash-romance novel about a write who is offered a dream job.

In Verity , Lowen Ashleigh is a writer who's offered the opportunity to complete the last three novels of a bestselling book series because the author, Verity Crawford, is unable to do so for medical reasons.

When Lowen moves into the Crawford house to go over Verity's notes, Lowen sees that Verity has been left largely unresponsive after a car accident. She also learns that Verity's two twin daughters died in the months preceding Verity's accident.

Lowen soon finds her self attracted to Jeremy, Verity's husband, and she also discovers an autobiographical manuscript by Verity, which contains dark secrets about Verity's life.

(The Full Plot Summary is also available, below)

Full Plot Summary

Lowen Ashleigh is offered a job completing the last three novels of a popular book series. The original author, Verity Crawford , was in an accident a short while ago and is now alive, but unresponsive. The accident happened soon after the deaths of Verity's two twin daughters.

Lowen moves into the Crawford house to go over Verity's notes, where Verity is being cared for by her nurse, April . Verity's husband, Jeremy , and young son Crew also live there. Lowen quickly finds herself attracted to and falling for Jeremy. Strange occurrences also make Lowen suspect that Verity is faking her medical condition.

Lowen starts to read Verity's book series called The Noble Virtues , which are all written from an antagonist's point of view. In Verity's office, Lowen also discovers an autobiographical manuscript that Verity wrote that reveals Verity's dark nature.

In the manuscript, Verity describes resenting her daughters because Jeremy loves them more than her. Verity also admits to loving one of her daughters ( Chastin ) more than the other ( Harper ), and she has a dream that Harper will someday kill Chastin.

When Chastin is 8, she ends up dead from her peanut allergy. Chastin and Harper had been at a sleepover together when it happened. Verity then admits to murdering Harper six months later. She purposely took Crew and Harper out on a canoe, caused it to capsize and then only saved Crew.

Lowen is initially unsure whether to tell Jeremy about the manuscript, knowing it will only hurt him more. By now, she and Jeremy are sleeping together, and discussing a possible future together. However, when Lowen thinks she sees Verity move, she tells Jeremy in order to protect him and Crew.

Jeremy confronts Verity who finally admits to faking it. Jeremy then attacks Verity, and Lowen at first tells him to stop, but then she advises him to make it look like an accident. Verity is killed.

Months later, Lowen is pregnant and they are all living in a new house. The old house is due to be sold off. As they clean out the last of the stuff, Lowen discovers a letter that Verity wrote after her accident.

The letter describes how Verity wrote the manuscript as a writing exercise to practice her antagonistic point of view that she uses for her novels. She also writes about how Jeremy knew about the manuscript and had forced her into the "accident" because of it.

Afterwards, Lowen destroys the letter. However, the book ends with her being unsure as to whether the letter was true or just another manipulation from Verity.

For more detail, see the full Chapter-by-Chapter Summary .

If this summary was useful to you, please consider supporting this site by leaving a tip ( $2 , $3 , or $5 ) or joining the Patreon !

Book Review

• Plenty of suspense
• Page-turner
• Solid plot twist
• Very graphic (may be a pro or con for you)
• Somewhat implausible ending, relies on characters acting in contrived ways

Verity by Colleen Hoover was published a few years ago, but has continued to be pretty popular since then. Hoover is primarily known for her romance and YA novels, but Verity is more of a thriller-mystery romance.

In Verity , Lowen Ashley is a writer who is hired to write the last three novels in a bestselling book series because the author, Verity Crawford, is unable to do so herself. However, in the process of looking over Verity’s notes about the books, Lowen discovers an autobiographical manuscript written by Verity that reveals dark secrets about Verity’s life.

Reading this book, I wouldn’t have guessed that Hoover was someone who doesn’t typically write thrillers. It’s dark and graphic and very suspenseful. She definitely nails the thriller atmosphere and the page-turner pacing.

I also thought the major plot twist in it was fairly clever, though I don’t want to spoil anything about it here (see the Spoiler-ish Thoughts section for details). However, the ending seems a little implausible and relies on characters acting in contrived ways in order to make it work.

Also, this book isn’t as twisty as some mystery-thrillers. Instead, the romance aspect of it takes precedence for much of it, with our protagonist falling for Verity’s husband, Jeremy Crawford.

It’s important to mention that this book is aggressively graphic when it comes to sex and there’s quite a bit of it. Like, a lot. This is by far the most graphic book I’ve ever read. Obviously, whether or not that something that interests you is highly subjective.

