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A review by itsmeyseniab
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I had been interested in picking up a Colleen Hoover novel for a few years simply due to her polarizing popularity, and I will say that I’m glad that I chose this one as my first foray into her writing. While it wasn’t the most groundbreaking romance that I’ve ever read, I did enjoy my time with it. I think this is the case because I didn’t find this one as outwardly offensive and controversial as some of her other works are described as being.
We follow our main characters Tate and Miles as they navigate a “friends with benefits” relationship, which I think is very realistic and relatable (especially in this day and age). I didn’t find this dynamic “toxic,” as it was a consensual relationship and Miles was upfront about his expectations from the moment they discussed having any type of physical relationship. I will say I didn’t love the “woman tries to ‘fix’ the man and erase his dark, traumatic past” trope, and that turned out to be the toxicity in the relationship at times.
The story was told in dual POVs and alternate timelines, with Tate’s being present day and Miles’ being six years prior (and surrounding his previous relationship). I liked this format, but I do wish Miles’ chapters were longer, and not written in a verse-like style.
Miles’ previous relationship with Rachel was the main aspect that I didn’t enjoy. Their dynamic was just weird and VERY unnecessarythem being step siblings added NOTHING to the story - they could’ve just been classmates and their traumatic event would’ve had the same impact in my opinion . I also wish that Tate found out about Miles’ past a little bit earlier in the story, because although they were f**k buddies, their romance felt a little too insta-lovey for my liking.
Ultimately, I would recommend this to anyone new to the new adult romance genre who is looking for a quick, steamy and emotional love story.
We follow our main characters Tate and Miles as they navigate a “friends with benefits” relationship, which I think is very realistic and relatable (especially in this day and age). I didn’t find this dynamic “toxic,” as it was a consensual relationship and Miles was upfront about his expectations from the moment they discussed having any type of physical relationship. I will say I didn’t love the “woman tries to ‘fix’ the man and erase his dark, traumatic past” trope, and that turned out to be the toxicity in the relationship at times.
The story was told in dual POVs and alternate timelines, with Tate’s being present day and Miles’ being six years prior (and surrounding his previous relationship). I liked this format, but I do wish Miles’ chapters were longer, and not written in a verse-like style.
Miles’ previous relationship with Rachel was the main aspect that I didn’t enjoy. Their dynamic was just weird and VERY unnecessary
Ultimately, I would recommend this to anyone new to the new adult romance genre who is looking for a quick, steamy and emotional love story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Grief
Minor: Child death, Terminal illness, Car accident, and Death of parent