Colleen Hoover's Confess captivates readers with its compelling narrative and emotional depth, though some critics note its predictability. The intertwining of art and secrets adds a unique charm, but certain character developments and plot twists feel contrived. Overall, it is praised for its engaging story and heartfelt moments, but occasionally falters in originality.

Readers who would enjoy Confess by Colleen Hoover are likely fans of contemporary romance entwined with drama and emotional depth. Similar to those who favor works like The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks or One Day by David Nicholls, they appreciate complex characters, heartfelt narratives, and unexpected twists in love stories.

Confess by Colleen Hoover follows Auburn, a young woman grieving her past, who meets Owen, an artist whose work is inspired by anonymous confessions. They form a deep connection, but obstacles arise, including Auburn's turbulent relationship with her late boyfriend's controlling brother, Trey. Together, Auburn and Owen navigate personal challenges and seek redemption through love and honesty. The book contains portrayals of addiction, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Emotional / Romantic / Inspirational / Heartwarming / Bittersweet

- Confess by Colleen Hoover was adapted into a web series in 2017, which starred Katie Leclerc and Ryan Cooper in lead roles.
- The novel incorporates real anonymous confessions submitted by readers, which were used as inspiration for the art featured in the book.
- Colleen Hoover originally self-published her first novel, but Confess was published by Atria Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.

**Auburn Mason Reed**  
A determined young woman who moves from Portland to Dallas in hopes of being closer to her son, AJ, while navigating complicated relationships and her own aspirations.

**Owen Mason Gentry**  
A talented artist in Dallas who creates paintings inspired by anonymous confessions, harboring secrets of his own that tie him unexpectedly to Auburn.

**Trey**  
A policeman and older brother to Auburn's late boyfriend, Adam, who becomes increasingly aggressive and manipulative in his pursuit of Auburn.

Colleen Hoover

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Confess and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Confess Summary and Study Guide

Background

Confess Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 5

Confess Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Confess Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-14

Confess Part 1, Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-20

Confess Part 2, Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 21-25

Confess Part 2, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Confess Character Analysis

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Themes

Confess Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Confess Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Confess Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Confess Essay Topics

Confess

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Confess?

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Book Details