Read it or Skip it?

Honestly, if you like the idea of a mystery-thriller romance novel, then this book is probably a pretty solid iteration of that type of book, especially if you are someone who would enjoy the creepy and suspenseful atmosphere of the book.

I went into Verity knowing I probably wasn’t the right reader for this book — I don’t really like romance novels — and I thought it was better than I expected it to be. I don’t plan on revisiting this author simply because I’m just not all that interested in the types of books she writes, but I was happy to sate my curiosity.

Have you read Verity? What did you think? See Verity on Amazon.

Spoiler-ish Thoughts

SPOILERS START HERE. You’ve been warned.

Okay, let’s talk about the final twist. The whole time, I knew there was clearly something about either Lowen’s narration or Verity’s manuscript that was false, I just couldn’t figure out what it was or why.

When it’s finally revealed that Verity was going essentially a writing exercise, I though that was pretty clever, especially since Hoover makes a point to keep reminding us that Verity writes in the voice of an antagonist and how that’s such an important component of her books.

The one thing that didn’t make sense though was why Jeremy flips out when he re-reads that manuscript or why he wouldn’t mention to Lowen that he’d seen it before? Am I missing something here? Why does he bother pretending to read the manuscript instead of just saying that he’s already read it?

Also the whole thing with Verity faking a her medical condition just seems extremely unlikely. And it feels very contrived that over the course of many months she was never able to find an opportunity to tell Jeremy that the manuscript was just a writing exercise.

Book Excerpt

Read the first pages of Verity

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Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of what really happened the day her daughter died.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

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You are always honest, I really appreciate that. Along with your honesty you are fair; and if you were reviewing my book I would be grateful for that aspect.

I thought the twist at the end would have been something like Jeremy actually the one the killed the girls, and that Verity found out so Jeremy tried to kill her but failed. So then he drugged her because he couldn’t try to kill her again so soon, and sometimes she had periods of lucidity, which is when Lowen saw her. I thought Jeremy wrote the manuscript to cover his tracks, hire a ghost writer to hopefully find it, so he could then kill her. I thought the first person they tried to hire either got spooked off, or didn’t find the manuscript, so they fired her. Then hired Lowen. When she found the manuscript, read it, it would have only been a matter of time till she told him. Then he could carry out the killing Verity to make sure she wouldn’t tell what actually happened to the girls. I’m a period of lucid, her letter could have been saying that Jeremy was behind it the whole time and kept poisoning her and Lowen only found out after the fact. Also, Lowen was not innocent in all of this either. Remember how she made sure she got pregnant?

This is a better ending than in the actual book!

great summary and analysis as usual.

‘She also learns that Verity’s two twin daughters died in the months preceding Verity’s accident’ two twin daughters — twins implies two

I also suspect that Verity is somehow really that type which Lowen has called her. Its because you remember that when crew shouted from upstairs and Lowen went to see what happen, there when she asked Crew what cut his palm(or maybe something else, I don’t remember clearly), he told that verity warn him not to touch her knife. Later in front of Jeremy he totally changed the cause even when Lowen was telling about the knife.

– Entertainment Analysis and Reviews

“Verity” by Colleen Hoover: A Gripping Psychological Thriller

“Colleen Hoover’s ‘Verity’ is a psychological thriller that is both disturbing and captivating. The novel follows the story of Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete the remaining books in a popular series after the original author, Verity Crawford, is left unable to finish them due to a car accident. As Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s notes and research, she discovers a dark and twisted world that challenges her perception of reality.

The novel explores several themes such as betrayal, mental illness, obsession, manipulation, and the power of storytelling. It also employs a variety of narrative techniques to build tension and create an atmosphere of suspense. ‘Verity’ has received critical acclaim for its gripping plot and well-drawn characters. However, it has also sparked controversy due to its graphic content and depictions of violence.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of ‘Verity’ by examining its themes, motifs, and narrative techniques. We will also explore the reception and criticism that the novel has received, as well as its potential impact and implications for the future of the psychological thriller genre. Ultimately, we hope to shed light on why ‘Verity’ is worth reading and discussing in greater detail.”

Verity book summary

Themes and meaning in “verity” by colleen hoover:, reception of “verity” by colleen hoover, analysis of verity, verity ending explained.

Verity tells the story of Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete the bestselling book series of Verity Crawford, a well-known author who has been left unable to finish the series after a car accident. Lowen is introduced to the Crawford family, where she discovers a manuscript that Verity has written detailing her darkest thoughts and secrets. As Lowen reads through the manuscript, she realizes that there is more to Verity’s life than what she had previously thought.

