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Ugly Love: 3 Stars

A book review of Colleen Hoover's novel, Ugly Love

By Leah Lawrence Published 2 years ago 3 min read
3

I always like to throw in a few lighter/romance novels after I've read a few heavier novels. Below I will give a brief summary of Colleen Hoover's novel, Ugly Love followed by my personal thoughts and recommendation.

Summary

After yet another failed relationship, Tate Collins opts to move to San Francisco and live with her brother. Tate plans to continue to pursue her nursing career while finishing her education. What she didn't plan on, was meeting Miles Archer. The tall, dark, handsome, and emotionally unavailable next-door neighbor, and her brother's best friend.

Tate and Miles have a rough start but soon find their physical attraction to each other is mutual. It doesn't take long for the two to get swept away in a secret and passionate affair. Miles says he doesn't want commitment and Tate says she wants simple. Miles has two rules.

1. Never ask about the past.

2. Don't expect a future.

Miles tries to keep his ugly past from bubbling to the surface and Tate does all she can to not break his rules. Hearts are shattered, pasts are uncovered, and love is tested. All this and more in Colleen Hoover's novel, Ugly Love.

My thoughts

This book is everything that's wrong with dating and relationships. First of all, friends with benefits rarely turn into a long-lasting relationship. One person develops feelings, the other doesn't, it's over. If a guy is telling you he only wants sex, that's all he wants. If it seems like he's emotionally unavailable, he is. If he says he doesn't want a long-term commitment, believe him.

The way Hoover chose to portray this relationship was cringeworthy, not romantic, and extremely unhealthy. Below are a few examples of my disappointment with this "love story."

Regardless of what Hoover may want you to believe, Miles is not a good guy. He's an emotionally unavailable man-child who never took the time to correctly deal with his issues. His actions towards Tate were disturbing and emotionally abusive. He had no business entering into any type of relationship until he addressed his past and he knew it. Additionally, he chose his best friend's sister who lived one door over from him, did you really think that was going to end well, Miles?

Miles was the one who approached Tate about a no strings attached relationship and yet he was the first one to bring emotion into it. He made it confusing, he pulled her around knowing full well she was developing feelings. I mean, come on. Tate was his best friend's sister and leaves one door over, did you really think that was going to end well, Miles?

The way Miles treated Tate was emotionally abusive. The way Tate allowed Miles to have complete power over the "relationship" was equally heartbreaking and infuriating. Tate made excuses for Miles and rationalized his actions. She knew she wanted more from him than what he said he was willing to offer from the very beginning. She did exactly what you're not supposed to do and thought she could make him change his mind. She then allowed herself to be slowly destroyed from the inside out by his mixed signals and moody behavior.

We probably all have a friend like Tate. The one who keeps going back to the asshole you know is going to hurt them again.

I know some people are big fans of Colleen Hoover's work. However, I can't recommend reading this. It's the opposite of what a healthy and loving relationship should look like. I understand there can be exceptions but if two people start out the way Miles and Tate did, the story doesn't end with the two of you riding off into the sunset. It ends with heartbreak and tears.

Thank you for reading my review of Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover. For more book reviews, click my profile below!

Thank you,

Leah Lawrence

book reviews
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About the Creator

Leah Lawrence

An avid reader, book reviewer, and storyteller. Sharing my stories, experiences, and book reviews.

Follow me on IG: @leahwill12

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  • suman mohanabout a year ago

    I like it

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