Regretting You is a contemporary romance and domestic fiction novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover that explores the complex, often turbulent relationship between a mother, Morgan Grant, and her teenage daughter, Clara. Originally published in December 2019, the story follows the fallout of a tragic car accident that kills Morgan’s husband, Chris, and her sister, Jenny, subsequently revealing a long-standing secret affair between the two deceased. As of March 2026, the book remains a staple of the “BookTok” community and has recently gained renewed global attention following the release of its major motion picture adaptation in October 2025, starring Allison Williams and Mckenna Grace. The narrative is uniquely structured through alternating perspectives, allowing readers to experience the raw grief, betrayal, and burgeoning new romances of both 34-year-old Morgan and 17-year-old Clara as they navigate a world where the people they loved most were not who they seemed.
Plot Summary and Core Narrative
The story of Regretting You is a dual-timeline journey that begins with a life-altering teenage pregnancy and ends with a cross-generational healing.
The Foundation of the Grant Family
The novel opens with a flashback to Morgan’s teenage years, where she discovers she is pregnant with Chris’s baby, leading her to set aside her own dreams of travel and career to become a dedicated wife and mother. For seventeen years, Morgan lives a “predictable” life, serving as the stable anchor for her spontaneous sister Jenny and her adoring daughter Clara.
The Accident and the Aftermath
The status quo is shattered when Chris and Jenny are killed in a head-on collision, an event that initially appears to be a tragic coincidence of timing. However, Morgan and Jenny’s partner, Jonah, soon discover evidence—including lingerie and hidden love letters—that proves Chris and Jenny had been engaged in a secret affair for years, potentially even fathering Jenny’s infant son, Elijah.
Character Analysis: The Main Players
The strength of Regretting You lies in its authentic, flawed characters who must find a way to love again after the ultimate betrayal.
Morgan Grant (Allison Williams)
Morgan is the protagonist whose identity has been defined by sacrifice and protection. In 2026, critics often highlight her “interior design” arc in the film as a metaphor for her rebuilding her own life from the studs up after her husband’s deception.
Clara Grant (Mckenna Grace)
Clara represents the “coming of age” half of the story, struggling with the typical rebellions of a seventeen-year-old exacerbated by extreme trauma. Her passion for acting and her relationship with the “neighborhood bad boy” Miller provide her with an escape from the suffocating grief of her household.
Jonah Sullivan (Dave Franco)
Jonah is the “one who got away” for Morgan, having left town years ago to avoid his feelings for her. His return as Jenny’s partner—and subsequent widower—forces him and Morgan to confront a decade of repressed attraction while mourning the very people who kept them apart.
The 2025 Film Adaptation
Released in late 2025, the Regretting You movie brought the emotional “BookTok” sensation to the big screen with a star-studded cast.
Production and Direction
Directed by Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars), the film was praised for its visual aesthetic and “Sooraj Barjatya-adjacent” weepie atmosphere. Filming took place in early 2025 in Atlanta, utilizing high-end production design to create the “glossy” world of the Grant family before and after the tragedy.
Box Office and Critical Reception
As of March 2026, the film has grossed over $90 million worldwide against a $30 million budget. While critics gave it a “Regrettable” 28% on Rotten Tomatoes for its perceived shallowness, audiences awarded it a B on CinemaScore, proving the enduring power of Hoover’s fan base to drive commercial success regardless of critical consensus.
Ending Explained: Letters and Guilt
The conclusion of Regretting You resolves the tension between mother and daughter through a painful but necessary commitment to the truth.
The Secret of the Text
For much of the story, Clara believes she caused the accident by texting Jenny while she was driving. Morgan eventually reveals the truth: Jenny wasn’t driving; Chris was, and they were together because of their affair, not a flat tire—an admission that finally releases Clara from her debilitating guilt.
The Ripped Letters
One of the most discussed moments is when Morgan finds a box of letters from Jenny to Chris. Rather than reading them and obsessing over the details of the betrayal, Morgan chooses to rip them up unread, symbolizing her decision to anchor herself in the future rather than the painful past.
Practical Information and 2026 Reading Guide
If you are looking to purchase the book or watch the movie in 2026, here is the essential data.
Book Format: Available in Paperback, Hardcover (Special Edition), and Kindle/E-book formats.
Current Price (2026): Standard paperback editions typically retail for £8.99 / $11.00.
Movie Streaming: The film is currently available to stream on Paramount+ as of December 2025.
DVD/Blu-ray: Home media was released on February 17, 2026, including exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and a “Director’s Cut” of the birthday board scene.
Reading Level: Recommended for ages 14+ due to themes of grief, betrayal, and mild sexual content.
Books to Read if You Loved Regretting You
If the themes of mother-daughter complexity and second-chance romance resonated with you, consider these 2026 recommendations.
Reminders of Him (Colleen Hoover): A powerhouse of a novel focusing on a mother trying to reconnect with her daughter after a tragic mistake.
Before We Were Strangers (Renée Carlino): Perfect for those who loved the “Jonah and Morgan” second-chance dynamic.
The Nightingale (Kristin Hannah): While historical, it offers the same deep exploration of sisterhood and the secrets families keep.
Love and Other Words (Christina Lauren): A high-emotion story about childhood friends who become strangers and must find their way back.
FAQs
Who is the father of Jenny’s baby, Elijah?
In the book, it is heavily implied that Chris (Morgan’s husband) is the biological father of Elijah, though Jonah chooses to raise the boy as his own regardless of the blood connection.
Does Morgan end up with Jonah?
Yes, by the end of the story, Morgan and Jonah finally act on the feelings they have shared since high school, beginning a healthy, honest relationship.
What was in the letters Morgan ripped up?
Colleen Hoover intentionally left the letters unread to focus the story on healing rather than the affair. The contents remain a mystery to both the characters and the readers.
Is Regretting You a sequel to any other book?
No, Regretting You is a standalone novel and is not part of a series.
Where can I watch the Regretting You movie in 2026?
The movie is available on Paramount+ and for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
Is there a sequel planned for the movie?
As of March 2026, there is no official confirmation of a sequel, as the story concludes the main arcs for Morgan and Clara effectively.
How old is Morgan in the book?
Morgan is 34 years old in the present-day narrative, having had Clara when she was 17.
Who plays Miller in the movie?
Miller Adams is played by Mason Thames, known for his lead role in The Black Phone.
Is the book Regretting You appropriate for 13-year-olds?
The book is generally classified as Young Adult/New Adult. It contains themes of death, infidelity, and teen sex, so parental discretion is advised for younger readers.
What is the “Birthday Board” tradition?
It is a tradition between Morgan and Clara where they write down wishes and goals for each other on their birthdays to maintain their bond, which serves as a pivotal plot device for their reconciliation.
Did Scott Eastwood play Chris Grant?
Yes, Scott Eastwood played the role of Chris Grant in the 2025 film adaptation.
How many pages is the book?
The standard paperback edition of Regretting You is approximately 365 pages.
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