The novel is set in an isolated mansion in the countryside of Vermont and explores the complicated relationships between Lowen, Jeremy Crawford, and Verity. Throughout the story, the reader is exposed to the different layers of secrets, lies, and manipulations that the characters keep hidden from each other. As the plot unfolds, the tension rises, and the reader is left wondering what will happen next.

Some key characters in the novel include:

• Lowen Ashleigh: A struggling writer who is hired to complete the bestselling book series of Verity Crawford.
• Verity Crawford: A well-known author who has been left unable to finish the series after a car accident.
• Jeremy Crawford: Verity’s husband and a successful author himself.

Verity is a novel that explores several complex themes and motifs. These include:

• Betrayal: Betrayal is a central theme in Verity. Throughout the novel, the characters experience various forms of betrayal, including lies, deceit, and infidelity. The novel highlights the consequences of betrayal and how it can impact relationships.
• Mental illness: Mental illness is another significant theme in Verity. The character of Verity suffers from severe mental illness, and the novel portrays the consequences of not seeking help for mental health issues. The book raises awareness about the importance of mental health care and treatment.
• Obsession: Obsession is another key theme in Verity. The novel explores how obsession can lead to destructive behavior and how it can cloud one’s judgment. The character of Verity is obsessed with her husband Jeremy, and this obsession drives her to do unspeakable things.
• Writing and storytelling: Writing and storytelling are essential motifs in Verity. The novel explores the power of storytelling and how it can be used to manipulate and deceive others. It also highlights the importance of writing as a means of expression and healing.
• Manipulation: Manipulation is a pervasive theme in Verity. The novel explores how people can use manipulation to get what they want and how it can lead to disastrous consequences. It also examines the consequences of being manipulated and the impact it can have on one’s mental health.

In summary, Verity is a novel that explores complex themes and motifs that are relevant to our lives. Through its exploration of betrayal, mental illness, obsession, writing and storytelling, and manipulation, the novel provides a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience.

“Verity has received critical acclaim since its publication in 2018. Here are some examples of what critics and readers have had to say about the novel:

• Suspenseful and Gripping: Many reviewers have praised Verity for its suspenseful and gripping plot. The novel’s complex characters and unpredictable twists keep readers engaged until the very end.
• Disturbing Content: Verity has also received criticism for its graphic content and depictions of violence. Some readers have found the novel too disturbing to read and have criticized it for its use of graphic language and descriptions.
• Compelling Characters: One of the strengths of Verity is its well-drawn characters. The novel’s protagonist, Lowen Ashleigh, is a relatable and sympathetic character, while Verity Crawford is a fascinating and complex antagonist.
• Unpredictable Plot: Another strength of Verity is its unpredictable plot. The novel’s twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end.

Character Analysis

• Lowen Ashleigh: As the protagonist of Verity, Lowen Ashleigh is a critical character to analyze. The novel follows her journey from struggling writer to uncovering the secrets of the Crawford family. We can analyze Lowen’s motivations, emotions, and character development throughout the novel.
• Verity Crawford: Verity is a complex character with a traumatic past and severe mental illness. We can analyze her motivations and how her mental illness impacts her behavior.
• Jeremy Crawford: Jeremy is a successful author and Verity’s husband. We can analyze his role in the novel and how he contributes to the plot.

Narrative Techniques

• Use of Multiple Perspectives: Verity is written from the perspectives of both Lowen and Verity, which adds complexity to the plot and allows the reader to see different sides of the story.
• Flashbacks and Memories: The novel incorporates flashbacks and memories to provide insight into the characters’ pasts and motivations.
• Use of Imagery: Colleen Hoover uses vivid and descriptive imagery throughout the novel to create a suspenseful and engaging atmosphere.
• The Manuscript: The manuscript that Lowen discovers is a significant symbol in the novel. It represents the power of storytelling and the consequences of keeping secrets.
• The House: The isolated mansion in which the novel is set represents the characters’ isolation and emotional detachment.
• The Bird: The bird that appears in the novel symbolizes freedom and the characters’ desire to escape their situations.

In summary, analyzing the characters, narrative techniques, and symbolism in Verity can provide a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and plot. Through examining Lowen, Verity, and Jeremy’s motivations, the use of multiple perspectives and imagery, and the symbolism of the manuscript, house, and bird, readers can gain a more nuanced understanding of Colleen Hoover’s thriller.

