Colleen Hoover’s new thriller, ‘Woman Down’ sparks social media firestorm

Colleen Hoover is facing an unexpected storm of criticism from fans ahead of her next release, as social media lights up with trolling and heated discussion. The bestselling author, known for her emotionally charged novels, announced her latest book, Woman Down, about Petra Rose, a writer navigating viral backlash that mirrors Hoover’s own experience following the It Ends With Us adaptation controversy.

Fans quickly drew parallels between Hoover and Petra Rose, with some accusing the author of exploiting her own past for profit. Commenters reacted with a mix of sarcasm, frustration, and mockery. One user wrote, “So Hoover’s writing herself into fiction now? Can’t escape the internet, huh?” while another joked, “Petra Rose is basically Hoover’s 2025 autobiography disguised as suspense.” Some even suggested that Hoover was courting drama deliberately to generate buzz for the book.

The premise of the novel, which sees Petra retreat to a secluded lakeside cabin to regain her inspiration after being labelled a ‘fraud’ online, is strikingly similar to the public scrutiny Hoover faced after the backlash against the It Ends With Us film adaptation. The author, however, has not publicly commented on the criticism, instead focusing on the book’s promotional rollout and teaser synopsis.

Despite the trolling, other fans expressed support, saying Hoover’s exploration of the psychological toll of viral backlash feels authentic and timely. “It’s brave to turn your own experience into a story, even if the internet doesn’t like it,” one Redditor wrote. Social media reactions have been polarising, with posts and memes about Hoover and Petra Rose gaining thousands of likes and shares in a matter of hours.

This latest controversy shows the fine line authors walk when their personal experiences intersect with their fiction. Hoover’s new novel promises to be an intense exploration of online criticism, artistic pressure, and resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and it seems the internet is ready to judge it before it even hits shelves.

Woman Down is set to release on January 13, 2026.