SPOILER ALERT – If you haven’t read the book and don’t want to know the ending, please do not read any further.

In a chilling confession, Jeremy reveals that he has been manipulating Verity and the events in the house for years. He admits to causing the death of their children and attempting to murder Verity in order to keep her silent. The reader is left with the unsettling feeling that nothing is as it seems and that the true horror of the Crawford household goes much deeper than they could have imagined.

The ending of “Verity” is a masterful twist that takes the reader by surprise. It is a testament to Colleen Hoover’s skill as a writer that she is able to create such a complex and suspenseful story with a twist ending that is both satisfying and unsettling. While some readers may find the ending disturbing or unsatisfying, it is a bold choice that cements “Verity” as a standout novel in the psychological thriller genre.

“Verity” by Colleen Hoover is a gripping psychological thriller novel that explores the themes of truth, betrayal, and the power of storytelling. The book combines elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological manipulation to create a dark and twisty story that keeps readers on edge.

The characters in “Verity” are well-developed, with complex motivations and psychological profiles that add depth to the story. The novel’s narrative techniques, such as the use of multiple perspectives and the incorporation of Verity’s manuscript, add to the sense of mystery and suspense.

Symbolism is also an important aspect of the novel, particularly in the use of the moth as a recurring motif that represents the characters’ obsession with death and destruction. The author’s use of vivid descriptions and sensory details further enhances the reader’s immersion in the story.

The ending of “Verity” is a shocking and unexpected twist that reveals the true villain behind the tragic events in the Crawford household. It is a bold choice that cements the novel’s status as a standout in the psychological thriller genre, but it may be disturbing or unsatisfying for some readers.

What is the book Verity about?

"Verity" by Colleen Hoover is a psychological thriller novel that follows the story of Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete the remaining books in a popular series written by bestselling author Verity Crawford. Lowen travels to the Crawford household to go through Verity's notes and outlines for the series, and while searching through Verity's office, she discovers a manuscript that was never intended for anyone else to read.

As Lowen reads through the manuscript, she discovers horrifying secrets about the Crawford family and the true nature of Verity's character. The manuscript details a disturbing and twisted story about Verity and her husband Jeremy, and as Lowen becomes more entangled in the secrets of the Crawford household, she realizes that the lines between fiction and reality are blurred.

What type of book is Verity?

"Verity" by Colleen Hoover is a psychological thriller novel that combines elements of suspense, mystery, and psychological manipulation to create a dark and twisty story that keeps readers on edge. The book explores themes of truth, betrayal, and the power of storytelling in a way that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

What happens at the end of Verity?

In the final pages of "Verity," a shocking and unexpected twist is revealed that leaves readers reeling. Throughout the novel, the reader is led to believe that Verity Crawford is a cruel and manipulative character who is responsible for the tragic events that have occurred in the Crawford household. However, in the end, it is revealed that Verity's husband, Jeremy, is the true villain.

In a chilling confession, Jeremy admits to manipulating Verity and the events in the house for years. He admits to causing the death of their children and attempting to murder Verity to keep her silent. The reader is left with the unsettling feeling that nothing is as it seems, and the true horror of the Crawford household goes much deeper than they could have imagined.

The ending of "Verity" is a masterful twist that takes the reader by surprise. It is a bold choice that cements "Verity" as a standout novel in the psychological thriller genre. However, some readers may find the ending disturbing or unsatisfying.

Hi, I’m William Jones, the administrator of the exciting website explainedthis.com, which offers movie, music, and book reviews. With a deep passion for entertainment, I created this platform to provide a trusted source of information for fellow enthusiasts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends.

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Verity by Colleen Hoover

A Psychological Thriller That Will Leave You Breathless With Twisted Plots and Complex Characters

• Publisher: Independently Published
• Genre: Psychological Thriller
• First Publication: 2018
• Language:  English

Setting: New York(United States)

Characters: Verity Crawford, Lowen Ashleigh, Jeremy Crawford

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a mind-bending psychological thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. I remember picking it up on a whim after seeing so much buzz about it online, and I’m so glad I did. From the twisted plot to the complex characters, this book kept me guessing and left me questioning everything I thought I knew.

The story follows Lowen Ashley, a struggling writer who lands a dream job ghostwriting for the famous author Verity Crawford. But things take a dark turn when she discovers Verity’s unfinished manuscript filled with shocking confessions of a disturbing crime. As Lowen dives deeper into Verity’s world, the lines between reality and fiction blur, and she finds herself caught up in a twisted web of secrets and lies.

What really captivated me was how the plot just keeps twisting and turning. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Hoover throws in another curveball that leaves you reeling. And the way she weaves in Lowen’s growing connection with Verity’s husband, Jeremy Crawforf, adds an extra layer of complexity and tension that had me on the edge of my seat.

Main Character Analysis:

The characters in this book are what really make it shine. Lowen is such a compelling protagonist – at first, she seems almost naïve, but as the story unfolds, you see her transform into this strong, resilient woman who’s willing to risk everything to uncover the truth. Her journey of self-discovery and growth is so well-written and relatable.

And then there’s Verity herself. Even though she’s physically absent for most of the book, her presence looms large over every page. Hoover does an incredible job of painting her as this complex, almost mythical figure – brilliant but deeply troubled, with a darkness that’s both captivating and terrifying.

Jeremy is another standout character. On the surface, he’s this doting husband and father, but Hoover slowly peels back the layers to reveal someone much more complicated and morally ambiguous. His dynamic with Lowen is electric and kept me constantly questioning his true motivations.

Writing Style:

Colleen Hoover’s writing style in “Verity” is just masterful. The way she blends psychological depth with heart-pounding suspense had me completely hooked. Her vivid descriptions and attention to detail make the characters and settings feel so real and visceral. And the use of multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators adds this deliciously unsettling layer of mystery that keeps you second-guessing everything.

One of the things I loved most about “Verity” was how it tackled so many thought-provoking themes. The biggest one, for me, was this idea of truth versus deception and how easily the lines can blur. The characters are constantly lying – to each other, to themselves – and it really makes you question how well you can ever truly know someone.

The theme of obsession is also huge. You see how far these characters are willing to go to protect their interests, their legacy, their version of the truth. It’s honestly kind of terrifying but also weirdly fascinating to witness that level of single-minded determination.

Identity is another biggie. Lowen, Jeremy, Verity – they’re all grappling with who they really are deep down and how their actions shape that identity. It adds this extra layer of depth and complexity to their motivations.

And of course, there’s the power of storytelling itself. Hoover explores how narratives have the ability to shape reality, for better or worse. The way she blurs the lines between fiction and truth is just brilliantly executed.

What People are Saying:

The buzz around Colleen Hoover’s “Verity” has been absolutely nuts! It seems like everyone and their mom has read this book (me included – thanks for the rec!). People are straight-up obsessed, and it’s easy to see why. The twisty plot, the complex characters , the mind-bending themes – it’s just such a deliciously devourable read.

Pretty much every review I’ve seen has been glowing, with people raving about Hoover’s masterful storytelling and her ability to create this deliciously unsettling atmosphere that sticks with you long after you’ve finished the book.

My Personal Take:

Okay, I have to be honest – “Verity” kind of messed me up in the best way possible. I burned through this book in just a couple of sittings, completely consumed by Hoover’s gripping narrative and unable to pry myself away.

What really hooked me from the start was how deliciously twisted and unreliable everything felt. From those very first pages where Lowen discovers Verity’s confession, I was just completely on edge, desperate to unravel the truth but also kind of dreading what other skeletons might come tumbling out of the closet.

And Hoover is just such a master at ratcheting up that tension. With every new reveal, every shocking development, the stakes felt higher and the characters’ motivations became murkier. I found myself constantly reevaluating what I thought I knew, second-guessing every character’s version of events. It was honestly kind of exhausting in the best possible way!

The pacing, too, was just masterfully done. Hoover knows exactly how to dole out those tantalizing morsels of information to keep you frantically turning pages. I’d be up way later than I intended because I just had to know what happened next.

But what’s really stuck with me most is how “Verity” makes you question the very nature of truth and identity. Like, how well can you ever really know someone? How much can you trust your own version of reality ? Hoover explores those ideas in such a compellingly twisted way, making you wonder what depths you might be capable of if pushed to the edge.

And let’s be real, I still have no idea what was actually going on with certain storylines (no spoilers!). Part of me is dying to discuss and dissect all the theories, but another part loves the fact that Hoover leaves you with this lingering sense of unease and uncertainty. That’s some skilled storytelling right there.

Wrapping It Up:

At the end of the day, “Verity” by Colleen Hoover is just a masterwork of psychological suspense that demands to be read. Colleen Hoover’s talent for creating rich, complicated characters and slowly unspooling their tangled web of lies and deceptions is truly unmatched. This book will get under your skin in the most deliciously twisted way.

If you’re looking for a gripping, mind-bending read that will make you question everything, look no further. Just make sure to clear your schedule first – once you start “Verity,” you won’t be able to put it down until that final, jaw-dropping page.

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Book Review: Verity by Colleen Hoover

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Colleen Hoover is one of the most talked about authors on social media lately. She has been in the controversy for a long time.

However, people cannot deny the fact that initially, the audience loved her and created enough hype for her books.

I am an avid reader, and I love to explore different books and share their reviews with other book lovers like me.

I have read a few of her books, and to be honest, I liked some of them. The book ‘It Ends With Us’ was really good. I know some of you might have different opinions about this book.

She mostly writes contemporary romance, but one of her books, Verity, is a psychological thriller with added suspense and romance. Today, I will be sharing my review of this book.

I have added a brief description of the book; you can check it out; otherwise, jump directly to my review. The review is spoiler-free!

Stay with me to read my Verity Book Review.

Overview of the Book ‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover

The book starts with a blood-splattering incident where the main protagonist, Lowen Ashleigh, is soaked in blood after a truck hits a person on the road. A man named Jeremy Crawford helps her with the situation.

Lowen is a struggling writer who is facing a financial crisis. She was going to the publisher’s office when the accident happened. After arriving at the office, she is offered an opportunity that can solve her financial concerns.

At the office, she is introduced to Jeremy Crawford again as the husband of Verity Crawford, a famous author. Due to an accident, Verity is not in the condition to finish the book series she was writing.

Jeremy is there to ask Lowen to complete the series in place of Verity as a ghostwriter assistant. He offers a good sum in return, which tempts Lowen to accept the deal.

To understand Verity and her writing process, Lowen agrees to stay at their house for a while. Once reached, she sees the bedridden Verity, paralyzed and mute.

Lowen starts working in Verity’s office and accidentally finds a manuscript, an autobiography of Verity. She starts reading the manuscript and learns many disturbing things about Verity.

She was shocked reading the raw, sick, and dark thoughts of Verity and how she ruined the family. The story starts to unfold, with lots of twists, turns, and drama, and ends in a situation that leaves the readers baffled.

It’s up to the readers what conclusion they want the story to have.

My Review of Verity

Overall : 4.5/5

I didn’t expect a book like this from Colleen Hoover . The author, who mostly writes contemporary romance, just jumped into a thriller genre and, on top of that, wrote a book like Verity.

Hmmm, surprising, right?

I have read a few of CoHo’s books, and Verity is one among them. I was skeptical to start, but the opening line literally hooked me!

This is how the first chapter starts:

“I hear the crack of his skull before the spattering of blood reaches me.”

Now, you cannot put down the book after reading this line. The book is creepy, scary, disgusting, and horrible. Yes, scenes of this book will make you feel nauseous.

The protagonist, Verity, is a weird, unusual, and sick-minded woman who is obsessed with her husband.

She gets jealous of her own children being close to Jeremy (Verity’s husband). Like HELLO! Woman, are you out of your mind? They are your children, he is the father, and most importantly, you are the MOTHER!

And trust me when I say she did awful things throughout the book. I hate the lady so much!

Lowen was another character in the book who felt forced. She was only existing to read the manuscript of Verity; there was no other motive behind her existence.

Her chemistry with Jeremy was not that good. It was like two sad and lonely people got together because no one else was around.

The author did a great job with the writing because she made us feel nauseated, evoked the strong emotion of hate for the character, and kept us on the edge of our seats.

I needed breathers in between the book to process the scenes. Two or three times, I was on the verge of dropping the book; I almost gave up, but the urge to know what would happen next kept me going.

So, yes, the book was gross and eerie but mysterious enough to hook you from the beginning.

When it comes to genre, it was a combination of thriller, romance, and suspense. As you know, it’s hard to put Colleen’s books in one particular genre.

Overall, it was a good read. I know there are better books with this kind of mystery, but this one will also be worth your time. Yeah, maybe it’s not for everyone, though.

You will only know once you give it a try!

Colleen Hoover’s books have mixed reviews, and the audience is divided, half appreciating her and others backlashing at her.

I hope my review gave you the clarification you needed to pick the book or not. If you are still in a dilemma, I suggest you try reading the book; if you feel it’s not for you, just drop it!

Have you read this book? Drop your review in the comments below!

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